0107 Home and Real Estate by Loveland Reporter Herald

Saturday Reporter-Herald January 7, 2012 C1

Real Estate Matters

www.reporterherald.com • Saturday, January 7, 2011 • Reporter-Herald

MLS gives equal access ILYCE GLINK TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

uestion: A friend of mine told me that my Realtor should be able to see listings before they are publicly posted on an MLS website. Therefore, she should be able to let me see a home that will be sold before everyone else does. My friend’s point was that if my Realtor did not do this, then she wasn’t really looking out for me. There is one listing in particular that I saw before my agent did, but it ended up getting multiple bids and going above list price anyway. I’m not heartbroken, but I worry that something like this is preventable in the future. Is what my friend claims true? Answer: The Multiple Listing Services (MLS) have certain rules for their members. Generally, the rules attempt to level the playing field among all of the member agent companies. Your friend may have indicated that your Realtor has the ability to view MLS listings before you might see them on the Internet, but that time lag is generally very small for most MLS systems. Usually, when an MLS system takes a new listing, the listing broker posts all the relevant information about that new listing in the system. Once that information is posted, all members of that MLS system have an equal opportunity to view the listing. The real question is at what point is the posted information on your MLS system released so it can be viewed by others outside your system. That question might vary from one system to another. You may have some MLS systems tied to the Internet in such a way that they release that information to all other MLS systems and to the national Realtor system at the same time. However, certain MLS systems may hold onto that information and release their new listings on a daily or weekly basis. The system in your area may not participate in regional or national MLS systems. If they did, they would probably release any information to those other systems immediately. And once that information is distributed, it generally flows to the many Internet sites that pick up or display listings throughout the Internet. The only way you’d know if your MLS system participates in regional and national MLS systems is to ask your real estate agent or broker. He or she may be able to give you more information about your local MLS system. You should know, however, that more MLS systems have come on board with regional and national systems and those systems generally display and propagate their information on the Internet rather quickly.

to 19 years. Unless the fridge has been a lemon since the day it came into the house, the newer it is, the more consideration should be given to repairing it. Freezers, which last 20 years or so, should be given the same consideration. An important consideration is energy-efficiency, however. Energy Star-rated refrigtute of the National Associaerators produced after 2001 tion of Home Builders suguse 40 percent less energy gests a few other inexpensive than those manufactured beways, including applying fore that date, and that weather stripping around might have a bearing on your windows and doors, changing decision. the filter in the furnace, usSaving $100 a year might ing draft dodgers inside exteAL HEAVENS not be enough to justify rior doors, and installing proMCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE spending the kind of money grammable thermostats to that you would spend for a control when the furnace refrigerator that would meet hen should you rewarranty. Conventional wisadvocated as a gauge when goes on and off. your family's needs. pair and when determining the cost-effecdom maintains that a prodAfter surveying thousands In addition, sometimes a should you replace? tiveness of replacement veruct usually starts causing of its readers on the matter, new appliance will change With the economic downsus repair. problems the day after the Consumer Reports maintains the way the rest of the room turn keeping people in their warranty expires, but just in Those experts say that if a looks, or alters the layout so homes longer and money ev- that if your appliance is eight repair was estimated to cost case something is covered, much that you'll need to er tighter, it is a choice being or more years old, usually it you should know it in ad50 percent or less than the makes sense to buy a new change everything, increasconsidered by more homevance. amount you paid for the one. ing the expense beyond what owners these days. item, it was usually better to Consumer Reports also If you have a favorite highyou can afford. For example, with winter have it repaired. recommends that unless It all comes down to what coming, and concerns about end, older appliance, you may you've bought a pricey, highAARP, however, suggests you can afford and what energy costs mounting, many want to repair it. Consider end model, it might not pay replacing a newer model if it that the 50 percent rule meets your needs, meaning cash-strapped homeowners to professionally repair many should be based on replacehas been repair-prone. But both tests need to be satisare trying to figure out how ment value, not original pur- out-of-warranty products that skip any repair that costs fied, not one or the other. to reduce the $1,900 per are more than three years more than half the price of a chase price, since many conThe same applies to winyear that the Department of sumer items have dropped in old. dows, which we've just Energy says the typical family new product, the magazine price over the years. Regular maintenance exstaff recommends. caulked and weather-stripped spends on utilities. tends the life of just about For major items such as The magazine found that to help reduce heating and A new furnace or energy-efanything. When dust and dirt cooling costs. its readers sometimes began automobiles, consumers ficient windows, although clog furnace filters, the air should first calculate the esthe repair process but Leaky windows account for both very obvious ways to flow is constricted and the timated current market value 25 percent of heating costs lower heating costs, may not stopped in midstream in frusor resale value instead of the furnace must work harder. A and 40 percent of cooling extration. That, too, can be a be in the budget. furnace that does not work original purchase price. penses, but if an older house In the meantime, caulking costly process, because a reefficiently will cost you more has 30 windows, replacement If your mechanic says the pair shop will still charge you around windows and doors even if you change your mind car will cost $6,500 to repair, in energy, and its parts are is horribly expensive, even if doesn't cost that much and more likely to wear out and its trade-in value after and decide to buy a new there is an energy-tax credit can significantly reduce the quickly. that is $1,000, the choice is whatever. at one time or another. flow of cold air into the One of the factors governAARP has millions of older obvious. Take the cost of the Adding insulation to the house. Opening the curtains, ing the decision to repair or repair and put it down on a members on fixed incomes. weight pockets and repairing shades, or blinds on a sunny replace is life expectancy of new car. the sash, as well as a storm winter's day can add warmth It recommends considering Always check each and ev- the product. the "50 percent rule," which window, can help without to a room. breaking the bank. Most refrigerators last 15 ery product you own for a financial experts have long The Home Builders Insti-

