2255 Eagles Nest Dr Lafayette, 80026 MLS #: 681138 Price: $ 639,9005 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms Total Square Feet: 4477

The best home in Indian Peaks, ready to move into, is waiting for you! Fantastic, functional floor plan, warm, inviting, cheery and bright! Lushly landscaped and backs to lovely, quiet park! Fabulous home for entertaining as each room flows gracefully to the next and out onto a private deck. All new paint, gleaming hardwood floors, plantation shutters, 4 bedrooms up, beautiful finished daylight lower level. Master suite with private deck and amazing panoramic views!

The Indian Peaks neighborhood offers a full range of housing options from attached dwellings priced in the low $ 200,000s to luxury estates priced close to $ 2 million. The Indian peaks neighborhood surrounds the 18-hole Indian Peaks Golf Course, which is known for its spectacular views of the Indian Peaks mountain range. A Hale Irwin Signature Course, the Indian Peaks Golf Course features 18 challenging holes, a driving range, practice bunkers, and hosts a comprehensive golf shop. One of the best public golf facilities in the state, the Indian Peaks Golf Course is located on the Western edge of Lafayette right off of 95 and close to HWY 287.

Homes for sale Lafayette Colorado

Boulder Colorado Real Estate Blog

2981 E 109th Ave Northglenn, 80233MLS #: 674029 Price: $ 219,0003 bedrooms/ 3 bathrooms Total Sq Feet: 3062

Home is close to parks, well maintained, kitchen recently remodeled w/corian counters, tile backsplash, new SS apps, backyard has yard deck w/sunsetter awening and pre-wired for hot tub disconnect, Landscape lighting, media room in bsmt, Security system, soffit outlets for holiday lights. Home wired for network.

Boulder Colorado Real Estate Blog

2860 Airport Dr. Erie, 80516MLS #:645762 Price: $ 175,000

Almost 2 acres in Erie Airpark. 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.

Boulder Colorado Real Estate Blog

The Longmont Association of Realtors^® has announced it has CARHOF funds available for qualified Longmont nonprofit organizations that provide housing services to moderate to low-income persons.  Grant applications will be accepted now through Friday, June 1, 2012. Please deliver grant applications to the Longmont Association of Realtors® office at 420 Kimbark Street. Longmont, CO. 80501. Grant guidelines and applications can be found at www.coloradorealtors.com under the CARHOF tab or call Amy at 303.772.5555.

“The Longmont Association of Realtors® has funds available for local housing projects,” said Deanna Dyer, local chairperson for the Colorado Association of REALTORS® Housing Opportunity Foundation (CARHOF).  “2012 is CARHOF’s 20th  year of providing financial support for affordable housing projects, and thousands in Colorado have benefited from CARHOF grants.  In 2011, CARHOF donated $106,000 to 64 housing agencies and total donations statewide are now at $7.25 million.”

CARHOF, a nonprofit foundation created by the Colorado Association of REALTORS^®, collects interest from earnest money held in home purchases.  By law, brokers cannot earn interest on escrow trust accounts.  With CARHOF, however, the interest can be collected and made available as grants supporting crisis shelters, affordable housing developments, down payment assistance programs and other housing-related projects. To be eligible for funds, organizations must be based in Longmont, Colorado, have a housing-related mission, and be a nonprofit agency with a 501(c) 3 status or a public agency.

For more information, call Amy Aschenbrenner at 303.772.5555

The Colorado Association of REALTORS^® Housing Opportunity Foundation (CARHOF) is a nonprofit foundation designed to assist housing efforts across the state.  CARHOF is part of the Colorado Association of REALTORS^®, the largest real estate trade association in the state, representing more than 23,000 members.

“Fewer than 10 percent of our sales professionals earn this designation, based on annual volume, making Dunn & Freeman not only a role model for the company, but for the entire industry as well,” said Charlie Young, president and chief executive officer of ERA Franchise Systems, LLC.  “Dunn & Freemans inclusion in this group of top performing real estate professionals clearly reflect their dedication to providing superior service to clients”. They serve as an exemplary ambassador for the brand and I commend them for their remarkable success.”

Dunn & Freeman are Realtors® working with Managing Broker James Plaster of ERA Tradewind Real Estate LLC in Longmont, which is located at 601 S. Bowen Street.

