At Home: Boulder/Longmont Region - 01.01.16 by At Home Colorado

REAL ESTATE Real Estate News, Open Home Listings, Homes for Sale, Rentals and More!

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STYLE AT HOME Renew, refresh for the new year

Quick Guide and Featured Open Homes

How Much Can You Afford To Pay For a House?

Explore the Possibilities With Cypress

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

Many wannabe house purchasers wonder whether they can afford the house they would like to buy or what price range they should be exploring.

Homeowners and savvy design professionals are using natural materials like cypress to transform their creative aspirations into tangible realities.

January 1-2, 2016

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Sales decline in Boulder-area attached dwelling market For the first time this year, year-to-date sales of Boulder County condominiums and townhomes dropped 2 percent through November 2015 compared to the first eleven months of 2014, with 1,483 units sold versus 1,531. However, single-family sales in the Boulderarea continued to show strength with a 10.2 percent increase through November 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 – 4,489 homes sold versus 4,074. The year-to-date decline in attached-unit sales “probably signals that Boulder-area sales will finish the year slightly behind last year or close

to even,” says Ken Hotard, vice president of public affairs for the Boulder Area Realtor® Association. Typical for the season, month-to-month sales decreased in the singlefamily and attached housing categories. Single-family sales in the Boulder-area dropped 29.3 percent in November compared to October – 282 units versus 399. Month-to-month sales of condos/townhomes sales declined 24.6 percent in November with 92 units sold versus 122 sold last month. Hotard notes that inventory continues to decline and he expects it to be an ongoing issue. Single-family home

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TOM KALINSKI RE/MAX of Boulder inventory in the Boulderarea decreased 25 percent in November with 732 units for sale, down from 976 units in October. Inventory of Boulder County condos and townhomes also dropped, declining 26.5 percent in November with 86 units available for sale compared to October’s 117 units. “We’re not seeing new attached housing come online,” Hotard says. He cites construction-defects litigation as one cause of the lack of new building of condo and townhomes. “Builders face significant challenges in insuring product because of the potential cost of litigation. It also feeds into why we see more units built for rental as opposed to ownership in the attached

categories,” he adds. Colorado lawmakers tried to reform Colorado›s construction-defects law in the 2015 legislative session, but those efforts failed. Hotard expects 2016 will bring another round of legislative reform aimed at reducing builders’ legal liability exposure. Pricing in Boulderarea real estate continues to show strength in all housing categories, though buyers are becoming more price sensitive, according to Hotard. “We shouldn’t be overly focused on rising prices. However, we should take steps to diversify the housing stock and provide consumers more choices, whether it is for rent or ownership,” he says. Some options Hotard suggests that could be helpful in the Boulder Valley markets are rethinking occupancy limits, allowing more accessory dwellings, splitting some lots and building several smaller homes instead of a single larger home, and encouraging mixeduse development in appropriate locations. In economic news this week, the Federal Reserve made their longanticipated rate hike,

raising interest rates by 25 basis points. “The increase has by and large already been built into mortgage interest rates, which have pushed a little higher in the last month, but nothing dramatic. They are still historically low,” Hotard says. Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors®, says that an uptick in short-term rates shouldn’t have a big effect on those looking to borrow in 2016. With rates going up by such a small amount, the Fed’s move could serve as a stimulant to the economy, Yun adds. Looking ahead, Hotard expects 2016 to bring continued strength in Boulder County real estate, though he suggests more caution than some economists. A “headwind” on the economy could modestly slow the growth rate of the gross domestic product and jobs. “I think we’ll see a good start to the year,” he says. Tom Kalinski is the Owner/Founder of RE/MAX of Boulder. If you have questions on local real estate call 303.441.5620 or e-mail tomkalinski@ mindspring.com

Contributing Writers: Tom Kalinski, Suzanne Plewes, Jack Guttentag, Staci Giordullo, Mary Carol Garrity, Patricia Sheridan, Alan J. Heavens, Rick Jacquemard

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Additional Content: Tribune News Service, Brandpoint

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January 1-2, 2016

REAL ESTATE

Impact of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates The Federal Reserve announced recently that it will be raising the interest rates on short-term debt. If you’re a homebuyer, you may be concerned about how this may impact a current or future home purchase. This information may help. Why the Federal Reserve chose to raise rates The Federal Reserve had avoided raising rates over the last few years due to the economic crisis. The economy has since improved and strengthened. This current increase in rates is likely to be one of many small increases over the next year. What this means for mortgages The rate increase

directly applies to shortterm debt. Mortgages actually fall under long-term debt, which the Federal Reserve does not have direct control over. Mortgage rates are determined by Mortgage Backed Securities. Thus, they are influenced by Wall Street. Will mortgage rates increase? This is still yet to be seen. In the past, an increase in short-term debt rates has not always been matched by an increase in mortgage rates. However, Wall Street is surely paying close attention to what is going on and there is the potential for mortgage rate increases. For home buyers Current home buyers may notice shifts in the interest rate from day to day, or even multiple

