Featured at West + Main Littleton: Devin Birmingham

Join us for First Friday in Littleton, featuring Devin Birmingham

2590 W Main St
03.07.2025, 6-9pm

Meet Devin

“I am a fine artist rendering creations in various media, including graphite, charcoal, ink, and oil paint. I have dabbled in digital art, graphic design, drafting, offset printing, and commissioned work, but my passion lies in the creative processes of drawing and painting from imagination.

A Colorado native, I've been blessed to draw inspiration from the beauty of this wondrous state, while also being inspired by my fellow artists both local and abroad. I believe art is a tradecraft of discovery and the process of learning and honing one's skills, an exercise of pursuit, never perfection. I feel that an artist should never be able to reach a goal for their talent, but strive for something always unseen, which keeps us finding new techniques, ways to express and hopefully...ever more beautiful artwork to share with the world.”

Learn more about Devin Birmingham in our Q & A!

How did your business come to exist?

My business came into existence when I realized that I wasn't prioritizing my own happiness in the workplace. I made the commitment to use a natural talent for art to open my own studio and start doing what I truly love for a living.

What is your biggest influence?

My biggest influences for my art are also my biggest inspirations - my colleagues around the world creating art of their own and bringing it into the lives of everyone through the use of social media, local galleries, festivals, and the like. I love seeing the vast and differing techniques of my fellow artists and their creations. I draw from those works to inspire my own pieces. I also tap into my imagination of places that have never existed as subjects for my work.

What is the best piece of advice that you ever received?

That could be any number of things. I only wish I'd listened to more of what was offered to me in the past. I suppose some of the best advice I've ever received or taken was centered around meaningful quotes. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" comes to mind, as does "A master has failed more times than a beginner has even tried." Both quotes have driven me to approach life with the mindset of pursuit - to take every task, no matter how monumental or daunting, by the very first step, doing just one small thing at a time, until consistency and persistence have eventually paid off, yielding measurable results. 

What is your dream project?

My dream project would be a large format dark fantasy piece -something I intend, to try the limits of my talent against, in days to come.

What is your favorite part of your job??

My favorite part of my job has to be a mixture of getting into the creative 'zone' - letting the creative side of my mind completely take over, and feeling the gratification at the end of creating a new piece. When I get into the flow of a piece of art, my mind wanders like a nomad. I start thinking about things that have nothing to do whatsoever, with the art I'm creating, and the creative side of my mind takes control. From the shadows, it does its' own thing, while I'm busy thinking about whatever I am at that moment. It's nice being able to put my subconscious in the driver's seat and let it lead the way to wherever.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy music, reading, and the outdoors. I play guitar, dabble in hammer dulcimer, harmonica, and shakuhachi. I grew a fondness for reading fantasy novels when I was still in high school and have loved to indulge ever since, though not as frequently as I'd like. I truly love hiking in the beauty of the mountains of Colorado, going on a drive with the family to see the views, or watching the turning of the leaves in the autumn. Someday, I'd like to go back to the ocean with my wife for another cruise. I long to travel to distant places and see more of the world.

• Get in touch with Devin Birmingham

Website: https://www.devinefineart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinefineart/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558520823611

If you are a local artist/crafter/maker/indie business owner and would like to be featured on our blog, please fill out this form or contact Ashley at ashley@westandmainhomes.com with questions...we can't wait to learn all about you!

W+M Book Launch

New York Times best selling author Jessica Buchanan has launched her most recent anthology "Deserts to Mountaintops, the pilgrimage of motherhood" in January and she will visiting us in Denver to talk about the book and her journey to motherhood. Please join us for an inspiring event celebrating what motherhood means to different women. Connect with others and hear what led them to being, or not being, a mother. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be a part of this incredible event! Books will be for sale at the event and available to be signed by the author!

Deserts to Mountaintops-Motherhood - REGISTER HERE

Women's Memoir Writing Workshop - REGISTER HERE

Greater Denver Area Real Estate Market Report from January 2025

Each January brings optimism and a renewed sense of purpose. We reflect on the previous year's accomplishments and set new goals for the year ahead. At the beginning of the month, many buyers found themselves in the same place as they were this time last year-seeking to purchase a new home and hopeful for friendlier market conditions, according to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors’ Market Trends Committee.

