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Fresh Air Real Estate

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The Dog Postcards – We’ve Gone to the Dogs, Denver!


Realtor Jackie Long & trusted Mortgage Correspondent Lender Nicole “Kiki” Williams of The Hanson Planning Group (an Affiliate of Megastar Financial) send their clients a good giggle each month with these themed, entertaining & informative postcards. Brought to you by the patience, understanding & true talent of their darling dogs, Tripp, Grizzly, Mookie & newly welcoming darling Della!.

“What will you think of next?” is a frequent question! We haven’t duplicated a theme yet. We lost two of our original quartet, Molson & Blue in 2011, and were heartbroken to say good bye to Bear in 2013. The last of the old guard left us in 2018, our darling Woody. We also were devastated to lose our shining star, Boone, in October 2023. Our current fierce foursome have been proven prodigies since very young ages! Della is fitting in nicely with the group & we look forward to sharing her fierce talents as she grows up! We’ve had a number of guest appearances over the years, as well. And just to clarify, YES they really are fully dressed (hats, wigs, glasses & all) and are really posing like that!

These monthly postcards will not only keep you abreast of timely real estate & mortgage issues, but they’re great fun to find in your mailbox! Which is YOUR favorite? Collect them all! Email us to join the mailing list & receive the magnetic, year-at a glance Dog Calendar!

Links to prior years are below!

Also follow us on Instagram at Gone_to_the_Dogs_Denver!
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2024 – Save the Date!

December 2024

Thanks for the Memories!

Happy Holidays! We hope this finds you & yours safe, healthy & happily enjoying the Holiday season. We have some big news to share: After 14 years of creating our unique & informative monthly DogPostcards, we’ve made the tough decision to wrap up the monthly series & move our exploits exclusively to social media online.

It’s been an amazing, punny run & we’ve loved your support & gracing hundreds of your refrigerators & bulletin boards over the years! You’ve joined us as we’ve taken 3 generations of our beloved, talented dogs whom we’ve literally taken around the world & back; gradually improving our sets, technology & creativity with 168 singular, special images of our pups in creative costumes designed to keep you laughing & educated on important real estate & mortgage news & trends.

But you haven’t seen the last of us! Watch your mailbox in 2025 for our Annual Dog Calendar! You can also keep tabs on us, the pups & still get timely news & notes by following us on Instagram at Gone_to_the_Dogs_Denver! What will we think of next?! Follow us & see! You can also reminisce with ALL 180 images HERE on the Fresh Air Real Estate Web site (scroll down for links to prior years!)

We’d like to give a HUGE shout out to our fantastic graphic designer, David Henshaw of Inspiration Graphics, for always taking our dressed-up dogs & outlandish ideas to the next level. Thanks, as well, to our talented & tolerant Doggos: Della, Grizzly, Mookie & Tripp. Posthumus, heartfelt credit also goes to our Old Guard: Bear, Blue, Molson & Woody(we miss you all!).

We deeply appreciate your continued trust & confidence in our real estate & mortgage loan expertise with your repeat business & referrals. We are committed to continuing to offer your friends & family the same great services we have provided to all our happy clients for many years to come.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for support & for trusting that Jackie & Kiki will remain your Keys to a Smart Move!

November 2024

We Go the Distance!

Jackie & Kiki have worked together for over 22 years to ensure their clients have the best representation available in Denver-area real estate & mortgage loan services. They have a proven track record of going the extra mile for their clients, so it only makes sense they trust each other when it comes to managing their own real estate holdings. 

When Kiki decided to sell her Historic Denver Highlands Loft this October, she naturally “Just Chose Jackie!” 

“Selling our home was a new experience for my husband & me. Despite my two decades of mortgage lending experience, I found myself navigating unfamiliar territory. Thankfully, we had the privilege of working with Jackie, who is flat out the best in the business!  

