Life Above 7000 February 2024 by Colorado Community Media

HOMES, LIFESTYLE AND ENTERTAINMENT UP THE HILL

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID DENVER, CO PERMIT NO. 5377

Free Home Valuation And Comparative Market Analysis! Find out why it’s still the perfect time to list! Explore many wonderful homes for sale in the Denver Foothills area with your very own customized search!

Ian Erlandson - Realtor Madison & Co Properties

1193 Bergen Pkwy Suite O/P Evergreen, CO 80439 303-847-3788 | ian@madisonprops.com

E V EVERGREEN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA William Hill | Music Director

2023 - 2024 SEASON

PRELUDE TO SPRING CONCERTS Sat. March 2nd, 2024 - 3:00pm Rockland Community Church, Golden Sun. March 3rd, 2024 - 3:00pm First Universalist Church of Denver The Evergreen Chamber Orchestra welcomes the first whispers of spring with a program bursting with the brilliance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

OTHER ECO EVENTS Spring Recital Sun. Mar. 24th, 2024 - 3:00pm Season Finale Concerts Sat. Apr. 20th, 2024 - 3:00pm Sun. Apr. 21st, 2024 - 3:00pm Series Finale Recital Sun. May 26th, 2024 - 3:00pm 2

LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

Photo by Tom Goldberg

FROM THE PUBLISHER

ll of us at PandoraJohnProperties are excited to present the latest edition of Life Above 7000. This magazine showcases how lucky we are to live here at 7000 feet in elevation! The PandoraJohnProperties team has been part of this magazine for three years running. We work hard at creating great content focused on celebrating our community, as well as providing informative articles about homes, local lifestyle and real estate. We love doing this! It’s a team effort and you will find articles written by each of us…myself, John Erlandson, Jenna McMenaman, Patrick McMenaman, our marketing specialist Kris Hoffman, as well as expert contributors. And you may wonder, exactly who are we? We are a real estate team at Madison & Co Properties, and our office is located in Bergen

Park. We work with sellers and buyers throughout all of the foothills and the western suburbs. But we are more than real estate agents. We thrive on building and supporting our community and are engaged in a myriad of ways, whether it’s creating music events and supporting nonprofits through those events, participating on boards, or just finding means to champion our community. Here’s to living here in the foothills, and hope you enjoy discovering Life Above 7000! Pandora Erlandson For the PandoraJohnProperties Team - John, Pandora, Jenna, and Patrick

Life Above 7,000 ... It Just Doesn’t Get Any Better! john@pandorajohnproperties.com

www.PandoraJohnProperties.com Madison & Co. Properties • 1193 Bergen Parkway, Suite O/P • Evergreen, CO 80439

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED...

FROM THE TRENCHES... IT’S GONNA BE OK!

REAL ESTATE ANSWERS TO (UN)COMMON QUESTIONS

e are optimistic about the prospects for a good 2024. True, the real estate industry was targeted and slowed in a big way beginning July of ’22, and the mere mention of the word “inflation” last year was like a starting gun in a sprint to see who could charge the most for goods and services. But now, much earlier than anticipated, the feds speak positively about interest rate reductions and the ever-improving state of our economy. We’ll take it! Yes, we felt the slow down, but fortunately because of you and your constant referrals, we have consistently continued to list/sell homes and bring Buyers to the table. Life happened, situations changed, and the beat went on. As of this writing, and even at this usually dormant time, we have five houses on the market, and seven hungry Buyers that can’t wait to find their dream homes. Confirmed… 19th century French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr had it right, “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose” or “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” Things are gonna be ok, and now more than ever, if you are contemplating a move, you will need good counsel and representation. We, at PJP are here to advocate for you and navigate the way to Closing. We have been there hundreds of times, and know well how to get through the rough spots and find the way home. Please reach out at any time. We are all in, all the time! - John E for PJP Check us out at PandoraJohnProperties.com

LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

WHAT HAPPENED TO POCKET LISTINGS?

uyers are often keen on so-called “pocket-listings”, thinking there is an opportunity to potentially get a great deal on an off-market house. However, pocket listings generally have gone by the wayside and are often not in the best interest of the seller. Contrary to popular belief, pocket listings have never been allowed by the National Association of REALTORS®. Typically, a pocket listing is where an agent and a seller have an “unofficial” relationship where there is no formal agreement in writing. There is a loose understanding that if the “right buyer comes along” the seller may be interested in selling. This arrangement is a violation of real estate license law. Regardless of the rules, pocket listings, i.e., off-market listings became popular – so what happened? NAR, the National Association of REALTORS® determined that not exposing listings via the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) to the public, and broader marketplace, meant buyers were excluded which undermined NAR’s long-standing commitment to providing buyers an equal opportunity when searching for a house and minimizing Fair Housing violations. REALTORS® are no longer allowed to market their listings in advance of putting the property in the MLS. This includes showing the listing, posting on social media or any other outreach. This reinforcement is called the Clear Cooperation Policy and a violation of this policy is not only violating the rules, but also breaking the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, and can involve hefty fines.

This policy also ensures that the MLS’s in each area remain the source of accurate, comprehensive and transparent data. Off-market listings dilute the data on sold properties used by agents for pricing and for obtaining an accurate picture of the market. For sellers, exposing a listing to the market via the MLS and other sites such as Zillow, Trulia, etc., means the seller’s home is marketed to the largest pool of buyers and agents, with the premise that sellers receive the highest and best offer and the most favorable terms. It’s true that this Clear Cooperation policy does limit seller’s choices. It’s rare, but some sellers want to take the risk of not obtaining their highest price in order to save on the preparation to list their home and may prefer that buyers don’t tour their home. There are also high-profile people who want privacy, or do not want people in the community to know they are selling. For these folks, there are limited options in line with NAR policy where the property is marketed exclusively to agents. Where does that leave buyers who want that off-market deal? Buyers trying to find that deal might obtain a home that is priced below market value. However, it also may be priced at an accurate or higher value. The actual market value can only be determined by the market response – did the home sell for asking price, above it or below it? Transparency, wide exposure, and ethical practices are at the heart of a successful real estate transaction. And for both buyers and sellers, the key is to work with a trusted real estate professional who knows the market and keeps your best interest paramount.

Elevated HOMES!

CREATING

Nestled in the heart of Evergreen, two unique businesses are paving the way for home furnishings and design. Mountain Home & Alexa Interiors are not just local businesses; they’re where Elevated Mountain Living comes to life!

Mountain Home furnishings | art | design | lifestyle

2024 MOUNTAIN HOME EVENTS

HOME REJUVENATION PACKAGES!

