A new survey of real estate agents conducted by trees.com found that: 

• 78% of real estate agents say poor landscaping and hardscaping negatively affects property values
• 59% of real estate agents say trees are the landscaping element that adds the most value to a home
• Adding one healthy tree can increase property values by 30% or more, according to 1 in 5 real estate agents

Other landscaping elements that can help increase your property value include grass (64%), trees (59%), and flowers (52%).
​
To read more about the survey and other elements that can help increase your property values, read the full trees.com article by clicking here.
(Content courtesy of trees.com)

​Kristin Kleimann was recently interviewed and featured on VoyageDenver online magazine. VoyageDenver's mission is  "to promote mom and pops, artists, creatives, makers and small businesses by providing a platform for these hidden gems to tell their stories in their own words." Kristin was thrilled to be included.

Click here for the link to the full interview on VoyageDenver.

From the VoyageDenver website:

"Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Kleimann.

Kristin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Before entering the real estate industry officially, I spent more than 15 years as a communication consultant helping government agencies make complex information clear and usable. As part of my communication consultant work, I worked with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) on the “Know Before You Owe” project to design new mortgage disclosures –the Loan Estimate (formerly the Good Faith Estimate) and the Closing Disclosure (formerly the HUD-1).
These mandatory disclosures were implemented in October 2015 and help consumers choose a mortgage that is right for them and then help consumers understand what, if anything, changed between the loan estimate and closing. They are also help consumers better use, compare, and understand complex mortgage information and terms. The disclosures have been called “understandable,” “transparent,” and “fair.” After working on these forms, I decided to get my real estate license, in part, because I knew I could help my clients better navigate the complex real estate buying and selling process by making it simple, transparent, and personalized. For me, getting my clients into the right house with the right mortgage is a core value.
Has it been a smooth road?
The real estate industry, market, and even the forms we use, are constantly changing and evolving. This is part of what makes being in the industry both exciting and challenging. That said, it requires constantly educating yourself on national, state, and local changes, so you can best serve your clients. I read — a lot.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m a lover of Colorado and Denver, especially when it comes to art, design, food, nature, entertaining, family, and travel. In both my work and home life, my focus is often research and education. I enjoy learning and then sharing useful, usable, and relevant information, with my clients and friends.
I give my clients my full attention and love working hard for them. My clients appreciate my knowledge, expertise, and quick response. It makes me happy to make my clients happy.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The real estate industry is ever evolving and changing.
For instance, in a hot real estate market like Denver, it can sometimes be challenging if a client needs to sell a home before they can buy another. The emergence of i-Buyers (like Zillow Instant Offers, OpenDoor, etc.) can help streamline the selling process by giving sellers the cash they need to purchase a new home quickly. While many of the i-Buying companies have some initial requirements with homes, (some want homes less than 25 years old, or won’t purchase any over a certain amount, etc.) it can be a good option for some clients. Someone thinking of using this model will definitely need to compare cash offers and the costs associated (some charge a “service fee” that is greater than a full-commission;), along with other pros and cons, against the net proceeds they would come away with if they had used a full-commission real estate agent/broker.
The real estate industry will continue to evolve quickly as technology improves and disruption occurs. The client experience will be paramount. A smart agent will need to know how to adapt, or risk obsolescence."
Contact Info:

• Website: www.homesimpledenver.com
• Phone: 720.352.0565
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesimpledenver/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kikikleimann/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/kikikleimann
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/universityobservatorypark/

Yesterday I received my latest issue of Denver Life magazine and tonight I laid down to read through it. To my surprise, I turned to a page and saw my parents' bathroom featured! Their bathroom was designed and remodeled by University Park resident and interior designer, Margarita Bravo. This bathroom is absolutely gorgeous. I'm so pleased for both my parents and Margarita! Congratulations!

If you are interested in reading the article I wrote about Margarita, you can access it by clicking HERE.

If you are interested in reading the full "Renovation Inspiration" artice in the Denver Life magazine, you can access it by clicking HERE.

