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Boulder Colorado Committed to Affordable Housing
December 10th, 2008 Categories: Buyer's Corner, Colorado Round Up, First Time Buyers, Focus on Boulder
The city of Boulder is committed to offering housing to people that could NOT afford a home in today’s market. Boulder offers home ownership to those with low or moderate incomes. In order to make home ownership possible to people of lesser means, Boulder offers assistance. To qualify for the various programs, incomes and assets must be below specified levels for each program. Click income levels to find out more.
Other than income being the most important qualifier there are other qualifications:
- Applicant must complete the city’s Orientation program and Homebuyer Class Series
- You must work at least 30 hours per week, unless retired or disabled.
- You must have a one year work history.
- You must be able to contribute $2,000 for a down payment or towards closing costs.
- You must be able to secure a first mortgage.
- Debt to income ratio should not exceed 42%.
- Your assets cannot exceed $50,000 for one person and add on $10,000 for each additional family member.
- Home must be owner occupied.
- The number of bedrooms may only exceed the number in the household by a factor of one.
- You cannot own another property.
- There are resale restrictions.
The programs are as follows:
Homeworks Program
To make sure that homes fit the needs of low to moderate income levels, homes are build by developers as a requirement of Inclusionary Zoning. Homes are sold at below market prices and these homes are generally classified as permanently affordable. Resale prices are restricted which keeps the homes affordable in the future. To purchase any of these homes you must complete an Income Certification Application.
There are two programs for Down Payment Assistance.
The H2O program, which stands for; House to Home Ownership. This is essentially a deferred loan program, which means you can borrow up to $50,000 and not make any payments for up to 15 years. When you sell the home or if you reach 15 years the loan is due in it’s entirety plus 15% appreciation. If you only own the home for 2 years the 15% is waived. There is no resale restriction. For more information you can download the H2O Brochure.
With the “First Home” program, the city of Boulder will provide up to 20% or a maximum amount of $56,000 towards the purchase of a home. For families of 3 or more, then the amount is increased to $90,000 even if this exceeds 30% of the purchase price for a 3+ bedroom home. These purchased homes become classified as “permanently affordable” and at resale the sale is the price minus the amount of the grant. Essentially the grant becomes an investment of the property by the city. Please read, First Home Conditions and Requirements,
The 3% Solution program is basically a grant that can be used in conjunction with the Homeworks program or on properties purchased with Thistle Community Land and Trust if within Boulder city limits. This 3% grant is solely for persons that DO NOT qualify for the CHFA (Colorado Housing Finance Authority.) Persons must be denied CHFA assistance before applying for the 3% grant. The grant is invested in the property so that when a person decides to sell the property the 3% is deducted from the starting sale price. You may not have more than $12,500 in assets. Here is more information on CHFA loans.
The benefits of all these programs are huge, your chance to own instead of renting, tax benefits, possible equity, and having control over your own property.
I know this is a lot of information, but it’s good information and if you need help then ask your Realtor for assistance. I have only touched the surface of all the details involved with all these great programs, if you are interested, then I urge you to investigate thoroughly all the resources available through the city of Boulder, Co.
Written by Ro Troia | Discussion: No Comments »
Boulder County Colorado - a bright spot in a gloomy forecast
December 9th, 2008 Categories: Colorado Round Up, Focus on Boulder, Market Conditions, Relocating
The Boulder Daily Camera highlighted today the economic forecast for the state, stating that “next year 1000’s of people might loose thir jobs, retail sales will be sluggish and the state’s housing market will continue to slide”. This was released Monday from the University of Colorado recapping the 44th Annual Colorado Economic Forecast released Monday. By comparison, even though Colorado’s forecast might be a bit rosier than the US as a whole, what was amazing was that Boulder County’s forecast is faring quite well. Although not immune, Boulder County as been outperforming the state and national economy in many areas due to the “strength and diversity” of the economy which will most likely hasten the recovery.