*check our website for details and sign up links EDC Annual Artist Reception, party and meet the artists February 9th

BRONZE

SILVER $950

$1500

Annual Tent Sale July 19th - 21st

• Decluttering &

• Home Refresh

Boots & Botox August

Space Organization

• Art/Accessory Styling • Paint & Flooring Ideas • Easy Bath Updates

• Home Facelift • Room Layouts

Antler Decorating Class April Mother’s Day Flowers Class with STEMS May 8th

3 Hours $500

6 Hours

GOLD

9 Hours

Summer Outdoor Charcuterie Worksop June MH & AI Team Rocks the Rodeo Parade June 14th

Ladies Night - Fall Fashion Show September 19th Holiday Open House November 8th - 10th

MountainHome.net | 303.674.3345

• Gallery Walls & Decorating • Smaller Projects/Big Impact

• Lighting & Plumbing Ideas • Easy Kitchen Updates

AlexaInteriors.com | 303.570.9434 LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

THE FOOTHILLS MARKET UPDATE

DENVER VS. THE FOOTHILLS

THE FOOTHILLS

TOTAL SALES

1,106

17%

41,840

18%

MEDIAN SELLING PRICE

$775,000

.13%

$578,000

1.70%

AVERAGE SELLING PRICE

$913,029

$679,710

.16%

DAYS ON MARKET

76.19%

77.78%

CLOSE TO LIST PRICE

99%

3.1%

99.55%

2.71

GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS DEFINED

The mountain communities along I-70 to Hwy 285, as far west as Idaho Spring and Baily

2024 FORECAST • Economists vary on their assessments for 2024, but in Denver, predictions are that inventory will increase slightly and prices remain stable. • For the foothills, we expect that average and median prices to recover and sales and growth to increase a bit. • Overall the foothills market is still a seller’s market, primarily due to the activity under 1 million. • Interest rates and inventory will be the primary factors influencing the 2024 market. IN 2024 WE SHOULD SEE IN THE FOOTHILLS • More sales • Modest appreciation • More activity propelled by lower interest rates 2023 FOOTHILLS BROKERAGE COMPARISON Madison & Company Properties, with only 1 office and 25 brokers, sells more properties than any other brokerage by far, and more than TWO times as many homes per agent as any other foothills brokerage - the result of careful agent selection, constant training and hard work. List your home with the most professional, experienced foothills brokers. Call a Madison agent today! (303) 997-4050 MadisonProps.com 1193 Bergen Pkwy ste O/P, Evergreen, CO 80439

CHANGE FROM 2022

DENVER

2023

CHANGE FROM 2022

10 counties surrounding Denver proper

Updated December 31, 2023

AS OF 12/31/23

No Inventory

Sellers'

246

Sellers’

22%

267

Sellers’

24%

206

Sellers’

19%

Sellers’

Balanced

Sellers'

Sellers‘

Sellers’

<1%

Buyers'

<1%

Buyers

<1%

Buyers'

<1%

165

1,106

Sellers’

100%

Sellers Market = Less than 4 Months of Inventory Balanced Market = 4-6 Months of Inventory Buyers Market = More than 6 Months of Inventory

© Madison and Company Properties, LLC. Madison and Company Properties is a registered trademark licensed to Madison and Company Properties, LLC. Locally owned and operated. An equal opportunity company. Madison & Company is committed to compliance with all federal, state, and local fair housing laws. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation. www.madisonprops.com

LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

<1%

Home is Where the Hearth Is

Enjoy every season in your home, gathered aound your new favorite fire feature. Make memories with your family and friends in the cozy glow of flickering flames. Whether you want to burn wood or gas, your fireplace should be the centerpiece of your home. Call us today to discuss what you want out of your fireplace, including service and annual maintenance! 303-679-1601 www.mtnhp.com office@mtnhp.com 7001 Highway 73 Evergreen

“There’s Somethin’ Happenin’ Here!”

new day has dawned and there’s something very good in the thin air up here in Evergreen. We have come out of the Dark Ages and are now experiencing the newness of a Renaissance-like rebirth. Good has come out of having been suppressed by Covid 19, as a burst of “let’s get something done here” emerged, and we are all the better for it. Creative juices are flowing, non-profits are being supported as never before and things are happening in a big way, thanks to the persistent efforts of courageous changemakers who have determined it’s time to work together to get stuff done. Just look at what’s gone on… Completion of the Evergreen Lake North Trail Number one on the list of what can be accomplished when people and entities work together to “get’er done” is the coordination and completion of the North Lake Trail. Evergreen Park & Rec District, under the direction of Executive Director Cory Vander Veen, EPRD’s Board of Directors and project head, Grants & Strategy Manager, Liz Cohen gathered together a diverse project team comprised of the City and County of Denver, the Colorado Department of Transportation, ESCO Construction Co., Evergreen Metro District, EPRD Directors & Staff, Jeffco Transportation & Engineering, Muller Engineering, OV Consulting LLC and WSP USA to accomplish the seven years in planning project in just seven months and on budget. No less than fifteen funding, project and community partners joined in, including the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce, the Evergreen Downtown Business Association, and the Evergreen Legacy Fund. Whew, what an undertaking, and hats-off to all who collaborated. The finished trail is impressive and something we can all admire… beautifully showcasing Evergreen Lake. Completion of the Mainstreet Mural Thanks to the collective efforts of Leadership Evergreen’s Class of ’22, and the creative genius and artistic skills of renowned muralists, Chris & Will Krieg of Altitude Murals, the Century Link building is now a focal point and dresses up east Main. The project is the

Mainstreet mural project

Photos by Randy Whitesell

brainchild of the class and engaged all thirteen members in many ways, from developing the idea, to negotiating with Century Link (Cindy Lempke), to $50K fundraising efforts (Ann Lacy-Balliet), to pushing the project forward (Nancy Judge), and to coordinating class artistic ideas with Chris & Will’s creativity (Jenna McMenaman & Patty Delucas). Time and space prohibit us from delineating everyone’s contribution, but all worked together in accomplishing this feat. The mural purposefully incorporates elements that speak to mental health issues of our day. The design displays opening doors and light that symbolize hope, butterflies that speak to transformation, and magpies… Colorado birds that represent resilience. Jenna McMenaman conveys, “Symbols were important for this project because our class wanted to speak to the collective unconscious. That’s why we dialed in on iconographic imagery so we could speak of hope on a deeper level to the everyday passerby. The feeling of hope is conveyed to as many people as possible, even if they don’t personally do a deep dive on what it all means.” It is genius, and it is another example of why Evergreen is uniquely special, a true Creative District… embracing the arts and showcasing its importance. Thank you, LE Class of ’22, and thank you, Chris & Will, for sharing your talents and braving the cold December-January temps. We are all the better for it. Yes, a new day has dawned, and we look forward to so much more in ’24 as Center for the Arts Evergreen completes its Phase II expansion, ELID/ELF projects are realized, the iconic Little Bear Saloon is revitalized, and the Evergreen Creative District moves forward towards recognition and certification by Colorado Creative Industries. Let’s do this!

The Evergreen Lake North Trail 8

LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

by John Erlandson John@PandoraJohnProperties.com

OUT OF HIBERNATION

For the last 40 years, we have set out to build a reputation for showcasing the best local and national artists in a cozy hometown environment.

Upcoming Events Crimson Rose The original Grateful Dead cover band! Thursday, February 1 8pm - 11pm

Alex Marley - Cousin of Legendary Bob Marley!

