Inexpensive, Fun-Filled Activities to do in Denver, CO This Summer!
Come on down to Denver where the sun is hotter and the air is thinner. Denverites enjoy spending the summer months outside, usually doing something active but the activities listed below include a wide variety of interests. We will be featuring different events every week since there are so many great things happening this summer in Denver!
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Come to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science every Thursday this summer for cocktails, education, and fun!
Every Thursday, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science opens their doors for person’s 21 and up to enjoy cocktails while learning about a new topic each time. Tickets are $12 for non-members and $10 for members.
- FREE: First Friday Art Walk. These happen the First Friday of every month – June 7, July 5, August 2, and September 6. Experience artwork from galleries along the Sante Fe Art District (Along Sante Fe between 8th Avenue-12th Avenue). Most galleries offer drinks for free but do appreciate donations.
- Like movies? Well, there are a ton of great venues hosting outdoor movies this summer: Film on the Rocks,
Come enjoy a movie under the stars and the gorgeous surroundings at Red Rocks this summer!
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO. Enjoy a hit movie while basking in the beautiful surroundings. Tickets are $12 in advance and $13 at the door. Before the movie, you will also enjoy either a comedian or band before the movie starts and audience contests; Southwest Movies at Skyline Park, Skyline Park, Downtown Denver, this event is FREE and is open to kids and pets; Larimer Square Summer Film Series, open to the public with the option to reserve a table ($20, per showing, per person) at one of 11 great restaurants within Larimer Square. Film nights are: June 6th, July 11th, August 1, and September 12th each with a different movie at 6 and at 8:30. All proceeds benefit participating non-profit organizations, Larimer Arts Association, and Denver Film Society; Civic Center Bike-In Movie Series, Civic Center Park, Downtown Denver. FREE and open to the public. Bike (or use other methods of transportation) to this free outdoor movie event! Bike racks will be provided. Dates are July 18, August 2, August 16, and September 13.
- Who doesn’t enjoy FREE live music? Check out the
Come downtown this Saturday to experience Denver’s Day of Rock with live bands throughout the day – all along the 16th Street Mall.
Denver Day of Rock, this Saturday, May 25th all along the 16th Street Mall in Downtown Denver; City Park Jazz come experience live jazz music for FREE every Sunday night in June and July in City Park – 6-8pm Rain or Shine.
- Downtown Denver Arts Festival, May 24th-26th, Denver Performing Arts Complex. Come check out local art work while enjoying the sunshine this Memorial Day Weekend.
There are so many activities, so little time! Hopefully, everyone has a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend! Stay tuned next week for even more fun-filled activities for you and your family to enjoy! 
Sometimes Renting is a Much More Economical Option Than Buying: Top 10 Cities
A recent article posted at NBCNews.com Business uses Zillow’s Break Even Horizon to determine the top 10 cities where renting is more economically sound than buying and how long it takes on average to break even if purchasing a home. This figure is calculated based on the net cost of purchasing a home vs. renting the same house. Here are the top 10 cities renting costs less than buying:
1.
Top 10 Cities Where Renting is more economical than buying: New York City.
New York City, NY. Zillow Break Even Horizon: 5 Years; Zillow Rental Index: $2,016; Annual Change in Zillow Rent Index: 19.4%
Renting an apartment in the city would save more money than purchasing a home unless you were going to be living in NYC for more than 5 years. The average home price is $462,500. A 20% down payment is going to be $93,000 for a home this much and with the current rate of 3.277% and a 30 year fixed mortgage, you are looking at a monthly mortgage payment of $2,145 which is higher than the current rental index.
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Top 10 cities where renting is more economical than purchasing: Seattle, WA.
Seattle, WA. Zillow Break Even Horizon: 4.3 Years; Zillow Rental Index: $1,850; Annual Change in Zillow Rent Index: 4.7%
Waterfront property in Seattle averages about $392,200 as of December 2012.
3.
Top 10 cities where renting is more economical than purchasing: Boston, MA.
Boston, MA. Zillow Break Even Horizon: 3.9 Years; Zillow Rental Index: $2,299; Annual Change in Zillow Rent Index: 11.3%
Based on 25 new single family homes for sale in Boston, MA, the average home costs $727,200. A 20% down payment is $145,000 with a 3.277% interest rate, your monthly mortgage payment would be $3,334. Renting in Boston on average would be a monthly savings of $1,035.
Washington, D.C. and San Francisco, CA tied for 4th for the amount of years it would take to break even if purchasing a home.
4.
Top 10 cities where renting is more economical than purchasing: Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. Zillow Break Even Horizon: 3.7 Years; Zillow Rental Index: $2,439; Annual Change in Zillow Rent Index: 7%
There has been an increase in new home development in the D.C. area. As of December last year, the average home cost $402,400 which is up by 10%.
4.
