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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is more than important information to know if you are buying, selling or renovating real estate in Boulder County and anywhere in Colorado.  As many of you know, if you sell or rent a home built before 1978, you must disclose that your home may contain paint that contains lead.  Not only is there a disclosure form to sign, but a pamphlet that highlights the paint’s risks, especially to children.  But did you also know that a new law will go into effect this month?  Read on to obtain this essential piece of knowledge.

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

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

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

A short sale is when the real estate sale proceeds fall short of the balanced owed on the property’s loan.  This happens when the borrower is unable to pay their  property’s mortgage.  Instead of penalizing the mortgagor, the lender agrees to sell the property at a moderate loss.   This is an advantage to both parties as  it allows them to avoid foreclosure, which involves hefty fees for the bank and poorer credit report outcomes for the borrowers. Clients in Boulder ask this all the time and no,  this may not release the mortgagor from their deficiency. Neither foreclosure nor a short sale leaves you free and clear.

Definition made simple of foreclosure: when the borrower is legally removed as owner to their home.  Ownership is terminated due to late payments (default).  The property is sold at a public auction.  Proceeds go to payment of the balance.  When the bank buys the property at the auction, it is then put on the market.

If it’s right for your situation, a short sale would occur before the home goes to auction.  A Realtor lists the home in hopes of selling and presenting an offer to the bank before the sale date.  This date can be extended while the home is listed.  Two basic scenarios: 1) Home receives an offer and the bank accepts = no foreclosure. 2) Property receives no offers or the bank rejects offers = home goes to auction & foreclosure.

CREDIT SCORE

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

CREDIT HISTORY

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

CURRENT EMPLOYMENT

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

FUTURE EMPLOYMENT

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

DEFICIENCY JUDGEMENT

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

DEFICIENCY AMOUNT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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 positive 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!

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.

When buyers are new to the area, it’s always fun to give them tidbits of what’s happening in Boulder and Boulder County.  As real estate agents, we not only keep up on trends but we also stay informed on the happenings in our city.  This week’s news in Boulder includes Boulder being rated in the top ten, schools banning junk food,  and drivers protesting a bike race. Read the rest of these stories.

While Boulder County is probably one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, there are still some citizens who have had enough of them apparently.  A recent flyer has been distributed anonymously throughout the city asking motorists to protest an up-coming bike race by driving along the route, then pretending your vehicle is broken down.  Police are saying that there has been more tension between cyclists and motorists since a new law will take effect August 1st, giving even more protection on the roads to our two-wheeled friends.  There is not much concern that the protest will actually happen.  I believe the conflict lies in cyclists needing to ride safely, but with that being said,  they also need to obey the rules of the road.  Sometimes motorists feel a bit of hypocrisy when cyclists themselves don’t always obey the traffic rules.  In my experience, I have witnessed a cyclist or two not stopping at a stop sign, therefore jeopardizing not only themselves, but  those around them.  The laws need to be respected by both motorists and cyclists.

Some “very Boulder” news: Boulder Schools Consider Banning Junk Food.  According to the Boulder Daily Camera, the Boulder Valley School District is undergoing a multi-year school-food overhaul, and students will notice some changes this fall.  For example, fresh fruits and vegetables will be served every day and will be grown regionally, when possible.  And bulk and antibiotic-free milk will be served in all schools.  As part of the Boulder Valley School District’s food-services overhaul, the school board is expected to adopt a new “wellness policy” aimed at eliminating unhealthy food from the school experience.  The Camera further states that at the school board’s meeting Tuesday night, members will discuss the first draft of a proposed policy that discourages junk food at school parties and blocks the sale of candy at school-sponsored events.  I live in Boulder for reasons such as these.  It is important to me what my child eats at school and it’s a relief that the schools support this.  I think this will also greatly effect the free lunch program.  The children who qualify for free-lunches at school take advantage of this and aren’t able to bring a brown-bag lunch.  This will allow more healthy opportunities to them.  Go Boulder!

And last but not least: Boulder is rated among the “top ten towns to live well” in the United States by Forbes Magazine.  Forbes considered demographics such as median income; average commutes, distance to highways and airports, as well as per capita number of small businesses; sole-proprietorships and start-ups, and the percentage of population with bachelor’s degrees or higher. With a population of 90,648 and a median income of $54,243, Boulder ranked high in all Forbes’ qualifications, according to the magazine.  The only drawback mentioned was the snow (at least if you’re someone who doesn’t like it).

Moving to Boulder County and need a real estate team who knows the area?  Call The Troia Team!

When considering a move to Boulder County, don’t forget the city of Lafayette.  It’s a great place to live with its’ small hometown feel, yet vibrant economy.  How about miles of open space and trails – not to mention its parks including Waneka Lake.  Founded by Mary Miller in 1888, the town was built during the coal mining era and thrived.  Today, Lafayette is still a thriving community, with the cultural and commercial center still being found in the revitalized Old Town district, especially along Public Road. The town hosts a variety of unique events each year, including an Oatmeal Festival in cooperation with the Quaker Oats Company, a Peach Festival, a Wine Festival, and Lafayette Days.  Click here for a Lafayette Relocation Guide.