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Colorado Home & Real Estate | AtHomeColorado.com

Boulder Creek Neighborhoods

Low-Maintenance Neighborhoods Across the Front Range

Coronavirus Cyberattacks and Phishing Scams

Real Estate As a “Critical Business” During a Stay-at-Home Order

How the Coronavirus is Affecting Mortgage Rates

With the rise of IoT (Internet of Things) devices throughout your home, cyber attacks can put your network & devices throughout your house at risk.

With the coronavirus spreading, the world is changing very rapidly. In response, the real estate world is swiftly adapting to the needs of our communities.

Although the situation is in flux and will likely evolve, here’s what we currently know about how coronavirus responses are affecting mortgage rates.

April 3-4, 2020

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COLORADO HOME AND REAL ESTATE

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brandon Wells Mary Lynn Bruny Duane Duggan Rick Jacquemard Michaela Phillips Tom Kalinski Sharon Bokan ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Thais Hafer Toni McNeill Mary Romano ADVERTISING FEATURES COORDINATOR Greg Stone

At Home is an Advertising Supplement published by the Boulder Daily Camera and Longmont Times-Call. ©2020 Prairie Mountain Media.

ADVERTISE To advertise in At Home or to promote your open house visit AtHomeColorado.com/Advertise, call Thais Hafer at 303.473.1456 or Toni McNeill at 303.684.5329.

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REAL ESTATE

Expanding the meaning of shelter “Make yourself at home.”

As long as any of us can recall, we’ve expressed some form of that old saying to put visitors at ease – to help them BY BRANDON feel comfortable WELLS in their The Group Inc. surroundings.

Real Estate I bring this up because I’ve been thinking about the notion of home and what it means in the context of our temporary reality.

At no time in modern history has the importance of the place we call home been more pronounced than it is today.

As human beings, we require three essentials to sustain us: food, clothing and shelter. For many of us, these are the very basics that we take for granted – things that are just constantly part of our daily routine. We awake, we nourish our body with food and water, and we step out the door of the place we call home to take on the world.

Until we can’t. Like today.

Home might be the house or condo you own, the apartment you rent or a dorm room at school. For some, it’s any shelter you can find. We must understand that for many, this is not guaranteed.

Most of us are extremely fortunate; and as we contend with these challenging times the importance of the place we call home becomes even more significant. Home is where we are being advised to hunker down to protect our species, our families and our futures. Home is the place where we have control, and where we can find sanctuary from the uncertainty of what’s happening in the world outside.

At no time in modern history has the importance of the place we call home been more pronounced than it is today. (Photo: Shutterstock).

The way many of us define home will be forever changed by this pandemic. If you’re a homeowner, you’ve placed your hard-earned money into this safe haven; and for many of you right now, that investment might just be a saving grace for your life, your health and the well-being of those in your families and their financial future. As economic uncertainty swirls around jobs, as entire industries are disrupted, and as financial markets face unprecedented volatility, our homes will be what pulls us out to brighter days.

Consider that currently in the United States, homeowners hold $6.3 trillion in equity that can be tapped.

That equity represents a source of funds that will pull many businesses, jobs, families and individuals out of the depths of this unforeseen and unimaginable event. While real estate decisions might have been what caused our last financial crisis in this country, I believe it will serve as the salvation from this one.

There’s no telling how the

broader economy will respond in coming weeks and months – and any economist who claims to know what’s around the corner should be approached with caution. But we can be confident that the desire for home ownership in this country will continue.

As we’ve been reminded of in recent weeks, “There’s no place like home.” Our home is our foundation. It’s the refuge where we are protecting ourselves.

More than ever, we all should be eternally grateful to have a place to call home.

Brandon Wells is president of The Group Inc. Real Estate, a local, employee-owned company, founded in Larimer County in 1976. The company has six locations across Northern Colorado. Visit thegroupinc.com to take video tours of homes and learn how they are helping customers buy and sell real estate during the stay-at-home orders resulting from the COVID-19 crisis.

Home, Sweet Home AtHome Colorado presents engaging content about homes, from buying and selling to improvement, landscaping and design. It also features homes for sale, open house listings and local real estate news.

Publishes Friday in the Daily Camera, Saturday in the Times-Call & Reporter-Herald and online at AtHomeColorado.com.

For advertising information call Thais Hafer at 303.473.1456 or visit athomecolorado.com/advertise.

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THE LIGHTER SIDE

Sheltering at home: Keeping the place tidy? Why bother?

