Downtown Boulder
Coming soon!
Get Ready for the Bolder Boulder, its right around the corner!!!
March 11th, 2010 Categories: Colorado Round Up, Focus on Boulder
Every year on Memorial Day in Boulder CO there is a race, which started as a modest local show, but has turned into a international phenomena. Yes, I am referring to the Bolder Boulder. 2010 it is on May 31, and with close to 50,000 racers last year, we are expecting another great race this year.
The Bolder Boulder 10K run has gained in popularity because of the range of runners allowed to enter. Run, jog, walk it, all levels are welcome. You will see some of best long distance runners in the world and you also see the brave walker who is entering their first 10K. The pace is not important, only the experience. Unless you are one of those world class runners, in which case I say to you, “pace is everything.”
The race starts in Folsom Stadium, home to the CU buffalos, and is ran around a loop which heads north and south along Folsom rd. Cars are blocked for the masses of people who have come to watch. You should, at least come cheer on the racers this year, if you are not ready to enter. While here check out Pearl Street and all the shops and restaurants it has to offer. Cool off in Boulder Creek to get out of the heat or head to The Hill for a bite to eat. There is plenty to do before during and after the race here in our unique town.
If you are interested in joining the race there is some training you can do. As simple as eating a little better and running a little more. However, for a more comprehensive training guide check out this video a Boulder local made. Remember train as little or as much as you want to. There is one goal for most of us, just to finish. Come check it out or finish the race this Memorial Day, Boulder’s Bolder 10K run will not let you down. 
Written by Parker Krug | Discussion: No Comments »
Its a buyers’ market afterall, its a buyers’ market afterall….It’s a buyers’ buyers’ market!!!
February 26th, 2010 Categories: Buyer's Corner, First Time Buyers, Focus on Boulder, Market Conditions, Trends, Uncategorized
The fallowing are all definition of a buyers’ market: 1) When the demand for property is less than supply so the advantages shift to the buyer. 2) A market which has more sellers than buyers. Low prices result from this excess of supply over demand. Also soft market or opposite of seller’s market. 3) When a buyers’ market exists in commodities, the buyer is able to be selective in purchasing contracts, as there are many individuals wishing to sell. Furthermore, these buyers will generally be able to purchase contracts at lower prices than those that were previously prevalent. 
Basically the key elements of a buyers’ market are these: lots of inventory (or homes for sale) and buyers willing to buy them up at competitive prices. That being said, Boulder is a buyer’s market.
One good reason for Boulder’s buyers’ market is the tax credit. With the tax credit extension about to expire, offered to not only first time home buyers but move up buyers as well, now is a good time to take advantage of this offer. The deadline was moved from November 30, 2009 to April 30, 2010, with any contracts closing before July 1st. Close before then and guarantee yourself some money back from uncle Sam at the closing table. Weather that is $8,000 for first time buyers or $6,500 for move up buyers, this offer is one that can’t be wasted. There is a household income cap and maximum purchase price buyers must obey in order to qualify. HERE for more details.
What if I told you I could save you close to $4,000 if you were to buy a home today instead of down the road? You could use that to pay for this years’ heating, electric, cell, and cable bills. “How?”, is what I hoped you would say.

First off I would refer you to Coldwell Banker mortgage. Here our loan agents can offer you ZERO closing costs at a value of $1,500. Now comes the big deal, locking in a rate today that is better than a rate tomorrow. The life of interest rates is this: a gradual increase over a long period of time and then a big decrease all of a sudden. With rates once again gradually increasing, you can count on tomorrow’s rate being worse than today’s. On a $300,000 loan, if you lock in a rate today at 5 3/4 and tomorrow it goes to 6 1/4, which it eventually will, you will be saving $200 per month. On 360 payments over 30 years that is $72,000 dollars you will save. More immediately it is $2,400 per year. That plus the money CB mortgage will save you on closing costs puts you in the green $3,900.00. Not bad for buying sooner than later. Also remember, that is not including the tax credit if you qualify for it.
If you are a buyer, get out there and take advantage of this market. The Troia team has agents specializing in all sorts of homes in all sorts of areas. Give us a call and find your dream home.
Written by Parker Krug | 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 »
Winter in Boulder is anything but Cold
January 20th, 2010 Categories: Colorado Round Up, Focus on Boulder
I grew up in Chicago and when winter came rolling around it was time for one thing……staying warm. Here in Boulder, things are a bit different. With a much more mild winter climate, Boulder offers plenty of winter activities to keep you active and warm.
