At Home Colorado: Boulder County Edition

Open Homes and Virtual Tour Quick Guide

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

Best Places to Raise a Family in Boulder County

Quality of life tops the list of “must haves” when it comes to your home’s location Boulder County is rich with towns and communities that offer an exceptional living environment.

Home and Garden: Care Tips for Indoor Plants

The variety of houseplants available today is outstanding, giving you so many choices of plants to brighten up your home!

ATHOMECOLORADO.COM

COLORADO HOME & REAL ESTATE

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lizzie Kane

Duane Duggan

Dina Cheney

Jennifer Egbert

Tom Kalinski

Darren Thornberry

Amy Lentz

Paul F. P. Pogue

Cathy Hobbs

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Thais Hafer, Toni McNeill

REAL ESTATE

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Mary Romano

MANAGING EDITOR

Greg Stone

Submit your news or home-related events to gstone@dailycamera.com To advertise, call 303.473.1456.

NATION

First-time homebuyers are getting squeezed paying their mortgage

By Lizzie Kane Bloomberg News (TNS)

First-time buyers are spending far more than recommended on mortgage payments after borrowing costs in the U.S. surged.

Those consumers typically spent 37.8% of their income on mortgage payments in the third quarter, up from 36.8% in the prior period, the National Association of Realtors said Thursday in a statement. The group said the payments are considered unaffordable if the monthly bill, including principal and interest, is more than 25% of a family’s income.

Potential buyers are facing an affordability crunch as mortgage rates have more than doubled this year, slowing home sales across the country. Now, the monthly mortgage bill on a typical existing single family home with a 20% down payment totals $1,840, about $614 more than a year ago.

In the third quarter, 46% of

HOME & GARDEN EVENTS

the 185 metro areas measured by the Realtors group posted double-digit home-price gains from a year earlier, down from 80% of those areas in the second quarter

“Much lower buying capacity has slowed home-price growth and the trend will continue until mortgage rates stop rising,” Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, said in the statement.

A Marketing Feature of

Glass at the Gardens Nov. 11-13, 9 a.m. Echter’s Nursery & Garden Center, 5150 Garrison St., Arvada allevents.in/arvada/glass-atthe-gardens/20002311374004 3?ref=eventlist-new

exterior-holiday-lighting-tipsthat-shine-instore

Plant Care 101 Nov. 13, 1-2 p.m. (Free) Terracotta, 2005 Pearl St., Boulder topterracotta.com/pages/ event-calendar

At Home Colorado is a Marketing Feature that is produced weekly by the Boulder Daily Camera and Longmont Times-Call.

dailycamera.com timescall.com athomecolorado.com

©2022 Prairie Mountain Media.

Plant Swap Nov. 12, 3-4 p.m. (Free) Terracotta, 2005 Pearl St., Boulder topterracotta.com/pages/ event-calendar

How to Install Exterior Holiday Lighting that will Shine Nov. 12, 10-11 a.m. (Free) Lowe’s Home Improvement 1355 Sculptor Drive, Loveland lowes.com/events/register/

“Tipi to Tiny House: HandsOn Homebuilding” exhibit PresentedbyLongmont Museum, Now through Jan. 8, 2022. $8 Adults. $5 Students/Seniors. longmontmuseum.org

Garden Workshop: Gardening for Wildlife Nov. 19, 10-11:30 a.m Majestic View Nature Center

7030 Garrison St., Arvada majesticviewnaturecenter. arvada.org/event/gardenworkshop-gardening-forwildlife

Kokedama Workshop Nov. 120, 1-2 p.m. (Free) Terracotta, 2005 Pearl St., Boulder topterracotta.com/pages/ event-calendar

Send At Home your home/ garden events, email gstone@ prairiemountainmedia.com.

View more events at: DailyCamera.com/Calendar or TimesCall.com/Calendar.

In this aerial view, completed and under construction new homes at a site in Trappe, Maryland, on October 28, 2022 (Photo: Jim Watson)

REALESTATE Veterans Day! Celebrating VA Homebuying Benefits

First of all, thank you to all of the veterans who have served our country Veterans often don’t get thanked enough for what they have done.

One of the ways that they do get thanked, however, is with the opportunity to buy a home using their VA eligibility. I spoke with Sam Boik of PLG Boulder Mortgage Solutions to discuss a summary of the home loan benefits available to veterans.

Who is eligible to get a VA loan?

A veteran who is eligible will request a Certificate of Eligibility The veteran can be eligible if they meet one of the following criteria:

• Served 90 days of active duty

• Served 24 continuous months

• Served 181 days if you were discharged for a hardship/reduction in force

• If you are a spouse of a service member who has died in the line of duty or died from a serviceconnected disability

• If you are the spouse of a service member who is missing in action or being held as a prisoner of war

How does the VA provide these loans?

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs does not make loans, it guarantees loans made by lenders VA determines your eligibility and, if you are qualified, VA will issue you a Certificate of Eligibility to be used in applying for a VA loan. VA-guaranteed loans are obtained by completing

an application with a private lending institution, such as PLG Boulder.

What is the primary benefit of a VA home loan?

VA loans allow for a No Down Payment option for 100% financing. VA loans also offer the ability to get a mortgage without paying any private mortgage insurance on the loan VA loans also typically offer lower interest rates than a conventional loan

Are VA qualifying standards more lenient?

