Saturday Reporter-Herald October 22, 2011 D1
Real Estate Matters
www.reporterherald.com • Saturday, October 22, 2011 • Reporter-Herald
Rent payment remains when landlord is bankrupt ILYCE GLINK TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES
THE
Telluride
by Midtown Homes
Q
uestion: I have a commercial lease for a portion of a strip building and just found out the building owner filed for bankruptcy last February. His loan holder is currently trying to sell the building. The building is in Milton, Ga. I couldn’t find anything in my lease about any of these following questions. Am I obligated to pay the owner his rent during his bankruptcy? I have been paying my rent so far because I just found out about this. Should I pay his bankruptcy servicer instead? Or do I get “free rent” during the foreclosure process, as I have been told? Will the building purchaser have to honor my lease? What happens to my security deposit? I just want to be informed of the law on these items, but am not asking for legal advice. Answer: Even though your landlord is in bankruptcy, you still have to make your monthly rent payments. But you’re smart to think about who should get that check. In most cases involving bankruptcy proceedings, you will get a notice from the court indicating whether a receiver or other person has been put in place to manage the property and telling you who gets your rent check. You never have a “free” rent period when you rent property. Your lease obligates you to pay rent on a monthly basis, and if you fail to pay rent, your landlord has the right to give you notice and evict you from your space. You should talk to a real estate attorney about the specifics of your situation and go over any documentation you have received from the bankruptcy court. The good news is that any purchaser of the building is usually happy to keep current tenants in place. A fully leased and occupied building is better than a building that is vacant. However, the bankruptcy court has wide latitude in deciding whether to keep leases in place, and it is possible that the bankruptcy court would terminate leases at the property to allow a different use or a sale of the building. If the building is sold with the leases in place, the subsequent buyer is generally required to honor the leases in place for their term. But if the bankruptcy results in the lender taking over the building, a tenant may be removed unless the parties have an agreement to honor the lease terms and the tenant is not in default.
www.thetelluridemodel.com
$7,500 in builder incentives through October 31st
features including double pane windows, more efficient central heating systems and higher density VISIT MIDTOWN HOMES insulation products. Take time to come visit the A few of the Telluride models at Midtown Homes sales office to Boise Village North in Loveland infind out more about the MidtownPAID ADVERTORIAL clude the following locations: Green programs and the benefits • 902 Delphinus, Loveland: Large of purchasing a Midtown Home. THE TELLURIDE single family lot with deck access Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily Midtown Homes is setting the The Telluride model, a threeonto the lawn, front yard landscaping Address: 1899 E. 11th St., stage for some amazing values on bedroom, two-bathroom tri-level and a side fence, $195,350 L oveland select homes, including the tophome, features a den, two-car garage For more information: • 1832 Gemini Court, Loveland: selling Telluride, at Boise Village and 1,775 total square feet. It Call 970-456-4600, email Cul-de-sac location, full-yard landNorth. Prices range from $179,900 to includes a 400 square-foot unfinished info@newmidtownhomes.com scaping, $185,600 $195,350 on seven move-in ready basement. Tellurides by the end of the year. • 1827 E 11th St., Loveland: www.newmidtownhomes.com Telluride models have 42-inch Homes are available in cul-de-sac Full-yard landscaping, $184,300 kitchen cabinets, vaulted ceilings in locations, along with corner lots the kitchen and living room and a with large backyards or on smaller bonus fourth bedroom or study. The low-maintenance lots. home also has a large wood deck off Midtown is sweetening the pot the backside of the home, a spacious Bring in this voucher to receive with a builder special of $7,500 walk-in closet in the master bedroom through Oct. 31 for contracts that and the convenience of having the close by the end of the year. There is laundry room on the same floor as a $3,000 lender incentive toward the master bedroom. For more information, in builder and lender incentives closing costs with the use of Mike In addition, as with all Midtown contact Mike Turner, Morttoward home options, upgrades Turner, of Academy Mortgage homes, Telluride models are designed gage Loan Officer at Acadeand closing costs with the use Corporation in Loveland. Buyers can and built to provide energy efficiency, my Mortgage Corporation, at apply the rest of the credit against of Mike Turner with Academy lower energy bills and a healthy and 970-776-4378. Offer good the price of a move-in ready home Mortgage Corporation in Loveland. comfortable environment. Midtown through Oct. 31, 2011. or on options and upgrades. Home homes leverage smartly designed options and upgrades include items such as granite countertops, tile backsplashes, wood flooring, air conditioning, landscaping, tankless water heater, a stainless steel appliance upgrade, refrigerators, washer/dryers and more.
$7,500
I See GLINK/Page E3
Buying a home that needs work? Call the experts in FHA 203(k) renovation financing. www.HomeStateBank.com An FHA 203(k) mortgage allows you to finance both your home purchase and renovation with a single loan. Call now to learn more. Vivian DeVoe, VP Mortgage Banker, NMLS#269876, 970-227-4702 Loans and rates subject to credit approval. Owner-occupied residences only. FHA conditions and restrictions apply.
970-203-6100 Check the license status of your mortgage loan originator at http://www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate/index.htm Think big
Bank small
D2
Saturday Reporter-Herald October 22, 2011
Featured Properties $200,000 $200 000 - $299 $299,999 9
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Mirasol Senior Community 1286 Inca Dove Cir. Loveland
2599 FLEMING DR, LOVELAND
3029 Sally Ann Drive, LOVELAND
2265 Arikaree Ct., Loveland
Peakview Meadows, Berthoud
4BD, 2BA remodeled bi-level w/ artsy finishes. Over 1/3 acre, private lot; abuts canal w/ walking path. 2 decks, built-in hot tub; room for RV/Boat or workshop. No HOA. MLS#665209. $198,400
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Peakview Meadows Sales office open Thursday thru Monday 1-4. Prices starting at $195,900. 5 Models to choose from.
Sharon Cook NoCo Realty Inc. (970) 679-9900 sharon@nocorealty.com www.2599fleming.com
Betsy Hayes Coldwell Banker - Loveland 719-250-5916 bghrealtor@hotmail.com www.coloradohomes.com
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We never stop moving:
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BUILDERS MODEL - DAKOTA GLEN OPEN HOUSE 12 TO 4 THURS.-MON.
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375 Cove Drive, Loveland
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6600 Lakota Court, Loveland
OPEN Saturday 1-3 PM 2+Acre Lake front & horse lots starting $225,000 water tap included. Surface rights, walk paths, parks, boat docks, fishing and peace garden.