Countless groups and organizations offer winter hikes and activites. Such as the Flatirons Ski club, which will take you all over the state to ski Colorado. Both nordic and downhill skiing are available. What a great way to get outside and meet new people.
One of my personal favorite Clubs is known as FIDOS or Friends Interested in Dogs and Open Space. If you have a dog, love the outdoors and enjoy meeting people in your community this is a great club for you. These two organizations are just a few of the the local groups which help make our winters a bit more fulfilling. Click HERE to see more local organizations…. 
Near the Boulder 1 Plaza lies a small ice rink for local skaters to get their fix on. Who doesn’t enjoy ice skating and hot coco? Head down there on wed. or Thursday nights and watch a new game that is taking off in popularity here in Boulder. It is known as Broomball. A game that mixes hockey and good times into one. With a brooom-like stick, large ball, and pads teams face off to beat one another in some pretty good competition. Weather it is 8 degrees or 40, these Broom ball gurus are out there battling for local pride. For those of you who want a bit more compeition in their Broomball games there is an indoor league at the local rec center you can join.
Another local Boulder benefit is done by a guy who appreciates a good cross country course. I met this individual a few years ago and trust me he only does it for the people.
Every time we get a fresh snow he heads out in his truck and grooms a track for cross country skiiers at Morning Side Park, near 9th and Balsam. From six in the morning to six at night you can find outdoor junkies getting a good workout in or just enjoying the snow. It is worth the effort and we thank you Boulder Groomer.
Come to Boulder and check out why our winters are anything but Cold and boring.
Written by Ro Troia | Discussion: No Comments »
Celebrate New Year’s Eve In Boulder County
December 27th, 2009 Categories: Focus on Boulder, Mountain Living, Relocating
Looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve? Boulder Colorado has everything you desire whether it be ringing in the New Year in style or hanging with your family. The list is long in activities. Feel like dressing up, wearing your best clothes and dancing into the New Year? The Hotel Boulderado might be the place for you. Want to keep it casual? Try Leftover Salmon at the Boulder Theatre – a long standing tradition on this special night. Whatever your preference may be, you won’t find yourself looking for something to do. There is something for everyone on New Year’s Eve in Boulder Colorado. Check it out!
The Hotel Boulderado throws one of the most elegant celebrations in town and it all began the eve before their grand opening in 1909. The gala includes a dinner and dance package with lavish food and music provided by Dressed In Black.
Leftover Salmon is playing at the Boulder Theater – a 20 year legacy. A little Boulder Theater history…it opened in 1906 as Curran Opera House by wealthy billboard sign owner James Curran and the venue featured opera, musical productions and silent movies. In 1927 the first talkie, “The Jazz Singer”, was presented by Warner Brothers. With the advent of the motion picture, all live performances ceased as the theater became a movie house from 1927 to 1978. During the Depression, the theater kept going with double features and “Country Store Nights”, when sacks of groceries were given away to those in the lucky numbered seats. Spending New Year’s Eve in the historical and romantic Boulder Theater will be a night to remember.
If you’re thinking food, consider Jax Fish House. Reservations will be needed for this 4 course meal at @ $75. More dining opportunities include Centro, Salt, and join Bacaro this New Year’s Eve for an evening full of celebration! They will serve a 4 course meal with a glass of champagne at $45.00 per person. Along with a midnight toast, there will be a live band
This next event sounds fun! It’s held at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Artfrom 9-1 and tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Entertainment includes video art installations featuring image remixes from the age of black and white cinema by Tres Altman and Boulder Community Media. Throwback and Jazz-influence party soundtrack provided by DJs: Josh Haimes + DJCJ. Live music by Fellow Citizens. Red bar and lounge sponsored by elephantjournal.com. Wear your best black and silver cocktail attire and enjoy local art, live music, and free desserts + a champagne toast. 100% of proceeds to benefit the museum and support 2010 arts programming.
Family friendly activities include the Children’s Musuem of Denver, WOW Children’s Museum in Lafayette, and Ice Skating in Boulder.
First, The Children’s Museum of Denver is ringing in New Years Eve just like Times Square! With five ball drops every hour from 10am-2pm, children of all ages can yell the countdown, watch colorful confetti splash the plaza and make fireworks with their feet when they jump on massive sheets of bubble wrap. Make cool art activities, watch exciting theatre performers, and so much more!