The lender will evaluate your income, assets, and credit history just like any other loan applicant, but a measure called “Residual Income” is also used to qualify a veteran. Residual income looks at how much money you have leftover each month after paying all expected expenses, like loans, childcare, utilities and more The VA wants to know that veterans have enough residual income to cover things like gas, food, clothing, and other typical family needs after the mortgage payment.

How do I apply for a VA loan?

Pretty much the same as any

other loan with a couple of additions. Those additions are the DD-214 (statement of service) for discharged service members or a statement of service letter signed by the commanding officer for active military members.

Is there mortgage insurance like on low down payment conventional loans?

No, there is no mortgage insurance charge But the VA has a funding fee, which will apply based on your percentage of down payment. The funding fee can be added into the loan For your first use of entitlement, if the down payment is less than

5%, the funding fee is 2.3%; if the down payment is 5% or more, it’s 1.65%; and 10% or more, it’s 1.4%. Some veterans are exempt from the funding fee so check with your lender if you have questions about the funding fee.

Besides the VA funding fee, what other closing costs are there?

Again, the VA funding fee can be financed into the loan. Lenders can charge a loan origination fee of 1%. The veteran is allowed to pay for some closing costs, such as, appraisal (CRV), credit report, title insurance,

DUANE

DUGGAN

One of the ways Veteran’s do get thanked is with the opportunity to buy a home using their VA eligibility

NATION Housing market predictions: the forecast for the next 5 years

Homes sold: Fewer existing homes are selling nationwide. According to the September NAR data, during 2022, the seasonally adjusted total figure dropped from 6.49 million in January to 4.71 million in September. Meanwhile, sales of new single family houses in July 2022 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 511,000 — which is 29.6 percent lower than in July 2021, says the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Thirty-year mortgage rates: According to Freddie Mac, the current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.08 percent, the highest it’s been in 20 years.

New home starts: According to Nanayakkara-Skillington, the seasonally adjusted annual rate for new single family home starts is 892,000, which is down 18.5 percent compared to last year.

The forecast for mortgage rates and types

By Dina Cheney Bankrate.com (TNS)

It’s been a wild real estate ride over the last few years. After a red-hot market characterized by bidding wars, low interest rates and elevated prices, mortgage rates increased to the highest level in 20 years, leading to a slowdown of both buying activity and purchase prices. Yet, with inventory still low, home price tags remain high in many parts of the U.S.

There are plenty of predictions about where the housing market is going in 2023. But what about farther out? After all, buying a home often requires long-term planning. We asked several residential real estate experts to

peer into their crystal balls and give us a five-year forecast of the housing market. Here’s looking at you, 2027.

The current housing market

But first, a snapshot of the residential real estate scene, as of autumn 2022.

Home sales price: The median existing-home sales price rose 8.4 percent from one year ago, to $384,800, according to September 2022 data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). For new homes, the current average sales price nationwide is $470,600 — up around 14 percent from a year ago, says Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, assistant vice president, forecasting and analysis for

the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). Inventory: Though higher than it was in January 2022, the supply of homes remains historically low, says NAR Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research Lawrence Yun The inventory of unsold existing homes was at a 3.2-month supply in September 2022.

Days on the market: With inventory still tight, homes continue to sell quickly. In September 2022, the median number of days on the market for sold homes ranged from 13-23, depending on the price, according to the September NAR data. In a more typical market, it’s 45 days, says Yun.

Mortgage interest rates could continue to increase for a few weeks or months, says Yun, adding that seven percent looks to be the level for the rest of this year and most of next year Within two years, the rate should return to five-anda-half or six percent, he adds.

Nanayakkara-Skillington agrees, predicting rates will drop to about six percent by the middle of 2024.

Because the rates are high, Yun foresees a greater interest in adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) through next year. However, after that, he predicts 90 percent of Americans will return to the traditional 30year fixed mortgage route.

Greg McBride, CFA, Bankrate chief financial analyst, agrees, stating that the 30-year fixed rate mortgage will remain the dominant product.

A “for sale” sign is displayed outside a single family home on Sept 22, 2022, in Los Angeles, California (Photo: Allison Dinner/Getty Images/TNS)

Housing market predictions (continued)

“It provides the certainty borrowers want, lenders can sell them to investors, and there is a vibrant secondary market of global investors eager to buy them,” he says.

Predictions for home prices

Yun foresees zero or minor changes in purchase price tags on a nationwide basis next year, with increases or decreases of about five percent. The only exception is California, he says, where the market could see 10 percent declines: “Because it’s so expensive, California is always the most vulnerable to changes in interest rates.” Overall, in five years, he expects prices to have appreciated a total of 15-25 percent.

McBride has a similar perspective. He predicts home prices will average low- to midsingle digit annual appreciation over the next five years. This rate of appreciation, he says, is consistent with the longterm average of home prices increasing by a rate that’ hovers a percentage point above the inflation rate.

Will the housing market crash?

While it’s been showing bubblelike properties, Yun does not expect the residential real estate market to violently pop. Although he predicts that sales will be at a low point next year, with only 5.3 million units sold, he foresees a gradual increase afterwards, up to an annual six million units by 2027. Despite the higher mortgage rates, home prices are still above what they were one year ago, he adds. Even if they decline five percent (or 10 percent in California) next year, that’s not close to crashing — which is characterized by a one-third drop. “A 30 percent decrease will not happen because there isn’t enough inventory,” he explains. “A crash happens with oversupply.” He believes the housing shortage will continue

this year, with the supply balancing out by five years.