By James Plaster, ERA Tradewind Real Estate

Sure, squirrels have to eat, too, and no one wants to harm the persistent critters. But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with squirrels scarfing down the seed you put out for the birds, damaging your feeders and bumping up your blood pressure. It’s possible to discourage squirrels – and even outsmart them – with the right seed mix and some nature-friendly squirrel-control tactics.

Plant the seed
Birds, like people, are selective – even picky – when it comes to food. Seed is the best option to attract the most birds to your feeder. Unfortunately, squirrels also love seed. And while birds will sort through mixed seed to find what they like – and ditch the undesirable filler, like red milo, on the ground below the feeder – squirrels are not so picky. They’ll eat the cast-offs on the ground and then move on to the good stuff in the feeder, and devour that, too.

To entice birds, avoid brands that wash or coat seeds with chemicals and mineral oil. Look for brands manufactured by companies that focus on bird feed, like Cole’s, rather than treat it as a sideline business. Some feed mixes are full of cheap filler seeds, crop leftovers and the lowest quality oil sunflower. Cole’s uses only high quality seeds, and each blend is designed to attract specific groups of birds.

Taste aversion – serving seed that birds find delicious, but squirrels consider down right distasteful – is an effective way to keep squirrels out of bird feeders. Check out a squirrel-proof birdseed blend that uses hot spicy flavor to repel squirrels. Cole’s offers “hot” products that are designed to appeal to birds while dissuading squirrels. Its Hot Meats blend infuses top-quality sunflower meats with a Habanero chili pepper and Safflower oil that birds find delectable, but squirrels simply detest. Or, you can opt to add Flaming Squirrel Seed Sauce to any Cole’s blend. It’s a safe, effective and human way to feed birds and thwart squirrels. You can learn more at www.coleswildbird.com.

Squirrel-proof your bird feeders
Another option is to try to make your feed less accessible to squirrels – although that can be hard to do since squirrels are smart problem-solvers. You may find the best results from a combination of methods, including:

Locate feeders far from trees, wires, porches or other launching points to make it more difficult for squirrels to reach the feeder. Remember, squirrels can jump distances of 10 feet or longer. Mounting feeders on a smooth metal pole at least 6 feet high with no surrounding branches or bushes within 12 feet may also work.

Place a wire cage around the feeder with openings just large enough to admit birds but too small for squirrels to fit through. This can also help keep larger birds, such as starlings or pigeons, from accessing the feeder.

Try specially designed feeders that have doors which close when triggered by a squirrel’s weight on the feeder. The doors keep squirrels from reaching the seed. And if you’ve had plastic feeders gnawed to destruction by squirrels, try switching to metal which they’ll be less likely to chew through.

If you can’t beat ‘em …
Sometimes you just can’t win the war and the squirrels refuse to leave. Or maybe you have a soft spot for those fluffy-tailed felons. When you can’t convince squirrels to vacate your yard, another option is to serve them something they’ll find even more appealing than bird seed. If you can lure them away from your feed, squirrels can be an amusing addition to your backyard landscape.

Squirrels love whole, dried corn-on-the-cob and loose dried corn. Cole’s offers Critter Munchies, a blend of whole yellow corn, striped sunflower, peanuts in the shell, black oil sunflower and raw peanuts. Serve on an open platform-style feeder. Or place an ear of dried corn on a stick. A stake or pinecone can be coated with peanut butter.

Set up your squirrel feeding station away from bird feeders and make it as easy as possible for the squirrels to access their feeder filled with temptations like nuts, corn and berries.

If you can make peace with the squirrels, these intelligent characters and their antics can be a welcome sight in your backyard.

The ReNew Our School’s energy reduction competition, administered by the Center For ReSource Conservation, was a competition that ran from November, 2011-January 2012 in which schools competed by reducing energy use in their schools, making energy conservation changes in their homes, and recommending infrastructure changes in their schools to make them more energy efficient.  Thirteen schools from Boulder Valley School District and St Vrain Valley School District competed in the contest.  The schools that reduced their energy use by the greatest percentage would win the contest, winning up to $25,000 to make an energy efficiency change to their school.