Because of the unique mix of employers in the Boulder County and a high concentrations of well paying jobs in industries such as aerospace, biotechnology, renewable energy and natural and organic products industries, Boulder will sustain at a higher level. The CU Economic Forecast expects the natural resources, education, health services and government sectors to weather the recession the best. The report also expects the private businesses and professional and business services to see some gains, however, the retail , information sector, finance, insurance and real estate are expected to cut jobs.
Here are a few of the highlights of the economic indicators for Boulder Colorado:
- 4.6 percent - August unemployment rate, compared with 5.2 percent for Colorado and 6.1 percent for the US
- 16 percent - Decrease in the number of building permits from the first quarter of 2007 to the first quarter of 2008
- 2.5 percent - Appreciation of homes from mid-year 2007 to mid-year 2008, compared with 1.8 percent for the state and a fall of 1.7 percent nationwide
- $243 million - Increase in deposits held in county banks from mid-year 2007 to mid-year 2008
- $346 million - Venture capital investment in local companies between mid- year 2007 and mid-year 2008
For Colorado in general, the government will add about 4,400 jobs, mostly in education, however, the economic forecast expects Colorado state to loose 4,000 jobs bringing the unemployment rate to 6.5% - compared to the 2009 national US unemployment forecast that is expected to grow to 7.5%.
So, can’t stand all the good news here? Stick with sage advice of “DO NOT PANIC“, and don’t “DON’T DO ANYTHING STUPID“. Continue doing what you normally do. They say “the economy is driven much more by people’s attitudes and their perspectives”. And if you’ve got a good job, hold onto it if you can.
Written by Karen Cifala | Discussion: No Comments »
Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly
December 7th, 2008 Categories: Focus on Boulder, Market Conditions, Selling Thoughts
Yes, Boulder Colorado, decorating your home for the holidays is fun, spiritual, and festive. We love to put out those icicle lights, wreaths, and huge figurines. However, if you are listing your home during the holidays, be cautious to not go overboard. Sellers, you don’t need to keep all the trimmings in storage just because your home is on the market. But you should decorate in such a way that buyers won’t be turned off. Will they be able to picture themselves spending the holidays in your home someday? Read more to find out.
In Boulder, you know it’s the season to be jolly when you see the huge star lighting up Flagstaff Mountain. The poinsettias and singing Santa adorn our office lobby. Pearl Street Mall looks dazzling and homes sparkle with their holiday light. Sellers want to continue with their particular family tradition and decorate accordingly but homes that are on the market should not ever be overly personalized or cluttered. 
Honestly, it’s not a good time to put the blow-up snowman that is as tall as your roof out on the lawn. So where do you start and what is appropriate. Asking your Realtor is a good place to begin as they should be able to help you strike that balance between enjoying tradition and showing restraint.
Too many novelties end up hiding what’s most important about your home such as architectural style as well as its’ location, price, and condition. It goes along with the curb appeal of the home and that the first impression to buyers is the most critical element in capturing them to want to see more. You want them to say, ” I wish this was MY home for the holidays.
There is one huge advantage to listing your home during the holidays - buyers during this season are serious. Don’t blow your chances. Do the following:
Keep it simple, tasteful, and quiet. David Lannuccilli, an agent in RI, says to keep it minimal. One wreath, one tree, and one table centerpiece. How about a tall narrow tree to emphasize a room’s height and conserve floor space? No cute wreaths with gingerbread men and steer clear of personalized objects such as monogrammed stockings. “When decorations get too personal, people have a hard time picturing themselves in the home.” Pat Heydlauff, a feng shui expert in Palm Beach County, Fla., recommends no or few religious symbols, whether it be crèches or menorahs.
Decorations picked or cut from the garden tend to look as good as anything you can buy. Obviously, holly is the best known plant for this. Christmas without holly is like Easter without daffodils, and that combination of green leaves and red berries will add the simple elegance you’re looking for to sell your home.
When deciding which decorations go where, also decide which nonseasonal items you’ll be removing. For every seasonal item, trade it with a nonseasonal item and put that in storage. This will help keep your home from looking cluttered.
If your home is still on the market when the holidays are over, don’t procrastinate to take them down as soon as possible. I’d say not more than a couple of days after New Year’s.
