8500 Sugar Loaf Rd

Pristine Mountain Property! Build your dream home on 9+ acres of privacy! Surrounded by
forest service land. 360 degree views of Back Range, Peewink, Comforter & Sugar Loaf mountains & plains! Only 30 minutes to Boulder. Rock Outcroppings, Ponderosa Pines, Douglas Fir & Native Grass Meadows on slopping terrain. Complete Privacy...

Own 9.12 acres - feels like 9,000! Unrecorded physical access via open forest service road.

900 Cleveland Ct. Louisville

Beautifully updated Four level contemporary home on a quiet cul-de-sac*** Open floor plan with an eat-in kitchen, Brazilian Cherry Hardwood floors, Granite Counter Tops in Kitchen, Master bath and Hall bath***Stainless steele Dishwasher!! Double Sink in the Master Separate dining room, family room and lower level rec room, bedroom & study/office. Close to Downtown Louisville, Memorial Pool, Louisville Rec Center** Backs to green belt from fenced yard.

2880 Sundown #308

Gold Run Condo. This quiet and spacious top floor unit with vaulted ceilings, is just minutes away from CU. The property is popular not only for students but also for those individuals that love the proximity to all the wonderful experiences that Boulder has to offer. The Boulder Bike path and Boulder Creek offer visually pleasing areas and with 29th St. A car is not necessary to enjoy fine dining and shopping. The rare and fabulous club house includes racquetball, tennis, volleyball, indoor pool, indoor and outdoor hot tub, exercise equipment & so much more!! This is a lifestyle of education, fitness and beauty that can not be replicated anywhere else!

Boulder City Council Member on County TDR Program

I normally do not agree with Steve on many things but on this we are in complete agreement!


Pomerance: Expanded Transfer of Development Rights -- the wrong approach
Steve PomeranceSunday, March 2, 2008
When the Boulder County commissioners meet this week, they should abandon the ill-conceived Expanded Transfer of Development Rights proposal. The program has fundamental flaws that are not amenable to correction, would accomplish little to benefit the citizens of the county, and potentially could put the county at risk from "takings" and TABOR lawsuits.
The proposed ETDR scheme envisions setting "thresholds" for the square footage of development on a parcel, with the thresholds being lower in the mountains and higher in the plains. In general terms, and ignoring many of the details, if a property owner wants to build more than the threshold allows, he or she would have to purchase the requisite amount of square footage of "development credits" from another property owner at market price. The seller's development potential would then be restricted by an equivalent amount below their threshold.
This action in effect transfers development potential between the property owners. It also reduces the average floor area of new development, since one development's going above the threshold requires another to be below. Unfortunately, as the county Planning Commission noted, the thresholds are inevitably somewhat arbitrary.
The ETDR approach does not appear to distinguish areas the county would like to protect from areas where the commissioners have less concern. In other words, an owner in an area where the county wants less development could purchase development credits, leading to more, not less, development in those areas.
A technical difficulty with ETDR is that some properties can never be developed up to their thresholds because of the stringent nature of the Site Plan Review process. So it appears that these owners could sell credits for development that would, in fact, not be permitted under the county's review process. Thus they would be the prime sellers of development credits -- their prices would be lowest because they are giving up the least. This would remove most of the disincentive for building larger homes.
On the other hand, some property owners do not have significant Site Plan Review constraints. If such an owner sells credits, he or she can sell only the amount of square footage below their ETDR threshold. But in the process, they also apparently lose what they might have been able to build above their threshold. However, a similarly situated purchaser only needs to buy what is needed to go above their threshold. Thus the cost of these credits will be prohibitive, because the seller is giving up far more than the buyer is getting.
In Nollan vs. California Coastal Commission, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that exactions from property owners need to have an essential nexus with the action being permitted. In layman's terms, the fix being exacted must be tied to the problem being created. But there is no real connection between, for example, the impact from building an overly large house near Niwot and the benefit from buying down development rights on properties near Ward or Raymond.
Some people will claim that the commissioners are, in effect, taxing people who build big houses to pay for a county effort to buy out development rights. This would then arguably be a county excise tax imposed without a TABOR vote, which would make it illegal on two counts. And further legal issues might be raised about the arbitrary thresholds.
The commissioners have better alternatives: They could impose a Floor Area Ratio requirement that would limit houses to, say, 3500 square feet, with each extra 100 square feet requiring the lot to be one additional acre over 35 acres. They could also set visual standards, increase set-back requirements, and so on.
In politics, many times an ill-defined problem and a "good idea" solution get so stuck together that alternatives are never examined. The commissioners have done some very good work recently on building codes and on making the whole development process more "green." They need to bring a similar level of reality-check to this process.
Steve Pomerance is a former Boulder city council member and can be reached at stevepomerance@yahoo.com

Transeral Development Rights Study Session Boulder County

Only two more hearings and then I am sure that the County Commissioners are going to pass this regulation!


Subject: Board of County Commissioners meetings on TDRs N Boulder County Board of County Commissioners Study Sessions and Public Hearing Expanded Transfer of Development Rights Program including Structure Size Thresholds - Docket DC-05-002H Thursday, March 6, and Monday, March 10, 2008 Third Floor Hearing Room, Boulder County Courthouse 1325 Pearl Street, Boulder Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 4:00 PM The Boulder Board of County Commissioners will be holding a study session on the proposed Expanded Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Program on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 4:00 PM. The hearing will be held in the Third Floor Hearing Room at the Boulder County Courthouse, 1325 Pearl Street. The purpose of this study session is for staff to present the Planning Commission recommendations on the proposed TDR program to the Board of County Commissioners. The Board will not be taking any public testimony or any action on this program at this March 4th study session; however the public is invited to attend. Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 5:30 PM The Boulder Board of County Commissioners will be holding a public hearing on the proposed TDR Program on March 6, 2008 at 5:30 PM. The hearing will be held in the Third Floor Hearing Room at the Boulder County Courthouse, 1325 Pearl Street. The purpose of this hearing is to take public comment on the proposed TDR program including the draft TDR regulations, proposed amendments to the Site Plan Review Standards, interim regulations for the designated Special Character Areas, amendments to the Definitions included in the Land Use Code, and the authorization for a County-run TDR Clearinghouse. Public testimony will be limited to three minutes per person. Written comments for this public hearing may be submitted. Please e-mail comments to Michelle Krezek at mkrezek@bouldercounty.org. The Board of County Commissioners will not be taking any action at this March 6th hearing. Monday, March 10, 2008 at 5:00 PM A study session for the Board of County Commissioners to discuss the public comments given on March 6th and to give direction to staff regarding changes to the proposed TDR program will be held on Monday, March 10, 2008 beginning at 5:00 PM at the Boulder County Courthouse. This study session will be open to the public, but no public testimony will be taken on March 10th. Materials for these meetings are available on the Boulder County Land Use Department website at <http://www.bouldercounty.org/lu/code_updates/expanded_tdr/index.htm%3E . The same materials will be used for the March 4th and March 6th meetings. These study sessions and public hearings will be web cast. To view the web cast, please go to <http://www.bouldercounty.org/stream/index.htm%3E . If you have additional questions, please contact Michelle Krezek at 720-564-2623 or mkrezek@bouldercounty.org

Boulder TDR House Size Limitations

It appears that Boulder's County Commissioners are set on taking peoples private property rights through the TDR Program. I feel sorry for those people who have not added on to their homes yet or who have vacant land properties!

