Top Ten Sales - Boulder/Broomfield Counties - February 15-28, 2011

At the recent Vectra Bank Business For Breakfast the Colorado economy was the prime topic.  One of the state's leading economists, Dr. Phylis Resnick from the Center for Colorado's Economic Future, says that we can expect to experience a "new normal" for the time being.  This translates to slower growth in most economic variables and slightly higher long-term unemployment rates. The good news is that Americans are saving again, with personal savings rates returning to levels not seen since the 1908's. Colorado real per capita personal income dipped a little in 2009-2010 but is forecast to see a slow but steady upward climb.  The bad news is that there will be a continued gap between Expenditures and Revenues for the State of Colorado with no end in sight.  This means our local communities will continue to be challenged to maintain the amenities and services we have been so accustomed to.


Approximately every other week Colorado Landmark provides detailed information on the real estate actvity in Boulder and Broomfield Counties from the past two weeks. Hopefully our analysis will help reveal what properties are selling, at what prices, how long they are are taking to sell, and other relevant information about what's going on in OUR local area - Boulder County and Broomfield County.

For the two week period from February 15 through February 28, 2011 here are the numbers:

•148 properties sold (compared to 197 for same period in 2010)
•Price range of properties sold during this period: $60,000 - $2,500,000
•Median price: $287,000
•Average price: $389,586 (down from $420,907 for last period examined)
•$0-199k = 34 sold this period
•$200-299K = 41 sold
•$300-399k = 24 sold
•$400-499k = 17 sold
•$500-599k = 10 sold
•$600-699k = 9 sold
•$700-799k = 1 sold
•$800-899k = 5 sold
•$900-999k = 2 sold
•$1.0-1.9M = 4 sold
•$2.0M+ = 1 sold

Top Ten Listings Sold during this period:

Information obtained from MLS and public record.

Each period's Top Ten numbers continue to point to the potentially fatal ramifications of over-pricing.  This period the glass-half-full view is that 5 of the top 10 properties examined sold for 90% or more of their original asking price.  The flip side of that is that the remaining five sold for 77.5% or LESS than their original asking prices.  The property on Bellevue Dr. sold for a dismal 56.8% of it's original 2007 asking price.  The key here is the 2007 ... it took 1000 days for this property to sell.  Now we expect that properties of this caliber can take a year or more to sell, but almost 3 years?  That's a total miss on the pricing mark from the get-go.  2539 Briarwood sold for 77.5% of it's asking price after a ridiculous 1334 days on the market.

The other part of the glass-half-full is that only NONE of the above properties sold for less than what the owners paid for it.  That is great news!  It is impossible to tell if these owners put in any improvements that would have increased their basis significantly, but if not then all of these lucky folks did a little better than break-even.  As I said last time, homeowners can't assume that their housing is going to be a big money-making investment - key word = housing, when it comes down to it that is what your home is.  Homeowners also should not be surprised if they encounter a few more realtors out there that are willing to turn down the opportunity to list their house.  You know a good realtor when they turn down your listing because you can't agree with them on price.  No amount of marketing and internet exposure can make up for pricing too far beyond what the market can bear.

Your takeaway here is the following advice on Selecting a Listing Agent: 

• If you are considering listing your home, interview at least 3 realtors.  Ask each about their experience selling homes in YOUR SPECIFIC neighborhood.  If they don't have it, show them the door.  What different skill sets do they bring to the table? How will they alter their marketing strategy if your home doesn't sell quickly?
• Ask each for an opinion of likely sale price and therefore best list price.  IMMEDIATELY throw out the high one.  Seriously!  Don't get sucked in to overpricing your home by a realtor that just wants another listing in their inventory and will tell you what you want to hear.  If you hear what you want to hear, consider that a big red flag. 
• Don't necessarily choose the realtor that you "like" best.  The goal here isn't to make a life-long friend, it is to sell your house, for the highest price, as quickly as possible so that it is the least inconvenience to you.

Until next time ...

Pam Metzger
Director of Relocation and Business Development
Colorado Landmark, Realtors
800-737-MOVE
http://www.coloradolandmark.com/  
www.facebook.com/COLandmark  
www.facebook.com/365ThingsBoulder

Top Ten Sales - Boulder/Broomfield Counties - January 1-15, 2011

Modest improvement ... deals but no steals ... new companies sniffing around the Boulder-Longmont-Broomfield corridor ... those are the words on the street.  "Colorado is expected to add 10,100 jobs in 2011, with most sectors showing some growth," according to economist Richard Wobbekind of the University of Colorado.  Most area experts think that Colorado's economy will track with the national economy and show slow, steady growth over the next year.

The holidays are always a slow time for home sales, and this year was no exception.  But there is some pent up demand and we are seeing that start to trickle into 2011. 

Approximately every other week Colorado Landmark provides detailed information on the real estate actvity in Boulder and Broomfield Counties from the past two weeks. Hopefully our analysis will help reveal what properties are selling, at what prices, how long they are are taking to sell, and other relevant information about what's going on in OUR local area - Boulder County and Broomfield County.

For the two week period from January 1 through January 15, 2011 here are the numbers:

•85 properties sold (compared to 96 for same period in 2009)
•Price range of properties sold during this period: $43,000 - $2,109,000
•Median price: $300,000
•Average price: $420,907
•$0-199k = 22 sold this period
•$200-299K = 19 sold
•$300-399k = 14 sold
•$400-499k = 8 sold
•$500-599k = 6 sold
•$600-699k = 4 sold
•$700-799k = 4 sold
•$800-899k = 2 sold
•$900-999k = 0 sold
•$1.0-1.9M = 5 sold (none sold during this same period 2010)
•$2.0M+ = 1 sold

Top Ten Listings Sold during this period:

Information obtained from MLS and public record.

