When Mother Nature Hits, Insurance is not your friend

Indemnification, Mother Nature and the Insurance Game

Quick May Denver Market update here with 14,000 + listings for sale in the 7 county metro area - the most in about 14 years or so - with 3 months of inventory available. In order for a seller to stand out in the market, your home must be priced well. This means ahead of or at fair market or appraised value. Recent updates are always helpful too, as buyers do not want to do more work on top of down payments, closing costs and the current interest rate. Buyers have plenty of options and should be getting seller concessions negotiated into the contract so as to help buy down their interest rate - making the monthly total output more affordable. This video talks about the hail season upcoming, the restoration process, indemnification and how your insurance company - as much as they’d have you believe from their TV commercials - are not on your side. Reach out if you need to buy or sell a home, or need help in the restoration process. 303-885-1367

Living in Denver

Living in Denver offers an ever-changing blend of city energy and outdoor adventure. And nowhere is that balance more obvious than in the city’s exceptional public parks. Whether you’re into early morning jogs, weekend picnics, or simply taking a breather under a shady tree, the parks in Denver offer spaces for it all. This guide walks you through some of the city’s standout green spaces, each offering its own unique layout, amenities, and vibe.

Denver City Park

Located in east-central Denver, City Park is one of the largest and most iconic green spaces in the metro area. It’s not just a park—it’s a destination. With the Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature & Science located on its grounds, there’s more to do here than just enjoy the outdoors. City Park offers two lakes, a boathouse, and walking trails with scenic views of both downtown and the mountains. Ferril Lake is popular for paddle boating, while the expansive lawns are perfect for frisbee, yoga, or a quiet picnic.

On Sunday evenings in the summer, you’ll find the Jazz in the Park series attracting crowds with live music and food trucks. The park’s layout accommodates both high-traffic activity and quieter, more secluded relaxation spots. Tennis courts, playgrounds, and several historical monuments add to the well-rounded experience. For locals and visitors alike, Denver City Park encapsulates the variety and charm of urban park life.

Confluence Park

Confluence Park, named for its location at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, serves as a scenic pocket of nature right in the heart of the city. It’s a gathering place, a waterside trailhead, and a cultural hub all in one. Cyclists and joggers pass through frequently via the Cherry Creek Trail and the South Platte River Trail, both of which intersect here.

Kayaking and tubing are popular along this stretch of river, particularly during warmer months. The wide, rocky riverbanks provide a perfect place to soak up some sun or dip your toes in the water. There are grassy areas for reading or relaxing, as well as nearby coffee shops and eateries for a mid-walk break. Its central location near Union Station and LoDo makes it a favorite among downtown residents and professionals seeking a refreshing lunch-hour walk or weekend outdoor activity.

Washington Park

Known affectionately by locals as “Wash Park,” this spacious and picturesque spot offers something for everyone. Spanning over 150 acres, Washington Park is a mix of formal gardens, tree-lined pathways, and two scenic lakes. The park’s extensive trail system is perfect for runners, with a 2.6-mile loop that’s become a regular route for many Denverites.

Families enjoy paddleboat rentals on Smith Lake, while the smaller Grasmere Lake often draws photographers capturing reflections of the surrounding cottonwoods. There’s a playground for kids, picnic spots, and volleyball nets often buzzing with weekend games. Flower gardens, including a replica of Martha Washington’s garden at Mount Vernon, add charm and color during the spring and summer. Washington Park is one of the most activity-oriented Denver, CO, parks, offering an energetic but still serene space to recharge.

Sloan's Lake Park

West of downtown sits Sloan’s Lake Park, home to Denver’s largest body of water. The 2.6-mile loop around the lake offers panoramic views of both the Denver skyline and the Front Range, making it a favorite for walkers, runners, and cyclists. The lake itself allows for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing.

The annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival held here in the summer brings a vibrant mix of culture, sport, and entertainment to the area. You’ll also find basketball courts, playgrounds, and wide-open lawns for everything from kite-flying to relaxed weekend lounging. Sloan’s Lake Park serves as a reminder that even in an urban environment, open water and wide horizons are never far away.

