About Boulder, CO
All about Boulder, CO coming soon!
Get Ready for the Bolder Boulder, its right around the corner!!!
March 11th, 2010 Categories: Colorado Round Up, Focus on Boulder
Every year on Memorial Day in Boulder CO there is a race, which started as a modest local show, but has turned into a international phenomena. Yes, I am referring to the Bolder Boulder. 2010 it is on May 31, and with close to 50,000 racers last year, we are expecting another great race this year. 
The Bolder Boulder 10K run has gained in popularity because of the range of runners allowed to enter. Run, jog, walk it, all levels are welcome. You will see some of best long distance runners in the world and you also see the brave walker who is entering their first 10K. The pace is not important, only the experience. Unless you are one of those world class runners, in which case I say to you, “pace is everything.”
The race starts in Folsom Stadium, home to the CU buffalos, and is ran around a loop which heads north and south along Folsom rd. Cars are blocked for the masses of people who have come to watch. You should, at least come cheer on the racers this year, if you are not ready to enter. While here check out Pearl Street and all the shops and restaurants it has to offer. Cool off in Boulder Creek to get out of the heat or head to The Hill for a bite to eat. There is plenty to do before during and after the race here in our unique town.
If you are interested in joining the race there is some training you can do. As simple as eating a little better and running a little more. However, for a more comprehensive training guide check out this video a Boulder local made. Remember train as little or as much as you want to. There is one goal for most of us, just to finish. Come check it out or finish the race this Memorial Day, Boulder’s Bolder 10K run will not let you down. 
Written by Parker Krug | Discussion: No Comments »
Lafayette has “Spork” and Boulder has “Mork” –
March 8th, 2010 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Colorado Round Up, First Time Buyers, Relocating, Trends
“Save Spork “ I received an email last week with a link that you were suppose to click ://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savespork/ . Spork , a 10 year old miniature Dachshund was taken to Lafayette’s Jasper Ani
mal Hospital to have a bad tooth extracted. Spork is now up on “vicious animal charges” for biting a veterinarian technician. The owner said that dog was just in pain and scared, and so far the family has spent over $6000 on fees involved with the ticket. The courts will be reviewing the case in April 2010 and will decide if the dog should be euthanized or not.
Thousands of people are rallying around Spork and some are not. Today, in the local Boulder Camera paper, someone made a funny comment on the story about Spork and said “the moral of the story is to never trust a dog named after a sharp eating utensil” !
The “Save Spork” Facebook page has drawn more than 9,000 members, blog posts, mainly in support of Spork, also are proliferating. Click here for more information on pet ownershipo vs pet guardianship and other animal law issues in Colorado.
Lafayette, once a part of the Colorado coal-mining boom, is redefining it’s working class roots and rich ethnic diversity as a thriving community with cultural and commercial centers found in the revitalized Old Town District. As a real estate agent in Boulder Colorado, trends are showing for the surrounding Boulder areas like Lafayette, inventory coming down and prices up just a little. For more info on home prices in this area check out our website link: http://blogtherockies.com/local-stats/. and visit the City of Lafayette City website: http://cityoflafayette.com/ . We look forward to hearing your comments about Spork the Dog, and don’t forget to check out our Troia Team blog about the Mork and Mindy house. Ah, come on…..I think you can admit that you really liked Mork from Ork !
Written by Karen Cifala | Discussion: No Comments »
Winter in Boulder is anything but Cold
January 20th, 2010 Categories: Colorado Round Up, Focus on Boulder
I grew up in Chicago and when winter came rolling around it was time for one thing……staying warm. Here in Boulder, things are a bit different. With a much more mild winter climate, Boulder offers plenty of winter activities to keep you active and warm.
Countless groups and organizations offer winter hikes and activites. Such as the Flatirons Ski club, which will take you all over the state to ski Colorado. Both nordic and downhill skiing are available. What a great way to get outside and meet new people.
One of my personal favorite Clubs is known as FIDOS or Friends Interested in Dogs and Open Space. If you have a dog, love the outdoors and enjoy meeting people in your community this is a great club for you. These two organizations are just a few of the the local groups which help make our winters a bit more fulfilling. Click HERE to see more local organizations…. 