It never ceases to amaze me that each period's Top Ten numbers reveal an obvious trend or relevant market statistic.  This period the disappointing news is that our area is definitely seeing negative appreciation in the upper price brackets.

All but one of the homes in this period's list sold for over 80% of their original asking price, which in this market actually isn't that bad for these upper bracket price categories.  The home on Old Tale sold for an embarrassing 50% of the original asking price, and it took over 700 days to do it!  My guess is that if this had been priced in the $1.8-2.2M range it would have sold quicker, and the owners would not have left so much money on the table.  Someone really missed the mark on that one!

But the real story here is the negative appreciation.  Six of the ten homes on the list sold for less this month than they did in previous years from 2003 to 2007.  That time period was our boom, when buyers were scrambling to find good properties, willing to pay anything, and realtors were just taking orders.  We live in a "new normal" now as one of our associates said to me the other day.  Homeowners can't assume that their housing is going to be a big money-making investment, and realtors need to provide more analysis and be willing to turn down a listing opportunity if the seller can't be realistic about the pricing.

The takeaways here for me are the following:

• If you know you will be somewhere for the long haul, then buy what you want, where you want.  But if there is a chance your plans could change in 5 years or less, avoid the higher price points and buy something that would be more widely appealing and attainable to a larger population of buyers.
• Also, if you have a home priced over $700,000 you can expect the market to continue to be quite slow for a while and/or you may not recoup your original purchase price in today's market. Some folks might even have to wait until 2014 for that.
• There is still a market for homes over $1M, especially in the $1-1.5M range, so if you can price your luxury home in that zone you might do well!

Finally, some shameless plugs for our company ... Colorado Landmark, Realtors represented buyers and sellers on 4 sides of the above 10 transactions (or 20 sides total) and we were the only company to participate in more than one transaction on this list.  Also, kudos to Colorado Landmark broker associate Michelle Clifford for selling her listing at 6487 Cherry St.  She priced it well and it sold for 86% of the original asking price, not bad for a property over $2M, and it sold in a year, which is to be expected for a property of this caliber and price point.  Congratulations Michelle!

Pam Metzger
Director of Relocation and Business Development
Colorado Landmark, Realtors
800-737-MOVE
http://www.coloradolandmark.com/  
www.facebook.com/COLandmark  
www.facebook.com/365ThingsBoulder

Open House Tips for Sellers

An open house is a great way to showcase your home, and an opportunity for many people to view your home at once.

Here are some tips to get your home "open house ready":

Curb Appeal is Key: The first thing a prospective buyer notices about a home is the front yard. Cut the grass, trim the hedges, rake those leaves, sweep the sidewalks, and power-wash the driveway. If appropriate for the season, include a few potted flowers to brighten up the entryway.

De-Clutter: A cluttered room can appear too small to buyers. Go through each room and divide belongings into two piles: “keep” and “give up.” Items in the “keep” pile will be used to stage the room, while those in the “give up” pile should be stored elsewhere, or better yet given away. You are not selling your things or trying to impress anyone with them. You are selling your space and buyers can’t visualize themselves or their own things there when there is too much of your stuff in the room. Don’t forget about the outdoor spaces too – de-clutter potted plants, kids’ toys, gardening items, outdoor furniture and accessories, etc…as well.

Make your place “Q-Tip clean.” A properly staged home should be immaculate, or “Q-Tip clean,” This could mean using Q-Tips to clean dead flies out of a windowsill or going around the bottom of the toilet on the floor. The purpose of an immaculate house is more than just making it presentable. If a home is messy or dirty, a buyer may wonder what else about this property hasn’t been cared for, like major and minor maintenance items.

Check the temperature. In winter a warm home is always more inviting than one that has people reaching for their coats. On a hot summer day a cool home can be a welcome oasis to weary home buyers. In warmer weather have windows open for fresh air if it’s not hot outside.

Light it up. Open blinds and window coverings, and turn on all the lights. This helps make the spaces feel bigger, and specially placed lighting can showcase special aspects of the home. It may also be appropriate to have fireplaces and candles lit to create a cozy environment.

Say “Yes” to neighbors. Some sellers are against holding open houses as they can be a magnet for “nosy neighbors”. While this may be the case at times, your neighbors are also a great resource to help get your home sold. Make them feel welcome by letting them know ahead of time that the open house is scheduled, and invite them to come check it out. The more eyes that see your house, the better.

For additional information and resources to help get your home sold quickly, feel free to contact us - we are here to help!

Colorado Landmark, Realtors
(303) 443-3377
www.coloradolandmark.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/COLandmark
Twitter: www.twitter.com/COLandmark

Check out our 356 Things to do in Boulder Page!

Top Ten Sales - Boulder/Broomfield Counties - Dec 1 - 15, 2010 - Location, Location, Location

Our Colorado economy is still struggling but there are signs of improvement. The Denver Post reported this week on job growth in Colorado.  "The primary indicator for any state of economic recovery is job growth, and for the first time in three years, we have experienced three straight months of job growth here in Colorado," Governer Ritter said.  That's good news for housing, but we haven't seen that translate to much sales activity in the last month.  Not surprising though given the time of year, the holidays being traditionally slow for home sales in our area.  The true test will be to see if activity picks up in the February-March-April time frame.

Approximately every other week Colorado Landmark provides detailed information on the real estate actvity in Boulder and Broomfield Counties from the past two weeks. Hopefully our analysis will help reveal what properties are selling, at what prices, how long they are are taking to sell, and other relevant information about what's going on in OUR local area - Boulder County and Broomfield County.