One more tidbit of advice: In the winter in Boulder, you need to keep the walk shovelled and approachable. You don’t want potential buyers slipping on your sidewalk or tracking in snow for that matter.
Sellers need not refrain from family traditions when listing during the holidays. Just remember, you want to show off your house - not your holiday decorations. Keep it simple, decluttered, and flattering.
Written by Julie Johnson | Discussion: No Comments »
Tis The Season to Be Giving
December 3rd, 2008 Categories: Colorado Round Up, Focus on Boulder
During these seemingly difficult times (ok- even the press is calling it a “recession” now) it really makes my heart shine when I continue to read in the Boulder Colorado Daily Camera newspaper about people digging deeper into their pockets making sure that their neighbors have enough to eat. This year the Community Food Share’s “Let’s Bag Hunger” food drive has so far exceeded it’s goal to collect food and money by 20%. The scary part is that the 20% is also a mirror of the increase in demand . I am proud to say that Boulder’s Non-Profit Community is one of the best I’ve ever seen and one which Boulderites pride themselves. Continue reading to see a sample list of non-profits in Boulder Colorado and think about getting involved in one of Boulder’s unique non-profits or maybe one in your community.
- United Way of Boulder Colorado currently has a socks and mitten drive going on and check out their website if you want to set out a collection bin in your office, store or church.
- Parenting Place - their goal is to relieve to relieve isolation and the stress of parenting by providing outreach, education, and help in developing a sense of community.
- Boulder Shelter for the Homeless - their goal is to provide safe shelter, food, support services and an avenue to self sufficiency for homeless adults. They have 2 very successful fundraisers: the Barely Black Autumn Gala, held at the Boulder Theater and the Boulder Shelter Golf Classic.
- Community Radio station KGNU - a non profit “community radio” continues after 30 years to be a part of the publicity organ by promoting community outreach and participation.
- Boulder Humane Society - founded to protect those who do not have voices to protect themselves.
- Boulder Health and Human Services - click on the website to see a list of all Boulder County’s health services
- NARF - Native American Rights Foundation - based out of Boulder Colorado and founded in 1970, it’s the oldest and largest non-profit law firm dedicated to asserting and defending the rights of Indian Tribes, organizations and Indians nationwide.
- Golden West Foundation - formed to cover gaps between Medicaid reimbursements and actual costs for senior housing and care to Boulder residents in their assisted - living facility.
- EFAA - Emergency Family Assistance Association - helps those in the community with immediate needs for food and shelter and other basic necessities.
- Peace and Justice Center - rooted in the spirit of unconditional nonviolence and decdicated to personal and social change.
- eQuilters Inc - a Boulder based online resource of quilting supplies who have earmarked their 2009 charitable partner Engineers Without Boarders - promoting and implementation of water filtration and energy solutions in Rwanda Africa.
- Pedestrian Shops of Boulder - they’re collecting used shoes
- Bead of Life - an organization founded by 3 women that arrange to try and help Ugandan woman overcome extreme poverty and hardship by earning money by making colorful bead necklaces out of paper and selling them.
This is just a smattering of volunteer non profits in the Boulder County Community. If you want more information about working as a volunteer and are looking for that special interest of your heart, please visit The Volunteer Connection. Established in 1969 in Boulder Colorado, this organization was one of the first volunteer information and referral centers in the nation.
Please email us if you would like The Troia Team to highlight your non-profit organization on our website and in our blogs during this holiday season and throughout the new year. As a Real Estate Team, we are involved in the community and want to be involved with you! Have a wonderful and safe Holiday Season.
Written by Karen Cifala | Discussion: 1 Comment »
Eco Fun Facts
November 30th, 2008 Categories: Focus on Boulder, Trends
Did you know that turning your thermostat down by just 1 degree, you’ll cut fuel consumption by as much as 10% ? Cutting down on energy use is great for so many reasons - global warming being one of them.
