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

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

Click here for this season’s schedule.

HISTORY:

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

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

Looking for 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!

Best Deal In The Neighborhood. Price lowered to sell.

Our listing, 11793 Pleasant View Ridge in Longmont is located within the Elms Meadow Vale Subdivision and the PRICE has been LOWERED 50k!  Within walking distance to Union Reservoir and Sandstone Park, this 5 bedroom, 5 bath home really stands out with its modern and contemporary upgrades.  Conveniently located near I-25, Ft. Collins, Boulder, and Denver, the home has views from every direction and the subdivision is well-maintained with a community park.  You’ll love this home, click here to view the details.

This is a stunning home, immaculate and move-in ready with PREMIUM updates throughout.  It was custom-built in 2006 with a gourmet kitchen including slab granite countertops, butlers pantry, double oven,  and all stainless steel appliances.  The open and spacious floor plan makes it great for entertaining and family gatherings.  Beautiful hard wood floors, modern lighting, and the high-quality custom tile backsplash make this a dazzling kitchen you’ll love to cook and entertain in.  Here you’ll find access to the new patio with custom built outdoor gas grill station.  Spend many evenings from this backyard enjoying views of the plains.  You’ll often see many horseback riders right outside your back door.  This home is located on one of the best lots in the neighborhood because of its privacy.  As you can see, there are no neighbors located directly behind the home and on one side, is a well-maintained grass lot, giving seclusion to the neighbors on the south.  As we go back inside, just off of the kitchen, you’ll find the huge great room with high ceilings and fireplace.  The custom-tile the owners added around the fireplace is amazing and unique.  The high windows let in plenty of light making this an inviting room for the family to hang out after a busy day.  Just off the great room is a main level study with venetian plaster wall finish and double french doors.   Off the kitchen you’ll enjoy the separate and eloquent dining room including a raised ceiling with more venetian plaster.  It’s beautiful and admired by all guests. 

As you enter the front door, you’ll be delighted by the foyer and open staircase. 

 As you reach the top of the stairs, overlook the great room and check out the amazing views. 

Upstairs is a master suite unlike you’ve ever witnessed before.  Unique wall paint add to the contemporary feel and enjoy the ooh’s and aah’s you’ll receive from all who see it.  The master suite includes a 5 piece master bath and sitting area. 

 Again, check out those views!!!!

There are three more bedrooms upstairs with a jack and jill bathroom. Perfect for a family with children or a family who has a lot of company.  The home has over 5700 square feet which includes a new finished basement.  Many of the homes in this neighborhood do not have the basement, making this home one of a kind.  A pre-wired mother in law suite or a nanny suite is located in the new basement with a spacious 5 piece bathroom.  The tile floor is luxurious and classy.  Your mother in law, nanny or guests will be totally impressed.  The basement also includes another office or workout room.  It is also great for entertaining or family night with a gathering area and theatre/media room.  Are you a musician?  This room makes a perfect studio.  And the entrance way to this room includes a dazzling tile floor, which does not go unnoticed by any guest to the home.

  From $549,000 to                 $485,000

 Don’t miss the opportunity to see this home and call me for a showing!

Best Deal In The Neighborhood. Price lowered to sell.

Our listing, 11793 Pleasant View Ridge in Longmont is located within the Elms Meadow Vale Subdivision and the PRICE has been LOWERED 50k!  Within walking distance to Union Reservoir and Sandstone Park, this 5 bedroom, 5 bath home really stands out with its modern and contemporary upgrades.  Conveniently located near I-25, Ft. Collins, Boulder, and Denver, the home has views from every direction and the subdivision is well-maintained with a community park.  You’ll love this home, click here to view the details.

This is a stunning home, immaculate and move-in ready with PREMIUM updates throughout.  It was custom-built in 2006 with a gourmet kitchen including slab granite countertops, butlers pantry, double oven,  and all stainless steel appliances.  The open and spacious floor plan makes it great for entertaining and family gatherings.  Beautiful hard wood floors, modern lighting, and the high-quality custom tile backsplash make this a dazzling kitchen you’ll love to cook and entertain in.  Here you’ll find access to the new patio with custom built outdoor gas grill station.  Spend many evenings from this backyard enjoying views of the plains.  You’ll often see many horseback riders right outside your back door.  This home is located on one of the best lots in the neighborhood because of its privacy.  As you can see, there are no neighbors located directly behind the home and on one side, is a well-maintained grass lot, giving seclusion to the neighbors on the south.  As we go back inside, just off of the kitchen, you’ll find the huge great room with high ceilings and fireplace.  The custom-tile the owners added around the fireplace is amazing and unique.  The high windows let in plenty of light making this an inviting room for the family to hang out after a busy day.  Just off the great room is a main level study with venetian plaster wall finish and double french doors.   Off the kitchen you’ll enjoy the separate and eloquent dining room including a raised ceiling with more venetian plaster.  It’s beautiful and admired by all guests. 