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Kurt Albers Century 21 Humpal, Inc. 970-231-1224 kurtd57@msn.com www.warbergfarmatchapmanreservoir.com
Cathy Heckman Resident Realty 303-638-7814 mcs543@lpbroadband.net www.residentrealty.com
Renee Salza Keller Williams (970) 231-5082 rsalza@msn.com www.rsalza.com
$400,000-$499,000 OPEN THIS WEEKEND 12-4
1187 Coral Burst Dr. - Crescendo Village in Alford Meadows
Spectacular ranch-style home offering premium finishes throughout. Open floor plan w/10 ft ceilings, designer kitchen, finished basement, slab granite, wood floors, front & back landscaping. $499,900
Ron McCrimmon Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty 970.214.2763 AlfordMeadows.com www.RonMcCrimmon.com
saturday
sunday
From the $140’s
Loveland
43rd St & Wilson Ave The Cottages at Enchantment Ridge
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-215-0515
From the $140’s
Loveland
43rd St & Wilson Ave The Cottages at Enchantment Ridge
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-215-0515
Starting in the $150’s
Milliken
110 Traders Lane
12-3 PM
The Group Inc., Real Estate, Tracy Wilson
970-567-0907
Starting in the $150’s
Milliken
110 Traders Lane
12-3 PM
The Group Inc., Real Estate, Tracy Wilson
970-567-0907
From $159,900
Loveland
1899 East 11th St.
10 AM-6 PM
Midtown Homes, Boise Village North, Wayne Lewis
970-456-4600
From $159,900
Loveland
1899 East 11th St.
10 AM-6 PM
Midtown Homes, Boise Village North, Wayne Lewis
970-456-4600
$167,500
Loveland
1303 Lavender Court
11 AM-1 PM
Western Plains Realty, Michelle Wilson
970-518-6640
$167,500
Loveland
1303 Lavender Court
11 AM-1 PM
Western Plains Realty, Michelle Wilson
970-518-6640
$169,900
Loveland
2265 Arikaree Ct.
1-3 PM
Coldwell Banker, Janelle Thomas
970-290-8066
$169,900
Loveland
4403 Elliot Pl
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-215-0515
$179,000
Loveland
1578 Dotsero Ave.
2-4 PM
The Group Inc., Real Estate, Karen Rowan
970-310-5797
Starting at $195,900
Berthoud
Peakview Meadows
1-4 PM
Century 21 Humpal, Inc., Kurt Albers & Chris Rampone
970-2311224, 970430-0845
$169,900
Loveland
4403 Elliot Pl
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-215-0515
$189,900
Loveland
2016 Dotsero Ave.
1-3 PM
The Group Inc., Real Estate, Nancy Walkowicz
970-461-7136
$192,500
Loveland
560 Sunwood Drive
1-4 PM
The Group Inc., Real Estate, Diane Iwanicki
970-412-7082 $198,400
Loveland
2599 Fleming Drive
Time
Berthoud
Peakview Meadows
1-4 PM
Century 21 Humpal, Inc., Kurt Albers & Chris Rampone
970-2311224, 970430-0845
NoCo Realty, Inc., Sharon Cook
970-679-9900
Starting at $195,900
Starting in the 200’s
Windsor
117 Veronica Drive
1-4 PM
The Group Inc., Real Estate, Kelli Couch
970-310-8804
$198,400
Loveland
NoCo Realty, Inc., Sharon Cook
970-679-9900
$207,315
Loveland
3441 Foster Pl
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-215-0515
$219,900
Loveland
4478 Hayler Ave
12-4 PM
Cottage Realty
970-532-5900
Coldwell Banker, Besty Hayes
719-250-5316
$239,000
Loveland
4496 Hayler Ave
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-532-5900
Berthoud
Collins Park Subdivision
1-3 PM
RE/MAX Alliance-Loveland, Kathy Beadell
970-290-1798
Up to $199,000
Loveland
2599 Fleming Drive 3029 Sally Ann Drive
Time 1-3:30 PM
The Group Inc., Real Estate, Kelli Couch
970-310-8804
$249,900
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-215-0515
$287,296
Windsor
4607 Pompano Drive
12 Noon-5 PM
The Group Inc., Real Estate, Kristen Specketer
970-290-8097
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-532-5900
$289,500
970-372-9541
970-667-1828
3847 Calle Del Sol Court
Assist 2 Sell, Jennifer Usher
RE/MAX Alliance-Loveland, Franci Wunderlich
LovelandBoyd Lake Area
1-4 PM
1-3 PM 1-3 PM
Century 21 Humpal, Inc., Kurt Albers
970-430-0845
$295,000
Loveland
Mirasol Senior Community, 1286 Inca Drive
1-4 PM
Mirasol Senior Community
970-635-5931
$298,664
Loveland
4355 Ridgway Dr
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-227-3893
$299,900
Loveland
1920 New Hampshire St
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-227-3893
Starting in the 200’s
Windsor
117 Veronica Drive
1-4 PM
$207,315
Loveland
3441 Foster Pl
$219,900
Loveland
4478 Hayler Ave
$220,000
SW Loveland
4228 Foothills Drive
Starting at $225,000
Berthoud
Warberg Farm At Chapman Reservoir
$239,000
Loveland
4496 Hayler Ave
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-532-5900
$249,900
Berthoud
Collins Park Subdivision
1-3 PM
RE/MAX Alliance-Loveland, Kathy Beadell
970-290-1798
$259,000
Loveland
357 Cholla Drive
1-3 PM
The Group Inc., Real Estate, Cathy Vance
970-231-0234 $299,900
Loveland
4454 Stump Ave
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-532-5900
$259,900
Loveland
1658 Stove Prairie Circle
1-3 PM
The Group Inc., Real Estate, Maribeth Bergan
970-690-1735
$300$399,000
Loveland
375 Cove Drive
12-3 PM
Resident Realty, Cathy Heckman
303-638-7814
$259,900
Loveland
3518 Akron Court
1-3 PM
The Group Inc., Real Estate, Rich Gardiner
970-227-0964
$339,900
NW Loveland
3480 Peruvian Torch
12 Noon-4 PM
ERA Herman Group NoCo/ Glen Marketing
970-663-4522
$287,296
Windsor
4607 Pompano Drive
12 Noon-5 PM
The Group Inc., Real Estate, Kristen Specketer
970-290-8097
$342,000
NW Loveland
12 Noon-4 PM
ERA Herman Group NoCo/ Glen Marketing
970-663-4522
$295,000
Loveland
Mirasol Senior Community, 1286 Inca Drive
10 AM-1 PM
Mirasol Senior Community
970-635-5931
3464 Peruvian torch Drive. 1/4 mile west of Wilson on 14th Street/SW/HWY 402 to the Dakota Glen Subdivision
$298,664
Loveland
4355 Ridgway Dr
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-227-3893
$365,000
Loveland
6600 Lakota Court
3-5 PM
Loveland
2892 Ariel Drive
1-3 PM
The Group Inc., Real Estate, Georgena Arnett
970-481-9801
Keller Williams, Renee Salza
970-231-5082
$299,000
$429,999
Windsor
1920 New Hampshire St
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-227-3893
The Group Inc., Real Estate, Nancy Maus
970-213-0554
Loveland
6787 Spanish Bay Drive
12-2 PM
$299,900
$499,900
Loveland
4454 Stump Ave
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-532-5900
$299,900
NW Loveland
2782 Glendale Drive
2-4 PM
RE/MAX Alliance-Loveland, Jean Mackey
970-290-8308
Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty, Ron McCrimmon
970-214-2763
Loveland
Creshendo Village At Alford Meadows
11 AM-5 PM
$299,900
$301,750
JohnstownMilliken
3627 Maplewood Lane
1-3 PM
RE/MAX Alliance-Loveland, Nanci Garnand
970-227-1327
$335,000
