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Colorado Home & Real Estate | AtHomeColorado.com

Gazing Into the 2020 Real Estate Crystal Ball

Quick Guide and Featured Open Homes

2020â€™s Most Anticipated High-End Home Features

Design Recipes: How to Repurpose Holiday Gifts

Looking for a home? View comprehensive listings of local open houses taking place this weekend from all across the area.

Each decade brings distinctive home design trends, and 2020 is set to usher in a new era of desirable features.

While some holiday gifts may work seamlessly with your current decor, others may not, leaving the burning question: Can I repurpose this?

December 27-28 2019

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COLORADO HOME AND REAL ESTATE

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ellen Chang Jennifer Egbert Michaela Phillips Duane Duggan Bryant Pryor Rick Jacquemard Cathy Hobbs Jenna Schuster ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Thais Hafer Toni McNeill Mary Romano ADVERTISING FEATURES COORDINATOR Greg Stone

ADVERTISE To advertise in At Home or to promote your open house visit AtHomeColorado.com/Advertise, call Thais Hafer at 303.473.1456 or Toni McNeill at 303.684.5329.

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To submit a story idea, calendar event or press release, e-mail athome@dailycamera.com or athome@timescall.com.

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HOME MORTGAGE

When does refinancing into a 15-year mortgage make sense? By Ellen Chang Bankrate.com Refinancing from a 30-year, fixedrate mortgage into a 15-year fixed loan can help you pay down your mortgage faster and save a ton of money on interest, especially if rates have fallen since you bought your home. The shorter mortgages tend to have lower interest rates, and this means more of your payments will go toward the principal balance of the loan. A 15-year mortgage can be a good move for many homeowners, but it has some drawbacks. For starters, your monthly payment will likely increase because you’re compressing the repayment schedule into a shorter time frame. That means you’ll have less cushion in your monthly budget, especially if you’re on a fixed income. For candidates who have sufficient cash flow, this move can be advantageous, despite the higher monthly payment. Good candidates include homeowners who have been in their homes for several years and have a monthly budget and income that permit the higher payment, without cutting things too close. Before you refinance into a 15-year mortgage, shop around and compare current refinance mortgage rates from different lenders. What’s the difference in payments for a 15-year vs. a 30-year mortgage? The minimum monthly payment on a mortgage is the amount required to be paid in full each month. As the minimum payment for a 30-year mortgage will be lower than that of a 15-year mortgage, this allows more flexibility within your monthly budget. That can come in handy if your income changes, you lose a job or you have financial emergencies to cover. When considering converting to a 15-year mortgage, homeowners should carefully consider the impact on their finances. You should evaluate the impact on your ability to pay monthly expenses, and how the higher payment will affect your capacity

to pay down debts and invest– compared your current scenario with a 30-year mortgage. If your goal just to pay down your mortgage faster, you can do that with a 30-year loan by simply making periodic extra payments. If you make enough extra payments over your loan term, you can easily shave off time from your loan, even 15 years if you desire. The catch with this strategy is that you’ll still pay a somewhat higher interest rate on the 30year mortgage compared with a 15-year loan. You also need to earmark extra mortgage payments to go specifically toward paying down your loan principal. Let’s look at an example of how a lower interest rate and shorter loan term impacts the principal amount of a mortgage. In the example below, a homeowner with a 30-year $200,000 mortgage can pay it off in 15 years by adding $524 to each monthly payment. With a 30-year mortgage, you can skip the extra $524 payment any month you want if you lose your job or have an emergency expense to cover. A 15-year mortgage with a higher minimum payment, however, doesn’t give you that flexibility. To calculate the effect of making extra payments (each month, annually or one time), use Bankrate’s mortgage amortization calculator. Input the loan amount, term and interest rate, then click the “show amortization schedule” button, which reveals a section that lets you calculate the effect of extra payments. Drawbacks of refinancing into a 15-year mortgage Having all your money tied up in your home can be risky. Many financial experts recommend having at least three to six months of emergency savings set aside in case you lose your job or cannot work for extended periods. Instead of refinancing a mortgage, you could contribute more money toward a 401(k) plan or an IRA account, or beef up your emergency savings fund. The latter approach helps you avoid revolving credit card balances from month to month and incurring more debt at a higher

Shorter mortgages tend to have lower interest rates, and this means more of your payments will go toward the principal balance of the loan. (Photo: Dreamstime/TNS).