Two weeks after the contest ended on January 5, 2012, we still hadn’t heard who won. We were starting to think ReNew Our Schools had already contacted the winners and just hadn’t released the news yet.  Everyone was disappointed because so much work had been put into the contest.  The whole school was involved in the effort; from taking a home energy audit to helping enter “deemed savings”, which allowed the school to receive credit for making suggestions of infrastructure changes that could make the school more energy efficient.  On the last day of the contest, almost 50 people entered deemed savings.  Additionally, the night before, two dedicated members stayed up until 4 A.M. figuring out ways we could make the school more energy efficient (met with the remark “What are you doing up at 3 AM?  Yikes-don’t you have school today?” from ReNew Our Schools).

January 18th, 2012 is a day our NetZero Club will never forget.   At 4:32 P.M., after all other students had gone home, we got an excited note from one of our faculty sponsors, Mr. Alex Garcia.  “We Won!”  We couldn’t wait to tell the rest of the school the next day.  The exciting news was relayed to the rest of the school the next day over the intercom, and cheers were heard from all the classrooms.  You could hear the depth of the school’s involvement by the volume of the cheers.  NetZero members were especially excited, and a party was planned for the next club meeting.

During the party, we all recounted the most exciting moment of the contest: “operation shutdown” which took place the day before Thanksgiving and Winter Break.  During the 2 month energy contest, there were ‘mini-contests’ over the two breaks.  The schools that reduced their energy use by the greatest percentage over those breaks would win an eGauge whole school energy monitor.  Once installed, the energy monitor could show the students exactly how much energy the school was using at any moment.  So, on the Friday before each break, we turned off everything in the school; staff and students worked to unplug all projectors, refrigerators, lamps, computers, microwaves, dishwashers and everything else we could find.  At the end of operation shutdown, the school was so dark, it was hard to find our way out! Other exciting moments were also recalled, especially coming to school early to hand out slips of paper instructing parents how to take the “Home Energy Action Checklist”, a home survey in which homeowners could earn points in the contest by signing up for EnergySmart or making behavioral changes in the home, such as washing clothes in cold water or taking shorter showers.  We also recalled hanging posters in the hallways of the school reminding the Summit community to save energy and the excitement of seeing how involved the teachers and staff  were in the contest.  They even offered to use only one refrigerator! But, we all agreed that the best thing of all about the contest was the support and enthusiasm of the school and community.

At the party, we talked about the upcoming events winning the contest would provide for us: a “Flip the Switch” event celebrating the installation of the panels, going to the Superintendent’s Honor Roll for our efforts to reduce energy usage in our building, getting invitations to go to environmental conferences all over the state, and gaining at least 15 more members in our small, 15 member club.

Even though we have moved onto other endeavors, such as encouraging a ban on paper and plastic bags in Boulder, encouraging students to use alternative transportation to get to and from school, and improving our recycling program, we excitedly await the day when we come back to Summit in 10 years, point to the roof and tell our friends, “We did that.  We won those solar panels.”

We feel winning solar panels has been a turning point for Summit’s NetZero Club- this endeavor showed us and our community that when many young people come together, great things can be achieved.  As Margaret Mead famously said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

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Flip the Switch Programs
The public is invited to join students, residents and faculty in celebration of “Flip the Switch”

2012 “Flip the Switch” Celebrations at Winning Schools

Horizons K-8 School [Lighthouse Solar]
May 16, 2:45 p.m.

Erie High School
[Lighthouse Solar]
May 16, 10:25 a.m.

Summit Middle School [Custom Solar]
May 31, 2:15p.m.

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By Summit Middle Charter School’s NetZero Club, Center for ReSource Conservation

These new high-quality, energy-efficient, right-sized townhomes are built by Boulder Creek Life and Home, pioneers in residential development for the “active lifestyle” homeowner. This well respected local builder has delighted Boulder County homeowners with quality-built, low-maintenance homes to accommodate people’s desire for active, easy lives.

Kingsbridge is set in a quiet area of west Longmont, within a mile of shopping and restaurants, with amazing recreational opportunities nearby – trails, hiking, skiing and tourist activities.

Two new Kingsbridge homeowners
A few weeks ago Nick Cunningham moved from a condo in north Longmont into his new Kingsbridge townhome. “I wanted to upgrade and also find a convenient location,” he says. An engineer, he works in the south end of Longmont, so the Kingsbridge location suits him well.