Loveland
2890 Carina Circle
1-3 PM
The Group Inc., Real Estate,Georgena Arnett
970-481-9801
$339,900
NW Loveland
3480 Peruvian Torch
12 Noon-4 PM
ERA Herman Group NoCo/ Glen Marketing
970-663-4522
$342,000
NW Loveland
3464 Peruvian torch Drive. 1/4 mile west of Wilson on 14th Street/SW/HWY 402 to the Dakota Glen Subdivision
12 Noon-4 PM
ERA Herman Group NoCo/ Glen Marketing
970-663-4522
$499,900
Loveland
Creshendo Village At Alford Meadows
11 AM-5 PM
Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty, Ron McCrimmon
970-214-2763
$665,000
Loveland
3169 Blue Mountain Court
12-2 PM
The Group Inc., Real Estate, Cindy Kutin
970-391-4735
For information on how a Realtor may add a listing, call Dan Grassmeyer at the Loveland Reporter-Herald at 970-635-3615 or email: dgrassmeyer@reporter-herald.com. Realtors can join our on-line realtor community at: colonews.com/FeaturedProperties_RH/featured_newclient.php For details about these open houses, see the ads in this section. For additional open house listings, please check the “Real Estate Classifieds” section of this publication or on line at, reporterherald.com where you can find all of the information in todays Real Estate Weekly. This guide is brought to you by the Daily Reporter-Herald, local real estate agents and area builders.
WWW.HOMEANDREALTYGUIDE.COM •CLICK ON
OPEN HOUSE MAPS
E Saturday Reporter-Herald October 22, 2011 D3
Regional Snapshot for Loveland/Berthoud Residential
Mortgage rate update
June
July
August
Active Listings Previous Year Active Listings
973 1101
938 1092
860 1054
Sold Listings
155
134
154
$220,000 $234,000
$208,958 $238,000
Average Days on the Market Previous Year ADOM
121 121
103 122
107 121
Year to Date Listings Sold Previous Year YTD Listing Sold
676 728
810 839
964 941
Median Sales Price Previous Year Median
GLINK From Page E1
The bad news is that your security deposit might be lost. In many cases, commercial leases provide for the security deposit to be given to the building owner and the building owner has the ability to commingle the money with other money used for the operation of the building. When money is commingled and the owner files for bankruptcy, you, as a tenant in the building, may become a creditor of the landlord. If there are no funds to pay off unsecured creditors, you may lose that security deposit. If you wind up with a subsequent landlord in the building, that landlord may decide (for goodwill purposes) to honor the security deposit you had under your lease. The new landlord may not have a legal obligation to honor that amount owed unless the laws in your state provide that a security deposit payment must be honored by a subsequent landlord in your circumstances. There may be more than one scenario for addressing your circumstances, so you might want to consult a real estate attorney, particularly if the security deposit you gave the landlord is a substantial amount. Question: My friend and I are in the final stages of buying a house. The property is going to be in her name only, but some things have changed and we no longer can afford to buy the home. What are the penalties if we don’t go to the closing and renege on the deal? We both own homes about 75 miles apart and are already paying on our mortgages. She made up a rental contract on her property in order to qualify for this one.
This week Last week Trend
$223,700 $192,000
30-year fixed
4.18%
4.17%
15-year fixed
3.47%
3.47%
5/1 ARM
3.03%
3.06%
no change
Advertising: For advertising information, call Dan Grassmeyer. Office: 970-635-3615 Cell: 970-214-6297 E-mail: dgrassmeyer@reporter-herald.com
Home & Real Estate is produced every Saturday by the Loveland Reporter-Herald.
How should we handle this? Answer: It’s far better to back out now — it’s kinder to the seller and the agents who have spent time trying to get this deal done. As far as penalties go, you might lose the deposit you put down to purchase the home and you might get sued down the line if the sellers can prove damages. The extent of your liability to the seller should be detailed in your purchase and sale agreement. In some cases, you might only lose the money you put down on the contract. In other cases, a seller can sue you for any damages they sustain. And in other cases, you might not have any liability if you are early enough in the transaction and have a valid reason to terminate the deal. If circumstances have changed in your lives that will prevent you from obtaining financing, your contract might provide that if you are denied financing within a certain time period, you can notify the seller and cancel the deal. Contact a real estate attorney who can help explain your legal liabilities and help you unwind this. If you don’t know an attorney, call your local bar association and ask for the head of the real estate committee. Then ask for a referral.
News and Press Releases: The Reporter-Herald welcomes news on hirings, advancements, awards, classes and other information of interest to the real estate and home community. Submit information to jcody@reporter-herald.com.
Watch for in the the 3rd Thursday of each month.
An ENERGY STAR® home is a better built home An ENERGY STAR® home provides you the home owner: • Better Comfort • Healthier Indoor Air • Enhanced Durability • Lower Energy Bills Homes built to ENERGY STAR® standards are verified by an independent third party to ensure they meet required above code performance levels.
For more information, call Glink’s radio show at 800-972-8255 on Sundays from 9 to 10 a.m., write to Real Estate Matters Syndicate, P.O. Box 366, Glencoe, IL 60022 or visit www.thinkglink.com.
Real Estate Matters
As a home buyer we know you will feel and experience the difference.
Northern Colorado ENERGY STAR® Homes NoCOEnergyStarHomes.org
Learn more at NoCOEnergyStarHomes.org
NEW
NORTHERN COLORADO HOMES
Loveland, Colorado • $3,000 BUYER CREDIT NEW HOMES MONTHLY PAYMENTS FROM • STARTING AT $999 $159,900 - $229,900 • OVER 10 MODELS • CONNECTED TO CITY TRAIL
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Sales Office Open 10-6 Daily 1899 East 11th Street, Loveland, CO 80537 Phone: (970) 456-4600 info@newmidtownhomes.com www.newmidtownhomes.com 17-326536
Priced from $210K
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FHA Approved Community www.CosBuilders.com
Megan Wachtman 8z Real Estate Broker/Owner
970-217-7977
www.MeganWachtman.8z.com www.cohomefinder.com A better way to buy and sell a home in Colorado!