Near the Boulder 1 Plaza lies a small ice rink for local skaters to get their fix on. Who doesn’t enjoy ice skating and hot coco? Head down there on wed. or Thursday nights and watch a new game that is taking off in popularity here in Boulder. It is known as Broomball. A game that mixes hockey and good times into one. With a brooom-like stick, large ball, and pads teams face off to beat one another in some pretty good competition. Weather it is 8 degrees or 40, these Broom ball gurus are out there battling for local pride. For those of you who want a bit more compeition in their Broomball games there is an indoor league at the local rec center you can join.
Another local Boulder benefit is done by a guy who appreciates a good cross country course. I met this individual a few years ago and trust me he only does it for the people. 
Every time we get a fresh snow he heads out in his truck and grooms a track for cross country skiiers at Morning Side Park, near 9th and Balsam. From six in the morning to six at night you can find outdoor junkies getting a good workout in or just enjoying the snow. It is worth the effort and we thank you Boulder Groomer.
Come to Boulder and check out why our winters are anything but Cold and boring.
Written by Ro Troia | Discussion: No Comments »
Extend And Expand The Homebuyer Tax Credit
October 5th, 2009 Categories: Buyer's Corner, Colorado Round Up, First Time Buyers, Focus on Boulder
Hurry!! Time is ru
nning out!! In order to be eligible for the first-time homebuyer tax credit you must:
- find the perfect home,
- complete a contract,
- satisfy any contingencies,
- secure financing, and
- negotiate inspection
BY NOVEMBER 30th!!!
I would say time is out! Now, it is so important for Congress to Extend and Expand the tax credit ASAP!
The $8,000 tax credit expires December 1st. The usefulness of the credit diminishes daily if the credit is not extended well before that date explains The National Association of Realtors.
The Association goes on to say that the credit has been a success as homebuyer interest peaked and home sales increased. Today’s lower prices and interest rates appeal to customers but it’s the tax credit that really drove clients to open houses and to home-ownership. But a homeowner is only eligible for the tax credit before December 1st which rushes the process of finding a home, completing a contract, satisfying contingencies, securing financing, and making it to the closing table by November 30th.
According to Seven News, more than 27,000 Colorado homebuyers have taken advantage of the credit. This week, the White House said its economic team is evaluating the credit’s impact on home sales and will make a recommendation to President Barack Obama. There have been more than a dozen bills introduced in Congress to prolong the life of the tax credit past the Nov. 30 deadline, and on Thursday Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid endorsed the idea of extending the credit for an additional six months. The housing market has been devastated in Reid’s home state of Nevada.
If you would like to take action urging Congressto expand and extend the homebuyer tax credit, write a letter and let them know. I would say that the tax credit did help boost the economy, but it wasn’t enough. Why not extend it another year? Besides the tax credit, what else could be done? Something has to be done about appraisals. For instance, deals are falling through much too often these days because of a poorly done appraisal. Anyway, don’t get me started. What do you think should happen?
Written by Julie Johnson | Discussion: No Comments »
Louisville Ranked #1 Place To Live In 2009
September 21st, 2009 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Buyer's Corner, Colorado Round Up, Relocating
Louisville has been ranked THE NUMBER ONE place to live in the United States! And for those of us who live here, we already know why. Previously ranked in the top ten places to live, now Louisville Colorado in Boulder County is at the top of the list for best place to live (for populations under 50,000).
Not only is the local economy here still thriving: there is low crime, great job opportunities, and affordable housing. This is where you want to live so read more to find out why.
So what is it about Louisville Colorado that always puts it high on the top ten places to live? For one, it’s an escape from the steep home prices in Boulder and some would say; it’s a little more “down to earth”. The historic district is quaint and friendly with ice cream shops, cafes and endless summer fairs. Activities abound for the children; you’ll never run out of family activities to embark upon. And according to Money Magazine, it’s also weathering the economic downturn as well. Robust industries in the area such as high tech, energy, and healthcare, make county unemployment one of the lowest in the the state.
According to ConocoPhillips, too further strengthen and invest in our people and technology capabilities, ConocoPhillips recently purchased property in Louisville, Colorado, on which the company plans to develop a corporate learning center and a global technology center. This 432-acre property – about halfway between Denver and Boulder – presents the opportunity to do this at a prime location and in a campus environment that will foster sharing of knowledge, innovation and creativity. This will just further the economic strength of the community in Louisville by providing ample job opportunities.
Add the great outdoors…and you have a perfect place to call home. 