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SUZANNE PLEWES RE/MAX Alliance

times throughout the day. It may even be difficult to lock in rates. If you are a home buyer, it may be best to find a mortgage and lock in your rates sooner rather than later. Additional Federal Reserve rate increases next year will only lead to additional questions on whether mortgage rates will increase as well. Overall, mortgage rates

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are still historically low. In many markets, home prices are on the rise. If you’re waiting to buy a home, you’ll either see home prices continue to rise or the mortgage rates rise. In either case, the cost of home ownership appears to be increasing with time. So, rather than waiting to buy a home,

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BUYING A HOME How much can you afford to pay for a house? By Jack Guttentag, The Mortgage Professor (TNS)

any wannabe house purchasers wonder whether they can afford the price quoted on the house they would like to buy. Or if they have not started their house shopping, they may be wondering what price range they should be exploring. If you intend to buy with cash, you can pretty much answer the affordability question on your own. But if you will need a mortgage, as most home buyers do, the decision is no longer yours alone. A lender is also involved, and behind the lender are multiple government agencies that set rules that the lenders are obliged to follow. These rules define the minimum documentable income and cash borrowers must have, and the maximum debt payments they are allowed to have. In addition, when the purchaser’s down payment is less than 20 percent of the price, mortgage insurance is required at premiums set by private insurers or by FHA. To qualify for the mortgage required to execute a purchase, affordability must be calculated three times using three different rules. These are the “income rule,” the “debt rule,” and the “cash rule.” The final affordability figure is the lowest of the three. 4

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The income rule The income rule says the borrower’s monthly housing expense (MHE), which is the sum of the mortgage payment, property taxes and homeowner insurance premium, cannot exceed a percentage of the borrower’s income specified by the lender. If this maximum is 28 percent, for example, and John Smith’s income is $4,000, MHE cannot exceed $1,120. If property taxes and insurance are $261 and mortgage insurance is $103, the maximum mortgage payment is $756. At 4 percent and 30 years, this payment will support a loan of $158,353. Assuming a 5 percent down payment, this implies a sale price of $166, 687. This is the maximum sale price for Smith using the income rule. Note that the income used to qualify would-be purchasers today is not the income they believe they have but the income that they can document. The documentation rules today are much stricter than they were before the financial

crisis. The debt rule The debt rule says that the borrower’s total housing expense (THE), which is the sum of the MHE plus monthly payments on existing debt, cannot exceed a percentage of the borrower’s income specified by the lender. If this maximum is 41 percent, for example, the THE for Smith cannot exceed $1640. If taxes, property insurance and mortgage insurance are $364, existing debt service of $240 raises the total to $608, reducing the maximum mortgage payment to $1,032. At 4 percent and 30 years, this payment will support a loan of $216,164. Assuming a 5 percent down payment, this implies a sale price of $227,541. This is the maximum sale price for Smith using the debt rule. The Required Cash Rule This rule says that the borrower must have cash sufficient to meet the down payment requirement plus other settlement costs. If

Smith has $20,000 but must allocate $3,000 of that to points and $6,000 to other closing costs, the $11,000 left for down payment at 5 percent will support a price of $220,000. That is the maximum sale price using the cash rule. Since the maximum sale price of $168,094 under the income rule is the lowest of the three affordability measures, it is the affordability estimate for Smith. Removing constraints on affordability When the income rule sets the limit on the maximum sale price, the borrower is said to be income constrained. Affordability of an income constrained borrower can be raised by an increase in the maximum MHE ratio, or access to additional income _ sending a spouse out to work, for example. When the debt rule sets the limit on the maximum sale price, the borrower is said to be debt constrained. The affordability of a debt constrained borrower (but not that of a cash

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constrained or income constrained borrower) can be increased by repaying debt. When the cash rule sets the limit on the maximum sale price, the borrower is said to be cash constrained. Affordability of a cash constrained borrower can be raised by a reduction in the down payment requirement, a reduction in settlement costs, or access to an additional source of down payment – a parent, for example. Using an online calculator to measure affordability Online calculators that measure affordability use two approaches. One approach was used above to explain the three affordability rules. It begins with a potential purchaser whose finances are known, and calculates the maximum price under each of the three rules. The lowest of the three is the affordability estimate. The second approach begins with an assumed house price that the user wants to check. The calculator then shows: • The minimum cash required for the down payment and closing costs. • The minimum monthly income required for the mortgage payment, taxes, homeowners insurance and mortgage insurance. • The maximum allowable non-mortgage debt payments. If the user can meet all three of these requirements, the assumed house price is affordable. My calculator 5a, developed with Chuck Freedenberg, is unique in using both approaches. Users can pick the approach with which they feel most comfortable. Jack Guttentag is professor emeritus of finance at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Comments and questions can be left at www.mtgprofessor.com. January 1-2, 2016

January 1-2, 2016

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LONGMONT ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