“From the very beginning, Jackie treated us with the utmost respect & never took our working relationship for granted. She took the time to thoroughly explain every step of the selling process, ensuring we felt confident & informed. Her approach was not to simply guide us, but to actually empower us. She made it clear that we were in the driver’s seat throughout the journey!

“One of the standout aspects of Jackie’s service is her expert staging techniques. She transformed our vacant space so potential buyers could easily envision themselves living there. Her keen eye for detail &understanding of buyer psychology made a winning difference in how our home was presented.

“We had some concerns about the shifting market conditions & were prepared for a marathon, but Jackie’s expertise & strategic insights fast-tracked us to the Finish Line! To our amazement, we received an offer & went under contract after our very first showing — just four days after listing!This remarkable result is a testament to Jackie’s talents.

“Overall, we couldn’t be more pleased with our experience. Jackie kept us on track & made sure we felt like winners! She truly is a breath of Fresh Air!”

Jackie & Kiki will BOTH go the extra mile for you, too! We’re your Keys to a Smart Move!

October 2024
October 2024 Howl at the Moon

More Housing Inventory Adds Bite to Buyers’ Bark

Denver Metro Market home buyers have something to howl about! They say timing is everything & pursuing the right property at the right time can be a hairy situation.

While the Federal Reserve Bank lowered rates by 0.50 basis points – a larger cut than many expected – buyer activity remained sluggish in September (Denver Metro Association of Realtors, Oct 2024 Market Stats Report). The median closed price dropped slightly by 2.34% to $576,171, down from $590,000 in August while the median days in the MLS increased an astronomical 19.05% to 25 days from 21 days.

The most stellar stat in buyers’ favor is how months of inventory (MOI) have steadily climbed. May 2023 had 1.25 MOI. Just last month, that leapt up to to 3.6 months. This has traditionally been considered a balanced market. This is a far cry from a pandemic-fueled market which had less than one MOI. Homes are having more price reductions & there are simply more options for buyers to sink their teeth into.

However, if buyers are orbiting available listings waiting for the end of the election cycle & the holidays to wrap up, they may be moonstruck for waiting to pounce. Historically, sellers have reaped the rewards as home prices tend to increase after an election cycle.

It’s a stellar time to join the pack & find the perfect home for the Holidays! Call Kiki to line up your mortgage financing so any hungry seller yelps for your offer! Jackie will smooth out any ruff edges in the transaction to keep your deal from straying past the Closing date. Jackie & Kiki are your Keys to a Smart Move!

Worldwide Howl at the Moon Night is celebrated on October 26th. This unique day encourages people to step outside & connect with the wild by howling at the moon. It’s not just about making noise; it’s about remembering our ties to nature & wildlife, especially wolves, & remembering the need to protect them.

September 2024
September 2024 Superstition

We’re Bustin’ Homebuying Myths! 

Myth: You need to save up 20% of the home’s price to buy it.
Reality: While a 20% down payment can ward off the specter of private mortgage insurance (PMI) & bring some peace to your mortgage payments, the truth is many loan programs allow for as little as 3% down – so don’t be haunted by that old 20% rule! 

Myth: You need to wait for the perfect market conditions to buy a home.
Reality: Trying to time the market perfectly is like looking into a broken mirror. Instead, focus on your financial readiness & finding a home that feels just right. The market’s mood swings shouldn’t put a curse on your homebuying plans! 

Myth: Fixer-Uppers Are Always a Bargain
Reality: A fixer-upper might seem like a diamond in the rough, but beware—it could also be a money pit waiting to swallow your savings whole. Don’t let the allure of a “bargain” hex your budget! A good Realtor like Jackie will help you assess the true cost of repairs before purchasing.

Myth: You can sense when a house is in good condition without an inspection.
Reality: Even the sharpest sixth sense won’t spot that phantom leak lurking behind the walls. Due diligence will help you avoid 7 years of bad luck! 

Myth: The list price list for a home is what you have to pay.
Reality: The listing price is more like the top rung of the ladder. With Jackie’s negotiation magic, you might find the final price a few steps down!