​

Congratulations to our buyers and sellers in November! Lots of new homes for the Holidays...May your holidays be extra special :)








​

Welcome to Denver's desirable Boulevard One neighborhood. This stunning, high-tech Infinity home (Vue model) features 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths and a flexible open-concept floor plan that can be tailored to meet your individual needs. Built in late 2015, this modern, energy-efficient home is teeming with wonderful upgrades including hand troweled walls, home theatre surround sound on all three levels, a designer kitchen and a bedroom and full bathroom on the main floor. The indoor-outdoor connectivity of this home can't be beat, with a front porch that opens on to a linear park and a sliding glass door that connects the low-maintenance backyard to the main floor living area. Bike and walking paths connect this home in minutes to Crestmoor Park, Lowry Town Center and Hangar 2 with Lucky's Market and additional retail space coming soon. Listed at $1,190,000.
For more information, please click here...

We did it...My clients managed to both sell and buy a home on the same day in a little bit of a tougher real estate market than we've seen previously. As the Denver Metro Association of Realtors reports, "Overall in the Denver-area residential market, 6.19 percent fewer homes were sold in July compared to the month prior and there was a slight uptick in days on market and price reductions."

I am so pleased (and relieved) we were able to get this done, and I also appreciate the very considerate review I received:

"The most committed agent in Denver, period. 

We always felt like we had Kristin's full attention, and she jumped in to overdrive when we ran in to some hurdles. Our buyer dropped out late in the process, leaving our new dream home in jeopardy. Within hours, Kristin made numerous calls and landed us a new full price offer AND a backup offer. In spite of some market changes and curveballs, Kristin just made it happen.

This is an agent who truly understands the business and how to work with both buyers and sellers. She added significant value on both sides of the transaction, and got us in to our forever home. 110% recommend. -Nick"

Congratulations again on selling your first home and buying your forever home.

Written by Kristin Kleimann-Duggan
 
Are you and your family both train and holiday enthusiasts? Do you like beautiful scenery, holiday lights, meeting Santa, and good food and drinks? Do you enjoy adventures close to Denver? If so, the Santa Express on the Royal Gorge Train Route may be just what you are looking for…
 
Our Experience
This past weekend, our family and some friends took the 2-hour roadtrip (each way) to ride the Santa Express in Canon City. We decided to stay overnight in Canon City to make the overall trip more tolerable for the young children, oh, and for us. The length of the train trip (2 hours) was perfect, the scenery and holiday lights gorgeous, the experience nostalgic, and the food and drink delicious. 
 
Once you board the train, you are provided hot chocolate and cookies to snack on. As the train starts its journey, they play Holiday music and conduct sing alongs. If it is still light out, you are treated to spectacular views of both the gorge and the Arkansas River, and possibly the sunset. There are a few open air cars that you can go to to really experience the views. Once the train reaches the “North Pole,” which is all done up with lights, Santa and the elves board. The elves come around and give each child a bell from one of Santa’s reindeer. Santa also makes his way to talk to the children and collect their wish lists. We absolutely loved the adventure and highly recommend the overall experience.
 
The Details
For 2018, trips are offered November 16th-December 30th. Trips are scheduled up to four times daily: generally, 9:30, 12:30, 4:30, and 6:30. Some dates are less expensive than others so do check their website schedule. There are several different classes of service offered including Vista Dome, Club, and Coach. The ticket price varies by class. 
 
We opted for the Vista Dome class and purchased our tickets (easily) online in advance. Vista Dome service provided us with 360-degree views, assigned seats at a table (seats are in groupings of four so we were all seated together), and table side food and drink service (food and drink are not included in the ticket price, but purchasing food in advance is an option.) Food, drinks, and the full service bar are available to all classes of service. Passengers are also permitted to visit the open air car as frequently as they’d like and at any point in the trip. 
 
One of the highlights of the tour is seeing the Royal Gorge bridge from a unique vantage point, below it! The Royal Gorge bridge is the world’s highest suspension bridge and is located at the narrowest and deepest point in the gorge. The train stops under the bridge for a few minutes for viewing and for photo opportunities. 
 
A Very Brief History of the Royal Gorge Route
The Royal Gorge route opened in 1879 and cost $11,759 (about $250,000 in today’s dollars) but service eventually ended in 1967 for a variety of reasons. The Royal Gorge historic rail line was resurrected in 1999 with the goal of creating “an entirely new Colorado experience featuring excellent food, friendly service and memorable events while sharing the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West” (Royal Gorge Route Railroad “Signal” Publication). The route is run by a private, family owned Colorado company passionate about good food and wine. 
 