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January 1-2, 2016

LIVING SMART

How to get started with home automation By Staci Giordullo, Angie’s List (TNS) If you’re not, shall we say, technically inclined, the idea of using home automation might seem out of this world. But the good news is, there’s a variety of gadgets and gizmos on the market to help even the least tech-savvy person live in a smart home. First steps to a smarter house Rest easy – you don’t have to go “all in” when deciding to embrace home automation. “Pick an initial feature of your home you would use the most in terms of automation, and expand from there,” says Lee Travis, owner of Wipliance in Bellevue, Washington. But also keep in mind that you might want to add more smart technology to your home as time goes on. Investing in products that are compatible with a central automation system will help simplify the process down the road. “A consumer can buy a thermostat or light switches and make them smartphone accessible, and have an app on your phone for each one,” says Kellan C. Warren, vice-president of Kelltech Systems in

Dallas. “But keep in mind what your end goal is and purchase products that get you on that path. Once you start integrating, everything can work together. You can open the garage door, turn on the lights and set the thermostat with one touch. You make the rules.” One of the most popular automation integration systems experts recommend is Control4, which starts around $1,000. “The great thing about products like Control4 Home Automation is that you can install the system to control one feature initially; whether it’s your lights, your entertainment system, your security, or more,” Travis says. “Then as your needs change, you can expand on the existing system with those additional features.” Let there be light Having your lights automatically come on when you walk in a room or being able to turn lights on throughout the house when you’re not home is more than just convenient – it’s a safety issue. You won’t have to worry about stumbling over footstools in the dark or potential

vandals casing a home that appears empty. Get the temperature just right Living an energy-efficient lifestyle not only helps save the planet, but it also pads your wallet. It’s a winwin! A smart thermostat can help you cut down on energy bills by learning your habits and knows when to make the house warmer or cooler just for you. Curtain control Some days you might want to flood your house with sunlight. Other days, you might want to hibernate in the darkness. With automated window treatments, the decision is literally at your fingertips. Automating your blinds, curtains or shutters can

also help keep your home’s interior at a comfortable temperature (blocking that late afternoon sun!) and give you privacy in an instant from the outside world. Shades can be set to open at sunrise and close automatically at sunset, or whatever time you prefer. Under lock and key Still hiding that spare key under the doormat? With the advances in electronic locks and wireless control, you don’t ever have to worry about losing your house key again. Electronic locks allow you to lock or unlock the door from your cell phone or you can set a temporary code and timeframe if you’re expecting a visitor. The lock will also send you a text message when your kid gets home from school – just

like magic! Garage door assurance How many times have you backed out of your driveway, driven halfway down the street and looked over your shoulder to make sure you actually closed your garage door? There’s no need to risk a neck sprain (or running off the road) anymore once you’ve installed a remote access package to your garage door opener. From your smartphone, you can open or close the door and also receive activity notifications of any door movement. Staci Giordullo is a reporter at Angie’s List, a trusted provider of local consumer reviews and an online marketplace of services from top-rated providers.

looking for a REALTOR®? Buy or sell your next home with one of our featured agents. Visit AtHomeColorado.com FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BECOMING A FEATURED AGENT OR TO ADVERTISE CONTACT

Thais Hafer hafert@dailycamera.com 303.473.1456 Mary Romano romanom@dailycamera.com 303.473.1450 Melissa Najera najeram@dailycamera.com 303.473.1452

January 1-2, 2016

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the new year from a friend and customer of mine, Tracy, whose company LWP Advisory LLC “flips” homes and is hired by Realtors to stage homes for sale. The photo is from a Kansas City, Mo., house Tracy had just renovated using some furnishings from Nell Hill’s.

COVERPROFILE

Approach your home with fresh eyes Tracy says we get emotionally attached to the way our homes look, from the floorplan to the furnishings, so it’s often hard for us to see it through new eyes and imagine changes. So she suggests clearing out a room you want to rework. Declutter. Move furniture out of the space. Do whatever it takes to clear your mind and see the room as a blank slate.

The quieter winter months are the perfect time for many of us reevaluate our home’s interior and make some changes. (Handout/TNS)

STYLE AT HOME Renew, refresh for the new year By Mary Carol Garrity, Tribune News Service (TNS)

very year when I take down my holiday decorations, my house seems a little cold and empty. Stripped bare of all those festive greens, ribbons and shining 8

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objects, I see everything I am not so crazy about in my home’s decor, from the nicks and scratches on the walls to the dog hair. While I don’t always like what I see when faced with

the naked truth, I have come to look forward to this eyes-wide-open time of year because it spurs me to make much-needed changes in my home. The quieter winter months are

the perfect time for many of us reevaluate our home’s interior and make some changes. But where do you start? Here are some ideas for refreshing your home for

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Call attention to interesting architectural features Does your home have interesting architectural elements you can highlight in your re-do? Maybe you have arched doorways, lovely windows or unique built-in cabinetry. In her model home, Tracy wanted to focus in on the reclaimed wood she used throughout, from the ceiling beams to an old barn door she put on sliders. She kept her palette neutral so your attention would go to things like the stone fireplace and reclaimed wood paneling. Then, she played up her theme just a touch by adding in a few industrial elements, like using rebar as spindles in the stairway leading to the basement. I fell in love with the unique carpet treatment she used on the stairs – alternating patterns on each step, one a plaid, the next a botanical. “You have to use a light hand when working with a theme,” she cautioned. If you overdo, you spoil the effect. So, edit yourself mercilessly. January 1-2, 2016