Cunningham was attracted to Kingsbridge by the home itself, a Florence model. “I liked the exterior design, layout and landscaping; on the interior, the floor plan, the attached two-car garage–usually, at this price, you would get a one-car detached garage. You go up the stairs into the house, and there are lots of windows, and sunlight going through the whole place. I really liked the ergonomics of the kitchen–the bar coming out separating the kitchen and dining room; it lends itself to conversation and socializing.” The Florence floor plan offers two bedrooms, each with its own attached bathroom. He is using one of the bedrooms as an office.

“The house is worth the price. It offered a lot of value. I found some other interesting places, but for the value, this was at the top of the list.”

He is enjoying life in his new neighborhood. “When I moved in, the people two doors down came over and introduced themselves. I met the people next door when they were moving in.” He especially likes the “little decks, or porches, off the living room. They give you some privacy, but they’re not so secluded you can’t wave to your neighbor going by.”

On his very first night, he was pleased to get a good night’s sleep. “It’s very quiet here.”

Another plus: “The houses are built green. I hadn’t thought much about it, and then during the walkthrough the builder described everything–like the furnace and water heater. It’s a very efficient house. It’s the nice icing on the cake.”

Another new homeowner, Eriko Musselman, will be moving from Loveland into her Kingsbridge townhome later this month. “I work in Boulder, which is way too expensive. I really like the area where Kingsbridge is.”

She has a new puppy, named Cooper. They scouted the neighborhood and were pleased to see the walking trails. “I needed to find a place that’s dog-friendly, that has a garage and storage space. Storage is hard to find with a townhome.”

She, too, chose the Florence model. “I love the floor plan: It’s an open floor plan, with just a step down to the living room, and with two master bedrooms. It was affordable. Plus, the one I chose had all the upgrades.”

“One of the reasons I like this builder is because of the energy efficiency and the way the house is built. This is a good b
uy for the money– a brand-new place with everything they had to offer. Everyone wants to have a brand-new home. Price-wise it was a good buy.”

Built for the way you live
With four floor plans to choose from, the townhomes range in size from 1,400 to 1,793 square feet, each with three bathrooms and either two or three bedrooms, and a private attached two-car garage. The architecture is stylish and imposing, with attractive stonework and columns, and a courtyard concept.

Among the many included features are maintained landscaping throughout the community, 8-foot to 11-foot ceilings on the main floor, birch hardwood cabinets, low-VOC paints and carpeting for healthier indoor air, and Rinnai whole-house tankless water heaters for added energy savings.

“We are selling really well,” says Karen Sanders of the sales team. “Despite the current market, we are selling three homes a month. In Boulder County we are still in first place in townhome building permits and sales.”

The buyers are a mix of baby boomers, empty nesters, people who want a right-sized, low-maintenance, lock-and-leave home so they can pursue their interests, grandparents moving here to be near grandchildren, families including children, and single professionals. The low maintenance and lock-and-leave lifestyle give them time to pursue their activities. The central location affords easy access to Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins and I-25.

Quality-built, green and efficient
Kingsbridge townhomes are constructed to Built Green standards and qualify as Energy Star homes. Each home boasts dozens of green features, such as an Advanced Insulation Package that goes beyond the building code to provide a more comfortable home and results in lower energy costs; and certified composite wood trim and decking materials to reduce the use of natural materials. Homeowners never cringe when their Excel bill arrives. In fact, they look forward to seeing how much they saved on energy costs.

Visit Kingsbridge Townhomes

From Boulder: Head northeast on CO-119 (Diagonal Highway) for 8.7 miles. Turn left (north) on Airport Road. After 1 mile turn left (west) onto Venice Lane. Look for the blue flags. The Information & Sales Center is on the north side of Venice Lane.

From Longmont: Head southwest on CO-119 (Diagonal Highway). Turn right (north) on Airport Road. After 1 mile turn left (west) onto Venice Lane. Look for the blue flags. The Information & Sales Center is on the north side of Venice Lane.