For the two week period from December 1 through December 15, 2010 here are the numbers:

•132 properties sold
•Price range of properties sold during this period: $72,000 - $2,290,000
•Median price: $320,500
•Average price: $389,800

•$0-199k = 31 sold this period
•$200-299K = 28 sold
•$300-399k = 25 sold
•$400-499k = 24 sold
•$500-599k = 11 sold
•$600-699k = 2 sold
•$700-799k = 3 sold
•$800-899k = 1 sold
•$900-999k = 1 sold
•$1.0-1.9M = 5 sold
•$2.0M+ = 1 sold

Top Ten Listings Sold during this period:

Information obtained from MLS and public record.

This period's Top Ten numbers reinforce a very cliche real estate phrase - "Location, Location, Location"!

When markets are bad, especially at the high end, the attributes of location and condition become even more important to the successful sale of a property, and should be carefully analyzed when it comes to pricing a property for the market. 

Properties in highly desireable locations will hold their value in a down market more so than in other areas.  Two examples of this are the properties on Marine and Highland in this week's list above, both with terrific downtown Boulder locations. This is not to say that the other areas listed, like White Hawk Ranch, the close-in mountains, and Lafayette are undesireable, far from it; they are just less so to some buyers than others. The home on Marine St. was priced appropriately and went under contract in a mere 32 days and garnered 99% of the asking price.  The property on Highland Ave. took quite a bit longer to sell - 595 days to contract - but the sellers netted 83.3% of their original asking price, which in this market is not bad for any property priced over $2 million. 

Additionally, these two homes have the highest price per square foot at $492/sq ft for Marine and $592/sq ft for Highland, when compared to other homes on the list.  Several of the other homes have argueably more luxury features, larger lots, and are considerably more spacious yet yielded much lower $/sq ft.  Consider the home on Bitterroot Circle for example - same selling price as Marine, but at $227/sq ft.  The luxury home out in White Hawk Ranch sold for a mere $310/sq ft. 
(using finished square feet above grade for comparison purposes) 

The takeaways here for me are the following:

• If you know you will be somewhere for the long haul, then buy what you want, where you want.  But if there is a chance your plans could change in 5 years or less, consider the location of your next purchase much more carefully with an eye on desireability, walkability and popularity.
• Also, if you have a home priced over $600,000 you can expect the market to continue to be quite slow for a while.  Homes under this threshhold are still selling quite well though!

Happy Holidays everyone! 

Pam Metzger
Director of Relocation and Business Development
Colorado Landmark, Realtors
800-737-MOVE
http://www.coloradolandmark.com/  
www.facebook.com/COLandmark  
www.facebook.com/365ThingsBoulder

Boulder Four-Mile Fire Information and Resources

Here is a list of some websites that have good information on the Boulder Four-Mile Fire:

Boulder Office of Emergency Management - main page for emergency status, updated throughout the day
American Red Cross Disaster Update - day-by-day update of services that are being offered and what to do and what NOT to do in terms of volunteering, dropping off donation items, etc...
Boulder County Government Update Page - daily update of general affected areas, resources, map
Radio Frequencies for Emergency Services -  professional rescuer and amatuer listener radio frequencies used in Boulder County and surrounding areas are provided here.  Law enforcement frequencies are NOT provided.   Also on Radio Reference.
Updated Map of the burn area - provided by Boulder County
Updated List of Homes Damaged or Destroyed - provided by Boulder County
Official Drop Off Site for Donations - provided by Boulder County, plus list of items needed and what items will NOT be accepted
Public Information Resources - provided by Boulder County, information on services offered at the victim assistance center, numbers to call for evacuees, volunteers, etc ...
Information on Air Quality in Boulder County - health information for area residents on air quality issues as a result of the fires
Boulder Daily Camera Fire Coverage - links to all news stories from Boulder's local newspaper, links to live audio feeds, photos, photo submissions, #Boulderfire twitter feed, map
News Report on Fire - story on the fire, with list of links down the left hand side of the article to other other articles, resources, photos, etc...
Photos of Fire Area - Fox News Photo Gallery
Full Fire Coverage - Colorado Daily's coverage page, links to stories, photo galleries, videos, maps

For Evacuees and Victims:
Victim Assistance Center - provided  by Boulder County.  Address and list of services offered
Safe and Well website - site provided by the Red Cross to register yourself, search for family and friends
YMCA of Boulder Valley - page on the shelter set up at the Mapleton YMCA
Offers of Help - posed on the Daily Camera website, many people are offering housing, pet help, etc...
Boulder Humane Society - offering assistance for those with displaced pets - this is their page dedicated to info about that
Longmont Humane Society - also offering assistance for those with displaced pets, main page
How to Get Help - comprehensive list from Daily Camera
Forum for People Needing/Offering Help - from Sparkplace.com, a clearinghouse of offerings


Facebook Pages
Boulder County
Red Cross Mile High Chapter
Boulder Office of Emergency Management

Twitter Links - also check for posts using the hashtag #Boulderfire
Boulder County
Red Cross Denver
Boulder Office of Emergency Management
Colorado Division of Emergency Management
EPIC Colorado - CU research effort in emergency information
Boulder Police Department

How to help/donate:
Call 211 - this will connect you to the United Way's central clearinghouse for donations.  United Way is supporting the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.  Most likely they will take down your name, contact info and details about what you would like to donate rather than give you specific instructions. 
Salvation Army - currently providing meals to the firefighters via a mobile kitchen and cold truck

American Red Cross - currently helping evacuees and victims by providing shelter, meals, needed items.  They are currently stating on their Twitter page that people should bring donation items to 3111 28th Street in Boulder, NOT the Mapleton YMCA.

