REAL ESTATE
Real Estate News, Open Home Listings, Homes for Sale, Rentals and More!
atHome Colorado Home & Real Estate | AtHomeColorado.com
Real Estate Veteran Diane Stow is Invested in the Community
Quick Guide and Featured Open Homes
Not Ready To Buy? Try a Lease Option
There’s No Sense Like Hygge for the Holidays
Looking for a home? View comprehensive listings of local open houses taking place this weekend from all across the area.
A lease option is an agreement between a buyer and a property owner in which a buyer pays the owner money to purchase the property at a later date.
The holidays are the perfect time of year to infuse hygge into your home.
DECEMBER 15-16, 2017
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COLORADO HOME AND REAL ESTATE
ATHOMECOLORADO.COM CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michaela Phillips Andrew Khouri Karen Libin Tom Kalinski Sean McIllwain Rick Jacquemard Duane Duggan Suzanne Plewes Linda Thorsen Bond Cathy Hobbs Megan Alderton Mary Carol Garrity Carol O’Meara Dena Fishbein ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Thais Hafer, Toni McNeill Mary Romano ADVERTISING FEATURES COORDINATOR / DESIGN Greg Stone At Home is an Advertising Feature published by the Boulder Daily Camera and Longmont Times-Call. ©2017 Prairie Mountain Media. SEND US YOUR NEWS. At Home welcomes news from the local community on real estate/home tips, events, hirings, advancements, awards, community involvement and other information of interest to the Boulder County and Northern Colorado areas. Submitted items should be non-promotional in tone. E-mail athome@dailycamera.com ADVERTISING INFORMATION: To advertise in At Home or to promote your open house contact Thais Hafer at 303.473.1456, Toni McNeil at 303.684.5329 or visit AtHomeColorado.com/Advertise To submit an open house listing, visit AtHomeColorado.com/ SubmitOpenHouse.com.
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MORTGAGE
Big news: Maximum conforming loan limits are increasing BOULDER – This week, the FHFA announced that they are raising the 2018 maximum conforming loan limits. As a result, Fannie Mae and Freddie BY MICHAELA Mac’s baseline PHILLIPS limit will go up Guaranteed Rate, Inc. to $453,100. But what does this really mean for home buyers? The present maximum conforming loan limit for one-unit properties is $424,100; next year, we’ll see an almost $30,000 bump. This is in sync with the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA), an act that requires baseline conforming loan limits to be adjusted each year in order to reflect the current housing trends. They estimate a fair limit by examining average home prices. Between the third quarters in 2016 and 2017, home prices increased 6.8%. Therefore, the maximum conforming loan limits will increase by a comparable percentage. The US housing market remains hot and the increase in this baseline loan limit reflects this: the maximum conforming loan limit will be higher in all but 71 of the nation’s counties.
This week, the FHFA announced that they are raising the 2018 maximum conforming loan limits. (Photo: Pixabay).
In certain areas, the maximum loan limits will be even higher. This is limited to areas where the local home values exceed 115% of the baseline conforming loan limit. To establish the limits for high-price areas, HERA uses median home prices while also establishing a ceiling of 150% (the baseline loan limit). For home buyers living in these areas, the ceiling loan limit will be $679,650. One of the reasons this is important is that it will allow some borrowers to avoid Jumbo loans – this allows first time buyers to put down as little as 3% on purchase prices of up to $477,000.
High balance loan limits are also increasing. In Colorado, they’re increasing as follows: Boulder County ($578,450) and Adams, Arapaho, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson counties ($529,000). This allows borrowers to put down 5% and avoid jumbo loans. In Boulder, this applies to the purchase of homes up to $608,900; in the other counties, it allows for the purchase of homes up to $556,900. Michaela Phillips is the Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate, Inc. Contact Michaela at 303.579.5517, e-mail michaela@michaelaphillips.com or visit michaelaphillips.com. NMLS:312874.
FHA won’t insure new mortgages with PACE loans By Andrew Khouri Los Angeles Times The Federal Housing Administration will stop insuring new mortgages on homes with PACE loans, a type of financing used to fund energyefficient home improvements. The announcement Thursday followed criticism from consumer groups that too many borrowers have taken out unaffordable loans for solar panels and other projects after contractors misrepresented how the financing works. In announcing the policy change, the FHA said PACE loans lack sufficient consumer protection. When a borrower with an FHAbacked mortgage is foreclosed upon, the portion of the PACE loan
in arrears must be paid off first. The remaining PACE loan transfers to the new buyer, but the FHA said that increases the likelihood the buyer will pay less, making it more difficult for the agency to meet its obligations. “Assessments such as these are potentially dangerous for our Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund,” Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson said in a statement. In a statement, Renovate America, the largest PACE lender, said the policy change affects only a small part of its business and that PACE borrowers do not default on their mortgages more frequently than those without PACE loans. PACE, or Property Assessed
Clean Energy, programs, started in 2008, are typically established by local governments, which tie the privately financed loans to purchased homes and allow them to be repaid as line items on property tax bills. The FHA now joins the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which has barred Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from purchasing mortgages on homes with PACE loans. Homeowners who already FHAbacked mortgages can still take out PACE loans, but the FHA said it is concerned about that as well. “FHA intends to monitor this carefully to determine whether further action is warranted,” the agency said in a news release. DAILY CAMERA / TIMES-CALL
REAL ESTATE
11 steps to buying a home NIWOT – If you’ve never bought a home or it has been a long, long time since you have done so, the process can seem overwhelming. What all needs BY KAREN to be done and LIBIN when? Like any KL Realty large task, the process can be broken down into manageable steps. Here are the basics: 1. Hire an excellent Realtor The first and perhaps most important step is to hire an experienced Realtor who can assist and guide you through the process. They will make sure your best interests are represented and that the transaction occurs smoothly. Their fee is paid through the seller, so you will incur no costs for their services. 2. Determine your budget To calculate this, contact a mortgage. Through them, get a
pre-qualification (for a loan) letter. Even better is a pre-approval letter. This makes you a more attractive potential buyer to sellers. This is especially important if you end up in a situation with multiple competing offers.
If needed, your Realtor will assist you through the counter-offer process as well. 6. Purchase contract and earnest money. Once terms are agreed upon by both parties, the final contract is completed. At this point your earnest money is due.
3. Choose a property type City or country? Home or townhouse? Which neighborhoods? When determining what you want to buy, consider both short and longterm needs. Make a “wish list” but prioritize the most critical items as it’s likely that no one home will check all your boxes.
7. Property inspection and resolution The inspection is conducted to uncover problems or potential problems with the home. Sometimes other experts will need to be contacted for additional information or bids. Once the Inspection Report is completed, if needed, your Realtor will assist you in reaching an acceptable financial resolution with the seller.
4. Find a property After seeing potential properties, choose the home that best appeals to you and suites your needs. (Short sentence for a sometimes long process!)
8. The loan The contract will specify a deadline the lender must furnish the buyer with a loan approval or declination. This step must be handled properly or you can risk losing your earnest money.
5. The offer and counter-offers Your Realtor will help determine the market value of your chosen property, review this with you to determine your offer price, and then will draft the offer contract.
2420 Elmhurst Place $425,000
*Low Maintenance Living!! Ranch style home, 3 Bedrms, 3 baths, *Main Floor Study, Laundry, Fam. Rm, Living Rm, Eat-in Kitchen & Dining Room PLUS fin bsmt w/Rec Rm ,Shop, Bedrm & Bath *2 car garage. NW Longmont
9788 Meadow Ridge Lane $575,000 *Bring Your Own Builder To Meadow Green Farm! *Refresh your soul & spirit on this Beautiful 7.89 acres Estate Lot *Gated Lake Community. Horse Boarding Facilities Nearby MLS# 676671
Diane Stow
ABR, CRS, GRI, SRES, CNE Experience Isn’t Expensive... It’s Priceless
Call Diane Today!