As you enter the front door, you’ll be delighted by the foyer and open staircase. 

 As you reach the top of the stairs, overlook the great room and check out the amazing views. 

Upstairs is a master suite unlike you’ve ever witnessed before.  Unique wall paint add to the contemporary feel and enjoy the ooh’s and aah’s you’ll receive from all who see it.  The master suite includes a 5 piece master bath and sitting area. 

 Again, check out those views!!!!

There are three more bedrooms upstairs with a jack and jill bathroom. Perfect for a family with children or a family who has a lot of company.  The home has over 5700 square feet which includes a new finished basement.  Many of the homes in this neighborhood do not have the basement, making this home one of a kind.  A pre-wired mother in law suite or a nanny suite is located in the new basement with a spacious 5 piece bathroom.  The tile floor is luxurious and classy.  Your mother in law, nanny or guests will be totally impressed.  The basement also includes another office or workout room.  It is also great for entertaining or family night with a gathering area and theatre/media room.  Are you a musician?  This room makes a perfect studio.  And the entrance way to this room includes a dazzling tile floor, which does not go unnoticed by any guest to the home.

  From $549,000 to                 $499,000

 Don’t miss the opportunity to see this home and call me for a showing!

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.

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. 

Shopping around for the perfect neighborhood to live?  Would you like to be in walking distance to Union Reservoir or close to Sandstone Park and Ute Creek Golf Course?  Well, look no further than the private and well-cared for Elms at Meadow Vale subdivision off of County Road 5 1/2  in Longmont Colorado;  a part of Weld County.  Owner pride emanates throughout this community with wide, HOA maintained streets and park with basketball court.  I have visited this area many times and am always impressed by the views of the mountains and plains – not to mention the one of a kind sunrise and sunset views.  Looking for an easy commute to Denver, Boulder and/or Fort Collins?  This location is perfect!!!  Read more about the neighborhood and check out our new listing in the area.

As you drive alone County Road 5 and half off of the Diagonal Highway, you can’t help but feel that this is a great place to call home.  Farms are nestled amoung the newly built subdivision giving it a rural feel and allowing for the amazing views.   

No wonder our new listing is located on Pleasant View Ridge.

Location, location, location!  This area is close to perfection with the Ute Creek Golf Course within 5 minutes.  Ute Creek, designed by the world-renowned golf course architects of the Robert Trent Jones II Group, opened in 1997. This 18-hole championship course is a Par 72, ranging in length from 5,509 yards to 7,167 yards. Ute Creek is one of only six Robert Trent Jones II courses in Colorado, and the only one on the northern Front Range. Its five lakes, two creeks, multi-level fairways and native grass areas will provide challenge and interest for players of all abilities. Click here for a map and directions to the golf course.

Not a golfer or do you also prefer the water?  You’re in luck!  Union Reservoir is just minutes away with its great beaches, swimming, trails and boating activities.  The reservoir also has a fun playground and bbq areas.  According to The City of Longmont parks services, Union Reservoir is a 736 acre body of water providing many outdoor recreational activities. Originally called Calkins Lake, the reservoir was carved out during the last glacial age and is one of only a few natural lakes in Colorado. In 1903, the Union Ditch Company began drilling a tunnel to release water into the St Vrain River. According to Colorado water law, that made Union a true reservoir. Today, visitors to Union Reservoir can enjoy fishing, swimming, wakeless boating, camping, windsurfing and picnicking. The Reservoir is located approximately 7 miles west of I-25. 

 And that’s not all!  The Elms Subdivision is close to Sandstone Park which includes several playgrounds, a skate park, ballpark, and soccer fields.   What a supportive and family-friendly neighborhood!   Know what else is new?  The New Mead High School accepting 9th – 10th grades this fall.  A beautifully built structure offering the education you desire for your children.

And best of all, you can live in one of the nicest homes in the Elms at Meadow Vale neighborhood and at a great deal.  5 bedrooms and 5 baths with a mother in law suite located in the finished basement.  Custom tile dazzles throughout the modern and sleek home.  Best lot with privacy and spectacular views!  Yards and streets maintained by Elms HOA.  Come check it out.