D4
Saturday Reporter-Herald October 22, 2011
H&RE Real Estate Transactions Real Estate Transactions are supplied by Prospects Unlimited Inc., 1151 Eagle Drive No. 467, Loveland, CO 80537, 6671537.
Loveland • Neva Taylor from Pamela Blackburn, 268 Dean Cir, Loveland, $135,900, home • Kelly Koson from Jerry Curtis, 4430 Fruita Dr, Loveland, $388,500, home • Benjamin Schmachtenberge from Federal Home Ln Mortgage Corp, 1113 Redwood Dr, Loveland, $131,000, home • Robin & Vicki Smith from Home State Bank, 4742 Soaring Peaks Dr, Loveland, $90,000, home • Ryan Mccartney from PNC Bank, 4252 Rocky Ford Dr, Loveland, $180,000, home • William Horne from Deidra Presley, 2000 Cheyenne Ave, Loveland, $169,000, home • Kenneth & Debra Smith from Wells Fargo Bank, 767 S Edinburgh Dr, Loveland, $145,000, home • Justin Moyer from Eric Clarke, 546 8th St Se Ste D1 4 D13 16, Loveland, $811,400, home • Sharon Hartley from Lakes Point Constr Ii LLC, 1581 La Jara St, Loveland, $262,800, home • Alexander Tsariounov from Lakeshore Condominiums LLC, 4905 Hahns Peak Dr Unit 201, Loveland, $145,000, condo • Barry & Dona Atkinson from Loveland Mid-
town Development I, 1894 Gemini Ct, Loveland, $190,900, home • Steffen & Joselyn Essen from Bevan Olesky, 2217 Hoffman Dr, Loveland, $229,900, home • Kathleen Connolly from Seth Samsell, 4141 Swan Mountain Dr, Loveland, $223,000, home • Richard & Doris Weaver from Ronald Smith, 342 Knotty Pl, Loveland, $150,000, home • Jennifer Murphy from Cyr Properties LLC, 836 S Edinburgh Dr, Loveland, $159,000, home • Patrick & Sarah Maes from Federal Home Ln Mortgage Corp, 4592 Hayler Ave, Loveland, $200,000, home • Richard & Susan Reznik from Leroy Gabriel, 1998 Park Dr, Loveland, $150,000, home • Mary Vandercreek from Roger Kampf, 2551 Fraser Dr, Loveland, $185,000, home • Resident from Lakeshore Condo LLC, 4905 Hahns Peak Dr Unit 104, Loveland, $153,000, condo • Sara Smith from Rene Macias, 332 Blackstone Cir, Loveland, $260,000, home • Sarah & Kenna Venekamp from US Bank, 9680 W County Road 38 E, Loveland, $429,900, home • Nathan & Alexis Webb from Aspen Homes Colorado Inc, 4435 Elliot Pl, Loveland, $175,500, home • Mariah LLC from Firstbank, 908 Garfield
Ave, Loveland, $145,000, home • Alexander & Rose Schlosser from Chad Fiscus, 730 S Edinburgh Dr, Loveland, $150,000, home • Tyler & Miranda Bandemer from Michael Gebo, 2742 Eldorado Springs Dr, Loveland, $369,000, home • Fred & Irene Greene from Kimberlee Hayes, 2755 Anchorage Ct, Loveland, $460,000, home • Michael Eckert from Virginia Pettus, 924 Cleveland Ave, Loveland, $100,000, home • Cody Wilkes from Robert Redepenning, 2597 W 46th St, Loveland, $186,500, home • Leo & Penelope Mulholland from Bonni Trimble, 2208 Ponderosa Dr, Loveland, $330,000, home
Berthoud Robert & Eliz Davis from Bruce Johnstone, 22327 County Road 3, Berthoud, $415,000, home • Steven & Gladys Coseo from Peakview Homes Inc, 105 Quandary Ave, Berthoud, $210,000, home • Bobby Honebein from Fannie Mae, 108 Keep Cir, Berthoud, $158,500, home • Barbara Donnelly from Robert Green, 2105 Blue Mountain Ave, Berthoud, $480,000, home • Jason Cell from Thomas Rottinghaus, 1620 S Green Ridge Rd, Berthoud, $256,500, home
Family Trust, 39231 Rangeview Dr, Severance, $518,700, home • Michael Webb from Jamestown Bldrs LLC, 509 Prairie Clover Way, Severance, $211,200, home • Steven Heise from • April Perugini from Nicholas Zmiewsky, 644 Habitat For Humaity Foxtail Way, Severance, Estes Vall, 829 Kundtz Ln, Estes Park, $229,000, $160,000, home • Scott & Kristin Bunhome day from Fannie Mae, 525 • Charles Hautamaki from Edward Dubois, 255 Prairie Clover Way, Severance, $200,000, home Virginia Dr, Estes Park, • Bradley & Nancy $70,000, home Breckenridge from • Charles & Darla Jamestown Bldrs LLC, Starr from Donald 521 Prairie Clover Way, Adams, 457 Skyline Dr, Severance, $190,100, Estes Park, $275,000, home home • Dan & Shireen Hockensmith from William Julia Hielscher Loving, 104 N County Road 23, Berthoud, $225,000, home
Estes Park
Windsor
Johnstown
• Wray Bank from 1130 Vault LLC, 1130 Main St, Windsor, $1,540,000, home • William Bent from Joseph Dennis, 208 Pelican Cv, Windsor, $275,000, home • Matthew & Cassandra Musick from Melody Homes Inc, 635 Camberly Ct, Windsor, $304,400, • Mark Himberger home from Samuel Adams, • Raymond Lameiro 2005 Settlers Dr, Milfrom Melody Homes Inc, liken, $144,000, home 1659 Merton Ct, Wind• Capwest LLC from sor, $215,000, home US Bk, 974 S Lilac Ct, • Coy & Suzanne WhitMilliken, $99,400, home tier from Morgan Stanley • Rocky LLC from Fed Mtg Capital Hol, 2 Daisy Home Loan Mtg Corp, Ct, Windsor, $137,000, 201 N Olive Ave, Milliken, home $71,000, home • Michael & Kathleen • Dustin & Tracy Davis Oleary from Fannie Mae, from Kenneth Robinson, 2178 Cape Hatteras Dr 714 School House Dr, Unit 6, Windsor, Milliken, $153,100, $140,000, condo home • Devon Vaughn from Melody Homes Inc, 1662 Merton Ct, Windsor, $287,300, home • Subramonium & Santh Das from Edwards • Joseph & Kelly Ja• Michael Holz from Baessler Constr Co Inc, 482 Frontier Ln, Johnstown, $195,000, home • Erich & Michelle Zwaagstra from Robert Wells, 1009 N 6th St, Johnstown, $280,000, home
Milliken
Severance