303-775-3338
diane@dianestow.com DECEMBER 15-16, 2017
9. The survey The lender or title company may require a property survey. Again, your Realtor will have contacts and can guide you through this step. 10. Homeowner’s insurance While your loan commitment is being secured, you will need to purchase homeowner’s insurance before the loan can be finalized. 11. The closing and title transfer Four days before the closing (the property purchase), a settlement statement will be available. At the closing you will bring a certified bank check unless a prior wire transfer has been made. After signing what feels like an unbelievable amount of documents, you will be finished and own your new home! Karen is the owner and managing broker of KL Realty, and has more than 29 years of experience in the Boulder County real estate market. Contact Karen at KL Realty, call 303.444.3177, e-mail team@klrealty.net or visit klrealty.net.
3796 Singletree Court, Mead $795,000 *Beautiful 4 bedrm, 4 bath, 4425 sq. ft. Home on 1.85 acres.
*3 car att. Garage. 50x40 ft. shop w/loft, bathroom, Heat, A/C & attached RV parking w/14 ft door.
9432 Memory Lane $400,000 *Enjoy the Beauty & Tranquility of Meadow Green Farm!
*Bring Your Own Builder To This Beautiful 4.61 acre Estate Lot! *Gated Lake Community. Horse Boarding Facilities nearby MLS# 676784
TO SEE ALL OF DIANE’S LISTINGS With Detailed Information, Multiple Photos & Virtual Tours,
www.dianestow.com 512 4TH AVE, STE 101 LONGMONT 80501 (303) 651-3939 Each office independently owned and operated. ATHOMECOLORADO.COM
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6522 Legend Ridge Trail • Niwot
321 Majestic View Drive • DAVIDSON MESA
6 Bedrooms 8 Bathrooms 8134 SqFt. $1,995,000
2 Acre Lot $697,000
Exceptional custom home on 1 acre with gorgeous landscaping. The sprawling interior boasts a luxurious master suite, gourmet kitchen, 2 offices and a walkout lower level. Fantastic outdoor spaces include a covered deck and patio with outdoor fireplaces. Stunning views.
Building lot on the edge of Boulder and Louisville offering 2 ACRES and direct views of the iconic Boulder Flatirons.
1981 Timber Lane • Pinebrook Hills
7557 Rodeo Drive • Longmont
4 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 4548 SqFt. $1,250,000
4 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3505 SqFt. $949,753
3+ Acres in this desirable subdivision, nestled in the foothills just 10 minutes to Broadway! Fabulous southern exposure, natural sunlight and privacy. Vaulted ceilings, main level master bedroom, an upper floor office/bonus/flex room, and sunroom/exercise room are some of the features of this floorplan.
Enjoy sweeping mountain views from this inviting 2-story home in an setting. Highlights include extensive wood flooring, a floor-to-ceiling fireplace in the living room, office with built-ins, and master suite with 5 piece bath and balcony. Huge fenced backyard, heated workshop and large screened-in back porch.
CALL US TODAY! 303 441 5642 Professional 4
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REAL ESTATE NEWS
Denver most recovered city since Great Recession Top 10 Cities Most Recovered Since Great Recession
DENVER – Denver receives many ‘Best of’ acclaims and this is one top ranking the city can be especially proud of. The Mile High City ranked No. BY TOM 1 for recovering KALINSKI more from the RE/MAX of Boulder Great Recession than any U.S. city. The Great Recession had a huge impact on the national economy from 2007 to mid-2009. Investors suffered as the S&P Index fell 57 percent. Homeowners saw the housing market crash and home values dropped about 30 percent and unemployment reached about 10 percent nationally. Now, in the near decade since, the economy has turned around in many cities – none more than Denver, according to a study by personal finance resource, SmartAsset. Study metrics measured multiple economic factors, including unemployment, income growth, and housing prices. Denver gained big across almost every metric. Unemployment decreased from 11.9% in 2010 to just 4.3% in 2016. The poverty rate decreased 7.9% from 2010 to 2016, which was the largest decrease for any city in our study. In home values, Denver has seen a 44.3 percent increase since the recession – the fifth-largest increase of metros analyzed. Household incomes also grew 35.57% – the sixth-highest. California has also experienced big changes since 2009, with four of the top 10 most recovered cities in the state, where home values rose by at least 43 percent between 2010 and 2016, according to SmartAsset. Five metrics were combined and each city’s average ranking DECEMBER 15-16, 2017
Rank
City
1
Denver, CO
2
Reno, NV
3
Oakland, CA
4
Miami, FL
5
Austin, TX
6
Fremont, CA
7
Portland, OR
8
Nashville, TN
9
San Jose, CA
10
Santa Ana, CA
The Mile High City ranked No. 1 for recovering more from the Great Recession than any U.S. city.
across the metrics was calculated. Metrics include: Change in unemployment rate. Data comes from the Census Bureau’s 1-Year 2010 and 1-Year 2016 American Community Survey. Change in the labor participation rate. Data comes from the Census Bureau’s 1-Year 2010 and 1-Year 2016 American Community Survey. Change in the poverty rate. Data comes from the Census Bureau’s 1-Year 2010 and 1-Year 2016 American Community Survey. Change in median household income. Data comes from the Census Bureau’s 1-Year 2010 and 1-Year 2016 American Community Survey. Change in median home value. Data comes from the Census Bureau’s 1-Year 2010 and 1-Year 2016 American Community Survey. For the full study visit smartasset.com/mortgage/citiesthat-have-recovered-most-sincethe-recession. Tom Kalinski is the Owner and Founder of RE/MAX of Boulder. Call 303.441.5620 or e-mail: tomkalinski33@gmail.com, boulderco.com.
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Gingerbread House Contest ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A GREAT PRIZE!
Enter your house by January 1!
Highlight your creative talents by entering the 2017 Gingerbread House Contest presented by AtHomeColorado.com. Try your hand at creating a delicious masterpiece of gingerbread, icing and other edibles. Creations are accepted from youth, teens, families, adults, businesses or organizations. Start working on your house soon, voting is only a few weeks away!
ENTER TODAY!
http://athomecolorado.com/gingerbread-house-contest
atHome Colorado Home and Real Estate
Contest Details: Enter your home by January 1, 2018 online at athomecolorado.com/gingerbread-house-contest. Voting will begin January 2 and will end on January 9. The top houses will be featured in the January 12 edition of At Home. You must be 13 years of age or older to enter the contest. Those younger than 13 may enter with parental supervision. For questions, e-mail athome@prairiemountainmedia.com.