interest rate. “Mortgage debt is low-cost debt, and pouring more money into an illiquid asset – your home – may do more to limit your financial flexibility than enhance it,” says Greg McBride, CFA, Bankrate’s chief financial analyst. “Money in the bank will pay the bills; home equity will not.” After paying off high-interest debt, saving for a rainy day and boosting retirement savings should be top priorities. Paying off your mortgage early means you may have less money to stash away for the future. “Before you saddle yourself to the higher payments of a shorterterm mortgage, make sure you’re maximizing your tax-advantaged retirement savings options, your Health Savings Account and your 529 college savings accounts,” McBride says. “Paying down a low-rate, potentially taxdeductible debt, is a comparatively low financial priority.” Questions to ask before you refinance into a 15-year mortgage 1. Can you afford the higher monthly payment? 2. Is the money you ultimately save worth the higher payment every month, keeping in mind other goals you may have for this money? 3. Instead of the higher payment, would you be investing this money? At what likely level of return? Visit Bankrate online at www.bankrate.com. DAILY CAMERA / TIMES-CALL

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2020’s most anticipated high-end home features Each decade brings distinctive home design trends, and 2020 is set to usher in a new era of desirable features. If you’re planning to list your BY JENNIFER home, it’s helpful EGBERT to be aware milehimodern of the latest must-haves that buyers are after. For those thinking about buying, you’ll want to invest in a modern property that will hold its value. Interested in learning more about

up-and-coming home trends? Here, I share insight on what to expect from the luxury market: Smart technology Programmable thermostats have been on the rise for several years, and highly sophisticated options are now available. Rather than simply controlling the temperature, new smart thermostats offer humidity control and help create the ideal balance for each room. It’s not just smart thermostats adding value to new homes – USB outlets (rather than traditional three-prong versions) are introducing userfriendly technology to households.

T-shaped kitchen islands Kitchen islands have long been a staple in luxury homes, but t-shaped kitchen islands provide enhanced opportunities for conversation and connectedness. For those who love to entertain, a curved or t-shaped island offers the perfect setting for gathering around the bar.

design blended with eye-catching rooflines, an abundance of natural light, and ultra-modern finishes. In addition to large skylights that flood the room with sunlight, you can expect new homes in 2020 to feature materials that feel and look natural. Be on the lookout for terrazzo tile in high-traffic areas or as a backsplash to enhance the kitchen. The housing market is everevolving. It can be difficult to stay on top of the latest trends, but the features mentioned here are expected to make their mark and define the new decade. Boulder is home to some of the most modern properties in the country, and our exceptional market is likely to reflect the amenities mentioned here (and set a few trends of our own). Jennifer is the founding Realtor of the Boulder branch of milehimodern. She specializes in Luxury neighborhoods, home builders and current market conditions. Visit jenniferegbert. com, e-mail jennifer@ jenniferegbert.com or call 303.619.3373.

The melding of indoors and outdoors The “back to nature” trend has staying power and is expected to continue its reign in 2020 and beyond. Many buyers are on the search for homes that offer the feeling of the yard as an extension of the great room. A glass wall that lets in plenty of sunshine or meets with an outdoor space is a welcome refuge into nature and creates a daily opportunity to spend time outside. An upgrade to mid-century modern design Open floor plans remain an attractive choice, but 2020 will usher in a resurgence of midcentury modern architectural

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HOME MORTGAGE

What you need to know about new conforming loan limits If you’re planning to make 2020 the year you become a homeowner, you should be aware of the new conforming loan limits set BY MICHAELA by the Federal PHILLIPS Housing Guaranteed Rate, Inc. Finance Agency (FHFA). Home prices across the country have been steadily on the rise for several years, and the FHFA continues to respond with annual limit increases for conforming loans. Not sure what this means for you? Here, I share how this new ceiling may affect those on the hunt for a home. The new limit for Conforming Loans According to the latest data from the FHFA, home prices have risen an average of 5.38% between the third quarters of 2018 and 2019. As a result, the conforming loan limit has been increased to reflect this change. In 2020, the limit for conforming loans will rise to

a home that’s priced above the conforming loan limit in its county, you’ll need to seek a non-conforming loan (commonly referred to as a jumbo loan). Jumbo loans are often necessary for areas like Boulder and Denver, where many properties are priced well above the conforming loan threshold. For future homeowners who need a jumbo loan, be prepared for a more rigorous set of qualification criterion. Since non-conforming loans aren’t guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, lenders need to see a credit score above 700, plenty of cash reserves, and ample documentation. 2020 is sure to be an exciting year, and especially for those who are on the path to homeownership. With the historically low interest rates and new conforming loan limits, it’s an excellent time to purchase. Michaela is the Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate, Inc. Contact Michaela at 303.443.6292, e-mail michaela. phillips@rate.com or visit michaelaphillips.com. NMLS: 312874.

Home prices across the country have been steadily on the rise for several years, and the FHFA continues to respond with annual limit increases for conforming loans. (Photo by Milly Eaton from Pexels).