One of our newest listings, 11793 Pleasant View Ridge in Longmont is located within the Elms Meadow Vale Subdivision.  Within walking distance to Union Reservoir and Sandstone Park, this 5 bedroom, 5 bath home really stands out with its modern and contemporary upgrades.  Conveniently located near I-25, Ft. Collins, Boulder, and Denver, the home has views from every direction and the subdivision is well-maintained with a community park.  You’ll love this home, click here to view the details.

This is a stunning home, immaculate and move-in ready with updates throughout.  It was custom-built in 2006 with a gourmet kitchen including slab granite countertops, butlers pantry, double oven, and all stainless steel appliances.  The open and spacious floor plan makes it great for entertaining and family gatherings.  Beautiful hard wood floors, modern lighting, and the high-quality custom tile backsplash make this a dazzling kitchen you’ll love to cook and entertain in.  Here you’ll find access to the new patio with custom built outdoor gas grill station.  Spend many evenings from this backyard enjoying views of the plains.  You’ll often see many horseback riders right outside your back door.  This home is located on one of the best lots in the neighborhood because of its privacy.  As you can see, there are no neighbors located directly behind the home and on one side, is a well-maintained grass lot, giving seclusion to the neighbors on the south.  As we go back inside, just off of the kitchen, you’ll find the huge great room with high ceilings and fireplace.  The custom-tile the owners added around the fireplace is amazing and unique.  The high windows let in plenty of light making this an inviting room for the family to hang out after a busy day.  Just off the great room is a main level study with venetian plaster wall finish and double french doors.   Off the kitchen you’ll enjoy the separate and eloquent dining room including a raised ceiling with more venetian plaster.  It’s beautiful and admired by all guests.  As you enter the front door, you’ll be delighted by the foyer and open staircase. 

As you reach the top of the stairs, overlook the great room and check out the amazing views. 

Upstairs is a master suite unlike you’ve ever witnessed before.  Unique wall paint add to the contemporary feel and enjoy the ooh’s and aah’s you’ll receive from all who see it.  The master suite includes a 5 piece master bath and sitting area. 

 Again, check out those views!!!!

There are three more bedrooms upstairs with a jack and jill bathroom. Perfect for a family with children or a family who has a lot of company.  The home has over 5700 square feet which includes a new finished basement.  Many of the homes in this neighborhood do not have the basement, making this home one of a kind.  A pre-wired mother in law suite or a nanny suite is located in the new basement with a spacious 5 piece bathroom.  The tile floor is luxurious and classy.  Your mother in law, nanny or guests will be totally impressed.  The basement also includes another office or workout room.  It is also great for entertaining or family night with a gathering area and theatre/media room.  Are you a musician?  This room makes a perfect studio.  And the entrance way to this room includes a dazzling tile floor, which does not go unnoticed by any guest to the home.

Custom Tile in Bathroom

  Don’t miss the opportunity to see this home and call me for a showing!

You can’t miss the latest news in Boulder Colorado – the three windblown wildfires that destroyed at least four structures and caused the call to evacuate more than 11,000 homes.  The largest fire, which started on Wednesday around 1:00 pm, actually jumped a major road, Interstate 36 and entered the Lake Valley Estates neighborhood, where police went from house to house warning people.  Boulder is not a stranger to wildfires but it is unusual to witness them this time of year.  Extending across the foothills, threatening Dakota Ridge Village, the fire spread up to 3,700 acres.  Get more details on this midwinter grass fire.

Authorities said more than 11,000 homes had been alerted to the fire by reverse 911 calls, but about 1,300 homes were actually evacuated.  Red Cross confirms that the emergency shelter took in 100 people while the rest found safety with friends and relatives.  Now contained, it has been confirmed that the fire was out by Friday with 20 firefighters monitoring the site overnight to suppress flare-ups.  Amazingly, no injuries were reported except a fireman who sprained a knee.  The two of four structures involved are reported to be a barn and a home just west of the small town of Niwot about 25 miles north of Denver.  