Freddy Jones Band back at The Little Bear

KING YELLOWMAN a 420 CELEBRATION

Sunday, February 4 7pm - 10pm

Saturday, March 23 7pm - 11:30pm

Saturday, April 20 8pm - 11:30pm

littlebearlive.com

Visit us online for our complete schedule of events, tickets, and more

Elevating the Art of Fine Dining We create authentic Italian dishes, crafted only with fresh, local ingredients. Chef changes the menu seasonally to showcase the best of the season. Our wines are Sommelier selected and make for the perfect pairing with our menus. Come dine in a sophisticated atmosphere surrounded by incredible art and live music. The unique supper club vibe delivers an exceptional dining experience! Dinner Tuesday - Saturday 5 - 10 pm. Kitchen closes at 9 pm. Opening up for brunch in the near future at Bistro Del Lago. For Reservations, call 303.674.6826 29011 Upper Bear Creek Rd • Evergreen, CO 80439

BistroDelLago.com LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

STORM DAMAGE

EXPERTS

New Spring Items Arriving Daily • Knives • Kitchen Linens • Bath Products • Glassware • Dinnerware • Pots & Pans • Baby Gifts • and Much More

LICENSED & INSURED • INSURANCE CLAIMS • CERTIFIED INSTALLERS COMPANY, VETERAN OWNED, RESIDENTIAL ROOFING • COMMERCIAL LOCAL ROOFING INTEGRITY FOCUSED EXTENDED WARRANTY • SOLAR ESTIMATES • VETERAN FOUNDED

CALL FOR A FREE Solar Systems ROOF INSPECTION

303-670-0717

303-770-7663

The Marketplace at Bergen Park 1193 Bergen Parkway Visit us at www.villagegourmet.net

www.ValorRoofandSolar.com CALLCOMPANY NOW FOR VOTED BEST ROOFING TWO YEARS INMORE A ROW!INFORMATION THANK YOU!

VOTED BEST ROOFING COMPANY TWO YEARS IN A ROW! THANK YOU!

Looking for five businesses

to join our elite group collecting 1% as a pass-through to support the Evergreen Legacy Fund’s effort to protect Evergreen from signs of over-use and under-repair....

303-770-7663 www.ValorRoofandSolar.com

“My tail is wagging! Mark found a GRRreat yard and fur-ever home for me and my family!” He’s a 5 Paw Realtor!” - Tina

Will you be one?

Let’s ﬁnd the perfect home for EVERYONE in your family!!

Contact me today for a free consultation or home evaluation.

Mark Aalund, REALTOR®

LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

to Madison and Company Properties, LLC. Locally federal, state, and local fair housing laws. All infort intended as a solicitation. www.madisonprops.com

gging!!

EvergreenLegacyFund.org

am home family!

Realtor!” - Tina

GRRreat yard home for me y!

303-518-9593 Mark@MadisonProps.com Certified Mountain Area Specialist

Maximizing Your Home’s Value: Best Return on Investment Projects

hen it comes to home improvement projects, many homeowners are looking for ways to enhance their living spaces while also maximizing their return on investment (ROI). Investing in strategic home improvement projects can not only boost the overall aesthetics and functionality of your home but also add significant value to it. In this article, we will explore some of the best return on investment projects for your home, offering a combination of increased property value and enhanced living experience. Kitchen Remodeling: The kitchen is often considered the heart of a home, and a well-designed, updated kitchen can significantly increase your home's value. Consider projects such as upgrading countertops, installing energy-efficient appliances, and adding modern cabinetry. These improvements not only appeal to potential buyers but also enhance your daily living experience. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, a minor kitchen remodel costs $26,790, but resales for $22,963, recouping 85.7% of costs. Bathroom Renovations:

Energy-Efficient Upgrades:

For Your Enjoyment, But Not For ROI:

Incorporating energy-efficient features into your home can lead to substantial savings on utility bills and increase its overall value. Consider upgrading windows, doors, and insulation to improve energy efficiency. Installing a smart thermostat, solar panels, or energy-efficient lighting can further contribute to long-term savings. Even changing out your fossil fuel HVAC to an electric heat pump system has shown a 103.5% recouping of costs.

Outdoor living spaces are highly desirable, and adding a deck or patio can provide great opportunities for entertaining, relaxation, and enjoying the outdoors here in our wonderful foothills. However, with rising costs of materials and labor you may only see ROI’s in the 20%-30% range, so make sure you are doing these projects for your own enjoyment. Other projects to stay away from an ROI standpoint are swimming pools and highend landscaping.

Similar to kitchens, bathrooms are key areas that attract potential buyers. Upgrading fixtures, installing a new vanity, and improving lighting can transform a dated bathroom into a luxurious space. Additionally, energy-efficient and water-saving fixtures are not only attractive Lowest Cost Improvements: but also contribute to long-term cost savings. Remodeling Magazine has a midrange bath Improvements don’t always have to break the remodel costing around $24,606 and reselling bank. In fact, studies have shown that a well-mainfor $16,413, recouping 66.7% of costs. tained home can attract buyers and end up selling for 10% more than a similar home in average conCurb Appeal Enhancements: dition. New interior paint can clean up all those dings on the walls as well as all the little nail marks. First impressions matter, and the exterior of your home plays a crucial role in attracting po- Go for neutral tones for the highest appeal to the tential buyers. Invest in some minor landscap- most buyers. Smart thermostats and smart lights ing, fresh paint, and an appealing front door to are also gaining popularity with buyers. Refinishenhance curb appeal. Well-maintained outdoor ing, deep cleaning or installing new flooring are also great improvements to consider. spaces create a positive image and can significantly increase the perceived value of your Wildfire Mitigation Improvements: home. According to the report, the #2 highest ROI project you can do on your house is a Here in the foothills, something that is becoming garage door replacement. Costing $4,302 but more and more popular is noncombustible siding with a resale value of $4,418, you could recoup on the exterior of your home. Whether it’s a real 102.7% of your costs! or manufactured stone veneer (102.3% ROI) or a fiber/cement siding replacement (88.5% ROI), this is an upgrade that can really brighten the overall look of your home, as well as provide some functional peace of mind to wildfire.

At the Very Least: Make sure everything in the house works, especially mechanicals, HVAC systems, or appliances. Remove peeling or cracked wallpaper and repaint, replace broken tiles, fix those leaky pipes, and get rid of those pesky weeds. All of these things are sure to show that your house was well maintained and will garner a higher sales price in the end. When choosing home improvement projects with the best return on investment, it's essential to strike a balance between personal preferences and market trends. Prioritize projects that align with both your lifestyle and potential future buyers' preferences. By investing wisely in your home, you not only create a more enjoyable living environment but also position your property for increased value in the competitive real estate market. For additional ideas and a more detailed list check out the study referenced above at www.costvsvalue.com LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

Investing in 2024

or broad strokes on how to proceed in investing, JP Morgan notes 5 things to watch for in 2024:

Inflation will likely settle. You should still hedge against it Across the developed world, headline inflation has collapsed from a peak of almost 8% to under 3.5% today. It’s also suggested that investors might consider using tools such as real assets to insulate their portfolios. (See Fig. 1) The cash conundrum: The benefits and risks of holding too much In other words, if rates come down the way the Fed has stated will happen at least three times this year, cash is likely better to be invested in high-yield accounts, real property or other investments in lieu of sitting in the bank because the yield is likely to be higher elsewhere. Bonds are more competitive with stocks. Adjust the mix. Bonds provide stability in portfolios with lower volatility versus stocks. But while we think bonds have a greater role to play in portfolios in this new rate era, the extent of today’s elevated yield levels may not last much longer. Rates are falling – and fast… (See Fig. 2) With AI momentum, equities seem to be on the march to new highs Inflation that’s between 2% and 3% has historically shown the strongest average returns for the S&P 500. Earnings growth is accelerating again after the majority of sectors already went through corrections over the last year. We don’t think consensus is too optimistic, and we also think the power of AI is real. While much of the focus to date has been on how tech-oriented companies can benefit firms across a broad array of industries are making big AI investments.

LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

Finally, we continue to believe stocks are the drivers of long-term capital appreciation. Bonds certainly have a greater role to play in portfolios today, but stocks have outperformed bonds 85% of the time on a rolling 10-year basis since 1950. (See Fig. 3) Pockets of credit stress loom, but they will likely be limited An inescapable fact of the business cycle is that higher interest rates make credit harder to come by. We expect the coming year to see more stress in certain sectors of the credit complex.

Fig. 1

Ultimately, though, we think these problems will be contained. We do not see tighter credit conditions leading to a full-blown credit crunch. The combination of strong household and corporate cash flows and a more benign inflation environment should allow central banks to lower interest rates before these pockets of credit stress do serious damage to portfolios. Conclusion: An investment landscape reconfigured As we head into 2024, investors are finding more options for their portfolios. Bond yields are high. Equity valuations are fair. Private markets continue to offer premiums over their public counterparts, while Fig. 2 also becoming more accessible to investors. Even cash doesn’t look so bad. Of course, there are always risks, both new and old – from geopolitics to elections to unfolding growth and interesting rate dynamics. Those are worth weighing as you consider your investment options. But above all, stay rooted in your long-term financial goals – and think through how the power of markets can help make those a reality. All market and economic data as of 12/08/2023 are sourced from Bloomberg Finance L.P. and FactSet unless otherwise stated. The above article is almost entirely quoted from JPMorgan.com

Fig. 3

VIEW FROM THE TOP

Hicks Mountain Overlook Trail

ith a summit of over 10,000 feet, Hicks Mountain looks out above Upper Bear and displays great views near the top. This is an out-and-back trail that’s ideal for heading out now on snowshoes and micro spikes, or biking and hiking in the summer. This adventurer has looked at it for years, always wondering if it was a long and arduous hike to the top. But it’s not! The access is not from the Upper Bear Creek side, as that area is mostly private property, but rather, the trail starts from the top of Witter Gulch, with parking right across Mestaa’ Ėhehe Mountain Road at the Beaver Brook parking area. Beginning altitude is 9,200’ and the trek starts out on an old fire road that is nearly flat, then narrows

and gets steeper. The entire trail is along the east side of the ridge. It’s about 2.3 miles one way to the overlook. It’s not marked, and a good portion of it crosses several private properties… so please stay on the trail. The remainder of the trail is Denver Mountain Park property. The trail is a bit shady as it’s fully treed, and offers just glimpses of what’s below until you get to the overlook. Once there, the views are terrific! You are perched high above Evergreen, and you can see downtown Denver and beyond. There is no distinct trail to the actual summit, which is along the ridge and does not have views, so most trekkers turn back at the overlook. There are a number of aspens dispersed among the pines, so this would be a lovely fall hike as well. Over most winters, the

trail will keep its snow all season and likely well into spring. If not wearing snowshoes, micro spikes are recommended. You can extend this trail by starting at the east Beaver Brook

Parking area, and in fact, it’s listed that way in AllTrails, making it 10.4 miles. Either way this is a lovely, moderate out-and-back hike with the reward of fantastic views!

VISIT OUR STORE

It’s nice to MEAT You! Evergreen Market has a full-service meat & Seafood counter, offering a full-selection of steaks, chops, Seafood & more for YOU -- our local community. Come in, visit with Chef Mark, learn more about our local beef supplier Sterling Silver Ranch, the Dry-Aging process & more. Chef Prepared Meals To Go - Fresh Salads - Soup Dry Aged Beef - Fresh Seafood Counter - Sandwiches Charcuterie - Specialty Market & Gifts - Cooking Classes

1254 Bergen Pkwy, Evergreen, CO (near Mountain Daisy & Chow Down) 303-225-4660 | evergreencookingschool.com Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 6 pm | Sunday 1pm - 5 pm LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

SPARKLE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS

Let’s Give, and Win!

ou have the chance to own a gorgeous opal and diamond pendant valued at $2,200 and support a worthy cause – a win-win combo! For the fourth year in a row, our PJP team is presenting the Sparkle for Special Needs contest.

How does it work? PandoraJohnProperties purchased this gorgeous pendant, and all you do is enter to win. Visit our website to register with a suggested $20 donation. The idea was the brainchild of our friend and client Suzanne Cannon, longtime jeweler and expert. Since its inception, over $19,000

has been raised to benefit the EPRD INSPIRE special needs program! We are incredibly grateful for the participation and community support.

The INSPIRE program is widely admired for it’s wonderful work for people with disabilities, providing camps, classes and recreation. Program director Maren Schreiber works tirelessly to offer these opportunities for fun and enrichment. The first year’s winner of Sparkle for Special Needs was the mother of a special needs child. Her son was a long-time and the INSPIRE program was participant in INSPIRE and had touching and truly inspirational. recently passed away. Meeting her We continue to be inspired and and hearing the story of her son

hope to raise another $6,000 this year, for a total of $25,000 in four years! It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and what a way to express love and support, not only for those you hold dear, but for those in our community who need our help.

Now offering snowplow services Call today

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN

$20 Donation Encouraged for each entry. Drawing will be held February 9th, just in time for Valentine’s Day!

$2,200 Necklace

All proceeds benefit ERPD’S INSPIRE (Special Needs Program)

We’re Just What The Doctor Ordered Mountain area specialists in Wildfire mitigation for Residential and commercial properties | Fully Insured

Bryan Nash - Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist 720-629-7033 www.arborrxfamily.com

Scan code or visit www.PandoraJohnProperties.com for online entries and more information. Presented by:

INSPIRE SOMEONE TODAY

EPRD Special Needs

Madison & Co. |1193 Bergen Parkway, Suite O/P | Evergreen, CO | 303.888.6298 14

LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

The drawing will be held Friday, February 9th, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Be sure to enter by Feb. 8th for the chance to win this fabulous opal and diamond necklace. To enter, go online to PandoraJohnProperties. com to donate/register. Cash or checks can be brought to our office at Madison & Co Properties at 1193 Bergen Parkway, Suite O/P (next to Village Gourmet). Please call Pandora at 303-8886298 with any questions. Thank you for your support, and good luck!

WHAT’S GOIN’ ON

Music, Events & Arts Calendar PandoraJohnProperties ... For the Arts!

2/2- Picasso at the Lapine Agile | Stagedoor Theatre 2/23 Conifer, 8 - 10 pm

2/23 Mt. Evans Hospice Gala | Mt Vernon CC Golden, 5:30 pm

3/28- Exhibition: Small Works for Every 4/27 Budget, Center for the Arts Evergreen

2/2- Epic Improv – Winter | Center Stage 2/3 Evergreen, 7 pm

2/24 Yoga, Music & Mimosas | Center for the Arts Evergreen, 9 – 11 am

3/30 Yoga, Music & Mimosas | Center for the Arts Evergreen, 9 – 11 am

2/3

Rooster Blackspur w/John Erlandson Little Bear Saloon | Evergreen, 1 - 4:30 pm

2/24 - Colorado Garden & Home Show 3/3 Colorado Convention Center

4/5- Rock of Ages -presented by the Jr. Company 4/13 Stagedoor Theatre, Conifer

2/4

Harry Mo & the Cru Reggae | Little Bear Saloon Evergreen 2 - 5:30 pm

2/29 Senior Leap Year Line Dancing Evergreen Lake House, 6 - 8 pm

4/12- Aladdin - Evergreen’s Children Chorale 4-14 Center Stage, Evergreen

2/9

Left Hand Monkey Wrench | Cactus Jack’s Evergreen, 7 - 11 pm

3/1

Mojo Filter | Cactus Jack’s Evergreen, 7 - 11 pm

3/8

I Dream of World: Songs of Unity & Love Center Stage | Evergreen, 7:30 - 9:30 pm

4/14 Boogie at the Bear with Blackcat Zydeco Little Bear Saloon, Evergreen 2 - 7 pm