$510,400 in most areas. If you’re planning to purchase a property in an area with a high cost of living, the loan ceiling will likely be even higher than the baseline of $510,400. If you’d like to explore the conforming loan limits for all counties, please visit this site. What to expect when buying in Colorado Colorado is a highly desirable place to live, and many of our cities’ home prices are above

average. If you’re planning to buy in cities such as Boulder or Denver, the conforming loan limit will reflect the average home price in these areas. Boulder County’s conforming loan limit is increasing to $644,000 in 2020, up from $626,750 in 2019. Similarly, Denver County’s ceiling is rising to $575,000 from 2019’s limit of $561,200. When to seek a jumbo loan If you’re planning to purchase

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“The root of joy is gratefulness.” – David Steindl-Rast

I am beyond grateful to call Longmont home, to have assisted so many clients in realizing their homeownership dreams over the past 27 years, and to have been gifted with their friendship. And yes … this fills me with joy! Every. Single. Day.

THANK YOU!

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303.775.2994 www.BarbBashor.com Barb@BarbBashor.com DAILY CAMERA / TIMES-CALL

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REAL ESTATE NEWS

Boulder nonprofits and “Santa helpers” bring cheer to families BOULDER – In long-standing tradition, three nonprofit organizations in Boulder County once again brought the magic of the holidays to the families and children who need it most. A merry tribe of Santa helpers, a.k.a., Realtors from RE/MAX of Boulder, helped these organizations spread the joy of the holidays. Supporting Share-AGift, Care Letters and Children’s Hospital Colorado, RE/MAX of Boulder volunteers made the holidays warm and merry as families and children take center stage. Share-A-Gift Now in its 48th holiday season, Share-A-Gift brings holiday cheer to 650 families and children in Boulder County who might otherwise be overlooked. The nonprofit helps connect community donations with hundreds of families, representing approximately 1,500 girls and boys from birth to age 14 years. Gifts are collected with the help of businesses, citizens, and volunteers who donate toys, money, and time to bring holiday magic to every family who lives in the Boulder County School District. Gifts include new and gently used bikes, toys, books and clothing. RE/MAX of Boulder has proudly supported Share-AGift for more than 20 years by encouraging staff, clients and friends to drop off donated presents to their main office lobby at 2425 Canyon Blvd. Patrick Dolan Team and his clients take a leading role, donating a large share of the presents. RE/MAX of Boulder’s volunteers include Managing Broker and Share-A-Gift Board Member Todd Gullette; Realtors Patrick Dolan, Spencer Hellwig, and Timmy Duggan; and staff member Stephanie Wickstrom. “I can’t think of a better opportunity each year to give back,” says RE/MAX of Boulder Realtor Spencer Hellwig. “As Realtors, it is important for us to be involved in our community and knowing that our small contribution to Share-A-Gift is helping so many local families is truly a great feeling.” As Chair of the Boulder Area Realtor Association’s Young Professionals Network (BARAYPN), Hellwig helped organize December 27-28 2019

RE/MAX of Boulder wanted to volunteer to support a community nonprofit, and chose the Care Letters Signed, Sealed, Delivered project to lend their support. With the help of RE/MAX of Boulder, Care Letters completed their holiday season with 430 letters sent to families in crisis.” To donate or learn more, visit: careletters.org. Children’s Hospital Colorado RE/MAX of Boulder serves as a Miracle Office for the Children’s Miracle Network, making a powerful impact on the lives of sick and injured children and their families. By donating to Children’s Hospital Colorado after the closing of each home sale, RE/MAX of Boulder Realtors are a part of an ongoing effort to support the hospital’s life-saving treatments, advanced medical equipment, valuable research and education. This year alone, RE/MAX of Boulder Realtors donated $16,500. “The partnership with RE/MAX of Boulder has been incredible,” says Kacie Thomas, Manager, Corporate Partnerships for Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation. “Their staff works hard to make sure that every person in the office is aware of the Miracle System and Children’s Colorado is part of their day-to-day work. We are so grateful for the partnership with RE/MAX of Boulder and can’t thank them enough for the impact they’ve made to help the kids at Children’s Colorado,” adds Thomas. Ranked as a top 10 pediatric hospital nationally, Children’s Hospital Colorado, located on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora with 18 additional locations across Colorado, is a private, nonprofit hospital renowned for its excellence in caring for kids of all ages. As the only nonprofit children’s hospital in the region, Children’s Hospital Colorado provides world-class care to every child who needs it. “We stand for community,” say RE/MAX of Boulder Broker/ Owner Tom Kalinski and CoOwner Jay Kalinski. “It’s a guiding principle of our company, and we are committed to making a local impact.” To donate or learn more, visit: childrenscolorado.org.