Boulder County's house-size battle nears an end
Opponents worry their voices will be ignored
By Laura Snider (Contact)Tuesday, March 4, 2008
If you go
What: County commissioners review the "expanded transfer of development rights," or TDR, program. The measures seek to offset the effects of large house sizes in unincorporated Boulder County.
When: At 4 p.m. today, the commissioners will have a study session to review the proposals. The meeting is open to the public, but no public testimony will be taken.
At 5:30 p.m. Thursday, the commissioners will listen to public testimony on the program.
At 5 p.m. Monday, the commissioners will have another study session when they will likely give direction to the staff on what the final program will look like.
Where: All meetings will be on the third floor of the Boulder County Courthouse, 1325 Pearl St.
For more information: Visit www.bouldercounty.org/lu or call Michelle Krezek at 720-564-2623.
Katrina Peterson doesn't think Boulder County should limit house sizes. She's said it at public meetings, she's written it in letters and she's called the land use department to express her concerns.
And even with a landslide of public opinion on her side -- or at least the vast majority of people who show up at public meetings on her side -- she's worried her voice isn't being heard.
Starting today, the county commissioners will hold three public meetings to discuss the county's controversial proposal to limit house sizes in unincorporated Boulder County. On Monday, it's likely the commissioners will decide on the final form of the regulations.
"I won't be surprised if they put it in place," said Peterson, who owns a house in the mountains and worries her property value will be damaged by the program. "It'll be pretty discouraging."
For many county residents doggedly following the house-size debate, the issue has laid bare a much more basic question than whether house sizes should be restricted. It has people pondering how elected officials should go about determining what their constituents really want.
"It's pretty hard to understand when (Commissioner Will Toor) says there's a lot of people out there who support it -- how do they know? How do they know when they don't show up?" Peterson said. "The staff and the county commissioners say there is a silent majority out there, and we're going to interpret that to mean they're OK with it."
More than 100 people wrote letters or e-mails to the land use department opposing at least some part of the program, compared with fewer than 40 supporting it.
And the county's Planning Commission, which is charged with advising the county commissioners on land-use issues, announced last month that it doesn't recommend house-size limits in the form of the "transfer of development rights" program, which would allow developers to build houses above set limits if they buy extra development rights.

Even so, there is evidence that county residents do support some form of house-size limits, and Toor says it's his responsibility to make a decision that's best for the entire community — now and in the future.
Toor points to a 2006 survey of Boulder County registered voters in which people were asked "whether respondents agree or disagree that if a house would be larger than, say, 4,000 or 5,000 square feet the county should require mitigation to the land such as buying open land and leaving it open ..." Seventy-three percent of people agreed.
"Having spent years in public office on the City Council and now on the county commission, I've learned the people who show up to testify on particular issues are not a representative sample of the population at large," Toor said. "We need to listen and understand those concerns, but I think there is a much broader public interest out there."
Contact Camera Staff Writer Laura Snider at 303-473-1327 or sniderl@dailycamera.com.
THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF HOUSE-SIZE LIMITS
The proposal that the county commissioners will review in the next week can be broken down into three pieces:
Expanded transfer of development rights
This is the part of the program that would set thresholds for house sizes. Most recently, the Planning Commission decided not to recommend such a program. However, the county commissioners still have the power to pass the program.
The last numbers used by the Planning Commission set a limit of 5,500 square feet for houses built in the plains and 3,500 square feet for houses built in the mountains. If a developer wants to build a larger house, he or she would need to buy extra development rights from owners of land that has not been developed or smaller houses that have not used all the square footage allowed.
Site-plan review
Now, anyone who wants to build a house in unincorporated Boulder County must go through a stringent site-plan review process to determine if the planned house would be in "harmony" with its neighborhood. The proposed amendments to the review would clarify what defines a neighborhood and create a clearer rule of thumb for what size house can expect to clear the review.
The Planning Commission recommended that the default "neighborhood" be set to 1,500 feet in all directions and the default house size be set to 125 percent of the median size of homes in that neighborhood. The definition of neighborhood or the size allowed could change with negotiation.
Special character areas
This designation would exempt unincorporated communities from the program, including Eldora, Eldorado Springs, Hygiene, Gold Hill, Allenspark, Raymond and Riverside. The program would also create a Peak-to-Peak scenic corridor. In all these designated areas, residents would work with the land use department to create codes that fit their individual communities and that would preserve the unique character of the area.

Adverse Possession in Colorado

Adverse possession bill set for Senate committee
By Heath Urie (Contact)Originally published 03:43 p.m., March 4, 2008Updated 08:00 p.m., March 4, 2008

A bill that seeks to change a controversial land law that has locked two Boulder couples in a bitter legal dispute for years is set to be heard next week by the Colorado Senate.
House Bill 1148, which would overhaul the law of adverse possession, is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee at 1:30 p.m. March 12. The hearing, originally set for March 5, has been delayed.
The state law now allows trespassers to claim land after using it openly and continuously for at least 18 years.
The law caught the attention of several lawmakers last fall after a Boulder District Court judge awarded a portion of one of Don and Susie Kirlin’s vacant lots on Hardscrabble Drive to neighbors Dick McLean and Edith Stevens.
McLean, a former district court judge and Boulder mayor, and Stevens, an attorney and Democratic activist, sued the Kirlins using the law of adverse possession.
The bill, which would add a “good faith” provision and other requirements to the longtime legal doctrine, gained initial approval last month by a House vote of 63-1.
If approved Wednesday, the bill will move to the full Senate for consideration and would require final approval by Gov. Bill Ritter.

Adverse possession bill set for Senate committee
By Heath Urie (Contact)Originally published 03:43 p.m., March 4, 2008Updated 08:00 p.m., March 4, 2008
VIDEO: Nov. 18 protest picnic in support of the Kirlins. WATCH »
VIDEO: Take a look at Don and Susie Kirlin's land and hear them speak about the case. WATCH »
MAP: Satellite image Google map of Hardscrabble Drive.
AUDIO: Listen to NPR's report on the case.
AUDIO: Local singer Don Wrege composed several songs about the land dispute.
1. Stealing Land From Our Neighbor
2. This Land Belongs to Don & Susie
3. Edie & Dick (The Grinch Theme)

TDR- Transferable Development Rights Regulation

Please make your voice heard as this could greatly affect your private property values. The question is where will the regulations stop if this type of regulations is allowed.

NEWS RELEASE: Public meetings scheduled to consider final proposals for an expanded TDR program
Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:25:02 -0700
From: Halpin, Barbara bhalpin@bouldercounty.org
To: BCPRESSRELEASE@bouldercounty.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 28, 2008
Contact: Michelle Krezek, Boulder County Land Use, 720-564-2623 or Barb Halpin, Public Information Officer, 303-441-1622

*Public meetings scheduled to consider final proposals for an expanded TDR program* *

Board of County Commissioners to consider recent Planning Commission recommendations and to take public testimony on a Transfer of Development Rights/Structure-Size Program for unincorporated Boulder County /**//* (Boulder County, Colo.) -

The County Commissioners have scheduled a series of meetings in March to consider recent Planning Commission recommendations and to take public testimony on an expanded Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program for Boulder County. On February 20, the Planning Commission made final recommendations on the proposed TDR program, including amendments to the Site Plan Review standards and the designation of Special Character Areas and Scenic Corridor Areas. The Board of County Commissioners will be considering the Planning Commission's recommendations, taking public input and providing direction to county staff for drafting final program amendments at the following public meetings:

*Date: *Tues., March 4, 2008 *Time: *4:00 p.m. *What:* * *Board of County Commissioners *Study Session* on the Expanded TDR program *Description:* Boulder County Land Use staff will review the Planning Commission's recommendations with the Board of County Commissioners. No public testimony will be taken, but the public is invited to attend.

*Date: *Tues., March 6, 2008 *Time: *5:30 p.m. *What:* Board of County Commissioners *Public Hearing* on the Expanded TDR program *Description:* The Board of County Commissioners will take public testimony on the proposed expanded TDR program. The public is invited to attend and provide comment.

*Date:* * *Mon., March 10, 2008 *Time:* * *5:00 p.m. *What: *Board of County Commissioners *Study Session* on the Expanded TDR Program. *Description: *This study session will be for the Board of County Commissioners to give Boulder County Land Use staff direction on amendments to the proposed TDR program. No public testimony will be taken, but the public is invited to attend. Note: All meetings will be held in the 3rd Floor Hearing Room, Boulder County Courthouse, 1325 Pearl Street, Boulder. A *set of materials* <http://www.co.boulder.co.us/lu/code_updates/expanded_tdr/index.htm%3E for discussion at the upcoming meetings is available on the County's Land Use Web site at: *www.bouldercounty.org/lu <http://www.bouldercounty.org/lu%3E*. For more information, contact Michelle Krezek at 720-564-2623. * * -###- *Barb Halpin x 1622 **Public Information Officer *Boulder County Board of County Commissioners 303-441-1622 - Office 303-441-4525 - Fax

1360 Walnut #303 Boulder One Plaza

Boulder One Plaza Loft!! Exclusive and very rare Landmark Development! With views of the Foothills & Downtown Boulder from the panoramic ceiling to floor store front windows, exposed brick, bamboo floors, stainless appliances, balcony. Contemporary yet elegant finish work in this true industrial-style loft with open 12.5 ft ceilings and exposed ductwork, designer lighting, Zodiac counters, stainless sinks and seamless entry shower stalls! Incredible downtown location! Corner of 14th & Walnut.! Includes an elevator & concierge service that will help you with personal things such as picking up your dry cleaning, walking your dog and alerting you to social events or special discounts with local venues! Walk to work, workout, get dressed, get dinner then listen to live bands w/o getting into your car!!! It's a lifestyle!! Eco-friendly! Visit my Boulder real estate website

5 SIMPLE ENERGY-EFFICIENT TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH THE CHILLY HOLIDAYS

1. Save gas by bundling your errands! Make a list and plan your trips. Head towards where you need to go and purchase as many products as possible the first time - instead of going back and forth to the store and wasting the gas because you forgot one thing.