Will it become a buyer’s market?

Yun expects the seller’s market to continue, while housing inventory remains low. By five years, though, he foresees a balanced market, where neither the buyer or seller holds sway. Instead, the negotiating power between parties will be more equal and depend on the individual case.

Caroline Feeney, executive editor, HomeLight, feels the shift away from a seller’s market has already begun According to a recent survey the company conducted, only 51 percent of HomeLight agents described their current local market as a seller’s market. She also expects a balanced market within a few years.

Where and what sort of homes will be built?

With hybrid work schedules becoming the norm and commuting no longer as relevant, Yun predicts the suburban market will continue to be strong. Meanwhile, 55 percent of top HomeLight agents believe the markets that heated up the quickest during the pandemic (including Austin, Phoenix and Boise) are likely to be the first to cool down and see the biggest decreases during a market correction, says Feeney

Yun expects growth in areas with rising populations, namely the Carolinas, Florida, Texas and Tennessee. Backing up his prediction, 50 percent of new single-family construction is in the South, notes NanayakkaraSkillington.

The number of single-family homes under construction has decreased over the last four months. In contrast, the number of multi-family homes under construction has increased over the last few years, says Feeney, who credits this growth in part

to their lower price tags — apartments tend to be cheaper than detached houses — and the pressure on municipalities to relieve shortages and provide more affordable housing. Still, with high mortgage rates and inflationary building material prices, Nanayakkara-Skillington expects the multi-family market’s growth to stabilize within a few years, with the number of new starts decreasing eight percent in 2023, and another five percent in 2024.

Tips to save for a home

Since buying a home is such a major purchase, starting to save up five years in advance is perfectly reasonable. Here are some strategies to get your finances in shape for down payments — you want to be able to swing the usual 20 percent down, to avoid the extra cost of mortgage insurance — and of course for mortgage pre approvals.

1 Think about earning power

Of course you work for love, not money. But money’s important too. Figure out the right way to ask your employer for a raise, or be willing to look for other opportunities — that’s usually the fastest path to a significant salary bump. Sixty percent of workers who switched jobs over the past year earned more money in their new roles, even accounting for the fast pace of inflation, according to a recent study from the Pew Research Center.

2. Decrease your debt

Being able to purchase a home isn’t just about growing your bank account. It’s equally important to focus on paying down the amount of money you owe on credit cards, student loans and car payments. By lowering your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, you’ll be in a better position to qualify for a

mortgage down the line.

3. Keep hidden home buying costs in mind

The purchase price is the big expense, but home buying has other, less obvious expenses. You’ll also need to be ready to pay closing costs — lender fees, property taxes, appraisal expenses and various other administrative and professionals’ fees. These add up quickly In 2021, the average closing costs were $6,905, according to ClosingCorp.

Because you’ll be spending several thousand on closing costs, it’s imperative to stay in a home long enough to break even (let alone make a profit). If you’re buying a home and selling it a year or two later, you’re probably not going to come out ahead. Five years is the usual amount of time.

4 Focus on local, not national, markets

Yes, plenty of publications (including ours) are full of generalizations about “the housing market.” But real estate markets are hyper-localized, varying greatly not just from region to region, but from state to state, and even within states. Costs, prices and requirements are going to look much different in Pensacola than they will in Palm Beach, for example. As you think about budgeting for a house, bear the broader national trends in mind, but it’s more helpful to focus on housing market conditions in the city and even the specific neighborhood where you’re looking to buy or move to. Try to target the more affordable ones, where your dollars will bring the most bang for the housing buck.

Visit Bankrate online at bankrate.com.

If you’ve been following Boulder County market updates, you may have noticed that this year has looked different than last year You’re not imagining it –you’ve probably heard about the market slowing down and concerns about rising interest rates

It’s easy to slip into a negative mindset or fear for the real estate market’s immediate future. However, it’s crucial to be clear eyed about what the numbers really mean.

Real estate tech strategist Mike DelPrete (who’s local to Boulder), recently wrote an enlightening article about why 2021 was an outlier rather

than a benchmark. Here’s an overview of his analysis.

2021 was not the norm

We all remember that COVID 19 upended the real estate market. A lot changed in a short amount of time, and an astounding number of households made the decision to move In 2021, home prices surged and most real estate businesses enjoyed record prosperity.

In comparing 2021 to 2022, many people feel a sense of trepidation about this year’s market conditions. Yes, it’s true that if you compare 2021 and 2022 existing home sales, we’re looking at a 16% drop from last year. However, as Mike DelPrete notes, this isn’t as sobering as it may appear.

When examined in the appropriate context (comparing

in perspective

2022 to the historical average of transaction volumes from 2012 2019), sales are down just 0.9%. That’s not nearly as ominous as some headlines you may have seen lately

There’s no denying that even when put into perspective, the data from 2022 shows a clear slowdown in the market Regardless, existing home sales have stayed relatively on track with previous years.

The takeaway

Even as we contend with declining sales volume, the commission pool (which is responsible for the revenue of real estate agents, brokerages, software engineers and more) remains significantly higher than 2019 levels To be exact, 2022’s commission pool is up $25 billion (34%) from 2019. This is largely driven by the increase

in home prices. It would take a decrease of 4 million existing home sales to dip to 2019’s commission pool of $73 billion.