3/8

Kids Night Out | Wulf Rec Center Evergreen, 7 - 10 pm

2/10 Evergreen Conservatory Music Faculty Center Stage | Evergreen, 7:30 - 9:30 pm 2/13 Mardi Gras Party | Cactus Jack’s Evergreen 11 am - 10 pm

3/15 Matt Flaherty Band | Cactus Jack’s Evergreen 7 - 11 pm 2/14 Art of Wine & Cheese Pairing | Center for the Arts Evergreen, 6 - 8 pm 3/15- Wizard of Oz | Center Stage, Evergreen Visit www.ovationwest.org for Info & Tickets 2/15- Undeﬁned: CAE Teen Show | Center for the Arts 4/7 3/16 Evergreen, Opening Reception Feb 15th 3/22 Electric Whiskey Experiment | Cactus Jack’s Evergreen, 7 - 11 pm 2/16 EPRD Ice Fishing Clinic | Evergreen Lake 10 am – 12 pm

4/19- Into the Woods - Evergreen’s Children Chorale 4-21 Center Stage, Evergreen 4/26- Legally Blond the Musical presented by the 5/4 Sr. Company, Stagedoor Theatre, Conifer 5/25/25

Exhibition: Strong Women, Brave Voices Center for the Arts Evergreen

5/11

Douglas Webster “The Broadway Baritone”, Center Stage, Evergreen, 7:30 - 10 pm

5/30- Exhibition: 3D- Beyond the Boundaries 7/6 Center for the Arts Evergreen

Visit WhatsGoinOnEvergreen.com For More Events!

ARTIST

SPOTLIGHT – ROOSTER BLACKSPUR

It was the summer of ’22 at the Bighorn Little Music Festival & Campout in Kremmling, CO. It was me, and if you were one of the lucky ones, it was you who felt the force of nature which is Rooster Blackspur. She came out of the gate fast and strong, wowing us and wooing us with lyric, voice and musicality that moved us deeply. So much did she impress and inspire that in just over a month later, 140 of us were drawn to the Alderfer yellow house backyard to experience what I believe to be the best solo performance I have ever witnessed. She had us listening, laughing, crying, hugging and loving. Since those two memorable moments, she has recorded 60 songs, written another 42 unrecorded songs, performed at numerous festivals, event venues and homes from Evergreen to TrC, New Mexico through Oregon and even to and from her homeland of Alaska. From her own lyrics, she’s a Child of the Wild, cries to the raven, has seen the light divine and has a lot of love but admits to a lot of grit and sand…

She’s got street cred, having been awarded New Mexico’s prized 2021 Singer-Songwriter of the year with ‘Big Dipper,’ and continued on last year having been awarded Best Gospel Song with ‘Unholy Saints.’ Most recently, Rooster has written and recorded new songs that will take her and us to the next level. You will like, guaranteed! To say she is prolific is an understatement. To suggest she was born to perform is obviously redundant. If you have ears to hear and have a pulse, you will be moved, go deeper and fly higher. –John Erlandson For more Rooster: www.roosterblackspur.com

Madison & Co. Properties • 1193 Bergen Parkway, Suite O/P • Evergreen, CO 80439 | LIFE 303.888.6298 ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

SO YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT BECOMING AN EXPAT...

An Iguana Ate the Dryer Vent

by Kris Hoffman Kris@pandorajohnproperties.com

reaming of living abroad? You’re not alone, according to the State Department millions of Americans are making the move. In a recent trip, I discovered that Costa Rica has expats from all over the world and it’s no surprise after visiting this magical place. The rainforest is teeming with hundreds of bird and butterfly species, monkeys and sloths with flora and fauna growing everywhere, seemingly in front of your eyes! The beaches are equally stunning, uncrowded, and clean with warm waters surrounded by forested cliffs. Biodiversity is abundant with mountains, volcanoes, tropical rainforest, dry tropical forest, farmland and lush jungles, something for everyone. Costa Ricans take pride in the fact that they are 98% sustainable on energy and are striving to be 100%. Their lakes generate hydroelectric power, large windmill farms dot the mountains and they also use geothermal power. There are still plentiful acres of undeveloped pristine land, but development is on the uptick. My tour guide, local Evergreen resident, Amy Dunkelman, used to arrange tours in Costa Rica and recently secured her slice of paradise in the Guanacaste region.

This gated development is tucked away on serene, bucolic ranchland yet close to the gold coast beaches. Even the horses are happy here, roaming in vast pastures and allowed to ride on most beaches! Costa Rica living for Expats is both easy and challenging. You might have an iguana eat your dryer vent or a power outage for no reason. Electricity is expensive and getting around can be tricky. Outside the gates of privilege lies a stark reminder that Costa Rica is still a developing country. Roads are narrow and sometimes in poor condition with large potholes, no centerline and dangerous driving practices by Tico motorcyclists.

Municipalities seem unable or unwilling to deal with the influx of people therefore gridlock is not uncommon due to a lack of traffic regulation. Most expats I spoke with have lived there 20 to 30 years and have the same complaints as stateside city dwellers, overpopulated, traffic, crime, and overpriced real estate. Local Real Estate agent and Canadian expat, Laurie Meier of Surfside Properties, offers this insight. Rent for a year before you buy to ensure you like it. Many expats sell everything to make the move, Laurie suggests keeping some items in storage in case the move doesn’t work out. It’s hard-

er to start over again back home with nothing. Now is still a good time to invest as prices continue to rise. Expats say the number one challenge in relocation is the language. Costa Ricans have a decent command of English as it’s critical to their survival in the tourism world. However, if you don’t speak basic Spanish there is a serious language barrier outside the tourist areas. It’s easy to be captivated by this breathtaking country. According to the expats I spoke with, the abundant wildlife, amazing biodiversity, and slower cadence to life still outweigh the challenges. Pura Vida!

MARIE LYNCH Broker Associate Certified Mountain Area Specialist 2022-2023 Five Star Real Estate Agent 2022 REALTOR of the Year 2021-2022 President, Mountain Metro Association of REALTORS®

303-250-3133 marie@madisonprops.com May 2024 be a year of joy, growth, and unforgettable moments for you and your loved ones. Cheers to new beginnings! 16

LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

©2024 Madison and Company Properties, LTD. Madison and Company Properties is a registered trademark licensed to Madison and Company Properties, LTD. Locally owned and operated. An equal opportunity company. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation.

