Robin Gerlach- Realtor
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Here are 5 ways you can make your home purchase more affordable either on your cash to close or your monthly payment.
1.) 2-1 buydown. This is a seller subsidy on the rate of your loan that buys down your rate by 2% in year one and 1% in year two. It gets you two years of a more affordable payment however you need to qualify for the payment you would have in year 3 and you should prepare for that payment in year 3 by not expecting rates to go down. It’s a temporary relief on your monthly payment.
2.) Gift funds- Lenders allow “gift funds” from family as long as that family member signs an affidavit saying they don’t expect you to pay them back. This is common with today’s first time home buyers.
3.) Negotiate the Price Down- Surprise! Home prices are negotiable, you can negotiate down the price.
4.) Add a co-signer on the Mortgage- This is also very common for today’s first time home buyers, adding a family or friend as a co-signer. The co-signer has to qualify for that mortgage payment with their debt-to-income ratio and their credit. It’s an added payment responsibility for the co-signer if they wish to buy another home or car, this payment counts on their DTI ratio.
5.) There are down payment assistance programs that help first time home buyers get into home ownership. The most common one here in CO is CHFA. The mortgage rate might be higher but you can get into homeownership with less money down.
Housing market update from in October 2025.
Although we saw appreciation in the market, it is still a top-heavy market and affordability remains a concern for first time home buyers.
As always, reach out with any questions if you’re thinking of making a move. I’m here to help you put together a strategy.
06/11/2025
Something special just hit the market in Athmar Park.
951 S Osage is ready for a new homeowner.
Here are some of the features of this charming home:
✅ New coat of paint on the exterior,
✅ Newly painted throughout the interior
✅ NEW furnace
✅ NEW A/C
✅ NEW carpet.
✅ 3 bedrooms
✅ 2 bathrooms (hard to find in Athmar Park)
✅ Detached 2-car garage
✅ Newly xeriscaped yard for easy maintenance and less water use.
List price: $525,000
Located just one block from and a quick run or bike ride over to Huston Lake Park (most underrated park in Denver in my opinion). Also quick access to South Broadway, downtown and 285 or 6th Ave. Schedule a showing or message me for more info.
03/27/2025
The cool thing about parenting is that you’re constantly learning about yourself. Our kids are always teaching us more about ourselves, how we react, how we model our own parents and how we can be better for them.
Two of the best parenting books I’ve read, or am still reading, are “Good Inside” by Becky Kennedy (see second slide) and “The Whole-Brain Child” by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. I’m listening to Good Inside on Audible.
I think every parent should read these. Heck, even if you’re not a parent, you should read them. They help you understand yourself and your parents better.
is incredible at breaking down the challenges of parenting and how to just connect with our kids.
My main takeaways from this book are:
1.) Connection before convincing- we as parents often want to convince our kids to behave a certain way or do a certain thing or avoid a certain thing. Connecting with them first will help them overcome many of their struggles. Read the book for tips on connection and why it matters psychologically.
2.) Raising resilient kids > raising happy kids- The goal of parents should not be “to just make the kids happy”. Then you end up preventing them from learning how to overcome struggles. By raising resilient kids they’ll learn to overcome more and in turn have more joy from their strength and independence.
3.) Behavior is a window- this is true for all humans but when someone is acting out in an undesirable behavior, it’s just a window to a deeper problem. What’s really going on behind the window is the source of this behavior. Connection first then get to the root of the behavior.
There are so many more great pieces of wisdom in these two books. If you’ve already read them feel free to share what your takeaways were. It takes a village to raise little humans and the more we know ourselves, the better parents we can be, thus the better our future will be.
02/11/2025
🏡 Welcome to the Beville House in Arapahoe Acres—a Mid-Century Modern gem!
✨ This historic neighborhood, with influences by Frank Lloyd Wright & European International Style, is one of Denver Metro’s most prestigious.
Step inside to classic MCM charm—a brick fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed beams, & brand-new cork plank flooring. The thoughtfully updated kitchen features Richlite countertops & eucalyptus cabinets for a sustainable touch.
With 3 bedrooms + a dedicated office/flex space, this home offers privacy & connection in a beautifully designed layout. The primary suite opens to a serene backyard oasis.
When you buy in Arapahoe Acres, you’re not just buying a home—you’re becoming part of history. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of this iconic community!
📍 1313 E Cornell Ave
🔑 Schedule your showing today!
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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200 Columbine Street Suite 500
Denver, CO
80002