Well, this is a first: I’m straightening up my house for a tele-gathering with girlfriends.

People will not actually be stepping foot in my home, and

BY MARY yet I am tidying LYNN BRUNY up on the off chance that if I walk around with my laptop, they will see our messy house.

Let me point out that I use to be – in PPT (pre-pandemic times) – a very neat person. My bed was made every day; I cleaned up dirty dishes immediately; and my clothes were put away every night.

But between all the food prep and constant sanitizing I’ve run out of energy and enthusiasm for these usual tasks.

What’s the point? We, my pandemic partner (also known as my husband), and I are constantly cooking and eating, so it’s a neverending dish-capade in the kitchen.

I think our dishwasher is in shock; it’s never been used so much

We are constantly cooking and eating, so it’s a never-ending dish-capade in the kitchen. (Photo: Shutterstock).

except on holidays. If it could talk, it would no doubt be complaining bitterly in a German accent (it’s a Miele), and demanding overtime pay.

I wear the same kind of clothes every day – comfy sweats or leggings and T-shirts – so why bother putting them away? And the bed... well there are just so many pillows. (Ten to be exact; yes, I know, it’s a sign of some

underlying issue.)

I don’t mind that we have let things slide a bit. Actually, it’s a bit of a relief from the voice in my head (which sounds strikingly like my mother’s), that tells me to always keep my house tidy.

When my husband use to travel for work (way, way, way back in time, like three weeks ago), I would make sure the house was neat as a pin when I went to bed on the off chance that I would

have a heart attack in the middle of the night and need to call 911.

My worry was not about being alone in pain or dying. No, it was about the paramedics seeing my filthy floors and thinking, “This one is really not worth saving.

What a slob.”

So these “pandemic standards” are a bit of a relief. Truly, when we’re worried about people becoming critically ill or worse, worldwide economic recessions and people just struggling to get by day-by-day, who minds if freerange dust bunnies are tumbling about? Turns out not me.

My girlfriends could care less what my house looks like as long as we can be together. And if the paramedics do have to come for me, they will be too busy putting on their masks and gloves to even notice the clean laundry piled high on the dining room table, all those properly sanitized sweats and T-shirts waiting to be folded.

Mary Lynn Bruny is a Boulder freelance writer who has written about home-related topics for many, many years.

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With the coronavirus spreading, the world is changing very rapidly. In response, the real estate world is swiftly adapting to the needs of our communities.

REALTOR FOR LIFE

Real estate as a “critical business” during coronavirus stay-at-home order With the coronavirus spreading, the world is changing very rapidly.

In response, the real estate world is swiftly adapting to the

BY DUANE needs of our DUGGAN communities.

Realtor and Author On March 26, RE/MAX of Boulder 2020, Governor Polis issued a state-at-home order requiring most businesses to remain closed during this period.

However, specific professional services, such as legal services, title companies, accounting, real estate appraisals and real estate have been allowed to continue.

Although real estate has been deemed a “critical business,” this is not a license to conduct our work as usual. Far from it!

With this order comes the urgent responsibility to protect the health and safety of the public while helping clients with their housing needs.

As I’ll explain, this crisis will 4

AT HOME COLORADO

lead to accelerated advances and developments in the real estate industry. While some innovations and adjustments will be positive and will likely endure in the long term, other changes, hopefully, will be short lived.

In the mid-1990s, there were predictions that the Internet would replace real estate agents, and home buyers would not need real estate agents in order to view houses. Over two decades later, we’ve learned that nothing can replace the experience of seeing a house in person with the help of an agent. Today, personally viewing a home you want to buy is our greatest challenge during the current coronavirus crisis.

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) has issued best practices for real estate professionals to keep their clients safe throughout the entire process of buying or selling a home. These best practices are updated as soon as new information becomes available or new restrictions are put in place.

Here is a brief overview of the practices this week. Keep in mind,

we are in a fast-changing business environment. Next week, the best practices mentioned here may no longer apply. Be sure to check with your Realtor® for the latest information.

What to expect if you’re trying to look at a home today First of all, in-person open houses with groups of potential buyers welcomed to view homes have been suspended. Nevertheless, as of writing this article, you can still go see a house in person through scheduled showings. That is, unless the seller has pulled the property off the market and is no longer allowing showings. If the seller is still allowing the house to be shown, here are some basic protocols being followed that are different than a few short weeks ago. If you are working with your Realtor to see a home, plan on driving there yourself.