Trip Tips

• Children (and families) are encouraged to wear pajamas and children can bring their Holiday wish list.
• Only bottled water is permitted on the train. No outside food or drink.
• Strollers and car seats are not allowed onboard.
• Backpacks are not allowed onboard and bags are subject to search.
• There ARE restrooms on board.

• The special holiday grill menu is available to all classes of service including food, drinks, and a full service bar (toot! toot!).
• Drive time from Denver is about 2 hours.
• Length of ride is about 2 hours.
• Unless you live close by, it’s recommended to purchase your tickets in advance to guarantee you have seats (pick up your tickets at “Will Call”, 45 minutes prior to departure).
• Ticket prices vary by class of service and options. (Figure about $34-69 for children and $44-74 for adults)
• Over 30,000 guests ride the Santa Express each year, so advance reservations are recommended. 
• For same day booking, call and check with the reservations department before making the drive.

For more information:
Visit: www.royalgorgeroute.com or call 1.888.724.5748

Lucky #13! 
Kristin Kleimann was recently named one of the "Top 15 Denver Real Estate Agents on Social Media in 2018" by PropertySpark. Kristin came in 13th in their rankings.

From the article: 
"These Denver real estate agents are controlling the city’s real estate market after discovering the power of using social media platforms.We’ve researched hundreds of Denver real estate agents’ social media channels and went through a certain process to select the top real estate agents. First, we began by finding Denver real estate agents through different mediums. Then, we looked at objective data regarding the Denver real estate agents’ social media presence across a number of social media channels. Finally, we made sure that the Denver agent who have made it to the final 15 have great social media presence based on subjective variables. 
That being said, we present to you the Top 15 Denver Real Estate Agents On Social Media In 2018!..."

For Kristin's section, PropertySpark wrote:
"Looking for an agent who will help you navigate the complex market of Denver? Why not go with an agent like Kristin Kleimann of Colorado Real Estate [actually Edelweiss Realty Co.]. Kristin works with clients to help them understand the processes involved with buying a home but more importantly, she’s ready to help you find that perfect Denver home. Whether it’s a luxury house you are looking for, or a home with a spacious backyard, no matter your needs – Kristin is ready to help. Check out some of Kristin’s listings and tips on the Denver market via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You may find your next purchase in a hashtag just for you!"

Thank you, PropertySpark! I am honored. Guess I won’t get off social media just yet :)

To read the full article, please click on the link below.

http://propertyspark.com/top-15-denver-real-estate-agents-on-social-media/?fbclid=IwAR0BpdHb3pgGq-BVVVepOrr4eNlvk-lyaPI-39py_ltIgkchPZe8wap7CxE

Article written by Kristin Kleimann
 
If you’ve ever noticed the building located at 1776 S. Jackson Street, just off Colorado Boulevard and Mexico Avenue, you might have assumed it was an apartment building. In actuality, the Executive Club office building happens to house the longest functioning pilates studio in Denver, Pilates Esstentia: in business since the 1980s and in this location since 1991. In 2015, Peace of Mind Pilates moved to share the same space.
 
Sabra Blacklock of Pilates Essentia, and Marisa Oldefest of Peace of Mind Pilates, are the two women business owners behind the cooperating pilates studios. Marisa and Sabra first worked together several years ago when Marisa taught at Sabra’s Pilates Essentia studio. After a break for Marisa to raise her family and begin the Peace of Mind Pilates home studio, the two joined forces to work again collaboratively in one convenient location. 
 
The shared studio houses a varied range of pilates equipment including two Cadillacs, three chairs, five reformers, five spine corrector barrels and one high carrel. The back of the studio includes space for mat classes. 
 
Of course, it is these caring and passionate women business owners, Sabra and Marisa, who are key to the longevity, success, and devoted client following behind the boutique studio.
 
Sabra Blacklock
“Sabra is a master teacher who is able to not only teach the fundamentals, but can also address specific issues. She is AWESOME.” - Client Testimonial
​
Sabra Blacklock has over 27 years of pilates experience. She was trained in the Fletcher Pilates Method by Ron Fletcher and studied and worked at his studio in Los Angeles as a pilates apprentice. She is a certified Pilates Method Alliance Certified Pilates Teacher and Senior Professional Fletcher Pilates Teacher. She was also a part of a trio of women who put together the original teacher training for the Fletcher Pilates Company.
 
Sabra combines pilates with neurological and pain management elements with a goal to help clients get back to living life free of chronic pain. As she explains, “Our focus is around the education piece: how your body is supposed to be functioning, how it IS functioning, and bridging the gap to get clients to an optimal place.”
 