Although home affordability, rising interest rates and declining sales volumes continue to pose challenges to the market this year, it’s important to view 2022 in the appropriate context. It’s not fair or accurate to compare 2022’s market with that of 2021, since last year was such a significant outlier.

Jennifer is an award winning, licensed Realtor® at milehimodern real estate in Boulder with more than twenty years of experience She specializes in Luxury neighborhoods, home builders and current market conditions Visit jenniferegbert com, e mail by visiting jenniferegbert com/ contact or call 720 802 3050

REALESTATE Best places to raise a family in Boulder County

Quality of life tops the list of “must haves” when it comes to your home’s location –especially for those raising a family Boulder County is rich with towns and communities that offer an exceptional living environment.

TOM KALINSKI

The town of Superior tops the list of Boulder County Best Places to Raise a Family, followed by Louisville and Gunbarrel, according to analysis and reviews from Niche.com But Boulder County has no shortage of excellent areas to raise a family that rank high for key considerations, such as local school quality, housing, jobs, family activities, and health and fitness.

Following are the areas that rose to the top of the Boulder County Best Places to Raise a Family. The ranking provides a comprehensive assessment of overall livability

Superior No. 1

Superior residents enjoy a quaint, small-town feel, which has everything a family needs — from grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, movie theaters, and malls to nearby mountain biking trails. With a population of 13,292, Niche. com calls the area a suburb of Denver that offers a sparse suburban layout with lots of parks, an easy commute to Boulder and Denver, and highly rated public schools. Many families and young professionals live in Superior.

Superior received an “A” grade for public schools, good for families, jobs, outdoor activities, nightlife, diversity, and health and fitness. Grade “B” went to housing, the commute, and weather

Louisville No. 2

Next door to Superior sits

Louisville — a much loved town with a walkable downtown packed with restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Residents enjoy great views of the Rocky Mountains, hiking trails, and highly rated schools. The 19,342 who live here enjoy a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes.

Louisville earned an “A” for public schools, good for families, outdoor activities, health and fitness, and the commute. The town’s attributes are rounded out by a grade “B” for jobs, crime and safety, nightlife, diversity, and weather

Gunbarrel — No. 3

Situated next to Twin Lakes Open Space, Gunbarrel’s population of 10,494 enjoy lots of hiking trails and a pet friendly environment. A number of breweries are located within walking or biking distance, including brewing companies Avery, Asher, and others.

Residents enjoy the friendly people, sparse traffic, and ample open space that frames beautiful mountain views to the west and rolling plains to the east. The shopping area has a popular grocery store, coffee shops, and a variety of restaurants. Located

a short drive, bike, or bus ride from Boulder, many young professionals and families call Gunbarrel home and the public schools are highly rated. Gunbarrel ranked grade “A” for its public schools, good for families, outdoor activities, health and fitness, and commute The area received a “B” grade for housing, jobs, nightlife, diversity, and weather.

Lafayette — No. 4

Lafayette is a suburb of Denver with a population of 27,952, according to Niche.com. Residents enjoy the location, which is just a short drive from the foothills and the city of Boulder, and remark that Lafayette is a “great town for families.” Lafayette offers lots of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks in a friendly town with a less populated suburban feel.

Boulder No. 5

Nestled at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountain, Boulder ranks as the fifth Best Place to Live in Boulder County and the No. 16 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America in the Niche.com rankings. Boulder offers scenic mountain and plains views, miles of hiking

and biking trails, a pedestrian friendly Pearl Street shopping and restaurant area, and loads of cultural activities. With a population of 108,777, it is the largest municipality in Boulder County. The many young professionals and families that live in Boulder enjoy an urban-suburban feel with lots of restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and highly rated public schools.

Rounding out the top Best Places to Raise a Family in Boulder County are Niwot, Longmont, Eldorado Springs, and Pine Brook Hills.

To create their rankings, Niche.com uses U.S. Census statistics and other federal and local datasets.

Read the full Niche.com review at www.niche.com/ places-to-live/search/best-placesfor-families/c/boulder-county-co.

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 40 year background in commercial and residential real estate. For questions, email Tom at tomkalinski33@gmail.com, call 303 441 5620, or visit boulderco com

COVERPROFILE

When Only the Best Will Do Meyer Skidmore Is All About Service

existing hardwood floors, new carpet, and tile.”

Theirs is a small, agile team of loyal, talented employees and subcontractors, with approximately 20 people working for the company at any given time. “Our guys have been with us for a long time longer than I have and we do everything in our power to keep them on board,” says Van Horn. “They’re true craftsmen and we want to keep them happy!”

The flooring industry is very competitive, and Meyer Skidmore has the pulse of the market For example, if there’s an insurance job on a flooded house, the homeowner is generally required to get two or three estimates. Van Horn and her team know exactly where a competitive bid should land to be in the ballpark with other local companies. But regardless of where a bid goes, Meyer Skidmore’s attention to

By Darren Thornberry At Home Colorado Photos courtesy: Meyer Skidmore

Every day, the people of Meyer Skidmore make it their mission to care for their customers like no one else can The reason for the company’s longevity (38 years) is not a secret: It’s service. Neighbors talk, of course, and Meyer Skidmore has been blessed by untold referrals over the years because of their commitment to excellence. “We want to give great service to all our clients,” says owner Abbey Van Horn “Time and time again, they don’t get it from other companies, and they really appreciate it from us ”

Meyer Skidmore is in

the hardwood flooring, carpet and tile business. The company moved from Boulder to Longmont this year to accommodate a larger showroom (by appointment only) and warehouse They install flooring in Boulder, Denver and many Front Range cities in between.