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REAL ESTATE
Boulder County’s bustling Gunbarrel: Bringing “fun to the gun” BOULDER – What was once sweeping farmland northeast of Boulder is now a bustling hub for businesses, breweries and restaurants. Gunbarrel (cheekily named by those in the know as “Funbarrel”) is one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in Boulder County. Named after a historic stagecoach route, Gunbarrel is often thought of as the little town that IBM built – however, the Boulder Country Club was first to lay claim on its rolling,
BOULDER | 1439 NORTH STREET
Cozy and sophisticated in sought-af ter West Boulder location. Conveniently located between Ideal Mkt, foothill trails & Pearl St. Mall. Enjoy this professionally remodeled home, casual and sophisticated with soaring ceilings, bright sunny spaces and gourmet kitchen. 9000+ sq ft lot with potential for future expansion. Extra large lush backyard is perfect for entertainment, activities, and play. (829229)
$1,499,000 Bill Allen Office: 303.441.5690 Cell: 303.570.9814 ballen@boulderco.com
grassy farmland. Nestled in the residential community of Gunbarrel Greens, the Boulder Country Club began construction of its golf course BY SEAN in 1962. The MCILLWAIN clubhouse, Mod Boulder designed by Boulder’s own Hobart Wagener, was finished in 1965. When IBM’s plant was built northeast of Boulder – also in 1965 – many executives and employees needed homes close to their new offices. After the initial development boom of the 1960s, Gunbarrel continued to quietly grow over the decades, housing businesses like Celestial Seasonings, Qualcomm, Coviden, Medtronic and ad agency behemoth Crispin Porter + Bogusky. Deemed a Census Designated Place, Gunbarrel is technically located in unincorporated Boulder County, but shares utilities with the City of Boulder and school systems with neighbors Boulder and Niwot. Alright, enough about its history and civic designations – let’s get down to what exactly makes Gunbarrel “Funbarrel”. For several decades, Gunbarrel’s retail options remained in the sufficient category – there was a grocery store, a few small restaurants, a gas station, a car wash and a satellite post office. But with Boulder County’s continued housing boom, the offerings in Gunbarrel began to blossom around 2015. Avery Brewing moved its fancy,
Gunbarrel is one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in Boulder County. (Photo: Laura Hobbs) Gunbarrel (but with a Boulder much-anticipated digs into the address) runs about thirty-three neighborhood, a major hotel percent less than the same home in built its “Boulder North” location Boulder proper. For you number (which holds the coveted Gold crunchers, the current Gunbarrel LEED Certified status), and infill sold median is $635,000 versus developments began popping up Boulder’s $950,000. around Gunbarrel’s retail center. For many, Gunbarrel’s retail In addition to its growing offerings, trail systems, quiet retail and residential offerings, neighborhoods and proximity Gunbarrel has become ground to bustling Boulder provide zero for some of the area’s the best of both worlds: living most innovative and awardclose to town without any of the winning microbreweries. While associated headaches. And while Avery’s flagship location sits some staunch Boulderites may at Gunbarrel’s brewery helm, still brush aside the neighborhood there are plenty of other brewers as “not Boulder,” the more who are well worth a sit-andGunbarrel’s retail and residential sip session: Finkel & Garf, New offerings flourish and thrive, those Planet, Asher, Vindication and naysayers won’t be brushing much Gunbarrel Brewing, who recently longer. got a nod from the coveted Sunset Sean McIllwain is the current Magazine. Nothing says “fun” president of Historic Boulder like an afternoon of neighborhood and the founding broker at brewery hopping, right? Mod Boulder Real Estate. Call To top off Gunbarrel’s engaging 720.252.6051, e-mail hello@ environs, the neighborhood is modboulder.com or visit still considered a “bargain” for modboulder.com. the area. A single-family home in
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4703-A Boardwalk Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80525 | 970-226-3990 Each office independently owned & operated
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Longmont Association of REALTORS
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Shyla McKee
OFFICE: 303-776-2028 CELL: 303-775-9147
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Todd
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Leaders in Change... Delivering Results! DECEMBER 15-16, 2017
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ASK THE EXPERT
Why do you need a home inspection? BOULDER – Before buying a home, one of the most important things you should do is to have the home checked out by a professional BY RICK home inspector. JACQUEMARD Purchasing a Flatirons Home home is often Inspections the largest investment you will ever make, why add another expense to the process if you’re not required to? A professional home inspector will conduct an inspection of the general condition of the home. A good home inspection will assist a buyer in understanding exactly what they are about to acquire. A home may look move in ready, but a professional home inspector may reveal issues that are not noticeable to the buyer’s eye. As a buyer, you are making a substantial investment. It is important to understand exactly what you are purchasing. Having a home inspector conduct a thorough inspection of the property, could potentially save you thousands of dollars. A home inspector will examine a home’s structure, exterior, roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and airconditioning systems, interior, attics, basements/crawl spaces, fire places and garages. Most inspectors will be able to have a comprehensive report delivered to you electronically by the next
business day and offer a hard copy within a day or two. Home inspections can be used as a contingency in your purchase offer. This contingency provides that if significant defects are revealed by a home inspection, you can back out of your offer, free of penalty, within a certain timeframe. A home inspection is an added expense in the process of purchasing a home but in the long run you’ll be glad you did it. The inspection can reveal problems that you may be able to have the current owners to fix before you move in, saving you time and money. Or, you may ask for a reduction in the asking price. If you are a first-time homebuyer, an inspection can give you a crash course in home maintenance and a checklist of items that need attention to make your home as safe and sound as possible. Don’t skip this important step in the home-buying process - it’s worth every penny.
For more information on home inspections contact Rick Jacquemard, at 720.280.3544, e-mail rick@flatironshi.com or visit flatironshi.com.
Kristel Acre Joins RE/MAX Nexus in Firestone Firestone – RE/MAX Nexus proudly announces the company has been joined by KristelAcre,who has over 20 years of real estate experience.Licensed as a Realtor since 2001, Kristel began in the industry in the mid 90’s working in several positions with McStain Neighborhoods out of Boulder.“I love selling new homes,”Acre commented,“and because I am familiar with the unique new home building and buying processes,I can really be an advocate for my clients in these circumstances.” A Colorado native (Lakewood) Acre has resided in Fort Lupton, her husband Mike’s hometown, since 1991. She and Mike, who also works in the home building industry, met when they were both students atArizona State University.They have a spoiled rotten black lab named Jet who enjoys pheasant hunting,4-wheeling and loves making new Kristel Acre human and animal friends. Active in the Fort Lupton community,Acre was President of the Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce in 2014,was involved with establishing the Family Resource Center of SouthWeld County,and currently serves on the City’sArt in Public Places Committee.One of Kristel’s passion projects is her membership in P.E.O.(Philanthropic Education Organization) which raises money for women’s college scholarships on the local, state, national and international level.“This philanthropy and sisterhood is near and dear to my heart since education is the key to all success,” says Acre. Kristel is also very involved with everything that happens at the Fort Lupton United Methodist Church. Being a Realtor suits Acre well.“I love helping my clients find their next“forever” home! Plus, I thrive on finding creative solutions to the various speed bumps or problems that can crop up” she comments.Her biggest honor to date was being named Best Realtor of SouthWeld County by the public in 2015,2016,and 2017.“This honor means so much to me.It means I am serving my clients well since they are the ones voting.”Kristel’s motto is“Home IsWhereYour Heart Lives”as she knows that a home is much more than four walls and a roof.“Homes are filled with emotions-both good and bad-which create lasting memories.Moving is a time of letting go and looking ahead.The whole process is emotional and my goal is to help people through the transitions as gracefully as possible.” When she isn’t helping home buyers and her community,Acre has a history of experience in the musical world.As a singer, she has performed at numerous famous venues and sang on tour through Ireland, Scotland and England with the Longmont Chorale in 2013. Because of damage to her vocal chords,Acre has cut back on performing, but hasn’t lost her love for music.Acre is also a published author contributing a chapter on community service in“HowTo Buy and Sell Real Estate inToday’s Market”,a compilation by fellow Realtors and Lenders from around the country. You can contact Kristel at 303-845-2373,or email kacre@remax.net.
RE/Max Nexus is located at the junction of 119 and I25 at 11409 Business Park Circle, Firestone, 80504. For more information, call 970-295-4760.
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REAL ESTATE
Not ready to buy? Try a lease option BOULDER – What is a lease option? Otherwise known as a “lease option to buy,” it is an agreement between a buyer and a property owner in which BY DUANE a buyer pays the DUGGAN owner money Realtor and Author to purchase the RE/MAX of Boulder property at a later date. This real estate tool can be a win/win for all parties involved, especially if both the buyer and seller would like to wait to make a transaction. However, there are many details that need to be worked out to come to a satisfactory agreement. In Colorado, there is no Real Estate Commission-approved lease option form. Therefore, licensees would be practicing law to create such an agreement for clients. With that in mind, it is always a good idea to involve a real estate attorney to prepare the documents for the transaction. The lease options I see are usually comprised of a lease that makes reference to the sales contract, and a sales contract that makes reference to the lease. Items to negotiate within a lease
A lease option is an agreement between a buyer and a property owner in which a buyer pays the owner money to purchase the property at a later date.
option agreement: – The rental amount per month. – Any amount of the rent that would be applied to purchase. This could be $0, or it could be the full amount of the rent. Often it is a portion, such as 20%. – Length of option. A year is fairly common. – The cost of the option. The lower the amount, the less likely there will be a closing. Generally, a buyer wants to move forward with a lease option due to lack of money. Often the buyer can’t come up with an amount that will work for the seller.
