Billy Banjo’s Bus Tours, of course!  So, let me tell you what I partook in last evening.  It all began in Boulder Colorado where a group of good friends decided to do a customized bus tour (with a cowgirl theme no less).  Dressed to the nine;, we were decked out in boots, rodeo shirts, big-buckled belts, and cowgirl  hats!  Even Banjo Billy had on his chaps as he drove us downtown to Pearl Street and up to Chatauqua.  Now, if you’ve never seen or heard of this bus, you have to have to realize that this is not your average tour bus.  And if you’re a group of twenty five cowgirls, get ready to whoop, yeehaw, dance, and party your way around town.  You’ve got to read more.

I’ve lived in Boulder a long time so I know about the bus tour and often see it parked outside of the Boulderado picking up passengers, however I did not know (until last night), just how fun it could be.  Did you know that you can choose a tour and that they are offered in Denver and Boulder?  Here’s what Banjo Billy himself has to say about his tours.  Banjo Billy’s Bus Tour gives history tours of Boulder and Denver Colorado from an old school bus tricked out to look like a traveling hillbilly shack.  Hear ghost tales, crime stories, and history while sitting on a couch, recliner or saddle as the bus rolls through the core of the cities.  You won’t forget this bus tour!

Although the bus follows the same route every time, no two tours are alike. Passengers get to vote at multiple stops for what they want to hear about – whether it’s a ghost story, a bizarre tall tale, or historical facts. The tour is 90 minutes long, but we guess you’ll be hoping for more. 

Our tour was unique.  After the historical stops entailing stories of ghosts and crime, we made our way to the Dark Horse for quick lemon drop shots.  Then, we headed to Lyons to the Outlaw Saloon, of course.  We were cowgirls after all.  That was the end of the road for Banjo Billy as he had another tour to do, but it was only the beginning for us outlaws!  This Saloon has karaoke and yeehaw!, we sang and swung our partners and had an overall BLAST! 

Thanks John (aka Billy Banjo) and Thanks Ladies!  Let’s go on tour again soon.

Yes, I am seriously writing about this!  I need to write a fun blog and since it’s Bike and Walk to Work Month, why not?  June is the designated month for biking and walking to work and the month is filled with events in Boulder Colorado. Bike to Work Day will be  held on Wednesday, June 23. It is presented by GO Boulder and coordinated by Community Cycles. First celebrated as Bike to Work Day in 1977, the event has grown and continues to encourage thousands of commuters to explore their transportation options.  Serious facts provided by the City of Boulder about 2009:

Way to go Boulder!!!!!  Now for some not so serious information on how to realistically bike to work and not stink out your co-workers.

As a Realtor, I would love to bike to work more often on days that I know I’m not showing buyers around, but how practical is it when you work with the public to show up sweaty and possible smelly?  Well, here’s how……

Tip #1: Stash a supply of clothes at the office.  Wear your bike clothes to get there, then change.  How hard is that?  Plus, if you keep the wardrobe at the office ahead of time, you don’t have to tote the extra backpack.

Tip #2: Along with the clothes, have a handy supply of toiletries.  Wipes, deodorant, lotions….you get my point.  When you arrive, use the restroom to rinse up a bit, then spritz a little rose or lavender water onto your face and hair – yes, even you boys.  Or witch hazel, it might be a little more manly.

Tip #3: Dress appropriately.  You are going to get hot, so dress light even if it’s chilly at first.  Also, leave earlier in the morning.  Getting to work earlier than usual will impress your boss, plus you need the extra time to freshen up using Tips #1 and #2 noted above.

Tip #4: Carry light.  Along with Tip Number One, not only the extra clothes and shoes, but leave the laptop & day planner as well.

Tip #5: Forget about all this and just smell.  This is Boulder after all, chances are your co-workers like the odor or probably stink themselves because they also biked to work.  We are saving the planet and helping to lessen our dependence on foreign oil (stop the war!)! Who cares what you smell like.

All funny business aside, if you are looking to know more about the Boulder Community, contact me for more information.  And click here for the most complete Walk & Bike Month schedule.

