Madison & Company Properties Blog

Featured Agent || Vanessa McClanahan

Vanessa is a proud Denver native and as a reflection of that, she is passionate about cooking, biking, yoga, gardening and social gatherings. Her passions include the art of calligraphy, make-up artistry and most importantly, family.

What is your birth order and how do you think it affects you?
I’m the oldest of 5 siblings. I think being the oldest has made me more independent and driven to succeed.

If you could hire someone from any profession to come into your home and do their job at no cost to you, what would this person be doing?
I would absolutely have someone come in and organize everything in my closets, my office, and even my garage!

Tell about three hobbies you have enjoyed over your lifetime. Are they still a part of your life today? Gardening, biking, and yoga. Gardening has taken the wayside due to less free time in my life and in order to nurture a healthy, thriving garden requires more attention than I can give right now. I do love it though and plan on doing it on a smaller scale. I bike- I LOVE the freedom of being outside on 2 wheels getting fresh air around town or in the mountains. Yoga will always be a part of me.

I love the freedom of being outside on 2 wheels getting fresh air around town or in the mountains.

Describe your first car. How long did you keep it?
My first car was a white, hardtop ’91 Jeep Wrangler. I loved it! Too bad I never took it 4 wheeling lol! I had it for 3 years.

What organizations are you involved in outside of work?
Previously I was involved with Denver Urban Gardens. I’ve also been involved with Impact- Sack lunches for the homeless.

Who would play you in the movie of your life? I think Angelina Jolie. She can portray the strong female lead that would represent my life. Through perseverance, and trials & tribulations of being a female, single parent, who struggled to do what’s best for her family while discovering herself through love, mistakes, tears, laughs, and success!

Featured Agent || Bridget D’Angelo

Bridget D’Angelo connects with the community by helping others cultivate their prosperity through real estate. Although investing in real estate provides a strong foundation for monetary wealth she believes that true prosperity comes from living a life surrounded by people and experiences that elevate one’s self and others. By working closely with clients that are like-minded Bridget connects on a level that goes deeper than square footage, number of bedrooms and school districts. Being able to understand and respect the long-term goals and motivations of the families she helps – not just in real estate but holistically – gives Bridget the ability to truly contribute to the prosperity of the people she works with.

What has changed since you got into real estate?
I watched the market change to a seller’s market right in front of my eyes. I started working as an assistant 6 years ago when I could set 7 showings on a Wednesday for Saturday and they’d all still be available. Fast forward 4 months and my boss was showing houses almost every night as they’d be gone by the weekend!

What are five adjectives to describe the most satisfying experience in your business?
Joyous, content, proud, delighted, relieved

Why did you get into real estate?
I got into real estate for the flexibility to be present with my family while helping provide as well!

What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far?

Don’t count your commission until its closed.
If it’s not written down, it never happened.
It is ALWAYS your client’s decision; you are just a guide.

What is your proudest moment at Madison?
Being the #3 producing agent in April!

What are 3 words you would use to describe Madison?
Family, fun, respect

What separates Madison from the competition?
Madison has a boutique feel with the backing of a large company so I can serve my clients in my own way and still provide them all of the support and protection they deserve

What are your hopes for the real estate industry?
Inventory! We are seeing a shift, but I hope that we can continue to add affordable and entry-level housing to balance out our market.

We are seeing a shift, but I hope that we can continue to add affordable and entry-level housing to balance out our market.

What is your favorite neighborhood in Denver and why?
Platt Park! I’m biased because it’s where I live but it has great walkability, adorable charm, and great access to the highway!

What’s your favorite spot in Denver and why?
Sushi Den – the food is fantastic and the people watching is great. We like to get a 2 top table by the window and watch the valet

What is the most satisfying moment in your workday?
Getting my inbox to zero!

What’s one tool you can’t do without?
Gmail – it runs my life

What does it look like when you’re cooking in the kitchen?
Controlled chaos? My husband and I are both control freaks when it comes to cooking, so it’s usually one of us doing the other cooking and the other sitting at the island having a glass of wine!

What is your birth order and how do you think it affects you?
I am the 2^nd of two, so the baby. I was the rebel and my sister was the rule follower. I think my disdain for being told what to do made me very interested in being a real estate agent!

I think my disdain for being told what to do made me very interested in being a real estate agent!

If you could hire someone from any profession to come into your home and do their job at no cost to you, what would this person be doing?
Design. I love a well-designed home but I am awful at it.