Boulder Colorado has got to be one of the most environmentally progressive cities in the United States. Because the mountains provide ample outdoor activities for people of all ages, the earth and nature are respected here. When I park to go shopping, I am always in awe of so many Toyota Prius Hybrids in one place! Everyone is joining the green revolution. We have Eco Realtors, “green” mortgage lenders, eco-handymen, eco product stores, sustainable building, healthy home consulting…and the list goes on and on. Here in Boulder, you need to be up to date on your eco facts. Read more and impress your friends with what you know.
ECO FUN FACTS
1) One 98 foot tree with 200,000 leaves can absorb 11,359 gallons of water and breathe it into the air in just one growing season. Another reason why Boulder is a great place to live - we have lots of trees!
2) I guess you can’t hear this one enough - compact fluorescent light bulbs consume up to 75% less energy and they last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. We even bought LED Christmas tree lights this year!
3) By replacing old refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machine with EnergyStar qualified appliances, you can save up to $200 per year. When you resell your home, this will also increase the value of your home.
4) Renewable energy quickly replaces itself and is usually available in a never-ending supply such as sunlight, wind, and water.
5) Non-renewable energy refers to sources of energy that cannot be immediately replaced like coal, oil, and natural gas.
6) Laptop computers consume up to 90% less energy than standard desktop computers.
7) Wind is the fastest growing energy source in the US. You can even sign up to have wind generate the power for your home. 
Appliances like TVs and microwaves keep using electricity even when not in use, so be sure to unplug before leaving for the holidays.
9) The average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of household hazardous waste in the basement, garage, and storage closets. I have one word for you - declutter! And do it right by disposing of waste appropriately. Go to your local recycling centers website for details on what waste goes where.
10) An average family of four uses 400 gallons of water every day. If one out of 10 homes in the US upgraded to water-efficient fixtures, it could save more than 300 billion gallons and nearly $2 billion annually.
11) Shortening your showers by 1- 2 minutes, you can save up to 2600 liters of water per month.
12) Using the air conditioner in stop and go traffic can increase fuel consumption by as much as 20%. This was a major issue during the summer when gas prices were so high.
Remember, Boulder Colorado is home to one of the most impressive environmental movements I’ve seen. As a real estate agent, it’s important to know about sustainable building and eco-friendly products. Buyers and sellers want to know about energy efficiency and home health. Just by doing one or two of these easy tips, you can positively impact the earth and people in Boulder will be impressed.
Written by Julie Johnson | Discussion: 1 Comment »
The Price Is Right; How To Sell Your Home In A Buyers Market
November 23rd, 2008 Categories: Buyer's Corner, First Time Buyers, Focus on Boulder, Market Conditions, Trends
People are always asking me how my career is going with the “bad” real estate market. I always answer that I’m doing just fine and state that it’s not a bad market in Boulder county - it’s a buyer’s market. I’ve stayed busy showing buyers homes and closing some pretty good deals. As for sellers, we’ve been successful as well. The supply of homes for sale continues to grow throughout Boulder, and it’s been a long time since home sellers have faced these conditions. Homeowners looking to sell are in unchartered waters. So why have we been able to have successful home sales in Boulder Colorado? Because we know how to sell a house in a buyer’s market and it’s equally important to educate homeowners on how to sell in a buyer’s market.
Homeowners who want to sell have a choice: sell in the current market, or wait until later, when market conditions improve. But the latter assumes they have a choice. If you are determined to sell, you need to forget about the real estate market a few years ago and face the new reality - it’ a buyer’s market, and you will be competing with a growing supply of motivated sellers to get buyers interested in your house.
QUESTION: Why have we been so successful in selling homes quickly?
ANSWER: Because we educate our sellers and they do the following:
PRICE IT RIGHT: Real estate pros say the key to selling a house is to price it right. That means setting the price at what you can get - not what you think it’s worth. The fact of a sellers market is that it doesn’t matter or realtor think your house is worth - the only thing that matters is what a buyer is willing to pay. You don’t want to over-price your house, because buyers ignore it and your listing will lose its’ freshness and appeal, not to mention the uncompensated effort of keeping the home spotless during the showings. Also, the “original listing price” and “current asking price” are on your home’s multiple listing service (MLS); if you do not show some decline from the original offering price, some buyers will see it as a sign you have unreasonable expectations of what you can get for your home. Sellers fear pricing too low and leaving money on the table. However, there is little chance of this happening. THIS PART IS IMPORTANT: If a home is priced low below the competition, you should receive multiple offers that will drive up the price to fair market value!!!!