While there were no injuries, it is sad to report that even while neighbors helped Bobra Goldsmith, 78, round up more than 160 llamas and alpacas on her Rocky Mountain Llamas ranch, the retired University of Colorado French and music professor lost her house in the fire. ”My mother was an artist,” Goldsmith told the Camera newspaper. “The house was filled with her work. I can’t tell you what I’ve lost.  Because this is a semi-rural area, housing many horse and livestock ranches, large animals were evacuated to a shelter and when that completely filled, animals were sent to Boulder County Fairgrounds.  Flames licked the shoulders of one road as cars and pickups rolled by, some towing livestock trailers.  ”It’s really terrifying”, says Pamela Taylor of nearby Louisville, who was trying to find out whether her horse had been moved from a boarding stable.  It was a very surreal image as you looked straight west into the mountains that Wednesday evening.  The hills were sprinkled with orange spots and several lines of burning fire indicating the hundreds of little fires that were spread by the fierce wind that day.  The cause of the fire is said to be a downed power transformer, then the force of the 80 mph wind, just swept it away quicker than imaginable.  News4 explains that the cause of the fire is under investigation, though officials believed wind gusts reaching 80 mph likely downed power lines. Utility company Xcel Energy said 2,500 customers briefly lost power in the Denver metro area that includes Boulder because of high winds.   Residents can still see the effects of the damage as they look west to the mountains.  The charred remnants can be seen for miles as a reminder of our surprising midwinter fire.

Where do you even begin when talking about Home Owners Associations? I have been wanting to write something about them for quite some time now, but where to start? And, do I really want to write a novel about HOA’s? I could. I have a lot to say about them, both good and bad. There was an article that came up earlier this week, which made me decide it was time to say something NOW!

There is a couple in Longmont, Colorado who is suing their HOA for being to relaxed with their rules. Generally, when you see lawsuits against home owners associations, they are due to the HOA’s over-bearance and strict enforcement of the rules. This time, the couple is suing Hammersmith Management Inc. for not enforcing the bylaws, which in my experience is never an issue. I have dealt with Hammersmith on multiple occasions in multiple subdivisions, between Denver and Longmont. I have never know them to be “lax” about anything. Quite the contrary, actually.

They came down hard on one of our listings, in the same subdivision last year, which was vacant. Nobody was watering the yard, because the water was turned off, and they fined the seller a lot of money. The seller was a bank and didn’t care, but Hammersmith was calling and posting letters nonstop, upping the fine every week or so.

This couple in Starwood at Fox Meadow says that the home values are declining due to the associations failure to enforce their guidelines, as far as keeping up with the aesthetic value of the neighborhood. Longmont has seen some tough times over the past several years, as far as real estate values are concerned. So, not only have values dropped significantly over the years, but the HOA’s are having a tough time. A lot of foreclosures have flooded Longmonts’ subdivisions, which makes it hard for HOA’s to remain financially stable. The bank does not care about how many times they get fined or what the yards look like. They usually negotiate any lien’s with the HOA management companies, which really hurts the HOA’s reserves and makes upkeep of the common areas hard to pay for.

This couple says their home’s value has been reduced by over $200,000, because of Hammersmith’s failure to enforce the rules. Their home is currently listed for sale, and with so many homes surrounding them, many are new construction, they are having a difficult time selling. Most of the time, developers do not landscape the yards which affects the aesthetic value of the neighborhood and can drive prices down in an area where new construction is not selling.  Builders will usually offer some credit for the buyer to do what they want with the yard and with these million-dollar homes not selling, many yards are left as just graded dirt until the buyers move in.  In the case of foreclosures, the banks will almost never do anything to maintain the yards.
With HOA’s, you can almost always count on them being very strict. If you are going to buy a home with an HOA, I would go to one of their meetings before closing on the home, so you can see who is running them. The board members will dictate how the HOA is governed and some are lax and some are the extreme opposite. so much so, that you will get a fine if you don’t bring your garbage can in, instantly after trash pick-up. Or, if you have an ugly car in the driveway, they could give you a fine. Some are very tough. I have seen some very harsh HOA’s and I know if I am ever thinking of buying any property that has a homeowners association, I will most certainly do my research.

I guess now, not only do you have to worry about the tough laws of the HOA, but the strength of the HOA and the number of foreclosures and vacancies in your subdivision. Especially if you think you might want to sell at some point. Foreclosed property can definitely hurt the aesthetics of a neighborhood. I am seeing it all up and down the front range of Colorado; subdivisions that have been ripped apart due to foreclosures, or builders running out of funding, or HOA’s that can no longer pay for upkeep of the common amenities due to lack of reserves. Do your research. Read the HOA documents very carefully before you decide whether or not you actually want to close on the new home in the new subdivision.  Just do what we in the real estate business like to call “Your Due Diligence”.  It will save you from a lot of trouble and money and potential lawsuits.