Our experience with Meyer Skidmore could not have been more professional and beautiful. After a disappointing oak flooring installation, they came out to give their opinion on how to best fix it. The estimate and recommendations were extremely fast and comprehensive. We waited for the right moment to do the work, about 1.5 years!, and when we called to set up the project, they worked us in quickly. Their finished product is exquisite and the project leader, Chris, was the most fastidious and diligent person we’ve worked with on any home project. Thank you so much; we are so pleased.” – Kelley Boyd

The company has a remarkable client base of residential general contractors who focus on “building and remodeling custom homes in addition to working directly with homeowners for installation and refinishing of

great service is in its own league. “The gang at Meyer Skidmore is simply fantastic,” says Todd H. of Boulder. “We scheduled an appointment to review our ideas and get estimates for our project. Upon deciding to use

Abbey Van Horn, Owner

them, they delivered exactly what they said they would, they started and finished on time and charged exactly what they estimated. Most of all, however, the quality of their workmanship and the quality of people performing the work are top notch. We installed new hardwood throughout three levels of our existing home and couldn’t be happier with the end product and the experience as a whole ”

Meyer Skidmore offers many high quality products at lower price points than their competition, and they test what they sell before sending it to the showroom floor. That might mean a weekend with pets running across a carpet or seeing what kind of stress some hardwood can endure The company is careful about understanding the latest technology in their products and installation They’re always improving and following trends, which this year includes natural lighter colors (think Scandinavian) and dark brown stains, which were hot about 20 years ago Things come full circle!

Abbey Van Horn is Meyer Skidmore’s proud owner rare in a field that is largely a male dominated industry. She has been with the company for a decade and bought it five years ago “I guess that’s why we’re known for great communication,” Van Horn laughs “Being woman owned helps us stand out. When I walk into a home, the customer is often over the moon about it ”

There are supply chain issues affecting the market from the container ship to the client’s living room Quality work has

always taken some time, and right now even more patience is needed. Meyer Skidmore isn’t going to complete a job in one or two days “Most jobs take a week or two,” Van Horn explains. “We don’t rush. We want to make sure the home is beautiful when we’re done ” Considering that the client often can’t even be in the house for part of the project, Meyer Skidmore is grateful for their customers’ understanding and flexibility while the industry struggles with delays. Because of these challenges, not to mention inflation, if a client wants a particular product, Van Horn keeps an early, close eye on that order and can only honor estimates for a week or two Prices are changing fast, but Meyer Skidmore’s craftsmanship is as solid as a rock

Before you request a free

in home estimate from Meyer Skidmore, put meyerskidmore.com to good use. Click that “Hardwood University” tab for a ton of invaluable information about prefinished versus unfinished hardwoods, pros and cons of hardwoods and carpet, cleaning and maintenance of your floors, environmental certification and more. And don’t skip the jaw dropping “Gallery” tab, either It’ll spark your imagination for an amazing home renovation.

Nearly 40 years after Chris Meyer and Steve Skidmore formed the small craft oriented hardwood flooring firm, Meyer Skidmore’s mission hasn’t changed: To satisfy their customers’ needs and create a positive work environment for their employees Word of mouth has been very good to

the company over the years, allowing them to continue providing timely service without compromising quality.

Meyer Skidmore offers only top quality wood flooring materials from manufacturers known for precision milling and low moisture content kiln drying in addition to Soci and Crossville Studios tile and high quality carpet products They work with Bona and Pallmann floor finishes and many other recognized finishes on the market.

So, when only the best will do, trust your flooring to Meyer Skidmore Go online or call to make a showroom appointment today.

Meyer Skidmore, 63 S. Pratt Parkway, Unit A, Longmont; 303 444 1174; meyerskidmore com

Care tips for indoor plants

By Amy Lentz Colorado State University Extension Boulder County

The variety of houseplants available today is outstanding, giving you so many choices of plants to brighten up your home! These plants come to you from around the world and include palms, vines, cacti, succulents and even tropical flowers. Caring for your houseplant can be easy if you provide them with the proper conditions.

Water

For most houseplants, the amount of water is based on the plant’s size and species, but also depends on light, time of year, humidity and container type. Houseplants are killed equally from over- and under-watering. So how do you know what to do?

Always water thoroughly until you see it escaping from the bottom of the pot into a saucer. Make sure the potting mix is completely moistened and dump the excess water from the saucer once it’s finished draining.

Most plants prefer to have the potting mix moderately dry out between waterings. To know if there has been enough time for the soil to dry, lift the pot to see if it is heavy or light If it’s still heavy, you can wait. You can also feel the potting mix. Is it cold and damp? If so, you can wait. When the pot feels light and the soil seems moderately dry, it’s time to water again.

Finally, getting to know where your houseplant originated

can help you decide how much water it will need. For example, palms and tropical leafy plants can require more consistent watering than cacti or succulents which like to stay dry for longer periods of time. Adjust your watering practices for each type of plant - and maybe skip over those desert dwelling plants from time to time.