Create a palette you can build upon Does your home’s current palette allow you enough flexibility to make changes when you want? Or, are you locked in to a color scheme that you no longer love? Tracy and I both believe strongly in the power of starting your home with a neutral palette, which acts like a blank canvass. When you go more neutral in your flooring and walls, for example, it allows you the freedom to go many different directions with your furniture, fabrics and accents. Freshen up your paint Paint has the power to completely transform the look of a space. Every January, we touch up all our paint, and I’m always amazed by how much brighter and cleaner the store looks with a fresh coat. Your home is the same, whether you are repainting with the same colors or going in a brand new direction. When Tracy repaints the homes she flips, she selects a color she likes, then has it mixed in a light, medium and darker version. She likes how using variations on one tone helps the rooms flow one into the other. Update your furnishings Take an honest look at your furniture. Do you love it? Is it in good shape? How well does each piece work in your newly freshened space? Maybe this is the time to replace a piece or two. Tracy and I agree that adding an upholstered ottoman is a great way to give a room a B12 shot. If you have a favorite, comfy but worn-out chair, get it reupholstered in a fresh new fabric. Perhaps all you need is a new set of accent pillows on you sofa and chairs. Create drama We all need a little drama in our lives, don’t we? When she stages homes for January 1-2, 2016

resale, Tracy always makes sure each room has a little shock and awe. Among her favorite tools are architectural elements like columns because she knows that when you bring in height, drama follows. She tops them with urns filled with organic elements. She is partial to decorating with rustic pieces like driftwood and aged wooden dough bowls. Make a room sing with artwork, area rugs and accents “Art and rugs can make or break your home,” Tracy says. “You can have all the best furniture in the world, but if you have the wrong art and rugs, you can ruin it. Great art sets off a room.” The art and rugs you pick need to speak to you, because they are at the heart of the space you are creating, she explains. You have to be passionate about them. Never, ever buy a piece of art you aren’t crazy about just because the colors work over your sofa, she cautions. Similarly, select accents that reflect your personality and interests, that tell your family’s story. Don’t be in a rush When you get in a hurry to redo a room, you make mistakes, Tracy warns. Take your time determining your vision for your entire home and the space you’re focusing on. Instead of picking up pieces for the room here and there, she creates a master plan, then is purposeful about finding the individual elements that will bring it to life. She pulls out swatches and selects the window treatments, upholstered furniture, pillows and trim, and bedding so the fabrics work well together throughout the entire house. This column was adapted from Mary Carol Garrity’s blog at www.nellhills.com. She can be reached at marycarol@nellhills.com.

HGTV's 'Fixer Upper' host introduces furniture line By Patricia Sheridan, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS) HIGH POINT, N.C. – The Standard Furniture showroom felt more like a gathering of rock groupies than a furniture introduction. Hundreds of enthusiastic fans of the HGTV show “Fixer Upper” filled the showroom waiting for stars Chip and Joanna Gaines. The couple from Waco, Texas, brought their four young children to debut the collection Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines. The collection has six genres: Primitive, Boho, Industrial, Farmhouse, French Inspired and Traditional. “It was the fastest turnaround I have ever seen,” said Roy Yates, chief merchandising officer for Standard Furniture. “It went from conception to production in 100 days.” Joanna Gaines, who designed each item, said her influences include her frequent flea market expeditions. On the show, she is often seen working late into the night. “I have always been kind of wired that I do best under pressure,” she said. “It was fun lighting a candle, turning up the music and starting to draw out ideas. That was my favorite part.” Gaines said it was a big undertaking, but she was excited about designing furniture for the manufacturer based in Bay Minette, Ala. “It is something I am passionate about. It was worth the late

Star of HGTV's "Fixer Upper" Joanna Gaines introduced her new line of furniture, Magnolia Home, at the Fall High Point Market. (Patricia Sheridan/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/TNS) nights.” A big fan of French doors and kitchen islands, she often incorporates them into the houses she and her husband rehab for the show. So islands are among the 400 products included in the collection of furniture and accessories. “All the hardware we had custom-made for her,” said Tom Ussery, executive vice president of sales for Standard. No two pieces are exactly alike because they are hand-finished with paint brushes. The brush marks give the furniture a very authentic found feel. The collection’s six

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categories cover all of the bases. Boho has midcentury modern elements and Farmhouse features worn finishes and scalloped edges. French Inspired has a vintage vibe, while Industrial incorporates aged metals. Primitive uses simple carving and turned legs but is not the same as Traditional, which is just that with a fresh twist. There are six painted finishes and five wood finishes. “Seeing the collection in real life exceeded my expectations,” Gaines said, comparing it to the feeling she gets when she and her husband finish a house.

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OpenHomes Quick Guide

Visit AtHomeColorado.com for a complete listing and map of open homes in the area.