DOIN’ IT RIGHT

Q&A with Tim Andersen of Roofing Outfitters JE -Hi Tim, Thanks for agreeing to this dialogue. You are Mr. Rooferman, and since day one some 10 years ago, I was impressed with you, Roofing Outfitters and how you run your business. What are your foundational values that drive your company? TA -John my friend, the feeling is mutual. I really love and respect all the energy and passion that you and Pandora bring to our awesome community. Our values aren’t anything you haven’t heard before. Honesty and Integrity are two big ones that drive everything for us. You have to be able to put your name on every job you touch no matter what industry you are in. Let every transaction be guided with an honest approach and the money will follow. If you put the money first, then you have a harder time finding the success and joy that life has in-store for all of us. JE -I couldn’t agree more, Tim. We have nothing if we don’t have our word, follow through and do what we say we’re going to do. You’ve built quite a business from scratch. How many technicians do you employ, and how do you control the quality of the work? TA -I love this question because it reminds me how many people we are able to affect through our Roofing business. We are currently a team of nine amazing and hardworking individuals. It’s really fun and rewarding to bring on new team members and offer them a great space and culture to earn a living for their families. Our newest hire is Nelson who we brought in as the COO or Chief Operations Officer. With the never-ending support from our community, we continue to experience significant growth year over year and Nelson’s job is to help us do that in an efficient and replicable way. JE -Smart, very smart. I’m very familiar with Scott Mainzer, your VP of Sales, as he has assessed and quoted a number of damaged roofs for us personally and for those of our clients. He’s been with you a long time and brings a lot to the table. I’ve especially noticed how quickly he responds to us and how detailed he is with his reports and estimates. TA -John, Scott is one of a kind. I can’t say enough about the work ethic, attention to detail and care he brings to every single estimate he does or client he works with (most of which become his friends). He’s a guy you just want to be around because he’s a

by John Erlandson

listener, he’s compassionate and a hell of a dad/family man to boot. I’m very proud to have the opportunity to work alongside Scott and to call him my dear friend. Scott will care for your job like you are his family, you couldn’t be in better hands, I promise you. John, tell me. What’s it like when you find a person you just click with? It’s fun isn’t it? It doesn’t feel like work, albeit professionally or personally, it’s just fun! I know you and Scott are very similar, tell me about one of your experiences, I’m very excited to hear. JE -I’ve been fortunate to have been around so many good, caring and philanthropic people up here, would love to list them all. In the last couple of years, I’ve developed an iron-clad friendship with JR Iannaccone and have found him to be the best dad, have a heart of gold, a work ethic that won’t quit and a constant desire to give back… not to mention, he serves the best Italian, Sicilian & Sardinia wines at Bistro Del Lago. We truly become who we hang with and I’m glad to be hanging with JR. Tim, something you said to me at the Madison & Co Holiday Party hit home. You said, “I pay my workers every Friday, without fail.” That speaks volumes to me as I believe in respecting the worker, having been in the trades as a paint contractor for 35-years. The laborer is worthy of his hire and needs to be respected and rewarded for doing good work. TA -So, I was raised in the Roofing industry. Aside from some time in the Marine Corps after 9/11 I’ve always been in roofing and always enjoyed it. I owe so much of my success to both my parents. They taught me that the $200 client gets the same treatment as the $200,000 client. Growing up, I watched closely. I was able to see what worked and what didn’t. I was able to experience the failures and the successes, and that the failures are only failures until you turn them into lessons that then become building blocks. I watched my Mom and Dad both as they worked the business together and figured things out. My mom ran the office and she always said “You always pay your labor. If we don’t make any money on the job, that is not their fault.” Wow! I must have been 7 or 8 the first time I heard that. So, as it happens with some jobs, they didn’t make any money. It hurt, I have no doubt, but I know they turned those jobs into building blocks. Then as a result, they never had to worry about labor/crews/ workers, what have you. I get asked almost every

week by other business owners hey Tim “are you having trouble finding people to work for you?” My answer “nope, never have.” Whatever or whoever helped me get a particular job completed is owed for their efforts, so we take care of them. I still lose money on a job from time to time because I didn’t bid it right, but I never lose the support of those who helped me get the job done. JE -As long as I’ve known you Tim, you’ve given back to our community. Can you tell me what causes mean the most to you… what trips your trigger? TA -For a very long time, Roofing Outfitters has given on a monthly basis to wounded veterans’ programs. My brother and I both served and know the lasting hardship that can come from such experiences that Veteran programs are very important to me. My wife Meredith and I also really enjoy it when we can help a person to better understand their finances and get out of debt or learn to invest whether it’s in themselves personally or financially. Neither of these topics are covered in our standard schooling, yet they are so very important to our success as individuals, as parents, as community members. I’ll leave you with an offer, if you know a veteran in our community who needs help with their roof and can’t afford it, have them call me John, you have my cell and I’ll take care of them. If any of your readers want to learn about business and I’m sure you would do the same, have them reach out. I am always hear to help those who want to better their own lives and that of their friends and families. JE So cool. You Rock, Tim!! Best to you, Meredith and the Roofing Outfitters team. For more, please visit www.roofout.com

LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

JR Iannaccone catches big air in Evergreen Supporting and promoting creativity is what fills my soul. – JR Iannaccone When Evergreen Park and Recreation held the first Winter Festival in 2012, “JR was the brains and the braun behind making the Rail Jam possible,” according to organizer Liz Cohen. “He designed it and got the snow on site for the ramp,” leaning on Evergreen-based ESCO Construction to gather and transport snow from their construction sites. “He emceed the event and was an integral part of running it.” “Supporting and promoting creativity is what fills my soul,” he says. The father of two children, JR has been a single dad raising 18-year-old Violet since she was 8 months old.

Photos by Michael Pintar

rom street skater to snowboarder to entrepreneur … JR Iannaccone has made a name for himself building on a childhood sport that earned him competitive status as a teen back in New Jersey. It only took one hop onto a snowboard to change his upward trajectory at age 19. Landing in Colorado in 1992 with a sponsorship under his belt in a year’s time, his new competitive lifestyle took him all around the country and beyond over the next 18 years, offering him opportunities that built a network still in use today. Before he turned 20, he was involved in the development of Eldora’s first snowboard park and was operating the monstrous pipe dragon to groom snow on half-pipes when few had even heard of it. Within two years, he was a professional, team manager, and a competitor with Definition Snowboards. Having been born with the intent, JR always wanted more — not only for himself but also for the people around him. Sharing what he’d earned was a natural thing, and while at Eldora he donated all the half-pipes and ramps for the first indoor skateboard park in the Youth Center in nearby Nederland, just one of many acts of generosity throughout his career.

LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

Being an entrepreneur is in his blood. In 1994 he started the first La Iguana on The Hill in Boulder, “a healthy restaurant with a food truck and delivery service before the health food craze,” he explains. Then it was Sancho Panza’s — “super-clean Mexican food” in an old San Francisco trolley on the Pearl Street Mall — where he’d feed the parking meters to avoid seeing the owners getting ticketed. “A cop almost arrested me for doing that!” Then onto a snowboarding/skateboarding shop in Boulder called Irie Spot, known for urban streetwear deemed “conscious clothing” and imported vinyl 45s from Jamaica, offering a Rastafarian flair. Reggae music energizes him, and he’s brought many a Reggae show to Colorado. Taking a break from competition in 1999, he moved to Bailey for some introspection, opening JR’s Landscaping in Bergen Park in the off-season. Within two years it had expanded into a property maintenance company. A few years later he founded MOB Factory, producing skateboards and creating Evergreen’s first indoor skateboard facility.

