Dakota Ridge Village
Looking for amazing views, open space, easy access to walking and biking trails, city parks, as well as, shopping, restaurants, and schools? Look no further than Dakota Ridge Village, north on Broadway and west on Lee Hill. Here, you’ll find a variety of properties ranging from condos to multi-million dollar mansions. This upincoming neighborhood is a pleasant environment for families as it encompasses a strong sense of community and friendliness.
Also known as Uptown, NoBo and Holiday, this mountain neighborhood has an urban feel with restaurants such as Proto’s and 4280. Need coffee, a gym, or a day at the salon. It’s all here. Doggie daycare and bike shop included, of course. And let’s not forget Play Grounds where your kids can run free and safe among the toys while you enjoy a beverage and a meal. Do you love art? You’ll be surrounded by it here. This is your heaven with art studios galore, even hosting art open houses on weekends. There is even an outdoor Cinema.
Close to everything…Endless Boulder County Open Space. Located near bus routes that take you straight to Downtown Boulder. Easy access to I-36 going west to Rocky Mountain National Park and the town of Lyons. Go east to find 29th Street Mall including the AMC Theatre.
Diversity comes together to enjoy the endless trails and elaborate city parks. Owner’s pride is abundant and shows among the Dakota Ridge Area Neighborhood Association. Watch the parasailers wind down the foothills at sunset and you’ll understand why this neighborhood is becoming a more poplar place to call home.
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 »
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.
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.
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.
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: No Comments »
Happy Happy Boulder
February 20th, 2010 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Buyer's Corner, First Time Buyers, Focus on Boulder
I’m sure you heard the good news by now, Boulder was rated the happiest and healthiest place to live in the United States. This was according to a Gallup Poll and the Colorado Daily reports:
The new massive study of Americans’ attitudes and lifestyles concludes that Boulder is the prime U.S. location for general well-being and quality of life.
“The fact that Boulder is up there makes a lot of sense when you’re looking at what we know of happiness,” said Tim Wadsworth, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Colorado. “For example, health is huge, and Boulder is known for its high level of health.”
The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index asked more than 353,00 Americans in 2009 about their jobs, finances, physical health, emotional state and communities when calculating the rankings. Click here to know more.
Boulder ranked No. 1 in overall well-being out of 162 large and medium-sized cities. It also topped the list in work experience, rated No. 4 in healthy behaviors, No. 7 in physical health, No. 10 in access to basic needs for a healthy life and No. 27 in emotional health.
The top 10 happiest cities are mostly in the West — including in California, Utah and Hawaii.
Huntington, W. Va., and Fort Smith, Ark., ranked the lowest in overall well-being.
Wadsworth said he doesn’t know how seriously to take polls that ask people to subjectively report whether they’re happy. And if people genuinely are happy and healthy, Wadsworth said, it’s difficult to know whether to credit Boulder.
“Is it that living in Boulder makes people happy, or do happy people make life decisions to move to Boulder?” Wadsworth said.
Boulder does, however, have a lot of the attributes that are generally considered essential to a happy community. For example, many residents are educated and affluent. Younger and older people seem to be happier, Wadsworth said, and Boulder has a lot of students and retirees who fit into those groups.
“And weather matters,” Wadsworth said. “That’s one of the reasons I moved here.”
Good weather and proximity to trails, open space and the mountains make outdoor recreation easy, he said. And a lot of Boulder residents work either at CU, one of the government-run research institutions or for themselves, which allows them to work somewhat independently and have more flexibility in their daily schedules, Wadsworth said.
CU sophomore Katie Miller, 20, said she’s much happier living in Boulder than in her Connecticut hometown. Where she comes from, Miller said, people are much more stressed.
“Everyone works all day in New York — they don’t do anything else,” said Miller, who spent the weekend skiing at Breckenridge. “I don’t know if anyone works here.”
Marilyn Johnson, 60, said she’s lived in Boulder for 35 years and wouldn’t live anywhere else. With a home near Chautauqua Park, she walks her dogs daily in the foothills. Over the weekend, she went to the Boulder International Film Festival. Her family started a natural food business.
“It’s very easy to eat healthy here,” Johnson said Monday while shopping at Whole Foods. “And there’s just so much to do.”