Louisville has more than 30 miles of trails and open space galore. Are you a golfer? Then, it’s Coal Creek Golf Course you’ll be visiting. It’s a quick trip to the Rocky Mountains and within two hours of several ski resorts such as Eldora and Arapahoe Basin. Also conveniently close to Denver and The Flatirons Mall. You can’t beat the schools, low crime and low taxes. And the real estate? Well, call me today for the perfect home at an affordable price.
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: No Comments »
First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Paid In Advance
August 9th, 2009 Categories: Buyer's Corner, Colorado Round Up, First Time Buyers, Market Conditions
If you’re not taking advantage of the first time homebuyer tax credit – you should be! Lower interest rates, high inventory and low sale prices are continuing to make this a buyers real estate market. Not only are we seeing great deals in home sales, but first timers are getting that tax credit we are all hearing about. Buy before December 1st and receive $8,000 at tax time. Luke Mullins from US News explains that the federal first-time homebuyer tax credit was created by Congress this summer to encourage new homebuyers to purchase homes and thereby stimulate housing markets. However, the federal tax credit has been largely ineffective. One of the primary reasons the federal credit hasn’t worked is that the homebuyer doesn’t receive the money until he receives his federal income tax refund – which may be several months after the home is purchased. Read more.
With the inability to have a downpayment for closing, what good is the tax credit? There are several ways to receive the payment “in advance”. CHFAhas the JumpStart program in Colorado. If you qualify, you can take out a JumpStart second mortgage loan to help with downpayment and closing costs. The second mortgage loan is for the lessor of 3.5% of the first mortgage loan or $6,000. There is an administrative fee of $350.
$250 of CHFA’s $350 admin fee will be paid back if the second loan is paid by June 2010. The incentive is to actually use the tax credit to pay back the loan. Therefore, the interest rate on the second mortgage will increase to 8% with a ten year term if not paid off by June 2010.
For those who don’t pay off their loan, CHFA urges buyers to use the CHFA HomeOpener Plusmortgage product which offers down payment and closing cost assistance at competitive market interest rates within a 30 year loan term.
Take advantage of being a first time homebuyer in Boulder County and NOW… when the market is perfect for you. Let me help you find a lender who knows about these programs and we’ll get started looking at homes today!
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: No Comments »
Help! Do I Qualify For Housing Assistance?
July 26th, 2009 Categories: Colorado Round Up, Focus on Boulder, Market Conditions, Selling Thoughts
Many people all over the country, as well as locally in Boulder and Denver, are wondering if they qualify for mortgage help under the Obama administration plan. Homeowners may be in one of two scenarios. 
For instance, many homeowners pay their mortgages on time but are not able to refinance to take advantage of today’s lower mortgage rates becasuse the value of their home has decreased. Others are unable to make their monthly payments because their interest rate has increased or they have less income. The administration’s housing plan provides two types of assistance that are designed to help make mortgages more affordable for up to nine million homeowners. Find out what the assistance options are and how to qualify.
According to MakingHomeAffordable.com, eligible for refinance under certain circumstances. The first is that your loan must be Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae owned or guaranteed. Second, you must not have missed any loan payments in the past 12 months. Kimberly Lankford goes on to explain that owners with more than 20% equity in their home can refinance their mortgatge at today’s low rates and decrease their monthly payment by hundreds of dollars. But people whose home values have dropped significantly often have a tough time finding a lender that will refinance into cheaper loans. 
This program is supposed to help that. The guidelines explain that to be eligible, your first mortgage must not exceed 125% of the current market value of your home. For example, if your property is worth $200,000 but you owe $250,000 or less on your first mortgage, you may be eligible. The current value of your property will be determined after you apply to refinance. Remember, the deadline is June 2010.
The second part of Obama’s plan includes a loan-modification program which helps homeowners who are struggling to make payments; the program is based on the belief that these owners should get to stay in their homes and avoid foreclosure. The administration’s plan requires participating loan servicers to reduce monthly payments to no more than 38 percent of the borrower’s gross monthly income. Luke Mullins of US News explains further that the government would then chip in to bring payments down further, to no more than 31 percent of the borrower’s monthly income. In lowering the payment, the servicer would first reduce the interest rate to as low as 2 percent. If that’s not enough to hit the 31 percent threshold, they would then extend the terms of the loan to up to 40 years. If that’s still not enough, the servicer would forebear loan principal at no interest. The plan does not, however, require servicers to reduce mortgage principal.