cobini from Melody Homes Inc, 1650 Merton Ct, Windsor, $235,000, home • Mark & Mona Garrison from Oak Valley Homes LLC, 4608 Horizon Ridge Dr, Windsor, $391,600, home • Oak LLC from Preo Belmont Ridge LLC, 4610 Horizon Ridge Dr, Windsor, $80,000, home • Len LLC from Melody Homes Inc, 1651 Merton Ct, Windsor, $193,000, home • Teresa Barker from John Munnelly, 291 Columbus St, Windsor, $220,500, home
FORECLOSURES • Borrower: Christina Hill, Lender: Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, Amount: $167,316, Property: 405 Indiana Ave, Berthoud, Filed: 10/10/11 • Borrower: Karen Lynch, Lender: The Bank Of New York Mellon, Amount: $306,050, Property: 582 Meadowview Dr, Estes Park, Filed: 10/12/11 • Borrower: Gerardo & Shelly Benzor, Lender: The Bank Of New York Mellon, Amount: $266,909, Property: 520 N Harding Ave, Johnstown, Filed: 10/10/11 • Borrower: Andrea Dixon, Lender: Citimortgage Inc, Amount: $126,370, Property: 1006 N 1st St, Johnstown, Filed: 10/12/11 • Borrower: Carol Sitlington, Lender: Us Bank National Association, Amount: $250,173, Property: 625 W 11th St, Loveland, Filed: 10/10/11
• Borrower: Richard Williams & Joy Overturf, Lender: Us Bank National Association, Amount: $126,236, Property: 3118 Birch Dr, Loveland, Filed: 10/10/11 • Borrower: Terry Mcmillan, Lender: Citimortgage Inc, Amount: $40,685, Property: 1640 Jackson Ave, Loveland, Filed: 10/12/11 • Borrower: Randy & Diane Padilla, Lender: The Bank Of New York Mellon, Amount: $124,366, Property: 408 Chestnut Dr, Loveland, Filed: 10/12/11 • Borrower: Connie Jones, Lender: Bank Of America Na Successor, Amount: $119,419, Property: 2319 Nyssa Dr, Loveland, Filed: 10/12/11 • Borrower: Trinidad & Lilia Miramontes, Lender: The Bank Of New York Mellon, Amount: $109,972, Property: 233 N Cora Ave, Milliken, Filed: 10/07/11 • Borrower: Robert & Debra Temple, Lender: Aurora Bank Fsb, Amount: $228,349, Property: 2200 Birdie Way, Milliken, Filed: 10/07/11 • Borrower: Leyann & Felix Gomez, Lender: Citimortgage Inc, Amount: $77,598, Property: 101 N Pauline Ave, Milliken, Filed: 10/12/11 • Borrower: Thane & Kathrine Destigter, Lender: Jpmorgan Chase Bank National Assoc, Amount: $151,966, Property: 1113 Cottonwood Dr, Windsor, Filed: 10/12/11
H&RE Ask Angie 750 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland
669-1234
Each office independently owned & operated
view more properties at:
www.HomesInColorado.com
Understand the home affordable refinance program ANGIE HICKS MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE
OPEN SATURDAY 1–3 P.M. www.3627Maplewood.com
OPEN SUNDAY 2–4 P.M. 2782 Glendale, Loveland
OPEN SATURDAY 1-3 P.M. 4228 Foothills Dr, Loveland
A harvest of features: gourmet kitchen, large utility room, walk-in closets in ALL bedrooms & more. Community pool, frisbee golf course & walking trails.
Immaculate,upgraded home in NW Loveland’s Emerald Glen. 4 bed, 4 bath, granite, newly fin. bsmt with wet bar. Backs to open space. Huge price reduction! Call to see inside!
Corner Lot in Mariana Butte backing to Greenbelt! 4BR 3BA 2Car, FP, A/C, Sprinklers, Dining Rm & Eat-in Kitchen. Basement set up for Theatre Room. Upstairs Laundry. Close to Golf Course, Park & ACE!
$301,750 | MLS #666187
$299,900 | MLS #665082
$220,000 | MLS #663578
Call Nanci Garnand
Call Jean Mackey
Call Franci Wunderlich
www.LivingInJohnstown.com
jeanlmackey@gmail.com
YourHouseInColorado.com
622-1846 | 227-1327
290-8308
970-667-1828
www.1432SevenLakes.com
3377 Crowley Circle, Loveland
2945 Laguna Ct, Loveland
Cozy 2 story with main floor living. 2 decks! Enjoy the warmth from the fireplace while looking at the water. Part of Seven Lakes North HOA. 3 additional bedrooms upstairs! Oversized side load garage.
Stunning home backing to open space! Wonderful views of the foothills with greenbelt, walking/biking trails, and privacy. This lovely 4 bed/4 bath home has a main-floor office/study and hardwood floors.
Stunning 5 bed, 5 bath 2-story home in Waterfront. Fully finished walk-out basement, media room, formal dining, and main floor study. Kitchen features granite counters, SS appliances, cherry cabinets & wood floors.
$390,000 | MLS #661627
$350,000 | MLS #665906
$617,000 | MLS #650798
Call Nanci Garnand
Call Susan Zack
Call Dennis Schick
www.LivingInLoveland.com
susanzack@remax.net
www.dennisschick.com
622-1846 | 227-1327
PRICE REDUCED 227 Johnson Drive, Loveland SW Loveland - Awesome 2 story in Meadowbrook Heights! 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths finished basement, master bedroom 5 piece suite, master bedroom deck, gas fireplace, central air & a 3 car attached garage all on a quiet street. $229,500 | MLS #638800
Call Julie Stinson
970-226-1222
970-567-3942
2503 Logan Dr, Loveland
0 Rossum Dr, Loveland
Location! Updated two story across from Lake Loveland, 4 beds, 2.5 baths, office w/ separate entrance, private backyard w/ decks, pond & mature landscaping, granite counters, master bath w/ jetted tub, craft rooms & more! Call for your appointment today!
WOW! The last lot with deeded recreation rights on Buckingham Reservoir in Mariana Butte Golf Course reduced $40,000! Lake allows fishing/non-motorized water craft. Panoramic views of water/mountains.