If happy hour is an indication of the level of happiness in Boulder, Henry Pariser said the community is in good spirits. Pariser, kitchen manager at Southern Sun, 
said his restaurant has two happy hours — one at 4 p.m. and one at 10 p.m.
“This place fills up,” he said. “There are people waiting on both sides of the restaurant to get a seat.”
Pariser said he just moved to Boulder three months ago after living in Chicago, Napa Valley and Las Vegas, and he’s found his favorite spot.
“You wake up every morning and look at the Rocky Mountains – how could you not be happy?” he said.
Come and buy some real estate in Boulder,apparently it’s place to be.
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: No Comments »
Buying a HUD home? Confused? It’s not that hard!!
February 18th, 2010 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, First Time Buyers, Market Conditions, Real Estate Tales, Relocating, Selling Thoughts, Trends
So you are in the market for a HUD home. What is HUD, where do I find the, how do I get one?????? This can overwhelm you and may seem confusing but trust me it’s not.
Confused? Don't Be
If a loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration or FHA goes in default, the FHA takes certain steps to collect on their loan. This may result in the lender taking possession of collateral real estate. If this happens the lender may submit a claim against the FHA insurance fund and convey ownership to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD. HUD then in turn lists the property at market value and sells it as fast as possible. Click this link for more info. This is the exciting part.
Anyone can buy a HUD home, as long as they have an insured loan or are paying with cash. To go and look at these homes call a local realtor who has NAID membership and a HUD key to get you into the home. COLORADO REALTORS WHO WANT TO APPLY FOR A HUD KEY CLICK HERE. Just ask your realtor for details. After seeing the home and deciding you want to make an offer on it consider yourself “in auction”, only electronically. Your realtor will make an electronic bid for you within the bidding time frame. Have your HUD contract 9548 (1/99) in front of you and get on the Internet. Along with some basic buyer and broker information, this is all you will need to make your electronic bid.
If your bid is accepted you will know the day after the bidding stops by 4 p.m. eastern standard time. It is now time to get your signed sales contract, lender’s qualification letter, and any addendas signed and delivered to the MCB headquarters in California. www.mcbreo.com for details. Get all these signed and taken care of before your submit a bid so you will be ready to send them in when your bid is accepted. An escrow will be set up to take care of any issues the HUD home may have. Such as: plumbing, heating, electrical, foundation……..Bad news these need to be fixed out of your pocket, good news you can use your FHA loan to help pay for them
.
Wheather you are first time home buyer or investor, get out there and find your HUD home today. Call someone at the Troia Team for more details on this process. You and your fam could be in a HUD home very soon.
Written by Parker Krug | Discussion: No Comments »
Home For Sale 5bd-5ba Price Lowered; Longmont, Ft Collins, Denver, Boulder
December 21st, 2009 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Buyer's Corner, Relocating
Best Deal In The Neighborhood. Price lowered to sell.
Our listing, 11793 Pleasant View Ridge in Longmont is located within the Elms Meadow Vale Subdivision and the PRICE has been LOWERED 50k! 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 PREMIUM 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 
enter 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 BathroomFrom $549,000 to $485,000
Don’t miss the opportunity to see this home and call me for a showing!
Written by Julie Johnson | Discussion: No Comments »
Why People Love Prospect; Longmont Colorado
November 11th, 2009 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Buyer's Corner, First Time Buyers, Relocating, Selling Thoughts
Front Range
A newer subdivision along the Front Range of Longmont Colorado that needs your attention is Prospect; a part of Boulder County. After recently hosting an open house at our newest listing, I truly discovered that people love this neighborhood. Curious neighbors and potential homebuyers couldn’t stop the po
sitive comments about wanting to live and loving to live in Prospect Colorado. Find out why… 
Sometimes referred to as a neo-traditional community, Prospectis located on an 80 acre tree farm which developer, Kiki Wallace , bought from his family. His dream was to build a distinctive project that would minimize negative impacts on the land. And according to Linda Keseric, this New Urbanist community features narrow, tree lined streets connecting homes to numerous parks and public amenities, shops, and offices. Home types include detached houses, townhouses, courtyard houses, apartments, and live/work lofts. Mature trees have been planted along Prospects streets and in its parks to provide the shade and privacy typical of an established community.
