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!

First, the family and I are packing up our wagon and heading down to the Municipal Building lawn to join the Parenting Place where the kiddos can decorate their wagons and strollers.  Then let the festivities begin!  Following the decorating, there will be a parade.  Snack on bagels and watermelon!  Sing along with music by Sue Schnitzer! Sponsored by the Daily Camera, Einstein Brothers Bagels, Full Cycle, Sprout’s Farmers Market, Flatirons Bank, and Clementine Art Studio. See you there at 10:00am!

In celebration of the 4th of July, Avery Brewing is holding its third annual Four on the Fourth 4k race at 9 a.m. on Sunday.  The Daily Camera reports that organizers hope the event attracts around 450 participants. Age groups range from the under-20s to the over-80s.  C.V. Howe at Avery Brewing says the winner of each age group walks away with a case of Avery Beer, and overall male and female winners receive their weight, pound for pound, in beer.  The event begins at 9 a.m., participants are to park at Avery Brewing Company. The event

is family-friendly and participants will be greeted at the finish line with refreshments and food. Online registration is still open and participants can register in person on the day of the event until 8:30 a.m.

See…the Fourth of July is an ALL DAY activity so don’t wait until the afternoon bbq’s and happy hour to get busy – begin celebrating at dawn!  Then, when dusk falls, head out for food and music before the fireworks.  Here are some restaurants getting in on the holiday fun. Go celebrate this Independence Day at the Millennium. Stop by the gardens for BBQ before heading up to Folsom Field to see the fireworks this Sunday from 5pm till 8pm. Your choice of burger, cheeseburger, veggie burger, hot dog or shredded pork sandwich, plus potato salad, chips cookie and soda or water. Due to its success with the Monday night fixed-price deal Bacaro is excited to extend it to Sunday nights as well (Fourth of July)!  Join us every Sunday and Monday for a 3-course meal at only $16 per guest.  The menu selections will vary so you can return each week to enjoy a different taste of Bácaro’s menu! To top it off, every Sunday kids will enjoy a FREE meal!  Also, you won’t want to miss the Sunday evening showing of Independence Day with Will Smith at the St. Julien Hotel & Spa.  It begins at 8:30 on the terrace.  Oh… and they also have great food and drinks!

Even if you have kids, or just want to enjoy a beautiful Boulder day alone, there is plenty to do.  Don’t forget about the Boulder Creek Path, there will be ample amount of tubers, waders, and kayakers to watch. Pearl Street is always hopping and if you don’t like crowds, head to the mountains.  It’ll be a perfect day to relax, exercise, or get away.  Whatever you decide, enjoy!  We’ll see ya around town!

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.

Summer events include:

TWENTY NINTH STREET LIVE!  

When:  June 12th-August 7th.  Get ready for some fun dancing and live music on Saturdays directly on the 29th Street mall (corner of 29th & Canyon). 

There is free parking.  The view is amazing and the sunset can’t be beat.  Restaurants and shopping include Borders, Laudisio Restaurant, Cantina Laredo, and Bath & Body Works.

BOULDER CREEK HOMETOWN FAIR:

When: September 4th-6th.  Wrap up the summer in Boulder’s Central Park.  The three days of performances includes Great American Taxi, The Fables, and Nina Storey.  As the unofficial end to summer in Boulder, the three-day Boulder Creek Hometown Fair features unique events and entertainment, such as the Great Zucchini Race, the Chili Inferno Cook-Off, Big Wheel Races, interactive sports expos, a food court and beer garden, live music, children’s activities, and much more. 303-449-3137.

LONGMONT OKTOBERFEST:

Formerly brought to you by the Longmont Symphony Orchestra, the Longmont Oktoberfest is an established event held in Longmont’s Roosevelt Park each September. Now brought to you by the award-winning production & management team of Boulder Creek Events, Oktoberfest features three days of great live music, local breweries, arts & crafts exhibitors, and kids’ rides and attractions. There’s something for the whole family at the Longmont Oktoberfest!