Describe your first car. How long did you keep it?
It was a 1992, blue, Jeep Cherokee. My best friend (that I met on the first day of kindergarten and is still my best friend) had the exact same car. It wasn’t on purpose but it was pretty epic. I had it for about 2 years.

What organizations are you involved in outside of work?
I work with the Junior League of Denver. It’s a women’s training and volunteerism organization with a current focus on improving child literacy. I am in charge of the silent and live auction at one of our biggest fundraisers.

What are your three most overused words/phrases?
Fair. Super. I can appreciate that.

What is the one thing you can’t live without?
Cheese!

What is your hidden talent?
I can belch louder than most men.

If you were on a sitcom, what would be your catchphrase?
Let’s get a drink!

Who would play you in the movie of your life?
Jennifer Lawrence! I saw her at Heathrow airport and told her I loved her…..she responded with “thanks” haha

Featured Agent || Eric Golden

Eric was born and raised in Colorado and is a graduate of Standley Lake High School. He has extensive knowledge regarding the Denver Metro Area new construction along with the retro market. Having previous experience working with new construction and custom builders has carried over wonderfully to be able to best serve his clients as a real estate agent. Spend just a few minutes with Eric and you will soon understand that he will put his client’s needs first. He truly listens and then works incredibly hard to make sure the desires and wishes of his client’s needs are met.

What has changed since you got into real estate?
More freedom to control my schedule, which has allowed me to spend more time with my family and pursue other interests.

What are five adjectives to describe the most satisfying experience in your business?
Happy, Determined, Confident, Successful, Proud

Why did you get into real estate?
Real Estate had always interested me, I was working a sales job that where management and I didn’t see eye to eye, and was at a point I had to make a change. After talking to an agent that I knew about getting into the business he gave me an opportunity to join his team and mentor me. I jumped at the opportunity and never looked back.

What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far?

Communication is most important in this business.
Surround yourself with good people that support you
Never stop learning

What is your proudest moment at Madison?
Finishing 3^rd in December 2017, just 4 months after I left the team I was on and became an individual agent.

What are 3 words you would use to describe Madison?
Supportive, knowledgeable, committed

What separates Madison from the competition?
The support they give their agents and the way they will go above and beyond to help you out when needed is wonderful.

What are your hopes for the real estate industry?
My hope is for the market in Colorado to stay strong but I would also love to see more inventory to help out all of the buyer needs that we currently face.

What’s your favorite spot in Denver and why?
Red Rocks, I love live music, we go to multiple concerts a year and the best place for live Music is Red Rocks

What is the most satisfying moment in your workday?
Getting my clients under contract

What’s one tool you can’t do without?
My CRM, Top Producer

What does it look like when you’re cooking in the kitchen?
It’s a disaster so my wife does most the cooking.

What is one thing not many people know about you?
Along with being a real estate agent, I am a musician playing guitar and singing country music playing gigs a few time a month.

What is your birth order and how do you think it affects you?
I am the oldest, I think it helps me with leadership and matured me early in life

If you could hire someone from any profession to come into your home and do their job at no cost to you, what would this person be doing?
Landscaping

Tell about three hobbies you have enjoyed over your lifetime. Are they still a part of your life today?

Bull Riding, did this in my late teens and early 20’s, I no longer do this due to many injuries
Crossfit, still do this every day, working out is one of my favorite things to do
Music, I have a strong passion for music, singing and playing guitar, I get to do this as much as possible.

Describe your first car. How long did you keep it?
1988 Chevy Blazer, had it or 6 months

What is the one thing you can’t live without?
My wife, she keeps our life running smoothly

Finding a Denver Farmers Market Near You [INFOGRAPHIC]

Here’s your 2018 Guide to Farmer’s Markets in Colorado this summer! Download and print the infographic below.