Repair or replace?

It's a big question in tough times

H&RE Real Estate Transactions Real Estate Transactions are supplied by Prospects Unlimited Inc., 1151 Eagle Drive No. 467, Loveland, CO 80537, 667-1537.

Loveland • Robert Doak from Nationstar Mortgage LLC, 625 Triton Ave, Loveland, $80,000, home • Katelyn Huffsmith from Rali, 1681 Rockridge Ln, Loveland, $164,000, home • Jason & Crystal Rademach from Keven

Stearns, 502 Mahonia Pl, Loveland, $192,000, home • Smbc Inc from Vdw Retail, 1383 Sculptor Dr, Loveland, $690,000 • 330 LLC from Oswald Wilson, 330 E 4th St, Loveland, $175,000 • Andrew & Shawna Shearer from Aspen Homes Colorado Inc, 4454 Stump Ave, Loveland, $330,100, home • Thomas & Judith Boesch from Victor Capps, 1404 Caddoa Dr Unit 4, Loveland, $50,000, condo

• Bradley Warren from Trent Lauden, 4322 Sunridge Dr, Loveland, $205,000, home • James Gansen from Us Bank Na Nd, 480 Scoria Ave, Loveland, $197,500, home • Duane & Stanly Chaloupka from Scott Bottens, 1762 W 37th St, Loveland, $230,000, home • Thomas & Judith Boesch from Michael Capps, 1434 Caddoa Dr Unit 2, Loveland, $51,000, condo

• Trevor Midgett from Klump Family Revocable Trust 1, 1605 Morning Dr, Loveland, $260,000, home • Daniel & Holly Keck from Arhur Nolin, 27847 Arikaree Rd, Loveland, $364,900, home • Denise Lempka from Starkjohann Family Trust, 733 Carson Ct, Loveland, $177,000 • Carri Ballinger from Terah Traut, 255 Carina Cir Unit 103, Loveland, $155,000, condo