School is ending for the 2009-2010 year and with that comes the need to find childcare for the summer.  As a working mother in Boulder Colorado, I am always looking for a great summer camp or two around the county.  And since real estate is really picking up, I will need plenty of full-time child care.  Over the years, my children have attended YMCA, Science Discovery,  and Avid4Adventure.  These are all fulfilling camps providing not only supervision but stimulating activities as well.  Did you know that YMCA camps have been voted the best day camps 4 years in a row!?  Wow, you can’t beat that kind of award.  It’s nice to feel reassured that while your child is away for the day; that they are learning, having fun, and being well taken care of.  At the YMCA Day Camp, children can enjoy all sorts of adventure including archery, swimming, arts & crafts, field trips, and new friendships.  A wide variety of programs are offered for children ages 5-17, with special programs designed just for teens.  Want to hear about more camp opportunities?  Read on.

The University of Colorado’s Science Discovery, is one that my daughter attended every summer. Each year was a different experience ranging in Dinosaur Fun to  Chemistry Chefs.  The Science Discovery program offers classes for ages 4-16 including math, science and technology which are taught with hands-on activities that are fun and informative. Teachers utilize university and community resources to produce a stimulating environment, both indoors and out, and a variety of field experiences. New classes are offered each summer and support the Colorado Science Standards.

One of our other favorites is Avid4Adventure especially because it contains experiences that are active and outdoors.  One summer, my daughter took a week long kayaking trip that also included camping and rock climbing.  It was important to me to have her outdoors in nature possibly doing something that she never would have done otherwise.  David Secunda, the Founder explains that Avid4 Adventure provides age-appropriate outdoor activities that encourage learning, develop self-esteem and build friendships. Given that outdoor activities can involve risks, he says that the focus is on promoting safety through participant awareness and quality staff. All of the staff are proficient and tested in their area of instruction, certified in first aid and CPR, trained in defensive driving, background checked, as well as being experienced with kids and great role models.

Boulder County Kids is a great way to find out more about the summer camps in and around Boulder.  For real estate news and to learn more about what’s happening in town, subscribe to our site and receive all the information you need.

Got kids?  How about family visiting from out of town?  Well, this is your week Boulder County Colorado!  It’s family week, which obviously means a weekends worth of activities designed for the whole gang.  If you’re from Lafayette, enjoy time spent at the Bob Burger Recreation with FREE ADMISSION for the kiddos!   The Longmont Museum and Cultural Center is hosting hands-on games including a water game and solving the Sweet Beet Puzzle.  Keep reading for more details on these activities and more.

One participating organization, Bob L. Burger Recreation Center, which is a 47,000 square foot recreation center housed on 20 acres of parkland.  This multi-use area features a 4-field youth sports complex, an in-line hockey rink and the City’s outdoor classroom.  These amenities provide the community with a wonderful focal point for great family recreation.

Mention Boulder County Family Week and youths 2-17 will receive free admission with an adult’s paid admission May 1st – 7th.  Their address is 111 West Baseline Road in Lafayette and their phone number: (303) 665-0469.

Next is the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center hosting a hands-on day of water games, solving puzzles, using a digital microscope, playing with buffalo and crow costumes, creating your own town, and fin hidden treasures in the Long’s Peak room.  They are located at 400 Quail Road and the next family day date is May 7th from 9-10:15, 10:15-11:30, and 12:30-2.  Ages 2-5 with a parent.

Another great event is held at Playfair Toys on 2550 Arapahoe in Boulder which involves making a craft for mom.  It’s on Saturday at 11:00am.  Ages 3 and up and you can reach them at (303) 444-7502.

Check out Reverence Academy of Dance where a kickin’ swing class will be taught.  Also in Lafayette at 1370 Minders Dr #103 on Friday May 7, 5-6:30pm.  Ages include 7 and older with parents.

If you would like more information on family activities in Boulder and real estate trends in the area, subscribe to our site and receive updates.  I’d love to hear your ideas for the weekend.  See you around town!

 The Troia Team Realtors of  Boulder Colorado love Rockies baseball.  Because we also love our clients, we throw a client appreication game day each year in which we provide free Rockies Tickets and a pre game party.  Last year it was held on the rooftop of LoDos, serving food and beer.  Then, we all headed to the game, providing free popcorn and snacks.  It’s always a blast.  Many of you have already participated  in a game, forever loyal to your local Denver team.  Read more about the Rockies season and history.