Light

There are two main levels of light you can provide to your plants – Direct and Indirect. Direct sunlight is focused directly on the plant, near a window without any coverings.

Cacti, succulents, palms and Ficus all prefer this type of high light environment. Indirect light may be bright, but the plant should be located away from the window or receiving filtered light through window coverings. Plants that prefer this type of indirect light include ivy, dumb cane and orchids. Others prefer more dim or low light conditions and include snake plant and peace lily

Light duration refers to the number of hours of light that falls on a plant in 24 hours. In low light conditions, plants can benefit from increasing the duration of light. For most

indoor plants, a duration of 14 to 16 hours is sufficient during summer months. However, plants need a rest period at night and can adjust to shorter light duration during winter If you have houseplants that flower, this is influenced by day length and should be considered when supplementing the available light.

Fertilizer

Is it necessary? Yes, but only when the plant is actively growing and usually isn’t necessary during the winter Most houseplants will only need to be fertilized between March and September Research the individual needs of the plant and fertilize accordingly with the proper fertilizer type.

Pests

Buy clean plants, and thoroughly inspect each one before bringing them into your home. Place them in “quarantine” for a couple weeks before introducing them to your other plants to avoid risk of spreading something. Scout your plants often! Decide your threshold of tolerance and patience; sometimes pest problems are more hassle than the plant is worth. When you do have an insect issue, use products made for plants and be cautious of home remedies. Test a leaf or two to make sure the product will not harm the foliage.

For more information on caring for houseplants, visit extension.colostate.edu or planttalk.org.

NEW HOME BUILDERS / COMMUNITIES

BOULDER, BROOMFIELD & LONGMONT AREA

Our region is home to more than 300,000 residents and includes some of the most diverse, natural landscapes and sustainable development along the Northern Front Range of Colorado. From open space, land use and sustainability policies to forwardthinking and compassionate human services programs, our city and town governments help foster a vibrant, healthy and active community It’s no wonder why those who live here stay and why our the area is coveted as a place to relocate to Here we highlight a selection of the area’s new home communities and which builders are building where.

To view new home communities and builders across the Colorado Front Range, view our interactive map online at: www AtHomeColorado.com/NewHomeMap

BOULDER

1 Velo Condos Builder: Thistle Velo LLC

BROOMFIELD

8 Baseline Colorado Builders: Boulder Creek Neighborhoods, Meritage Homes, Thrive Home Builders

7 Vive on Via Varra Builder: Meritage Homes

ERIE

22 Coal Creek Commons Builder: Century Communities 23 Colliers Hill Builders: Boulder Creek Neighborhoods, KB Home, Richmond American 20 Compass Builder: Lennar

21 Erie Commons Builder: Boulder Creek Neighborhoods

24 Erie Highlands Builder: Oakwood Homes

27 Erie Village Builder: Porchfront Homes

18 Flatiron Meadows Builder: KB Home, Taylor Morrison, Toll Brothers 26 Morgan Hill Builder: Lennar 19 Rex Ranch Builder: Taylor Morrison 25 Westerly Builder: McStain Neighborhoods, SLC Homes, Wonderland Homes 28 Wild Rose Builder: Lennar

FIRESTONE

9 Barefoot Lakes Builder: Brookfield Residential, Creekstone Homes, Lennar, Richmond American Homes

FREDERICK

10 Seasons at Silverstone Builder: Richmond American Homes

LAFAYETTE

15 Blue Sage Builder: Markel Homes 16 Avalon Meadows Builder: Von’s Colorado Concepts 17 Silo Builder: Cornerstone Homes 14 Silver Creek Builder: Markel Homes

LOUISVILLE 13 North End Builder: Markel Homes

SUPERIOR 3 Downtown Superior Builder: Thrive Home Builders, Remington Homes

4 Heights at Downtown Superior Builder: Toll Brothers

5 Lanterns at Rock Creek Builder: Boulder Creek Neighborhoods

6 Montmere at Autrey Shores Builder: Koelbel

2 Rogers Farm Builder: Boulder Creek Neighborhoods

LONGMONT

11 Highlands at Fox Hill Builders: Dream Finders Homes, Landmark Homes 12 Parkside Builder: Coast to Coast Development 29 Terry Street Townhones Builder: New Leaf Properties

“We originally thought we did not need an agent to help us with our new home purchase and after several months of frustration, a friend suggested we contact Mary at Boulder Home Source, within a month she helped us find the perfect new build and negotiated a lower rate and upgrades that we never expected.”The Smiths

ASKANGI What flooring type should I install?

By Paul F. P. Pogue Ask Angi (TNS)

Flooring is easy to forget for all the same reasons it’s essential. It’s always there, it’s the part of your house you probably touch the most, and you don’t look at it very often. But high-quality flooring can make the difference between a “pretty good” room and an outstanding one.

Here are six of the most popular flooring material options and what benefits they can bring to your home.

Luxury vinyl

“Luxury vinyl is possibly the most significant development in flooring in the past decade,” says Angi Interior Home Expert Rachel Zepernick. “It was considered a secondary option for a long time, but developments in technology have made luxury vinyl tiles or planks into popular options.”

Luxury vinyl is available in many colors and designs, and can be installed relatively quickly. LV is durable and resistant to scratches, making it an excellent choice for families with children or pets or any high-traffic area. It tends to absorb sound, too. With proper care, luxury vinyl flooring can last decades.