Civic Center Park

Civic Center Park stands out not only for its location between the Colorado State Capitol and the Denver City and County Building but also for its artistic and civic energy. With classical architecture, fountains, and symmetrical gardens, this park feels more like a European plaza than a typical American green space.

Food trucks line the park most weekdays, and summer brings free fitness classes, cultural events, and the popular Civic Center EATS series. The well-maintained flowerbeds, walking paths, and monuments make this a favorite lunchtime destination for downtown workers and tourists alike. During the holidays, the area lights up with festive displays, adding to its year-round charm.

Cheesman Park

Cheesman Park offers a more serene and slightly elevated experience—literally and figuratively. Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, this 80-acre space is known for its wide-open lawns, shaded walkways, and panoramic views of the mountains. The neoclassical Cheesman Pavilion stands as the centerpiece, often hosting weddings, yoga classes, and cultural events.

Cheesman is a quieter alternative to busier spots like City Park or Washington Park. Locals enjoy it for sunrise jogs, dog walks, or peaceful afternoons with a book. Its central location makes it an accessible escape from nearby neighborhoods while still feeling miles away from the urban rush. The park’s botanical charm and laid-back pace attract those who enjoy simplicity and a slower rhythm.

Real Estate and Access to Green Space

When evaluating real estate in Denver, proximity to parks is often high on buyers' priorities. Homes near these green spaces tend to maintain strong value and attract those who prioritize walkability and outdoor living. Whether you're considering a historic home in Cheesman Park, a modern condo near Confluence, or a family-centric home close to Washington Park, the right park nearby can be a key factor in your decision.

Making Denver Home With Confidence

Buying a home in a city like Denver means understanding how lifestyle elements—like access to outdoor space—impact value and daily living. With so many top-notch parks throughout the city, Denver offers buyers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. If you're looking for guidance as you explore homes near your favorite trails and tree-lined paths, Adam Zaitz is here to help. His expertise in Denver’s real estate market ensures you can move forward with clarity and confidence, whether you’re buying your first home or looking for a place that puts nature within reach.

Denver, Colorado, blends Western roots with urban sophistication, and nowhere is this more evident than in the city's architecture. From historic train depots to contemporary art museums, Denver's skyline and streetscape showcase a broad range of architectural styles and influences. These landmarks not only reflect the city's evolution but also add character to its vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you're new to the area or simply exploring its rich heritage, the following architectural icons offer insight into what makes Denver so distinctive.

Colorado State Capitol

Perched atop Capitol Hill, the Colorado State Capitol is one of the most recognizable buildings in Denver. Completed in 1908 and inspired by the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., it boasts a classic neoclassical design. The building features white granite quarried from Colorado and a striking 24-karat gold leaf dome added in 1908 to commemorate the state’s gold rush history. The interior includes murals, stained glass, and an elaborate grand staircase made from Colorado rose onyx—a rare stone now considered extinct. A climb to the dome offers panoramic views of the city and the Rockies, as well as a literal step onto the "One Mile Above Sea Level" marker, embedded on the building's western steps.

Denver Union Station

Located in the heart of Lower Downtown (LoDo), Denver Union Station is a textbook example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Designed by D.H. Burnham & Company and completed in 1914, the station originally served as a bustling hub during the golden age of rail travel. The station's signature features include a symmetrical facade, ornate cornices, large arched windows, and a central clock. Inside, terrazzo floors and detailed Columbine border motifs honor Colorado’s state flower. After a decline in use, Union Station underwent a transformative renovation from 2010 to 2014, reemerging as a multi-modal transit hub that now includes Amtrak, light rail, buses, and the A Line to Denver International Airport. The interior has been revitalized with shops, restaurants, and the luxurious Crawford Hotel, blending historic charm with modern convenience.

Denver Art Museum

Bold and unconventional, the Denver Art Museum is an architectural statement in its own right. Its North Building, designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti and completed in 1971, features a fortress-like facade composed of gray glass tiles and dramatic slit windows. However, it's the Frederic C. Hamilton Building, added in 2006 and designed by Daniel Libeskind, that catapulted the museum to international architectural acclaim. This addition boasts sharp angles and titanium panels that reflect natural light, intended to evoke the peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the geometry of crystals. The interior continues this dynamic theme, with slanted walls and unexpected sightlines guiding visitors through its vast collections. Together, both buildings represent Denver's commitment to bold and thoughtful design.