Your Realtor will take a separate vehicle. Once you arrive at the home, no handshaking is allowed, but you can wave from at least six feet apart. Some sellers are

asking you to certify (sign) a form with questions, such as if you have traveled abroad, have you been sick, etc. Once inside the house, you might be asked to wear booties, gloves and maybe a mask.

You likely will be asked to use hand sanitizer on the way in and on the way out. You will be asked to touch as little as possible and view the home quickly.

Some sellers and listing agents are asking prospective buyers to review all marketing such as website, virtual tours, photos, 3D scans and videos before an inperson showing and acknowledge they have done so. This way, an unnecessary showing may be prevented because the home doesn’t have one of the features the prospective buyer desires.

Showings will be scheduled at different times so that there will be no overlap of prospective buyers seeing the home at the same time. In addition to this, there might be other restrictions in place or that evolve as we work our way through this process.

Homes currently listed for sale on the market If a property was listed on the market before the first week of March, there’s a good chance that all the work to produce a virtual tour has been done. In this case, it makes it convenient for prospective buyers to view homes online. You may also be able to arrange for a virtual showing over Skype, FaceTime or live streaming.

If you decide to write a contract on a home, your Realtor can advise you what might be realistic dates and deadlines in the contract. In fact, if you are unable to view the home personally due to coronavirus restrictions, you might make an offer conditional upon having an acceptable viewing and/or inspection at a later date.

Homes currently under contract and writing a contract today The transaction process is quickly being transformed in response to the coronavirus crisis. Last week, the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) and Freddie MAC, the source of most mortgage funding in the U.S., announced that an interior inspection by the appraiser would not be necessary.

This announcement will keep transactions moving along by eliminating the need to have

CONTINUED: See Real Estate As a “Critical Business”, Page 12 DAILY CAMERA / TIMES-CALL

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THE PATRICK DOLAN TEAM We are here, we are still working and we are taking all of the necessary safety precautions. If you put your real estate plans on hold, call us and we will make sure you stay ahead of the curve. Things will get better and we want you to be prepared for when they do. Be well and stay safe!

Want to see a listing? Call us to schedule a virtual showing: 303.441.5642

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ASK THE EXPERT

Home inspections during COVID-19 Wow, things moving and changing quickly.

There have been a lot of unprecedented events over the past few weeks

BY RICK related to the JACQUEMARD coronavirus Flatirons Home outbreak.

Inspections While a home inspection is a vital part of any home purchase, ASHI (The American Society of Home Inspectors) believes that home inspections may continue during the COVID-19 outbreak when prudent safety precautions are practiced, and when performing the inspection does not conflict with government orders and recommendations.

Everyone involved with the home inspection is responsible for helping with safety. The following advice is based on current recommendations from the CDC, NIH and WHO. People should be aware that the situation is changing constantly

and should monitor the CDC for official updates and recommended behavior.

For home inspectors: • Reschedule the inspection if you feel sick, or if you exhibit symptoms of a respiratory illness or have a different inspector perform the inspection.

• Bring your own anti-bacterial soap, towel, hand sanitizer and shoe covers.

• Use hand sanitizer before entering the home, and wash your hands as recommended before and throughout beginning the inspection.

• Wear disposable shoe covers when entering the home.

• Do not shake hands, bump fists or touch elbows.

• Avoid touching your face.

• Wash your hands after inspecting each bathroom and the kitchen.

• Wipe bathroom and kitchen fixtures and toilet handles with a sanitizing wipe after inspecting these areas. Be sure

the wipe instructions allow use on the fixture or handle.

• Wipe door handle/knob inside and outside the home as you enter and leave the home.

For buyers and real estate agents: • Do not attend the inspection.

If you wish to attend, do so only at the end of the inspection.

• Do not bring children, relatives, contractors and others to the inspection.

Reschedule the inspection if you wish to attend, and if you feel sick, or if you exhibit symptoms of a respiratory illness.

• Use hand sanitizer before entering and before leaving the home.

• Touch as few things in the home as possible.

For sellers: • Reschedule the inspection if anyone in the home feels sick or exhibits symptoms of a

respiratory illness.

• Do not attend the inspection.

Make arrangements for children, relatives and others to be out of the home during the inspection.

Wipe bathroom and kitchen fixtures, toilet handles and doorknobs with a sanitizing wipe before the inspection.

Be sure the wipe instructions allow use on the surface.