Boulder County Volunteer Connection - volunteer information and referral center for Boulder County

Fight the Boulder Fire - central site for volunteer and donation information, plus live Twitter feed on everyone posting about #Boulderfire

Daily Camera posting site - post what help you can offer here in the comments section of this article

Citizen Action Team Relief Database - list of many organizations collecting donations, items, drop off sites, items needed

How to Help - comprehensive list from Boulder Daily Camera on ways to assist

Forum for People Needing/Offering Help - from Sparkplace.com, a clearinghouse of offerings

This is only the tip of the iceburg for resources and information.  As soon as we identify and additional set of resources we will post and update.

Colorado Landmark Offers FREE Facebook Class for Boulder Realtors - Friday October 1st

This class is FREE to local Boulder/Broomfield area REALTORS who are members of the Boulder Area Realtor Association, Longmont Realtor Association, or North Metro Realtor Association.  (membership will be verified) 

If you have been wanting to get on Facebook and don’t know how to get started, have an account but don’t know what to do with it, or want to utilize more of Facebook’s features and options then this class is for YOU!  Light snacks will be provided.

Friday, October 1, 2010 – NOON – Boulder office

Colorado Landmark's own Marissa Cannady will be leading this class. Topics covered include:

• How to set up a Facebook page for anyone that does not already have one set up.
• How to find other friends that are on Facebook/add friends/remove friends/block lists
• Wall post overview/photo comments
• How to create and manage lists of friends
• Privacy overview
• Using the search bar in Facebook
• Privacy settings
• Application settings
• Hiding people in your news feed
• Difference between Personal Profile and Facebook Business Page/CO Landmark Page
• How to set up Facebook Pages (aka Fan Pages)
• Promoting your Facebook Page (suggest to friends, etc)

Bring your laptop if you would like and you can get up and running DURING the class!

Please RSVP to pam@coloradolandmark.com by Tuesday, September 28th.

Twitter class … coming soon – stay tuned!

Top Ten Sales - Boulder/Broomfield Counties - Aug 22-28, 2010

There is volatility in the real estate market right now, and an abundance of conflicting news reports and statistics that may be confusing to buyers and sellers. At Colorado Landmark, Realtors we are committed to knowing OUR local market and giving our clients and friends the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.

To that end, periodically we are highlighting the week's real estate actvity in Boulder and Broomfield Counties, to let you know what is selling, at what prices, and how long these properties are taking to sell.

For the week of August 22-28, 2010 here are the numbers:

• 81 properties sold
• Price range of properties sold during this period: $89,500 - $2,495,000
• Median price: $290,000
• Average price: $432,480
• $0-199k = 19 sold this week
• $200-299K = 21 sold
• $300-399k = 12 sold
• $40-499k = 9 sold
• $500-599k = 5 sold
• $600-699k = 5 sold
• $700-799k = 1 sold
• $800-899k = 0 sold
• $900-999k = 2 sold
• $1.0-1.9M = 4 sold
• $2.0M+ = 2 sold

Top Ten Listings Sold during this period:

Information obtained from MLS and public record.





The message this week is pretty obvious - if your home is priced over $1 million and not priced correctly for the market, it is going to take a REALLY long time to sell!  The average days on market (DOM) for homes in this category for this week is 596 days, with 565 days to offer.  That is astounding in itself, but what is even more astounding are the drastic price reductions off of original list price.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to look at the chart and see that the five homes with the longest DOM are the five homes with the most drastic price reductions, from 30% all the way up to 61% off original list price.  If that is not a call to action for sellers, I don't know what is!!

There is only one way to make sure that your luxury home doesn't take 600 days to sell and that is by employing what is called Price Positioning.  Take a look at other relevant active listings and price your home competitively as close to the bottom of that range as you can tolerate.  This plainly is not the time to be greedy.  Be the first home that a buyer in your home's category wants to look at.  If your price is compelling the buyer won't want to leave the house without making an offer for fear that someone else will buy it first.  Here's your takeaway for the week - Be THAT seller.

Pam Metzger
Director of Relocation and Business Development
Colorado Landmark, Realtors
303-443-3377
@pmcolorado
www.facebook.com/COLandmark

Why would I want to be a homeowner?

There has been a lot of tough news coming out this week about the real estate market and overall economy in general. Everywhere you look you see dismal statistics and talk about things like depreciation, record housing inventory levels, foreclosures, shadow inventory, and many experts questioning if buying a house is still a good investment.

Unfortunately, the recent real estate boom (and resulting bust) has skewed our perception about what owning a home really means. Sure - we would all love it if we could continue to experience huge appreciation and growing equity just by paying our mortgage each month. But what about the less tangible benefits of homeownership?

An August 2010 report by the National Association of Realtors discussed the Social Benefits of Housing. Some of the findings include statistics that show that family units in houses with homeowners (versus houses with renters) experience:

- A higher rate of teens staying in school
- A lower rate of teen pregnancy
- Higher educational achievement (and higher earnings as a result)
- Higher civic participation in the local community

Of course there is an even more personal side to our homes. In our homes we build our lives with our partners, raise our children, play with our pets. We celebrate holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and all those major life milestones. We cook, garden, entertain, decorate, and relax. Our homes are our sanctuary - the place we can go to feel safety, security, and unconditional love. We make memories in those little moments of our everyday lives: in the meals and laundry and homework.

So maybe you aren't going to experience double-digit appreciation on your home in the future. Maybe you won't be able to refinance and take out a new loan that is 105% of the value to buy a shiny new car or take a a European vacation. But that doesn't mean that we should all give up on homeownership. Let's not forget all the other benefits that we experience as homeowners every single day.

Jennifer Fly

Colorado Landmark, Realtors
303-443-3377
jenniferfly@coloradolandmark.com
Twitter: @jenflycolorado

Top Ten Sales - Boulder/Broomfield Counties - Aug 9-15, 2010

There is volatility in the real estate market right now, and an abundance of conflicting news reports and statistics that may be confusing to buyers and sellers.  At Colorado Landmark, Realtors we are committed to knowing OUR local market and giving our clients and friends the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.