2. To maximize holiday energy savings, use timers to limit light displays to the hours you want. These timers are readily available and also save you the hassle of running around at dusk plugging in or turning on lights.

3. Use LED lights, which look the same as traditional incandescent bulbs, last longer, use about 85 percent less energy and stay cool to the touch, which is safer for those families with curious younger children. The lights are fairly inexpensive in the long run - a strand of 60 Philips LED dome string multi-color twinkle lights uses up to 88 percent less energy and lasts up to 20 times longer than standard bulbs.

4. Americans generate millions of additional trash over the holidays that requires additional energy to process. Try to be creative about wrapping presents-use linens or other reusable items instead. If you need wrapping paper, be sure to use recycled. Rather than using new tissue paper to wrap ornaments and things you don't want to break, reuse the bubble wrap and wrapping paper that your family's gifts arrived in.

5. Cut your heating bills and stay warmer by sealing air leaks. Make sure your fireplace damper is closed, or better yet, install an inflatable chimney balloon that seals off leaks. Check to ensure your windows are all sealed tight. Mount storm windows. Weatherstrip doors and the attic access hatch.

What is the difference between Built Green® Colorado and ENERGY STAR®?

Built Green Colorado, is a voluntary industry-led program created through the joint efforts of the HBA of Metro Denver, The Governor’s office of Energy Management and Conservation, Xcel Energy, and E-Star Colorado. While Energy Star and Built Green have the same energy efficiency minimum requirement – 15% above IECC 2006 – Built Green is a “green building” program, not just an energy efficiency program. The Built Green Checklist provides builders a flexible approach to building homes that provide greater energy efficiency and comfort, have improved indoor air quality, save water, preserve natural resources, and have improved durability and reduced maintenance needs. Homes are verified for compliance on a random basis by third-party verifiers.

Energy Star is a voluntary government-backed program that focuses on improved energy efficiency. New homes earn the Energy Star designation by meeting energy efficiency guidelines outlined by the U.S. EPA. The guidelines are set to exceed the IECC 2006 by 15%. Energy Star’s primary focus is on energy efficiency. Homes must be verified for compliance by third-party verifiers.

Energy Star and Built Green are compatible programs; participation in one does not exclude participation in the other. A builder can fulfill the 2007 Built Green Checklist Energy Requirement by meeting the requirements of Energy Star, and then make selections from the Checklist to address the additional components relative to IAQ, water and resource conservation, durability and reduced maintenance. Both Built Green and Energy Star use the same third-party verifiers to conduct inspections, including an insulation inspection, and blower door and duct pressurization tests. Built Green home inspections also include documentation and/or visual inspection to verify compliance with the Built Green Checklist. Please see the “List of Approved Raters” at: http://builtgreen.org/directory/raters.aspx, to select a HERS rater to complete these inspections.

Food & Clothing Drives

Nearly 10% of Colorado’s population lives in poverty. Many of these people do not have enough nutritious food to eat, and often they don’t have access to adequate clothing. You can ease their struggle by making a donation at any of the following locations across the state.

Boulder and Broomfield Counties: Let’s Bag Hunger Food Drive. From November 11-21, drop your food donations off at participating local grocery stores or at the Community Food Share site: 6363 Horizon Lane, Longmont. Call 303.652.3663 or visit http://www.communityfoodshare.org/ for more information.

Colorado Springs: Care and Share Food Bank. Donate food anytime of the year to the Care and Share warehouse located at 2520 Aviation Way, Suite 130, Colorado Springs. Hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday and from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturdays. You can also drop off your donation at local Police Department Substations. For more information call 719.528.1247 or visit http://www.careandshare.org/.

Denver: Food Bank of the Rockies. Donations are accepted at 10700 E. 45th Ave. anytime between 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information regarding volunteering or donations call 303.371.9250 or visit http://www.foodbankrockies.org/.

Denver and additional locations across Colorado: 9 Cares, Colorado Shares. Until November 9th at 4 p.m., help thousands of Coloradans by dropping off your canned food and clothing donations to any First American Heritage Title Company in the state and other participating sites. Visit http://www.9news.com/ and click on the “community” link for more information and other participating businesses. And visit http://www.fahtco.com/ for a list of First American Heritage office locations.

Denver: Coats for Colorado. Drop off used coats at any Dependable Cleaners location in the Denver metro area until November 30th. For more information and drop-off locations, visit http://www.coatsforcolorado.org/.

Metro Area: Share the Warmth. Denver Mattress and CW2 News have joined efforts in keeping Colorado warm this winter. Now through November 12th, drop off coats to any Denver Mattress location and receive a discount coupon to Denver Mattress. Coats benefit Energy Outreach Colorado and are distributed to local charities. For more information and a list of Denver Mattress locations go to http://cw2.trb.com/ and click on the ‘Share the Warmth’ logo on the right side of the page.

Fort Collins and Loveland: Food Share Pantries. Help provide for single parents, elderly and individuals in crisis this season by donating to the Food Share Pantry and the Food Bank for Larimer County. Drop off donations Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 245 S. Madison Ave. in Loveland and at 1301 Blue Spruce in Fort Collins. For more information visit http://www.foodbanklarimer.org/.

Grand Junction: Food Bank of the Rockies (FBR). Help FBR provide food supplies to over 970 hunger relief programs across Colorado and Wyoming. Drop off donations Monday, Wednesday and Thursday - 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday - 8 a.m. to 12 noon. For more information on donations or on setting up your own food drive, contact Starlene Collins at 970.243.3937 or scollins@foodbankrockies.org.

Eagle County: Vail Police Department: Make a Difference Day. On October 27th drop off your food and/or clothing donations to the Vail Police Department parking lot from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Other drop off locations include grocery stores in Eagle, Edwards, Vail, Avon and Gypsum as well as many schools throughout Eagle County. For more information call 970.376.6952.

Boulder Market has Home-buying and Investment Opportunities

The national real estate market has received a fair amount of negative attention lately. Consequently, it is understandable that Boulder County property owners are wondering how all of this negativity affects our local market. Buyers are reportedly taking their time to decide and are in no hurry to make purchases, while some sellers are generally out of touch with what is going on in this market. Although the national real estate market has been negatively impacted, Boulder is unique and doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a city or of other real estate markets across the country.Although Boulder is seeing the effects of a market slowdown, agents at RE/MAX of Boulder believe now is the time to buy.

Fewer people are looking to buy homes than in the past, but more sellers in the market means buyers have a better inventory of homes from which to choose. As a result, prices have softened and sellers have even dropped the price of their homes to sell them. In some cases homes can sit on the market for six to nine months, especially higher-priced homes. Agents are recommending sellers pay to stage their homes, as experience has shown that homes that “shine” and are priced competitively will sell faster.Although the market is not as strong as in years past right now, some positive signs show an upward trend may be on the horizon. Statistics from IRES LLC show that prices have softened, but Boulder real estate has continued to appreciate over the last two years while surrounding areas have suffered. There is a growing trend of people transferring here for new jobs, which means more buyers in the marketplace. Sellers are taking homes off the market and renting them out to take advantage of a strong rental market. With homes coming off the market, the amount of inventory will start to decline. All of these factors demonstrate why our market is unique and emphasize the point – even though the press has been reporting that nationally values will continue to drop, our market will hold its own.Under these market conditions RE/MAX agents see opportunities for both buyers and investors alike.

The rental market is strong; there are quality tenants and rising rental rates. Thus smart investors are buying income properties while the market is slow and it is still difficult for buyers to get financing. Some agents predict buyers will find good deals through the first of January and the market will make a comeback in 2008 for a stronger year. Remember, they advise, Boulder remains a desirable place to live and an excellent place to own real estate. With its proximity to the mountains, temperate climate, high quality of life, abundant open space and limited future development potential, Boulder County will always have a greater demand than supply for homes. Therefore the values should continue to rise in the long term.