$350,000 | MLS #665751
$310,000 | MLS #652947
622-1809
Call Julie Stinson
Call Coleen Ligotke
julies@rmfa.com
julies@rmfa.com
coleenligotke@gmail.com
662-1809
D
ear Angie: What can you tell me about the HARP refinance program? Is it true that the mortgage holder would initiate the refinancing and the homeowner would not have to pay any closing costs, as those are paid from the mortgage servicer company? — Chuck J., Cedar Rapids, Iowa Dear Chuck: You’re referring to the federal Home Affordable Refinance Program, which is designed to help homeowners refinance their mortgage even if they owe more on their home than it’s worth. As explained by the U.S. Departments of the Treasury and Housing & Urban Development, the program enables homeowners to refinance their homes at a lower interest rate, thereby reducing their monthly mortgage payment and, possibly, mortgage terms. The program offers assistance to consumers with loans that are guaranteed or owned by either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and who are not more than 30 days late in paying their mortgage in the past 12 months and who do not owe more than 125 percent of their home’s current market value. You can initiate this process on your own. Go to www.makinghomesaffordable.org/home-affordablerefinance-program.html to learn more. You can also contact your mortgage lender to find out if they participate in the HARP program. To qualify for participation in the program, lenders must do business with Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Be prepared to have and share information related to your income, income taxes, mortgage and other debt. If you want to participate in this program with a lender, I recommend working with a local mortgage lender who, in addition to qualifying to participate, has a good reputation and with whom you feel comfortable. Whether you work with the program on your own or with a lender, you will be still be responsible for closing costs. You can, however, finance those costs into your new loan. The HARP program has been extended before and could be extended again, but it is currently set to expire June 30, 2012.
690-1732
Find out what to do in Loveland. Every day on page B2.
Saturday Reporter-Herald October 22, 2011 D5
Homebuyers: Protect credit with 4 steps DAN DRATCH BANKRATE.COM
T
hat golden window right before you sign for a mortgage is one of the times when your credit is the most vulnerable. You’re submitting applications for loans, putting personal data on forms for real estate agents and mortgage brokers and, if you’re also selling a home, inviting in strangers. The last thing you want to do is sink a good credit score now, when you really need it. Here are four ways to protect it right before you buy. “The biggest thing people have to worry about is getting too many hits on their credit reports,” said Ed Mierzwinski, consumer program director with the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. A lot of experts advise submitting all mortgage applications within 30 or even 45 days because, if submitted during this window, they count as one on your credit report. Not always. While the latest versions of the FICO software allow a wider window, a lot of lenders still use older versions, said John Ulzheimer, president of consumer education for SmartCredit.com. That means you should play it safe and submit all mortgage applications within a 14-day period, he said. While you’re shopping mortgages, lenders may be shopping you, Mierzwinski said. He advises applying only to companies you seek out, not those that contact you first. Keep low credit card balances. To get the highest credit score, keep your card debt to 10 percent or less of the limit,
and use only one or two cards, Ulzheimer said. Pay bills in full. If you’re selling a home, you’ll probably have strangers walking through — so get organized. • Put bills and financial papers — anything with names and account numbers — in one box, preferably with a lock. Put it on a high shelf in a closet, marked “family photos” or something bland. • Pack up decorative items with personal information such as marriage certificates, diplomas and family trees, said Ron Phipps, National Association of Realtors president. Don’t leave computer passwords taped to your desk. • Remove or hide any prescription drugs. “There shouldn’t be any on the premises,” said Pat Vredevoogd Combs, former president of the National Association of Realtors. • Discuss what strategies your agent will use to safeguard your privacy. Decide what personal information your agent can and can’t share. Select an agent licensed by the state and registered with your local board, Combs said. And be realistic: No one can completely control everyone’s movements during an open house, she said. When you’re buying a home, the only people who need your personal information are potential mortgage lenders. Real estate agents and sellers need only know that you can afford to buy. So get pre-approved before shopping. When you approach an agent, all you need is the letter from your bank. Negotiating with a lender? Gabby Beltran, spokeswoman
for the Identity Theft Resource Center, suggests you: • Deal with one person at the lending company. You’ll minimize the number of people with access to your paperwork. • Send papers by fax or snailmail. Ask that nothing with your Social Security number or other vital data be sent via email. • Ask to see where and how your information will be secured. “On a desk is not a safe place,” Beltran said. When you make an offer, consider a cashier’s check for the earnest money deposit, said Michael Gilbert, detective with the Montgomery County, Pa., Detective Bureau. That way, you’re not sharing your bank account numbers, he said. Be more proactive with your finances. Instead of checking your credit-card statement monthly while paying bills, you might want to do it weekly online — to make sure all the charges are yours. “Almost every credit card company has a program to allow you to have any unusual charges noted,” Phipps said. Credit bureaus offer creditwatch services aimed at alerting you if someone obtains credit in your name. While your request to “lock” or “freeze” your credit would make it tough for thieves to open accounts in your name, it could interfere with your loan’s final approval, Ulzheimer said. And while your home is on the market, be careful with disclosures on social media, Combs said. “It’s probably not a good time to announce you’re going on a two-week cruise.”
H&RE featured Home Plan
Blue Creek offers stunning views ing bar bounds a roomy kitchen with plenty of cupboard and counter space, including a central work island. The owners' suite, with uilt in the right setting, the bright its twin lavs and large walk-in closet, is just and spacious hexagonal great room at down the hall. A second bedroom and baththe center of the Blue Creek serves up room fill the opposite wing. a panorama of stunning views. And the vistas Outside, on the basement level at the rear from inside this lodge are yours of the Blue Creek, hefty posts support the to enjoy from the moment you step inside. main floor deck above, creating a covered The main floor has a ground level encolonnade below. A hexagonal two-car trance, but is one story above the ground at the rear. Hefty log posts highlight the entry. garage with plenty of extra work and storage space sits below the great room. Basement A king post and struts highlight its lofty rooms, which could initially be finished or vaulted porch. Double doors open into the expansive great room, which is richly glassed unfinished, extend off of the hexagon in the in the three back wall sections. Tall windows same configuration as above. Visit AssociatedDesigns.com for more inflank the fireplace centered in the section to formation or to search our home plans. A rethe right. view plan of the Blue Creek 10-564, including Across the room from the entry, twin sets floor plans, elevations, section, and artist's of sliding glass doors open onto a vaulted and covered deck that is a near reflection of conception, can be purchased for $25. Our the front porch. A log handrail rims the wide Home Plan Collection, featuring more than deck that wraps around the rear, creating an 550 home plans, costs $15. Both are available online, by mail or phone. Add $5 s/h. Asextensive outdoor living area. sociated Designs, 1100 Jacobs Dr., Eugene, Wings extend out to the left and right of the great room. On the left, a peninsular eat- OR 97402, (800) 634-0123.
