Zillow. com has just released its forth quarter report that shows that Denver and its suburbs recorded the biggest dollar gain in home values of any metro area in the country in 2009.

According to the report, Denver home values rose by $7.87 billion in 2009. Denver homes lost $20 billion in 2008.

This could be met with some skepticism because, as many of you know, Zillow valuates homes using public records, which aren’t as precise as an appraisal; or sold prices. Still, I guess one could argue that it’s still relatively accurate by virtue of being equally wrong all over the country.

Zillow said that in Denver, the variation between what they estimate a home is worth and what it actually sells for averages 11.2 percent in metro Denver.

They went on to list certain neighborhoods in Denver that they say may be in for a “double dip” in values. Before anyone sees their neighborhood listed and wigs out, rest assured our affiliate Realtors are telling us the exact opposite. Most of those neighborhoods are doing just fine.

On the other hand, a couple of the neighborhoods they listed as having the highest price increases had those increases as a direct result of foreclosure sales. And those areas are still in trouble. It just goes to show you the value of getting reliable, local information.

In a related story, a report from Metrolist, also released this Tuesday, said the median price for Denver homes sold fell 5 percent in January from December. Hang on boys and girls, it’s not over yet.

The best time to pick your Realtor is sooner rather than later - period.

Here is why. Most agents realize you could be 3, 6 or even 12 months out from being ready to take action to purchase your property. They also realize that, given the number of agents you may contact between now and then, that their chances of becoming your agent are slim.

Therefore, they probably won’t devote the time and effort required to seriously help you at this point. And that is unfortunate because this is exactly when you need the help of an experienced, professional Realtor the most.

Most likely they will have their assistant, or worse, a “virtual” assistant service, continue to “feed” you with a drip email program and newsletters until such time as the agent feels their time can be justified to help you.

This has been proven not to be in your best interests for several reasons. At this stage of your process, the help, guidance and resources of a great agent can pay huge dividends later in the transaction.

Picking the right Realtor early in the game can:

1. Streamline and shorten the sales cycle by getting the resources you need

available now

2. Create clarity of your goals and trust with the Realtor best suited to help you

3. Eliminate problems with agents maneuvering for “control” of your transaction

4. Eliminate privacy concerns if 4, 5 or even more agents have your personal

information

5. Result in your eventually saving much time, effort and probably money

You will get the service and attention you deserve up front because your Realtor will realize he or she is not just “spec-ing” their time with you. They will realize you are more sophisticated than 95% of the prospects who contact them. Your Realtor will make the commitment of time and effort upfront because there is a much higher probability of their getting paid.

It is in your best interest – and the Realtor’s best interest – to establish an agency relationship early in the property buying process.

Just make sure you have the right Realtor.