Hardwood

Wood can be one of the most expensive flooring types,

but it brings many benefits. These floors don’t need much maintenance, and when they get worn out over time, refinishing makes them look good as new. If well-maintained, hardwood flooring can last up to 100 years. Furthermore, hardwood comes in a wide variety of colors and designs to match almost any aesthetic.

“Hardwood is an elegant and traditional material, so it’s still one of the most popular flooring types, with a high return on investment,” Zepernick says. “They also deliver a luxury look that nearly no other flooring type can match.”

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tile gives a very solid surface and minimalist, modern look that’s ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. The tiles are very strong and easy to clean. They’re very allergy-friendly since they’re less likely to collect pollen, dust or bacteria.

Ceramic tile prices vary widely The most basic glazed ceramic tiles might cost about $1

per square foot, while porcelain, marble and granite tiles cost double that. For high-end tiles such as mosaic, glass, or metal, you may pay as much as $25 per square foot. Because ceramic tiles are labor-intensive, you’ll pay more for installation.

Bamboo

Bamboo grows rapidly in a wide variety of climates. This makes it one of the most sustainable choices on the market, since bamboo is a grass that regenerates faster than hardwood trees.

Floors made from bamboo have low maintenance needs, and they’re moisture resistant. Since bamboo floors are delivered pre finished, they’re easy to install.

“Bamboo’s biggest drawback is that while durable in the long term, it can scratch easily,” Zepernick says. “While bamboo manufacturers are expanding the variety of looks available, bamboo still has a distinct appearance that might not necessarily fit your decor.”

Cork

Cork flooring is made from the bark of cork oak trees. Like bamboo, it’s one of the most environmentally friendly options you can choose for your floors.

This material brings many advantages in addition to sustainability Cork floors are slightly soft and naturally soundproof, and they maintain

heat well. You won’t hop out of bed and put your feet on cold hardwood with cork floors. It boasts an excellent lifespan and can last for 30 or 40 years with proper maintenance.

Cork does have its downsides. It’s durable, but not as much as other materials. Pets and heavy furniture can easily cause significant damage to the floor. It also needs to be sealed every few years because it tends to absorb liquids. Direct sunlight can discolor cork over time as well.

Engineered hardwood

Engineered hardwood combines plywood with a hardwood layer at the top and a clear acrylic finish. Engineered flooring is also much easier to install than hardwood, thus costing less for labor The protective acrylic layer helps prevent stains and makes cleaning a breeze.

“Engineered wood brings together the best aspects of multiple wood types,” Zepernick says. “It tends to be less expensive than hardwood but delivers a similar look with great durability.”

However, while durable, it can still dent, scratch or gouge. And you can’t repair or refinish engineered hardwood planks. You can only replace those areas.

Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column.

Different flooring options bring a variety of pros and cons (Photo: Michael Pettigrew/Dreamstime/TNS)

DESIGNRECIPES 10 ways to blend black and gold

By Cathy Hobbs Tribune News Service (TNS)

Whether in fashion or home decor, the color combination of black and gold is one of the most popular. From artwork and side tables to hardware handles, the combination of black and gold is both bold and luxurious and some may argue timeless.

When looking for ways to incorporate or blend black and gold into your home, here are some top tips.

1. Choose inspirational pieces as a springboard to a black and gold color palette. Items can include artwork, furniture and even accents.

2. Repeat elements of black and gold in the same space to create a cohesive look and feel.

3. Blend black and gold accents into your space to add sparkle and sense of glam.

4. Incorporate portable design elements to add both color and texture,

such as toss pillows and throws.

5. Pick large pieces to help ground a space, such as oversized pieces of art or even mirrors.

6. Consider using the color black, as a painted accent wall, door or trim color.

7. Use upholstered items like sofas and chairs as foundation elements from which to build a black and gold color story

8. Create a sense of contrast when possible while using black and gold elements.

9. Pair black and gold with hints of green or yellow for a fresh yet unexpected sense of contrast.

10. Look for opportunities both large and small. Larger items such as upholstery and artwork can bring in elements of color, and so can smaller items such as side tables and accessories.

An abundance of black and white accessories adds a sense of luxury and richness to this living space (Photo: Scott Gabriel Morris/TNS)

recording fees, and surveys. In some market conditions, a veteran might be able to ask the seller to pay for closing costs or concessions up to 4%

Does the VA do an appraisal on the home?

The VA has an appraisal done, and from that, issues what the VA calls the “Certificate of Reasonable Value (CRV).” That sets the ceiling on the size of the loan on the home. The CRV is good for 6 months after it is issued. The CRV does not guarantee the condition of the home.

Is there a loan limit?

If the VA borrower has full entitlement. There is no VA loan limit. However, lenders may use the Fannie Mae loan limit for VA loans. The current 2022 conforming loan limit in Boulder County is $747,500.

Can a veteran have more than 1 VA loan?

The dollar amount of a VA loan is based on entitlement. VA loans finance homes that must qualify as a primary residence Secondary homes and any other investment properties don’t qualify for a VA home loan. In some cases, a spouse, child, or dependent living in the property can satisfy the VA occupancy requirement, but it is best to check with your lender regarding your individual circumstances.

How are interest rates determined on a VA loan?

The VA does not set interest rates. The interest rate is market driven and can vary between lenders.