Denver Public Library: Central Library

Next to the Art Museum sits the Central Library, another architectural gem. The original structure, dating back to the 1950s, underwent a major expansion in the mid-1990s led by renowned architect Michael Graves. The updated design incorporates postmodern elements, blending whimsical shapes and bold colors with more traditional forms. Towering columns, geometric windows, and castle-like turrets give the building a playful yet stately appearance. Inside, soaring ceilings, exposed wood beams, and thoughtful use of natural light create an inviting and inspiring space for learning and exploration. The library's central location and engaging design have made it a cultural cornerstone for the city.

Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art

Located in the Golden Triangle Creative District, the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art is known for its unique architectural footprint and intimate gallery spaces. The original museum was housed in artist Vance Kirkland's studio, a 1911 Arts & Crafts building that was physically relocated to the new site in 2016. The new museum, designed by Seattle-based Olson Kundig Architects, incorporates this historic studio into a contemporary structure wrapped in golden terra cotta bars and transparent glass panels. This contrast between old and new mirrors the museum’s focus: a blend of international decorative arts, Colorado art history, and the work of Kirkland himself. The interior is purposefully designed to resemble a home rather than a traditional gallery, emphasizing accessibility and warmth.

How Architecture Shapes the City

Together, these landmarks tell a story of Denver’s growth, identity, and aspirations. The preservation and adaptation of historic structures like Union Station show how architecture can evolve to meet modern needs without losing its soul. Meanwhile, daring designs like the Hamilton Building and the Kirkland Museum reflect a city unafraid to embrace innovation and artistic expression.

This distinctive architectural blend also contributes to Denver's desirability as a place to live. For homeowners, especially those planning to sell, the city's visual appeal can be a major asset. Understanding how to market your home to out-of-state buyers often includes highlighting proximity to these cultural and architectural landmarks. People relocating from other regions are frequently drawn to homes that offer easy access to the institutions and attractions that define Denver's character.

Partner With a Local Expert to Navigate Denver Real Estate

Navigating the real estate market in Denver requires local insight, strategic presentation, and a genuine understanding of what makes this city unique. Working with a knowledgeable professional who understands Denver's diverse neighborhoods and architectural character can make all the difference.

Adam Zaitz offers that expertise. With a deep appreciation for the city’s history and evolving landscape, Adam helps clients position their homes in the best possible light, whether selling to out-of-state buyers or searching for a place that fits their lifestyle. From identifying key selling points rooted in architecture and design to guiding buyers toward the properties that align with their goals, Adam brings both perspective and precision to every transaction. In a city as visually compelling as Denver, your real estate journey deserves an approach that matches its character. Contact Adam Zaitz today to experience a tailored, thoughtful approach to buying or selling a home in the Mile High City.

The Top Neighborhoods to Consider for Your Denver Metro Home Search

As a Denver Metro Realtor who works with both buyers and sellers at a very high level, I understand that finding the perfect home in the right neighborhood is crucial for your happiness and long-term vision for life. Denver and its surrounding areas have a lot to offer, from bustling urban centers to quiet suburbs with access to the great outdoors. Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider for your home search in the Denver Metro area.

1. Highlands Located just northwest of downtown Denver, the Highlands neighborhood has become a hotspot for young professionals and families alike. With its trendy restaurants, boutiques, and walkable streets, the Highlands has a lot to offer. In addition, this neighborhood is in close proximity to some of Denver's top attractions, including the Denver Art Museum and Coors Field.

2. Cherry Creek If you're looking for an upscale neighborhood with luxury shopping and dining options, Cherry Creek is the place to be. Located southeast of downtown Denver, this neighborhood has a mix of high-end condos and single-family homes. The Cherry Creek Shopping Center is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike, with its high-end retailers and gourmet food hall.

3. LoDo (Lower Downtown) As the name suggests, LoDo is located in the heart of downtown Denver. This neighborhood has a mix of historic buildings and modern high-rises, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. LoDo is also home to Coors Field, the home of the Colorado Rockies baseball team.