– Is any part of the option refundable? Usually not. Otherwise why bother? – Who holds the option money? The seller, title company, or real estate company. – Is the property purchase price determined today? If today, will price be based on a current appraisal? – Is the property purchase price determined in the future? Sometimes based on the average of two appraisals at a future date. – Does the price go up as the time in the option moves forward? – Who pays for utilities during
the lease? – Who pays for repairs that come up during the lease? For example, a broken water heater. – Buyer loan qualifications. Many buyers want a lease option because they currently do not qualify for a loan. What is the likelihood they will be able to qualify by the time the option expires? In a slow real estate market, sellers might have a stronger interest in lease options because they do not have another offer. In a hot market, sellers might have an interest in a lease option because they want to delay a closing until a later date. The bottom line is that there are circumstances where using a lease option can beneficial to both a seller and a buyer. Duane Duggan is an awardwinner Realtor and author of the book, “Realtor for Life.” He has been a Realtor for RE/MAX of Boulder since 1982 and has facilitated over 2,500 transactions over his career. Living the life of a Realtor and being immersed in real estate led to the inception of his book. For questions, e-mail Duane at duaneduggan@boulderco.com, call 303.441.5611 or visit boulderco.com.
5 things to do right after a home closing LOVELAND – A home closing is a time for celebration. It’s also a very busy time as you complete your move and start settling BY SUZANNE into your new PLEWES home. Amidst RE/MAX Alliance the chaos, it’s important to remember a few key tasks. Change the door locks You should immediately change the locks on all doors in the home. There’s no telling how many people the previous homeowner may have given keys to. They may not have retrieved all copies. For your own protection, change the locks to all exterior doors. To make your life easier, consider having all locks DECEMBER 15-16, 2017
configured to the same key. Reset garage door openers You may be handed garage door openers at closing. With most cars containing built-in garage door openers, it’s possible that others may still have access to your garage. Additionally, many openers also have electronic keypads with a set code. It’s a good idea to reset the door openers, which essentially makes all previous keys and codes invalid. Instructions can be found on the manufacturer’s website. Contact security companies If your home came pre-installed with a security system, contact the company that services that system. They can assist you with resetting the panel PIN, verbal security code, and other account information.
Cover windows It may be awhile before you normally get to window treatments, but it’s an important part of owning a new home. If you don’t plan on moving in right away, covering your windows will make it less obvious that the home is vacant. If you are moving in right away, you’ll want to retain some privacy. Visible windows will make it easy for people to see exactly what you have in your new home, which can make it a target for burglars. Check the systems It seems that something always goes wrong when you move into a new home, no matter how well you may have inspected the property and planned for the big move. You can minimize potential problems by checking a few critical things right after closing.
First, locate the main water shutoff valve. You never know when you’ll need that. Secondly, check the heating system. Make sure it’s working and set at a reasonable temperature to prevent pipes from freezing. Additionally, identifying the exhaust vents on the outside of the home and remove any obstructions. Summary of things to do right after home closing By addressing the above items, you can minimize potential issues and improve the safety of your new home. You can then focus on moving in and making the house feel more like a home. Suzanne Plewes is a broker associate at RE/MAX Alliance. Write to 750 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland, CO 80537, call 970.290.0373 or e-mail suzanneplewes@remax.net. ATHOMECOLORADO.COM
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COVERPROFILE
Real Estate Veteran Diane Stow is Invested in the Community By Linda Thorsen Bond, At Home Photography by Timothy Seibert
A
fter 29-plus years in real estate in Boulder County, southwestern Weld, south Larimer and Broomfield counties, Diane Stow with RE/MAX Alliance says the most important thing a Realtor can do is listen. “I let people steer me to their needs,” she explains. “It’s important to listen to clients. Once I’ve heard them, I take them where their needs are met. My job is to listen then apply what they’ve said to our market. Due to the high costs in Boulder County and Colorado in general, my job is to help people find the best possible home for the most realistic price in their situation. “ Diane welcomes a wide variety of clients. “Some Realtors try to nudge customers to their niche – the high, the low end or the senior market,” she says. “I enjoy all the customers, from the first-time buyers to seniors and the high end. I love variety. My career brings me lots of variety in both the high and
low end, seniors, single families in a variety of price ranges and neighborhoods. I love that I’m not pigeonholed into one type of market.” Real estate designations In 1976, Diane was licensed to sell real estate in Colorado and became an active real estate broker in February 1989. She has a string of initials following her name, including CRS, Certified Residential Specialist; ABR, Accredited Buyer Representative; SRES, Seniors Real Estate Specialist; GRI, Graduate Realtor Institute; CNE, Certified Negotiations Expert and e-PRO, Certified Internet Professional. Longmont proud Diane is truly a Longmonter raised on the Front Range. Her grandfather was a major player in the Longmont real estate world – in the 1940s Ed Westerberg had a
Diane at the TLC Learning Center in Longmont. 10
AT HOME COLORADO
Realtor Diane Stow has helped raise millions of dollars for the Tiny Tim Center and the Longmont Museum.
subdivision named after him. Her mother graduated from Longmont High in 1936. Diane has seen a lot of change in Longmont since the days she used to walk to Woolworth’s at Fourth and Main, have a cherry coke and french fries and then go to her mother’s city office then home with her. Diane created a home that combined her aging parents needs with her own family and by doing that she learned a lot about how to adapt living space to different levels of need. “My parents had the lower level and we had the upper. We did not share a kitchen or the thermostat, we knew our boundaries,” she said with a smile. “The things I learned were featured in a national publication about how to live with elderly parents.” Now that her parents are gone, she is proud of the care she took of them. With it came an understanding of the many different situations people have when they’re looking for homes. “My mother, my father and my grandparents enriched my life so much I want to help people find a place where they will love it too,” she says. “It’s not just their housing, it’s their life. I raised my family like my family raised me. It’s most important to treat people the way you want to be treated. “ Honors Since she was named Rookie of the Year, Diane has worked for RE/MAX. In addition to selling over 2,200 houses, Diane has amassed many honors. She was named one of the Top 100 agents internationally, and received
a Chairman’s Club Award, inclusion in he Hall of Fame, the Tradition’s Top Producers, Top Ranking in Colorado, a Lifetime Achievement Award, Circle of Legends and Lifetime Achievement of Excellence. In addition she served as an instructor for Star Power and was an instructor and panel member at National CRS Conferences. In 2015 Diane was named as one of America’s Best Real Estate Agents reported by Real Trends. Among many other awards, she was named the Girls Scouts’ Woman of Distinction. All this while she was busy as a mother and then with her grandchildren! Community service “I don’t think you can live in a community without giving back to that community,” she says. “I believe what you give comes back to you tenfold. Never focus on the commission but on the client.” Diane was inducted into the Boulder County Business Hall of Fame in 2012 and was the only woman inductee that year. She served organizations including A Woman’s Work, Rotary, Longmont Community Foundation, Longmont Council for the Arts, Longmont Symphony Orchestra, the Sunshine Club, BroomfieldBoulder HospiceCare Board and the Longmont Museum Steering Committee. She helped raise millions of dollars for the Tiny Tim Center and the Longmont Museum. Loving Longmont “I do those things because I care DAILY CAMERA / TIMES-CALL
about each different aspect of the community, the children, the arts, the businesses,” she says. “I’m proud to be a third generation Longmonter,” she says. “This community is so giving, it’s such a generous city. People’s hearts and hands come out when times are tough. They want to make people’s lives richer and they’re never short on helping others.” She says, “Longmont is close to major communities but isn’t so large that it feels like a metropolis. It has proximity to Fort Collins, Boulder and Denver and still has reasonable housing costs and beautiful views of the mountains. Our strong suit is that we’re 12 minutes from Boulder without Boulder prices.” In an old ad campaign, Diane said, “Boulder prices too high? Give Longmont a try.” The job of a Realtor There are a lot of misconceptions about Realtors, Diane says. “It’s not just about looking at houses, it’s listening then working through all the details of the transaction and the clients’ wants and needs to help make it as seamless as possible for them. Sometimes people think we just drive up in a fancy car, stick a sign in the yard and collect our commission. There
is so much more to be done to help people. People say, ‘You’re buying a house! How fun!’ But they don’t understand what buyers and sellers go through. People are struggling to find the home they want. And it’s great when a house sells quickly, but sometimes the seller is left with nowhere to go. Our job is to make that walk as stress free as we can in this very challenging market.” “There is currently so little inventory; this is one of the most challenging time of my career. There are so few places to show buyers that it’s very hard. It isn’t fun for the buyers and it’s challenging for us as well. But we enrich the lives of people, just with what we do. We have the ability to go to bed at night and think, ‘Now I do something to help and I’m blessed to do that.’ I use my time and talent to help, that’s what I like. It’s a gift in my life to give back. I want to let people know, the current real estate market is not a stumbling block if I’m willing to give them my heart and hand to help them move forward.” Contact Diane Stow at RE/MAX Alliance by phone at 303.775.3338, e-mail diane@dianestow.com or visit dianestow.com.
