Goodbye Oliver Frascona, You Will Be Missed
by Osman Parvez By all accounts, the real estate community suffered a great loss this evening. Although not yet confirmed, it appears that Oliver Frascona died in an aircraft accident. Oliver's classes were among the best I've ever had, in any setting. He was a true educator, relentlessly focused on raising the bar, and he helped Realtors understand complex issues with humor and humility. He also cared a great deal about giving back to the community. Ironically, the last conversation I had with him was about flying. I brought it up casually and [...]
All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy
by Osman Parvez A friend shared this with me the other day. As I sit crunching numbers for the next House Einstein report, it reminds me of why I chose to live here. The video is for Yosemite but the landscapes shown are very much like the high country in Colorado. The video is best viewed on full screen. p.s. Last year I got so busy with real estate during the summer that I didn't hike a single 14er. I've climbed 10, which leaves 48 left to go. Clients always come first but this [...]
Coming Out [Authenticity]
by Osman Parvez This post has nothing to do with real estate. I wouldn't share it except it's about many things I care about. Recorded at TEDxBoulder - watch the video below to see a gifted story teller share her experience with being authentic. It's about the power of sharing your truth, having tough conversations, and being honest. It also happens to feature one of my favorite restaurants in Boulder, the South Side Walnut Cafe - a place that makes a point about being a safe harbor for diversity. I'm grateful that people like Ash and [...]
My Favorite Flood Evacuation Video
by Osman Parvez This is what it looked like when three Boulder residents evacuated from Four Mile Canyon. My favorite flood video by far. Thank you Connor Wall, Will Adams, and Knutzen Hoff. --- Like this analysis? Subscribe to my research. Want to meet me in person? Attend a Boulder Real Estate Meetup. Ready to buy or sell? Call me at 303.746.6896.
10 Reasons People Are Homeless and What You Can Do About It (Video)
by Osman Parvez ---- There are many reasons I love living in Boulder, but just like other towns and cities, we struggle with challenges. If you've walked around the Pearl Street Mall or nearby parks, you know that homelessness is a problem here. At last month's Boulder Real Estate Meetup, I asked Joy Eckstine, Executive Director of the Carriage House Community Table to talk to us. She presented 10 reasons People are Homeless and 10 Things You Can Do About It. About the Carriage House Community Table: The Carriage House Community Table provides a safe, supportive community for the homeless [...]
Opportunities and Misconceptions in Residential Lending (Video)
by Osman Parvez ---- From last month's Boulder Real Estate Meetup, here's Dan Spiegler of Premier Mortgage Group with Opportunities and Misconceptions in Residential Lending. --- The next Boulder Real Estate Meetup is this Monday, May 4th. We have a great lineup of presenters scheduled. We'll also discuss current market conditions. Come meet other people interested in Boulder real estate and enjoy short presentations on key real estate related issues. The MEETUP is at 1942 Broadway, 3rd Floor (Follow Signs). RSVP HERE ---- Want to get blog updates via email? Click HERE. Ready to buy or sell? [...]
How to Choose Your Home Inspector
by Osman Parvez ---- How do you pick a home inspector? A home is probably one of your largest financial investments. When you're getting ready to buy, pick an inspector who not only knows his stuff, but will give you an unbiased inspection. Certifications are minimal at the state level. Virtually anyone can be a home inspector and over the years, we've seen some poor examples (one memorable inspector couldn't operate a window latch). At the March Boulder Real Estate Meetup, I invited Phil Gage of Homefront Inspection to tell us how to go about choosing a home inspector. It [...]
Home Improvements – Neighbors Helping Neighbors
by Osman Parvez ---- Would you like to make home improvements and save some money? At the April Boulder Real Estate Meetup, urban planner and local resident Eric Stonebraker talked to us about his "Do It Yourself" efforts to update his Boulder house. With the support of neighbors and friends, he's been steadily making improvements and repairs, and sharing what he's learned. As it turns out... having a great neighborhood (with an email list) has many benefits. Here's "Affordable Do It Yourself Home Improvements - Neighbors Helping Neighbors" ---- Want to get blog updates via email? Click HERE. [...]
US 36 – Future Taking Shape
by Osman Parvez ---- I recently attended a presentation of the US 36 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a required component to improve infrastructure along the Boulder-Denver Turnpike. The US 36 EIS Schedule Additional Resources: US 36 Draft EIS - Executive Summary US 36 EIS - Documents and Press Releases US 36 EIS - Homepage Citations for noise in Martin Acres A Boulder Resident's US36 EIS Meeting Review ---- Want to get blog updates via email? Click HERE. Ready to buy or sell? Schedule an appointment or call 303.746.6896. You can also like our Facebook page or [...]
Podcast and Video: Meth in Your Home? (Longmont Police)
by Osman Parvez ---- For the Wild Card Presentation at the last Boulder Real Estate Meetup, here is Cmdr. Tim Lewis from the Longmont Police Department discussing the signs of meth use. Given the extraordinary cost (personal and property) for meth addiction, this discussion is useful for anyone who suspects a meth problem. Podcast: Meth In Your Home? (MP3) Video 1: Video 2: Video 3: Video 4: -- The March Boulder Real Estate Meetup is tonight. Please RSVP if you wish to attend. Hope to see you there! ---- Want to get blog updates via email? Click HERE. [...]
Video and Podcast: What Your Pruner Didn’t Tell You (Arbor Vital)
by Osman Parvez ---- From the February 2009 Boulder Real Estate Meetup, here is David Schaldach from Arbor Vital discussing how to select the right company to prune your trees and other issues related to tree care. Podcast: What Your Pruner Didn't Tell You - Arbor Vital (MP3) ---- Want to get blog updates via email? Click HERE. Ready to buy or sell? Schedule an appointment or call 303.746.6896. You can also like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter.As always, your referrals are deeply appreciated. -- The ideas and strategies described in this blog [...]