Top 10 cities where renting is more economical than purchasing: San Francisco.
San Francisco, CA. Zillow Break Even Horizon: 3.9 Years; Zillow Rental Index: $3,281; Annual Change in Zillow Rent Index: 12%
San Fran has seen an 18% increase in home sale prices year after year! Currently, the average home costs $770,600. A 20% down payment of $154,000 with the current interest rate of 3.277% would be a $3,529 monthly payment. By renting, you would save on average of $248 a month.
5.
Top 10 cities where renting is more economical than purchasing: Portland, OR
Portland, OR. Zillow Break Even Horizon: 3.6 Years; Zillow Rental Index: $1,423; Annual Change in Zillow Rent Index: 8.6%
Portland has the most bike commuters in the U.S. Last year, 21.49% of homes sold were sold at a loss, but the average value of homes has risen 8.8% ($257,400).
6.
Top 10 cities where renting is more economical than purchasing: San Diego.
San Diego, CA. Zillow Break Even Horizon: 3.4 Years; Zillow Rental Index: $2,116; Annual Change in Zillow Rent Index: 2.9%
The average San Diego home value is up 11% making the average home $404,100.
Los Angeles, CA and San Jose, CA tied for 7th place based upon the number of years it would take to break even after purchasing a home in either location.
7.
Top 10 cities where renting is more economical than purchasing: Los Angeles.
Los Angeles, CA. Zillow Break Even Horizon: 3.3 Years; Zillow Rental Index: $2,311; Annual Change in Zillow Rent Index: 2.3%
Los Angeles has a very high unemployment rate and the home rates dropped about 35% which actually makes L.A. more affordable for home owners. The average home costs $399,800 which was up by 9.7% as of December 2012. If you put down a 20% payment of $80,000 with the 3.277 interest rate with a fixed 30 year mortgage, your monthly payment is going to be $1,863.
7.
Top 10 cities where renting is more economical than purchasing: San Jose, CA.
San Jose, CA. Zillow Break Even Horizon: 3.3 Years; Zillow Rental Index: $2,513; Annual Change in Zillow Rent Index: 4.5%
San Jose, CA has a lot more people interested in purchasing homes since the average annual income is $92,500. San Jose has a very high employment rate with over 6,000 technology companies. The average home in San Jose is $544,600 so if you put down 20% ($109,000) + 3.277% + 30 years = $2,514 monthly mortgage payment which is $1 higher per month than the current rental index!
8.
Top 10 cities where renting is more economical than purchasing: Denver, CO.
Denver, CO. Zillow Break Even Horizon: 2.8 Years; Zillow Rental Index: $1,468; Annual Change in Zillow Rent Index: 9.3%
As of December 2012, Denver’s average home value was up by 14.1% with the average home costing $233,700.
9.
Top 10 cities where renting is more economical than purchasing: Austin, TX.
Austin, TX. Zillow Break Even Horizon: 2.7 Years; Zillow Rental Index: $1,516; Annual Change in Zillow Rent Index: 6.2%
At the end of last year, Austin had an overall home value increase of 4.7% = $209,900.
10.
Top 10 cities where renting is more economical than purchasing: Nashville, TN.
Nashville, TN. Zillow Break Even Horizon: 2.6 Years; Zillow Rental Index: $1,190; Annual Change in Zillow Rent Index: 3.8%
The average home cost is now $140,000, which is up by 6%.
Most of the cities listed above experienced an overall increase last year in their median home values which is great news overall for the market!
Our Thoughts Go Out to Everyone That Was Injured at the Boston Marathon!
A member of the corporate housing industry was seriously injured at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15th along with her 5-year old son and boyfriend. Rebekah Gregory is an Account Executive with Preferred Corporate Housing out of Houston, TX. Rebekah and her boyfriend are currently in stable condition, but are still undergoing treatment for several injuries to their legs and arms. Rebekah’s son, Noah, is recovering from his injuries to his lungs.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rebekah and Noah Gregory who were severely injured at the Boston Marathon on April 15th!
A donation account has been established with a local bank in Houston, Amegy Bank of Texas, for anyone who wants to help Rebekah and her family during this difficult time. These recent events are terrible and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been affected by this tragedy!!
Preferred Corporate Housing wishes to raise funds to help Rebekah and her son get their lives back to normal. They wish to help with the cost of rehab, housing, meals, and their medical bills. Rebekah Gregory is the sole beneficiary of all funds donated and 100% will go towards helping the Gregory family.
To donate, make checks payable to “Rebekah Gregory Benefit Fund” and mail them to:
Rebekah Gregory Benefit Fund, 9119 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024.
If you would like to offer other means of support, please contact Michelle Velasquez at Preferred Corporate Housing – 800.960.0102 ext 21.