It may be prudent to take things a step further. For all concerned a zoom meeting or FaceTime review of the inspection report may be the best way to disseminate the information in the inspection report. Only the home inspector would enter the home in this case. Be respectful of the wishes of everyone involved in the real estate transaction. The process will not be evolving the same as it would have just a few weeks ago.

Please be safe.

For more information on home inspections contact Rick Jacquemard, at 720.280.3544, e-mail rick@flatironshi.com or visit flatironshi.com.

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU! BE SAFE AND STAY HEALTHY The Sales team is available for virtual tours, or in-person tours by appointment only

SPECIAL INCENTIVES HAVE BEEN EXTENDED

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MORTGAGE

How the coronavirus is affecting mortgage rates The global economy is reeling from the effects of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus.

To cushion the economy from the effects of a

BY MICHAELA slowdown, the PHILLIPS Federal Reserve Guaranteed Rate, Inc. took drastic emergency measures and slashed the federal funds rate by 1.00 percent to a range of 0 to 0.25 percent. This rate cut follows on the heels of a 0.5 percent rate reduction just two weeks ago.

Although interest rates have fallen, this doesn’t necessarily mean that mortgage rates will be more favorable. This is a volatile time, and we can expect changes to continue. Although the situation is in flux and will likely evolve, here’s what we currently know about how coronavirus responses are affecting mortgage rates: How mortgage rates are determined Mortgage rates are determined by

on the bond market. The price of these bundled securities is influenced by global and national news events, which then affects individual interest rates.

Despite the slight increase in mortgage rates this week, we’re still in a low interest rate environment.

(Photo by Burak K from Pexels).

the bond market in the form of mortgage-backed securities, rather than the 10-year Treasury note.

Mortgage-backed securities are asset-based securities. Mortgagebacked securities are created when a bank sells the loan to an investment bank. The investment bank then groups together hundreds or thousands of loans of similar interest rates to be sold

How mortgage interest rates are faring currently The coronavirus pandemic has caused mayhem in markets both domestically and abroad. Interest rates have fluctuated quite a bit these past few weeks, with recordlows seen early March followed by a slight spike later in the month.

With news of lower interest rates, lenders have been flooded with applications from individuals interested in refinancing or securing a mortgage loan. Due to unprecedented demand, many lenders have had no choice but to raise rates to allow themselves time to respond to customer demand.

Many lenders have been scaling back staff in recent months in anticipation of higher rates and a slower season. However, the coronavirus pandemic has caused a significant economic upset and temporarily caused interest rates to fall. Since most lenders lack

the capacity to keep up with the influx of applications (refinancing applications, especially), the 30year fixed-rate mortgage is now averaging 4.75%, up from 3.29% the previous week.

As coronavirus continues to spread globally, we face uncertain times. The impact on the economy is proving difficult to predict, but many economists expect that rates will fluctuate in the coming months.

We’re living in an unprecedented moment. Although the markets are in turmoil, the housing market may remain steady if consumer confidence isn’t too shaken. Despite the slight increase in mortgage rates this week, we’re still in a low interest rate environment. If you’re ready to purchase a home, now may be an excellent time to explore rates.

Michaela is the Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate, Inc. Contact Michaela at 303.443.6292, e-mail michaela.phillips@rate.com or visit michaelaphillips.com.

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COVERPROFILE

Boulder Creek Neighborhoods

Low-Maintenance Neighborhoods Across the Front Range Boulder Creek Neighborhoods, puts it best, “We bring something atypical to the market. What we offer is more than a home, it’s an opportunity for a change in lifestyle.” In searching for a home, many buyers look for so long that they finally give up on finding the right home for their particular set of criteria. Notes Sinkey, “Buyers often tell us that they can finally end their years-long home search – they find a home with us that they didn’t know even existed in the market.”

Ranch patio homes and traditional two-story homes in Superior

wee-Cottage series at Blue Vista in Longmont. (Photo: Boulder Creek Neighborhoods).

“We bring something atypical to the market.

What we offer is more than a home, it’s an opportunity for a change in lifestyle.”

E

stablished homebuilder Boulder Creek Neighborhoods, recognized for popular neighborhoods like Villas at Calmante in Superior and Steel Ranch in Louisville, continues to offer its signature style of low-maintenance living at new communities in the Front Range.

The award-winning Louisvillebased homebuilder is known for designing unique, innovative floor plans. Focusing on ranch-style patio homes, and the popular 8

AT HOME COLORADO

Ranch floor plan part of the wee-Cottage series. (Photo: Boulder Creek Neighborhoods).

wee-Cottage series, Boulder Creek offers home styles not often found

in “typical” builder lineups.

