MLS #: 666125 Price: 4,895

3 Bed/4 Bath Total SqFt: 3592

Beautiful updated home. Custom kitchen with soft close doors and pull outs, granite, stainless, backsplash. Spacious family room with travertine surround on gas fireplace. 4 bedrooms, 1 non conforming. Master suite, 5 piece bath, see through gas fireplace makes for a cozy retreat. Movie media room in lower level with stadium seating INCLUDED. Big screen TV also included. 3 car garage. Easy to show.

Homes for sale in Longmont Colorado

Boulder Colorado Real Estate Blog

Fewer rental properties have been added in the past several years due to a contracting economy and an oversupply of units in some local markets. But demand has steadily grown to match supply and produce the current rental market realities.

Mark Williams, executive vice president of the Apartment Association of Metro Denver, explains it this way: “If you consider that in the last eight years, there have been around 13,500 new apartment homes built, and in the eight-year cycle prior to that nearly 50,000 new apartment homes were built, you begin to understand how the supply side of this equation has determined vacancy rates more than anything else.” Demand is still expected to exceed supply in 2012. Other measurable factors, Williams says, include modest job creation and new residents moving to Colorado.

Like other university towns, Boulder’s rental market is driven by a regular influx of students who need temporary housing. “We are leasing apartments right now for August,” says Sheila Horton, executive director for the Boulder Area Rental Housing Association. “Boulder’s rental market has been pretty tight and rents are gradually increasing.”

Communities outside of Boulder don’t typically expect the same volatility in supply and demand, but availability is still limited.

Tom Orlando, director of relocation at Housing Helpers of Boulder County/Metro Denver, says that the vacancy rate has been steady for the past six months, with limited availability across the whole range of rental rates. “We’re seeing more competition, with properties being booked earlier.” Rents are trending upward, but several new apartment communities in Broomfield (just outside of Boulder County) are expected to help meet the demand and ease the pressure on the rising costs of leasing.

Despite the expected modest increase in availability, don’t expect to find many bargains or incentives. “Concessions, which were such a staple part of renting in the past decade, will very likely continue to fade away,” says Mark Williams. “Property owners are not motivated right now to offer abnormally long term leases, for example 18 or 24 months, because the likelihood is they could raise rents before that term’s end. For a short-term lease (month-to-month for example) there is typically a premium or higher rent level applied.”

For more information on Boulder County rental properties and opportunities, contact Housing Helpers of Boulder County/Metro Denver, 303.545.6000, housinghelpers.com or Boulder Area Rental Housing Association, 303.494.9048, barhaonline.org.

By L.L. Charles, At Home Colorado

Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. As you breathe, the radon molecule proceeds through its half-life cycle releasing alpha and beta particles. These particles damage the lung tissue over time which can lead to cancer. Radon can be found all over the U.S. and is very prevalent up and down the front range of Colorado due to the uranium content of the granite and shale rock in our area. Radon can get into any type of building and build up to high levels, but you and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home. That is where you spend most of your time.
You should test your home for radon. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. Testing is inexpensive and easy. The most common test is a short term test lasting a minimum of 48 hours. You can purchase a home test kit at many of the local retailers or have your home tested for radon by a qualified radon service provider. The short term test can be as simple as canisters of activated charcoal that are opened and exposed to the indoor air for a given period of time. The canisters are then mailed to a lab to calibrate the results. Some professional radon testers in the area use radon monitors. These monitors can generate the results as soon as the test is finished and will give you an hour by hour reading. Most home inspectors in our area are qualified to test for radon in the home.

The EPA recommends that any dwelling which tests at or above 4.0pCi/l (pica curies per liter) be mitigated for radon. If a high level of radon is found in your home there are many different corrective measures that can be done to minimize the radon level. Depending on the type of house you have, professional mitigation of radon can cost from around $850.00 to $2000.00. The state radon office or local public health department will have a list of qualified radon mitigation companies.

Millions of Americans have the peace of mind that comes with knowing if their home is contaminated by radon.

Don’t worry about radon, get your home tested. Contact Mark Pepin of Advantage Home Inspections, 303.881.1241, 416 Bowen Street in Longmont or visit inspectionadvantage.com. For more information on Radon visit the EPA at epa.gov/radon

Sources: Environmental Protection Agency, National Safety Council Environmental Health Center

By Longmont Association of Realtors

Open House: February 18th, 2012 1-3pm

MLS #: 668979 Price: 9,800

4 Bed/3 Bath Total SqFt: 3976

This subdivision was designed to capture Colorado’s unique natural architecture, but right in the heart of the city! Custom home offers a large & very private lot, walkout bsmnt & deck that runs the entire length of the house. The open floor plan w/large kitch & walk in pantry are perfect for entertaining. Parks, rec center & bike path are steps away. Mins from Highlands, Tennyson St Shops, Berkeley Lake, downtown Arvada, Regis, downtown & easy access to highways, 1 mile from future light rail.