Marisa Oldefest
​“I have taken Pilates with Marisa for over 11 years.  When I first started, I had no idea what Pilates was, much less the benefits that would be gained. I was only looking for help for my balance and health. With Marisa's patient teaching and guidance, I have knees that keep working and balance to my body. Even though I am facing knee replacement surgery, my knees have gone on working better than the doctors have believed. I know that having Pilates has helped me build up my knees for the surgery and it will help in a quick recovery.”- Client Testimonial
 
Marisa is a Pilates Method Alliance Certified Pilates Teacher, Qualified Fletcher Pilates Teacher, Certified Massage Therapist, Certified Aroma Touch Technique Practitioner and a trained ballet and modern dancer.  She has been teaching Pilates for over 20 years. Her focus is making pilates accessible to all age ranges (from teens to seniors) as well as pilates for pain management. As Marisa explains, “While we offer classes for all ages and fitness levels, our specialty really is working with injured clients and helping them get back to their fitness goals in a safe way. Our clients tend to stick around, and that speaks for itself.”
 
Classes and Staff
The boutique studio offers the best in Fletcher Pilates Method instruction. Classes run for 55 minutes and you can choose between mat or equipment classes. They also offer groups classes, duet classes, and private sessions. 
 
“In 10 sessions you will feel the difference. In 20 you will see the difference. And in 30 you will be on your way to having a whole new body.” -Joseph Pilates
 
The studio staff are very experienced and combined, offer nearly 90 years of pilates experience. 
 
Special Events
On the third Thursdays of the month the studio hosts a “Pilates and Pinot” event where you can come participate in pilates and enjoy a glass of pinot after. Once the weather warms, the studio will be hosting a “Pilates in the Park” event which will be a pop-up mat class in either Observatory Park or Dinosaur Park on Mondays at 12:30pm. 
 
Sabra and Marisa look forward to helping you use pilates to change your body, mind, and spirit!
 
Contact Information
Website: Check www.peaceofmindpilates.com for exact dates and times and to schedule a session. They are currently offering specials for new clients.
Location: 1776 S. Jackson Street, Unit 100. Denver, CO 80210
Phone: 303.525.7491
​

If so, meet your neighbor and “Dirty Paws” owner, Becky Luke.

Article written by Kristin Kleiman-Duggan
 
Becky Luke loves animals ---- all animals. She grew up on a ranch on the Western Slope and has been around many different animals all her life. It is no surprise that in May 2017, she started “Dirty Paws,” a pet care business that allows her to combine business with her passion for animals.
 
“We love them when you have to leave them.” -Dirty Paws
 
Through Dirty Paws, Becky offers many services from daily pet walking to full service overnight pet sitting. As Becky points out, “Our pets prefer being in their own homes as it makes them happier and less stressed.” Becky is comfortable administering medication, including insulin and pills and caring for older pets with special needs. While Becky mainly cares for dogs and cats--and some chickens--she’s has experience with other larger animals, like horses, cows, and pigs. She says she is a “stickler for providing fresh water, to keep pets hydrated and happy.” If she stays in your home, she also can bring in your mail, shovel your walk, and water your plants. She really does mean full service.
 
Becky provides her services to our local neighborhoods including Bonnie Brae, University and Observatory Park, Cherry Creek, Wash Park, and Cherry Hills. As a 20-year resident of Wash Park, some of Becky’s favorite places to take your canine companions on walks are in and around the neighborhood, including to Wash Park and the Highline Canal. Becky offers personalized and devoted attention to both her human and animal clients, so she does not mix different client’s animals. When she is with your pet, she is with your pet.
 
Dirty Paws has received top reviews on Yelp, Google, and through their testimonials:
 
Becky was so great with our babies!  She house-sat for us while we went on a long weekend trip! Our girls were very happy to have her! I think she took better care of them than we do :) She sent us pictures and texts to us giving us updates on them, which is an added bonus!  I highly recommend her...She loves our babies as much as we do!
 
Becky From Dirty Paws watched our very energetic dog, Oakley, who is 2 1/2 years old recently for 5 days. She did an amazing job! We loved how she had a checklist of questions and wrote notes when she came over to meet Oakley. Every day we got different pictures of her walking Oakley. She also watered our flowers and brought in the mail. It made it so much easier to leave our crazy boy knowing she was there to take care of him. Her heart is in the right place and she is so responsible. I highly recommend Dirty Paws! 
 