David Sinkey, president of

Just down the street from Louisville is the town of Superior, one town in which Boulder Creek Neighborhoods is ‘going big.’

“Without a doubt, Superior is one of the most desirable places to live in Colorado. There’s no shortage of things to do in Boulder County, with its proximity to the mountains, top-notch eateries, craft breweries and art galleries,” says Sinkey.

Boulder Creek Neighborhoods has three neighborhoods currently underway in Superior – each offering something unique, and all featuring a low-maintenance way of living.

With only five homes remaining, the limited-edition patio homes at The Villas at Calmante are an exclusive offering. Consisting of Tuscan-style architecture and included finished lower levels (many walkouts), The Villas features elite personalization options – Wolff and Viking kitchens are among the choices – in addition to a low-maintenance lifestyle where the majority of outdoor maintenance chores are managed on behalf of the homebuyer. Prices at the Villas start in the $1.3 million to $1.5 million range, depending on floor plan selection and homesite choice.

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Patio home at The Villas at Calmante in Superior. (Photo: Boulder Creek Neighborhoods).

Known for its patio home designs, Boulder Creek also offers a paired patio home series at Lanterns in Rock Creek. The homes at Lanterns are flexible designs – buyers can choose from main-floor living starting at around 1600 square feet with an unfinished lower level storage space, or option a finished lower level for space up to 3300 square feet. Lanterns highlights outdoor living space, featuring front pergolas and rear covered patios – the perfect place to savor a lowmaintenance lifestyle. Homes at Lanterns at Rock Creek start from $585,000 to $660,000. Models at Lanterns are currently under construction.

Low-maintenance living can also be found in two-story floor plans at Rogers Farm in Superior.

“The homes at Rogers Farm offer a twist on low-maintenance,” says Sinkey. The front yards and alleys are maintained, while each home has a private backyard for owners to finish how they choose.

Also exciting at Rogers Farm are the array of garage options offered. Though two-car detached garages are standard, homebuyers can option to three or four-car garages, with additional upstairs storage or finished bonus spaces.

The single-family homes at Rogers Farm feature both a main-floor master design, and two traditional two-story layouts, from 2,400 to 2,800 square feet, starting in the mid $800s. Rogers Farm offers a unique Boulder County location – with easy access to Highway 36, and even easier access to thousands of acres of open space – perfect for biking or hiking.

Diverse Neighborhoods in Longmont: Patio Homes and wee-Cottages

The spirit of small-town living is alive and well in the city of Longmont. Not to mention multiple, the miles of trails that encompass the St. Vrain trail system, and the short 15-minute drive to Boulder.

Boulder Creek’s easyHouse low-maintenance patio homes at Denio West are almost completely sold out. Located at 9th Ave. and Hover St., the final two homes at Denio West represent both ends of the new-home spectrum: a move-in ready easyHouse 31 and a soon-to-be-built homesite waiting for an easyHouse of your choice. Hallmark features of the easyHouse series are wider hallways and doors, main-floor living and zero-step thresholds.

The move-in ready easyHouse 31, available now at $539,385, showcases three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a flex room (perfect for a dining room or study), 1800 square feet and professionally selected designer finishes.

Also in Longmont, just a few miles south of vibrant downtown Main St., is Boulder Creek’s wee-Cottage series at Blue Vista.

Since the wee-Cottages burst onto the real estate scene, buyers have been flocking to these nontraditional home designs. The two story and ranch Cottages range from 900 to 1,300 square feet, providing a new perspective on what to expect from a home.

Located conveniently near the Longmont Rec Center and the St. Vrain trail system, Blue Vista is quickly approaching closeout with barely over a dozen homes remaining – a very few of which are available now for quick move in, with finished home prices from $375,000 to $412,000.

Not just Boulder County – patio homes and wee-Cottages in Thornton

Though Boulder County has long been home to many Boulder Creek communities, the builder is getting ready to grand open a new

low-maintenance neighborhood at Riverdale Ranch in Thornton.

Located just east of 128th and Quebec, Riverdale Ranch showcases three home collections – varying home sizes, styles and price points, and all featuring a low-maintenance lifestyle.

Boulder Creek is offering its popular wee-Cottage homes at Riverdale Ranch, starting in the low $300s. Also at Riverdale is a paired, ranch-style patio home series (similar to the homes offered at Lanterns at Rock Creek), featuring optional finished lower levels, walk out home sites, and starting in the high $400s to mid $500s.