South Boulder Creek Flood Mapping Study

The City of Boulder has recently finished a study on the flooding potential along the South Boulder Creek area. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had rejected an earlier study concluding that it was too conservative. This latest study predicts that approximately 1,137 structures would be underwater during a 100-year flood.

How does this affect Boulder homeowners? Well, if you house is in the newly described 100-year flood plain you will likely be required by your mortgage holder to obtain flood insurance. Those who have federally subsidized mortgages will probably be required to purchase FEMA insurance which costs an average of $12,00 annually. Future building in the flood plain could be restricted as well. Even though it could take up to a year for FEMA to formally adopt the new study, the City of Boulder will begin enforcing land use and building code requirement soon. It could alter your plans for an addition or a home sale!

To find out more information or to see if your home falls in the projected flood plain, visit http://www.southbouldercreek.com/. We advise you to talk to your insurance agent now, as obtaining flood insurance before the formal adoption of the study by FEMA may save you a substantial amount on insurance premiums!

ENERGY AWARENESS CHALLENGE!

Put yourself on the map!

Take the October Energy Awareness Challenge!

Pledge online today to lower your carbon footprint and reduce your energy use. Your name will be added to a growing online list of committed Boulder County residents and businesses, and a green pin to visually represent your location will be placed on the ClimateSmart map.

The October Energy Awareness Challenge is a ClimateSmart initiative with a goal of adding 1,000 names to the Who’s In list during October, National Energy Awareness Month. Take the pledge and tell your Boulder County friends and colleagues! beclimatesmart.com/pledgeNow

Burglar Proof Inside Your Home

There's a burglary every 15 seconds in the United States - and more than 6 Million home break-ins every year. The good news: Your house doesn't have to be one of them. There's plenty you can do, experts say, to make it tougher for housebreakers to make off with your hard-earned, perhaps irreplaceable stuff.

A few smart moves within the house can keep a burglar out - or at least minimize his haul.

Put lights and a radio or TV on timers. People who leave the lights on all day "might as well put out a sign in their front yard saying they're out of town" says Ann Lindstrom of ADT Security Services, the nation's oldest alarm-system company. Look for the type of timer that can be set for random on and off times. Otherwise, it's too easy for crooks to get wise to the fact that your lights are coming on at the same time every night.

Don't rely on your dog. You'd like to believe that your "vicious" golden retriever will scare off burglars. And though barking may persuade them to skip your house, you shouldn't count on it. "Most of us train dogs to be friendly to strangers", says Frank Santamorena, an expert for the Discovery Channel's burglary-prevention show, It Takes A Thief. Some thieves even bring dog biscuits.

Close most shades. If a thief can't see inside, he won't know whether there's anything worth stealing, says Lauren Russ, executive director of the nonprofit Burglary Prevention Council (BPC). But keep a few shades open on the second floor to make it look as if someone is home.

Lock up valuables. It may sound obvious, but thieves know we all like to hide our most important things under the bed, in a coffee tin, or behind a bookcase. So keep passports, Social Security cards, and the like in a bank safe-deposit box or in a heavy-duty combination safe you can bolt to the floor in a closet.

Keep two jewelry boxes. Store inexpensive pieces in the nice case on your dresser. Stash the good bits in a safe. A thief may be fooled by the "cheap box" and not bother looking for more.

Lock away guns. Weapons are attractive to thieves, so if you have them in your house, hide them in a safe, just as you would conceal other valuables.

Make your stuff harder to sell. Use an engraving pen (sold in hardware stores) to mark big-ticket items, like electronics and computers. Prominently engrave your initials and driver's license number (not your social security number) on the back. Since many pawnshops don't accept ID engraved items or are required by law to report them to the police, burglars may pass on them. At the very least, you'll have a better change of recovering them.

Get an alarm system. A recent survey by Temple University researchers found that alarms, when used in combination with other precautions, reduce the likelihood of burglary be as much as 66%. All monitored electronic-security systems operate through phone lines. The more recent types have backup service that uses cellular technology or digital radio, so if the line is cut or the power goes out, you're still protected. This can add a few hundred dollars to the bill, but experts say it's a must. Expect to pay at least $350 for installation and around $35 a month in monitoring fees.

City and County Green Building Codes

GET INVOLVED!

THIS WILL AFFECT YOU WHETHER YOU ARE A BUYER OR SELLER!

The city and county green building programs are moving forward and your participation in the public process is welcome!

City of Boulder - Green Points (Office of Environmental Affairs): Elizabeth Vasatka VasatkaE@bouldercolorado.gov (email her to be on a listserv of updates)
Hearings: (at City Council Chambers, 1777 Broadway)Planning Board: October 4th,
(agenda item C-around 8 pm)
City Council (first hearing): October 16th
City Council (second hearing): November 13th Boulder County - Build Smart: Michelle Krezek mkrezek@co.boulder.co.us (email her to be on a listserv of updates)
Hearings: Board of Review: October 25th, 3:30 pm Drafts and further hearing dates will be posted on http://www.co.boulder.co.uslu/

The city's update to the current Green Points program is building on the evolution of a 10 year old green building program. Revisions include mandatory measures for energy performance for new construction, deconstruction and construction waste requirements, and mandatory measures for remodels and additions. The goal is to have a comprehensive program that includes indoor air quality and sustainable resource management. The city's program set an energy threshold of 50% above code across the housing sizes, but will be asking Planning Board for its feedback on scaling energy efficiency by house size.

The county's program is starting with energy efficiency, waste and water measures that are mandatory. We're thrilled to have the county join the ranks of local governments mandating a level of green building measures.

Remember, these juridications have different development patterns, housing types, housing sizes and direction from their public officials. Visit the web site, www.bouldergreenpoints.com, to educate yourself on the processes and documentation involved. BGBG's goal is to make green building common practice! We encourage you to educate yourself about these important, impending policies decisions and thank you in advance for participating.

New Energy Economy

Legislation Launches the New Energy Economy

More than 20 energy-related bills passed the legislature and were signed into law. Several of these new laws provide a critical boost to energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts in Colorado. A recent Governor's Energy Office newsletter summarized the key bills and explained how they are setting the foundation for the vision of the New Energy Economy Governor Ritter established for Colorado during his campaign last year.

House Bill 1281 doubled the Amendment 37 renewable standard passed by the voters in 2004. Investor-owned utilities must now generate 20% of their electricity from renewable energy by 2020. And the municipal and rural co-op utilities must achieve 10%.

House Bill 1279 extends the sales tax exemption on manufacturing equipment to renewable energy generation, saving millions of dollars for companies investing in Colorado and also reducing costs of electricity for all Coloradans.

House Bill 246, Clean Energy Fund, will provide a steady stream of revenue ($7m in 2008) to the Governor's Energy Office for the purposes of advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy throughout the state.

House Bill 1087 creates a grant program to place wind turbines on schools.

House Bill 1228 requires biofuels be used in state fleet vehicles.

The Greening of Government Executive Order set a goal of a 25% reduction in petroleum fuel usage by 2012 in the state fleet through the use of biofuels or by increasing efficiency.
House Bill 1146 raises the baseline for local building codes to the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code.

House Bill 1037 requires investor owned gas utilities to invest in energy efficiency, and directs the Public Utility Commission to set new goals for electric energy efficiency.