Or celebrate New Year’s Eve at WOW! Children’s Museum! There will be a special musical performance by acclaimed children’s musician Eric West at 11:00am! Noise maker crafts, refreshments, and special New Year’s countdown at noon!
Don’t miss The Ice Rink at One Boulder Plaza which is located in the heart of downtown Boulder, just one block off the historic Pearl Street Mall. Enjoy outdoor ice skating and winter cheer with family and friends. The Ice Rink is surrounded by eclectic cafes, restaurants and shopping. Visit The Ice Rink, where winter memories are made!
See you around the town and Happy New Year!
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: No Comments »
Extend And Expand The Homebuyer Tax Credit
October 5th, 2009 Categories: Buyer's Corner, Colorado Round Up, First Time Buyers, Focus on Boulder
Hurry!! Time is ru
nning out!! In order to be eligible for the first-time homebuyer tax credit you must:
- find the perfect home,
- complete a contract,
- satisfy any contingencies,
- secure financing, and
- negotiate inspection
BY NOVEMBER 30th!!!
I would say time is out! Now, it is so important for Congress to Extend and Expand the tax credit ASAP!
The $8,000 tax credit expires December 1st. The usefulness of the credit diminishes daily if the credit is not extended well before that date explains The National Association of Realtors.
The Association goes on to say that the credit has been a success as homebuyer interest peaked and home sales increased. Today’s lower prices and interest rates appeal to customers but it’s the tax credit that really drove clients to open houses and to home-ownership. But a homeowner is only eligible for the tax credit before December 1st which rushes the process of finding a home, completing a contract, satisfying contingencies, securing financing, and making it to the closing table by November 30th.
According to Seven News, more than 27,000 Colorado homebuyers have taken advantage of the credit. This week, the White House said its economic team is evaluating the credit’s impact on home sales and will make a recommendation to President Barack Obama. There have been more than a dozen bills introduced in Congress to prolong the life of the tax credit past the Nov. 30 deadline, and on Thursday Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid endorsed the idea of extending the credit for an additional six months. The housing market has been devastated in Reid’s home state of Nevada.
If you would like to take action urging Congressto expand and extend the homebuyer tax credit, write a letter and let them know. I would say that the tax credit did help boost the economy, but it wasn’t enough. Why not extend it another year? Besides the tax credit, what else could be done? Something has to be done about appraisals. For instance, deals are falling through much too often these days because of a poorly done appraisal. Anyway, don’t get me started. What do you think should happen?
Written by Julie Johnson | Discussion: No Comments »
And the Award goes to……Boulder!!!
September 29th, 2009 Categories: Focus on Boulder
When it comes to living in the United States there are few places as unique and attractive as Boulder Colorado. Nestled in the foothills, where the rolling planes meet the majestic Rockies, you will find Boulder.
Boulder is centrally located within an hour from Denver, the airport and El Dora ski resort, making it an ideal location. There is a one of a kind outdoor scene that very few places can offer. Hundreds of hiking trails, rivers/creeks, and endless extreme sports are just a few of these attractions our town has to offer. Come explore…..
If it’s a night life you desire head to Pearl street for countless restaurants, pubs bars, and shops. Trust me there is something in Boulder for you.

Come on over midwesterners our weather is unbeatable. With over 300 days of sun a year (more than San Diego or Miami) there are pleanty of chances to get outside and enjoy yourself. A moderate winter and perfect spring break up the year just right. click here for details. Make sure you do not forget about all the SNOW. Snow junkies enjoy world class
mountains only a few hours from our great city. Vail, Winter Park, Beaver Creek, and Breckenridge are just a few. Both with over 10,00 acres to ski, Vail and Winter Park will keep you skiing new terrain for years. Come and ’ski’ for yourself!!!
Intellectuals welcome. We are one of the most educated towns in the country. Forbes Magazine ranked us “America’s Smartest City” in 2008. More than 92% with a high school diploma, more than 52% of us have a bachelor’s degree or better, and close to 4% with a Ph.D. With plenty of good schools to choose from and a State University to match, bring your kids to a stimulating environment to grow up and learn in.