Top/Bottom Left: Share-A-Gift. Bottom. Right: Children’s Hospital Colorado. (Photos courtesy: RE/MAX of Boulder).

volunteers to distribute and pick up toy collection boxes at 44 elementary and preschools as well as held a toy drive happy hour at Sanitas Brewery. Volunteers sometimes apply their special skills to make a difference. RE/MAX of Boulder Realtor Timmy Duggan – a former pro-bike racer and Olympic cyclist – found good use for his bike knowledge in the Share-A-Gift bike repair shop, getting bikes tuned up and ready to ride. His son, Odin, joined him (pictured above). The hundreds of Santa helpers who come together to create and share in the joy of giving include community members from all walks of life. This adds up to thousands of hours, giving families and children in need a chance to feel the joy of the season.

For more information visit shareagift.org. Care Letters Founded in 2008, Care Letters is a nonprofit organization reaching out with written words of hope and encouragement to families in medical crisis. During the holidays, Care Letters sends highly personalized letters from Santa Claus to these families. Santa speaks the language of crisis, so he is direct, honest, and compassionate, and yet buoyant, as he reminds each child that they are each uniquely amazing and deserving of the love and support that surrounds them. Jodee Spalding, founder of Care Letters, who worked with RE/MAX of Boulder Realtor Lisa Wade to organize the volunteer opportunity, says “This December,

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UNIQUE NO TRAFFIC LOCATION 1362 Golden Eagle Wy LOUISVILLE $951,000, 5 Beds, 4 Baths, 3625 SqFt

REMODELED HOME W/ MOUNTAIN VIEWS 2934 Nogales Ct BOULDER $939,000, 3 Beds, 3 Baths, 2497 SqFt

PROSPECT FOURSQUARE W/ VIEWS 810 Plateau Rd LONGMONT $849,900, 4 Beds, 5 Baths, 3608 SqFt

FRESHLY REMODELED MOUNTAIN HOME 131 Rudolph Ranch Rd BLACK HAWK $629,000, 4 Beds, 3 Baths, 2681 SqFt

CHARMING HIGHLANDS BUNGALOW 3176 W 36th Ave DENVER $625,000, 3 Beds, 1 Bath, 1852 SqFt

$100K IN UPGRADES 6182 Habitat Dr BOULDER $475,000, 4 Beds, 3 Baths, 2092 SqFt

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MOUNTAIN VIEWS FROM PORCH 756 Brookside Dr LONGMONT $465,000, 5 Beds, 3 Baths, 3590 SqFt

RANCH STYLE LIVING IN PRAIRIE VILLAGE 2329 Winding Dr LONGMONT $435,500, 2 Beds, 2 Baths, 2878 SqFt Liz Williams 720-926-6806

SOLID INVESTMENT 607 W Lucerne Dr LAFAYETTE $429,000, 3 Beds, 2 Baths, 1246 SqFt

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REAL ESTATE

Gazing into the 2020 real estate crystal ball Don’t you wish you had a crystal ball with perfect 20/20 vision of the future of real estate? Colorado is an extraordinarily BY DUANE good place to DUGGAN buy real estate, Realtor and Author but specifically, RE/MAX of Boulder Boulder County is a prime location for purchasing property. Over the last 40 years I have been a Realtor® here, we have had solid real estate appreciation and consistency. This is why Boulder has been ranked best housing market nationwide based on home price growth and stability by SmartAsset for the past five years, based 25 years of U.S. housing data. Hindsight is always perfect, so let’s take a look into the past to help us predict what might happen in the future. At the annual Boulder Valley Real Estate Conference organized by BizWest, Todd Gullette, Managing Broker at RE/MAX of Boulder, shared the following statistics, showing the strength in the Boulder County real estate marketplace. According to FHFA (Federal Housing Finance Association), 10

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the Colorado housing market has appreciated 380.24% since the first quarter of 1991 until the end of the third quarter of 2019, making it one of the strongest markets in the country. The Boulder Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area appreciated 422.64% during that same time frame. In Boulder County, our inventory of single-family homes peaked in July of 2011 as we came out of a nationwide recessionary period. Although the market was soft, Boulder did not suffer huge losses in real estate values like those that were experienced in Nevada, Arizona, and Florida. Since the peak of the number of homes available in 2011, inventory of available homes has declined to historic lows from 2016 to 2018 with inventory being slightly higher in 2019. Boulder County single-family homes had an average price of $443,123 in 2010 and rose to $753,405 in 2019. The median price of those homes rose from $367,500. The City of Boulder average home price rose from $74,233 in 2013 to $1,245,000 in 2019. The median price in that same period rose from $642,000 in 2013 to $990,000 in 2019. The percentage of homes, based on available inventory in all of

Boulder County that were under contract, peaked at 42% in 2015. There has been a softening to 41% in 2016, 38% in 2017, 38% in 2018, and 35% in 2019. All of the statistics presented by Todd Gullette at the Boulder Valley Real Estate Conference are available on the conference website at: bit.ly/2Z2MkIP. Yet the future will always be a bit fuzzy. 2020 is a Presidential election year, and globally, there is a great deal of political and economic uncertainty. Nevertheless, regardless of what happens in the world beyond our control, people need a place to live, and population and household creation continues to increase. Since the recession, across the nation, there have not been enough new homes built to keep up with demand. What this means is that housing inventories are likely to remain low, keeping prices steady or slightly rising. Employment nationally and in Boulder County appears that it will stay strong into 2020. The country is experiencing the longest expansion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from June of 2009. The GDP growth rate is still robust but slowing. Strong employment and a vigorous economy bode well for real estate into 2020.

