Give Mom Peace of Mind

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Stone Law, LLC

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Jul 09, 2024

This month on the Legal Briefs blog …what do you get for the mom who has everything? Gift buying for someone who doesn’t need much or is simplifying their possessions may require thinking outside the box. Consider giving mom estate planning this year.

One unique idea: gifting some or all of an estate plan. Comprehensive estate planning can be an investment but is worthwhile and can give the recipient peace of mind that her family is taken care of. What mom wouldn’t appreciate that?


While planning for” what happens if…” tends to be at the bottom of everyone’s to-do list, you don’t want to wait till you need a will or trust or power of attorney to create one. Not many attorneys can draft documents or have availability to meet with clients at a moment’s notice. Leaving your planning to information and documents found on the Internet could create a mess for your family later.


At Stone Law we aim to earn your trust as compassionate, knowledgeable estate planning attorneys. We work together to tailor a plan that suits your needs.

What does estate planning mean exactly? Estate planning generally includes a will, trust, and powers of attorney.

Wills are most common and allow the naming of a guardian for minor children and beneficiaries, neither of which should be left to the whim of a government official. 

Trust planning allows for you to skip the probate process, keeping your estate details private. There are several different types of trusts. At Stone Law we have specialized knowledge in trust planning. We work with you to understand what makes the most sense for you and your family, creating a plan that meets the specific needs of your family.

Powers of attorney name trusted individuals to act on your behalf when you are unable to do so. These individuals are called fiduciaries and are legally required to act in your best interest.

  • Medical Power of Attorney: Allows someone to discuss and authorize treatment with doctors and others caring for you.
  • Financial Power of Attorney: Gives your fiduciary various powers to manage bank accounts, sign mortgage documents, pay bills, etc. and can be specific or more general covering a variety of situations.

Moms are always thinking of everyone else. This year, consider giving her the gift of peace of mind, and maybe some chocolate or flowers. Give Stone Law a call today at 877-897-6591 for more information or to set up a free initial consultation with your mom.

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How High Interest Rates Are Slowing Home Sales in the Denver Metro Are