Here’s the most recent news according to Jeff Siedel: Aaron Cook battled uncharacteristic control problems Monday night, and his early troubles helped Washington score five quick runs en route to a 5-2 victory over the Rockies before 11,623 at Nationals Park. Cook (0-2) labored through his three-inning stint. He threw 83 pitches (just 46 strikes) and gave up five runs on seven hits, walking four and striking out two while repeatedly falling behind in the count.That’s what forced the right-hander to face nine batters in the second and eight more in the third. Cook’s biggest problems came with Willie Harris, who hit a three-run homer in the second and a sacrifice fly in the third.Clint Barmes got an RBI double for Colorado (6-7) in the third, and Miguel Olivo added a sacrifice fly in the fourth. Washington starter Craig Stammen (1-0) threw eight strong innings, giving up just two runs on five hits.The loss ended a nine-game Colorado winning streak against the Nationals, dating back to late in the 2008 season, and was the franchise’s first loss in Nationals Park.

Click here for this season’s schedule.

HISTORY:

The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993, the Rockies play in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains, which pass through Colorado, just west of Denver. The Rockies play their home games at Coors Fieldin downtown Denver. After previous failed attempts to bring the Major League Baseball to Colorado (most notably the Pittsburgh Pirates nearly relocating to Denver following the Pittsburgh drug trials in 1985), by the early 1990s a team seemed to be a possibility in Denver. The Colorado Baseball Commission, led by banking executive Larry Varnell, was successful in getting Denver voters to approve a 0.1 percent sales tax to help finance a new baseball stadium. Also, an advisory committee was formed in 1990 by then-Governor of Colorado Roy Romerto recruit an ownership group. The group selected was led by John Antonucci, an Ohio beverage distributor, and Michael I. Monus, the head of the Phar-Mor drugstore chain. Local and regional companies—such as Erie Lake, Hensel Phelps Construction, KOA Radio, and the Rocky Mountain News—rounded out the group. On July 5, 1991, the National League approved Denver and Miami, Florida, as the sites for two expansion teams to begin play in 1993.The Rockies joined the National League in 1993, along with the Southern Florida franchise, the Florida Marlins. The Rockies’ first pick in the expansion draft was pitcher David Nied from the Atlanta Braves organization. Nied pitched 4 seasons for the Rockies.

If you’d like to be a part of our unique and fun client appreication party, subscribe here and you will receive up to date real estate news and client appreciation party details.

Looking for entertainment tonight or this week in Boulder County Colorado?  Do you love to dance, listen to music, drink famous beer, and eat yummy food? Well, look no further than the all-famous Oskar Blues in either Longmont or Lyons.  One of my favorite attributes of the brewery is the live music.  Of course, many visitors love the beer including the all-famous Dales Pale Ale, which was voted one of the quintessential American hoppy pale ales of our time by BeerAdvocate.com. The intimate, 100-person capacity of the beloved juke joint gets you up close with the best musicians in Colorado and the United States. No wonder Rolling Stone Magazine called them the hottest place to be on a Saturday night in Colorado. Read what Oskar Blues has to say about themselves.

Oskar Blues says, “Our list of acclaimed, top-shelf comfort foods covers a lot of tasty ground. We serve up everything from soul-stirring gumbo and other New Orleans-style treats to exceptional fried catfish (the best in the Rockies), bodacious burgers, and mouth watering Mexican fare.

We also take pride in our homemade pizzas, Dixie-fried bar fare, and an array of vegetarian and low-fat offerings. Craving dessert? Our Chocolate Dump cake is one of our most revered after-dinner treats. We also serve a wholesome lunch and dinner special each day, call us at  303-823-6685  to get the daily special info.