ASSOCIATED DESIGNS
B
Open Houses This Weekend - www.thegroupinc.com NEW CONSTRUCTION
FRIDAY - SUNDAY 12:00-3:00 110 Traders Lane, Milliken Pick your own fixtures, carpet & colors. Wonderful ranch style & 2-story home plans to choose from. Your choice of 3 great subdivision to live in – Settlers Village – Colony Point or Centennial Farms. VALUE YOU CAN SEE… QUALITY YOU CAN COUNT ON with a WINDMILLS HOME. Visit us at 110 Traders Lane in Settlers Village. 100% FINANCING! NO MONEY DOWN!!!
SUNDAY 2:00-4:00 1578 S. Dotsero Avenue, Loveland 3bd, 2ba, 1618 sq ft, BiLevel, slate entry & stairs. Upper level offers a nice open flr plan w/ laminate hardwood floors, beautifully updated bath & nice interior paint. Newer windows throughout. Lower level has nice family rm w/ brick fireplace, bdrm & bath. New light fixtures throughout. Great backyard w/ deck & fire-pit.
INVESTMENT PROPERTY
SATURDAY 1:00-3:00
SATURDAY 1:00-4:00
2016 Dotsero Avenue, Loveland Original owner! 4 bedroom, 3 bath (2 on main), all brick ranch. Quiet area, mature trees, partially fenced yard, sprinkler system and patio. Newer garage doors (3 years) and roof (3 years). No HOA! Co-listed with Robert Walkowicz 481-6077.
560 Sunwood Drive, Loveland Immaculate home with extraordinary yard. Super kitchen with extra elbow room, large living room and family room and spacious bedrooms. Vaulted ceilings. Central air. Gorgeous fenced backyard with covered patio and perennials. Sprinkler system, shed and fenced-in parking pad for RV.
Prices starting in the $150’s
$179,000
$189,900
$192,500
MLS#
MLS# 666365
MLS# 665745
MLS# 667186
Call Tracy Wilson
Call Karen Rowan
Call Nancy Walkowicz
Call Diane Iwanicki
461-7136
412-7082
567-0907 NEW HOMES BUILT BY WINDMILLS, LLC
WONDERFUL HOME IN SOUTH LOVELAND!
PRICE REDUCED!
970-310-5797 PRICE REDUCED
NEW CONSTRUCTION
FRIDAY - SUNDAY 1:00-4:00
SATURDAY 1:00-3:00
SATURDAY 1:00-3:00
SATURDAY 1:00-3:00
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12:00-5:00
117 Veronica Drive, Windsor LAKE FRONT with wonderful views! Greenspire at Windsor Lake. It’s more than just a home… IT’S A QUALITY OF LIFE! Miles of bike trails, open space & parks. Personalize your home from framing to finish! Extraordinary floor plans – Ranch & 2-Story. Visit our Sales Center at 690 Moonglow Drive or call for a personalized showing!
3518 Akron Court, Loveland Unique 4-level on a ¼ lot. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, large kitchen, living room and family room. Master suite w/jetted tub and large shower with 4 heads. Sun room w/tile floor & hot tub looks out to a mature, park-like backyard & multi-level deck. Newer carpet & paint. Low maintenance vinyl & brick siding. Close to schools & sculpture park.
1658 Stove Prairie Circle, Loveland Stucco ranch style home with an inviting tile entry. Great room w/gas fireplace opens to kitchen & breakfast nook. Tharp cabinetry, slab granite counters w/full tile backsplash & hardwood floors. Master w/5-pc bath & large walk-in closet opposite 2 guest bedrooms. Formal dining room. Central air. Unfinished bsmt. Private patio.
357 Cholla Drive, Loveland Beautiful ranch with walk-out basement, decorator colors, wood blinds and upgraded features. Open floor plan has easy-care laminate in the kitchen & dining room. Pantry, breakfast bar, main floor laundry. Basement features a huge family room, 4th bedroom & full bath. Shows Like a Model Home!
4607 Pompano Drive, Windsor 3 bedroom, 3 bath ranch with 3-car garage. Loads of upgrades, backs to open space! All of our homes are energy-efficient on oversized lots! Visit our models for other plans available starting at $239,900.
Homes Starting in the $200,000s!
$259,900
$259,900
$259,000
$287,296
MLS# 663403
MLS# 666526
MLS# 663127
MLS# 664315
MLS# 661199
Call Kelli Couch
Call Rich Gardiner
Call Maribeth Bergan
Call Cathy Vance
Call Kristen Specketer
970-310-8804
227-0964
690-1735
231-0234
290-8097
NEW CONSTRUCTION
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Online version of publication at www.thegroupinc.com containing links to detail pages for most listings. rado rn Colo Northe
FRIDAY & SATURDAY 1:00-3:00
FRIDAY & SATURDAY 1:00-3:00
SUNDAY 12:00-2:00
SATURDAY 12:00-2:00
2892 Ariel Drive, Loveland Colorado Craftsman style home quality built by Oak Valley Homes. Kitchen features a large island and shaker style alder cabinetry. Ranch style home with open floor plan backs to open space. Beautiful finishes include hardwood floors, designer tile & slab granite. Full, unfinished basement. Fully landscaped yard.
2890 Carina Circle, Loveland Colorado Craftsman style home. Finishes include hardwood floors, designer tile, slab granite, alder trim & doors and shaker style alder cabinetry. 12’ ceilings in great room w/wood beams. SS appliances, gas fireplace and custom built-ins. Fully landscaped. Close to I-25, Centerra and the Medical Center of the Rockies.
6787 Spanish Bay Drive, Windsor Classy patio home has 2 master suites. Main floor office. Formal dining room. Concrete countertops, SS appliances & huge walk-in pantry. 3rd bdrm, bath, family room & lots of unfinished area in basement. Entertainment center is included. Enjoy the view across Highland Meadows Golf Course!
3169 Blue Mountain Court, Loveland Solid brick traditional home with European influence. Private park-like .86 acre backs to foothills & open space. Spacious rooms & flowing floor plan. Kitchen features custom cherry cabinets, Italian tile, slab granite & cozy hearthroom. Carved limestone fireplace & gorgeous windows in the Great room. Wonderful outdoor spaces. Neighborhood pool & tennis.