To that end, periodically we will highlight the week's real estate actvity in Boulder and Broomfield Counties, and let you know what is selling, at what prices, and how long these properties are taking to sell.

For the week of August 9-15, 2010 here are the numbers:

• 83 properties sold
• Price range of properties sold during this period: $110,000 - $875,000
• Median price: $360,000
• Average price: $386,986

 Top Ten Listings Sold during this period:

  

Information obtained from MLS and public record.

Clearly the high end of the market is taking a beating.  Bad news for sellers, but great news for qualified buyers looking for bargains.  

Takeaway for this Week - DON'T overprice your home!  Of course neither you or your realtor want to leave money on the table, but the Kelly Road property is a perfect example of what happens when you make the mistake of overpricing.  Your property sits and sits, and gets stigmatized.  When and IF it finally sells, it will sell FAR below what it might have if it was priced correctly to begin with.  My guess on this one is that it might have sold in the high $700's or even low $800's if priced appropriately in 2008.

Action Items, Do's and Don'ts -  Sellers: interview several listing agents, and tell them to give you the honest truth about what your property is worth.  And DON'T make them feel bad for being honest!  If you need to sell now, you can't afford to have someone blowing cherry smoke in your face.  DON'T list with the realtor who tells you what you hoped to hear (i.e. the highest price); instead DO list with the realtor who gives you the most concrete set of facts, has the most effective marketing plan, and sets realistic expectations.  Agree with your realtor to price position your property to obtain a sale in 90 days or less.

Pam Metzger
Director of Business Development and Relocation
Colorado Landmark, Realtors
@pmcolorado
@COLandmark
@365Boulder
www.facebook.com/COLandmark
www.facebook.com/365ThingsBoulder

2010 Fireworks Shows - Boulder and Beyond

Looking for ideas for the 4th of July?

Look no further!


Colorado Landmark, Realtors in Boulder, along with our friends at Perry & Co. in Denver have compiled the below list of what's happening on the Front Range on July 3rd and 4th, 2010.

Arvada: July 4 3pm-10pm Contact: 720-898-7000 North Jeffco Park & Recreation District 13150 W. 72nd Ave. Arvada, CO Various activities, events for children, food, live music, and more. 25 mins of Fireworks at 9pm.

Aurora: July 4 starting at 6pm Contact: 303-739-7756 Aurora Municipal Center 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy. Aurora , CO 80012 U.S. Army Ivy Band performance – Huge fireworks display (25 minutes) on Great lawn (west side of Aurora Municipal Center) with patriotic simulcast provided by KEZW radio. Food and beverage booths.

Boulder: July 4 8:30pm Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast! Folsom Field Boulder, CO Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra followed by Fireworks display at 9:30pm

Broomfield: July 4 7pm Contact: 303-464-5509 Broomfield County Commons Park 13200 Sheridan Blvd. Broomfield, CO 80020 Various family activities, free concert by Funkiphino at 7pm. Fireworks around 9:15

Brighton: July 4 9pm Friendship Park S. 8th St. & Southern St. Brighton, CO. Concert & Fireworks around 9pm

Castle Rock: July 4 6pm-11pm Enjoy a concert in the park, food and beverage vendors and beer sales prior to an intense fireworks show at the Metzler Ranch Community Park, 4175 Trail Boss Road.

Commerce City: July 4 7pm-10pm Colorado Rapids game Contact: 303-727-3500 Dick’s Sporting Goods Park 6000 Victory Way Commerce City, CO 80022 Fireworks following the home Rapids vs New York Red Bulls soccer game

Denver – Coors Field: July 2 & 3 6pm-10pm Contact: 303-292-0200 Coors Field Neighborhood Lodo 2001 Blake St Denver , CO 80205 Fireworks after the Rockies vs San Francisco Giants games both nights.

Denver – Denver Country Club July 4 9:30pm Historically the DCC opens their east gate across from Bed, Bath & Beyond about 8:30 to allow friends to watch the fireworks show from the fairway. If not, the best place to watch is north of the Country Club along 1st Ave.

Denver – Invesco Field: July 4 7pm Denver Outlaws game Contact: 720-258-3000 Invesco Field at Mile High 1701 Bryant St. Denver, CO 80204 Fireworks after Outlaws vs Bayhawks lacrosse game.

Edgewater: July 3 4pm-10pm Contact: 303-238-7803 x. 28 Citizens Park 2431 Chase St. Edgewater, CO Fireworks start around 8:45pm

Englewood: July 4 3pm-10pm Contact: 303-762-2300 Belleview Park (near the corner of Windermere and Belleview) 5001 S. Inca Dr., CO 80110 Field games, activities, and live entertainment from 3 – 9 pm. The grand finale is Fireworks at 9:30 pm.

Estes Park: July 4 Lake Estes. Grab front-row seats early on the lake shore and enjoy free music until the fireworks begin. The show starts about 9:30pm, weather permitting. Festivities earlier in the day include a pancake breakfast, a patriotic concert and a classic car show. 970-577-6400.

Glendale: July 3 9:30-11pm Infinity Park 950 S. Birch St. Glendale, CO 80246 Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 PM. There will be at least two big festivals in the city that day – one at Whole Foods; and the other, the Sam Taylor’s Brew ‘n’ Que, at Infinity Park (please note that fireworks viewing will be limited at the Infinity Park site).

Fort Collins: July 4 11am – 10pm Live music, a beer garden and good ole American fun in the Town Square. Fireworks shot over City Park Lake at 9:35pm.

Glendale – Four Mile Historic Park: July 4 10am-4pm Four Mile Historic Park 715 S. Forest St. Denver, CO 80246 Various activities, games, music, etc. but no fireworks show.

