Author Archive
Fireworks, Parades, and Music; Fourth of July in Boulder Colorado
July 3rd, 2010 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Mountain Living, Relocating
A lot of people are asking me my plans for July 4th weekend here in Boulder County and they are seeking suggestions for some outdoor fun. I’ve compiled this blog in order to education the masses on the not-to-miss events for this festive and time-honored holiday. Let’s begin with Folsom Stadium Fireworks as this is the most well known of tributes to the red, white, and blue. It begins when dark so be prepared to wait and keep the kiddos up late. You can view the spectacular lights from the stadium itself, or find yourself a spot around town. One popular gathering is Scott Carpenter Park. It’ll be packed, so get there early and set up a chair or blanket. The kids can climb around the playground and rocket ship while you wait. Bring your sparklers! Also included in prime locations for watching fireworks all over the county in one convenient spot – Chautauqua, Mt Sanitas, and Southern Sun Pub (I’m only kind of joking – it does have great views). There are so many Fourth of July events, your head will be seeing fireworks for months to come!
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: 1 Comment »
All Aboard! Rhythm On The Rails And More!
June 13th, 2010 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Colorado Round Up, Focus on Boulder
Don’t miss out on all the free summer concerts happening in Boulder County like the Award-Winning Rhythm on the Rails in Niwot Colorado. It’s a ten week summer concert series held every Thursday at Whistle Stop Park featuring bands such as Elephant Revival, Hazel Miller, Bonepony, 
The Strolling Scones, and more great performaces. Niwot is located just 5 miles east of Boulder and is known for its charming community. While listening to awesome music, enjoy food from local vendors and shopping! See you at the bandstand! Click here for more summer concerts, fairs, and music opportunities.
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: No Comments »
A Memorable Finish. Bolder Boulder Race Coverage.
June 1st, 2010 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Focus on Boulder, Mountain Living
It brought tears to the eyes of some and whether or not you’re an emotional person, all were touched by the outcome of the professional men’s race. Some witnesses are saying it was the most memorable and sportsmanlike finish the Bolder Boulder has ever seen. In case you weren’t the 50,000 participants and observers to watch the finale you may not know it was an Ethiopian dominated race. But what’s so special about the outcome is the three friends who crossed the finish line abreast and holding hands. Lelisa Desisa, Tilahun Regassa and Tadese Tola (friends from Ethiopia) made it difficult for officials to declare a winner as they were linked together through the finish. What a truly amazing sight to witness. For more coverage information, click here. Read the rest of this entry »
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: No Comments »
Connecting Kids With Music In Boulder Colorado
May 16th, 2010 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Focus on Boulder, Mountain Living, Relocating
The Rocky Mountain Center For Musical Arts located in Boulder Colorado provides access to the best of the world’s music through education and performance. Because their mission is to inspire and connect community member of all ages with the joy of music, they have an awesome summer program designed to connect children with music. Some are directed at teens called “Masterclasses” and they are for advanced and serious middle and high school age students. Your children will gain new insights into their instrument through performance and listening. Instruments include clarinet, violin, french horn, and cello. The Center also provides access to rehearsals, free and open to the public! These occur at Chautauqua Auditorium. You can just drop by to sample the excitement of live classical music in the most charming venue in town. Any Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 12:30pm. Read more about the opportunities for children of all ages and concert dates.
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: No Comments »
No Phone Zone Pledge
May 3rd, 2010 Categories: Colorado Round Up, Focus on Boulder, Mountain Living, Trends
The Troia Team is supporting the newest initiative instigated by Oprah Winfreyherself. NO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING! While it’s a nationwide promise, we are honoring it here in Boulder Colorado as real estate agents and concerned members of our city. It all began in a local community near our county, Fort Collins Colorado when earlier this year, Shelley and Daren Forney, lost their 9-year-old daughter. Erica, who was on her bicycle, just 15 pedals from her front door when she was hit and killed by a driver who was distracted by the cell phone. Erica’s death was senseless and stupid because it was caused by a phone call that just couldn’t wait. Just recently I was driving next to someone who had both hands on their phone and their elbows were on the steering wheel…….”steering”!!?!?!? I was scared to be on the road next to him. Read more about this important cause and help to prevent unnecessary deaths and accidents.