While market conditions have not changed much, sentiment has. This is our market environment, and it's likely here for the foreseeable future. In some ways, that brings stability-decisions become more complex when too many unknowns exist. We expect mortgage rates to remain steady, while price growth has stabilized. Inventory remains a key factor we are monitoring, as the balance between supply and demand is the most significant variable influencing the market right now.

The main highlight for January was the influx of new inventory. Both the attached and detached markets saw an increase of more than 100 percent from December and were up 38.50 and 29.11 percent, respectively, from January 2024. We typically see an increase in new listings from December to January as sellers reenter the market after a slower time during the holiday season. Active inventory at month's end was up 57.83 percent year-over-year, giving buyers more options as we enter the spring buying season. The median days in the MLS were up 28.57 percent year-over-year to 45 days-the highest median days in the MLS since 2015, a market unfamiliar to many in the Denver Metro area.

The most significant portion of this inventory is in the $500,000 to $749,999 price point for detached homes and under $500,000 for attached homes. These price ranges tend to attract buyers who rely more on mortgage purchases than cash, making them sensitive to interest rate fluctuations. Detached homes over $2 million have seven months of inventory, and attached homes priced at $1.5 to $1.99 million are seeing 19 months of inventory.

Market conditions are similar to those in January 2024. The higher mortgage rate environment lingers, and the optimism felt in January 2024 for multiple Federal Funds Rate reductions and lower mortgage rates did not materialize, presenting buyers with a rinse-and-repeat scenario. As a result, buyer activity was similar to January 2024, with 3,061 properties pending in January 2025, a slight decrease of 0.07 percent year-over-year, and 2,259 properties closed, an increase of 2.31 percent. The median sold price for attached properties increased 0.76 percent, and detached homes increased 2.08 percent. Total sales volume in January was up 7.43 percent, and the close-price-to-list-price ratio was up just 0.04 percent to 98.50 percent year-over-year.

The Denver Metro market's median sale price has increased from $317,000 in January 2016 to $575,000 in January 2025—an increase of 81.38 percent, averaging 9.04 percent per year. This serves as a reminder that real estate is a long-term investment.

Sellers in this market need to be serious and realistic about pricing. "Testing the market" by over-pricing is a risky proposition that leads to price reductions and a longer time on the market. Making your property stand out in a higher inventory environment takes preparation, flexibility and a willingness to work towards a common goal.

With increased inventory, less buyer competition and slow price growth, this is the moment buyers have been waiting for. Now is the time for buyers to start thinking about how to make homeownership work instead of looking for reasons it won't.

Learn more about the market from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors.

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Thank you to our partners at the Denver Metro Association of Realtors for compiling this information.

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Feel Good Friday: Meet this Week's Featured Non-Profit, The Zara Project

As West + Main Agents gathered for our Weekly Company Update we took a few minutes to share the non-profit organizations that mean the most to us. To kick off the year, we did a random drawing of the nominated organizations to kick off our year with a $500 donation from West + Main on behalf of the agent who nominated them.

We call it Feel Good Friday!

Meet this week’s Featured Non-Profit Organization, The Zara Project, nominated by West + Main agent Gabe Martin:

Keep reading to see a full list of organization nominated this week!

”The Zara Project aims to feed kids on our community when they aren’t in school. So many kids experience hunger at home, and the times when they are in school might be the only time they know where they will be getting their next meal. I’m so proud to support The Zara Project and be able to give them this donation."

- Gabe Martin

The Zara Project was originally started by a young, new to the profession teacher and her social worker mom.​

Twelve years ago, I was a second year teacher trying to stay afloat in my new profession. I was teaching at Johnson Elementary in Denver, CO and there was one thing I couldn’t shake each night when I left work, it was how hungry so many of my students were all of the time. This basic need for nourishment consumed them so much that it interfered with their learning. As Thanksgiving break that year neared, I noticed that contrary to my excitement for a week of freedom, many of my students did not feel the same way. I observed their anxiety levels elevate and felt this sense of dread that I could not explain nor understand. I asked what was going on and no one gave me an obvious answer until we started talking about Thanksgiving break. They weren’t excited like I was. I asked them why and some of their responses were heartbreaking... “we don’t have any money for food or anything else” or “at least we get breakfast and lunch when we are in school”. My heart sank.