Golden: July 4 12pm-10pm Lions Park 1300 10th St & Maple St. Golden, CO 80401 Children’s activities, free rides, food, music Fireworks at 9:30pm

Greeley: July 4 10pm Fireworks following the concerts at Island Grove Park.

Green Valley Ranch: July 4 8-9:30pm Green Valley Ranch Amphitheatre 4890 Argonne Way Denver, CO 80249 At Amphilitheater & Place Concert, etc

Highlands Ranch: July 4 11am-10pm Directly across from Town Center, at the intersection of Highlands Ranch Parkway & Blake Dr. Highlands Ranch Town Center, and Civic Green Park are great locations to watch the show. Balloon Twisters, Face Painters, Vern’s Mini Train, Hayrack Rides, Games & Inflatables, Eurobungee, parades, 5k and 3 live bands. Fireworks around 9:30pm

Lakewood: July 3 1pm-10pm at Jefferson County Sports Stadium located at 500 Kipling St & 6th Ave. Art Activities, Games and Rides for the kids. Live Music, Arts & Crafts, Entertainment, and a Beer Garden for the adults. Fireworks at 9:30pm

Littleton: July 4 3pm-10pm Contact: 303-762-2300 Belleview Park (near the corner of Windermere and Belleview) 5001 S. Inca Dr., CO 80110 Field games, activities, and live entertainment from 3 – 9 pm. The grand finale is Fireworks at 9:30 pm.

Lone Tree: July 4 3pm-10pm Sweetwater Park 8300 1/2 Sweetwater Rd. Lone Tree, CO 5K run, parade, children’s activities, etc. Fireworks at 9:15pm

Longmont: July 4 9:30pm Boulder County Fairgrounds located at Hover & Boston. Fireworks at 9:30pm.

Loveland: July 4 8pm Contact: (970) 962-2727 Celebrations at North Lake Park located at the corner of Taft Ave & 29th St. An 80+ member band will play many patriotic favorites culminating with the fireworks show at 9:17pm.

Morrison: July 2 & 3 3pm-10pm Bandimere Speedway 3051 S. Rooney Rd Morrison, CO Fireworks * Jet Cars * Drag Racing * Troop Salute * Games * Rides * Music * Contests * Magicians *Food * Show * Car Toys Aftershock Stage with live entertainment * More! Fireworks at 9:30pm both nights.

Nederland: July 4: This scenic mountain town celebrates a midsummer rite with a noon parade in downtown Nederland; fireworks at dusk over Barker Reservoir; and live music in the evening. 303-258-3266, ext. 23.

Northglenn: July 4 6-10:30pm Contact: 303-450-8800 EB Rains Jr. Memorial Park 11801 Community Center Dr. Northglenn, CO 80233 Numerous activities. Fireworks at 9:30pm

Parker: July 3 6-10pm Contact: 303-841-0353 Salisbury Park, 9200 Motsenbocker Rd in Parker. Live music, food vendors and children’s activities. The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m.

Westminster: July 4 7pm Contact: 303-430-2400 ext. 2223 Westminster City Park 10455 Sheridan Blvd. Westminster, CO Concert by the Nacho Men, food vendors Fireworks at 9:15pm.
A HUGE thanks to our wonderful friends at Perry & Co. for compiling this list. Perry & Co. is a Denver tradition, specializing in Denver residential, commercial, land, and investment properties.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July holiday from Colorado Landmark, Realtors!

Check out 365 Things to Do in Boulder on Facebook, Twitter

Colorado Landmark, Realtors is proud to sponsor a new resource for anyone interested in all things Boulder.

365 Things to Do in Boulder can now be found on Facebook and Twitter!

Every day we will update the Facebook page and Twitter stream to add a new "Thing" to do in the Boulder area.  Some "Things" will be free, some may cost you a few coins, but all are guaranteed to be fun, interesting and quintessentially Boulder.  We live in a wonderful community full of rich opportunities - cultural, educational, outdoors, family-oriented, political, epicurean, spiritual, alternative, musical, etc... we could go on and on and on. 

We look forward to celebrating our community with you in this way.  Subscribe to the Twitter feed, and "Like" the Facebook page - you won't be disappointed!

If you have suggestions for "Things" please let us know.  We are more than happy to support local businesses, organizations and events!

Boulder - one of the best places to live in 2010

This week, RelocateAmerica released their 2010 Breakout Lists for the Best Places to Live in 2010. It's no suprise to us that Boulder made not one, but FOUR of the lists including:

• Top 10 Overall Cities
• Top 10 Earth-Friendly Cities
• Top 10 Recovery Cities
• Top 10 Recreation Cities - #1 on this list!

According to RelocateAmerica's website, Boulder was chosen because of the "unique quality of life" that Boulder residents enjoy. This includes the stunning natural beauty of the Colorado front range, access to parks and mountain trails, performing arts, fantastic restaurants, the University of Colorado and innovative economic and technological development. Of course our beautiful climate with close to 300 days of sunshine a year doesn't hurt either.

We are lucky to live and work in such an amazing place. If you are thinking of relocating to the Boulder/Broomfield area and would like to receive some relocation information, or if you have any questions about this wonderful place we live, please contact a Colorado Landmark Realtor or our relocation deparment at info@coloradolandmark.com.

Jennifer Fly

Colorado Landmark, Realtors

(303) 443-3377

jenniferfly@coloradolandmark.com

Twitter: @jenflycolorado

10 Home Maintenance Tips for Spring

Spring has sprung in Boulder! The sun is shining and the flowers are blooming. Is your home ready for the heat of the summer?

After months of freezing temperatures, bitter wind, and snow that hung around a lot longer than we are all used to, chances are that your home could use a little attention.