Open City House Date

Open House Street Time

Price

Agent

Company

Phone

Boulder

Sunday

11am-2pm

1360 Canyon Road unit 207

$760,099

Kirsten Boedecker

RE/MAX Alliance

720-435-0351

Boulder

Daily

11am-5pm

3092 Big Horn St

High $800k’s +

Roz Giannasi Pinon

Markel Homes: Kalmia38, Northfield Village & Northfield Commons

303-442-0309

Denver

Saturday

1pm-3pm

3801 E. 3rd Avenue

$940,000

David Vincent

Wright Kingdom Real Estate

720-234-3383

Lafayette

Saturday

12pm-2pm

307 N. Cherrywood Drive

$478,000

Scott Hurst

RE/MAX Alliance

303-709-2479

Longmont

Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday

11am-3pm

1379 Charles Dr. A-1

$349,900

Jeremy Johnson

RE/MAX Alliance

970-313-6166

Longmont

Saturday

11am-2pm

225 Sherman St

$489,000

Heather Brandt

RE/MAX Alliance

303-489-0755

Longmont

Daily

11am-5pm

918 Half Measures Dr.

$600k’s +

Marlita Lazo

Markel Homes: Prospect NewTown

303-522-7928

Longmont

Thursday - Sunday

12pm-4pm

1521 Otis Drive

Starting in the high-$300,000's.

Chris Sweeney/ Stan Meade

Pedal To Properties

720-480-6106/ 303-817-7777

Longmont

Saturday

1pm-3pm

2020 Alpine St

$485,000

Troy Terry

Troy Terry Homes

303-956-6793

Longmont

Sunday

1pm-3pm

2020 Alpine St

$485,000

Troy Terry

Troy Terry Homes

303-956-6793

Louisville

Daily

11am-5pm

1805 Blue Star Lane - Model Home

$600k’s +

Michele Steward

Markel Homes - North End

303-604-9196

Lyons

By appointment

11am-5pm

334 McConnell Drive

$500,000+

Marlita Lazo

Markel Homes

303-823-6814

For information information on on listing listing your your open open home, home, call call Thais Thais Hafer Hafer 303.473.1456 303.473.1456 or or Doreen MelissaTalarico Najera 303.473.1452 For 303.473.1452 10

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January 1-2, 2016

YOUR PLACE

Kitchens top to-do lists for many homeowners By Alan J. Heavens, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) You are where you eat, I suppose, and that’s why kitchens perennially seem to be the focus of homerenovation spending. That’s also what LG Electronics, which makes kitchen appliances, among other things, found in a survey of 1,022 Americans earlier this fall. Among their plans for renovating, the survey found, homeowners are resolving to make improving their kitchens a priority, with more than half of future renovators revealing that they have their sights set on improving the heart of their homes. Furthermore, 46 percent of the responding homeowners said the

kitchen is the No. 1 room on which they would be most likely to splurge. Top motivations for those planning to renovate their kitchens are to improve the rooms’ design and aesthetic appeal (26 percent) and making them more functional (25 percent), rather than trying to increase the overall value of their homes (11 percent). Other survey highlights: Two in five homeowners would like their kitchens to be more functional (40 percent). Many want them to be bigger (47 percent), have more counter space (44 percent), include additional cabinets (37 percent), and accommodate

more people (33 percent). Three in 10 said their kitchens are the areas of their homes where guests tend to gather to socialize and the places they themselves gravitate to even when they are not eating or cooking. More than half of homeowners who planned to renovate their kitchens had their eyes set on changing their appliances. And of those respondents

looking to renovate, many said they would like appliances that are professional-style, built-in or counter-depth, premium, disguised, or timelesslooking. Nearly four in five homeowners said they would give up something substantial for a year to have their ideal kitchens, including their next vacation, Saturdays off, date nights, and Web

surfing. In my house, we already have a great kitchen, and I’m not giving anything up, especially vacations. On vacation, you see, you can always eat in someone else’s kitchen. Contact Alan J. Heavens at aheavens@phillynews. com or write him at The Philadelphia Inquirer, Box 8263, Philadelphia PA 19101. Volume prohibits individual replies.

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open Homes AT ,S ED 1-3 N WUN 1 E OP & S

1379 Charles Dr A-1, Longmont High $200’s to Low $400’s | MLS #765628 Introducing Hover Place by Landmark Homes, a 60+ condominium community designed w/ age-in-place & accessibility in mind. Oﬀering 8 diﬀerent spacious single level residences, attached garages, secured entry & elevator service, all while overlooking Hover Park.

Call Jeremy Johnson

Each office independently owned & operated | 970-482-1781

970-313-6166 | www.LandmarkLiving.net

Model Home Located at 1521 Otis Drive, Longmont Office Hours: Thursday – Sunday 12pm-4pm Two-story and ranch plans available Homes starting in the high-$300,000’s Call for more information and inventory Stan Meade Chris Sweeney 303.817.7777 720.480.6106 www.pedaltoproperties.com

For advertising information, please call Melissa Najera 303.473.1452 or Thais Hafer 303.473.1456 For a complete listing and map of open homes in the area visit AtHomeColorado.com January 1-2, 2016

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

Resolve to cut clutter: Quick, easy ways to bring order to the kitchen

Mountain Luxury on 12 Acres

$999,000 Motivated Seller!