Homes for sale Denver Colorado

Boulder Colorado Real Estate Blog

By Tyler Dock, RE/MAX of Boulder

“The Coldwell Banker International Sterling Society represents some of the most talented individuals in the business,” said Chris Mygatt, president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Colorado.  “Christian’s ability to surpass his clients’ expectations has helped him achieve this prestigious award, which stands as a testament to his commitment to quality customer service.  We are proud to have Christian as a member of our team.”
Anderson is a Boulder County native and has been proudly serving his clients’ real estate needs in Boulder, Larimer and Weld counties for the past 10 years.  He is a member of the National Association of Realtors and holds the Graduate Realtor Institute and Relocation Specialist designations.  Anderson is also a certified HUD listing and selling agent.

Anderson, a veteran of the USAF, gives back to his community through participation in Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s annual 300-plus-mile Ride the Range bicycle ride for charity.  Through his participation, the Longmont office has raised more than $15,000.00 for Homes for Our Troops and Habitat for Humanity.  Anderson’s philosophy is “Excellence and Integrity in Every Transaction.”

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Longmont office is located at 1707 N. Main St., Suite 500, and can be reached at 303.772.7478.  Anderson may be reached directly at 303.817.5934 or via e-mail at brokerca@comcast.net.

About Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, a leading residential real estate brokerage company in Colorado, operates 14 offices with 1,040 sales associates serving the communities of the Northern Colorado area. The company offers residential and commercial brokerage, corporate relocation and mortgage services. Through its internationally renowned Coldwell Banker Previews® program, the company is widely recognized for its expertise in the luxury housing market. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, online at ColoradoHomes.com, is part of NRT LLC, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company. NRT, a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, operates Realogy’s company-owned real estate brokerage offices. For more information please visitColoradoHomes.com or call 925.275.3085.

By Douglas E. Lierle, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 

As Spring approaches and signs of consumer confidence return, homebuyers are responding enthusiastically to the opportunity of home ownership in the last available neighborhood of the award-winning Indian Peaks community in Boulder County. Since the early ‘90s, Indian Peaks has become known for its outdoor living, great architecture and smart, energy-efficient design. With miles of hiking trails, abundant open space and a Hale Irwin-designed golf course, the community has set the standard for the way families want to live today.

“A lot of families have waited to buy a new home, but people are telling us that they are again ready to make a move,” says David Ware, McStain CEO. “And Indian Peaks South offers a special opportunity to own a new home that is built to uniquely fit your needs and desires. With a full complement of ranch style, main-floor master plans and traditional two-story designs to choose from, you have plenty of options – and a trusted, local homebuilder with over 40 years of experience to partner with.”

Three single-family home collections are being offered at Indian Peaks South. The Classic Collection includes four stunning designs from 2,232 to 2,875 finished square feet featuring front-loading garages and priced from the high $400s. The Traditional Collection boasts seven innovative designs with alley-loaded garages from 1,730 to 2,514 finished square feet, priced from the high $300s. The Cottage Collection offers four exciting plans with alley-loaded garages, from 1,376 to 1,666 finished square feet and priced from the mid $300s. Each home incorporates smart design features and an enduring curb appeal that will make you proud to be a new homeowner in this appealing community.

The diverse master plan at Indian Peaks South is designed to create a real neighborhood that serves a range of buyers and lifestyles. “We have a vibrant mix of home owners here, from empty nesters to young families,” reports Cindie Reddington, Neighborhood Consultant at Indian Peaks South. “They lead active lifestyles and aren’t looking for huge homes, but still want a home designed with plenty of usable space, quality features and nice, upscale finishes.”

McStain Neighborhoods, founded in 1966, is a nationally recognized leader in master-planned community design and a founding member of the EPA’s Energy Star program. Homeowners appreciate the lasting value of McStain communities, which over the decades continue to connect people to each other and to the natural environment on Colorado’s Front Range.

This legacy is kept alive today with the personal relationships McStain creates with buyers. “I often work directly with our home buyers,” David Ware says. “Typically, we will take your initial ideas, create a couple of design sketches, and work through the stages as needed. Once we have all decided on the specifics, then we will work with a choice of several local design studios to specify the hardwood cabinets, hardware, plumbing and appliance packages. We maintain full transparency along the way, communicating with you on your budget and options as we finalize your home plan.”