Finally at Riverdale Ranch, Boulder Creek has launched an updated version of the homes that sold so quickly at its Encore neighborhood just down the street in Thornton. Also paired patio homes, the Opportunities Two series showcases main-floor living in a smaller size – 1200 to 1400 square feet and starts in the mid $300s.

How to connect

If a new home and a new, lowmaintenance way of living is a part of your plans, Boulder Creek’s Online Sales Concierge team is available seven days a week to answer any questions or provide more information – virtual tours, photos and floor plans. Virtual appointments (by phone or video) are also available to schedule, and no-contact home tours can be scheduled for quick move-in homes. (Please note: Model Homes and Sales Offices are currently closed to the general public.) Call 720.548.2820, e-mail hello@livebouldercreek.com or visit livebouldercreek.com to learn more about each of these communities.

FEATURED AGENT The Bernardi Real Estate Group 303-402-6000 karen@bernardigroup.com

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Thinking of Moving?

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RAINBOW RIDGE FARMHOUSE 1976 Amethyst Dr LONGMONT $780,000, 5 Beds, 2 Baths, 3724 SqFt

NESTLED IN THE TREES ON 3.11 ACRES 12257 Levi Cir HENDERSON $749,900, 4 Beds, 5 Baths, 3880 SqFt

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SPACIOUS RANCH W/ WALKOUT BASEMENT 1174 Northridge Dr ERIE $700,000, 3 Beds, 3 Baths, 3556 SqFt

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CUTE AS A BUTTON 12705 Locust Ct BRIGHTON $280,000, 2 Beds, 3 Baths, 1088 SqFt

BEAUTIFUL CRAFTSMAN 1558 Cress Ct BOULDER $2,425,000, 6 Beds, 6 Baths, 6551 SqFt

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Real estate as a “critical business” (continued) another person enter the home.

Not all loans are eligible for this appraisal process. Be sure to check with your mortgage lending professional to see if it applies to the loan you are getting.

Most every home buyer wants a home inspection before closing on their new home, however, many sellers right now would rather not have another person entering their home who would need to touch everything. Seller, buyer, listing agent, buyer agent and the inspector all need to communicate and agree on what will constitute acceptable entry behavior in the home and what protective equipment and supplies will be used.

The Colorado Bar Association produced a form to provide for extensions in the event that a buyer or seller is unable to perform due to a COVID-19 shutdown or quarantine. The form can be attached to a new purchase contract or added to an existing one. This form is not a Real Estate Commission approved form but is available on the Colorado Real Estate Commission’s website, the Colorado Association of Realtors

website, and in the contract writing software most real estate brokers in the State of Colorado use. The real estate broker is still allowed, as always, to use the Standard Amend/Extend Form to set out dates that work for all parties and keep the transaction together for the benefit of all. Your Realtor and/or your attorney can help you decide if using this form is right for you.

New home listings There is already a shortage of inventory of homes to view in Boulder County and across the U.S. March, April and May are historically the months when the greatest number of homes come on the market. This spring is likely to be quite different. Sellers with any of the underlying health risk factors for coronavirus likely won’t put their home on the market unless they have another place to go. Other sellers who don’t have an absolute reason they need to sell will likely wait until buyers can easily view homes again. Obviously, timing on when that will happen is uncertain. If you are one of those

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sellers who plan on delaying putting your home on the market, now is a great time to get those home projects and improvements completed for when you are ready.

If you do decide to put your home on the market in the next few weeks, it is certainly feasible.

You can work with your Realtor and various vendors to work out a plan. Since physical showings of homes have slowed, your home’s online presence and digital marketing is critical. Your Realtor and vendors can work with you to create a plan. For example, hiring a marketing company to produce a virtual tour of the home will be a process similar to bringing in a home inspector, as described above.

Closing on your home purchase in a coronavirus environment Closing on a home in Colorado is almost always a joyous occasion.

In Colorado, we are known as a “Table State”. All the parties and the money involved in the transaction are present at the same time at the “signing table” where papers and money change hands – and sometimes a celebratory bottle of champagne is popped.

Ah, the good ‘ole days, only three weeks ago!

Due to the coronavirus, the home closing process has evolved rapidly and is now is quite a divergent experience. Anyone attending the closing must go through the same coronavirus screening process and protective measures as seeing a house. Buyers and sellers must close separately.

Some title companies are even offering curbside closing where you just drive up and sign the papers in your car!