The Corporate Housing Providers Association has shared the Gregory’s story with everyone within the Corporate Housing industry and we wanted to spread the word even further to increase support for a member of our extended team! Thank you to Northeast Suites for donating an apartment to the Gregory family while they are recovering in Boston!
Come Learn About Investing in Real-Estate
Personal Real Estate Investor Magazine is hosting the Investor Provider Leadership Summit in Baltimore, MD April 25th-26th at the Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel, 101 W Fayette St, Baltimore MD 21201.
The Investor Provider Leadership Summit is next week April 25-26, 2013 in Baltimore, MD – don’t wait to register for this amazing event!
Become familiar with strategies, service leaders, providers, and side channels that could increase your overall sales and revenue. The past event was very successful in producing hundreds of property sales to both domestic and international property investors.
Learn more about how you can make money from investment properties and hear from our very own Kimberly Smith of AvenueWest Managed Corporate Housing with her segment on the “High Margin Rental Niche.”
Don’t hesitate to register for this great event – there are only a few seats left! We hope to see you there!
Give back through travel:)
How do you give back? a Family, a baby, a bike, 5000km, 5 counties, a Crazy Dream!
New Statistics About Facebook Users and Future Implications for the Site
Facebook is still one of the top social media sites used today but these recent statistics are showing some unfavorable results for the company.
A recent PEW poll found that 61% of Facebook users are taking more frequent breaks for a few weeks at a time on Facebook and all age groups are decreasing their overall time spent on the site.
- 38% of Facebook users ages 18-29 are planning on spending much less time on the site this year which is disheartening for them since this is the primary demographic that the majority of advertisements are geared to.
- 67% of adults that use the internet are Facebook users but that still doesn’t mean they are actively using this site. In fact, 1 in 5 adults said they were no longer using Facebook at all.
- 23% of users over the age of 50 have already decreased their Facebook time this past year; 34% between the ages of 30-49; and 42% for those 18-29 year’s old.
- Why are these majorities not using Facebook as much anymore, 21% say it’s because they don’t have the time. 10% of respondents said they weren’t interested in the site any longer while another 10% said that it lacks “compelling content.” 9% said that it was too full of drama and gossip from their friends and 8% of the people were worried that they were addicted to Facebook.
- 59% of responders said that the sharing thoughts and pictures on Facebook is still as important to them as it was a year ago while 28% said that it wasn’t anymore.
The most recent PEW research statistics found some shocking answers about Facebook users!
I wonder what the future implications for Facebook will be in light of these recent findings. Is Facebook’s reign coming to an end? Are other social media sites becoming more popular than Facebook? Or do people just not have the time to spend using these sites any longer?
Let us know what you think. We would love to hear from you!
Denver Fun-Filled Easter Events for Families Going on This Weekend
As you are aware, Easter is this Sunday. In lieu of this festive celebration, there are some events and brunches especially for kids and their parents.
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This Saturday, the Mile High Flea Market in Denver is hosting an Easter egg hunt free for kids 12 and under.
Easter Bunny Candy Hunt: This Saturday, March 30th from 9am-12pm at the Mile High Flee Market. Children 12 and under are free.
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Come celebrate Easter in style at the Denver Aquarium this weekend with breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Saturday and brunch on Sunday.
Breakfast and Brunch with the Easter Bunny: This Saturday, March 30th from enjoy breakfast with the Easter Bunny beginning at 8:30am at the Denver Aquarium. On Easter Sunday, March 31st, come back to the Aquarium for a gourmet Easter Brunch. Ticket prices range from $11-$35. Please call to RSVP for both events at 303-561-4450.
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Come for brunch and an egg hunt at St. Julien Hotel and Spa in Boulder this Sunday.
Easter Brunch at St. Julien: On Easter Sunday, come to Boulder for a memorable Easter Brunch at St. Julien Hotel and Spa. The Easter Bunny will be there for an egg hunt at 11:30am and again at 1:00pm. Tickets range between $19.95-$49.95. Please call 720-406-9696 to reserve your tickets.
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Celebrate Easter this year with Calvary Apostolic Church in Denver.
Experience the Victory of Easter: On Easter Sunday, Calvary Ap0stolic Church will be sharing the story of Easter with a youth drama, children’s choir, praise and worship, orchestra, and sanctuary choir from 10:00am-12:00pm and is free for all.
We wish everyone a wonderful Easter weekend! Enjoy
San Francisco are you Ready for the 34th America’s Cup?
The 2013 America’s Cup is coming back to San Francisco this July. If you are going to be in San Francisco during this time, be sure to catch some of the action and excitement as you watch teams sailing in wing-sailed catamarans over 30 MPH! The event features the best teams from all over the world!
Preceding the America’s Cup are two seasons of the America’s Cup World Series – the 2011-2012 AC World Series was finished on July 1, 2012 in Newport, RI and the 2012-2013 AC World Series is happening in both Naples and San Francisco and finishes this May prior to the America’s Cup in July.