Along with great beer and food, we’re also down with soul saving live. Both our basement music room at OB Grill & Brew & our most recent upstairs live music venue at Home Made Liquids & Solids have presented some of best national and local acts to come to the area.  In addition to having a passion for full-flavored beer, we also have a big love for delicious, down-home cooking. Our family-friendly, folk-art blessed restaurant is home to a mighty menu of Cajun, Creole and Southern-style comfort foods that reflect our founder’s southern upbringing. We’re also nuts about live roots music. Our basement music room has presented the best national and local acts since 1997. We welcome everything from blues, rock, bluegrass and jam music to folk, Americana, trad-country and the Lyons High School Jazz Band (they rule!).

We’re especially crazy about the blues. Our lineup of national blues acts stretches from living legends such as Pinetop Perkins and Duke Robillard to up & comers such as Tommy Castro, John Lee Hooker, Jr. and other rising stars.”

Find out why I love this brewery and don’t miss the next live band.  Check out tonight’s venue. You’ll have a blast!  After you visit, let me know what you think.  You can subscribe to our blog to find out more local restaurants and hotspots around the area.  And do you need a real estate agent who specializes in the area?  Look no further than The Troia Team.

Yes, we can help! Short sales are increasingly common as new government acts have passed to find alternatives to foreclosures.  You are not alone.  The economy is tough in Boulder Colorado and elsewhere;  people are losing jobs and it’s been a difficult time in real estate as property values have dropped below mortgages owed on homes.  This makes it difficult to refinance and when it’s hard to pay on that mortgage, you find yourself in a dire situation.  Often times if you qualify, a short sale is a better solution that foreclosing.  It’s not as hurtful to your credit and the bank is willing to accept a payment lower that the borrowed amount in order to avoid foreclosure costs.  The Troia Team has written many blogs on the topic so if you feel you are a candidate for a short sale, let us know.  We can help.   Because we have covered the positives to a short sale and explained the process in detail, I wanted to use this blog to provide examples of short sale hardship letters.  These are necessary to submit to a lender when simultaneously submitting the other necessary documents that go along with a short sale request to the bank.  Click here for hardship letter examples.

EXAMPLE ONE:

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is a explanation of our financial hardship for short sale documentation.

At the time I bought a home, my wife and I were full time employees of long standing companies.  Upon the harsh economic times, lay offs were inevitable and my wife and I both found ourselves laid off.  Not to mention, a baby on the way.  We were unprepared for this unknown fate and as a result, have not been able to make our mortgage payments.

The current market conditions resulted in an under appraised home.  We have both been laid off for almost a year, thus depleting our savings.  Although our efforts to find new jobs has been a full time job in itself, no jobs have become available in this area.  I finally received a  job offer in another state, but the pay is much less and my wife is staying home with our new baby.

I feel certain that a short sale is the best option for us to get out of this situation and hopefully move forward with our lives.

Thank you in advance for allowing us this opportunity to short sale on our home.

Please do not hesitate to contact me and our Realtor who is assisting us in this entire transaction.

Sincerely,

EXAMPLE TWO:

We are writing this letter regarding our property at 123 Martin Road.  Even with the willingness from Bank of America to work with us, we have found ourselves unable to make any more mortgage payments and are behind two months already.  We were a two income family until my husband suffered many medical conditions due to the laborous conditions of his job.  His back ailments have left him unable to work and I can not make enough to support the monthly mortgage payments along with the new medical bills we’ve encountered.  Not to mention our other bills are behind and our bank accounts depleted.

Please accept this short sale offer on account that we are experiencing financial hardship and medical issues.  We would like to downsize to a smaller home near family and rent until our conditions approve.

We have tried every possible avenue to cure our struggles and afford our home, but we are not able to maintain payments at this time.  Please help us avoid foreclosure and accept the attached offer presented by our Realtor.

Regards,

…..Yes, this is a hard action to take and often a short sale is a last resort before foreclosure. The Troia Team of Boulder Colorado is an experienced real estate team and we care about your outcome.  Let us assist you with what we do best.  Contact me for further information.

What is it when a seller’s lender agrees to accept a lower amount for a property than is owed? 

Yes…a short sale. 

This is big real estate news in Boulder Colorado and throughout the country.  If the owner of a home has an outstanding loan/lien that is greater than the value of the home and they are in financial distress (late on mortgage payments), then a short sale is an option other than foreclosure.  Click here to read all about  it.