• Joshua & Josephine vest, 390 Mountain Tobey from Us Bank, View Rd, Berthoud, 18245 W County Rd $5,050,000, home Unit 18e, Loveland, $410,000, condo

Estes Park

Berthoud

• Scott & Julie Reichle from Howard Isner, 541 Heinz Pkwy, Estes Park, $875,000, home • Alfred Joseph from Dorothy Joseph, 507 Riverrock Cir, Estes Park, $455,000, home • Karmen Pace from Linda Edmondson, 865 Crabapple Ln Unit B2, Estes Park, $227,500

• Jason Phillips from Orchard Terrace Estates, 1075 6th St, Berthoud, $105,000, home • Matthew Badalamenti from Janet Senatore, 928 7th St, Berthoud, $130,000, home • Pti from I See Transactions/Page C2 Winding Bay In-

Saturday Reporter-Herald January 7, 2012

Regional Snapshot for Loveland/Berthoud Residential

Mortgage rate update

September

October

November

Active Listings Previous Year Active Listings

842 1027

807 969

739 903

30-year fixed

3.92%

3.95%

Sold Listings Previous Year Sold Listings

115 114

117 105

95 90

15-year fixed

3.26%

3.28%

5/1 ARM

2.88%

2.89%

$209,275 $196,000

$215,000 $211,000

$240,000 $206,819

Average Days on the Market Previous Year ADOM

136 122

109 121

130 122

Year to Date Listings Sold Previous Year YTD Listing Sold

1079 1055

1196 1160

1291 1250

Median Sales Price Previous Year Median

This week Last week Trend

Home & Real Estate is produced every Saturday by the Loveland Reporter-Herald.

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. Advertising: For advertising information, call Dan Grassmeyer. Office: 970-635-3615 Cell: 970-214-6297 E-mail: dgrassmeyer@reporter-herald.com

TRANSACTIONS 750 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland

669-1234

vview iew more mo properties at:

www.HomesInColorado.com

OPEN SATURDAY 1:30-3:30 PM 353 Johnson Drive, Loveland

OPEN SATURDAY1:30-3:30 PM 535 Marcellina Drive, Loveland

OPEN OPEN SATURDAY HOUSE 1-3 P.M. 2993 9th Pl Ct SW, Loveland

(Meadowbrook Heights) About the cutest ranch style available, vaulted ceilings, gas log fireplace, full fin. bsmt, 4 bdrms, 3 baths, all appliances too! Great fenced backyard/sprinkler, front sitting porch.

(Mariana Glen) Spacious 2 story w/full fin. bsmt, 2 family rooms, 2 fplc, granite kit, formal & informal dining rms, stainless applicances, oversize 3 car, fenced yard, main lvl laundry, Move-in ready.

New Construction. Ranch w/ bsmt, 3 bed, 2 baths, Australian cypress hardwood floors throughout, granite, tile and travertine backsplash, 2 1/2 car garage, a/c, fp, much more. Call for builder incentives.

www.RiedelGroup.com $419,900 | MLS #663870

$269,500 | MLS #661504

Call Julie Riedel

Call Don A. Riedel

Call Kathy Beadell

jriedel@remax.net

driedel@remax.net

$224,900 | MLS #667530

970-679-8365

970-679-8265

PRICE REDUCED 2951 Culebra Peak Dr, Loveland

336 Tacanecy Dr, Loveland

(Seven Lakes) Picture perfect ranch now bargain priced! Everything you could want in a ranch, 3 car gar, 1/2 acre corner lot, 27x47 rec room, 5 bdrms, 4 baths, crown moldings thru-out, open floorplan.

(Mariana Glen) Stunning all brick ranch backs to 4.5 acre greenbelt, 3,288 sq ft all finished, open plan, 6 bdrms, 3 baths, master w/jetted tub, 2 patios, 3 car gar, main lvl laundry, wet bar in bsmt.