Choosing a Realtor: DON’T HIRE THE FIRST AGENT who suggests a high asking price. Instead, select a listing agent who can back up his or her proposal with the most facts, market research, and experience. When setting the listing price for you house, use round numbers in increments of $5,000. So, listing at a price of $250,000 will turn up in more searches than listing at $249,000. Also, your Realtor should have an Internet strategy because most buyers in Boulder Colorado search the Internet and buy a home within 12 miles of their existing one - use the Internet tools available in your area to see what the supply of homes for sale in your area looks like online.
Don’t tell me you haven’t heard this one before; CURB APPEAL. 
You have to make a great first impression! If you watch home shows as much as I do, you know the the Realtors ALWAYS suggest this right away. It works. See for yourself on channels like HGTV, TLC, and the Green channel. Do what it takes to get your house in selling shape. What do you want buyers to think about your home when they first pull up? You don’t want it to be, “Oh, the yard needs a lot of work.” I suggest starting with a power washing, and clean outside windows. Mow the lawn, clear the weeds and plant season appropriate vegetation. Repair any outside light fixtures and sweep the porch, adding a bright welcome mat. Painting may be a criteria for your home and sometimes just by painting the front door, hallways, and nail holes, you can really brighten the place up.
I recommend a PRE SALE INSPECTION. Sellers are strongly advised to consider getting a pre-sale inspection, especially if their home is older or in need of repairs. They can either use a clean home inspection report as a selling advantage or take care of the repairs listed on the inspection report. Of course, it’s advised that you make the repairs before listing the home if possible, especially if they involve things that can be messy and unsightly, such as replacing the roof or removing an old fuel tank.
DON’T BE SO STUBBORN: In this market it’s all about being flexible. Buyers will expect to pay less than the asking price. They will be armed with the original list prices and final sales prices of comparable homes and will know the price reductions other sellers are accepting. Many buyers may make low-ball offers to see what your reaction is. Remember, emotion is the enemy of flexibility, so keep them out of it. Your objective is to sell your house.
ACCESSIBILITY: Are you a motivated seller or the type of seller who requires 24 hour notice and one hour showing privileges? What I am trying to say is don’t make it a hassle to come see your home. Keep it presentable and be flexible when people and agents are making appointments. Yes, you do have to leave the house for two hours and sometimes you many not know until the last minute. That’s what it takes to get a home sold. Last week, my buyers showed a great amount of interest in a home that the seller requested no showings for two weeks! That seller lost my buyers right then and there, since then we have made an offer on another property.
In conclusion, if you have to sell you home now, find a real estate agent who can educate you on selling in a buyers market There are many success stories happening in this market for buyers and sellers If you price it right, add curb appeal, remain flexible, and make it accessible, YOU WILL SELL YOUR HOME. Then, go out and buy a new home at a great price and benefit from this buyer’s market yourself!
Written by Julie Johnson | Discussion: No Comments »
Only in Boulder
November 17th, 2008 Categories: Focus on Boulder
It’s a catchy headline, but I’ve been saying that ever since I moved to Boulder, Co in 1993. Boulder has a unique culture, I guess is one way to describe it. I tell people that someone could walk down Pearl St. naked and no one would bat an eyelash. They did just do that as hundreds of nude runners took the streets with the Naked Pumpkin run this past Halloween. It’s an annual event that takes place every halloween and not one that you would take your children to. Boulder did have a M
unchkin Masquerade on the Pearl Street mall for the children that was held during the day.
On November 21, the Boulder Ice rink at One Boulder Plaza will open. You can enjoy outdoor skating and the cafes and shopping that surround this area.