You know, there are numerous arguments out there stating that because of poor city planning, riding bikes and taking buses becomes more of a challenge. That is why neo-traditional communities incorporate the necessity to reduce car use into the planning of roads and shopping. An ingenious idea! And talk about a diverse mixture of colors throughout the community. It’s bright with varying textures and architectural styles and sizes. Prospect is perfect for everyone…seniors, families, singles and pets! You can easily walk anywhere.
I enjoyed walking around the neighborhood and chatting with the locals. Everyone was so friendly; the community was bustling with shoppers, families, bikers, and lots of dogs. I stopped at Vic’s Coffee shop and had one terrific breakfast burrito. They are more reputable for their great tasting coffee – definitely a local favorite! Other places to enjoy include Two Dog Diner, The Rib House, and Caper’s & Co. Other places you must visit are Sushi Jianken, Prospect Flower Shop, and Tusk Lounge.
Our new listing is in the perfect location within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Quick and easy access to Main Street in Longmont for any commuters and it’s close to Boulder, Union Reservoir, and Denver.
Built on extra lot, this home provides a large, fenced yard with a 
carriage house. This brings in additional income of $1300 per month.
The gourmet kitchen is fabulous with top of the line appliances and a center island that makes a magnificent statement.
Almost every room invites you to the outside through many french doors, patios & balconies. 
There are 3 fireplaces, two 2 car garages + added parking pad. The finished basement has a family room with a fireplace, bedroom and bath.
The 3rd level offers an extra bedroom or bonus playroom/office.
The property on Neon Forest is over 3700 square feet!
Spacious, open, sunny and spectacular – just like the entire neighborhood of Prospect. Let us help you find out more about this great community!
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: 1 Comment »
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 »
Fall Fun In Boulder Colorado
September 5th, 2009 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Buyer's Corner, Focus on Boulder, Mountain Living, Relocating
Is it just me or is it starting to feel more and more like fall around here in Boulder Colorado? Farms are advertising for their festivals, temperatures have dropped, the outdoor pools are closing, school has begun, and it’s already Labor Day. Today I even found two bright red leaves in my lawn (although it’s a little premature for that). 
Fall is in the air and right around the corner. Luckily we live in Boulder where there are ample amounts of fall activities for you to enjoy. Miller Farms has started advertising for their Fall Festival which includes a corn maze, tractor rides, pumpkin picking and a playground. They also have a Farmer For A Day which includes harvesting your own vegetables to take home.
Read more about all the events to enjoy during Fall in and around Boulder.
Besides Miller Farms, there are several other farms who host pumpkin picking, haunted corn mazes and other fun activities for everyone in the family. Cottonwood Farms offers free admission! Rock Creek Farm provides 3 corn mazes with over 5 miles of paths or try the hay bale maze for a simpler challenge. Don’t forget to see the farm animals. They have pigs, goats, ponies, donkeys, and chickens.
HURRY….THIS WEEKEND!!!!!!! The Boulder Creek Hometown Fair is a popular annual fair which signals the unofficial end to summer. The event features arts and crafts exhibitors, pie-eating contests, the Great Zucchini Race, beer garden, live entertainment and more. Sept. 5-7, 10am-10pm the first two days and 11am-7pm on Labor Day. On the Municipal Building lawn and in Central Park and at Broadway and Canyon. Call 303-652-4942 for more details.
The EcoHarmony Festival is coming to the Boulder Courthouse Lawn on October 3rd and 4th, featuring ecofriendly products and services as well as organic food, workshops and great live music.
And don’t forget Lafayette in Boulder County with its Celebrate Lafayette Day scheduled for September 26, from 10am-4pm. This is Lafayette’s oldest community festival; the first one was in 1956! ”Hollywood on Parade” is going to be this year’s theme. And keeping with tradition…there will be a parade and street fair. The City and Chamber of Commerce wish to invite vendors who focus their products and services on energy conservation, sustainability, carbon footprint, and recycling.
We’ve seen them around all summer and they continue through fall….I love to watch them go by each Thursday…The Thursday Night Cruzers! There is no qualification to ride except bring a bike (don’t forget your bike lights) and go along with their weekly theme if you wish. Last week was Cirque du Soleil and my daughter loved when the theme was Harry Potter! Fun for the whole family and also for you party animals; they usually end up at a bar around town.