For more information on accommodations, attractions, and everything else San Francisco, please click here.
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- Celebrate the 34th America’s Cup this July in San Francisco, CA!
It’s Time for Boston’s Winter Restaurant Week – Eat Great Food While Helping a Local Charity
Don’t miss these fabulous deals at some amazing Bostonian restaurants this week only during Restaurant Week!
If you are a native or a visitor to Boston and surrounding suburbs and cities, then be sure to try a new or favorite restaurant for $38.13 for a 3-course dinner. Lunches are included in restaurant week too for 2-courses, pay only $15.13 and 3-courses, $20.13. All prices are for a price-fixed menu and exclude drinks, tax, and tip.
The types of eateries include:
- Steakhouses
- Italian
- Sushi
- Asian
- Argentinian
- French
- Tapas
Lineage: One of the participating restaurants for Restaurant Week Boston.
For a list of all participating restaurants, click here.
Cinquecento: A Restaurant Week Boston Choice
Every year a local charity is selected as a partner. This year, the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau and American Express are donating $5,000 to First Night, Inc.
2013 Boston’s Restaurant Week’s Local Charity
which is dedicated to building community and diversity through the arts. All participating restaurants are donating $100 gift certificates to First Night’s Fund Raising Auction that started March 18th-April 4th. To support First Night, click on the link to see all auction items and place your bid today before it’s too late!
Enjoy great food for great prices and help your local communities by supporting First Night. Enjoy!
Business Travelers: Travel Insurance is a Must Have for all Business Trips!
You wouldn’t want to drive without auto insurance or have a house without home owner’s insurance so why would you ever want to travel without insurance either? Travel Insurance is so important especially when traveling oversees but can come in handy for any trip. Even if your company pays for your health insurance, there is a very good chance that you won’t have any coverage oversees and in some cases, you might not have any across states depending on your plan. Travel insurance will cover the cost of injuries, illnesses, accidents, cancellations, etc.
Travel Insurance covers for all of this and much more! Don’t travel anywhere without it!
Nomadic Matt is a travel blogger that has been traveling all over the world since 2006. He gives sound travel advice and recently wrote all about Travel Insurance which is where we get our inspiration and information for today’s post.
Here is a list of tips for finding the right Travel Insurance policy for YOU:
- Find a plan with a high coverage limit to take care of all medical expenses. Most will cover up to $100,000 USD but paying higher premiums will up the coverage amount. Find a plan that will take care of all of your potential health costs so that you won’t have to pay out of pocket.
- Be sure to find a plan that covers emergency evacuation – for both natural disasters and health related injuries/illnesses. The coverage for this is generally $300,000 USD.
- Remember that Travel Insurance is not a health insurance substitute but is for any accidents that might happen while you are abroad.
Good Travel Insurance policies should include:
- Coverage for emergencies that arise that cut your travel plans short;
- Coverage for trip cancellations, hotel bookings, flights, trains, autos, etc.;
- Coverage for lost or stolen items including baggage, documents, jewelry, etc.;
- Coverage for your electronics (cameras, iPods, laptops, iPads, tablets, etc.)
- Coverage for personal accidents;
- Coverage of any legal expenses that may be incurred;
- Coverage for any sudden illnesses or injury;
- Coverage for most countries in the world (especially the one(s) you are going to);
- Provide 24 Hour Emergency services and financial coverage if you get stuck in another country
What Travel Insurance won’t cover:
- Injury to person’s on the road;
- Alcohol or drug related incidents;
- Carelessness in handling your baggage and possessions;
- Recklessness – this is defined by the particular insurance company so be sure to clarify what your company’s definition is.
Proper steps for faster claim filing:
- Have all of your receipts and documentation for everything you need reimbursement for. If you have a police report, be sure to include this as well.
- Be prepared to wait for reimbursement but if you have given the company everything they need to file the claim, chances are you will get your money back much sooner.
Where to get started:
- www.insuremytrip.com provides plan comparisons from multiple insurance companies all on one site.
- www.worldnomads.com comes highly rated by lots of worldwide travelers: Nomadic Matt says “They are very reputable and claims are quickly and fairly processed. I used them because they are the official partner of National Geographic, now I stay with them because they are awesome. While their insurance policy is similar to many of the other companies…I enjoy World Nomads because I can purchase and renew my insurance policy online in a matter of minutes, they have a very friendly and responsive staff who answer questions and help solve problems via social media, and they have great customer feedback. They tend to be the most responsive out there.”
With any decision, research is key to find the company that will fit your specific needs. Be sure to consider all of the above when narrowing down the right company.
We hope that from now on, Travel Insurance is always another business expense whenever you are traveling and wish safe journeys to all!
Don’t travel without Insurance or else you would be paying out of pocket for this!