Cross paths with Jackie & Kiki to find a home that’s worth its weight in four-leaf clovers! Interest rates are dropping! Kiki will ensure your mortgage is as stable as a lucky horseshoe! Or she’ll complete a no-fear refinance your current mortgage! We’re your Keys to a Smart Move!

August 2024

Keep Calm & Buy On!

Falling Mortgage Interest Rates are great news for anxious home buyers! There’s no need to stress about changes coming in mid-August due to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) recent lawsuit settlement to ensure commissions are fair & negotiable for consumers.

REALTORS® are a trusted source of advice as you undertake one of the largest financial transactions of your life. We are still ready to help you navigate your home buying journey & make the choices that work best for you. NAR’s recent settlement has led to several changes which benefit homebuyers so you can breathe easy:

  • You will sign a written agreement with your agent before touring a home. Before signing this agreement, you should ensure it reflects the terms you have negotiated with your agent; understand exactly what services & value will be provided and for how much. Colorado has had a Buyer Agency Agreement for decades!
  • The buyer agreement must include four components concerning compensation: a. A specific and conspicuous disclosure of the amount or rate of compensation the agent will receive or how this amount will be determined; Compensation that is objective (e.g., $0, X flat fee, X percent, X hourly rate)—and not open-ended; c. A term that prohibits the agent from receiving compensation for brokerage services from any source that exceeds the amount or rate agreed to in the agreement with the buyer; d. A conspicuous statement that broker fees & commissions are fully negotiable & not set by law.
  • Written agreements apply to both in-person & live virtual home tours. You do not need a written agreement if you are speaking to an agent at an open house or discussing their services. The seller may agree to offer compensation to your agent. This practice is still permitted but the commission offer cannot be shared on a Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

Jackie will always negotiate for the Seller to pay her commission when representing a Buyer. You will also know the amount of a Buyer’s Agent commission the Seller may be offering & how that could impact you BEFORE touring any home. Take a breath & reach out to Jackie to discuss how to best navigate the new normal!

Kiki is at the ready to ensure your mortgage loan process is stress-free so you can sit back & put your feet up while she expertly lines up your financing. Jackie & Kiki are your Keys to a Smart Move!

July 2024

Making a Splash in Real Estate!

We’ve got great news if you’re looking to dip your toe into the Real Estate market. Housing inventory has shot up like a water fountain & interest rates have cooled down! According to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors, May ended with 9,159 Active listings — a 31.03% increase over April. That means more choices & better bargaining power for buyers who’ve felt like they were treading water in a competitive market.

Wave goodbye to renting & dive into home ownership! Jackie’s proven experience in representing home buyers’ unique concerns ensures a smooth slide to Closing. When you’re ready to make an offer, Jackie doesn’t just hold her breath & hope for the best. She’ll make sure your offer zooms to the top of the list like a water slide champ! 

Water you waiting for?! Get pre-approved with Kiki today & plunge into the perfect mortgage plan! She offers a wealth of solutions, from no down payments to increasing your buying power with the Megastar Cash Ready Program. Kiki will help you understand what you can afford, educate you on available financing & watch over your loan like a lifeguard!

Don’t get caught in the deep end! We’re pooling our skills to make sure you find the home of your dreams! Jackie & Kiki will protect your interests like SPF 50 – We’re Your Keys to a Smart Move!

June 2024

Rate Drops Keep the American Dream Within Reach

Buying a home is a powerful decision & it remains at the heart of the American Dream. Unlike renting, home ownership means more than just having a place to live – it offers a sense of belonging, stability & freedom. Homeownership comes with a real litter of benefits!

Beyond value appreciation, homeownership provides financial advantages. The mortgage interest deduction benefits taxpayers. Fixed mortgage rates help keep monthly mortgage payments low & stable while buffering homeowners from macroeconomic shocks, like inflation & interest rate increases. And most homeowners can refinance without a penalty to lower their borrowing costs when interest rates drop!