Here are some tips to keep your home in top shape as we move in to the warm, beautiful Colorado months.

1. Replace the filters in your furnace, humidifier, and air purifiers

2. Clean gutters and downspouts and make sure they are draining properly away from the house

3. Have your fireplace cleaned and chimney swept and inspected by a licensed professional

4. Consider having your ducts cleaned, this will improve the air quality in your home and make your furnace and A/C run more efficiently

5. Check your roof for any damage that may have occurred over the winter and repair/replace any shingles as needed

6. Have a qualified heating and cooling professional service your air conditioner or evaporative cooler

7. Inspect and seal cracks in your concrete or asphalt driveways

8. Check and clean the clothes dryer vent and stove hood

9. Check all windows and doors, make sure they open and close properly and well-sealed.

10. Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Taking these steps now will ensure that your home is ready for the coming summer months, and will eliminate the need for costly repairs and maintenance in the future.

If you have any questions, real estate related or otherwise, please feel free to contact a Colorado Landmark, Realtors professional. We are here to help!

Jennifer Fly

Colorado Landmark, Realtors

(303) 443-3377

http://www.coloradolandmark.com/

jenniferfly@coloradolandmark.com

Twitter: @jenflycolorado

Musings on Pricing, Sellers and Housing – Boulder and Beyond, Part II

In Part I of my musings I talked about real estate as housing, but a discussion about real estate is not complete without some reference to home prices.

Recently IRES (our local area MLS) had a True-False question on the home screen. Bank-owned homes sell at market prices. True or False? Surprisingly over 60% of respondents (who are realtors by the way ...) chose False. Serious hmmmm. Where is the logic in that? When a home sells for a price, that price reflects what a buyer in the market is willing to pay for that home. Isn’t the price a buyer is willing to pay in essence the “market price”? True! Bank-owned homes DO sell at market prices, and one could even say that they set the trend for prices in a given area. Bank-owned homes and the much dreaded “shadow inventory” will likely set market prices in virtually all areas of the country, and certainly in Boulder County, for at least the next 12-24 months. Sellers, are you listening??

The first time home buyer and move-up home buyer tax credits will expire shortly, and will most likely not be extended. The time to act is NOW, for both buyers and sellers. Buyers, get off your fences. You have between today and April 30th to get under contract on a home purchase. You must close before July 1st. Sellers, slash your prices or gird your loins for the upcoming storm. You have between now and April 30th to get your home under contract before one or all of the following things happen: tax credits expire, interest rates jack up, scores of bank-owned homes hit the market greatly affecting pricing (NOT to your benefit), mortgage markets tighten up again, and home prices in our neck of the woods take a much feared double dip. All of these things could happen, making it a “perfect storm” of trouble for home sellers, even in Boulder and Broomfield Counties.  We are not immune here, despite what some would like to think.

Colorado Landmark, Realtors is committed to matching home buyers and sellers at market prices. To this end on April 10th and 11th we are participating in the Nationwide Open House Weekend and having a “Tax Break Home Sale”. We are working with many of our home sellers and have successfully reduced asking prices on some of our existing inventory by 3% or more! Just in time to get a home under contract before the April 30th tax credit deadline. These discounted homes will be held open Saturday and/or Sunday, April 10th and 11th.

Colorado Landmark, Realtors is at the cutting edge, setting the market in Boulder and Broomfield Counties, and beyond. Check out our Open House schedule at http://www.landmarkopenhouse.com/ on RELO Homesearch, at our company website Open House page, and in the Boulder Daily Camera real estate section both April 10th and 11th.

Hope to see you at one of our open homes!  Please contact me if you have thoughts or questions about the tax incentives for 1st time and move up buyers.  I welcome your feedback.

Pam Metzger
Director of Business Development and Relocation
Colorado Landmark, Realtors
twitter = @pmcolorado
pam@coloradolandmark.com

Steve Remmert of Colorado Landmark, Realtors Hosts Boulder Easter Egg Hunt!

Boulder real estate expert Steve Remmert hosts his Annual Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt in conjunction with Boulder Lending Group.

Sunday, April 4 @ 12:00 noon

North Boulder Park

•Open to children of all ages

•Bring a basket to collect your goodies

•Special appearance by the Easter Bunny

•Bongo the Clown

•Face Painting

•Juggling Show

•Golden Eggs and special prizes

For questions contact Steve Remmert directly 303-302-8833 or sremmert@coloradolandmark.com

Environmental Landmark in Boulder Real Estate SOLD by ... Colorado Landmark!

Joel Ripmaster, President and Owner of Colorado Landmark, Realtors, has successfully closed on the Next West Home, at 429 Spruce Street in Boulder, CO for a sales price of $2.2 million.

The home garnered local and national attention for its LEED Platinum certification and "Net Zero Carbon" status - one of the first homes in America to hold such a title. Built by the Zero Carbon initiative, the home is a mixture of luxury features and sustainable building techniques, employing technology such as solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, gray water and direct plumbing systems. Materials included 100-year old recycled brick, FSC certified wood, LED lighting, energy star appliances, and a garage pre-wired for an electric car.

"With this house we are really building for the future," says Ripmaster. "The quality and workmanship, the ability for the house to take care of itself off the grid, appropriate size and livability, the Next West House is truly a look into the future. In 50-100 years people will look back at this house as the beginning of a new age of building, and as evidence that our generation finally 'got it'."

The buyer was represented by Laura Whittaker-Morningstar, also with Colorado Landmark, Realtors. For more information on this unique home visit http://www.429spruce.com/ .

This remarkable home was also featured on the Luxury Portfolio Fine Property Collection website and blog. Luxury Portfolio is the world's most exciting and innovative luxury home marketing program. Colorado Landmark, Realtors is the only real estate company in the entire Boulder-Denver area to hold the distinction of membership in the Luxury Portfolio Fine Property Collection program. To see all of Colorado Landmark's luxury listings on this fascinating website click here.