4. Stapleton Located east of downtown Denver, Stapleton is a planned community that has become one of the city's most popular neighborhoods. With a mix of residential and commercial development, Stapleton has a wide range of housing options, from townhomes to single-family homes. This neighborhood also has a strong sense of community, with parks, trails, and community events throughout the year.

5. Golden Located west of Denver, Golden is a quiet suburb with a small-town feel. This neighborhood is perfect for those who want to be close to the mountains while still being within commuting distance of downtown Denver. Golden is also home to the Coors Brewery, which offers tours and tastings for visitors.

No matter which neighborhood you choose, buying a home in the Denver metro area is a smart investment. As a Denver Realtor, I can help you find the perfect home in the right neighborhood. Contact me today to start your home search.

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Buying a Denver, Colorado Home in the Shifting Market

Sunnyside / Berkeley / Highlands Modern Gem

Are you thinking of purchasing a home in the Metro Denver area, which includes 6 counties stretching out over the Front Range: Denver, Jefferson, Douglas, Broomfield, Arapahoe and Adams? There are many components to consider inside of this shifting market, with concerns of inflation and recession. Home ownership has always, historically, been a sound investment to help build your equity and net worth… especially if you will be staying in the home for 5 or more years. Plus, it sure does beat paying someone else’s mortgage, which does nothing for your bottom line.

Step 1: Financing

Many Denver homebuyers are still under the impression that one needs 20% saved for a down payment in order to make that desired purchase. While 20% can save you some extra money with a monthly mortgage insurance premium, your cash may be spent or saved better putting it in other vehicles, or saving your cash for a rainy day. In fact, Colorado homebuyers can put down 5% or even less with the help of institutions like the Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC) or CHFA - which can help us get you into a home for as little as a $1000 down for eligible and qualified buyers.

The first step is to get with a LOCAL and reputable mortgage broker and lender who can talk to you about the various loan programs currently available, and who can help outline various scenarios that work best for you as a unique Denver homebuyer. It’s important that you find someone who will work alongside your trusted Realtor partner in a partnership that will help you secure the right home when it comes along. They need to be fully available for a conversation, unlike the larger lenders and banks who sit behind a desk in a far away city. My team and I can help you find an amazing lender to partner with to make the entire process a smooth one, from the appraisal, through the underwriting process and a seamless interaction with the affiliated title company.

Once our lender partner is in receipt of all your necessary documentation, from W2’s or 1099’s to tax returns and current pay stubs, bank statements and the like - they will issue us our Pre-Approval, aka Lender Letter. Often times, the pre-approval is a lender’s initial judgement of a homebuyers qualification whereas a mortgage commitment often comes later after the underwriting process. Some lenders won’t even issue the pre-approval without first receiving all of the required documentation that goes to the underwriter for approval.

Step 2: Find a Trusted Realtor (Fiduciary)

We as Realtors abide by a strict code of ethics. Among them, we are true Fiduciaries, representing your interest and bottom line first and foremost. Real estate salespeople who don’t have this designation have no obligation to protect your interests inside of a home purchase. Likewise, many of the Silicon Valley and IBuying companies that steal your attention and pop up on your social media feeds couldn’t care less about your individual and unique needs. At most, you will get a desk jockey located a thousand miles from you, of which you are just a number to them. My team and I at Keller Williams Advantage inside the Metro Denver market would love the opportunity to sit with you when the time is right, discuss your personal needs and have the honor and privilege to work with you on your timeline inside the buying process from start to finish. Additionally, we have a vast network of top Realtor partners in most American markets who can assist you outside of the Denver Metro and Colorado markets. We can connect you with a resource, wherever you might be in the country.

Step 3: Finding Your Right Home

There are many components that go into finding that perfect space to call your own. Most important among them are location and proximity to work, schools, etc. Size and layout - the home’s functionality also plays a large part in any decision to purchase. Age and condition of the home are factors as well (which can often surface inside of a homebuyers inspection and due diligence period, the Colorado contract to buy and sell real estate protects you in the event of any adverse or material defects to the home). Below I’ll outline some of the most desirable neighborhoods and areas within Denver and the surrounding suburbs:

Washington Park (aka Wash Park) - a hip, trendy community just a couple miles south of the Denver skyline. It’s home to a large 155 acre park where fit Denverites can be seen exercising, playing and gathering - as well as cute shops and restaurants and some of the coolest bungalows and architecture in the city.