Friday, November 28th is the annual lighting of the star on Flagstaff Mountain. It’s always fun to see 
the lighted star after returning to Boulder from a Thanksgiving holiday. There will also be a ceremony to switch on the downtown holiday lights at 5:45 pm at the County Courthouse on Pearl Street. After the illumination of Pearl Street mall you can head over to One Boulder Plaza ice rink for a Light Up the Ice Show. Does anyone know the history behind the lighted star on Flagstaff Mountain? It’s always lit each year as far as I can remember.
I make it an annual tradition to visit the Hotel Boulderado to see the fabulous holiday tree that is erected in the lobby each year, the tree is at least two stories tall and completely decorated. You can enjoy a cup of tea on the beautiful Mezzanine of the Hotel. On Dec. 13 and 20th you can mingle with costumed characters and enjoy music of the Nutcracker Ballet.
On Saturday, December 6th at 6:00 pm, downtown Boulder’s lights of December parade will take place. The parade starts at 15th and Pearl St. There are many floats decorated by local businesses and you will see Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops dressed in costumes. There will be four marching bands, three lit fire engines, and carolers. Of course we all know the grand finale is Santa Claus. This year’s parade kicks off Boulder’s 2009 Sesquicentennial theme. What does that mean? It means the recognition of the 150th birthday of Boulder! Happy Birthday Boulder.
If you are heading downtown Boulder on a Saturday or Sunday during the holidays, remember that parking is FREE in any one of the city’s five parking structures. If you chose to park on the streets, find a pay station which accepts coins or credit cards and be sure to display your ticket stub on your dashboard. Also note that you can move anywhere on the streets of downtown during this allotted time. Parking on the streets is always free on Sundays but is enforced Monday - Saturdays 9 am - 7 pm and believe me, it’s enforced! This applys to sleighs and reindeer as well.
With all these festivities, is anyone buying or selling houses? You bet they are.
Written by Ro Troia | Discussion: 4 Comments »
RATES INCREASE SLIGHTLY ON TREASURY DEBT AUCTIONS
November 14th, 2008 Categories: Buyer's Corner, Colorado Round Up, First Time Buyers, Focus on Boulder, Market Conditions, Real Estate Tales, Relocating, Selling Thoughts, Trends
Today’s Market Commentary:
Interest rates increased slightly this past week as the US Treasury auctioned off $55 billion of debt. Economic data continued to be negative. Weekly jobless claims jumped by 32,000 claims on expectations that claims would actually fall by 2,000.
Continuing claims increased to 3.9 million from 3.84 million the previous week. October Retail Sales fell by 2.8% on expectations that sales would fall by 1.2%. Excluding auto sales, Retail Sales fell by 2.2% on expectations that sales would fall by 0.9%. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reported third quarter losses of $29 billion and $25.3 billion respectively. Markets increasingly expect the Fed to cut short term interest rates by 50 basis points again at their FOMC meeting December 16.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is currently at 8,503, down about 440 points on the week. Crude oil futures are currently trading at just over $56 per barrel, down almost $5 per barrel on the week. China announced a $586 billion stimulus package to keep their economy growing.
Next week look toward Monday’s Industrial Production, Tuesday’s Producer Price Index (PPI), and Wednesday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Housing Starts as potential market moving events.
Written by Brody Stinson | Discussion: No Comments »
Boots and Fur (faux of course, it’s Boulder)
November 12th, 2008 Categories: Colorado Round Up, Focus on Boulder
You know it’s winter in Boulder Colorado when the bike racks come off the cars and the ski racks go on AND the fashion changes for the women to “boots with fur” around the top! I think it was my son in law that coined that phrase about Boulder Colorado because it was the first thing he noticed on his very first visit as we went strolling down Pearl Street Mall. Everyone was wearing them! More Boots with Fur….I think he might have been noticing the girls to..do ya think? Pearl Street Mall happens to be within walking distance of the University of Colorado so the mall is abuzz with young inventive fashion designers. Winter in Boulder, ahhhh…it’ a little like the thought of warm bread and a great bowl of homemade soup in front of a fire and a cold local brewsky. All the ski rental places have geared up on their inventory with anticipation of the additional airfare charges to carry your skis, and all the 5th graders now have their annual free ski passes that are provided for every 5th grader in the state of Colorado by the Colorado Ski Country USA. Check out the Gold Pass ski pass for adults - transferable to 21 great Colorado ski resorts - employers love them!