What you should know…

Finding a Realtor, like the Troia Team, who specializes in the short sale process is crucial.    A short sale is not the best option for everyone.  Also, there is a stack of required documentation and forms, such as the financial hardship letter and financial statement, from the lender.  Realtors should be certified in listing short sales (as we are) because it can be complex as well as emotional.

Getting an answer from the bank can take awhile depending on who the lender is and how far along they are in the process.  Sometimes they will hold several offers for months, then say no (this would be a worse case scenario).  Usually, you’ll get an answer between 2 weeks to 3 months.  The bailout may help this as the government tries to help homes from going to foreclosure.  It will help accommodate the short sale process and time-lines will be faster.

Short sale homes are usually sold as is.  The home may be partially remodelled, then left incomplete due to the financial nature of the situation.  Inspection items are usually not addressed by the bank and many fees like title insurance are paid by the buyer.

Do you meet any qualifications for a short sale?  These include:

1.  Can’t get your home sold in the current market because the mortgage balance is greater than the market value of your home.

2. You are behind on your mortgage payment and facing default or foreclosure.  You know that you can’t afford your mortgage any longer.

3. Facing financial hardship such as job loss, death or illness in the family, need to relocate, divorce, and/or inquiring more bills.

4. Are you depleting your savings to pay your mortgage?

5. Is selling your home an absolute necessity?!?!

Most of the time, a lender would rather short sale than go to foreclosure and the government is now on board.  Call us today to get the support you need and the expertise of short sale listing agents.  We can help.

Why is this information important? 

For several reasons: Being more conscientious is the way to be.  It’s the right choice.  The eco evolution is not only taking over Boulder but it’s blossoming throughout the world.  We drive Priuses, shop locally, and remodel with the consideration of the environment. 

You’re not only saving mother earth but yourself as well; indoor contamination causes health problems and the community is becoming more aware of its harmful risks. 

 It’s really not that more expensive to do a earth loving remodel and it will positively increase the value of your real estate.  Buyers are looking for those green qualities in a home so here are the basics. 

Part One of “What is an eco friendly renovation?” covered flooring because it’s one of the most important investments in a remodel which can tie the whole look together.  There are so many options, I think you’d be surprised.  Part Two is going to cover everything else -from insultation to paint.

Water efficiency

Why Build An Eco House?states that one of the most popular eco friendly building trends is water efficiency. Techniques used to conserve water are dual plumbing, low flush toilets, low flow shower heads, grey water systems that use rain water, and other eco friendly kitchen trends. 

Don’t forget about the Water Heater Timer, digital programmable thermostat, and Tankless Water Heaters.  These not only save on energy, they SAVE you MONEY!!!!   Also, pertinant to this catergory…… Xeriscaping: xerogardening refers to landscaping and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation. It is promoted in areas that do not have easily accessible supplies of fresh water, and is gaining acceptance in other areas as climate patterns shift.

Insulation

Very important and a great way to begin after demolition because when it comes to keeping heating and cooling costs in check, insulation is the first line of defense. Sierra Club agrees and adds: in the winter, heated air moves from living spaces to attics, garages, and the great outdoors making heating systems fire up to replace all that lost heat. In the summer, air conditioners kick on as heat moves from the outside in. Insulation in the attic, exterior walls, and floors can help resist this heat flow, making homes more comfortable and slashing energy bills and pollution. HA! Environmentally friendly!   Homes built today are usually well insulated, but many older homes–even those built as little as ten years ago–can benefit from added insulation.  Types include cotton, recycled, and non-toxic duct work.

Painting

According to the EPA, the concentration of pollutants inside your home is several times higher than what you’ll find outside, due to the lack of ventilation in rooms compared to the open spaciousness of the great outdoors.  Without proper ventilation, airborne chemicals collect indoors and eventually cause damage to our bodies.  Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, asthma, cancer, and heart disease are all potential side effects of indoor air pollution.  Although the contamination cannot be attributed to any single source, paint and paint-related chemicals play a significant role inside a typical home. 