$299,000
$335,000
$429,999
$665,000
MLS# 662114
MLS# 662119
MLS# 660692
MLS# 645353
Call Georgena Arnett
Call Georgena Arnett
Call Nancy Maus
Call Cindy Kutin
481-9801
481-9801
213-0554
391-4735
ce te Sour a t s E l Rea w w w.
thegr
oupin
c.com
D6
Saturday Reporter-Herald October 22, 2011
H&RE Front Range Gardening
Halloween Mythconceptions O’Meara takes a stroll though the dark side of Halloween traditions
In the winter of 1692, two young girls in the home of Carol O’Meara is with Reverend Samuel Parris beCSU Extension in gan acting strangely, with Boulder County. contorted postures, “foolish, Contact her at ridiculous speeches,” throw303-678-6238 or ing items, and “blasphemous comeara@co screaming.” While we consid.boulder.co.us. er this normal, reality-TV show behavior, Salem and surrounding communities Front Range Gardening found no other explanation CAROL O'MEARA other than witchcraft, and CSU EXTENSION three women were accused and imhope the neighbors don’t call an prisoned. arachnologist. Having one of my colOver the spring and summer of alloween horrors aren’t al1693, 200 people were accused; ulti- leagues see me dance could be emways connected to the spirits mately, 20 were executed and others barrassing. of the dead, even though the died in jail. Eventually reason preArguments abound on the real ancient holiday is. Some of the cause of the myth: superstition, vailed and wise leaders released the spookiest creatures on the planet mass hysteria or sun stroke have accused, offering apologies and are products of human imagination been suggested. Some hold that it funds to help the affected families. trying to explain the workings of was a ruse to get money from sympaWitches weren’t the only ones to Mother Nature, or using Mother Na- suffer from bad public relations; wolf thizers of the afflicted, others that it ture to nefarious ends. A quick look spiders also have a bad rap. In the was a means for peasants to dance in at the history of some myths and public and skirt the ban of the Middle Ages around Italy and the misconceptions shines a light on Mediterranean, the belief held that a church. Either way the innocent vicfrightful tales. tim of this myth is the spider. bite from the wolf spider caused The legendary witch hunts of Tarantism, a listless, fainting condiThe iconic symbol of Halloween, Salem in 1692 may have root in a tion that could only be cured by mu- the Jack O’ Lantern, hasn’t always fungus, Ergot (Claviceps purpura), sic. been the cheerful orange pumpkin which invades rye and other grains. Victims described by eyewitness in we use today. The original Irish Colonizing the flower and growing in the early 1500s seemed to be insane, myth, in which a man named Jack place of kernels, the fungus can get singing absentmindedly to the beat tricked the Devil not once, but mixed into the grain before milling of a drum, with arms, legs and the twice, into promising not to take his and end up in food. It is here that a entire body moving in beat with the soul when he died, led to a comeupchemical found in the fungus – lyser- music. The same could be said of me pance for the Irish rogue when he gic acid, from which LSD can be ex- as I gyrate around the garden in expired and neither heaven nor hell time to the music on my iPod, so I tracted – causes problems. would take him. The Devil, in a fit of temper at having been tricked twice, banished Jack to wander the dark night, hurling a burning coal from hell after him. Jack put the coal into a carved out turnip and has been using it to light his way as he roams the Earth ever since, becoming known as “Jack O’ Lantern.” In Ireland and Scotland, people made their Jack O’ Lanterns from turnips or potatoes; the English used beets. Immigrants from these countries brought the tradition with them when they came to the United States, where they discovered that pumpkins are perfect for carving the ghostly decorations. Placed in front of the home, the Jack O’ Lantern protects against evil spirits and witches, which reputedly fear fire. Jazz up yours with a sprinkling of cinnamon and nutmeg inside the top of the gourd; the heat from the flame will have your goblin guard double as a delectable air freshener that smells of pumpkin pie.
H
Gardening products can expire, too BETH THIRET CSU EXTENSION
Q
uestion: I’ve been cleaning my garage shelves and noticed several partially used containers of weed killers, pesticides and fertilizers. They don’t have any expiration dates on them. Are they still good? Answer: Unlike food and medical products, most garden products don’t have an expiration date on the container. While some powdered fertilizers can virtually last forever, a good rule of green-thumb for weed killers and pesticides is to use the product within two years of purchase. You can also check with manufacturers for specifics. It’s best, whenever possible, to buy only the quantities you expect to use within one season. In the long run, this will save money and avoid waste. Write the purchase date on the container and store in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Liquid products will break down more quickly if exposed to temperature extremes. Remember to properly dispose of all unused products by following your county’s hazardous waste disposal requirements and always store your lawn and garden products out of the reach of pets and children. Question: When do I start bulbs to for indoor blooming this winter? Answer: There’s no time like the present to pot bulbs for winter bloom. Ask at your local nursery for top quality, good-sized bulbs for forced blooming indoors. Daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths are among the varieties of bulbs that can be forced indoors. Since they all have
differing bloom times, use only one variety per container. Place the bulbs pointed side up in a pot with a couple of inches of potting soil in the bottom. Cover with more potting soil, but leave the tips exposed. The chilling time will vary depending on which bulbs you are using. Most will require a minimum of ten weeks. To properly chill and begin root development, bulbs require a temperature of 40-50 degrees. If utilizing a refrigerator for cold storage, keep the bulbs away from fresh fruits and vegetables as the ethylene they give off will cause bud development to fail. When bulbs are removed from cold storage, check for root development and yellow shoots emerging from the bulbs. The soil should be moist to the touch. Keep pots in a cool area (60-65 degrees) away from direct sunlight and heat sources until the shoots turn green. This may take a few weeks. Gradually move them into warmer temperatures with direct sunlight. When the bulbs are blooming, move them to a cool location in the evening to extend the life of the flower. Unlike bulbs in the garden, forced bulbs are not likely to flower again at a satisfactory level and should be discarded after bloom, but you can plant in the garden if you wish. Beth Thiret has received training through Colorado State University Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County. For more information about CSU Extension, Larimer County, call 970-498-6000 or visit www.larimer.org/ext.
Choose fragrant bulbs October averages one inch — usually from snowfall, as this area receives an average of 3.9 inches of snow in October. • Many of the spring bulbs are fra• Drain gas and oil from lawn grant as well as beautiful. Look for mowers and other gasoline-powered tulip varieties Angelique, Apricot yard equipment. Blow out all sprinParrot, Daydream, Ballerina or kler systems. Drain and store hoses, Monte Carlo. Many daffodils are fra- but keep them handy for winter wagrant, so add some of these to your tering of trees and shrubs if we have garden: Thalia, Tete a Tete, Craga dry winter. ford, Stratosphere and Pipit. Baby • With a bountiful harvest of apMoon, Fragrant Rose, Bridal Crown, ples this fall, consider making juice Cheerfulness and Erlicheer are both or cider from the windfalls. To kill doubles and fragrant daffodils. bacteria on the apples, including • Weather data gathered in Fort E.coli 0157:H7, heat the juice to Collins from 1970 — 1999 shows 160 degrees. The juice can then be that the normal daily high tempera- refrigerated, frozen or canned using ture in October is 64 degrees and a pressure canner and following the the normal daily low is 36 degrees. high altitude directions for your eleNormal total precipitation for vation.
MITZI DAVIS CSU EXTENSION