Eldora Ski Resort is the closest place to Boulder for downhill and cross country ski. It’s located just 45 minutes up Boulder Canyon (take Canyon Blvd. west up into the canyon past Nederland). As you travel south out of Boulder on CO 93 you pick up I-70 west for a day ski trip to Loveland Ski Area, Araphoe Basin (commonly known as A-Basin), Keystone, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain. If you are feeling adventuresome you can travel a bit further and hit Vail and Beaver Creek Ski Resorts. You can buy an annual ski pass that allows you to ski 21 of the Colorado Ski Resorts and also one that allows you to ski the Vail Resorts only.
Locally here in Boulder a club of Nordic Skiers are getting ready to create their ski track in the North Boulder Park which is about a mile northwest of downtown, west of Broadway in the Newlands neighborhood. It’s free to use for anyone. If you’re not an avid cross country skier but just want the exercise this is a great place to get outdoors and pump up your heart!
Skating is also a popular sport in the wintertime here in Boulder Colorado at the downtown skate rink that is created each year on 14th between Canyon and Walnut). Also the towns of Louisville and Lyons have skating parks which are only 15 minutes outside of Boulder.
The Lights on Pearl Street are a hallmark of the downtown shopping area during the dark days of winter and the Parade of Lights marks the official winter season in all it’s glory!
For all you birders out there who want to participate in the Winder Bird Count, check out the Boulder County Audubon Society for what their winter schedules are.
Speaking of nature….I live in the Wonderland Hills neighborhood and we have the most beautiful foxes here. I heard that this area used to be a fox farm where they would raise the foxes for their pelts. I also hear that when the fox farm disbanded they let all the foxes go free. We call them our “pet foxes”. We watch all the new babies pups grow up, they mind their manners by using the sidewalks and look both ways before crossing the street (most of the time). The neighborhood kids put up “SLOW DOWN” signs so we don’t run over any of our pe
t animals. We have an 8 pointed buck mule deer that has quite a herum of females and babies too that wander from street to street. Check out the Boulder Nature Club if you’re looking to get involved with nature’s side of Boulder. And don’t forget we have tons of prairie dogs here too. I told my friends back east that they make hotdogs out of prairie dogs..(as a joke of course, but my mother believed it!
My very favorite thing to do in the winter time in Boulder is enjoy the hiking trails. Park at Chautauqua off of 9th St and head up into the foothills. You will be memorized by the beauty. The sky is always so blue after a snow storm and the contrast in colors are amazing!
You’ll be glad to hear that getting around town in “all the snow” really isn’t a problem at all. Boulder County does receive an average of 150 or so inches a year of snow, but for the most part, the snow melts as soon as the sun hits the roads (at least here in Boulder). And if it doesn’t your all season radials or snow tires will get you around town just fine. As a matter of fact, we haven’t even had our first snow fall of the season yet which is unusual. Oh… and for those of you wondering about what to do with “all that snow”, unless it’s a foot deep, you don’t shovel here, you sweep the snow because it’s so light and fluffy most of the time ! And if you really want adventure some winter evening, try taking the RTD (the local bus which runs until midnight) downtown on a snowy night and walk the mall, stop in a few of the brew pubs, eat a nice dinner at one of the great Boulder restaurants and for goodness sakes…DON’T FORGET YOUR FUR BOOTS!
Written by Karen Cifala | Discussion: No Comments »
Looking to buy a house in Boulder Colorado…but need a job first?