What more could you or your pet ask for?
 
To contact Becky and Dirty Paws and for more information, please visit:
www.dirtypawsonline.com
Dirty Paws, Becky Luke, 303.913.2544
 

Photos and Article by Kristin Kleimann-Duggan
 
We finally made it to see the Ice Castles this year and it was well worth it! The Ice Castles are located in Dillon, Colorado and are open until the weather becomes too warm. Teams work to grow more than 5,000 icicles each day so they can build the castles by hand. 
 
We bought our tickets in advance (highly recommended, as they sell out quickly, especially on weekends) and chose to go around 5:30 pm because we were hoping to experience the Ice Castles in both daylight and at night. This was a good choice as it was easier to see at 5:30 and then the castles are lit up at night with LED lights. Dressing for winter was important and waterproof pants and gloves (especially for the kids) are a must if you plan to crawl around in the caves or go on the ice slides. Do not bother with a stroller, it won’t make it.
 
Currently, hours are 4-9pm Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. On Fridays: hours are 4-10pm; Saturdays:  12pm-10pm; and Sundays: 12pm-8pm. The ice castles are closed on Tuesday.
 
Ticket prices vary by the day and whether you buy in advance or not. Adult prices range from $15.95 to $21.00. Children (4-11) are $10.95-$16.00. Children under 3 are free.
 
Get there soon to see the Ice Castles before the weather warms. If the Ice Castles return next year, I encourage you to see them. It’s winter magic.
 
Please visit, www.icecastles.com for more information.

Congratulations to our latest client who recently purchased a condo in the Art Museum Residences designed by renowned architect, Daniel Libeskind. The building is located directly across from the Denver Art Museum. These modern contemporary units, built in 2006, are stunning. The 56 units are contained in an L-shaped building with seven-stories. The units boast gorgeous views, 9.5 foot ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, walk in closets, upgraded appliances and cabinetry, terraces, and building amenities including a guest suite, landscaped roof-top entertaining venue, and a separate and secure parking garage. The prime location offers convenient access to Downtown Denver. 

From the Studio Libeskind website project description:

"The Museum Residences sit directly across the plaza from the iconic extension to the Denver Art Museum, also by Studio Libeskind. Clad in a translucent glass skin and shard-like metal panels the Residences complement the titanium-clad Museum.

The syncopated rhythm of windows and loggias, and the geometric façade elements are among the qualities that earned this 127,000 square-foot residential and retail building an Award of Honor for design excellence from the American Institute of Architects (2008).

The project came to be shortly after Studio Libeskind was hired for the museum commission, when the project expanded to include an above-ground parking facility directly across from the new museum. Studio Libeskind conceived of the Residences to conceal the required 1,000-car concrete parking structure by wrapping it with this seven-story residential building anchored by retail space on the ground level and enlivening the neighborhood.

The top six of the seven floors of the building are residential, given over to 56 luxury apartments ranging in size from 800 to 5,000 square feet.  The ground floor, providing 16,000 square feet of dedicated retail space, flanks a busy public space, the Acoma Plaza of the Arts.

“These condominiums offer the ultimate amenity: an opportunity to bring—almost literally—the museum right into your home.” –Architectural Record, 2006

The Museum Residences was a joint venture between Studio Daniel Libeskind and Davis Partnership Architects in Denver.

AWARDS
2008 – The American Institute of Architects Award of Honor
2008 – CNBC Americas Property Awards – Best Development category
2007 – Merit Award for Multifamily, USA"

https://libeskind.com/work/denver-art-museum-residences/

Absolutely fabulous...

Happy NEW Year! Welcome 2018!

"If you’re reading this, you already know that living in Colorado is pretty great. There’s always something to do, something to see, something to revel at— and you can drink a craft beer or smoke a joint while you’re doing most of them. Each new year signifies a new opportunity to explore the state and embrace the benefits of living here. Don’t spend your days off on the couch— make every moment worth it. To help inspire your inner adventurer, we’ve compiled a list of 88 things to do in Colorado in 2018. Check them off and thank us after another badass year in this badass state..."

Click below for the 88 things to do in Colorado in 2018. How many will you do?

​https://303magazine.com/2017/12/bucket-list-colorado-2018/