Homeowners have realized significant wealth increases in the last decade while renters were left out in the doghouse. If you’re part of the 31% of Americans who think it’s necessary to save 20% for a down payment think again! Kiki offers a variety of loan programs including No Money Down! The truth is there are many ways to qualify to buy a home & it starts with a simple call to Kiki to find out your options.

Time to Get on the Stick! Per the Denver Metro Association of Realtors, March ended with 6,990 Active listings, a 19.51% increase over February! As a Hot Dog Spring market moves into the Dog Days of Summer, there are even more chances for Buyers who want to take advantage of dropping interest rates to find a place to sit & stay!

Trust Jackie & Kiki to guide you to the best investment for your unique needs & budget. We’re Your Keys to a Smart Move!

May 2024

We’re Over the Moon about Real Estate!

Finding the perfect home & financing it can feel as mysterious & scary as an alien abduction! Fear not: We’re skilled at bringing the process back down to Earth for our clients!

From celestial cottages to extraterrestrial estates, we’ll help you find a home & a mortgage loan which are truly out of this world! Jackie & Kiki have been working at warp speed to get their last three home buyers in April under contractfor new homes at an interstellar pace!

Sellers have stars in their eyes when they see Jackie’s creative & aggressive offers. We’re going cosmic on the competition & making sellers cancel all space-walk home showings & open houses to grab our galaxy of great terms! Kiki’s getting buyers fully pre-approved in a flash, including for Megastar Financial’s Futuristic Cash-Ready Program. Sellers & and their listing brokers love her hypersonic closing speeds – even in as little as nine business days!

While you may be feeling the gravitational pull of higher interest rates, don’t expect them to drop any time soon. You could already be sitting pretty at the speed of light in a new place & ready to refinance instead of being part of the big buyer blastoff fighting for homes when they come off the fence as soon as rates drop!

Don’t let your offer go into a black hole or get lost in a supernova shuffle. Put your best moon boot forward with Jackie & Kiki’s galactic strategies by your side. Jackie & Kiki are Your Keys to a Smart Move!

April 2024

Indulge in this Delectable Deal!

In a tight market with inventory options that can be tough to swallow, Jackie’s serving up this freshly listed home for hungry buyers!

A Remodeled Modern Masterpiece – List Price $875,000 – SOLD for $882,250!

  • 3265 S Williams St, Englewood, CO 80113
  • 1,700 Sq Ft of Open Layout Living Space
  • 3 Bed/2 Bath + Separate Studio w/Minisplit HVAC
  • Detached 2-Car Garage
  • Coveted Cherry Creek 5 School District
  • Centrally located in the classic Hampden Hills neighborhood close to DU, DTC & Downtown Denver
  • Vaulted Ceilings, Skylights & Huge Windows Live Large!
  • Top-Notch Finishes: Quartz Counters, Stainless Steel Appliances, Wood-Finish LVP Flooring, Tile Bathrooms,
  • Tankless Hot Water Heater, Hail-Resistant Shingle Roof & Stucco Exterior
  • Flexible Studio Space allows you to work from home; workout in your home gym; have guests sleep over; or provides a playroom for the kids. So many options!

Curious about financing? Allow Kiki to shop around for the best mortgage option to match your budget. Her industry know-how and variety of loan programs make for a top-shelf experience.

Now that’s something to chew on! We’re cooking up juicy options for home buyers who are craving excellent service with style. We think outside the box to help our Buyers craft creative contracts whicharen’t canned solutions to complex situations.  Jackie & Kiki are Your Keys to a Smart Move!

March 2024
March 2024-World Compliment Day

Celebrate the Power of Positive Vibes with Jackie & Kiki!

The Spring Market is HERE and your dream home is waiting! With the seasonal increase in new listings, buyers should look sharp by ensuring their offer is top-notch & their financing is as strong as possible. With 50 years of combined experience in real estate & mortgage lending, there’s no dynamic duo quite like ours.  The buzz about our services is spreading & we’re so flattered!

