Investing in today's Denver real estate market is all about research, patience, and timing. The Denver Post tends to summarize the national scene while mentioning Denver with a broad brush description of downward trends. In fact, there are many markets, sub markets and niche communities in clear contrast to parts of Aurora, North Denver, and Adams County where foreclosures are the dominant trend.

Amidst the deluge of information, facts must be sorted out, candidates for investment evaluated carefully, and wise choices made. Strategy is everything and the team approach is the only one that works, including:

1. Research Realtors: Interview several agents until you find the right combination  of market specific knowledge, negotiating savvy, and overall chemistry to make the creative process thorough, grounded, and profitable. Given the size of your investment, why shouldn’t this be fun?. (portion deleted) While in the buying process, be sure your agent will not "sell" you a house, but act as a professional consultant to help you find a wise investment you will cherish.

2. Compare Lenders: Like surgical teams, agents have a full compliment of allied professionals, each the best in their craft. From their referrals, compare, get pre-qualified, and complete your financial strategy  before shopping properties. Become a virtual cash Buyer with your loan pre-approved, subject  only to a  purchase contract and appraisal.

3. Window Shopping:  Leave your check book at home and gather research. If you have a home to sell, the “What If Buying” process must be thorough before the “For Sale” sign goes in your front yard.

4. Writing Project: Make three lists, "Needs" and "Wants", describing the criteria for your investment as well as "Why Move", your motivations for the entire adventure. Not a dissertation, they can be brief. This will help your (deletes) project be more rational than emotional, and give you a reliable road map, a compass built just for you.

5. Choose Locations Wisely. Generally, no matter what the price, forget properties on busy streets, those exposed to noise pollution and nearby large power lines, homes with no basements, as well as  neighborhoods with high proportions of rental properties.

6. Know Your Game Plan; It will change. As you research and compare properties, new information will lead to refining your game plan in ways unforeseen at the outset. Make sure to allow enough time for the process to unfold so that  you’ll continue to enjoy your new home as long as possible.