The Latest FHA News from DC

THE LATEST FROM DC:
1) FHA LEGISLATION TAKES A MAJOR STEP FORWARD
On late Friday afternoon, Senate Banking Committee members struck a deal on FHA modernization legislation. This is the key step on the road to enactment of the legislation in the next 30 days assuming the deal holds. The Committee is scheduled to mark-up the bill on Wednesday, September 19th. The FHA bill can now move expeditiously through the Senate because of the bi-partisan support. The key provisions are: (We will provide an in-depth analysis of the provisions after the mark-up)
a. Higher mortgage limits
The Senate bill will increase the FHA limits as follows:
FHA floor increases from 48% to 65% of the GSE limit (i.e. from $200,160 to $271,050)
The new floor will likely be effective upon signature by the President.
FHA ceiling will increase to $417,000
This provision will likely not be effective immediately. FHA will need to analyze local markets to determine whether an increase is justified. We do believe that FHA will move to increase limits ASAP.
b. Lower and more flexible down payment
The compromise will require 1.5% borrower cash investment. There will be a cap of 100% loan-to value ratio. However, the upfront MIP will apparently be required to be included in the 100% LTV effectively capping the loan amount at 98.5% assuming an upfront MIP of 1.5%. At first glance, our thoughts on this provision are:
1. The reduced cash investment (1.5% instead of the current 3%) provides flexibility in helping the borrower to qualify. For example, it would permit the seller to pay closing costs or the homebuyer to pay closing costs through premium pricing. Gifts from acceptable sources will certainly continue to be allowed.
2. If FHA does implement risk-based pricing administratively as they have indicated, the inclusion of the MIP in the 100% LTV calculation would likely require higher down payments from higher risk borrowers. For example, if FHA implemented a 3% upfront premium for a category of borrowers, the maximum LTV would effectively become 97% (100% -3% upfront premiums.
While some would like a lower down payment/cash investment requirement, this provision is probably the best we could hope for in light of current market conditions.

c. No mention of risk-based pricing
We understand there will be no mention of risk-based pricing in the bill. However it will permit a maximum upfront premium of 3% instead of 2.25% as well as an increase in the annual premium.
What is next and when the bill be enacted?
The compromise indicates that a bill is likely. In fact, we would now be shocked if an FHA bill is not passed this year. We would expect the process to be completed and signed by the President in the next 30 days barring some unforeseen circumstance.

That being said, there are several steps to go. First, the House will vote on the legislation on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the Senate Banking Committee will mark-up its bill (highlights above) and then its bill will be sent to the full Senate for action. That should be completed quickly assuming there are no problems at the mark-up.

Probably the most critical step remaining will occur when the FHA bill goes to a conference of House and Senate Committee leaders to reconcile differences in the two bills. Because of the nature of Senate rules (i.e. minority has considerable power), we would expect most controversial provisions to be resolved along the lines of the Senate bill although changes are possible. For example, there will be a House amendment to raise the FHA mortgage limits significantly in high cost areas (as high as $700,000). While it may pass in the House, its odds of inclusion in the final bill are much more questionable at this time. However, market events over the next several weeks could also have a significant impact on this provision and possibly others.

We will, of course, follow this process through the remaining steps that hopefully will end at a bill signing ceremony by the President. While there are still some issues to be resolved, we do believe that it is appropriate to start planning for implementation of major changes to the FHA program including higher mortgage limits and changes to the down payment calculation. By the end of this week, we should have more certainty as to the likely provisions.

2) RISK-BASED PRICING
HUD has indicated that they will be proposing a risk-based price premium structure in a notice early next week. HUD will be soliciting comments before making a final decision. They had wanted to implement this proposal in January 2008. However, based on feedback they are receiving about the time needed to implement such a change, we are hopeful that HUD will delay implementation for at least several more months.

Boulder County Housing Size

Notice to All Home and Land Owners of Unincorporated Boulder County

Be on notice that Boulder County has proposed a revision to the Land Use Code, if enacted, may substantially reduce the value of your home and land.

The reduction in the value of your property will result from a mandatory square footage reduction in the construction of new residences, or additions to existing residences. The current regulations provide for maximum building sizes of 25,000 sq. ft. The officials of Boulder County propose to substantially reduce residence sizes to no more than 4,500 sq. ft. in the mountains and 6,500 sq. ft. on the plains. Your family will feel its detremental effects at the time of construction or future sale of your residence.

We believe that our forefathers meant it when they said that a citizen may use his or her land in any reasonalbe matter so long as it does not create a nuisance for the neighbors. The proposed policy constitutes the taking of private property by the government, but it claims that such taking is justified because it is not taking too much property from too many people. History demonstrates that the erosion of the rights of citizens by government is successful where it is accomplished piecemeal, and only if citizens do not speak out against the denial of their rights in a timely manner.

The County's proposed policy also allows people who are wealthy to avoid the reduction in the value of their property, but effectively precludes people of moderate means from preventing the reduction in the value of their property.

The Boulder Area Realtors Association, which has expertise and experience in maintaining the values of the realty of citizens, recommends the establishment of an unbiased Blue Ribbon Study Panel and Survey to determine the economic impact the proposed revision to the Land Use Code to your property. The Land Use Coalition (http://www.landusecoaltion.org/) agrees with this sensible approach, and requestes the citizens of Boulder County to speak out against the denial of their rights in a timely manner.

Time is short. Now is the time to act to protect your rights. Notify the Boulder County Commissioners and the Boulder County Planning Commission that you will not tolerate the County enacting the proposed revision that is likely to substantially reduce the value of your home and land.

The Boudler County Planning Commission will meet to consider the proposed revision at 6 pm on September 19th, at the Boulder County Courthouse. For additional information, to to http://www.landusecoalition.org/.

Congress Ready to Tackle Mortgage Crisis

With Congress set to reconvene, the mortgage crisis is among lawmakers' top priorities.

Among some of the expected measures to be considered:
> A bill that would lift Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's portfolio restrictions in an effort to add liquidity to the mortgage market.

> An anti-predatory lending bill that would federally regulate mortgage brokers and make mortgage-backed securities investors partially liable for problem loans. House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) is expected to propose the bill.

> Housing counseling to help curtail foreclosures. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) plans to propose that $100 million be earmarked in an appropriations bill for housing counseling.

> Meanwhile, President Bush has proposed enabling the Federal Housing Administration to back refinances of adjustable-rate mortgages in default or close to default.

> Kurt Pfotenhauer, Mortgage Bankers Association senior vice president of government affairs, says the trade group is in favor of uniform national lending standards. While he has no comment on the legislation to be introduced by Frank on anti-predatory lending, he does not think investors should be held liable for problem loans. Pfotenhauer also expresses concerns about an overreaction on the part of federal lawmakers, noting that "if we go too far in passing rules to protect people in the mortgage market, we could end up denying them access to credit."

Source: Daily Real Estate News

What's In Your IRA?

Many people know that housing is a good long-term investment, but how many consumers have integrated real estate into their retirement strategy?

These days, people can use pensions, 401k accounts, and IRA's to invest in real estate as part of a retirement plan. Self directed IRA's in particular allow investors the flexibility to invest in real estate As an added benefit, if investing through a Roth IRA, capital gains on the property are generally tax-free because contributions have already been taxed.

When considering whether to invest in real estate through an IRA, consumers should consult an expert, since the transaction can be complex, and mistakes can be costly. Intrepid investors,though, can benefit from adding real estate to their retirement portfolio.

The current buyer's market is a great time to invest!

Baby, You Can Drive My Car......

Right Into My Oversized Garage.....

It seems that America's love affair with cars extends to their homes. Despite rising gas prices, the percentage of home buyers who think having a garage with two or more spaces is very important has risen dramatically over the past three years.

According to the 2007 Profile of Buyer's Home Feature Preferences, 57 % of home buyers in 2006 said an oversized garage was very important, compared with only 41% in 2003-2004.

Other features high on buyer's lists included central air conditioning, a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, and a home that is cable/satellite TV-ready.

Source: NAR Home Delivery, Residentail Real Estate Trends
August 2007

Beautify Your Bathroom

Your bathroom may be the smallest room in your home, but remodeling it can feel like a huge project. Here are some tips from Home and Garden Television to help you get it done:

1. Function First. Like the kitchen, the bathroom is one of the hardest-working rooms in the house. Keep function in mind when planning any remodeling or decorating. Consider adding touches that make the room more user-friendly, such as a seat in the shower or additional lighting.
2. Determine layout. Consult the plumbing layout when you are planning to move bathroom fixtures. Think about your daily routine and plan accordingly, keeping fixtures within logical reach of each other (for example, keep the towel rack near the shower).
3. Choose color and style. Think about what you want from the room. Should is be calming? Elegant? Fun? Choose colors that fit your vision. Have fun with your theme or motif, but always keep in mind the size of the room. Too much will appear cluttered.
4. Accent with fixtures. Your faucet and other plumbing fixtures can add drama and appeal to your bathroom. Today’s products offer a plethora of styles and finishes, such as brushed metal, brass and stainless steel.
5. Lighten up. Bathroom lighting is important. Use task lighting for the sink and mirror so you can see clearly. The entire bathroom, however, doesn’t need to be drenched in glaring light. Use softer lighting elsewhere to enhance the mood. 6. Mix materials. Use fabrics and other soft objects to reduce the harshness of tiles and other hard surfaces. Choose soft and luxurious towels, mats and window treatments.