Financial Fitness - Your Credit Score - Free Class Offered!

Would you like to know more about credit scores? This class will answer your questions - what they are, who uses them, what actions on your part affect them, what is a good score or a bad score, what kind of score do I need to get a loan to purchase a home or car?

An expert from the Boulder County Housing program will be speaking on these topics to our agents, clients, family and friends.

Colorado Landmark, Realtors is pleased to offer a FREE 1-hour class to our clients and friends.

Wednesday, November 18th

9:00am

Snacks provided! Door Prize!

Please RSVP to Pam at pam@coloradolandmark.com and you will receive a confirmation email with the location of the class.

Roundabout Boulder - A Tutorial

I drive to work almost every day down Pine Street in downtown Boulder between Folsom and Broadway, and each day I realize how lucky I am to live and work in such a wonderful community. However, I think I might need to find a different route because almost every day I arrive at work irritated by drivers on Pine Street who don't know how to negotiate the traffic circles! After stewing about this for some time I thought ... why not take this opportunity to use our blog to educate and inform Boulder drivers on exactly how to drive through these little roundabouts. Then we'll all be safer AND in a better mood!

In some cities, small traffic circles have been constructed in the middle of residential intersections to calm neighborhood traffic. Occasionally, these small circles are called roundabouts or mini-roundabouts. Circles of this type are common in Seattle, WA and Boulder, CO. Definitions of traffic calming vary, but they all share the goal of reducing vehicle speeds, improving safety, and enhancing quality of life. What we have on Pine Street are known as traffic circles, not roundabouts. Per http://www.trafficcalming.org/ traffic circles are raised islands, placed in intersections, around which traffic circulates. They are good for calming intersections, especially within neighborhoods, where large vehicle traffic is not a major concern but speeds, volumes, and safety are problems. B efore the installation of these roundabouts on Pine Street one could observe cars blazing down the street in this otherwise quiet residential neighborhood.

The towns of Erie and Superior also have traffic circles, mini-roundabouts, or roundabouts, so if you drive anywhere in Boulder County it might be a good idea to be familiar with how to negotiate these traffic calming road features.

Okay, so now for the HOW TO portion of this post. The city of Overland Park, KS has a nice little .pdf on their website with a diagram that illustrates how to drive a roundabout. Click on the link to see for yourself or just read on ...

1. Slow down as you approach, be prepared to YIELD, and check the crosswalk for pedestrians and cyclists.


2. Look to your left and check for vehicles already in the traffic circle - vehicles already in the circle have the right of way. Wait for them to flow through and then when there is a gap in the circulation it is your turn, so go ahead and pull into the circle!
   
3. Once you are in the traffic circle YOU have the right of way. Herein lies my big pet peeve - if you are already IN the traffic circle, don't stop! Keep on moving (with caution of course). If you stop you cause a bottleneck for everyone. You don't have to stop and let new cars in the circle - why? Because YOU have the right of way - you were there first! Of course if there is an irresponsible driver who you think clearly intends to disregard traffic circle protocal then by all means slow down or stop to avoid an accident. Otherwise, keep on truckin'!


4. As you approach your exit put on your right turn signal, and then exit the traffic circle.

Now, what if you and another driver arrive at the traffic circle at the exact same time, but at difference entry points? According to SafeMotorist.com the driver on the left should always yield to the driver on the right. The same rules apply for traffic circles as for regular intersections. For instance, if you reach an uncontrolled intersection (i.e. traffic circle) at close to the same time, the vehicle who actually reached the intersection last is the driver who must yield the right of way. If you reach the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left should always yield the right of way.

Congratulations - You survived Traffic Circles 101. Happy driving Boulder!

Disclaimer - I am NOT an expert on traffic circles, or traffic laws in Colorado or anywhere else. For information specific to Colorado please consult the State of Colorado, Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles Colorado Driver Handbook. Page 16 has information on Right of Way. Content in this blog post was obtained via research on the websites mentioned or is my opinion only.

Pam Metzger
Director of Relocation and Business Development
Colorado Landmark, Realtors
pam@coloradolandmark.com
twitter = pmcolorado

Not Too Late - $8000 Free $ for your First Home!

69 Days and Counting! It is not too late to take advantage of the government $8000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers. The Boulder market continues to stay strong, and well priced homes in Louisville and Superior are going under contract in a matter of days. Interest rates have never been better, and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has announced that his findings indicate that the recession is "very likely over".

RealTrends reports that nearly 40% of first-time homebuyers said they would not have bought a home if the federal tax credit for first-time homebuyers was not offered, according to the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) "2009 First-time Home Buyers Tax Credit Survey." Supporting that theory, the IRS recently released a report indicating that approximately 1.4 million taxpayers have filed (or amended) their 2008 income tax returns claiming the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit. This is basically in line with NAR's projections that about 1.8 million taxpayers will ultimately claim the credit during this first round.

Buyers have to close their home purchase transaction prior to December 1, 2009 but there is still time left if you can act quickly and have a knowledgeable real estate professional and a reputable lender. Associates at Colorado Landmark, Realtors can help you identify a suitable home quickly, help you find the right lender, and we will do everything we can to get the transaction to close before the December 1st deadline.

The National Association of Homebuilders has a great Frequently Asked Questions web link regarding this landmark government program. Check this out and then call me here at Colorado Landmark, Realtors and I will be happy to connect you with a real estate professional who can help you in the neighborhoods you are interested in. Good luck! 69 Days and Counting!

Pam Metzger

Director of Relocation

Colorado Landmark, Realtors

pam@coloradolandmark.com

303-443-3377