Electronic closings are also

being modified. Some title companies have been closing cash transactions 100 percent electronically. Part of the hang-up in transactions going electronic is that in order to notarize a signature, it had to be signed personally in front of a notary public. Governor Polis just announced last Saturday that the requirement for an in-person appearance in front of a notary has been temporarily suspended to enable remote notarization.

Remote notarization entails remote authentication, verification of identity, and audio-visual conferencing and recording. Title companies are getting up to speed with this new ruling to facilitate one less require in-person contact at a closing.

Adapting to change The home purchase process has never changed with such tremendous speed in such a short period of time. Your professional Realtor has a variety of resources to stay informed to properly guide you through the process.

Duane Duggan has been a Realtor for RE/MAX of Boulder in Colorado since 1982 and has facilitated over 2,500 transactions over his career, the vast majority from repeat and referred clients.

He has been awarded two of the highest honors bestowed by RE/MAX International: The Lifetime Achievement Award and the Circle of Legends Award.

Living the life of a Realtor and being immersed in real estate led to the inception of his book, Realtor for Life. For questions, e-mail DuaneDuggan@boulderco.com, call 303.441.5611 or visit boulderco.com.

An app runs on code.

A REALTOR® stands by one. In our Code of Ethics, we promise to put people first. And there’s no download button for that.

Professional Home Inspections REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®

For Home Buyers and Sellers www.flatironshi.com

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Coronavirus cyberattacks and phishing scams endanger your home network Cyber criminals are swiftly seizing the opportunity to exploit the coronavirus pandemic. With the rise of IoT (Internet of Things) devices

BY TOM throughout KALINSKI your home RE/MAX of Boulder including smart TVs, home alarms, door locks, web cams, smart thermometers, kitchen appliances, smart sprinklers, smart lights, smart watches, fitness trackers and digital home assistants such as Alexa, Amazon Echo or Google Home, cyber attacks can put your network and devices throughout your house at risk. If you’re working from home and remotely accessing your company’s network, these attacks can also compromise your employer’s digital infrastructure and security.

E-mail attacks are tailored to prey on the natural concerns that arise from the COVID-19 outbreak as employees work at home and the IRS prepares to distribute CARES Act checks to millions of Americans.

The latest phishing e-mail exploits the fear of infection, reports KnowBe4 security and phishing awareness trainers and reporting platform.

It falsely warns recipients that they have been in contact with a friend, colleague or family member infected with COVID-19.

The e-mail says to download a malicious attachment and proceed immediately to the hospital.

“This particular social engineering scheme appears to come from a legitimate hospital, which is why it’s so alarming and could trick even a cautious end user. The victim is instructed to fill out a pre-filled Excel form, which is actually a macro-laden Office document that serves as a Trojan downloader and is currently only detected by a handful of antivirus applications. This piece of malware has a number of advanced functions that allow it to evade detection by security applications, worm its way deep into an infested system, and serve as a platform for a variety of criminal activities,” reports KnowBe4.

Experts warn individuals to April 3-4, 2020

Scammers and hackers are always on the prowl looking for opportunity to hack your device.

take extra caution before opening e-mails related to COVID-19.

Now the federal government is in process of sending many Americans a check to help alleviate economic hardship brought on by the coronavirus crisis. Scammers are already taking advantage of the opportunity to steal, says the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

The BBB’s Scam Tracker shows government imposters are already calling and e-mailing about the checks and asking for personal and banking information.

Here’s what to watch for: You get a message or social media post regarding the COVID-19 economic impact check. If you click the link, you will be taken to an official looking website requesting your personal information or banking details, says BBB. The request may come via text message, social media posts and messages and phone calls.

“One variation is a Facebook post telling seniors about a special grant to help pay medical bills. The link leads to a website claiming to be a government agency called the “U.S. Emergency Grants Federation” (phony, of course). The site requests your Social Security number under the guise of needing to verify your eligibility. In other versions, scammers claim that you can get additional money – up to $150K in one case – or even receive your funds immediately. All you need to do is share personal details and pay a small processing fee,” explains BBB. Don’t click on those links or provide any information. These

sites can download malware and use your information for identity theft.

Remember these additional tips to avoid and spot a COVID-19 scam Government agencies do not communicate through social media.

Never give out your passwords or personal information to anyone who contacts you by phone, text, e-mail or social media.

Be suspicious of social media messages requesting information.

Scammers can easily impersonate.

Verify in person before you act.