ACCOLADES
1) 2002-ranked #1 Thinnest City – by Self Magazine 2) 2002-ranked Americas 50 Healthiest Places to Live – by USA Today 3) 2003-ranked BEST Overall Place to Live – by Mens Magazine 4) 2003-ranked Best Cities for Singles – by Forbes Magaznine , 2004-ranked Best Place in the Country for Singles – by Forbes 5) 2004-ranked Best Cities for Relocating Families (Boulder/Longmont) – by Worldwide ERC and Primary Relocations 6) 2005-ranked #1 Best Place to Live – by Mens Journal & #1 Best Place to live – by Successful Meetings 7) 2005-ranked 50 Fabulous Gay Friendly Places to Live – by book by Greg Kompes 8) 2006-ranked Top ten Places to Retire – by Bottom Line Retirement & 2007-ranked Best Places to Retire – by US News and World Report.com & 2008-ranked Top Ten Brainiest Places to Retire – by US News and World Report
and the list goes on and on………………CLICK HERE TO SEE
These are just a few of the reasons so many folks have chosen Boulder as their home. Come here and see all the others for yourself…. We will be waiting.
Written by Parker Krug | 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 »
Help! Do I Qualify For Housing Assistance?
July 26th, 2009 Categories: Colorado Round Up, Focus on Boulder, Market Conditions, Selling Thoughts
Many people all over the country, as well as locally in Boulder and Denver, are wondering if they qualify for mortgage help under the Obama administration plan. Homeowners may be in one of two scenarios.
For instance, many homeowners pay their mortgages on time but are not able to refinance to take advantage of today’s lower mortgage rates becasuse the value of their home has decreased. Others are unable to make their monthly payments because their interest rate has increased or they have less income. The administration’s housing plan provides two types of assistance that are designed to help make mortgages more affordable for up to nine million homeowners. Find out what the assistance options are and how to qualify.
According to MakingHomeAffordable.com, eligible for refinance under certain circumstances. The first is that your loan must be Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae owned or guaranteed. Second, you must not have missed any loan payments in the past 12 months. Kimberly Lankford goes on to explain that owners with more than 20% equity in their home can refinance their mortgatge at today’s low rates and decrease their monthly payment by hundreds of dollars. But people whose home values have dropped significantly often have a tough time finding a lender that will refinance into cheaper loans.
This program is supposed to help that. The guidelines explain that to be eligible, your first mortgage must not exceed 125% of the current market value of your home. For example, if your property is worth $200,000 but you owe $250,000 or less on your first mortgage, you may be eligible. The current value of your property will be determined after you apply to refinance. Remember, the deadline is June 2010.
The second part of Obama’s plan includes a loan-modification program which helps homeowners who are struggling to make payments; the program is based on the belief that these owners should get to stay in their homes and avoid foreclosure. The administration’s plan requires participating loan servicers to reduce monthly payments to no more than 38 percent of the borrower’s gross monthly income. Luke Mullins of US News explains further that the government would then chip in to bring payments down further, to no more than 31 percent of the borrower’s monthly income. In lowering the payment, the servicer would first reduce the interest rate to as low as 2 percent. If that’s not enough to hit the 31 percent threshold, they would then extend the terms of the loan to up to 40 years. If that’s still not enough, the servicer would forebear loan principal at no interest. The plan does not, however, require servicers to reduce mortgage principal.
This is a summary of the housing help in a nutshell. To find out if you are eligible go to MakingHomeAffordable.com.
Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: No Comments »
A Different Look at Boulder
July 1st, 2009 Categories: Focus on Boulder
To get a quirky irreverent look at Downtown Boulder and Denver Banjo Billies offers really fun one of a kind guided bus tours. But this isn’t any boring ordinary coach bus, you are riding in style. Each bus is made to look like a hillbilly shack on wheels. Inside the open air buses patrons will find disco balls and have their choice of seating which may be a couch, a recliner, or even a saddle! Along the ride all kinds of stories of Boulder’s past are revealed through tales of folklore, history, and ghosts. No two tours are the same… in fact the tour guides customize the ride to what the riders say they want to hear about, so when you go be sure to speak up and have fun. Banjo Billies offers tours year round that last about two hours each. It is a great affordable way to relax but still have fun with friends, family,
and a funny tour guide filling you’re head with bizzare tales about the area that you’re sure to not forget. This is a great way for locals to entertain their guests from out of town, or to entertain themselves. Many locals are astounded by all the different stories that despite living here for years, had never heard before. If you are new to town and like to have fun Banjo Billies would be a great way to spend an afternoon. They also have private tours for groups to rent out the entire bus, which is great for big family get togethers or a fun way to entertain your friends or a wedding party. For more information on Banjo Billies Bus Tours check out thier website at: http://www.banjobilly.com/
Written by Ro Troia | Discussion: No Comments »