Saturdays

Denver
Cherry Creek Fresh Market (Map)
1st & University (Cherry Creek Mall)
May 5 – Oct 27 | 8am – 1pm

Golden
Golden Farmers Market (Map)
1019 10th Street
Jun 2 – Oct 6 | 8am – 1pm

Greeley
Greeley Farmers’ Market (Map)
902 7th Street
May 19 – Oct 27 | 8am – 12pm

Lakewood
Colorado Local Farmers’ Market (Map)
9077 W Alameda Avenue
Jun 16 – Sep 29 | 10am – 2pm

Littleton
Denver Farmers’ Market (Map)
8501 W Bowles
Jun 16 – Sep 29 | 10am – 2pm

Louisville
Louisville Farmers Market (Map)
824 Front Street
May 19 – Oct 13 | 9am – 1pm

Westminster
Westminster Market (Map)
5255 W 98th Avenue
June 4 – September 24 | 9:30am – 1:30pm

Sundays

ARVADA
57th & Olde Wadsworth (Map)
June – Sept | 9am – 1:30pm

COLORADO SPRINGS
Cordera (Map)
11894 Grand Lawn Circle
Jun 3 – Sep 9 | 10am – 3pm

DENVER (HIGHLANDS)
The Farmers’ Market at Highlands Square (Map)
32nd Avenue, Near Lowell & Newton
Jun 3 – Sep 30 | 8am – 12pm

DENVER (CENTRAL)
Sullivan Fountain, across from the Tattered Cover (Map)
E Colfax Avenue & Columbine Street
Jun 3 – Oct 28 | 9am – 1pm

DENVER (STAPLETON)
Stapleton Founder’s Green (Map)
East 29th Avenue & Roslyn Street
Jun 17 – Oct 14 | 8:30am – 12:30pm

DENVER (OLD SOUTH PEARL)
South Pearl Street Farmers Market (Map)
1500 Block of South Pearl Street
May 20 – Nov 18 | 9am – 1pm

HIGHLANDS RANCH
Highlands Ranch Town Center Square (Map)
9288 Dorchester Street
May 6 – Oct 28 | 10am – 12pm

WESTMINSTER
14458 Delaware Street (Map)
Jun 3 – Oct 30 | 9am – 2pm

Click image to enlarge. To download, right click and select “save image as…”

[INFOGRAPHIC] June 27th is Bike to Work Day!

Find the Perfect Colorado Fishing Spot This Summer

This post first appeared on Colorado.com

With 8,000 miles of rivers and more than 2,000 lakes, Colorado fishing is some of the best, and most abundant, anywhere — not to mention the natural beauty that surrounds it all. Fly-fishers, ice-fishers and pure rod-and-reelers find plenty of places to drop their line in Colorado.

Colorado fishing licenses are available the first of April each year and are good through March 31 of the following year. One-day and five-day passes can also be purchased through Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

Region by region, here are a few quick details on where to find good fishing in Colorado.

NORTHWEST REGION:

Trout heaven is right here on earth, and it’s called the Fryingpan River just east of Basalt below Ruedi Reservoir. Be ready to play catch-and-release with some of the best fly-fishers around in these Gold Medal waters. Find a little more elbow room on the Roaring Fork River and Colorado River or at Trappers, Pearl Lake State Park or Steamboat Lake State Park.

SOUTH CENTRAL REGION

Named for the late, great Denver Post outdoor writer’s old stomping grounds, Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area is also known as the “dream stream.” The hot spot is located on the South Platte River between Spinney Mountain State Park and Eleven Mile State Park east of Hartsel.

DENVER METRO REGION

The Denver area has a hefty helping of reservoir and lake fishing at places like Cherry Creek State Park, Chatfield State Park and Standley Lake, but what’s truly wild about Denver are the streams and rivers that come down from the mountains, which are full of clear water. Try Clear Creek Canyon near Golden or South Boulder Creek near Boulder for starters.

FRONT RANGE REGION

While the trout fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park is so good that it almost hurts, there’s also amazing walleye and smallmouth fishing at Horsetooth Reservoir, Boyd Lake State Park and Carter Lake, all between Denver and Fort Collins.

SOUTHWEST REGION

The high-mountain Blue Lakes north of Telluride are bluer than the Caribbean and full of native cutthroat trout. Also legendary among southwesterners are the Gunnison Gorge, the Taylor River and Blue Mesa Reservoir near Gunnison.

SOUTHEAST REGION

Southeastern Colorado is a fisherman’s best-kept secret. Lake Meredith and John Martin Reservoir near La Junta are two of the favorite places to let the lures spin you into fishing paradise, but this is also where the Arkansas River really picks up steam with thousands of acre-feet of fisherman-friendly water.

NORTHEAST REGION

Things can get a bit dry in northeast Colorado, but that’s a good thing because water storage has reached the level of artform here. This makes Jackson Lake State Park, Prewitt, Empire and Riverside reservoirs near Sterling sure things.