15 minutes to Estes Park, 30 minutes to Boulder Single Family Home with 12.82 Acre lot. Bright open floor plan. Gorgeous mountain views. For Showings Call Russ at: 720-240-6138

3 Bed 4 Bath 5,488 SqFt

For Virtual Tour visit ColoProperty.com MLS# 772356

Pat Kahler

(BPT) - The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but it’s also home to a lot of clutter. From food and utensils to small appliances and phone chargers, the kitchen is the second mostcluttered room in the house, according to a Moen Consumer and Market Insights Group. But, that doesn’t mean it has to be difficult or even complicated. Make it one of your New Year’s resolutions to bring order to the kitchen with these easy tips. Stash your stuff where you can see it You don’t need a large pantry or countless cupboards and drawers to find the perfect spot for all your stuff. If you have blank space on the walls, consider adding a few open shelves. They provide plenty of storage while keeping everyday dishes and staples, like the

coffee canister or cookie jar, within easy reach. The biggest pain point - and eyesore - for homeowners is lack of counter space, and feeling like there isn’t enough real estate for everyday essentials. Instead of adding to the chaos, designate a specific “drop zone” for items that find their way into the kitchen each day, like mail, paperwork or electronics. Extend the “everything in its place” mentality to another kitchen staple - the dish towel. Instead of leaving it in a damp heap on the counter, install a towel bar, towel ring or hook to the side of a cabinet or island to create a spot for it to hang. Not only will it free up space, but like in the bathroom or powder room, you’ll always know where to look for it when you need it. The Hensley accessory collection from Moen features soft, square

CONTINUED - See Clutter on page 15

Experience • Commitment • Passion Celebrating 30 years as a Colorado REALTOR® Pat’s sensitivity to client needs reflects her many years of dedicated experience. She has an extensive insight into local communities, as well as the ever changing moods and complexities of the market. Her expertise in preparing properties to sell along with her technical & legal knowledge and negotiation skills, make her a top notch agent in the Real Estate world. When you are working with Pat and her team, you have engaged caring, understanding and committed professionals!

Professional Home Inspections For Home Buyers and Sellers www.ﬂatironshi.com

Cell 303.589.5752 Office 303.459.7308 PatKahler@remax.net

Pat Kahler

www.PatKahler.com 12

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

Offering 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments.

418 Emery St. Longmont • (303) 772-6452

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

January 1-2, 2016

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Explore the possibilities with

CYPRESS

(BPT) - Inspired by popular homeimprovement television shows and informationrich social networks, homeowners and savvy design professionals are using natural materials like cypress to transform their creative aspirations into beautifully tangible realities. “Cypress is a versatile wood that offers design freedom, lasting performance, and a lifetime of good looks,” says Linwood Truitt of the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association (www. CypressInfo.org). “Regardless of a home’s architectural style, the color variation and richness of cypress offers a unique look that is guaranteed to enhance any home, anywhere.” So, how is cypress being used to build today’s dream homes? Designers create inviting spaces While cypress is typically used for exterior applications - siding, decking, and covered porches - homeimprovement experts are bringing cypress’ warmth and charm indoors. Renowned carpenter and TV host Ty Pennington prominently featured cypress ceilings and trim in his most recent project, the “First to the Future Home” with NextGen Home TV. The truly next-generation home shows how to combine traditional materials, such as cypress, with the latest products and technologies. January 1-2, 2016

“It can really stand the test of time,” Pennington says. “That natural color with that natural grain, you can only get from cypress, which you got to say looks awfully nice.” Paul Barnett, president and executive producer of NGHTV.com, said the team selected cypress for the project because of its good looks and lasting performance. “There’s something special about the look and feel of wood that makes it appeal to homeowners probably more so than any other material,” he says. “What sets cypress apart is its rich grain, natural durability and flexibility with choosing a finish.”

The finishing touch For interior applications, cypress readily accepts a variety of finishes, including paints and stains. However, many homeowners and design professionals select cypress for the appeal of its honey-like hues and the richness of its grain, which can be preserved by applying a clear sealer or transparent stain. Regardless of the desired finish, cypress will provide timeless beauty to complement any design scheme. To select the best finish, consult a local building products retailer or paint supplier and strictly follow the directions and recommendations provided by the product manufacturer. Architects side with cypress For centuries, cypress

has been the wood of choice for exterior applications where longevity and good looks really count. In addition to siding and decking, cypress serves a myriad of applications, including shingles and shakes, exterior trim, shutters, fencing and fence posts, window boxes, furniture, landscape design elements and other outdoor essentials. And while cypress offers undeniable beauty, architect Greg Mella, Washington, D.C., says durability is one of the main reasons it continues to be a go-to product. “Cypress’ heartwood contains a naturally occurring preservative oil called cypressene, which makes it resistant to rot, decay and bugs,” he explains. “A lot of the wood that’s typically used for projects outside the home is treated with chemical preservatives to help it maintain its resistances, but these chemicals have an environmental impact that’s commonly overlooked. Many designers select cypress, because it provides a natural solution to these issues.” Explore the possibilities Before beginning your next home-improvement project, browse the photo gallery at www. CypressInfo.org and be inspired. Because when it comes to selecting a product based on its versatility, durability, and good looks, cypress is hard to beat.