From Denver: Head north on I-25 to exit 240. Turn left (west) on CO-119. Head west through Longmont for 10 miles. Turn right (north) on Airport Road. After 1 mile turn left (west) onto Venice Lane. Look for the blue flags. The Information & Sales Center is on the north side of Venice Lane.

By Judy Finman, At Home Colorado

“Pools are a great investment, and the vast majority of owners say their pool is a great place to entertain,” says Bill Weber, president and CEO of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP). “Fortunately, some simple upgrades and renovations can help pool owners enjoy their investment even more.”

APSP points to five renovations that can offer homeowners the most satisfaction and value for their investment. The Association suggests homeowners consult with and hire an APSP-certified professional for the best possible results from any of these renovations:

Resurfacing
If your in-ground pool is made from concrete, time and use can cause the surface to deteriorate and become rough or even cracked. Resurfacing can restore the beauty and comfort of the pool and extend its functional life. Choose options that provide durability, and consider multiple manufacturers’ products to ensure the best selection. For pools with a vinyl interior, a host of new patterns, available for replacement liners, can transform the appearance of the pool overnight. Fiberglass pool owners also have several resurfacing options. Consult with an APSP-certified professional to determine the best product to make your fiberglass pool look like new.

New tile
Just as a kitchen backsplash can transform the overall look of the room, tile can set the tone for how your pool looks. Pool tile options are vast, and changing the tile is one of the most dramatic improvements you can make; it will give you the biggest bang for your buck in terms of appearance.

Change the look of the pool deck
The current design trend is to extend the look of interior flooring out into the pool area to create the effect of an outdoor family room. Deck choices range from man-made and natural materials to staining existing concrete. Know that old concrete does not necessarily need to be removed. Often you can fix unsightly cracks and dated concrete decks with a thick overlay and new finish.

Add a water feature
Installing a waterfall or fountain is a great way to bring the sound and beauty of moving water to your outdoor environment. Water features also create a strong focal point for the pool. A dramatic spillover or sheer water feature can be dynamic additions to an ordinary pool.

 Lighting
While safety is a primary function of lights, today’s pool lighting also adds touches of beauty and pizzazz. Standard incandescent and halogen pool lights are functional staples, and fiber optic lighting can add striking color to a nighttime poolscape. Fiber optics are especially great around pools and landscaping because there’s no electrical current to worry about. Long-lasting LED replacement lights can typically be installed with little or no modification to the existing pool. The colored LED lights can create an entirely new mood around your pool while providing energy savings at the same time.

“Of course, there are many more renovations and improvements to consider,” Weber says. “Digital controls make operating pool equipment easier than ever, allowing you to control lighting, heating and cleaning with the touch of the button. And upgrades like adding a salt chlorinator system, solar cover and heater can improve the functionality and efficiency of a pool.”

Keep in mind, you don’t have to do everything at once. Pool renovations can be done over several seasons, allowing you to make the improvements and fund your investment at a pace that works for you. Of course, to ensure you get the most for your money, you’ll want to hire an experienced pool contractor. You can find an APSP certified building or service professional through the organization’s website, www.apsp.org. APSP-certified professionals are required to demonstrate proven knowledge of design, construction and service, follow a strict code of ethics, and must engage in continuing education to maintain their certification.

“Most renovations are quite affordable, and can dramatically change the look of your backyard,” Weber says. “It’s important to ensure your project is performed by a certified professional who can help you turn your vision into reality safely, efficiently and cost-effectively.”

Article Resource Association

MLS #: 677728 Price: $ 422,5003 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms Total Square Feet: 1455

Upgraded Creekside Gem in the heart of Boulder close to CU, Pearl St, Naropa, and 29th Street Mall. This condo features vaulted living areas and has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, slab granite counters in kitchen & bath, maple floors, stainless appliances & Kohler fixtures. South facing 20 x 9 brick paver deck overlooking seasonal creek. Two Decks to enjoy Boulder, Colorado living at its best. Currently rented thru April for $ 2100. Projected rent for next cycle is $ 2300.

This property is a great chance for a lucritive investment property. Investing in real estate is still one of the most surefire investments you can make these days. This is especially true in places like Boulder Colorado where renter are more common than homeowners because of the cities college demographic.

Questions Or To Set A Showing Call Us At: (888)357-6429

Boulder Colorado Real Estate Blog