By Brandis Meeks Nov 2026  Quick answer: are high interest rates slowing home sales in Denver?Yes. With 30-year fixed mortgage rates sitting around 7.3% in October 2026, up from about 6.3% a year earlier, Denver metro buyers are pulling back and sellers are feeling it. The Colorado Association of Realtors reported that September 2026 closed sales in the Denver metro fell 18.7% from a year earlier and pending sales dropped 12.7%. The Denver metro housing market by the numbersHere is where the market stands as of late October 2026, using the most recent data released.What the numbers say: prices are drifting lower rather than collapsing, but volume is falling hard. Fewer buyers can qualify at 7%+ rates, so homes sit longer, sellers cut prices or pay concessions, and many listings expire with no sale at all.Figures reflect the latest published reports as of October 28, 2026. Market data is revised each month, so check the sources below for updates.Why high mortgage rates slow home salesThree forces are working together in the Denver metro.1. Monthly payments jump. On a home at the $565,000 metro median with 20% down ($452,000 loan), principal and interest at 7.32% is about $3,105 a month. At last year's 6.34% rate, the same loan was about $2,810. That is roughly $295 more per month, or about $3,500 a year, for the identical house. For buyers already stretched by Denver prices, that gap is often the difference between qualifying and not.2. The lock-in effect keeps sellers on the sidelines. Many Denver homeowners locked in mortgages at 3% to 4% during 2020 and 2021. Local agents quoted by the Denver Gazette have noted that moving to a similar home at today's rates can add $1,500 to $2,000 a month to the housing payment. Owners who don't have to sell stay put, which keeps inventory tight in some price ranges even while demand falls.3. Buyers get cautious and negotiate harder. When affordability shrinks, buyers wait, ask for repairs, and request concessions. In September, 64% of Denver metro sales included seller concessions and nearly half had price reductions. Homes that are dated, deferred-maintenance, or priced optimistically are hit hardest because they need a buyer who can both finance the purchase and absorb surprises at inspection.The result is a stalled market: fewer showings, longer days on market, and more listings that expire unsold.What this means for sellers in Denver and Surrounding CitiesThe slowdown is metro-wide, but it shows up differently depending on the home.Condos and townhomes are seeing the sharpest price pressure. The attached-home median fell 6.2% to $375,000 in September, and HOA dues make monthly payments even harder for buyers to absorb.Move-in-ready single-family homes in strong neighborhoods are still selling, but often with price cuts or concessions.Homes that need work in Aurora, Denver, Lakewood, Centennial, Littleton, Arvada, Thornton and other Front Range cities face the longest waits, because financed buyers and their lenders push back on condition.Inherited, tenant-occupied, hoarder, and storage-heavy properties are especially hard to list, since buyers must stomach cleanout costs on top of a 7% mortgage.If you list in this market, plan for a longer timeline, a possible price reduction, and repair negotiations after inspection. Carrying costs such as mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and utilities keep running the whole time. About 45% of listings that left the market in recent REcolorado data did so without selling, so a listing is not a guaranteed sale.Your options when the market is slow1. List on the MLS and wait. This can net the highest price for a turnkey home, but expect longer marketing time, buyer concessions, and repair requests. Costs include agent commissions, staging, and repairs.2. Cut the price or offer concessions. Many Denver sellers are doing this, with nearly half of September sales including a price reduction. It can speed things up but lowers your net.3. Rent the home out or hold it. This works only if the numbers cover your payment, taxes, insurance, and maintenance, and you are comfortable being a landlord.4. Sell as-is to a local cash home buyer. If you need certainty, a fast timeline, or you don't want to fix, clean, or stage the home, a direct sale removes the financing risk that high rates create. A cash buyer doesn't depend on a mortgage approval, so rate swings can't cancel the deal.How The Property Buyers can helpThe Property Buyers is a Colorado home buying company based in Aurora, founded in 2008. We have an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau. Plenty of 5 Star Google Reviews show why we are a trusted professional Cash Home Buyer. We buy houses throughout the Denver metro area:Get a No-Obligation Cash Offer for your homeAs-is condition. No repairs, no updates, no inspection haggling.No cleanout. Leave the furniture, belongings, and debris. We handle it.Close in as little as 10 business days, or on the date that fits your schedule.No agent commissions and no financing contingencies.Whether the house is inherited, tenant-occupied, in foreclosure trouble, or just not selling, call 720-650-7986 or visit thepropertybuyers.com to request a no-obligation cash offer. A cash offer may be lower than a fully renovated listing price, so compare it with your net after repairs, commissions, carrying costs, and time on the market.Frequently asked questionsAre high interest rates slowing home sales in Denver?Yes. Mortgage rates near 7.3% have cut buyer purchasing power, and the Colorado Association of Realtors reported Denver metro closed sales down 18.7% and pending sales down 12.7% year over year in September 2026.What is the mortgage rate in Colorado right now?Freddie Mac's national 30-year fixed average was 7.32% for the week of October 22, 2026, compared with 6.34% a year earlier. Colorado rates track the national average and vary by lender, credit score, and down payment.Are Denver home prices falling because of high rates?Prices are softening, not crashing. The Denver metro median price was $565,000 in September 2026, down 1.7% from a year earlier, and the attached-home median fell 6.2% to $375,000.Is it a good time to sell a house in Denver?It depends on your home and your timeline. Turnkey homes in good locations still sell, but sellers are giving more price reductions and concessions. If your home needs repairs or you need to sell quickly, selling as-is to a cash buyer can avoid the delays.Can I sell my Denver house as-is without cleaning it out?Yes. The Property Buyers buy houses as-is across the Denver metro with no cleanout required, so you can leave furniture and belongings behind.How fast can The Property Buyers close on a house?We can close in as little as 10 business days, or later if you need more time.How can I schedule a walk-through of my house?It's very easy: just call 720-650-7986 or visit thepropertybuyers.com to request a home walk-through and your no-obligation cash home offer.SourcesColoradoBiz: Colorado home sales fall as buyers pull back in the Denver metro (September 2026 data, Colorado Association of Realtors)Freddie Mac: Primary Mortgage Market SurveyMile High Title Guy: Denver metro expired listings, September 2026 (REcolorado data)Mortgage News Daily: NAR existing-home sales, September 2026Trading Economics: U.S. existing home salesDenver Gazette: Denver realtors say rates, not prices, are holding back the market (June 4, 2026)Denver Metro Association of Realtors market trendsPayment comparisons are our own calculation: 30-year fixed, 20% down on a $565,000 home, principal and interest only, excluding taxes, insurance, and HOA dues.

Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes: Are they the same?

When it comes to various housing and care communities for older adults, one of the most common misconceptions is that assisted living and nursing homes are essentially the same thing.The simple answer is, they are not. Heres how they are different:Nursing Homes Provide Skilled Medical CareNursing homes are designed for individuals who require ongoing medical supervision and skilled nursing services.Residents may:-Have complex medical conditions-Need rehabilitation after hospitalization-Require around-the-clock nursing care-Depend on specialized healthcare services, labs, medical oversight and moreMedical staff are available 24 hours a day to provide clinical care and monitor residents health in a nursing home.Assisted Living Focuses on IndependenceBy contrast, Assisted Living emphasizes lifestyle, independence, and support.Residents typically:-Live in private apartments or suites-Participate in community activities, programs and events-Receive assistance with activities of daily living, but not necessarily around the clock-Maintain greater control over their daily routinesFor many older adults, assisted living offers the right balance between support and independence. Staff provide care and guidance, but not so much that the individual is bedridden, highly monitored or restricted to a hospital-like setting.At Kavod Senior Life, Assisted Living residents enjoy the best parts of living as Kavod lifts the struggles and isolation of individual home life outside a community. Benefits include:-Three meals a day in a family-style dining environment-Activities such as music, lectures and outings (at no extra cost!)-Housekeeping, laundry and bed-making-Medication monitoring-Five wellness checks per day-On-site access to geriatric medical clinics, physical/occupational and speech therapy, and a variety of health clinics-Available add-on services (oxygen management, incontinence care and escorting to appointments around campus)-Affordable rents that are 66% below market rate in the Denver area!If youre wondering whether a nursing home or Assisted Living is right for you or your loved one, consider the tips above to help you make that decision. We are always happy to discuss your options with no obligation. Contact us today for assistance!Created with the assistance of ChatGPT

The Bridge to Independence: A Story of Integrated Care in Colorado

For years, home was a place that felt more like a memory than a reality for one senior who spent most of his time moving between hospitals and rehab centers. As someone relying on Health First Colorado, his healthcare journey was often exhausting and repetitive until he found a way to bridge the gap between needing help and wanting to stay in his own favorite chair.A Lifeline through Colorado Medicaid Remote Support ServicesEverything changed when he started a new routine that combined four hours of daily help from a caregiver with the around the clock security of Colorado Medicaid remote support services. While his caregiver focused on making sure his home was clean and his meals were delicious, the remote support team acted like a quiet guardian watching over him through the day and night. By using simple devices to check his blood pressure and oxygen levels, he was never truly alone, and his remote coordinators became familiar voices who checked in on him with a friendly call every single day.Technology that Catches the Small DetailsThe true value of this hybrid care became clear when his daily vitals showed a trend that no one would have noticed otherwise. His remote team saw his blood pressure was dropping to a level that made him feel lightheaded, and they immediately coordinated with his doctor to adjust his medication before he could have a dangerous fall. Even during a sudden bout with an infection, he was able to use his emergency button to keep everyone informed while he was being helped by paramedics, ensuring that his care team was right there with him every step of the way.Six Months of Staying Home After a lifetime of being told he needed to be in a facility, he has now spent six months thriving in his own home with only one very short hospital stay. This story proves that when we combine human heart with the power of technology, staying home is not just a dream but a reality that is accessible through programs like Colorado Medicaid.