One of my favorites: The Munchkin Masquerade on Pearl Street, Halloween. Each Halloween Downtown Boulder is invaded by 2,000+ tiny ghosts & goblins, dinosaurs & dragons, fairies & princes, super heroes and animals of every size trick-or-treating along Pearl Street. The stores participate with treats. It’s adorable and I have been taking my family for years. It’s also a challenge to guess the weather with an appropriate costume. Be prepared for snow and dress your child as a bear in a warm suit or suit up for sunshine and pull out that fairy dress or pirate gear!
Here’s an event that you won’t be bringing your children to…the Boulder Annual Naked Pumpkin Run down Pearl Street. I’ll let you find it yourself on YouTube. Pretty hilarious.
Let’s not leave out Longmont in Boulder County with its three-day Oktoberfest celebration Sept. 11-13 which features local breweries, live music, arts and crafts exhibitors, and kids’ rides and attractions. 5-10pm Friday, 11am-10pm Saturday and 11am-5pm Sunday at Roosevelt Park, 849 Coffman St. in Longmont. For more details, you can call 303-449-3137.
And what about Niwot which is located just northeast of Boulder? On Sept. 12, the whole community of Niwot gets together for a full day of fun, including a pancake breakfast, a parade, live music, children’s games, and vendor and food booths. In Niwot’s Old Town and in Cottonwood Square.
There is plenty to do around Boulder this Fall and of course, it’s also a great time to buy property.
Search our website for properties and let’s find the home that’s perfect for you! See you around town at all the fun events!
Written by Julie Johnson | Discussion: No Comments »
Real Estate Investment: Do’s And Don’ts
August 26th, 2009 Categories: Boulder Subdivisions and Neighborhoods, Buyer's Corner, Market Watch, Trends
Investors and first-time homebuyers are often aiming for the same goal: great resale. I witness it all the time; buyers who need a place to live who also want to make money someday. It’s important to know the difference in real estate investment. It’s not always for those of us who need to buy in order to have a place to call home. Yes, you should buy a place in which your investment will grow over the years. However, you need a place that’s livable and suitable to your specific needs. On the other hand, if your angle is profits and returnsand not necessarily a place to live, then you are an investor. This blog with help you either way. The do’s and don’ts of real estate investing in a nutshell.
DO: hire a real estate professional like the Troia Team in Boulder Colorado to assist you in evaluating an investment property.
DONT: buy something with poor sale value such as a location in an area with a high crime rate or near the railroads tracks.
DO: You’ve seen it on HGTV…the “fix and flip”. Investors like to flip a property by buying a property with TLC (but not too much – nothing structural), then quickly renovating it. After promptly putting in back and the market and selling it, the investor profits. Luck is sometimes a factor in this deal but the success mostly comes from market expertise.
DON’T: choose something that needs a lot of structural work or an expensive new roof because these expenses add to your cost.
DO: keep your investment low so you can make a good profit.
DON’T: forget to calculate every expense before you buy. This is how you truly know if you can afford the property and all its unexpected costs.
DO: obey all rules and regulations 
governed by the Colorado Real Estate Commission. Make sure your actions are legitimate and by the book. Again, a great reason to hire a real estate professional to handle the logistics.
Do you like the idea of being a landlord?
DO: calculate in the expenses how long you plan to own the rental. If you only intend on owning it for five years, then you don’t necessarily have to worry about paying for a new roof.
DON’T: forget to add it up. If you want to hold on to the property for 15 or more years, account for that new roof, appliance updates, furnaces, and water heaters. Make sure you’re going to recoup the cost.
DO: develop a network. This is how you find your best deals. Ask your friends, family, and co-workers about preforeclosures, bank-owned, and fixer uppers they may know about.
DON’T: rule out vacant homes you see around the neighborhood and other rentals. Give the owner a call, they just may want to get that property off their hands and sell it to you.
DO: plan for a loan accordingly. Investors need better credit and less debt that other borrowers.
![iStock_000005731631Small[1]](http://blogtherockies.com/files/2009/08/iStock_000005731631Small1-300x201.jpg)
DON’T: underestimate the money you need. A large cash reserve is highly recommended for after the purchase of the home, as well as having a line of credit and one month’s rent for each unit.
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 »