COUNTER INTELLIGENCE

Granite alternatives…. Concrete, glass and stone are gaining ground as popular materials for countertops. Concrete’s biggest advantage is that it can take any shape, and it’s not as pricey as some other natural stone materials. Because it is cast in molds, it can include subtle texturing and decorative objects such as pieces of metal, fossils or glass. If you are using concrete in the kitchen, consider placing raised strips of metal cast into countertops to support pots and pans near the sink and cooking area.

For those who crave ultra-modern design, another option is glass, which comes in nearly limitless colors, shapes, thicknesses and textures. And because it is nonporous, it is stain-proof and hygienic and can handle hot pots without cracking. Since it’s translucent, it can be combined with other design elements, such as glass over aluminum or decorative tile embedded into the slab. Installing lighting under the counter creates added drama and elegance.

Finally, consider engineered stone, which is slightly cheaper than granite. It’s made from quartz crystals and polymer resin, so it’s nearly maintenance-free. Plus, it’s heat- and cold-resistant, mildew-free, stain-resistant and harder than most things you put on it, so it won’t scratch. Finally, it comes in dozens of colors — some mimic the real thing while others are made to match a designer’s palette. The cost ranges from $70 to $120 per square foot with installation.

Outdoor Furniture Fixes

As the days get longer and the weather heats up, you’ll want to take advantage of the season by entertaining outside as much as possible. Tables and chairs that have been exposed to the elements all winter will probably need a good cleaning and perhaps a few repairs. Here’s advice for maintaining different types of outdoor furniture.

Good wood. Wood furniture should be kept under waterproof covers when not in use. To keep it in good shape, start off the season with a sealant such as teak oil for hardwood. If possible, don’t stand wood legs directly on grass because the moisture from the ground can rot untreated wood. For ongoing maintenance, wipe down tables and chairs every two weeks or so with a cloth that’s been wrung out from a solution of soapy wood cleaner.

Plastic fantastic. For resin furniture, guard against fading and brittleness from excessive heat and abrasive cleaners by washing with a mild all-purpose cleaner. When white plastic ages, it can yellow. If your furniture gets to this stage, you can use a mildly abrasive cleaner, which helps prevent black grime from getting embedded in the rough edges of the plastic. Soaking such a stain in a strong bleach solution — 2 1/2 tablespoons bleach to one gallon of water — also helps whiten it, but you may not get uniform results. If you can, position the chair so the bleach solution covers an even area. Rinse the solution off after 30 minutes.

Heavy metal. Metal furniture generally has a protective finish, so all you need to do is wash it with a cloth dipped in soapy water. However, if the coating has started to wear away, you can paint it again with a clear metal varnish. Most cast- or wrought-iron outdoor furniture will already have a clear varnish, but it can wear over time. To repair it, sand the damaged areas carefully before reapplying paint or varnish. Then, throughout the season, wipe down with a soapy cloth and dry very thoroughly.

Chill Out

Want to keep your electric bills from going through the roof this summer? Here are a few environmentally friendly steps you can take to keep things cool.
· Open windows and use portable or ceiling fans instead of operating your air conditioner. Even mild air movement can make you feel three or four degrees cooler.
· Without blocking air flow, shade your outside compressor. Change air filters monthly during the summer.Use a programmable thermostat with your air conditioner to adjust the setting at night or when no one is home.
· Don’t place lamps or TVs near your air conditioning thermostat. The heat from these appliances will cause the air conditioner to run longer.
· Install white window shades, drapes or blinds to reflect heat away from the house. Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day.
· Caulking and weather stripping will keep cool air in during the summer.
· Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.

The Nose Knows

Can the way your home smells have an impact on how it sells?
You bet!

A poll by Canadian real estate company Royal LePage shows that the odor of a home has a huge impact on buyers’ decisions about whether to buy a home. According to the poll, 53 percent of buyers said strong odors such as pet and cigarette smells had a stronger impact on their impression of a home than overall tidiness and cleanliness, strong wall colors or an outdated facade and landscaping.

Here are some tips for making sure your home has good scents:
· Don’t mask smells with candles or potpourri. Buyers will wonder what odor you are trying to hide.
· Keep the exotic spices and fish to a minimum when cooking the night before a showing. Work toward achieving a “clean” smell.
· Remove animals and litter boxes from the property.­­
Getting rid of repellent scents is the first step, but some staging experts also advise using “homey” smells to entice buyers. After all, who doesn’t love the aroma of freshly baked cookies or pie?

Is Your Home Baby Ready?

More than 2.5 million children are injured or killed each year in household accidents, according to the National Safety Commission (NSC). Fortunately, there are many things you can do at home to keep your child safe — just taking a moment to view your home from a child’s perspective will help you identify many potential hazards.

Suffocation is the most common type of accident in the home for children under four years old and the most common cause of accidental death in children under one. To prevent these accidents, make sure that all pull cords are secured and out of reach of children. Also remember to put all small objects – coins, rings, batteries, etc. – out of children’s reach. And in your child’s bedroom, crib bars should be no more than two-and-three-eighths-inches apart. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has a list of approved cribs on its Web site, www.cpsc.gov.

Another hazard in your home is hot water, which can burn or scald young skin. An easy fix is to set your hot water thermostat to no more than 120 degrees. If you are unable to control your water heater, anti-scald devices for faucets and shower heads can help regulate water temperature. To prevent electrocution, cover all outlets with outlets covers, which can be purchased at any hardware store. Be sure that they cannot be removed easily and are not small enough to be a choking hazard.

To find information on other child safety products and related information, visit www.cpsc.gov and www.nsc.org/library/facts/babyprf.htm.

GET SOME SPACE!

Small spaces can be warm and intimate. But if a room in your home feels more cramped than cozy, there may be a simple way to improve it.

Odette Lueck, of Odette Lueck Interiors in Oakland, Md., says the best way to stretch the size of a room is to start from the ground up. “The thing I use most is diagonal lines on the floor,” says Lueck, who suggests installing wood flooring or tiles in a diagonal line. “No matter which way you look, it’s expanding the border.”

If you’re not ready for a major project, you’d be amazed at what you can accomplish with just a few decorating tricks. First and foremost is color. To make your room appear larger, stick with neutrals and keep backgrounds (wall, furniture, draperies) the same color, says Lueck. But neutral doesn’t have to be boring. “Use your color in accessories,” says Lueck. But beware of patterns. Too many patterns can make a space seem cluttered.

Furniture placement is also important. The number of pieces should be kept to minimum and positioned against a wall. “Use glass coffee tables,” suggests Lueck. “It’s one less thing to be a solid focus in the a room.” Don’t be afraid to use a little creativity. For example, a stack of coffee table books next to chair can serve as a unique end table.

Another option is to embrace the room’s petite size. “More often than not clients
make the mistake of thinking that room always has to be larger,” says Lueck. “Small is
not necessarily bad. A lot of times, what you’re actually striving for is a more
intimate space.” To warm up a small room, include dark colors, lots of wood and plenty of cozy
fabrics.

The Call Of the Outdoors

If you think outdoor living simply requires a few folding chairs and a hibachi on your
back porch, think again. According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue
Association (HPBA), homeowners can set up
a basic outdoor living space consisting of a durable, high-performance grill, a dining area with table and chairs, lighting, a patio umbrella and a portable heater or fireplace for as little as $2,500. For larger spaces and budgets, high-end landscaping, an in-ground swimming pool and a kitchen island with appliances create an ideal place to entertain family and friends.

To get you started on building your ideal outdoor room, here are a few tips:
* Decide how you will use the space. Will you entertain family and friends, or use it as a relaxing hideaway for yourself?
* Create a wish list of features you want your outdoor room to have. Clip photos from magazines or keep a notebook of ideas.
* Consider your home’s architectural style, so your outdoor room design complements your indoor space.
* Work with a specialty retailer who can suggest products and guide you on your final plan.
* Sketch a layout of your outdoor room with the fireplace as the focal point. Then blend in the cooking and eating areas.
* Consider the foundation, such as retaining walls, fences and decks.
* For large-scale projects, implement your plan over a two- or three-year period, beginning with electrical and plumbing. Accessorize the space during the second year, and add landscaping last.
Once your outdoor room is complete, you won’t want to spend time anywhere else.