When Parkside Café opened in 2020, JR was a partner, eager to get back into the hospitality/entertainment world. Violet worked as a busser there. “I wanted to do something as a family … because of my Italian heritage, I wanted something we could do together. Thus, the notion of Bistro del Lago materialized in 2021 – a family-owned-and-operated Italian bistro across from Evergreen Lake. “Everything here has been handmade and in keeping with the Italian tradition,” he says with pride exuding from his broad, Italian smile. “All the wines are from Italy.” As a sommelier, JR knows his wines and enjoys the personal interaction with customers every time a glass is poured or a bottle is served. Within the cozy ambiance, Violet works the back of the house, learning to become a chef. Front of the house is her dream though. Bistro del Lago is a “heartfelt place,” Violet adds, referencing the dancing and music that add to the ambiance. Seeing her dad helping to set up luminarias for the Christmas Walk, Violet’s learning part of the role of being in business is giving back to the community, something that comes second nature to JR.

What might come as a surprise to readers at this stage of reading about an accomplished athlete is to learn that, at age 11, JR had chronic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and was paralyzed for 6 months. “I had to learn to walk again. I was told I’d never be an athlete.” Painful inflammation in his hip joints put him in a wheelchair for months. But his will to live and achieve would not only get him walking again in a year’s time but would later see him wrestling in high school. “My mother lived at the Ronald McDonald House for months while I was in Children’s hospital in Philadelphia.” Having beaten the odds of a heart attack at 45 where only 2 percent survive the “widow-maker” — and other life-threatening events — JR maintains his competitive spirit and has developed a sense of humility from it all. In addition to a close relationship with his parents and Violet, patrons add to the mix. “A lot of the people who come into the restaurant are family — there’s a lot of heartfelt gratitude by being here, especially with my daughter being here,” he adds with a quiet expression on his face that complements his words. “It happened so organically.” In December JR and partners Patrick and Alexandra Robson acquired the legendary Little Bear on Evergreen’s Main Street. With a reputation known 'round the world, the Little Bear will take on new energy with the same determination and creativity JR has always exhibited. “We look forward to restoring and preserving the history of the Little Bear and elevating the experience with incredible music.”

Father and daughter hugging at the end of the day

by Linda Kirkpatrick LindaKirkpatrick@comcast.net

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MAKING THE DIFFERENCE:

Leadership Evergreen & The Downtown Mural

xcitement has been in the air about downtown Evergreen’s beautification! A new mural has been completed on the Century Link building giving downtown a wonderful facelift and a bit of inspiration too.

Have an ADVENTUROUS summer with EPRD Summer Camps for youth ages 3 to 16! Registration Opens March 6

evergreenrecreation.com

How did this come about? It’s due to our strong sense of community and the small but mighty non-profit known as Leadership Evergreen. Since 1996, Leadership Evergreen (LE) has offered a local leadership program every two years to a group of local individuals who want to learn more, and do more, for our community. The yearlong program engages members in monthly modules on fascinating local topics and field trips. Ever wondered how the water from Evergreen Lake is cleaned and sent to our homes? Want to take a peek into the Jeffco jail and meet the commissioners? Nonprofits, local economics and natural resources are a few other topics typically covered as well. Lasting friendships between class members are another rewarding benefit.

this has included the iconic Welcome to Evergreen signs, a water filling station in downtown, informational signs at Evergreen Lake and more. This year the Leadership Evergreen Class of 2022 class developed the ambitious mural project, raising over $50,000 to make it happen. What a powerhouse class! Kudos to Class of ’22 members Elizabeth Brothers, Amy Costello, Chris Davis, Patty DeLucas, Gil Gulbrandson, Nancy Judge, Ann Lacy-Balliet, Cindy Lempke, Jenna McMenaman, Zachary Pitman, Jena Questen, Saraben Turner & Laura Veckerelli. With the class’s vision and input, famed muralist and local artist Chris Krieg created the deEach LE graduating class also sign, and his team from Altitude creates a legacy project. In the past Murals completed it. The design

incorporated elements that address the issues of mental health, inspire hope, and bring beauty to downtown Evergreen. Leadership Evergreen is an incredible asset to our mountain foothills, and the mural project is the perfect example of the vision and action that LE encourages and cultivates. And isn’t this the way we like to get things done living “Life above 7000”? If you have questions about Leadership Evergreen, give the PJP team a call. Pandora, John, and Jenna are all enthusiastic Leadership Evergreen graduates! www.leadershipevergreen.org www.altitudemurals.com www.downtownevergreen.com

Proudly Serving Evergreen Since 1999 Specializing in Estate Planning, Real Estate, Corporate Law, and Injury Litigation Clients expect focused, efficient attorneys to deliver exemplary results with integrity. We expect the same of ourselves. 30752 Southview Drive Suite 150 | Evergreen, CO 80439 303-670-1555 • rich@lawrl.com

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LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

INTEREST RATES WATCH

What’s coming in 2024 for financial markets and mortgage rates?

023 was a difficult year for mortgage interest rates. After historically low rates during covid, mortgage rates topped 7.5% in October 2023. We’ve seen rates drop back to 6.75%, but that’s still 3.5% higher than they were in early 2021. It’s difficult to predict what’s next, but here is a quick recap of 2023 and projections for 2024.

Reserve’s choices. Jerome Powell’s tighter policy has had serious but manageable effects on rate-sensitive sectors like housing and commercial real estate. This helped bring inflation down but it’s still too high.

The Fed: The Fed’s message in late 2023 has been mixed… the general thought is that Fed chair Powell will lead the committee to cut rates slowly. If they start cutting faster, it will be because they Fed Funds rate: In 2023, the think the economy is weakening Fed funds rate (the rate at which more than expected. The current businesses borrow money) went from 4.5% to 5.5%, and it remains projections are that the Fed will there today. Jerome Powell and the cut rates 2-4 times in 2024, with the earliest cut likely coming in Fed were serious about stamping out inflation, but many saw this as May. over-aggressive policy at the time. Mortgage rates: Mortgage interInflation: 2023 we saw the worst est rates have historically followed the Fed funds rate down. Projecinflation in decades, and it’s not tions now are that conventional over yet. The “core” index shown mortgage interest rates will drop in the graph below (CORE exto 6.0-6.1% in 2024. cludes food and energy prices) rose painfully at times in 2023. Home buyers: According to Many prices remain considerably higher than they were in 2020 and the Bank of America Homebuyer Insights report in October 2023, are unlikely to decrease. (See Fig. 40% of would-be homeowners 1) will not wait for conditions to improve before moving ahead Recession: GDP growth was positive in the first three quarters with their home purchase. This is up from 15% in May 2023. If rates of 2023 and the U.S job market is drop another .5%-1%, this could more closely matched (job openings vs. available candidates) than also infuse the housing market with 1M new homebuyers. This it was in late 2022, both good indicators of a “soft landing” vs. a leaves inventory, which has been historically low, as the last big hurfull-blown recession. dle to a more balanced real estate What’s next? market in 2024 and beyond. 2024 Economy: For better or worse, the 2024 economy will depend heavily on the Federal

Robin McGlone is the Regional Manager at Select Lending Services, LLC in Evergreen, CO.

