Brian Quarnstrom and Debbie Johnson have owned and managed the Golden Group since 2011. Back then, they worked for the same agency. However, united by a shared sense of honesty and integrity, they soon recognized the opportunity to form their own real estate business. Thus the Golden Group was born.

Today, Brian and Debbie remain business partners, having grown the Golden Group into a successful and respected agency specializing in residential real estate in Golden and beyond. As proud locals, you’ve probably bumped into them around town … but how much do you really know about Brian and Debbie?

Here’s ten questions to get to know them better.

Brian Quarnstrom
Broker / Co-owner
Golden Group Real Estate Advisors

1. How long have you lived in Golden? 

Brian: I moved here from the mean streets of Kansas City 11 years ago.

2. What’s changed the most about Golden between then and now? 

Brian: Lots of changes for the better. More great restaurants. More cultural activities. I definitely miss the early days on the creek before it became oversaturated. But one constant over the years has been the Golden bike cruise … though back in the day kids were nary to be seen and it was a booze fest. Now it’s a family friendly event which has evolved with my life perfectly. 

3. Any tips for Golden homebuyers? 

Brian: Get your financing in order to ensure you’re ready to act. Like a good agent, a good lender is key to giving you a better chance of having your offer accepted. Another tip for couples: make sure you’re both on the same page. If not, the scattershot approach can make finding the perfect home difficult. 

4. Spill the beans: What’s your favorite restaurant and why?

Brian: Right now it’s a tie between Abejas and Bella Colibri. I love the seasonal rotating menu at Abejas, especially the soups at lunch. As for Bella Colibri, Golden hasn’t had a good Italian restaurant for years so Bella has been a breath of fresh air. I love the atmosphere and the homemade meatballs … the sauce is amazing.

5. Any predictions for the Golden housing market this year? 

Brian: It will partly depend on what the national economy does. But even during the recession of 2008, Golden’s housing prices didn’t drop drastically. Our attractions like hiking, biking and sunshine are always in demand.

6. Tell us something we don’t know about Golden.  

Brian: I know a few honey holes around town but I’m good at keeping secrets 🙂

7. Favorite trail?

Brian: I like the clear creek trail where it crosses under highway 6 and meanders up the canyon. It’s a nice easy quiet loop.

8. How do you see Golden changing in 5-10 years? 

Brian: My hope is Golden continues to grow in a thoughtful manner … in a way that allows positive change while preserving the unique attributes that make Golden so special – things like the walkability, lack of chain restaurants and small town feel where you can walk down Washington Avenue and say hello to three or four people you know. 

9. Best place for a drink on a hot summer day? 

Brian: I’ll take a refreshing beer at Barrels and Bottles downtown followed by a sunset cocktail looking out at Lookout Mountain from Miners Saloon.

10. What are you most looking forward to doing post-pandemic? 

Brian: Golden bike cruise and tubing the creek.

Debbie Johnson
Broker / Co-owner
Golden Group Real Estate Advisors

1. How long have you lived in Golden?

Debbie: 33 years in July. We raised our kids in Applewood then moved to Golden Gate Canyon in 2004.

2. What’s changed the most about Golden between then and now?

Debbie: Wow, everything. Great restaurants have come in, tourism has exploded, new home construction has increased yearly and new businesses have thrived. I just hope all the small businesses in Golden can come back from the virus and soon.

3. Any tips for Golden homebuyers? 

Debbie: Don’t let a few thousand dollars make or break a deal. If you love the home, you need to act quickly once you find that special place based on neighborhood, location, sense of peace and amenities. We always recommend keeping emotion out of a home purchase, but we know that’s hard to do. Buyer demand is still strong and interest rates are historically low.

4. Spill the beans: What’s your favorite restaurant and why? 

Debbie: Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza. They have been so awesome during the pandemic. Super friendly and great take-and-bake pizzas and salads.

5. Any predictions for the Golden housing market this year? 

Debbie: I wish I had a crystal ball! The housing market is still hot despite the pandemic. As Brian mentioned, back in the economic downturn of 2008, Golden’s housing market remained steady.

6. Tell us something we don’t know about Golden.  

Debbie: It is sprawling. Think of Golden not just as Golden proper, there are great places to live in the foothills and over in Applewood. Each area is unique. 

7. Favorite trail? 

Debbie: Right outside our home in Golden Gate Canyon.

8. How do you see Golden changing in 5-10 years? 

Debbie: I hope the growth slows down. But Golden is a hot market so I doubt this will happen. 

9. Best place for a drink on a hot summer day? 

Debbie: On the patio at Indulge Wine Bar or my backyard.

10. What are you most looking forward to doing post-pandemic? 

Debbie: Seeing our daughter, son-in-law and grand daughter in Melbourne, Australia or having them here for a visit. Plus, seeing client’s faces without a mask and hugging my friends.