Cypress ceilings and trim can add warmth and charm to any design scheme, as displayed at the First to the Future Home built by NextGen Home TV (NGHTV.com).

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

AT HOME

Real Estate place yoUr ad:

5000

Homes for Sale

5000

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

Homes for Sale

Living N Colorado

For price/availability,

Call 303-772-4667.

39 Years of Keen

Ready to Buy or Sell? ... Call Me.

303-581-0606

www.ColoradoReal EstateLady.com Featured Property Prime Boulder Location 2342 Broadway/Mapleton Zoning - Business or Residential. $1M

Apartments for Rent

1 & 2 BR Apt Homes Victoria Inn Apts, 2400 17th Ave.

Cynthia Arey

Real Estate Navigation

6001

LOVELY LAFAYETTE HOME AT SOUTH POINTE...$649,000 Spacious home with a flowing layout and open floor plan. 4/5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, family room has fireplace and a wall of windows that overlooks beautiful park and walking path. Dining room, living room with soaring ceiling and elegant curved staircase that leads you to the upper level with large library area. Large yard with garden areas. Huge finished lower level. 3 car garage. Community pool, low fees and taxes. Boulder 10 minutes away, Denver only 20. Too much to list...must see!!! HURRY, INTEREST RATES MAY BE GOING UP IN WEEKS. Offered for sale by owner (no realtors please) 239-273-2100.

Foothills Apartments 2BR Apts in Loveland Washer/Dryer included. $950.00/month, Water, Sewer, Trash included. No Pets. 6 Month Lease.

970-669-7850

SEMI-FURN Rooms/Apts Wkly/mnthly from $125/ wk, Utils/micro/fridge incl (303) 931-7108

PLACE YOUR AD. Call 303.466.3636 or 970-635-3650

Value Place Firestone Extended Stay Hotel

Townhomes/

6002 Condos for Rent BOULDER, CO: Very nice 4 br/3ba, 1788 Sq Ft townhome on Benthaven Place in the much sought after Devil’s Thumb Town-Homes in South Boulder. Skylights, Washer/Dryer, private deck, two car garage, lovely grounds, clubhouse, swimming pool, close to hiking / biking trails, bus-stop, and shoppping. Available in early January. $2,050/month. Don’t miss this one! Call Lynn at 720-383-1565.

Classified Ads get Results very, very fast!

SELL YOUR STUFF

List your stuff and get it done. Items less than $500: FREE 3 lines, 7 days. Items $500 or more: $10, 5 lines, 30 days. Place your ad. Call 303-466-3636 or 970-635-3650 Or visit FrontRangeClassifieds.com

EMPTY YOUR GARAGE

List your sale and prepare to purge. $25, 10 lines, 4 days plus a FREE garage sale kit! Place your ad. Call 303-466-3636 or 970-635-3650 Or visit FrontRangeClassifieds.com

AT HOME

Homes for Rent

BROOMFIELD - near 123rd & Sheridan, 4br/3ba trilevel, open space, views, park, fenced yard, A/C, $1800/mo, pet neg, Eric 720-579-6790

2 Bedroom 1 Bath at 1112 Gay St, Longmont: Fenced Yard, $1150/mo + $1150 dep. 303-775-1495 795 Glen Arbor Circle, Longmont 4BR 3BA: 3228 sq ft Executive Rental on Ute Creek Golf Course w/ 3-Car Garage, on 1/3 Acres. No Pets. No Smoke. Avail Now. $2700/mo.

RMG Realty Inc 303-772-4466.

6001

Apartments for Rent

1 & 2 Bedroom Apts Starting at $695 Call PMP 303-776-RENT (7368)

Check in Today! $399.99 weekly

I-25 & Hwy 119

Longmont (Exit 240). 303-485-0040 Limited Availability. New Guests Only. Prices Subject To Change Without Notice.

Voted rd andlo “Best L r” 2004e d l in Bou irt” daily d “ 5 200 per newspa

303-442-0200 Call us 8am-8pm weekdays 9am-6pm weekends! 2737 Mapleton, Ste. 102

Space 6018 Storage for Lease

EMPTY YOUR GARAGE

STORAGE

Duplexes

2-Story,1-Car Garage, Unfinished Basement, No Pets Preferred. No Smoking. Avail Now. $1100/mo.

RMG Realty Inc 303-772-4466.

6009 Housemates/ Roommates Responsible Clean M/F, West Side of Longmont: Great Area, Golf Course & Park, W/D, Shared Kitchen & Bath. $400/mo + 1/4 utils. 303-775-1144

1BR or 2BR for Rent in Longmont Home: Senior Man looking to Share Spacious 2400 sq ft Home w/ Other Non-Smoking Seniors, Shared Kitchen w/ Own Frige & Table, 1BR w/ Shared Bath, $750; 2BR w/ Private Bath, $1350.