2010 Dates & Times: Friday, Sept. 10 (5-10pm); Saturday, Sept. 11 (11am-10pm);
Sunday, Sept. 12 (11am-5pm)

Location: Roosevelt Park (849 Coffman St. in Longmont)

BOULDER COUNTY FAIR AND RODEO

Aug. 3-7: The oldest county fair in Colorado is now in its 141st year. The schedule has been scaled back from nine days to five, but each day is jam-packed with events and activities. Parking and gate admission are free, plus many of the events are free. Every day is kids’ day, with scavenger hunts, hands-on activities, animals and storytimes.  See you there!

Subscribe to our website and receive information like this and more about real estate, neighborhoods, market reports and up to date listings in the area.

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.

The Boulder Colorado Dailyreported that the winning time was 29 minutes, 17 seconds and it’s the fourth time in the past six years that an Ethiopian man has won and the sixth time in history an Ethiopian has captured the title.  In the woman’s race, Mamitu Daska (also from Ethiopia) won in 32 minutes, 28 seconds; winning her second year in a row. Her time was the fastest on the women’s side in 15 years despite warmer weather than distance runners would prefer.

Other news relating to the event was the almost tragic situation with a 13 year old boy whose heart stopped just before finishing.  He was rescued by medics and is doing fine at the Denver Children’s Hospital.  The cause was likely related to a rhythm abnormality in the boy’s heart.  We wish him a most speedy recovery.

According to the official website for the Bolder Boulder, the one and only Dr. Oz ran the event.  If you don’t know who Dr Oz is by now, my only advice is to Google it.  Because the doctor advocates a healthy lifestyle and promotes daily exercise, it further demonstrates how setting a personal goal for the race is really what it’s all about.  Getting outside and being active is the focus for most of the citizens of our wonderful city, making the event one of the most popular things to do on Memorial Day.

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.

CLASSICALLY KIDS; Ages 7-11

June 30th: The Magic Horn and The Waltz King, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Where? Chautauqua Community House. Concert: July 1, at 7:30 p.m.

July 7th: American Music: Let’s Get Jazzed! 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Where? Chautauqua Community House. Concert: July 8, at 7:30 p.m.

July 14th: Romancing The Strings, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Where? Chautauqua Community House. Concert: July 16, at 7:30 p.m.

FAMILY FUN CONCERTS! Ages 4-8

July 2nd: The Wonderful World of Percussion, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Chautauqua Auditorium

SPECIAL EVENT! Four Strings For Kids With Jake Shimabukuro. Tuesday June 29th, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Chautauqua Community House

HISTORICAL FACT…Chautauqua Auditorium (1898) is included on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been voted one of the top ten places artists love to play because of its superior acoustics and intimate feel.

Summer at the Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts presents MUSIC TOGETHER (from Birth to 5 years with a parent) which is a research-based, nationally-certified program featuring songs, movement, and instrument play Tues., Weds., Thurs. 9 a.m. or 10 a.m.  Please visit the Center’s website for more detailed information.  Take advantage of these wonderful musical opportunities throughout the summer here in Boulder Colorado.  Which class or concert do you plan on attending?  And remember The Troia Team for all of your real estate needs – subscribe today and receive up to date market information or search for homes.

]]> http://blogtherockies.com/2010/05/16/connecting-kids-with-music-in-boulder-colorado/feed/ 0 http://blogtherockies.com/2010/05/03/2345/ http://blogtherockies.com/2010/05/03/2345/#comments Mon, 03 May 2010 16:22:13 +0000 John Vaughan http://blogtherockies.com/?p=2345

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.

Sadly, there are far too many stories like Erica’s.  At least 6,000 people were killed by distracted drivers in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  And if you think that’s a large number, well, it’s only growing.  But hopefully, this will change and work is already being done to do so. President Obama signed an executive order banning texting while driving on federal business. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is pushing for tougher laws and more enforcement. States are passing laws, too. Local groups are gaining strength, spurred by too many deaths close to home.  Join the Troia Team in taking the no phone zone pledge.  Remember what life was like before texting existed?  Can we recollect the era of just driving with both hands on the wheel, observant and quick to respond?  I recently saw a study that was performed on drunk drivers and drivers who were texting.  The drunk drivers were quicker to react than the cell phone users when stopping and response time.  That is why we should just drive.  Everything else can wait.  That’s the Troia Team pledge.  So, what about you?  Are you going to take the oath not to text also?  Subscribe to our site and comment on how you feel about it.