Featured listings
0 Fox Acres Drive West, Red Feather Lakes Land/Lot – $50,000
0 Fox Acres Drive West, Red Feather Lakes Land/Lot – $50,000
0 Fox Acres Drive West, Red Feather Lakes Land/Lot – $50,000
0 Fox Acres Drive West, Red Feather Lakes Land/Lot – $50,000
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LONGMONT | 2106 WESTLAKE DRIVE $429,000 Tons of potential in this Westlake Manor 2 story home. Great bones but needs a little TLC. Highly desirable neighborhood just a short stroll to Dawson & Flanders Parks / McIntosh Lake (boating, fishing & a 3.7 mile hiking trail). Located W of Hover where many homes are being redone. Highlights include: 2 year old roof, newer furnace, insulated garage door, stainless steel whirlpool fridge, dishwasher & microwave. Nice sized E facing backyard w/ Pear & Plum tree, as well as perennial herb garden. Over sized 9038 sq ft lot. Attached two car garage with additional workshop nook. (838030)
Digger Braymiller 720.234.6390 Diggerb1@remax.net ATHOMECOLORADO.COM
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DESIGN RECIPES
There’s no sense like hygge for the holidays Find a focal point Even if you don’t have a fireplace for everyone to gather around, you can still rearrange your space to create a focal point that can serve as the hub of holiday activity. This could be a cozy room or attractive communal table. Incorporate nature Natural elements such as wood can help warm a space. The holidays are the perfect time of year to infuse hygge into your home. (Photo: Dreamstime)
By Cathy Hobbs Tribune News Service By now you have probably heard of hygge, the Danish term for cozy, contentment. While it can be incorporated into the home and year-round, the holidays is certainly the perfect time. Looking for ways to incorporate a sense of hygge this holiday season? Begin by evaluating your whole home and then look for ways to uplift each space with a sense of holiday hygge.
Infuse scents In nature each season brings a fresh fragrance and scent. Fragrance can also help to provide a sense of calm. Consider infusing winter scents into your home over the holiday season such as juniper, fig, pine and sage. Create cozy areas Create areas in your home that can be used as places for you and your holiday guests to refresh, recharge and renew.
Play music Soothing sounds such as water to sounds such as bells and chimes can create a sense of calm. Provide comfort From welcoming your guests with their own cozy throw to providing individual slippers, providing comfort is the cornerstone of hygge. Use greenery Evergreens and winter hearty plants and trees are not only helping in adding freshness to a space, but will also help improve overall indoor air quality.
Change your color scheme Adding earth tones goes a long way to adding warmth and hygge to a space. Consider warm shades of brown, green, yellow and red. Open the windows Natural light not only impacts moods and helps enhance lives, but also improves a sense of hygge. With the sun setting earlier during winter months, holiday hygge can also be achieved by adding light through the use of festive elements such as string lights and candles. The Danish are considered to be amongst the happiest people in the world. Why not incorporate some of these holiday hygge tips to create a sense of well-being and calm into your home this holiday season? Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Awardwinning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at cathyhobbs.com
ASK ANGIE’S LIST
How do you update a popcorn ceiling? By Megan Alderton Angie’s List A popcorn ceiling, otherwise known as an acoustic ceiling, is a ceiling that’s been sprayed with a textured coating. A popular design element between the 1950s and the 1980s, the texture is useful for hiding imperfections but is now considered outdated. Why remove a popcorn texture? Popcorn ceilings are not only behind the times, but they’re also difficult to repair and clean. What’s more, they may deter potential buyers if and when the time comes to sell your home. There’s also a chance that your popcorn ceiling may contain asbestos. Asbestos was used in popcorn ceiling treatments until the Clean Air Act banned its use in 1978. It’s most commonly found in the ceilings of homes built in the 1950s and 1960s. If inhaled, asbestos can cause serious respiratory health issues. What’s involved? If your home was built before 12
AT HOME COLORADO
A popular design element between the 1950s and the 1980s, popcorn ceiling texture is useful for hiding imperfections but is now considered outdated. (Photo: Dreamstime)
1980, you should start with an asbestos test (you can get one for around $75 to $100). If asbestos is present, you’ll want to hire a qualified asbestos mitigation service to remove it. This will cost about $3 to $10 per square foot, and it will involve sealing the affected area and removing the hazardous materials and particles. If asbestos is not found to be present, or if your home was built after 1980, you can either tackle
your popcorn ceiling yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. A drywall professional will typically be able to offer the best results in this area. To start, the popcorn texture must be scraped off the ceiling. This is a tedious and messy process, and it will probably uncover stains and other previously hidden flaws. To address these issues, the ceiling will typically need to be covered with multiple coats of drywall mud and retextured or sanded to a flat finish. Finally, paint and primer should be applied to complete the ceiling update. How much will it cost to hire a professional? Experts say you can expect to pay about $1.50 to $3 per square foot to scrape, skim and retexture a popcorn ceiling, depending on the texture you choose and the height of your ceilings. A mottled texture known as a “knockdown” finish will typically be the least expensive option because it doesn’t require the drywall professional to smooth every imperfection. A smooth
ceiling finish will be the most expensive, as a flawless surface is the most difficult and timeconsuming to achieve. Post-project painting will add to the overall cost. Should you hire a pro or DIY? You’d expect updating your popcorn ceiling to be a relatively simple DIY project. But it can be a messy and complicated process. And the debris and potential hazards involved make it one you might not want to mess with. If there’s a chance that you may encounter asbestos – or if you lack the time and experience it will take to successfully complete this project – it’s probably well worth the cost to hire an appropriately licensed, insured and bonded professional. You can always save a little money by painting the finished new ceiling yourself. Megan Alderton is a reporter for Angie’s List, a trusted provider of local consumer reviews and an online marketplace of services from top-rated providers. Visit AngiesList.com. DAILY CAMERA / TIMES-CALL
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NEWLANDS 1/3+ ACRE LOT 3189 5th St BOULDER $3,950,000, 5 Beds, 6 Baths, 5394 SqFt
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AMAZING REMODEL 4272 Graham Ct BOULDER $799,600, 6 Beds, 3 Baths, 2001 SqFt Joel Thompson 303-877-0060
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TOP FLOOR END UNIT 7470 Singing Hills Dr BOULDER $292,900, 2 Beds, 2 Baths, 975 SqFt Anna Gayer (720) 291-9886
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Boulder, CO 80303
512 4th Avenue Suite 101 Longmont, CO 80501
Current Listings, Area Information & More! 4770 Baseline Road Suite #220
Downtown Boulder on Walnut Nederland 303.442.3180 303.258.7020 Each office independently owned and operated.