According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research for National Association of Realtors®, 2020 should see interest rates for home mortgages staying below 4%. Obviously, there are many things that could happen, but if rates stay at 4% or under, the purchasing power of homebuyers remains high. Keep in mind, however, that all real estate is local. What happens on a national level may not affect your street or neighborhood. Your local Realtor is your best consultant for helping you predict what will happen for you in 2020. Duane Duggan has been a Realtor for RE/MAX of Boulder in Colorado since 1982 and has facilitated over 2,500 transactions over his career, the vast majority from repeat and referred clients. He has been awarded two of the highest honors bestowed by RE/MAX International: The Lifetime Achievement Award and the Circle of Legends Award. Living the life of a Realtor and being immersed in real estate led to the inception of his book, Realtor for Life. For questions, e-mail DuaneDuggan@boulderco.com, call 303.441.5611 or visit boulderco.com. DAILY CAMERA / TIMES-CALL

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Homebuying and your credit score: Tips from the mortgage pros If you are in the beginning steps of purchasing a home, it can be a good idea to understand your credit score and how you may be BY BRYANT able to improve PRYOR it. Take these Elevations tips from our Credit Union Elevations Mortgage Team into consideration: • Carefully decide whether you want to close out a revolving credit account, such as a credit card. When you close out a revolving credit account, you reduce your total amount of available credit. This total amount of available credit factors into your FICO® Score, so keeping a credit card open and maintaining a higher available credit balance may

positively impact your score. • Be mindful when shopping for credit. Multiple hard credit inquiries may negatively impact your score. If you plan on applying for a mortgage, you may want to avoid other hard pulls associated with credit shopping before you apply.

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lafayette 928 cimarron drive (Sales center) Starting at $439,900 Saturday 11:00 AM-5:00 PM Tracy Carruth Markel Homes (720) 324-8350 928 cimarron drive (Sales center) Starting at $439,900 Sunday 11:00 AM-5:00 PM Tracy Carruth Markel Homes (720) 324-8350 December 27-28 2019

For more about mortgages and credit scores, visit elevationscu.com/mortgageblog. Bryant Pryor is a Mortgage Loan Originator at Elevations Credit Union. If you have questions regarding mortgages, please call 720.879.2464 or e-mail bryant.pryor@elevationscu.com. NMLS# 484157.

• Avoid maxing out your credit card(s). Maxing out a credit card affects your balance of debt to credit and can negatively impact your score.

• Check freecreditreport.com once a year to make sure all items on your credit report are accurate. If something is inaccurate, file a dispute to ensure the inaccuracy isn’t negatively affecting your score.

Featured Property 1776 Sunshine Ave, Longmont $459,000 MLS# 899321

4 Beds • 3 Baths • 2 Car Garage Amazing property with main floor master, office, laundry & gourmet kitchen. 2 additional beds, loft and full bath up. Fireplace, Central AC, hardwood floors and so much more.

• Pay all your bills on time. If you’re traveling, have an emergency or are unexpectedly away from your home, setting up automatic payments may help eliminate late payments that could negatively impact

OPEN HOUSE lIST YoUr open hoUSe

your score. If you have a loan or credit card at Elevations, you can set up recurring payments through digital banking.

John Simmons 970-481-1250 jsimmons@c3-re.com

Jesse Laner 970-672-7212 jlaner@c3-re.com

QUICK GUIDE

VISIT openhomeS.aThomecolorado.com or call 303.473.1456, 303.684.5329 675 amelia lane (Sales center)

5801 Grandville avenue (Sales center)

106 n pamela St

Starting at $434,900

Starting at $599,900

New Homes from the $300’s to $400’s

Saturday 11:00 AM-5:00 PM

Tuesday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Marlita Lazo

Roz Pinon

Markel Homes

Bill Orton

(303) 651-9565

(720) 583-2170

675 amelia lane (Sales center)

5801 Grandville avenue (Sales center)

Starting at $434,900

Starting at $599,900

Sunday 11:00 AM-5:00 PM

Marlita Lazo

Roz Pinon

Markel Homes

(303) 651-9565

(720) 583-2170

longmont

loveland

2329 Winding dr

106 n pamela St

$435,500

New Homes from the $300’s to $400’s

Saturday 11:00 AM-1:00 PM

Friday - Sunday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Tuesday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