A few days later, I told my mom the story while enjoying a nice dinner and some wine. In that moment tinged with irony, the seeds for The Zara Project were planted. We decided to try and help some families with food that winter break and sent out a friendly letter to friends and family asking for donations. We didn’t expect the response we got. If memory serves, I think we raised $3500 and were able to provide food for about 40 families. The next year it was 75 and the following year, we decided to turn our little project into a nonprofit. Since, we have fed thousands of families over winter break at high poverty schools in Jefferson County and Denver Public Schools and plan to feed thousands more in the years to come.

Today, I am still a teacher and the director of the Zara Project. My mom is retired and truly the glue that keeps Zara going. Her official title is secretary. New life has been injected into our efforts with the addition of two new board members, Jeremy and Chris.

Thank you all for your continued support. A little help from The Zara Project has definitely lifted some heavy burdens local kids and their families experience. We couldn’t have done all of this without you!

Find out more about The Zara Project.

If you’re looking to start 2025 off with a donation, here are some other organizations our agents love!

Taysia Blue Husky Rescue
Learn more.
”They save huskies and are the best in the world!” - Maggie Fast

Make a Wish Colorado
Learn more.
“They do an amazing job to put a smile on the children face after or even during a rough patch in their life.” - Margaret Hamilton

Humane Society of Boulder
Learn more.
”I love supporting the Boulder Humane Society!” - Katie O’Connor

2 Blondes All Breed Rescue
Learn more.
”I got my dog Paisley there! She is the sweetest dog ever!” - Jennifer Jackson

Redline Arts
Learn more.
”I love their support of Colorado Art/Artists and how they open their studio to the workshop to the community for relatively low fees ($10)” - Carla Salcedo

Judi's House
Learn more.
”They use play and school based tools to assist children through grief.” - Nicole Green

Transgender Center of the Rockies
Learn more.
“They do so many things to support our community's transgender population.” - Alicia Duncan Coulter

Hope is Alive
Learn more.
”Hope Is Alive is an incredible resource for recovering addicts and their loved ones. Their unwavering support provides hope and guidance for those facing long and challenging journeys. The work they do is truly life-changing, offering strength and encouragement to so many in need.” - Nikki McCraw

Center for Health and Hope
Learn more.
”I serve on their board and have for years. They do HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ education in India and Africa to the poorest of the poor. I went to India last January and got to experience the work we do in orphanages, Clinics for women and educating 400 nursing students.” - Larry Sondgeroth

A Precious Child
Learn More.
“I had the privilege of volunteering with A Precious Child for two years, and I’ve seen firsthand the incredible work they do for kids and families in need. This amazing, female-led organization provides essentials like clothing, hygeine items, school supplies, household goods to help children and parents thrive.” - Lin Johnson

CFCE
Learn more.
”This is a great program for individuals with motor disorders. My daughter and Megan Bahlenhorst’s son both attend this program!” - Vicky Opipari

Sunnyside Music Festival
Learn more.
“It's a volunteer-run nonprofit organization that builds community through a free, family friendly music festival. Our annual event support local bands, business, artisans and youth organizations throughout the year. SMF also raises money for music programs for schools throughout Denver. I love it, I've been going every year since 2006 and I'm on the board.” - Tait DeBaca

Mount Saint Vincent Foster Care Program
Learn more.
”I nominate Mount Saint Vincent’s Foster Care because they are amazing with their commitment to and support of foster children, and the families who foster these kids. There are 355,000 kids that are in foster care and nearly 50,000 live in institutions and need a family. My wife and I worked with Mount Saint Vincent and fostered a child, who is now our beautiful daughter.” - Cyndi Jordan