This is a summary of the housing help in a nutshell. To find out if you are eligible go to MakingHomeAffordable.com.
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: No Comments »
The Elms at Meadow Vale Subdivision in Longmont Colorado
July 25th, 2009 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Buyer's Corner, Colorado Round Up, Market Watch, Relocating
Shopping around for the perfect neighborhood to live? Would you like to be in walking distance to Union Reservoir or close to Sandstone Park and Ute Creek Golf Course? Well, look no further than the private and well-cared for Elms at Meadow Vale subdivision off of County Road 5 1/2 in Longmont Colorado; a part of Weld County. Owner pride emanates throughout this community with wide, HOA maintained streets and park with basketball court. I have visited this area many times and am always impressed by the views of the mountains and plains – not to mention the one of a kind sunrise and sunset views. Looking for an easy commute to Denver, Boulder and/or Fort Collins? This location is perfect!!! Read more about the neighborhood and check out our new listing in the area.
As you drive alone County Road 5 and half off of the Diagonal Highway, you can’t help but feel that this is a great place to call home. Farms are nestled amoung the newly built subdivision giving it a rural feel and allowing for the amazing views. 
No wonder our new listing is located on Pleasant View Ridge.
Location, location, location! This area is close to perfection with the Ute Creek Golf Course within 5 minutes. Ute Creek, designed by the world-renowned golf course architects of the Robert Trent Jones II Group, opened in 1997. This 18-hole championship course is a Par 72, ranging in length from 5,509 yards to 7,167 yards. Ute Creek is one of only six Robert Trent Jones II courses in Colorado, and the only one on the northern Front Range. Its five lakes, two creeks, multi-level fairways and native grass areas will provide challenge and interest for players of all abilities. Click here for a map and directions to the golf course.
Not a golfer or do you also prefer the water? You’re in luck! Union Reservoir is just minutes away with its great beaches, swimming, trails and boating activities. The reservoir also has a fun playground and bbq areas. According to The City of Longmont parks services, Union Reservoir is a 736 acre body of water providing many outdoor recreational activities. Originally called Calkins Lake, the reservoir was carved out during the last glacial age and is one of only a few natural lake
s in Colorado. In 1903, the Union Ditch Company began drilling a tunnel to release water into the St Vrain River. According to Colorado water law, that made Union a true reservoir. Today, visitors to Union Reservoir can enjoy fishing, swimming, wakeless boating, camping, windsurfing and picnicking. The Reservoir is located approximately 7 miles west of I-25.
And that’s not all! The Elms Subdivision is close to Sandstone Park which includes several playgrounds, a skate park, ballpark, and soccer fields. What a supportive and family-friendly neighborhood! Know what else is new? The New Mead High School accepting 9th – 10th grades this fall. A beautifully built structure offering the education you desire for your children.
And best of all, you can live in one of the nicest homes in the Elms at Meadow Vale neighborhood and at a great deal. 5 bedrooms and 5 baths with a mother in law suite located in the finished basement. Custom tile dazzles throughout the modern and sleek home. Best lot with privacy and spectacular views! Yards and streets maintained by Elms HOA. Come check it out.
Written by Julie Johnson | Discussion: No Comments »
11793 Pleasant View Ridge Longmont Colorado
July 12th, 2009 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Buyer's Corner, Colorado Round Up, First Time Buyers, Relocating
One of our newest listings, 11793 Pleasant View Ridge in Longmont is located within the Elms Meadow Vale Subdivision. Within walking distance to Union Reservoir and Sandstone Park, this 5 bedroom, 5 bath home really stands out with its modern and contemporary upgrades. Conveniently located near I-25, Ft. Collins, Boulder, and Denver, the home has views from every direction and the subdivision is well-maintained with a community park. You’ll love this home, click here to view the details.
This is a stunning home, immaculate and move-in ready with updates throughout. It was custom-built in 2006 with a gourmet kitchen including slab granite countertops, butlers pantry, double oven, and all stainless steel appliances. The open and spacious floor plan makes it great for entertaining and family gatherings.
Beautiful hard wood floors, modern lighting, and the high-quality custom tile backsplash make this a dazzling kitchen you’ll love to cook and entertain in. Here you’ll find access to the new patio with custom built outdoor gas grill station. Spend many evenings from this backyard enjoying views of the plains. You’ll often see many horseback riders right outside your back door.