DECEMBER 15-16, 2017
1911 11th Street 107 Boulder, CO 80302
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OPEN HOUSE
QUICK GUIDE
WWW.ATHOMECOLORADO.COM/OPEN-HOUSES BOULDER 7470 Singing Hills Drive $292,900 Saturday 2:00 PM-4:00 PM Anna Gayer RE/MAX Alliance Boulder (720) 291-9886
245 Fair Place $1,325,000 Sunday 11:00 AM-2:00 PM TR Swanwick and Ashley Kipfer WK Real Estate (303) 525-8803
7470 Singing Hills Drive $292,900 Sunday 1:30 PM-3:30 PM Anna Gayer RE/MAX Alliance Boulder (720) 291-9886
FORT COLLINS 6219 Eagle Ridge Ct $929,000 Saturday 12:00 PM-3:00 PM John Simmons C3 Real Estate Solutions (970) 481-1250
4607 Concord Dr $625,000 Sunday 1:00 PM-4:00 PM Laurell Richey RE/MAX Alliance (303) 881-4525 1250 Albion Road $750,000 Saturday 10:00 AM-1:00 PM Matthew Jensen WK Real Estate (303) 819-6494 130 Tall Pine Lane $790,000 Saturday 12:00 PM-3:00 PM Dennis & Jann Culver WK Real Estate (303) 618-3366 2224 Mead Drive $799,000 Saturday & Sunday 12:00 PM-2:00 PM Bruce Drogsvold WK Real Estate (303) 579-1627
4272 Graham Ct $799,600 Saturday & Sunday 11:00 AM-2:00 PM Joel Thompson RE/MAX Alliance (303) 877-0060 5055 Ralston Street - A $980,000 Sunday 1:00 PM-3:00 PM Ann Cooper RE/MAX of Boulder (303) 517-0447
JOHNSTOWN 4928 Silverwood Dr $489,000 Saturday & Sunday 12:00 PM-3:00 PM John Simmons C3 Real Estate Solutions (970) 481-1250 LONGMONT 918 Half Measure Dr $600K’s+ Daily 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Marlita lazo Markel Homes (303) 522-7928 120 Bowen Street $360,000 Saturday 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Mark Remington WK Real Estate (303) 489-8054
4124 Riley Drive $410,000 Saturday 12:00 PM-4:00 PM Karolyn Merrill WK Real Estate (303) 817-2827
3037 Crux Dr $309,950 Sunday 11:00 AM-5:00 PM Matt Nesbitt The Group Inc (970) 419-2327
2453 Santa Fe Dr A $410,000 Sunday 2:00 PM-5:00 PM JulieAnn Markiewicz RE/MAX Alliance (303) 995-3914
3025 Crux Dr $334,950 Saturday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Matt Nesbitt The Group Inc (970) 419-2327
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LOUISVILLE 1805 Blue Star Lane - Model Home $600K’s+ Wednesday - Monday 11:00 AM -5:00 PM Michele Steward Markel Homes (303) 604-9196 7714 Dyer Rd. $895,000 Saturday 10:00 AM-1:00 PM Julia Cantarovici 8z Real Estate (720) 203-7789
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LOVELAND 3037 Crux Dr $309,950 Saturday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Matt Nesbitt The Group Inc (970) 419-2327
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STYLE AT HOME
Saved by the incredible wreath By Mary Carol Garrity Tribune News Service I will never forget the year it felt like Christmas passed over the Garrity home. We had just opened Nell Hill’s Briarcliff, and I was working a million hours a week. I didn’t have a spare second to decorate our home for the season. Since I am surrounded by so much Christmas decor every day, I didn’t think I would mind not having my home decorated. Turns out, I did. A lot. On Christmas morning, our house felt depressing, with no tree, nothing on the mantel, no holiday table set for guests. So, Scarlett O’Hara style, I lifted my fist to heaven and vowed, “As God as my witness, I will never forget to decorate for Christmas again!” (I might add, that it was Dan’s all-time favorite Christmas. No decor to put up or take down. Easy-peasy.) This holiday season, if you are low on time or desire to decorate your home, I have a great solution for you: wreaths, the ultimate last-minute miracle workers. Hanging a few wreaths in strategic spots in your home takes only minutes, yet pays huge dividends, instantly sliding you to the top of the
happy scale. Every year, I call on wreaths to work their superpowers in my home, making holiday magic with minimal work on my part. In fact, I use seasonally themed wreaths on my front door all year long. You can’t beat a wreath for simplicity, drama and beauty. No matter what your style, from minimalist to glamorous, you will find wreaths that bring your look to life. And, you can add them everywhere in your home. Hang one from a bookcase or armoire. Suspend one in front of a mirror or artwork. Decorate each window with a wreath tied up with a holiday ribbon. Instead of attempting to tie the perfect bow, take two ribbons and make a loop, then zip tie it in place. Then, zip tie it to the wreath. My big sister is coming to spend the holidays with us this year, staying in the cottage next door. I want to make the cottage warm and welcoming for Judy. Hello, wreaths! To add some cheer to the bar, I dressed it up with a magnolia wreath. Time invested? About five minutes. This column was adapted from Mary Carol Garrity’s blog at nellhills.com. She can be reached at marycarol@nellhills.com.
You can’t beat a wreath for simplicity, drama and beauty. (Photo: Dreamstime).
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15
LAWN AND GARDEN
Strange magic and holiday traditions LONGMONT – Who would have guessed that we have a lowly, potent mushroom to thank for our visons of flying reindeer pulling around a rosyBY CAROL cheeked, jolly O’MEARA old elf decked Colorado State in red and white University Extension garb? Ancient peoples followed traditions before the arrival of Christianity, and one central to many northern European and Asian peoples’ winter solstice celebration was consumption of fly agaric mushrooms (Amanita muscaria). The red-capped, white flecked mushroom would emerge under pine, spruce, or birch trees near December 21, the time when nights are longest. Fly agaric is poisonous, with hallucinogenic toxins ibotenic acid and muscimol. It has other toxins that make people violently sick as well, so, dear readers, do not try this mushroom (I repeat, do not eat this mushroom). Animals have been known to enjoy this mushroom recreationally, particularly caribou, who prance euphorically after ingesting it. Before the popularity of another psychotrophic mushroom bumped this from use, fly agaric was sought after by shamans in ancient cultures for religious ceremonies, most notably in Siberia. A side effect of eating it is a rosy, red flush to the cheeks and face. The hallucinogenic effect of euphoria,
or a sense of flying, plus the prancing reindeer is suggested to be at the root of some of Santa’s hallmark traits. Just the thought of stuffing himself down a chimney points to hallucination. Although we have the company Coca-Cola to thank for the modern depiction of Santa, some prefer to believe that his signature red and white garb is a symbol of the mushroom, instead of a refreshing beverage. And there are plenty of ornaments and images throughout history depicting fly agaric as traditional holiday décor. Of all the traditions we follow at this time of year, the one that captures the heart of a gardener is devoted to the health of our fruit trees. In the revered horticultural practices of the 15th century, gardeners sang to apple, pear, and other fruit trees to ensure a bountiful bearing next year. Yes, wassailing – which we mistakenly think is door-todoor caroling – was actually cutting edge farming technology in medieval times. And though there’s a lot of science we can bring to the care of our trees, perhaps a bit of tradition can’t hurt. Originally, it was a custom of English apple orchardists to wassail the major trees of their plot, singing their toasts during the twelfth night celebration. These trees were often the mothers from which the scions were cut to form the orchard, and close attention was paid to keeping their branches supple and healthy. Done properly, cider or liquor was sprinkled over the roots of the
Originally, it was a custom of English apple orchardists to wassail the major trees of their plot, singing their toasts during the twelfth night celebration. (Photo: Shutterstock)
chosen honorees, possibly because of the trip hazard they provided. This seems an unnecessary waste of good cider; today you can substitute in a good drink of water for the plant. They really haven’t gotten enough moisture this winter. If you think about it, wassailing your trees in winter serves several purposes: it gets you out into fresh air and you have the chance to look your trees over for signs of sunscald, vole damage or storm injury. As adorable as the tradition is, one component of wassailing should be updated to suit the modern world: firing guns into the air to frighten evil spirits away. This is not okay, no matter how bad our economy gets. Take a few pots and pans out to the trees with you, and bang away on them as you warble your song. At the very least, those voles may be driven off temporarily. Given the amount of time I
spend singing to my garden along with whomever is on the radio, my plants aren’t harmed by a bit of wassail. And now, when the days are gloomy, I think I’ll go sing to my trees. The touch of care may mean they won’t turn into firewood for the Yule log next year. Colorado State University Extension, together with Boulder County Parks and Open Space, provides unbiased, research-based information about consumer and family issues, horticulture, natural resources, agriculture and 4-H youth development. For more information contact Colorado State University Extension at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd., Box B, Longmont, 303.678.6238, e-mail comeara@bouldercounty.org or visit ext.colostate.edu/boulder. Editor’s Note: Carol O’Meara’s column also publishes in the Daily Camera on Wednesday.