COLO. 7 UPGRADES AND REROUTING UNDER REVIEW

Eight municipalities in Adams, Weld and Boulder Counties and now working with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to consider significant expansion and rerouting of Colorado 7 to accommodate future development and transportation planning. Under review is the section of highway stretching east from Lafayette, bordering Broomfield, Erie and Dacono, and that runs through sections of Brighton. The municipalities and CDOT are cooperating to raise the $700,000 needed to complete the planning. The goal is to determine where additional lanes, realignments, traffic signals and intersection improvements are needed. CDOT will add $350,000 to the funding. Brighton officials are very interested in rerouting around its downtown and to mitigate high volume, high speed traffic. Locally, Lafayette and Erie are cooperating to reroute the highway north along 119th Street to Arapahoe, mitigating the nearly 20,000 vehicles that pass through Lafayette daily. Once funded, the study will commence in January 2008.

Source: BARA/In Region

Local Real Estate 1st Quarter Report

Local Real Estate Report
1st Quarter 2007

Housing market stats for the 1st quarter of 2007 have been tabulated and show some pros and cons over the 4th quarter of 2006 as follows:

Q4 ’06 Q1 ’07 Q2 Forecast
Average Price $456,100 $469,000 ↑
# Homes on the Market 1,821 2,180 ↓
# Homes Sold 782 659 ↑
# New Homes Built 51 47 ↑
Avg # of Days on Market 107 124 ↓

In the Boulder area marketplace, we are continuing to see homes being sold at a higher than average pace and price range than that of the rest of the nation. The market is correcting itself however with some price moderation; the percentage of asking price vs. sold price remains at a respectable mid 90’s percentage range in Boulder County. Combined with historically low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a steady pace – people still need homes!

The region added 5,900 jobs in the past 12 months. More jobs could also be added based on the weakness in the dollar, which helps the U.S. exporting companies. The forecast, as reported by Lawrence Yun, NAR Senior Research Forecaster: “Best guess is for home sales to show a year-over-year growth by the 4th quarter. The momentum will strengthen in 2008. Prices will also show a respectable rise in 2008. The market just needs to pass through the subprime loan implosion in 2007.”



Source: Information and Real Estate Services, LLC

REAL ESTATE - A LOCAL MARKET

First quarter statistics for the Boulder area real estate market are encouraging:

• The average price of homes in UP!
• Mortgage rates remain low!

According to NAR, the forecast for the second quarter indicates that the average price per home will continue to rise; the number of homes on the market will decline; the number of homes sold will rise; the number of new homes built will rise; and, the average days on the market will decline.

Integrity!

In today's dog-eat-dog world, the word "integrity" has become more of a concept than an actual character trait. Watch an old Jimmy Stewart movie sometime, you'll learn about old-fashioned integrity. Remember George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life?" He always did the thing he knew in his heart was right.

I wouldn't say that I'm anything like George Bailey, but I will say that in the business of real estate, integrity is my greatest asset, one that I protect with every decision, increase with every satisfied customer, and ensure with every positive action.

You deserve the absolute highest level of integrity in every transaction. And that's my pledge to you, and your friends or others that you might refer to me.

If there is any way that I can help you or an associate, please call at your convenience.

Spring Spruce-Up Tips

9 Spring Spruce-ups
On a Shoestring

LowesRealtorBenefits.com
Source - Reprinted with permission for our customers: © 2007 by Lowe’s®.
1. Spring into cleaning – Use a little elbow grease to
make your floors, windows, appliances and light
fixtures sparkle. Potential buyers feel more comfortable
when viewing a clean house.
2. Minimize clutter – “Less is more” when it comes
to staging your home for sale. Put anything in storage
that takes away from a room’s overall impact.
3. Organize closets – A well-organized closet will appear
roomier, which is what buyers want. There are
a number of affordable closet shelving and storage
systems that you can install yourself.
4. Paint works wonders – Fresh paint can be the
least expensive way to transform a room. Neutral
colors work best because a buyer can move in
now and choose their custom colors later.
5. Make a great first impression – Pretend that
you’re entering your home for the first time. If there
are cobwebs or peeling paint on your front door,
that first impression will be negative. Make needed
repairs and replace an overly-worn welcome mat
with a new one.
6. Add color with containers – Add container plantings
to your front entrance for a welcoming focal
point. The following plants are perfect for spring:
ivy, sweet alyssum, geranium, snapdragon, salvia,
liriope, and dianthus.
7. Fresh cut flowers – Fresh flowers bring the outdoors
inside, adding color and aroma. If your home
is painted in neutral tones, choose brightly colored
flowers. If your home is already full of color, opt for
lighter hues, such as white or yellow.
8. Spring touches – Lighten up your decorating
with throws and toss pillows that say “Spring”.
Pack away those heavier quilts and winter accent
pieces.
9. Hot color trends – This Spring, soothing mint and
bright foliage are two striking variations of this
season’s signature color: green. Other tones also
incorporate a hint of green, including light, airy
blues and deeper gray teals. Honey-hued yellows
and subtle shaded purples, along with bright white
round out the season’s palette.

Tax Time!

Look for New Breaks at Tax Time
Last-minute changes may affect your 2006 income taxes.


Before you file your 2006 income taxes, double-check that you and your tax preparer have digested the last-minute changes made with the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, passed December 20, 2006.

The good news: You may qualify for some of these deductions.

The bad news: The tax law changes were passed after the IRS's November print deadline for key 2006 forms, which means that some of the printed forms you have in hand could be inaccurate. Yes, those tax forms that are already difficult for most of us to decipher have the added level of difficulty with possible inaccuracies.

The IRS knew that special extenders could be passed by Congress, so some of their forms indicate that there was legislation pending. Still, the IRS decided not to reprint all of the 2006 tax forms that are affected. Instead, they are relying on you to find out about the changes to correctly fill out the paper forms or download the correct forms from their website.

Before you say that you've missed the boat on any possible way to take advantage of the changes because you have already filed your returns for 2006, stop that thought. Ask your tax preparer to help you make the correction on Form 1040X if you filed as an individual or Form 1120X if you filed as a corporation. In most cases, you have up to three years to file the correction.

Many of the changes include extensions to previously discontinued programs. Listed below are the changes that are most likely to affect you.

Health savings accounts (HSAs) function a lot like IRAs, except they are earmarked for healthcare expenses. If you have an HSA, you can claim a tax deduction for contributions that you — not your employer — make to your tax-deductible HSA in 2006. Planning for the rest of 2007, you can make pre-tax contributions equal to your annual deductible, up to $2,700. (These contributions aren't included in your gross income.) If you want to transfer funds into your HSA from your IRA, you can make a one-time transfer of $2,850. You can also make a one-time transfer from a flexible spending account or a health reimbursement account. There are restrictions on the maximum transfer amount, so check with your accountant before making changes.

IRA contribution limits have risen for the 50+-year-olds who have Roth and traditional IRAs: from $4,500 to $5,000 for 2006. If you are under 50, the limit is still $4,000. If you are 70-1/2 or older, you can transfer up to $100,000 tax-free to an eligible charity. This contribution counts toward your minimum required distribution, which means that it's a tax-free way of moving the required funds out of your IRA. (More information can be found at IRS News Release IR-2006-192.

Welfare to Work Credit (WTWC) and Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) concerns employers who hire economically disadvantaged employees — convicted felons, food stamp recipients under age 25, high-risk youths, etc. This credit had expired at the end of 2005 but was extended through 2007. If you have hired someone from a qualifying group, you can typically claim 40 percent of the qualified first-year wages, with a maximum of $2,400. If you've hired someone this year who may qualify you for this credit, keep in mind that WTWC and WOTC are combining into just the WOTC, which means more changes. (For more information, click here and here.

Sales tax claims have changed for states that don't have state and local income taxes. The IRS allowed those taxpayers to claim state and local sales taxes in 2004 and 2005. With the end-of-the-year extenders, those affected taxpayers can continue to claim sales tax (including any paid for houses, cars, and boats) through 2007. The sales-tax tables weren't included in the Form 1040, so you will need to visit the IRS website for Publication 600, which helps figure out the deduction that is done on line 5 of Schedule A with the notation 'ST' to the left of line 5. For more information, click here.)

Your personal taxes If you are keenly tax-aware, you know that around November each year the IRS uses its authority to make some decisions that affect income tax filing, including those that involve cost-of-living deductions. A few of the other 2006 income tax changes that you should know about include the following:

Standard deductions typically change each year, based on cost-of-living changes. For married couples filing a joint return and qualifying widows and widowers, the standard deduction went up $300 to $10,300. For singles and married people who file separately, it rose $150 to $5,150. Heads of households have a standard deduction of $7,550 — up $250.