This home is located on one of the best lots in the neighborhood because of its privacy. As you can see, there are no neighbors located directly behind the home and on one side, is a well-maintained grass lot, giving seclusion to the neighbors on the south. 
As we go back inside, just off of the kitchen, you’ll find the huge great room with high ceilings and fireplace. The custom-tile the owners added around the fireplace is amazing and unique. The high windows let in plenty of light making this an inviting room for the family to hang out after a busy day. Just off the great room is a main level study with venetian plaster wall finish and double french doors. 
Off the kitchen you’ll enjoy the separate and eloquent dining room including a raised ceiling with more venetian plaster. It’s beautiful and admired by all guests. As you e
nter the front door, you’ll be delighted by the foyer and open staircase.
As you reach the top of the stairs, overlook the great room and check out the amazing views. 
Upstairs is a master suite unlike you’ve ever witnessed before. Unique wall paint add to the contemporary feel and enjoy the ooh’s and aah’s you’ll receive from all who see it. The master suite includes a 5 piece master bath and sitting area.
Again, check out those views!!!!
There are three more bedrooms upstairs with a jack and jill bathroom. Perfect for a family with children or a family who has a lot of company. The home has over 5700 square feet which includes a new finished basement. Many of the homes in this neighborhood do not have the basement, making this home one of a kind. A pre-wired mother in law suite or a nanny suite is located in the new basement with a spacious 5 piece bathroom. The tile 
floor is luxurious and classy. Your mother in law, nanny or guests will be totally impressed. The basement also includes another office or workout 
room. It is also great for entertaining or family night with a gathering area and theatre/media room. Are you a musician? This room makes a perfect studio.
And the entrance way to this room includes a dazzling tile floor, which does not go unnoticed by any guest to the home.
Custom Tile in Bathroom
Don’t miss the opportunity to see this home and call me for a showing!
Written by Julie Johnson | Discussion: No Comments »
New Family Cabon Monoxide Saftey Act in Colorado
June 25th, 2009 Categories: Buyer's Corner, Colorado Round Up, First Time Buyers, Home Inspections and Maintenance, REO and HUD Talk, Uncategorized
My friend is always asking me to “check” my carbon monoxide detector in my house and I said “I do”! The simple answer is, I look over to see that the red light is still on and that no one is sick yet! Sounds a bit frivolous, but I don’t remember having a carbon monoxide detector in my house when I was little, more less when my kids were little. Any of this sound familiar to you? The scary part is that you usually hear on the news during the winter time about some poor family that perished because of carbon monoxide poisoning and they never realized what hit them. Colorado’s Gov. Ritter Jr. signed a new bill May 2009 that requires all existing single and multi family dwellings offered for sale or transfer (after July 1, 2009) to have carbon monoxide detectors.
Bill 1091, Lofgren & Johnson Family Carbon Monoxide Safety Act, was named after Parker & Caroline Lofgren and their children who died while vacationing in Aspen over Thanksgiving 2008, and Lauri Johnson, 23 year old Univ. of Denver grad student who died in her apartment in Jan 09.
The act requires that all new or sold residential properties have Carbon Monoxide alarms on each floor of the property. Rentals will also be required to add Carbon Monoxide alarms when tenants change.
The safety act requires CM detectors to be located with in 15 ft. of the entrance to all rooms used lawfully for sleeping purposes. In addition, if the permit is for multi-family rental unit, CM detectors need to be located within 25 ft. of any fuel-fired heater, appliance, fireplace or garage.
There are actually 3 silent killers in your house that you might not be a ware of:
Carbon Monoxide
Radon
Mold
Carbon Monoxide and Radon are invisible to the naked eye and is hard to detect. Anytime you suspect water damage, or water infiltration – anywhere in your home, mold could be there behind or under something, and you don’t realize it. There are test you can have done for detection and also sucessful remediation for all of them. When you are thinking about purchasing a bank owned home that has been left unmaintained, or a total fixer upper, ask your Realtor to put in your contract that you will be having any or all of these test. You’ll be glad you did, and it will be the best money spent – by you as the buyer – before buying the money pit. Click on any of these links to learn more about Carbon Monoxide, Radon and Mold.
eMedicine’s advice on carbon monoxide poisoning everyone should know!
Click on this link to learn more about radon!
Mold detections, symptons and how to get rid of!
Written by Karen Cifala | Discussion: No Comments »