Whether you’re buying or selling this year, you’ll be inspired by Jackie’s forward-thinking approach & keen understanding of the real estate market. Almost 50% of Realtors nationwide sold 1 or NO properties in 2023, but Jackie closed nearly $6 Million in sales! Here are some kudos from past clients:

“Jackie’s impeccable taste in décor resulted in a beautifully staged home that sold in under 24 hours to ecstatic new owners!”

“It’s a rare and beautiful thing for the highest-level professional competence to merge with the highest levels of customer service, but that’s the kind of harmony you can expect with Jackie Long.” 

When it comes to mortgage financing, Kiki makes complex concepts easy to understand. With a vast array of loan programs available to her, she is sure to find the perfect fit for your financial needs. But don’t take our word for it…check out others’ commendations for Kiki:

“Kiki’s customer service & industry knowledge remain unmatched. We’ve worked together on purchases & refinances & I will continue to trust her with my mortgage needs.”

“Kiki’s mastery & understanding of the rates, process & timelines were always on point.”

The highest compliment we can receive is your referral of family & friends! With Jackie & Kiki by your side, you’ll have a positive journey guided by our expertise & where your satisfaction is our greatest accolade!

Jackie & Kiki are Your Keys to a Smart Move!

February 2024

We Give Home Buyers Somethin’ to Bark About!

We’ve got a bone to pick with last year’s real estate market which left home buyers chasing their tails & opting to sit & stay in their current housing situation. We’re taking a bite out of what made it so ruff.

Inventory & Affordability — As of 1/26/24, Jackie found a whopping 536 Active, 3-bed single family home listings priced at $425,000 or Less in the entire Denver Metro Matrix/RE Colorado system. Now that’s a pawsitive development! Consider fetching a roommate or Co-Buying with someone other than a spouse or partner. Both are great ways to unleash your buying power without burying your budget!

High Interest Rates — Most experts predict declining rates in 2024 & 2025, but a great short-term option is the 2/1 buydown. It’s the ultimate treat for your mortgage by lowering the payment for the first 2 years & Kiki will help you jump on refinancing when rates drop.

Competition with Cash Buyers — Kiki’s Cash Ready Program takes the biscuit, allowing you to make an offer with no loan approval deadline & close in as few as 10 business days!

You Have a Home to Sell First — Make a non-contingent purchase offer BEFORE you sell! Plus, qualify for your new home without your existing mortgage payment & pull the new home down payment with bridge loan financing!

Act NOW before interest rates drop further & you’re in a dog fight with multiple offers to buy the home of your dreams. Refinance when you’re already IN your new home & leave the dog-eat-dog market behind!

We make home buying, selling & financing as smooth as peanut butter & as enjoyable as a belly rub. Jackie & Kiki can give you a new lease on life! We’re Your Keys to a Smart Move!

Introducing Della Mae, Jackie’s 3-month-old Plott Hound rescue. She’s already a star in the making!

January 2024
Boone Tribute

Boone’s Lasting Legacy Sits, Stays

We were devastated to say goodbye to our brilliant, funny & talented girl, Boonie, at the end of 2023. Since she joined our family as an 8-week old puppy & learned the doggie ropes from her big brother, Bear, she has been a shining starwho brought so much love & laughter to the dog postcards & to all who knew her.

We know Bear & her old pal Woody were there to greet her over the rainbow bridge. It’s never easy to say goodbye& we’ll keep Boone in our hearts as we continue our quest to bring you industry news, tips & tricks with a clever canine twist. Watch for a new family member in 2024 & we know Boone will be keeping those sharp blue eyes on us for years to come! She’s a hard act to follow.

The Dog Crew has wrapped up their fantastical Once Upon a Time journey through 2023. We invite you to Save the Date with us throughout 2024 as we explore weird & wacky holidays to celebrate with your furry family members.

It’s a Date: We’re Your Keys to a Smart Move through 2024 & beyond!

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Jackie Long, REALTOR®, License #ER.040034173
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