The airborne chemicals released during painting, after the paint is dry, and as paint is removed, fall into a category of pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—potentially carcinogenic carbon-based chemicals that evaporate easily and contribute to indoor air pollution.  Harmful compounds in the VOC category range from formaldehyde to pesticides to cleaning chemicals.  They can be up to ten times more concentrated indoors than outdoors, in both rural and industrial locations.  However, VOCscontribute significantly to air pollution out of doors as well.  VOCs are released in the highest concentrations during paint application, but most paint will continue to emit harmful fumes for years afterwards.

You’ve got to be convinced by now.  Remodelling with the earth in mind will also increase the value of your real estate.  It’s healthy and trendy.  To learn even more about buying and selling green property, let us know.

Just what defines a home remodel going eco friendly?  It’s important to know if you are a home buyer and a home seller.

If you are a home buyer then this will help you know what to look for when house shopping.  Sellers wanting to increase the value of their home and attract more buyers, need to be aware of what the new earth loving trends are.

Being a real estate expert in Boulder Colorado and Boulder County, we are witnessing a revolution in green building.  This is not a passing trend, but in my opinion, a change in how we build and remodel.

This blog is dedicated entirely to flooring! Yes, aren’t you lucky?  Eco flooring options are numerous and fun to talk about so let’s get started!

From my experience, an eco friendly renovation would be defined as any home improvement that uses sustainable and natural materials.  Supplies were bought locally and independently owned contractors were hired.  Recycled items are used as much as possible . Disposal of items should also be earth friendly; recycling old materials and reselling them as well.  For starters, choosing to remodel instead of building a bigger home somewhere else, is a great start.  That in itself is environmentally friendly.  I see more and more people every day and all around the world becoming more conscientious about the safety of their home and how the earth was considered in its reconstruction.

Floors - a huge selling point in a home.  Do you prefer carpet, tile, or hardwood?  Let’s start with carpets. One brand of green carpeting is called Smartstrand and its made from corn sugar!  Can you believe it?  And it takes 30% less energy to produce than the old nylon carpeting.

Other carpets to consider are made from recycled bottles.  I love it!  Listen to this, according to Mohawk Flooring, they developed a manufacturing process to turn PET containers into carpet. The making of everSTRAND™ starts out by sorting PET bottles and then grinding them into small chips. The cleaned chips are then melted down and extruded into fiber before being spun into carpet yarn. Mohawk also uses the labels and caps from the PET containers to make the carpet core, the roll that carpet is wrapped around on showroom floors. According to their website, since 1999 they have recycled over 17 billion plastic bottles and that’s saved landfills 1 billion pounds of waste.

And what about that cork?  It’s one of my favorite choices.  Surely everyone knows about this ecofriendly flooring by now.  But in case you didn’t know, it’s harvested from a cork tree grown along the Mediterranean.  It’s harvested on a living tree, which is not harmed.  It’s not only a conscientious choice but it’s texture is unique and trendy looking.  Don’t worry….cork comes in over 50 colors and over 5 textures, you won’t compromise style.  Because cork is considered a renewable and sustainable natural resource, they can run a little pricey and their installed cost per square foot can be close to a good quality ceramic tile floor.  To me, the cost is worth it.  You’ll maximize the value of your home with these floors, be the envy of the neighbors, and mother earth will love you.

Next is bamboo.  Yes, the grass that pandas love.  There is enough for everybody because it grows so darn fast.  And, like cork, it can be harvested without harming the roots.  I think bamboo is beautiful and I love when people use it for cabinets as well.  Let the picture speak for itself.

Not so commonly heard of and the latest trend in flooring is eucalyptus.  According to durodesign, plantation-grown eucalyptus comes from sustainable, managed and PEFC-certified European forests. Eucalyptus has a smooth and refined grain with the depth and shimmer of an exotic wood and eucalyptus is 65% harder than white oak.  Sounds fascinating.  HGTV continues to explain that eucalyptus has the appearance of a fine tropical mahogany, yet it has all the “green” benefits of rapidly renewable hardwood. The eucalyptus tree is amazingly renewable and fast growing. Ready to harvest in as little as 14 to 16 years, the eucalyptus tree can grow to 14 inches in diameter and 120 feet tall in that short period of time.

Here are some excellent ideas to get you started.  And if you’re buying or selling a home and would like to know more.