Terry, 303-652-3094. Responsible Clean M/F, West Side of Longmont: Great Area, Golf Course & Park, W/D, Shared Kitchen & Bath. $400/mo + 1/4 utils. 303-775-1144

• Affordable Rents • Friendly, Responsive Management • Immediate Occupancy

NOW LEASING!

SEMI-FURN Rooms/Apts Wkly/mnthly from $125/ wk, Utils/micro/fridge incl (303) 931-7108

List your sale and prepare to purge. $25, 10 lines, 4 days plus a FREE garage sale kit! Place your ad. Call 303-466-3636 or 970-635-3650 Or visit FrontRangeClassifieds.com

ALSO OFFERING:

WE OFFER THE LARGEST SELECTION OF ONE & TWO BEDROOM APARTMENTS AND STUDIOS THROUGHOUT BOULDER. CALL US: SEVEN DAYS A WEEK!

Visit us on line at: www.boardwalkapartments.com

for 6005 RentApts. Furnished

321 Columbine Place, Longmont 2BR 1BA:

6000

Your First Choice for Apartment Living in Boulder

Classified Ads get Results very, very fast!

6007 Cynthia Arey

APARTMENT RENTALS

Secure Convenient Affordable

move your

house List your house and start packing.

970-532-0685 3 Months for the Price of 2 Months

johnstownstorage.com Expires 02/01/2016

$75, 5 lines, 30 days

SELL YOUR STUFF

PLACE YOUR AD. Call 303.466.3636 or 970-635-3650

EMPTY YOUR GARAGE

List your sale and prepare to purge. $25, 10 lines, 4 days plus a FREE garage sale kit! Place your ad. Call 303-466-3636 or 970-635-3650 Or visit FrontRangeClassifieds.com

Daily Camera / Times-Call — AtHomeColorado.com

drive your

wheels List your car and get ready to roll.

$10, 3 lines, 30 days

For sale by owner only. No refund for early cancellation.

January 1 - 2, 2016

ASK THE EXPERT

Home inspections: When and why? Prior to getting an inspection you can ask for disclosures. While not mandated by state law, Colorado does have a Seller’s Property Disclosure form that is helpful for ensuring that you are getting full disclosure. Not all sellers will know about all problems with the house or sometimes they’ve lived with a problem for so long that they literally forget it’s there. Regardless, the disclosures are a useful tool for your inspector to follow-up on known issues. Before paying for a home inspection, you may want to conduct your own informal inspection. Look for issues like sloping floors or bowing walls, signs of water damage, missing

RICK JACQUEMARD

Flatirons Home Inspections roof shingles or gutters coming loose, fixtures and appliances that don’t function properly, and other signs of needed repair. The best time to do this is before you make an offer. Hiring a professional home inspector is always a prudent decision. They will inspect all major house systems, from top to bottom, including the

roof, doors & windows, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, foundation, and drainage. You will want to do a walk through with your inspector to review the inspection and get a feel for which problems are serious and which are relatively minor. For more information about home inspections contact Rick Jacquemard at Flatirons Home Inspections.

www.flatironshi.com 720.280.3544, rick@flatironshi.com

Clutter (CONTINUED) shapes to keep you stylishly organized; plus, it boasts Moen’s exclusive Spot Resist finish, keeping it finger-print free. There’s also a matching pulldown faucet available within the collection to create an impressively coordinated, organized space for the new year. Storage space that works better, and smarter If you’re lucky enough to have a pantry, go beyond simple shelves to make this area work better - and smarter - for you. Pullout baskets and shallow drawers will ensure your pantry offers a proper place for everything. Curved cradles can turn an ordinary shelf into a beverage storage center, allowing you to store wine, water or soda

bottles on their sides, while eliminating the fear of them falling off the shelf. And instead of wasting the space on the back of the door, install a slim, vertical storage system to provide a spot for plastic wrap, aluminum foil and other awkward-sized kitchen must haves. The key to staying organized is making the best use of the space you have. With a little imagination and the right additions, getting the kitchen organized once and for all is a New Year’s resolution that’s easy to achieve. For more information about the Hensley collection from Moen, visit moen.com. To find more kitchen organization ideas, visit pinterest.com/moen.

RentalDirectory athomecolorado.com Complex Name Address, Phone

Price Range

Deposit

# of Bedrooms

# of Baths

Lease Required

Smoking Friendly

Pet Friendly

Laundry Facilities

Hover Manor Senior Apartment Residence 1401 Elmhurst Dr. 303-772-9292

$905-$910

Yes

W/D Hookups

Other Amenities

Secure building, quiet neighborhood, meal program, transportation, utilities paid, appliances & cable TV included, 62 yrs & older; vouchers accepted.

For advertising information, call Thais Hafer 303.473.1456 January 1-2, 2016

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

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fficial REALTORS of CU Athletic

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Daily Camera / Times-Call â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AtHomeColorado.com

January 1-2, 2016