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: No Comments »
Why Coldwell Banker? The Whole Story.
April 25th, 2010 Categories: Buyer's Corner, Colorado Round Up, First Time Buyers, Focus on Boulder, Real Estate Tales, Selling Thoughts
The Coldwell Banker Story. 
I’ve been on a lot of listing appointments lately with spring arriving here in Boulder Colorado and included in the listing presentation are reasons why to choose Coldwell Banker. I, myself even had to ponder the reasons why to choose one brokerage company over another when becoming a real estate agent. Upon intensive research and endless appointments with recruiting office managers, I went with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and The Troia Team. Here’s why I did and why you should as well.
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: No Comments »
Real Estate And Lead Based Paint In Boulder Colorado
April 17th, 2010 Categories: Buyer's Corner, Colorado Round Up, Home Inspections and Maintenance
This is more than important information to know if you are buying, selling or renovating real estate in Boulder County and anywhere in Colorado. As many of you know, if you sell or rent a home built before 1978, you must disclose that your home may contain paint that contains lead. Not only is there a disclosure form to sign, but a pamphlet that highlights the paint’s risks, especially to children. But did you also know that a new law will go into effect this month? Read on to obtain this essential piece of knowledge.
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: 2 Comments »
Shrink Your Home Loan: Obama’s Foreclosure Prevention Plan
March 31st, 2010 Categories: Colorado Round Up, Market Conditions, Market Watch, Selling Thoughts
The following is a true story.
I have a family member who bought her home in 2005. The economy was better then and real estate was hot in Boulder Colorado. Prices were high, inventory was low, and banks were more lenient with loan qualifications. She makes over $50,000 and has a steady job. However, she just had a baby and would like to buy a bigger home. As expected, she got her home ready to list and had the home appraised first in order to determine a price.
What do you guess happened? Click here to find out.
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: No Comments »
Yes! It’s Another Short Sale Blog.
March 17th, 2010 Categories: Buyer's Corner, Market Conditions, Selling Thoughts
But worth your while, I guarantee you. The Troia Team from Boulder Colorado is writing so much on the subject lately because IT IS the subject lately. Real estate short sales are everywhere and the numerous listings are partially due to the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program; go ahead, call it HAFA.
The information is non-ending. You can’t write enough about short sales. As we discussed before, having a knowledgeable Realtor is most important. One who can walk you through the process. If I were going through a short sale, here’s what I would want to know from my real estate agent.
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: 3 Comments »
Foreclosure Verses A Short Sale
March 7th, 2010 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Buyer's Corner, Market Conditions, REO and HUD Talk, Selling Thoughts
A short sale is when the real estate sale proceeds fall short of the balanced owed on the property’s loan. This happens when the borrower is unable to pay their property’s mortgage. Instead of penalizing the mortgagor, the lender agrees to sell the property at a moderate loss. This is an advantage to both parties as it allows them to avoid foreclosure, which involves hefty fees for the bank and poorer credit report outcomes for the borrowers. Clients in Boulder ask this all the time and no, this may not release the mortgagor from their deficiency. Neither foreclosure nor a short sale leaves you free and clear.
Definition made simple of foreclosure: when the borrower is legally removed as owner to their home. Ownership is terminated due to late payments (default). The property is sold at a public auction. Proceeds go to payment of the balance. When the bank buys the property at the auction, it is then put on the market.
If it’s right for your situation, a short sale would occur before the home goes to auction. A Realtor lists the home in hopes of selling and presenting an offer to the bank before the sale date. This date can be extended while the home is listed. Two basic scenarios: 1) Home receives an offer and the bank accepts = no foreclosure. 2) Property receives no offers or the bank rejects offers = home goes to auction & foreclosure.
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: No Comments »