One notable difference in today’s new home marketplace, Ware explains, is that available home inventories are more balanced to prevailing demand. In the past, you might find a half dozen homes available in some communities. “Over the last several years, buyers got used to being able to wait in a slower market. But we are now building to pace the market, and we are seeing our homes selling before they are completed. The good news is that buyers who buy early in their home’s construction are in the best position to get the most desired design and finish options. We are creating semi-custom homes at non-custom prices.”

“If you have been considering new home ownership this year, we invite you to come see this special community and experience what makes a McStain home truly special,” says Neighborhood Consultant Chad Smith. “Every weekend is like an open house.”

See Indian Peaks South For Yourself
To learn more about McStain and the exciting home buying opportunities at Indian Peaks South, visit McStain.com or call Cindie Reddington and Chad Smith with CopperWest Colorado at 303.665.8200. You can also join the conversation on the McStain Facebook page, Facebook.com/McStainNeighbor, to get the latest news.

By L.L. Charles, At Home Colorado

MLS #: 645762 Price: 4,995

 Vacant Lot Acreage:
1.93

Almost 2 acres in Erie Air Park. Spectacular lot for airplane
enthusiast. Prime building lot in Erie Air Park with tremendous views
of the Flatirons and Back Range. Direct access to runway. Nice level
and flat lot. Possible owner financing.

land for sale Erie Colorado

Boulder Colorado Real Estate Blog

The Center for ReSource Conservation is a non-profit organization that implements programs for the Front Range including ReSource (deconstruction/Re-use), Energy, and Water conservation programs. Visit conservationcenter.org or call the CRC for further information at 303.999.3820.

By Center for ReSource Conservation

Thousand Cankers disease attacks black walnuts, and cities from Pueblo to Fort Collins are suffering losses. So far, towns to the east are spared but researchers at Colorado State University expect that it’s a matter of time before the disease spreads to Greeley and beyond.

Last Man Standing portrayed this disease as infesting a walnut branch thrown through their window by a severe storm; that the tree was owned by the city set up the story that the City of Denver required the show’s character, Mike Baxter, to cut down a walnut in his yard.  The role of the tree branch was played by a Siberian Elm.

Intent on ridiculing city foresters, the show depicted the inspecting arborist as a smug bureaucrat with the ability to pet a branch to diagnose the disease.  In reality, plant pathologists must pry the bark up, exposing the tunnels and blackened cankers.  Holes from the twig beetle are tiny, and difficult to see.  But after one glance at the downed branch, the forester condemned a nearby walnut planted on Baxter’s property as diseased and hazardous.
Allen’s character became indignant, not over the preposterous notion that any forester would condemn a tree willy-nilly, but because of the government telling a citizen what to do with private property.  “I don’t like The Man telling me what I can or can’t do on my property,” said Allen’s character, evidently in favor of having a judge tell him he could pay damages after leaving a hazard tree up until it fell on someone else’s property and destroyed it.
The problem with leaving the diseased trees standing is the mobility of the walnut twig beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis) which carries the fungus, Geosmithia morbida, from tree to tree.  Boring into branch and trunk, the beetles deposit the fungus, which kills with thousands of rotting wounds, called cankers.

“Slowly but surely, this is eliminating black walnuts here in Colorado,” said Dr. Ned Tisserat, CSU professor of plant pathology and disease discoverer. “It’s hard to know the final outcome, but the real threat is outside our state, to the billion-dollar black walnut timber industry.” Walnuts in Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Virginia, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Utah are infested.  Nut-producing walnuts appear resistant.

To be fair, there was a plea from the daughters and mother on the show to spare their tree’s life, evoking the emotional attachment many people feel for trees.  Recounting tire swings and first kisses under its branches, the family fought city hall in a doomed attempt to block the order.  Several cities in Colorado have requirements for removal of infested trees.

In the end, Allen’s character vows to replant his walnut, brandishing a seedling tree brought home for the purpose.  It’s a ficus, which should provide the daughters with the poignant but powerful lesson on what happens to a houseplant when planted outside in our area.  Most cities offer advice or a tree replacement program which feature trees best suited to the Colorado climate.

Carol O’Meara is with the Colorado State University Extension office at the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont. Contact her by e-mailing comeara@co.boulder.co.us. 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 Extension at 9595 Nelson Rd., Box B, Longmont, 303.678.6238, or visit the web site at coopext.colostate.edu/boulder.

By Carol O’Meara, Colorado State University Extension