November 5th, 2008 Categories: Colorado Round Up, Focus on Boulder
Who are the biggest employers in the Boulder area? I get asked this question a lot from people that are thinking about moving to Boulder Colorado. Everybody wants to live in this beautiful place and who wouldn’t with 300 days of sunshine and some of the best educational institutes around the nation right here in our backyard. Colorado University is by far one of the largest employers; founded in 1876, CU is a tier 1 research institute that received more than $266 million dollars in sponsored research awards in 2007. It sits on 600 acres right in the heart of Boulder Colorado, which by the way, was named America’s Smartest City by Forbes magazine in 2008.
Naropa University also in the heart of Boulder, Naropa is a private liberal arts university founded in 1974 by a Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chogyam Trungpa. Although it no longer has formal religious affiliation, it does describe itself as “buddhist-inspired contemplative education”.
Boulder seems to really inspire a culture of entrepreneurship and the range of specialized smaller businesses are infinitesimal - lots of stores and businesses related to sports or staying healthy!
Hey, here’s a good one -Boulder County Business Report announced in Feb 2008 that ConocoPhillips Co’s plan to open a Global Technology and Corp. learning center in Louisville and local economic developers say that it will put Colorado and Boulder Valley on the map as a leader in energy reform.
Another interesting place to work in Boulder would be the NCAR Mesa Lab operated byUCAR - University Corporation for Atmospheric Research , NCAR’s Mesa Lab in south Boulder off of Table Mesa receives substantial funding from NSF (National Science Foundation) and the NCAR building is a well known site in South Boulder.
NIST, National Institute Standards and Technology, was founded in 1901 to promote US innovation and industrial competitiveness in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life with two location, one in Boulder, Colorado and the other in Gaithersburg MD.
Another company you might have heard of is Celestial Seasonings, also located in Boulder. Although not a huge employer it’s a well know national company right here in Boulder. They make herbal and specialty teas, supplements and nutraceuticals.
Now for the BIG Guns…..Check out the top 11 Largest Employers in the Boulder area:
1. IBM Corp - 6300 Diagonal Highway - aprox 4200 employees - selling computer software, hardware & services
2. Sun Microsystems Inc. - 500 Eldorado Blvd. Broomfield, CO - aprox 3800 employees - selling computer software, hardware and services; network computer systems
3. Ball Corp. - 10 Longs Peak Dr, Broomfield - aprox 3000 employees - manufactures mtal and plastic packaging materials for the food and everage industry
4. Boulder Community Hospital - 1100 Balsam Street, Boulder - employs aprox 2300 employees, specializes in cardiology oncology, orthopedics, obstetrics, neurology and rehabilitation
5. Level 3 Communications, Inc. - 1025 Eldorado Blvd., Broomfield - employs aprox 3000 employees - they sell communications services to the world’s top 300 bandwidth customers on 23,000 mile fiber optic network in Europe and N. America
6. Seagate Technology LLC - 398 Disc Drive in Longmont - aprox 1300 employees, disk drives, magnetic disks and read-write heads
7. Valleylab, 5920 Longbow Dr. in Boulder - generators and instruments used in electrosurgery, vessel sealing and other treatments, employ aprox 1300 people.
8. Safeway - a retail grocer, employs aprox 1250 people in and around the Boulder area
9. Longmont United Hospital, 1950 W. Mountain View Ave, employs aprox 1250 people and specialize in Level III trauma services, Level II nursery, 15-beg transitional care unit, open-heart surgery and neurosurigical services.
10. Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center, in Lafayette employ aprox 1150 people and specialize in cardiovascular care, level II neonatal care, emergency and trauma services, KidsTrek, orthopedics, general surgery, occupational medicine, OB/GYN, neurosurgery, pediatrics, lab and radiology, level III trauma, accredited chest pain center
11. Amgen Inc., located at 4000 Nelson Rd in Longmont, employs around 1000 people and specialize in the manufacturing of biologics. At this Longmont location they make buld ingredients for Epogen and Aranesp for anemia; these drugs account for half of the company sales.
I hope this helps to give you an idea of how versitile the employment is in the Boulder Colorado area and I wish you much luck in finding your next job here. Don’t forget to call me when you get here for a personal tour and to buy your next house!!
Written by Karen Cifala | Discussion: 1 Comment »