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.

The history of our residential brokerage is fascinating and proves this company comes with experience – over 104 years old in fact!  Yes, legacy has it that the origination of Coldwell Banker began to evolve in 1906 after the devestating earth quake and fire.  Saddened economic times resulted and contemptuous business practices emerged.  Two men sought to change the way companies were operating by creating a real estate firm that was based on the principles of honesty, integrity, and professionalism.  Our accomplishments to this day are proof that we are the most successful and influential brokerage.  Check out the video.

QUESTION: How did we get our name?

ANSWER: The two men who founded our company were Colbert Coldwell and Benjamin Banker.

Why should you list with us?  What sets us apart?

The tangibles: 1) Reality Check from ColdwellBanker.com, Previews (homes over $700,000), Colorado Homes On Demand, and CBAgentInfo (agent’s source for all needed links and resources).

We are ahead of the times and always updating our marketing strategies.  See us on YouTube, social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace.

Our direct marketing campaign includes CB direct connect which is a monthly promotional email.  Your new listing or open house can also be distributed.

The Troia Team utilizes Proquest which is the 1-800 number on the top of your yard sign.  It allows potential buyers to call on the sign and gather more information regarding the home.  They are immediately contacted by a Troia Team Realtor, making for the quick sale of your home.

Let’s not forget about Leadrouter.  When I put your home in the multiple listing service, it also goes to websites such as coloproperty.com, Realtor.com, Zillow.  Buyers are able to inquire about a listing through the website and again, they are promptly contacted by an agent.

….300 Websites and COUNTING!!!!

Most importantly and as our history demonstrates, our company follows the values you must have in a Realtor: Integrity, Honesty, and Professionalism.  Contact me today for a free market analysis and subscribe to our website for up to date news.

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.

Here’s the law according to the EPA, which signed a new regulation regarding the renovation of child-occupied buildings built before 1978 on April 22, 2008. The rule becomes effective April 22, 2010. Under the rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. EPA’s RRP rule impacts many construction trades, including general contractors and special trade contractors, painters, plumbers, carpenters and electricians. Activities performed by all of these trades can disturb lead-based paint and have the potential to create hazardous lead dust. For most individuals, eight hours of training is required. However, individuals who have successfully completed renovation courses developed by HUD or EPA, or an abatement worker or supervisor course accredited by EPA or an authorized State or Tribal program, can become certified renovators by taking a four hour EPA-accredited renovator refresher training.

Before hiring a contractor, consider the following before performing the renovation to your home built before 1978:

     1.  Safety first.  If any contractor is pushing you to do upgrades prior to the rule change to cut costs, they probably would not have been safe to begin with.
     2.  Verify the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured.
     3.  Has the contractor received the lead paint certification?  If not, find out what their safety practices are to avoid contamination and when they are getting certified.
     4.  Contact references from previous work.  If no references available, move on.
     5.  Get at least 3 detailed bids to compare costs of different contractors.  Pay attention especially to the labor costs as that is where the fees will increase due to the new rules.
     6.  If subcontractors are required for the job, will there always be at least 1 certified lead paint contractor on site?
     7.  Referrals of qualified contractors from family, friends and co-workers is a great place to start.  Ask The Troia Team, we can help.  And if you would like up to date real estate news, subscribe to our website.

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.

The home under appraised for the amount she owed.  This means that unless she absolutely has to sell (short sale), then she’s stuck.  It doesn’t matter that her job is secured or that she makes enough money from a stable company or that her credit is unscathed.  Home values went down in her area for whatever reason and she was struggling with what to do.  Renting her home out was one option but in order to loan on a second house, she would need 25% down.  Not impossible, but a stretch.  She thought about short selling then renting a larger home for a couple of years, but why damage her credit? It’s tough out there people, but new hope is imminent as the government plans to “shrink” home loans.  The plan will allow mortgagors who owe more on their mortgages than their properties are worth, get new loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration.  Participating mortgage companies such as Bank of America will slash the amount owed and the homeowner will receive an incentive.  Also, the plan includes help to families who have suffered a job loss with temporary assistance.