Standard mileage rates also change almost every year. For 2006, the mileage rate for business use of a vehicle was 44.5 cents per mile. The rate for this year, 2007, is 48.5 cents per mile. Also, if you are involved in helping out with any charitable building with Katrina, the mileage rate is 32 cents per mile for 2006, which is higher than the standard 14 cents per mile for other charitable services.

Direct-deposit tax refund choices have expanded for 2007. Starting with your 2006 federal income tax refund, you can split your refund among three bank accounts. You will need to complete Form 8888. If you want funds deposited in just one account, just use the direct-deposit line on Form 1040.

Overwhelmed? Tax laws and the IRS forms can seem daunting, but it's worth taking the time to check into these end-of-the-year changes. They could affect your income tax return this year and may even affect the way you are planning to manage the rest of 2007.

If you'd like more information about the last minute tax changes, check out IRS Pub. 553 Highlights of 2006 Tax Changes.

Source: Theresa Coleman is a freelance writer and editor based in Ambler, Pa. She has an extensive background in publishing with the National Association of Home Builders, covering job-site safety among other topics.

The Advantages of Working with a REALTOR

Working with a real estate professional who is a REALTOR® is in your best interest. That's because:

Not everyone who sells real estate is a REALTOR®. Possessing a real estate license does not afford instant REALTOR® status; an important distinction of which you need to be aware. A REALTOR® is a member of local, state and national professional trade associations and, as such, has access to a vast array of educational programs, research and resources. A REALTOR® subscribes to a strict Code of Ethics developed by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. REALTORS® pledge to provide fair treatment for all parties involved, protect the right of individuals to own property and keep abreast of changes in real estate practice through continuing education and interaction with other professionals.

REALTORS® also are committed to higher levels of education and professional development; many REALTORS® have earned professional designations or specialty certifications requiring intensive study. For example, REALTORS® who have obtained the Accredited Buyer Representative and Certified Residential Specialist designations have been trained in all aspects of serving as buyers' and sellers' representatives in real estate transactions.

Your REALTOR® can tap into numerous resources, like immediate access to full-time real estate attorneys who can provide objective up-to-the-minute counsel. Your REALTOR® also receives up-to-date information on a wide variety of legal, financial and economic issues and has access to an association with more than 80 years of experience in real estate. And, if things don't work out, your REALTOR® can offer arbitration as a choice instead of lengthy and expensive legal proceedings.

In addition to subscribing to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and belonging to their local, state and national REALTOR® associations, some REALTORS® have undergone additional training to serve specific markets and client groups. If, for example, you'd like to work with a REALTOR® who is familiar with international transactions or a REALTOR® who works primarily with elderly clients, you might want to find REALTORS® who are designated as Certified International Property Specialists (CIPS) or Senior Real Estate Specialists (SRES), respectively.

E-Mail

Get Wired: E-mail Mistakes That Make You Say, 'Uh Oh'

Here are some easily avoidable mistakes you should know to keep your image and inbox in tip-top shape.

Failing to follow e-mail etiquette:
- Don't write when you're angry. Calm down. Have someone else edit your e-mail.- Don't use sarcasm. You may think you're clever, but the recipient will be put off.
- DON'T USE ALL UPPERCASE! That's the e-mail equivalent of yelling. Go easy on the exclamation marks, too. Overuse dulls their effectiveness.
- Use clear subject lines. That will help people decide whether to read the e-mail now or later.
- Keep it short. If your e-mail is more than two paragraphs, maybe you should use the telephone.

E-mail is almost like talking. We use it so much that we don't really think about it. But there are rules and courtesies, just as there are with talking. Giving them some additional thought could make your e-mail experience more satisfying and your recipients much happier.

Source: MSN.com

FREE SEMINAR

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT SEMINAR

LEARN TO USE THE KNOWLEDGE OF INDUSTRY EXPERTS!

Seminar Details
Date Sunday, January 28, 2007
Time 1:00 ~ 4:00 p.m.
Location RE/MAX of Boulder, Inc.
Call to reserve your seat today ~ Space is limited
(303) 415.3590

Refreshments Provided

• Economic Outlook for Boulder & Colorado
• Investment Strategies In Today’s Market
• Foreclosure Investments ~ Pitfalls and Profits
• Panel Discussion ~ Ask The Experts!
  Bring All Of Your Questions And Ask The Experts For Their Advice!
  1031 Exchanges; Using Your IRA To Fund Investments; Mortgage Strategies;
  Title Commitments; Estate Planning, and Tax Advantages; and,
  Tenant-In-Common Investments
  
  
  Ask The Experts:
• Lou Barnes, Owner
  Boulder West Financial Services
  Attended Choate School & Brown University
  Colorado Real Estate Broker since 1978
  National Association of Securities Dealers Principal and Sales Licenses
  Author & Publisher of Mortgage Credit News, a national weekly newsletter
  Author of a finance column for the Boulder Daily Camera since 1992
• Mark Casey, Regional Director
  SCI Real Estate Investments, LLC
  MBA, Colgate Darden School, University of Virginia
  BS, University of Missouri
  20+ years of progressively challenging commercial real estate experience
  At the individual investor level, he has successfully structured ownership groups
  and facilitated tax-deferring 1031 Exchanges
• AJ Chamberlin, Broker Associate
  Residential REALTOR® since 1990
  Active member of National Association of REALTORS®
  Active member of Colorado Association of REALTORS®
  Chairperson of State Legislative Committee, Land Use/ CAR
  President, Property Owners for Sensible Road Policy
  Former President, Sugar Loaf Community Inc.
  Former President, Land Use Coalition
  Recipiant of Colorado Realtors Political Service Award, 2005
  BA, University of Colorado
• John Chamberlin, Broker Associate
  Residential REALTOR® since 1985
  Active member of National Association of REALTORS®
  Active member of Colorado Association of REALTORS®
  Active member of Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council®
  Past Director of Boulder Area Realtor Association®
  Past member of Arbitration Committee, BARA
  Past member of Grievance Committee, BARA
  Past member of MLS Committee, BARA
  Past member of MAD Committee, BARA
  Former Owner/Broker of ERA 1st Choice Realty, Inc.
  New Home Sales Specialist/Former On-Site Builder Sale Manager
• Jim Hunter, Production Manager of Northern Colorado
  First National Bank
  Attended University of Maryland & Towson State University
  Certified Mortgage Lender (CML)
  Past president of Northern Chapter of the Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association
  Member Board of Directors, Northern Chapter Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association
  Member of Fort Collins Sertoma, a national service club
  Member of Colorado State Men’s Roundball Club
• Betty Marick, CES
  1031 Corporation Exchange Professionals
  Certified Exchange Specialist since 1998
  CES, Federation of Exchange Accommodators
  She was among the first in the nation to receive her CES designation
  Former escrow officer
  Former title examiner
• Colleen P. Weaverling, CPA
  Certified Public Accountant since 1982
  BS, Business Administration from Trinity University, San Antonio TX
  Specializing in Individuals, Small Business, International, Personal Service
  Corporations, Accounting and Taxation, Medical/Dental Practices
  Member of American Institute of CPA’s
  Member of Colorado Society of CPA’s
  League Coordinator of Boulder Tennis Association
  Founding member of Centennial Valley Tennis Association
  Past treasurer of Centennial Valley Tennis Association
• Karen Woolhiser, Senior Residential Mortgage Lender
  First National Bank of Colorado
  Top producer of residential mortgages since 1974
  Preferred mortgage lender with RE/MAX of Boulder for 6 years
  Major fund raiser for Boulder Community Hospital & Boulder County Hospice
  “My #1 goal is to design a loan program to meet your specific needs.”
• Catherine Wynne, VP
  Entrust New Direction IRA, Inc.
  Catherine Wynne is one of the two principals in Entrust New Direction IRA, Inc. New Direction is a self-directed IRA administrator which assists clients who want to diversify their IRA/401k plans into non-securities based assets like real estate. She has extensive background in buying and selling commercial real estate, both as an investor and an IRA administrator. The result is that Catherine is intimately familiar with what it takes to make a real estate investment — taxable or otherwise — work. She understands that assembling the investment and paying attention to the details of the transaction as well as the IRS rules is important. Working primarily in client asset acquisition she is well acquainted with the IRAs purchase of a wide variety of assets such as mortgages, notes, private placements and LLCs. Catherine has a BS in Structural Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and spent the first part of her career in oil and gas production, later moving into nuclear power plant design with Westinghouse before moving into retirement plan administration.