DIY CRAFTS
This DIY sundae kit is a perfect gift By Dena Fishbein Tribune News Service Looking for the perfect DIY gift for a friend or co-worker? Well, look no more! We absolutely love ice cream cone kits in a box. It is the sweetest. Things you will need: • Box to hold your sundae kit (we used an adorable vintage metal lunchbox) • Containers to hold toppings • Ice cream cones • Toppings of your choice 16
AT HOME COLORADO
(we used hot fudge sauce, sprinkles, chocolate chips, M&M’s, dried cherries, gummy bears, marshmallows and diced almonds) • Colorful Napkins to add a pop of color • Magnets • Labels Directions: 1. Find a fun container or lunchbox to make your kit. 2. Fill small containers with your toppings. 3. Secure small magnets to
the backs of each small round container and attach containers inside of the top lid. 4. Add other toppings such as hot fudge in case your recipient likes an ice cream sundae alternative. Adding pretty napkins and a colorful paper bag filled with ice cream cones adds another splash of color. 5. Embellish with cute labels. And voila, your ice cream cone kit is ready to gift! Dena is the designer and artist behind many home, gift and paper products found at your
A DIY sundae kit makes a perfect holiday gift. (Photo: TNS)
favorite stores. To ask her how to embellish anything, visit her blog at denadesigns.com. DAILY CAMERA / TIMES-CALL
Boulder Area Real Estate Statistics November 2017 Year to Date
HOUSE SALES November 2017 Statistics Average Sales Price
Sold Listings
Location Boulder Erie Lafayette Longmont Louisville Lyons Mountains Niwot Plains Superior Total
Sold Inventory Avg. Sales Listings Price 70 161 $984,434 40 73 $508,753 33 32 $596,705 109 169 $442,175 14 12 $663,054 5 30 $429,300 28 108 $625,630 7 18 $780,857 48 171 $712,117 5 3 $517,641 359 777
Days on Market 80 62 73 62 62 109 113 63 80 63
Median Sales Price $890,000 $465,000 $539,000 $399,000 $625,000 $360,000 $524,500 $869,000 $619,500 $500,000
Location Boulder Erie Lafayette Longmont Louisville Lyons Mountains Niwot Plains Superior Total
Thru Nov-16 865 345 248 1,223 175 107 377 68 594 136 4,138
Thru Nov-17 904 384 308 1,225 216 80 338 74 587 108 4,224
% Chg 4.5 11.3 24.2 0.2 23.4 (25.2) (10.3) 8.8 (1.2) (20.6)
Thru Nov-16 $ 1,019,331 $ 494,823 $ 583,102 $ 421,805 $ 633,486 $ 455,438 $ 580,739 $ 952,372 $ 727,170 $ 621,692
CONDO & TOWNHOME SALES
Boulder Erie Lafayette Longmont Louisville Lyons Mountains Niwot Plains Superior Total
Avg. Sales Price $389,664 $340,233 $359,267 $278,452 $410,000 $0 $0 $0 $322,392 $434,626
Days on Market 67 70 58 39 55 0 0 0 59 40
Median Sales Price $320,000 $339,900 $350,000 $278,975 $410,000 $0 $0 $0 $320,000 $327,250
Location Boulder Erie Lafayette Longmont Louisville Lyons Mountains Niwot Plains Superior Total
Boulder Erie Lafayette Longmont Louisville Lyons Mountains Niwot Plains Superior
Thru Nov-16 72 62 56 51 51 102 97 93 76 40
Thru Nov-17 70 51 55 53 56 85 78 77 72 46
% Chg (2.8) (17.7) (1.8) 3.9 9.8 (16.7) (19.6) (17.2) (5.3) 15.0
Thru Nov-16 $845,000 $455,000 $506,750 $366,000 $590,000 $435,000 $436,600 $794,500 $610,000 $603,500
Thru Nov-16 596 47 142 286 63 3 3 17 114 34 1,305
Thru Nov-17 609 63 124 331 68 3 3 16 114 46 1,377
Days on Market
Average Sales Price
Sold Listings
Sold Inventory Listings 51 84 7 4 15 7 31 25 2 10 0 0 0 1 0 1 9 9 8 5 123 146
Location
Thru % Chg Nov-17 $865,000 2.4 $479,760 5.4 $534,950 5.6 $402,000 9.8 $630,000 6.8 $551,000 26.7 $517,750 18.6 $884,000 11.3 $639,950 4.9 $612,500 1.5
Year to Date
November 2017 Statistics Location
Median Sales Price
Days on Market
Thru % Chg Nov-17 $ 1,046,350 2.7 $ 508,533 2.8 $ 591,026 1.4 $ 469,238 11.2 $ 670,783 5.9 $ 530,766 16.5 $ 585,848 0.9 $ 979,793 2.9 $ 793,761 9.2 $ 633,472 1.9
% Chg 2.2 34.0 (12.7) 15.7 7.9 0.0 0.0 (5.9) 0.0 35.3
Thru Nov-16 $464,156 $259,370 $324,809 $302,073 $361,663 $326,667 $210,557 $259,965 $318,223 $361,430
Thru Nov-17 $447,599 $315,880 $359,883 $315,613 $444,922 $344,333 $309,635 $340,525 $356,977 $435,459
% Chg (3.6) 21.8 10.8 4.5 23.0 5.4 47.1 31.0 12.2 20.5
Location Boulder Erie Lafayette Longmont Louisville Lyons Mountains Niwot Plains Superior
Thru Nov-16 45 38 100 85 50 45 33 46 38 49
Thru Nov-17 49 44 51 57 59 70 67 40 45 43
Median Sales Price % Chg 8.9 15.8 (49.0) (32.9) 18.0 55.6 103.0 (13.0) 18.4 (12.2)
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
Thru Nov-16 403,500 237,500 337,500 286,567 330,000 350,000 235,000 261,000 299,250 330,250
Thru Nov-17 $ 389,000 $ 285,000 $ 362,500 $ 301,500 $ 414,900 $ 360,000 $ 285,000 $ 340,000 $ 341,550 $ 342,000
% Chg (3.6) 20.0 7.4 5.2 25.7 2.9 21.3 30.3 14.1 3.6
For more information contact: Kenneth Hotard *303.442.3585* khotard@barastaff.com Data Source: IRES- Information Real Estate Services
RENTAL SPOTLIGHT Your Guide to Rental Communities in Boulder, Broomfield, Larimer and Weld Counties
AtHomeColorado.com/Rentals Complex Name Hover Manor Senior Apartment Residence
Address 1401 Elmhurst Drive, Longmont
Type Senior Living
Rent $905/$910 per month
Bed/Bath
Description
Other Amenities
Information
1 Bed, 1 Bath
62 years and older. Secure building, quiet neighborhood, meal program, transportation, utilities paid, appliances and cable TV included. Vouchers accepted
Furnished, pet friendly, laundry facility
303.772.9292; hovercommunity.org
To list your rental or community call Thais Hafer at 303.473.1456 or e-mail hafert@dailycamera.com DECEMBER 15-16, 2017
ATHOMECOLORADO.COM
17
Real Estate place yoUr ad:
303.466.3636 BoUlder/Broomfield/longmont or 970.635.3650 loveland or frontrangeclassifieds.com
Real Estate
FAIR HOUSING NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Law which makes it illegal to advertise a preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion , sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preferences, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call The Colorado Civil Rights Office at 1-800-262-4845/ HUD at 1-800-669-9777.
