By Mike Nelson and Terry Tomsha
Winterize Your Home
Hello Neighbors! By the time this issue hits your mailbox, it will be time to shake off the New Year’s Day hangovers, put away the last of the holiday decorations, and complete those winterization projects you’ve been putting off. While winter may be in full swing, it’s not too late to tackle those projects that can save you money during heating season.
First, let’s take care of the obvious stuff. If you haven’t shut off your outside hose spigots yet, now’s the time. There’s almost nothing worse than frozen pipes. If you have the older style spigots (not the new “freeze-proof” type), shut off the water inside and open the valve outside. If you can’t shut off the water, at least install an insulating cap over your hose bib. While you’re at it, make sure to disconnect any hoses that are still attached, and store them out of the weather until spring. Verify that the water supply to your sprinkler system and swamp cooler has been shut off, too. We recommend that you have the water “blown out” or drained from both these systems.
Most of us with older homes know the annual ritual of installing plastic sheeting on the windows. While this is no substitute for new double-pane windows, it does help cut down drafts and can more than pay for themselves in heat savings and increased comfort. If you want to do the advanced version of window sealing, apply a “bead” of rope caulk around all the seams. This is especially helpful for those old double-hung windows. Rope caulk is available at your local hardware store, right next to the plastic window kits. As for both, just follow the directions on the package.
While we’re hunting down drafts, check the weather-stripping and thresholds (the bottom sweeps) of all exterior doors. This is a pretty simple test: shut the door and run your hand all around the door to check for leaks. Replace worn out weather-stripping, and adjust, repair or replace thresholds that let in cold air.
We’ll assume that you’ve already attended to insulating your attic, so we won’t elaborate on that here. You may not have sealed and insulated your ductwork, even if you’ve had your furnace upgraded. This is especially important if your ductwork runs through unheated areas like crawl spaces. The pros use a substance called mastic. (When you get it on your clothes, it’s also called a few other things that I can’t mention here!) You can avoid that mess by using self-adhesive foil duct tape. You get bonus points if you also insulate the ducts after sealing them. By sealing and insulating your ductwork, you’ll get more of the heated air from your furnace to the areas where you need it.
By following these simple tips, you can improve the efficiency and comfort of your home through the winter months. Any insulation improvements can help in the summer cooling season as well. Stay warm, and have a great 2009!
By Jake Flint
Start 2009 with a positive resolution to meet some new friends and become more involved with what’s happening on The FAX. The first Tuesday of every month is an opportunity to gather at a local Colfax host location for food, refreshment and conversation.
Past gathering sites included Solera, Señor Rita’s, The Elm, and most recently, Mod Livin’. First Tuesdays are casual, relaxing and always a great time to make business-to-business connections, learn about what’s happening on Colfax Avenue along The FAX and beyond, or just meeting neighbors for friendly conversation.
Make it a point to start your New Year off right. Plan to attend an upcoming First Tuesday on The Fax! Check Events for location and times!
By David Bromberg
Last issue I wrote about the “market” and the fact that there are many markets and sub-markets. The outlook for Denver has been more positive in the media recently. According to S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index, the 1-year national index reported for September 2008 was -16.6 percent; while Denver was the 3rd best of 20 metropolitan areas at -5.4 percent (no area reported a positive price change).
My analysis for the Mayfair area (6th Ave. to Colfax Ave., Colorado Blvd. to Monaco Pkwy) shows slightly increasing average sale and median prices year over year (see table below). Although my methodology is different, I believe it is reasonable. In the broader market, as the mix of homes sold changes (more less expensive homes have sold recently due in part to the foreclosure issue) the averages will change too. The best measure of the market would be same home sales under same circumstances for buyer and seller. This would be similar to retailers that report same store sales/volume. Unfortunately this is difficult to analyze in real estate because circumstances change and homes do not turnover frequently.
The key trends I see from the data below is that sales activity is down and days on market are up while value is steady. Both buyers and sellers have been waiting to see where the market is going. Unfortunately nobody has a crystal ball to foresee the future, but if you need/want to buy and/or sell, it is not a bad time to do so.
| Year | # Sold | Avg Sold $ |
Median Sold $ | Sq. Ft. | Price p/Sq. Ft. | Days on Market |
| 2005 | 262 | 354,615 | 301,111 | 1,392 | 262 | 51 |
| 2006 | 230 | 368,843 | 320,000 | 1,397 | 269 | 80 |
| 207 | 190 | 388,426 | 325,500 | 1,444 | 277 | 86 |
| Nov YTD 2008 | 160 | 392,574 | 340,500 | 1,443 | 275 | 106 |
Based on Information from Metrolist, Inc. for the period Dec-02-2008 through Dec-02-2008 NOTE: This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by Metrolist, Inc. Metrolist, Inc. does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by Metrolist, Inc. may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.
Excerpted from City and County of Denver
Office of Telecommunications
On February 17, 2009, all full-powered television stations will begin broadcasting only in digital, as required by law. If you have an analog TV that uses antennae (rabbit ears or rooftop) for over-the-air reception, you need to take action to continue using your analog TV.
If you want to continue to use your analog TV, you can buy a converter box that will plug into your current TV, or connect your TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.
Converter boxes are available at many retailers where televisions and other consumer electronics are sold. From now through March 31, 2009, you can request up to two, $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of a certified converter box (a one-time cost to you of between $40 and $70). These coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed, and cannot be replaced. The coupon will include an insert with a list of nearby, participating retailers where you can purchase a coupon-eligible converter box, or you can also go online to www.DTV2009.gov, enter your zip code, and locate participating retailers on a map or call toll free 1-888-388-2009.
Download the Winter issue! (5.5 MB PDF file).