The Popular Denver Bungalow

Sunset view at Wash Park in Bloom

Highlands/Berkeley/Sunnyside - three contiguous neighborhoods spanning just to the West of the Broncos stadium, and heading north and west towards popular Sloans Lake. Home to breweries, trendy restaurants, the Edgewater Public Market with a host of food and beverage options. These neighborhoods feel like the suburbs but are a mere 10 minutes to downtown Denver.

Me at Sloan’s Lake!

Park Hill / Congress Park / Hilltop / City Park - four adjacent communities to the East of Denver and often with magnificent skyline and mountain views, it’s home to the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, as well golf courses, walking trails, million dollar homes and much more!

City Park Golf Course view on a hazy hot summer day

Cherry Creek / Belcaro / University Hills / Cherry Hills - prestigious and prominent neighborhoods south of Denver off the Highway 25 heading towards Colorado Springs, these affluent neighborhoods are ideal for families, shopping, dining, work and play!

Step 4: Making an Offer

The market has shifted some here in Denver and in most American markets back towards a more balanced and sane place, but a home in great condition and in the right location will still sell quickly. If the home is new to market, there may be less wiggle room with the negotiations in order to secure the home and get it under contract. If it’s a home that has been on the market 10 days or more with no interest or current offers, which we are seeing more and more in Denver, then there will be room to negotiate a price under where the seller and their agent listed it. Another option, to be discussed with the lender, is to offer the seller their price and ask for a concession (seller’s assist / credit) towards your closing costs or “buying down” your interest rate. Framing the right offer at the right time with an experienced Realtor like myself is crucial to securing your desired home!

Ensuring the contract is properly filled out as it relates to all of the various dates and deadlines (mortgage, escrow money, title, survey, disclosures, etc) and contingencies (inspections, mortgage, etc) is a primary job of my team and I to ensure that you are well protected throughout the contract period - and that you have the ability to terminate the contract should home inspections reveal material defects with no loss of deposit (escrow) monies.

Step 5: Under Contract (aka pending, in escrow)

Another step in the process down, but not quite time to celebrate yet. In fact, there is still much more work to be done. If no official mortgage application has been made, you as a Denver homebuyer must do so as soon as possible, but usually within a week of an accepted contract. In most cases, the buyer is required to pay for an appraisal of the property upfront, where a neutral third party certified appraiser goes into the home to ensure everything looks good and that the value (purchase price) is in line with the current market. This protects the lender, as most loans are backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, government institutions - and will eventually be sold to other parties to hold the loan.

Home Inspections: the basic home inspection covers all the systems, the roof, grading and the like.. basically everything except what is behind the walls. They usually run from $300-$450 depending on the square footage of the home and is an upfront buyer expense. Other optional inspections include water testing, radon testing (safe levels are under 4), sewer scopes (if public water) and septic inspections (if private) and mold testing - among others. These are strongly recommended, even with new construction, as they provide peace of mind and knowledge that nothing major is wrong with the home at the time of purchase.

Most lenders will require proof of homeowners insurance, so be sure and get that in place as soon as you know you will be proceeding to the closing table, after successful appraisal, inspections and the receipt of clean title from the title company. Prior to the closing date, be sure and transfer all appropriate utilities into your name as of the date of closing, so nothing gets turned off! Usually, the title company will handle the transfer of the public water from the sellers name to the new buyers. Lastly, the Colorado contracts allows us to perform a final walk through on the day of or prior to settlement to ensure the property is as you last saw it, it is clean and free of debris and material possession, and that everything is still in working order! Now, onto the settlement table. Get your signing hand ready, and then the keys are yours!

Yeah! Happy First Time Littleton Homebuyers

Author: Adam Zaitz, Realtor + Fiduciary

Compass Real Estate

Proudly Serving the entire Denver Metro region

Can be reached:

303-885-1367

adamzaitz.com

adam.zaitz@compass.com or adamzaitz39@gmail.com