LC Home (303) 587-4085 4805 mariana hills circle New Homes From The $600’s to $700’s Friday - Sunday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Matt Walkowicz LC Home (970) 217-4787 4805 mariana hills circle New Homes From The $600’s to $700’s

Elizabeth Williams

Bill Orton

Matt Walkowicz

RE/MAX Alliance

LC Home

(720) 926-6806

(303) 587-4085

(970) 217-4787

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ASK THE EXPERT

Interior home inspections A critical eye should be used when inspecting the interior of a home. Whether you are buying your first house or are getting ready to put your house on BY RICK the market, a JACQUEMARD home inspection Flatirons Home can help Inspections pinpoint areas of concern. Be sure to enlist the services of a professional home inspector to thoroughly assess and report all issues prior to purchasing a home. Walls, ceilings, doors, windows and floors should be inspected for any signs of damage or structural failure. Stairways, handrails and guardrails must also be examined. Countertops and cabinets should be inspected as well as all kitchen appliances including disposals and vent fans. Garage doors and openers are also inspected for condition and operation. Inspectors should also test all

Stairways, handrails and guardrails must also be examined during a home inspection. (Photo: Shutterstock).

smoke and carbon monoxide detector/alarms. The interior water supply and distribution systems, including fixtures, faucets and water heating equipment are an important part of any home inspection. Inspectors examine the drain, waste and vent systems related to plumbing as well as the water supply pipes in the home also indicating the location of the main water shut-off valve. The electrical system inspection should include grounding/bonding equipment, entrance conductors, and whether

MORE THAN AN AGENT

ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) outlets are installed in required areas. An inspection should also include installed lighting fixtures and switches. A home’s central heating and cooling equipment, energy sources, connections and venting should be examined as well. Other stand-alone airconditioning units or evaporative coolers will need to be inspected individually. Fireplaces, chimneys, fireboxes and dampers should also be included in an interior inspection. Ask questions your

inspector if any of these items have been omitted from your inspection report or if you are unsure about their condition. You should also question any areas of the report you are unsure of or do not understand fully. Inspections often do not include cosmetic issues that may be found during an inspection. These may include but are not limited to; paint, wallpaper or other finish treatments, window treatments or floor coverings. Items such as central vacuum systems and recreational facilities may also not be included. Specialized appliance features such as self-cleaning ovens, programmable thermostats as well as confirmation of the operation of every control and feature of an inspected appliance may not be included. Your inspector may include such items for and additional fee upon request. For more information on home inspections contact Rick Jacquemard, at 720.280.3544, e-mail rick@flatironshi.com or visit flatironshi.com.

FeAtured ProPerty

2830 Center Ridge, Berthoud

$1,100,000

MLS# 898453 • 5 Beds • 5 Baths 3 Car Garage • 3.2 Acres

6123 Sq. Ft. of luxury w/ private courtyard, enclosed balcony & expansive trex deck. Stone, stucco, iron, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, gourmet kitchen w/ ss Appliances & granite slab, master suite w/ retreat, 5 pc bth & walk-in closet. John Simmons 970-481-1250 jsimmons@c3-re.com

Jesse Laner 970-672-7212 jlaner@c3-re.com

We believe actions speak louder than words. But in case you want to see the words that hold us to those actions, we’ve got a whole Code of Ethics, too. It’s 8 pages based on honesty, integrity, and trust that’s exclusive to REALTORS®. REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®

Elliott Apartments are located in a historic residential neighborhood in Longmont, Colorado. Just two blocks from beautiful main street Longmont, Elliott Apartments has easy access to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.

Offering 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments. Boulder Area REALTORS@ - Building Community since 1940! 12

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418 Emery St. Longmont • (303) 772-6452 DAILY CAMERA / TIMES-CALL

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DESIGN RECIPES

How to repurpose holiday gifts By Cathy Hobbs Tribune News Service While some holiday gifts may work seamlessly with your current decor, others may not, leaving the burning question: Can I repurpose this? Here are seven suggestions on ways to make some typical gifts useful and purposeful. Plants While many may be seasonal, others may not be and can be replanted either in or outside the home. Pots can be reused to grow herbs or for small plants. Toss pillows and throws These small decor items often make it onto the gift list. Throws can be repurposed as shawls or scarves, while toss pillows can go in areas such as entry benches or backs of dining chairs. Greeting cards No doubt you may have received a lot of greeting cards this season. Those with a decorative edge could be framed or used to create a colorful work of art or collage.

Ornaments Ornaments come in all shapes, sizes and colors and can be quite glamourous when repurposed and placed into a bowl or large vessel. Clothing Clothing can be repurposed in a number of ways, from transforming a dress into a tunic or creating a whole new item such as quilts. Candles Candles can be grouped and displayed together. Once finished, their jars can be repurposed to hold or display other items. Scarves Scarves make great items that can be repurposed as throws. 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.