STATISTIC: Nearly one in three homeowners are under on their loans!

Possible plans: monthly payments would be reduced by lowering mortgage rates to as low as 2 percent for five years and extending loan terms up to 40 years. To complete the program, homeowners need to go through a three month trial period and provide proof of their income, plus a letter documenting their financial hardship.

Though $75 billion in funding is available to the more than 100 lenders who have signed up, only a tiny fraction has been spent. Lenders had received $58 million in incentive payments as of last month, according to the Government Accountability Office.

So, do you suffer from the economic crisis through no fault of your own?  Join the club, but take advantage of this plan!  Subscribe to our site for up to date mortgage and real estate information.  Do you want to know if you qualify?  Let us know and we will help.

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.

What’s first? As a seller, you need to thumb through all those mortgage papers and give your agent the most information possible.  Lender’s name, number, address and your account number.  Social security card number, payment history, and recent balance statement/bill are also helpful.  It’s not always easy to contact the appropriate person at the bank but it’s not impossible.  One of the other pertinent pieces of information I learned at a short sale class is BE NICE.  Courtesy will get you a long way.  Many of the employees working on short sales at the bank are overworked and underpaid.  Ticking them off will get you nowhere fast.

A letter of authorization is necessary so create it before the lender asks.  Your real estate agent will help you write a letter giving the lender permission to talk with those specific interested parties about your loan.  Include your property address, loan reference number, your name, the date, and your agent’s name and contact information.

Conduct a preliminary net sheet or estimated closing statement.  Again, your agent can help and so can the lawyer (which I always advise one).  This will include: 1) sale price approximation, 2) unpaid loan balances, 3) title costs, lawyer fees, lender fees, 4) late fees, and 5) real estate commissions.

The hardship letter.  Be expecting a blog with sample letters.  It’s exactly how it sounds.  Explain why you need a short sale.  What is happening to create financial distress in your life.  Divorce?  Job loss?  BE HONEST!  Dishonesty may get you rejected by the lender and besides, it’s bad karma.

Proof of income and assets.  Again, BE HONEST.  Name all your assets, saving accounts, money market accounts, 401k, any other stocks/bonds, other real estate, income and copies of bank statements.  It’s possible you may not qualify for a short sale if you have enough assets to cover unpaid debt.

Next, your comparative market analysis prepared by your real estate agent which includes active listings on the market, pending sales and solds from the last six months.

Lastly, the lender loves to see the purchase agreement (offer) and listing contract.  You’ll have a listing contract with your real estate agent when you begin and after your home has been on the market, a buyer (or several) will come along and make offers.  Accept one and have it ready to submit with the above information.  Lenders usually try to renegotiate offers and commissions and refuse to pay for inspection items.

It may seem like a lot of documentation but that is why expertise representation is so essential.  The Troia Team can help with these forms and the entire short sale process.  Register with our site and receive updated real estate news and let me know if you have any questions regarding short sales!

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.

CREDIT SCORE

Foreclosure: Can stay on your record for up to 10 years and drastically reduces your credit score 300 points!  vs. Short Sale:  Don’t plan on buying another home in Boulder County (without cash) for two years and the score is lowered about 50 points.

CREDIT HISTORY

Foreclosure: Recorded on public records.  vs. Short Sale: Recorded by mortgage company as “paid”, “paid as negotiated”, “settled in full”.

CURRENT EMPLOYMENT

Foreclosure: Because it is on your credit report, it’s possible for employers to check the information and terminate employment as well.  vs. Short Sale: Not on your report – no indication of loss – no employment termination.

FUTURE EMPLOYMENT

Same as above.  Forclosures on your record are public information to future employers; like a DUI.  They may use their discretion. vs. Short Sale: no record = employers can’t know.

DEFICIENCY JUDGEMENT

Foreclosure: the bank has the right to pursue the deficiency of the loan.  vs. Short Sale: It is possible to negotiate with the lender to give up the right to pursue the deficiency.

DEFICIENCY AMOUNT

Foreclosure: If the home does not sale at auction, it will go through the REO bank system.  This results in a prolonged sale process, resulting in possible larger deficiencies. vs. Short Sale: Because they can be sold at near market value, the deficiency could be forgiven.