Are VA loans assumable when a veteran goes to sell?

VA loans are qualifying assumable. In other words, they

are assumable if the new buyer qualifies for the payment and is approved by the seller’s lender The assuming party does not need to be a veteran. However, a veteran seller will not have entitlement restored unless the loan is assumed by a qualified veteran.

The veteran needs to own the property, so to buy a singlefamily home and rent it, the answer is no. However, as mentioned above, a veteran can buy up to a 4-unit (fourplex) building, live in 1 unit, and rent the others as income properties.

Where do I get a VA Loan?

Can a

veteran buy a 4 unit property with a VA loan?

Yes, a veteran can buy a 1-4-unit property as long as one of the units is used as their primary residence. A VA loan can be used for a duplex, triplex, or fourplex if the veteran lives in one of the units. A veteran can even combine with other entitled veterans to increase their purchasing power if they all occupy one of the units as their primary residence.

Can I buy an investment property using a VA loan?

Remember, VA itself does not make the loans, the loan is VA-backed, meaning the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, enabling the lender to provide you with more favorable terms. The loans go through private lenders approved by the VA.

Duane has been a Realtor for RE/MAX of Boulder since 1982. 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.

OPEN HOUSES QUICK GUIDE

VIEW THIS WEEK’S OPEN HOUSES AT: OPENHOMES.ATHOMECOLORADO.COM

ARVADA

19593 W. 93rd Lane, #F

$520,000

Sat., Noon to 2 p.m. David Vincent WK Real Estate (720) 234-3383

BLACK HAWK

647 Morning Star Circle $735,000 Sat., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Josh Harrod RE/MAX Alliance (303) 517-1763

BOULDER

1286 Aikins Way

$935,000

Sat., 10 a.m. to Noon

Sun., 1 to 3 p.m. Margaret Flaherty WK Real Estate (303) 668-2926

2190 Dartmouth Ave. $999,900 Sat., 1 to 3 p.m. Margaret Flaherty WK Real Estate (303) 668-2926

5345 Wild Dunes Court $1,400,000 Sun., 1 to 3 p.m. Tim Goodacre milehimodern (303) 817-9300

2300 Linden $1,500,000

Sat., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Shannon McGuire RE/MAX Alliance (303) 475-2297

920 Pine St. $1,650,000 Sat., 2 to 4 p.m. Alex D’Allaird LIV Sotheby’s International Realty (484) 678-5033

718 Emerson Gulch Road $1,777,000 Sat., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Karen Bernardi The Bernardi Group (303) 402-6000

820 16th St $2,499,000 Sat., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sun., 1 to 3 p.m.

Keith McQuillen WK Real Estate (303) 589-1432

1524 W Coach Road $2,500,000 Sat., Noon to 2 p.m. Brad Hugunin RE/MAX Alliance (816) 830-1667

3132 5th St. $4,300,000 Sun., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tyler Martini Hyphen Real Estate Group (303) 358-9988

BROOMFIELD

1266 W 6th Ave

$535,000 Sat., & Sun., 1 to 3 p.m. David Scott Slifer Smith & Frampton (303) 588-8358

EVANS

3138 20th Ave. $389,000 Sat., 10 a.m. to Noon Sat., 1 to 3 p.m. Sun., 1 to 3 p.m. Fernando Jurado Jurado Realty (970) 405-0539

FREDERICK

9345 Cottonwood Circle $925,000 Sat., 1 to 3 p.m. Tom Pringle RE/MAX Alliance (303) 921-2668

GREELEY 2029 8th Ave $475,000

Sun., 1 to 3 p.m.

Jenny Oliveira Getting WK Real Estate (970) 534-1188

LAFAYETTE

928 Cimarron Drive, Unit C $644,900 Friday 4 to 6 p.m. Sat., Noon to 2 p.m. Tracy Carruth Markel Homes (972) 832-5864

LONGMONT

737 Wade Road $519,000 Sat., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Barry Remington WK Real Estate (720) 373-9297

2115 Springs Place $775,000 Sun., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mary Romano RE/MAX Alliance (303) 588-8433

2013 Prestwick Court $895,000 Sat., Noon to 1:30 p.m. Alex D’Allaird LIV Sotheby’s International Realty (484) 678-5033

6732 Golf Club Drive $1,000,000 Sat., Noon to 2 p.m. Annie Zrubek RE/MAX Alliance (303) 589-2101

1615 Turin Drive $1,150,000 Sat., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sun., 2 to 4 p.m. Matthew Jensen WK Real Estate (303) 819-6494

4302 Nelson Road $3,775,000 Sat., Noon to 2 p.m. Kevin Murray RE/MAX Alliance (303) 818-9249

LOUISVILLE

749 Apple Court

Drive Traffic to Your Home Listing

$1,300,000

Sat., & Sun., Noon to 2 p.m. Mark Gisler RE/MAX Alliance (917) 287-2551

SUPERIOR

2855 Rock Creek Circle, #301 $540,000 Sat., Noon to 3 p.m. Katie Kuosman WK Real Estate (720) 937-8076

THORNTON

12903 Lafayette St., Unit D $350,000 Sat., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Duane Caraballo RE/MAX Alliance (720) 371-8629

WESTMINSTER

2264 W 118th Ave $679,700 Sun., 1 to 3 p.m. Schwanda Johann RE/MAX of Boulder (303) 638-5977