Top Left: Pots can be reused inside or outside the home. Top Right: Candles can be grouped and displayed together. Bottom Left: The backs of these chairs are elevated with repurposed fabric. (Photos: Design Recipes/TNS).

END OF YEAR SPECIAL INCENTIVES 1-YEAR HOA CREDIT 3%-10% DOWN 30-YEAR FIXED LOANS Offer valid on ratiﬁed contracts through 12/31/19

2019 RECAP

60 NEW HOMES SOLD $40M IN SALES OPEN HOUSE TUESDAY – SATURDAY 10 AM – 5 PM Sales Gallery & Six Model Homes 3601 Arapahoe Ave #177 Boulder, CO 80303

STUDIO TO 3-BEDROOM LUXURY CONDOMINIUMS WITH DESIGNER FINISHES AND FLATIRON VIEWS NOW SELLING FROM THE LOW $400,000s

Livepelotonwest.com 303-457-5230

Brokers Welcome. Preferred financing available for qualified buyers*.

This is not an offer to sell, to reserve a unit or create a binding agreement in any way, but is intended for information only. Seller reserves the right to make modifications in pricing, units available for sale, materials, specifications, plans, designs, times for acceptance of offers and closings of the units without prior notice.

December 27-28 2019

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ASK ANGIE'S LIST

What's it like to hire a professional organizing service? accomplish tasks will help keep you accountable for completing them in a timely manner.

By Jenna Schuster, Angie’s List Are you looking to start the new year with a decluttered space? Organizing your home can feel like a huge undertaking, but crossing this project off your to-do list might be easier than you think. We spoke to Lorraine Brock, owner of Get Organized!, to find out what it’s like to use a professional organizing service and get a few tips on how to straighten up the house without the help of a pro.

(Photo: Dreamstime/TNS).

What is life organizing? Life organizing involves structuring the foundations of your life, so you have more free time to deal with the physical spaces in your home. “Time management is one of those life organizing skills. (It includes) meal planning, kids’ chores, allowance systems, budgeting _ all those things,” says Brock. When the basics are in place, it becomes a lot easier to take care of other home tasks, like giving your home a deep clean or sifting through old clutter. Tip: When it comes to organizing your life, don’t just plan on doing things – schedule them. Making firm, scheduled plans to

What can a professional organizer do? Professional organizing companies take charge of a wide spectrum of projects – including tidying up the home, maximizing space in home offices and helping seniors downsize. Brock’s company even does IT organization – helping clients to sync their devices, sift through old photos and create more cloud storage. “There’s probably nothing we don’t do on the organizing side,” she says. But her favorite projects have to do with “life organizing.”

How much does this cost? On average, hiring a professional home organizer costs $480 for a job, according to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide. But Brock says the cost varies greatly depending on the density of the project. Even if two homes are the same size, they can have vastly different amounts of clutter, which impacts the cost. Will I need to buy any products? While it’s possible to organize your space without buying any bonus shelving units, storage compartments or gadgets, you may find these products are a good investment in the long run. Spending a little more on a useful organizer can make a big difference and help you utilize vertical space. “If you want to containerize and store properly to maximize space and be efficient and declutter, you normally need some type of product,” says Brock. Tip: If you’re organizing on

your own, keep in mind there’s no need to purchase an entire storage system at once. Spread your purchases out over time, or do things room by room, so you can be sure each item works for your home and lifestyle. Where do I start? If you hire a professional organizer, you’ll first need to consult with your pro to figure out what kind of help you need and how long your project will take. Sometimes, the consultation is all a client needs to get started on their own, says Brock. Other times, straightening up your home can require a few more visits. If you’re taking care of things on your own, start the process by asking yourself what your goals are, how long the project might last and what steps you need to take to get there. Then, put your plan into action and enjoy your newly tidied space! Jenna Schuster 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.

FEATURED AGENT Professional Home Inspections For Home Buyers and Sellers

KAREN BERNARDI

720-280-3544

The Bernardi Real Estate Group 303-402-6000 karen@bernardigroup.com

“Peace Of Mind Every Time”

Read Karen’s At Home profile at: www.athomecolorado.com/karen-bernardi

www.ﬂatironshi.com rick@ﬂatironshi.com

RENTAL SPOTLIGHT Your Guide to Rental Communities in Boulder, Broomfield, Larimer and Weld Counties

AtHomeColorado.com/Rentals Complex Name The Hub Apartments

Address

Type

Rent

$1,799 1853 26th Street Apartments per month Boulder, CO 80302

Bed/Bath 2 Bed, 2 Bath

Description Choosing to live in apartments in Boulder means opting for beautiful scenery, a vibrant social scene and a quick commute to both the mountains and the city. The Hub offers you all that and more. Join friends by the pool or at our clubhouse, with free WiFi and a coffee bar, while you plan how to make the most of your day. From sunrise to sunset, the iconic peaks are stunning from your large apartment windows or personal patio. Secluded and serene, yet incredibly close to the 29th St. Mall and all the fun of Boulders dining and shopping scene, The Hub is just that—the perfect hub in the heart of everything you love.