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LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

Kids Camps in the Foothills By Patrick McMenaman Patrick.McM@madisonprops.com

ebruary might seem like it’s too early to be thinking about kid’s summer camps, but in my experience as a father of three littles, the good ones always book up early! Having sent our littles to several of these, and having attended some of them myself as a kid, I thought I would pass on and highlight a few of our favorites.

as year-round coaching and clinics. Mountain Lacrosse7 also offers several programs for boys and girls over the summer to help develop lacrosse skills.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) camps are gaining traction as well, and just down the hill in Golden, the Colorado School of Mines is helping kids to explore their passions in the engineering fields. Their DECTech8 summer camps currently offer three different programs, one for the “hands-on” mining We have several great options engineers with trips to the Edgar mine in Idaho Springs for overnight and daytime adventure camps right here in our to learn more about modern backyard. Evergreen Parks and mining processes, computer science, and physics. They also Rec1 has several offerings, including a lakehouse camp, out- offer a Game Development door climbing and gymnastics camp with a focus on computer science and software engineercamps. For overnight camps, 2 check out IdRaHaJe or YMCA ing. Finally, an eSports camp Camp Santa Maria3, both near that focuses on learning and practicing coding skills and Bailey. Also, Geneva Glen4 applying statistics and logisin Indian Hills has excellent overnight programs. Avid4Ad- tics of gaming, combined with venture5 has multiple campuses gaining experience with CAD design. depending on ages, including one in Evergreen called Camp One we tried last year for the Blue Sky, and another in Bailey first time that our 8-year-old called Camp Windy Peak, as LOVED was the sailing and well as others around Colorapaddle boarding camps held by do, all offering a multitude of Colorado Water Sports9 down outdoor activities. at Chatfield Reservoir. What’s better than a week on the water Colorado and our beloved while in the mountains? foothills have lots of opportunities to get our kids to fall And finally, two of our kids’ in love, not just with our outpersonal favorites, the Summer doors, but we are lucky enough Musical Theater Camp by Ovato have world renowned intion West10 hosted at our amazstructors over at the newly ing Evergreen Center Stage formed Evergreen Sports AcadTheater, offering programs for emy6 run by Sasha and Taylor ages five and up. Kaun. Check their website for dates and offerings on basketCheck websites for details ball and hybrid camps as well and registration information. 1 https://www.evergreenrecreation.com/201/Summer-Camps 2 idrahaje.org 3 https://www.ymcanoco.org/ camp-santa-maria 4 https://www.genevaglen.org/ 5 https://avid4.com/ colorado-summer-camps 6 https://www.evergreensports academy.com/

7 https://www.mountainlax.com/ page/show/8101463-camps-clinicssummer-teams 8 https://tech.mines.edu/summer /index.html 9 https://www.coloradowatersports.com/camps/ 10 https://ovationwest.org/education/summer-camp

LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

Death and taxes. It’s okay to ask for help!

ho doesn’t just loooooove taxes? I know it just tickles my very existence to have the IRS phantoms standing in the shadows, looming over me as I try and weed through my personal books of expenditures, frantically trying to remember if that one morning back in November when I spent $18.98 at a coffee shop was with a client or with my husband. Well, a few months ago, my favorite CPA very politely called me up after I submitted my haphazard attempt at bookkeeping to her. She said, “Hey Jenna… (the hesitancy was thick as clay at the bottom of a bog) so… you’re a good mom… and you’re good at your job…” she continues to gently inflate my ego, which wasn’t the worst moment, I’ll admit, so I was happy to let her continue. It doesn’t take a genius to realize where this was headed as she continued: “I’m good at things, too. Like bookkeeping and taxes. Do you think you could stick to what you’re good at and allow my experience and expertise to free you up to do more of that?” I always warn my clients that in certain instances, they’re saving money in all the wrong places, (like DIY, for example, but that’s a story for another time), and there I was, doing that very thing! Ugh! So, for the first time in my life, I’m relinquishing control over something I HATE doing and I have no business doing. I’m freeing myself to do more of what I love, and just for fun, seeing if trusting the experts ends up being the right move. My bet? It’s in favor of the expert! Here are a couple of fun tips for those tax woes we’re all about to enjoy. Important Note on Tax Advice: The tax information provided here is of a general nature and may not apply to everyone’s individual circumstances. It’s crucial to consult with your CPA to determine how this advice specifically applies to you before making any tax-related decisions. Donating High-Value Stock If you hold significant stock investments and are itemizing deductions,

(QCDs) which reduce your taxable income. Advance Premium Tax Credit and Health Insurance This credit, available for policies from the Insurance Marketplace, is income dependent. If you anticipate high income or fluctuations, consider opting out of this credit to avoid a large tax bill. If you ultimately are qualified for the credit, it is calculated when you file your tax return. Energy Credits and EV Incentives

consider donating stock to a charitable organization. Benefits include: Tax Deductions: You may claim a deduction for the fair market value of the stock at the time of donation, helping to offset your taxable income. Avoiding Capital Gains Tax: Donating stock held for over a year directly to charity helps you avoid capital gains tax on its appreciation. Deciding Between Renting or Selling Your Home The IRS offers capital gains exemptions up to $250,000 for single filers and $500,000 for married filing jointly on the sale of your primary residence, provided you’ve lived in the home for two of the last 5 years. If you’re considering renting out your home instead of selling, weigh this against potential capital gains tax if you lose this exemption. Options When Selling a Rental Property When selling a rental, consider these strategies to mitigate capital gains tax: 1031 Exchange: Swap your property for another of like value, carrying over the basis from your old property.

Installment Sale: Spread the capital gains tax over the term of a sale note, with the potential of gains taxed at the zero percent capital gains rate. Primary Residence Conversion: Live in the rental for 2 years to qualify it as your primary residence, though depreciation recapture is required. Roth vs. Traditional Retirement Accounts

Understand that solar and EV credits are non-refundable and depend on your tax liability. Plan your purchases and home improvements accordingly and consult with your CPA for optimal credit utilization. 529 College Savings Accounts These accounts offer tax benefits for college savings. Contributions reduce taxable income in Colorado, and qualified distributions are taxfree. After 15 years, up to $35,000 can be transferred to a Roth account. Filing Extensions

Extensions provide more time to file, not to pay. Ensure you’ve paid Balance your retirement planning estimated taxes and covered any with both Roth and traditional acsignificant income increases to avoid counts. Traditional IRAs and 401Ks offer tax deductions on contributions penalties and interest. but are taxed upon withdrawal. Roth contributions are made with after-tax A Word on Your CPA Relationship dollars but offer tax-free withdrawals. Tax codes are vast and complex, Consider your tax bracket and conand their application varies per indisult with your financial advisor and vidual. Comparing two tax returns CPA for the best strategy. in search of identical outcomes is akin to contrasting apples with diesel Rollover from 401K to trucks: fundamentally, there’s no Traditional IRA common ground for such a comUpon retirement, rolling over your parison. Remember, as much as you believe us superhuman, CPAs are hu401K to a Traditional IRA can be man too, and are subject to mistakes. beneficial. Remember, both have The quality of their service is not Required Minimum Distributions judged on the lack of mistakes, but (RMDs), but Traditional IRAs offer more flexibility, including the option the integrity with which they handle them. for Qualified Charitable Donations by Jenna McMenaman Jenna@madisonprops.com LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

Tuscany Tavern A Taste Of Italy Est. 2000

LIVE LOCAL | EAT LOCAL

BUY LOCAL | SELL LOCAL TAMMY DROZDA, REALTOR®

(720) 308-1652

Tammy@MadisonProps.com

Did you know Tammy’s family owns The Tuscany Tavern in Evergreen? Be sure to stop in, we are always there and would love to get to know you!

TUSCANY TAVERN 32214 ELLINGWOOD TR #110, EVERGREEN CO 80439 (303) 674 -3739 W W W.TUSCANY-TAVERN.COM

LIFE ABOVE 7000 | FEBRUARY 2024

www.TammyDrozdaHomes.com

2639 MEDINAH DR LISTED AT $950,000 SOLD FOR $1,150,000

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