First Descents
Learn more.
”First Descents offers free week-long outdoor adventures like surfing, kayaking, and rock climbing for young adults (ages 18-39) affected by cancer or MS. They aim to harness the healing power of these experiences to combat feelings of isolation and depression that often accompany such diagnoses. Each year, they serve over 500 participants through 40+ programs, enabling young adults to connect with peers while tackling new challenges in beautiful settings, all at no cost.” - Chris Dolan

The National Parents Organization
Learn more.
”NPO’s mission is to promote shared parenting. Thousands of families in CO are affected by Parental Alienation, including my family. For 25 years I have experienced and continue to experience alienation from my children. I am only one of many who, along with their children have been separated by the Alienating Parent who actively work to separate loving parents from their children.” - Katie Rubano

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado
Learn more.
”Each year, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado hosts more than 100 volunteer events for community members to play a BIG part in caring for Colorado, from maintaining trails to restoring wildlife habitat and harvesting urban gardens. VOC's volunteers give more than 20,000 hours of love and labor to Colorado's public lands, parks and open spaces every year.” - Joy Opp

Work at West + Main

Featured at West + Main RiNo: Laura Goodson

Please join us in RiNo for First Friday, featuring artist Laura Goodson

Here & Now

2632 Blake Street, Denver
2.7.2025, 6-9pm

Meet Laura

Laura's art embodies the essence of the modern West, a tapestry woven with tales of cowboys, bandits, renegades and the western landscapes. With each brushstroke, Laura breathes life into her subjects, infusing them with a sense of nostalgia and reverence for the West’s storied past. Her art serves as a timeless homage to the cowboys and outlaws who shaped the landscape, while also celebrating the enduring spirit of resilience and adventure that defines a region. Traditionally drawn to the simplicity of black and white, Laura's work embodies the stark contrast of light and shadow, mirroring the raw intensity of the American west. Yet, as she journeys deeper into her craft, she boldly ventures beyond the confines of monochrome, embracing the vibrant hues of the sunset-lit prairies and the rich tones of the rock filled canyons. 

Her art represents more than what is delivered 2 dimensionally; it also represents love lost, love gained, the laughter shared between friends, and the quiet moments of introspection beneath a starlit Texas sky. Laura's art isn't just about paint and brushstrokes—it's a reflection of who she is and her generous spirit. She's not one to simply paint a piece and call it a day; she's out there, boots on the ground, building spaces and places to celebrate other folks and members of the community. Laura is the epitome of a true Texan,  always ready to lend a helping hand and share a good laugh.

Learn more about Laura in our Q & A!

How did your business come to exist?

I started producing artwork in Houston, through the pursuit of love. That of course grew over the years and has made many twists and turns. It has developed into its own love story; with me and my love for self expression.

Who or what is your biggest influence?

My biggest influences are Mark Maggiori for his art/talent, Kevin Chupik who is an all around good human and artist, and I’m a big fan of my dad and his work ethic

What are you working on right now?

Lighting and sculpture pieces. Neon cowboys and wire hat sculptures for example.

How did you arrive where you are today?

Standing back up after getting knocked down.

What are your thoughts about your city's creative scene for artists, designers, crafters, makers, and/or small businesses?

 I oscillate between Denver and Houston which both have THRIVING creative scenes. I have to say the amount of creatives that inspire me in these two locations is sometimes overwhelming, in the best way. I am constantly in awe of how these folks can be creative, run a business, and manage life in times of genuine crisis/chaos. It definitely pushes me to keep going and to do things bigger than i did yesterday.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I like hobby projects and creating spaces. That could be as simple as clearing brush off of a fence line or re-designing a hotel/space/concept...it goes without saying, I'll also never turn down a round of golf.

What is the best piece of advice that you ever received?

Say yes when you feel like no is easier, take the opportunity, shoot the shot, fail fast....people doing more than you won't have time to talk negatively, there are too many!

What is your biggest challenge?

 Battling depression and my own thoughts.

Where do you find inspiration?

Travel, other humans, architecture, nature

Get in touch with Laura Goodson

Website: https://lauragoodsonart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauragoodsonart/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraGoodsonArt/

If you are a local artist/crafter/maker/indie business owner and would like to be featured on our blog, please fill out this form or contact Ashley at ashley@westandmainhomes.com with questions...we can't wait to learn all about you!