Other Amenities

Information

Pet Friendly, Newly Renovated Clubhouse, Doggy Park, Fire Pit, Laundry Facilities

303-447-179 thehubboulder.com

To list your rental or community call Thais Hafer at 303.473.1456 or e-mail hafert@dailycamera.com 14

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place yoUr ad:

303.466.3636 BoUlder/Broomfield/longmont or 970.635.3650 loveland or frontrangeclassifieds.com

SAN JUAN DEL CENTRO APARTMENTS

Real Estate

Mobile Homes for Sale

**DISTRESS SALE ** Bank Foreclosures FREE list of Bankowned properties Receive a FREE Computerized printout Pre-recorded message

Vista Village #298 Spacious 3BR 28x48 Pets & Fence Ok. Avail Now.

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.

Why rent when you can own? Free list of homes available with no money down, under $1300/month Free recorded message 1-855-953-1525 ID#1051 RE/MAX Alliance Water Mineral

1-855-953-1525 ID#1042 Re/Max Alliance

FIRST TIME BUYERS-

Boulder Meadows #592 3BR 2Bath w/ Fireplace Pets Ok, Close to RTD. Avail Now.

Want to purchase minerals and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: P.O. Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201

Rentals Arbordale Acres 718 Quail Drive Newly Painted interior, Fireplace 2BR 2 Bath Avail Now ! Senior Park Lot Rent Only $325!

B&B MHP, Space H2

B&B MHP, Space M Availability Flexible!

roseaffordableliving.com 303-946-0865

2, 3 & 4 Bedroom Apts Available Now - Apply Today **INCOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY**

Applications by Request. Call, Write or Stop by 3100 34th St , Boulder, CO 80301 303-442-0230 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm Equal Housing Opportunity

Foothills Apartments in Loveland: 2BR 1BA-$1050/month, water, sewer & trash included, Washer & Dryer in Unit.

No Pets. 1 Year Lease. 970-669-7850

Apts $845 Duplex $1,145 Condos $1,045 Houses $1,595 Call PMP Realty 303-776-RENT (7368) www.pmprealty .com

NE Longmont 1BR Apt: $800/month + deposit, Trash, Gas, Water Paid. 303-941-2158 or email Slavenski8@aol.com

2BR 1BA 1-Car Garage 1925 Corey, Longmont: 720-217-8334

3 Bedroom Home at 705 37th St, Boulder. Call 303-494-1827 Large 1BR Apt, 800 sq ft Sunny, Quiet Building in Longmont. $975/month, Heat Included. No Pets.

Justin 720-579-7215

EMPTY YOUR GARAGE Have a Garage Sale this week. Call 303-466-3636, 970-635-3650, 719-275-5300 or 888-355-0935

Seeking a mature professional for a master bedroom suite in Lafayette home. Newly remodeled large master bedroom w/ sitting area, full huge private bath & walk in closet. Views of open space. Available on Month-to month basis for a few months or possibly shorter term. Great for an extended business stay or someone just arriving in the area seeking to buy a home. Shared kitchen & laundry. Prefer one adult that works outside the home. NON SMOKER (no tobacco or 420). Sorry not pets. Great location in SW Lafayette, near Good Samaritan Hospital. Easy access to Denver, Boulder, Longmont. Avail. late Dec. lease terms are flexible $995 per mo. Space is furnished w/everything you need. Bedding, towels, etc. Internet included. Call or text 239 537-9593.

Classified ads get fast results!

EMPTY YOUR GARAGE

FIND IT. SELL IT. FAST.

CALL

Real Estate

Have a Garage Sale this week. Call 303-466-3636, 970-635-3650, 719-275-5300 or 888-355-0935

JOBS. WHEELS. HOMES. STUFF.

FIND IT. SELL IT. FAST. December 27-28 2019

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Giving in small ways or big ways builds good will. We invite you to join RE/MAX of Boulder in any way you can, by giving big or small, during this holiday season. Holidays are hardest on kids who are in the hospital. Your donation eases this burden not just during this season, but year-round. From toy deliveries to research for new treatments and cures — and everything in between — the impact of your gift is felt even more at this time of year. As a Miracle Ofﬁce for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, RE/MAX of Boulder Realtors have donated to Children’s Hospital Colorado after the closing of each home sale. This past year’s contributions have generated over $16,500. Join us in making spirits bright for children and families spending the holidays in the hospital. We thank you for sharing good will and warm feelings with those who need it most.

2425 Canyon #110 | 1320 Pearl

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BoulderCO.com | 303.449.7000

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