Apartments - $745 Duplexes - $1095 Condos - $1295 Houses - $1195 Call PMP Realty
303-776-RENT (7368) www.pmprealty.com
MUST SEE! Master Suite in Large Beautiful Home in Lafayette:
A Home of Your Own!
Enjoy your own huge space in a lovely home! Seeking mature, employed professional housemate to share 4500 sq ft home. Spacious master suite w/ luxury bath, large walk-in closet, separate entrance. views of park, shared large kitchen, W/D, deck, yard w/garden. Nice community in Lafayette. No pets. No Smoking. Avail 1/1. Asking $1095/month.
See if You Qualify:
Foothills Apartments 2BR 1BA Units in Loveland: Washer/Dryer in Unit. $1045/month for Upper Level Units; $1145 for Downstairs Units. Water, Sewer, Trash included. No Pets. 1 Year Lease. Available No w.
Share Large Home in Arvada: Fully Furnished. Very Clean. No Pets. No Smoking. No Drugs. 1 Person. Female Only. $600/month, cable & utilities included, plus $200 damage deposit. 720-334-1518
3967 DaVinci Drive
Want to purchase minerals and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: P.O. Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201
Rentals
Remodeled Furnished 1BR Ground Floor Condo in Niwot: A/C, Fireplace, Storage. No Pets. No Smoking. Lease Required. $975/month, utilities included. 303-817-2596.
18
Call or Text
Devin O’Branagan ERA Tradewind
303-775-0710
www.DevinSells.com
Your First Choice for Apartment Living in Boulder d Vote lord d a L 4t n “Bes der� 200 y l u ail in Bo “dirt� d 2005 wspaper ne
Duplex 2BD, 1BA, DW, A/C, Gar. N/S/P/D $1095/mo. 303-776-8038
FREE Rent in Exchange for Overnight Help with Elderly Woman: Female Preferred. Paid Hours Available Too. Must Be Compassionate, Get Along with Others & Deal with Dementia. No Pets. No Smoking. Must Pass Background Check. 303-564-3139.
PLACE YOUR AD Call 303-466-3636 or 970-635-3650.
AT HOME COLORADO
Maintainance Free. 2-Car Ranch in SW Longmont. Main, Master & Study Plus 1BR 1 BA in Finished Basement. N/P, N/S. $2000/month. Available Now. 303-775-7733
DRIVE YOUR WHEELS! List your car, RV, boat or motorcycle and get ready to roll!
Call 303-466-3636 970-635-3650 719-275-5300 888-355-0935
WE OFFER THE LARGEST SELECTION OF ONE & TWO BEDROOM APARTMENTS AND STUDIOS THROUGHOUT BOULDER. CALL US: SEVEN DAYS A WEEK!
ALSO OFFERING: • Affordable Rents • Friendly, Responsive Management • Immediate Occupancy
NOW LEASING!
Visit us on line at: www.boardwalkapartments.com
303-442-0200
239 537-9593
970-669-7850
Water Mineral
RENT TO OWN
APARTMENT RENTALS
Call us 8am-8pm weekdays 9am-6pm weekends! 2737 Mapleton, Ste.102
1250 sq ft Office Space Downtown Longmont: $950/month, Utililities & Parking included. 303-807-1651
sell your
Items less than $500: Lost Something? Found Something?
now for a free LOST & FOUND ad.
Call
303-466-3636 970-635-3650 719-275-5300 or 888-355-0935
free, 3 lines, 30 days Items $500 or more:
$10, 5 lines, 30 days
Private party and general merchandise only; not for commercial/business accounts. Excludes cars, homes and pets. No refund for early cancellation. DAILY CAMERA / TIMES-CALL
make
yourself atHome. AtHomeColorado.com is home to the Front Range’s most current MLS listings – updated every hour, powered by ColoProperty.com and served up via an easy-to-use search tool. Explore available properties, stay up-to-date on the latest developments and real estate news, get directions to open houses and connect with listing agents instantly from the comfort of your computer and/or mobile device.
There’s no better search experience. Explore the newly redesigned AtHomeColorado.com and find yourself at home.
FOR ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, CONTACT
Thais Hafer hafert@dailycamera.com 303.473.1456 Mary Romano romanom@dailycamera.com 303.473.1450 Melissa Najera najeram@dailycamera.com 303.473.1452 DECEMBER 15-16, 2017
atHome COLORADO HOME & REAL ESTATE
AtHomeColorado.com ATHOMECOLORADO.COM
19
LOUISVILLE | 643 W. SANDBAR CIRCLE JAMESTOWN | 8493 LEFTHAND CANYON 3 BR * 3 BA * 2128 TSF 4 BR * 2 BA * 2327 TSF (783697) (837970)** $489,900 $525,000
BROOMFIELD | 14651 SORREL RUN GLADE PARK | 19771 MILLER CANYON 3 BRRANCH * 3 BA *ROAD 4804 TSF (783853) * $699,000 3 BR * 3 BA * 2764 TSF
BOULDER | 4786 KELLOGG CIRCLE LONGMONT | 2106 WESTLAKE DRIVE 4 BR * 3 BA * 2530 TSF 3 BR * 3 BA * 2341 TSF (783855) $625,000 (838030) * *$429,000
(837980) * $459,900
BOULDER | 7469 PARK CIRCLE
BOULDER | 1735 GILLASPIE DRIVE
LAFAYETTE | |1420 COURT F-7 LONGMONT 10414CRETE DURANGO PLACE
BOULDER| |804 3287 OURAY STREET LONGMONT SUMMER HAWK #11201
BOULDER| |4525 4938 CARTER COURT BOULDER 13TH STREET 4-C
1 3BRBR* *13BA 707 TSF TSF BA * * 1371 (838105) * $300,000 (784026) * $149,900
3 BR 3656TSF TSF 3 BR* *32BA BA ** 1252 (838113) * $262,500 (784046) * $799,500
32 BR BA* *1680 2028 BR ** 24BA TSFTSF (838135) * $810,000 (784100) * $425,000
BOULDER | 1715 15TH STREET #5 5 BR *4 TSF 3 BR * 2BA BA** 4603 1050 TSF (838083)** $837,700 $575,000 (783886)
BOULDER | 1301 CANYON BLVD. #204 3 BR 1756TSF TSF 2 BR* *22BA BA ** 1465 (838091) ** $1,050,000 $1,250,000 (783950)
BOULDER | 2870 JUILLIARD STREET
BOULDER | 1067-1091 SYCAMORE AVENUE 5FOUR-PLEX BR * 4 BA* *4716 3454 TSFTSF (838100) * *$1,600,000 (783981) $1,349,000
2425 Canyon #110 | 1320 Pearl 303.449.7000 | www.BoulderCO.com 20
AT HOME COLORADO
DAILY CAMERA / TIMES-CALL