Local Services By This Author

Stone Law, LLC

Elder Law

As we get older, life brings many challenges as well as opportunities. At Stone Law LLC, we are committed to offering kind, all-encompassing Elder Law services that guarantee your rights, desires, and the comfort of your loved ones and yours. Whether you are planning for the future, coping with an illness or have a legal issue to tackle, we are here to assist you.Elder Law addresses the specific legal concerns of the elderly and the disabled. At Stone Law LLC, we offer legal services in estate planning, long term care, Medicaid planning, guardianship and conservatorship. It is our desire to safeguard your assets, fight for your health, and make sure that your voice is heard.At Stone Law LLC, we know that the process of aging is often accompanied by uncertainty and financial problems. Thats why our method is based on compassion, courtesy, and a clear comprehension of the case before us. Our experienced Elder Law attorneys will help you and your family to identify the problems, make the decisions, and, thereby, arrive at a strategy that will address your problems.Some of the issues that we are here to assist you with include:Preserving your wealth and not losing it due to unnecessary expensesProtection of your rights as you agePreventing financial exploitation or abuse via Powers of AttorneyComprehensive Elder Law ServicesElder Law services that we offer are all-encompassing and are meant to give you and your family peace of mind as you progress in years.1. Estate PlanningEveryone should have an estate plan that is tailored to their specific needs, values, and objectives. At Stone Law LLC, we assist you to put in place a plan that will help you protect your wealth, reduce your taxes, and ensure that your loved ones are well provided for according to your wishes. Some of the services that we offer include:Preparation of wills and trustsHealthcare power of attorney and financial power of attorneyAdvanced directives and living wills2. Long-Term Care PlanningIt is important to plan for long-term care in order to preserve the financial stability as well as to have a chance to choose the type of care to be received. Our team will assist you in selecting the most appropriate means of paying for long-term care including Medicaid planning and protection of assets. We can help you:Protection of financial assets when planning for future long term care needsReview nursing home or assisted living care contractsDevelop strategies to continue your legacy even after you are gone.3. Guardianship and ConservatorshipWhen a loved one is unable to make decisions for themselves, it may be required to seek guardianship or conservatorship in order to protect their rights. At Stone Law LLC, we are aware that these are sensitive issues and we guarantee that we handle them with the necessary caution. Our attorneys can:Set you up with medical and financial powers of attorney that name people you trust in these rolesOffer information on future fiduciary duties.4. Disability PlanningFor those with disabilities and their families, we provide legal services that aim at improving the quality of life and financial security. These include:Creation of special needs trustsWe are your all-encompassing legal partners in managing the challenges of aging and disabilities at Stone Law LLC. Heres what sets us apart:We take the time to get to know you and what you hope to achieve. Every client is given an individualized strategy that is specific to their case.Our attorneys are very much concerned with your best interests and will fight for them to the best of our abilities. We approach every case with a compassionate touch.At Stone Law LLC, we know that planning for the future can be confusing, but it is one of the best gifts that you can leave for your family. Our experienced Elder Law attorneys are ready to assist you at every stage of the process and ensure that your voice is heard and your rights protected.Contact Stone Law LLC today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you create a secure and fulfilling future for yourself and your family.