Know that the IRS has warned not to respond to “calls, e-mails or other communications claiming to be from the Treasury Department and offering COVID-19 related grants or stimulus payments in exchange for personal financial information, or an advance fee, or charge of any kind, including the purchase of gift cards.”

If you are contacted in this way, contact the FBI at ic3.gov.

Scammers and hackers are always on the prowl looking for opportunity to hack your device.

Here’s what you can do to protect yourself: 1.

Change the device’s factory settings from the default password.

2.

Make your passwords as long as possible and unique for IoT devices. Never use names, address or birthdays, or easy to guess passwords

like ‘admin’ or ‘1234.’

3.

Change your passwords regularly. Experts say you should change them once a quarter.

4.

Enable two-step authentication.

5.

Secure your network. Keep your private information on a separate system from other IoT devices.

6.

Turn on automatic updates for software, hardware and operating systems.

7.

Disable features you may not need.

Get more information at: blog.knowbe4.com/bad-guys-pushnew-covid-19-message-you-areinfected bbb.org/article/newsreleases/21774-scam-alertgovernment-relief-checks-triggerlatest-coronavirus-scam Tom Kalinski is the broker/ owner of RE/MAX of Boulder, the local residential real estate company he established in 1977.

He was inducted into Boulder County’s Business Hall of Fame in 2016 and has a 40year background in commercial and residential real estate.

For questions, e-mail Tom at tomkalinski33@gmail.com, call 303.441.5620 or visit boulderco.com.

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LAWN AND GARDEN

Methods for managing voles

By Sharon Bokan Colorado State University Extension – Boulder County As the weather warms and we are spending time outside while practicing physical distancing (I like this better than social), we may be noticing “raceways” or small holes in lawns, grassy areas, natural areas and pastures.

These pathways are not caused by a disease but by voles, a mouse like rodent. Voles are similar to mice but have stockier bodies, a less pointed nose, short legs and a shorter tail. They nest underground under trees and shrubs. In years when we have snow cover that stays for a longer time, we tend to see more damage.

Voles travel along the “raceways” under the snow finding food and avoiding their predators.

The damage you might notice is dead young trees, perennials or shrubs. Voles girdle the bark of young trees, shrub branches and damage perennial roots. If you notice young trees or shrub branches that have died, check for

girdling at the base or damaged roots. You will see chewed bark or roots on the plants made by their small teeth. Grasses will recover from the damage, but a completely girdled tree trunk, branch or roots will not.

The two most effective management methods are habitat modification and exclusion.

Habitat modification for turf grass areas is mowing the grass shorter in the fall to reduce protection for the voles from predators.

They like to nest under junipers and other shrubs so removing lower ground lying limbs enable a fox, coyote or cat to get under the plant can help reduce the vole population. Within a home landscape, you need to identify your plants of highest value and protect them. Young trees, shrubs and perennials are prime targets.

You can exclude voles by using hardware cloth (heavy duty screen with openings less than ¼”) or other commercially available tree guard. Bury the guard a few inches into the ground or secure it to the ground. The guard should

be 12 to 18”, higher to account for snowpack. Guards will also protect plants from rabbits if it extends beyond the snow pack and the rabbit’s reach.

You can try using repellants, toxicants or trapping. Repellants such as Thiram® (a fungicide) or those containing capsaicin (the heat in hot peppers) are the most effective. There is research that Milorganite®, a fertilizer made from processed sewage is showing effectiveness against voles and rabbits. It has been processed at 1600 degrees, so it is safe. The problem with repellants is that they must be reapplied periodically and that voles can get accustomed to them over time.

Follow the label for application instructions and re-application timing. Changing the repellant active ingredient periodically can help prevent voles from adjusting to the repellant. Toxicants and traps can be used but you need to be careful so that you do not trap or poison other animals.

Standard mouse traps can be used for voles if placed end to end in

the “raceway”. They need to be installed under shrubs or under a piece of gutter where you see their holes or along their “raceways”.

If you live on a small acreage, you can install perches for raptors to help lower your population. If you live near a park or open space, there’s not a lot you can do other than protect your plants. The open area will just be a breeding ground for all those hungry voles just waiting to make a meal of your favorite plants.

For more information on dealing with voles, check out “Managing Voles in Colorado” Fact Sheet #6.507, visit extension. colostate.edu/topic-areas/naturalresources/managing-voles-incolorado-6-507. For assistance with other wildlife conflicts, contact the Colorado State University Extension Boulder County Wildlife Master volunteers by calling 303.678.6238 to leave a message. Volunteers check the voice mailbox daily.

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