Stone Law, LLC

Trust Management

At Stone Law, LLC, we specialize in helping families and individuals create comprehensive wills and trusts that provide peace of mind and protection for the future. With a commitment to advocating for the elderly and their loved ones, we work to ensure that your wishes are honored and your familys needs are met. Our  approach to estate planning reflects our dedication to protecting your legacy while addressing your unique circumstances with care and compassion.Planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your assets, loved ones, and legacy. Wills and trusts are foundational components of a comprehensive estate plan, designed to ensure your wishes are respected and your assets are distributed according to your wishes. At Stone Law, LLC, we recognize that these decisions can feel overwhelming, but we are here to guide you through every step of the process.A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets will be distributed after your passing. It also allows you to appoint guardians for minor children and specify your final wishes. On the other hand, a trust provides a more flexible way to manage and distribute your assets during your lifetime and beyond, offering potential tax benefits and protection from probate. Whether you need a simple will, a revocable living trust, or a more complex estate plan, Stone Law, LLC is equipped to help you make informed decisions tailored to your goals.At Stone Law, we offer a wide range of estate planning services, including:Drafting Wills: We help you create a legally binding document that clearly outlines your wishes for asset distribution, guardianship, and other important matters.Establishing Trusts: From revocable living trusts to irrevocable trusts, we assist in setting up trust structures that align with your financial goals and provide for your beneficiaries.Special Needs Trusts: For families with loved ones who have disabilities, we create trusts designed to protect their financial future without jeopardizing income dependent benefits.Asset Protection: We help safeguard your wealth from potential risks, ensuring that your assets are preserved for future generations.Probate Avoidance: By strategically utilizing trusts, we help minimize the time, expense, and stress associated with the probate process.Updating and Revising Estate Plans: Life is unpredictable, and your estate plan should reflect your current circumstances. We offer services to review and update your wills and trusts as needed.At Stone Law, LLC, we take pride in providing personalized service to every client. We understand that no two families are alike, which is why we take the time to get to know you, your family, and your unique needs. Customized Planning: We work closely with you to develop a plan tailored to your specific needs, values, and goals. This includes addressing aging concerns, disability planning, and other "what ifs" that could arise.Peace of Mind for Your Familys FutureCreating a will or trust isnt just about legal documentsits about securing your familys future and preserving your legacy. At Stone Law, LLC, we understand the weight of these decisions and strive to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. By working with us, youll gain confidence knowing that your family is protected and your wishes will be honored.Whether youre planning for your own future or helping aging parents navigate their estate planning needs, our team is here to help.If youre ready to take the first step in creating an estate plan, Stone Law, LLC is here for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you secure your familys future and gain peace of mind. 

Stone Law, LLC

Estate Planning

At Stone Law, LLC, it is our honor to assist you and your family through the process of estate planning with compassion, expertise, and a full appreciation of your specific situation. We are your go-to lawyer for ensuring that your rights are protected, your family is looked after, and your legacy will be kept alive for future generations.Estate planning is the process of making sure that you and your family are protected when the unexpected happens. At Stone Law, LLC, we work with clients to make the best decisions give their circumstance and financial assets. We provide a client-centered approach, which involves spending time with you and your family. It is only after understanding your needs, worries, and aspirations that we design a specific estate plan for you.Estate planning is not just about writing a will. It is the process of putting your belongings in order, stating your wishes for healthcare and financial matters, and making provisions for your dependents in case of an emergency. Whether it is retirement planning, aging or disability needs, or for future generations, a comprehensive estate plan (including a will, trust, and powers of attorney) ensure that your wishes are met.At Stone Law, LLC, we provide a range of estate planning services.Wills and Trusts: These documents are a blueprint that lets your family and loved ones know your wishes for your assets after you pass away. If you have minor children or pets you can also name a guardian or caretaker.Powers of Attorney: Select someone you can trust to look after the financial or healthcare aspects of your life if you are unable to.Advance Healthcare Directives: Describe your medical care preferences when you are unable to communicate for yourself. This makes potentially difficult decisions easier as your family will know your wishes.Guardianship and Conservatorship: Protect family members, including minor children, family members with a disability, or elderly parents, by setting up guardianship provisions.Asset Protection: Prevent your estate from being consumed by unexpected expenses.Special Needs Planning: Make sure that loved ones who have special needs are well taken care of and are able to get the support they need without potentially losing benefits due to an inheritance.At Stone Law, LLC, we understand that with age comes many challenges, including financial management, health care choices, and the potential to be taken advantage of. Our team is dedicated to the protection of the elderly and the prevention of anyone taking advantage of them when they are most vulnerable. We are also comfortable in offering guidance on how best to approach certain matters such as long term care and elder law issues.Estate planning is important at every stage of life whether you are planning for the future, starting a family, planning for retirement or caring for your aging parents. At Stone Law, LLC, we work with you to ensure that your plan is flexible and can be adapted as your circumstances change.Planning for the future can be complex, but at Stone Law, we strive to make the process as simple and as stress free as possible. Our caring attorneys will explain all the possibilities available to you and help you make decisions about your future with confidence.When you have a good estate plan in place, you no longer have to worry about your family being provided for, your properties protected, and your wishes fulfilled. Please contact Stone Law, LLC to start planning your estate and peace of mind. It is our pleasure to serve with professionalism, compassion, and dedication.To schedule an appointment, please visit our website at StoneLawllc.com or give us a call.