$499,900 | MLS #663378

$336,000 | MLS #669411

Call Don A. Riedel

www.RiedelGroup.com

970-679-8265

From Page C1

Each office independently owned & operated

290-1798

beadell@rmfa.com

970-679-8265

the Loveland Newspaper 130 years and going strong!

• Mark Jurenka from Fredrick Silverman Fredrick, 2625 Marys Lake Rd Unit 17c, Estes Park, $140,000, condo • River LLC from Daniel Tearpock, 2120 Fall River Rd Unit A1, Estes Park, $272,000, condo • Riverspointe LLC from Vectra Bank Colorado, 111 Wiest Dr Unit B, Estes Park, $320,000, condo

Johnstown • Ken & E Rayment from Oakwood Homes LLC, 3928 Kenwood Cir, Johnstown, $211,800, home • Eric Spitzer from Andrew Russell, 5237 Cherrywood Ln, Johnstown, $223,000, home • Michael & Lori Pierce from Richard Vance Richard, 5341 Mesquite Ct, Johnstown, $375,000, home • Robert Ribble from Oakwood Homes LLC, 3824 Blackwood Ln, Johnstown, $167,200, home • Timothy & Sara Burr from Fannie Mae, 145 Muscovey Ln, Johnstown, $276,500, home • Regina Smith from Journey Homes LLC, 326 Moss Rock Way, Johnstown, $184,300, home • Ryan & Amy Applegate from Michael Mathews, 1904 Greenbriar Ct, Johnstown, $205,000, home • Ryan Gray from Oakwood Homes LLC, 3760 Blackwood Ln, Johnstown, $185,700, home • Karl & Jovi Tarango from Ryland Group Inc, 2743 Aylesbury Wy, Johnstown, $237,600, home • John & Sharon Ross from Shane Siegfried, 404 Granite Way, Johnstown, $160,000, home • Sandra & Sandra Wells from Paul Veliquette, 430 Celtic Rd, Johnstown, $270,000, home

Milliken • Barrett & Tess Palombo from Fed Home Loan Mtg Corp, 1534 S Growers Dr, Milliken, $135,000, home • Ashley Standy from Robert Pritchard, 409 Heidie Ln, Milliken, $188,000, home • Michael & Stephanie Valin from Colette Riehl, 321 E Mountain Ash St, Milliken, $132,000, home

Windsor • Randy & Kim Amys from Brian Gunderson, 4662 Meadowlark Dr, Windsor, $545,000, home • Hillside Inc from Highland Meadows Golf Course L, 6329 Crooked Stick Dr, Windsor, $41,000, home • Yude Sun from Bk Midwest, 2177 Cape Hatteras Dr Unit 26, Windsor, $122,000, condo • Carli & Jason Heward from Highpoint Vista LLC, 8260 Wynstone Ct, Windsor, $58,000, home • Christopher & Li Gentle from Scott Kohles, 237 Wood Duck Ct, Windsor, $310,000, home • Christine & Matthew Pletcher from Leanna Peterson, 7325 Caledonian Ct, Windsor, $535,500, home • Jennifer Swenson from Pumpkin Ridge 6776 LLC, 6776 Pumpkin Ridge Dr, Windsor, $397,000, home • Sage LLC from Winter Farm Windsor LLC, 343 Saratoga Wy, Windsor, $70,000, home • Saint LLC from Winter Farm Windsor LLC, 439 Wind River Dr, Windsor, $70,000, home • Tracy & Patti Watkins from Saint Aubyn Homes LLC, 632 Bighorn Ct, Windsor, $388,000, home

Saturday Reporter-Herald January 7, 2012 C3

H&RE Front Range Gardening Know the dangers of deicers CAROL O'MEARA CSU EXTENSION

e should all take a moment to reflect on the bounty the past series of storms have brought, and give thanks to those who truly deserve it: the manufacturers of pain relievers, soothing salves, and those stick-on heating pads. But while people can find relief from the aches of shoveling snow via potions or warmth, our furry or foliaged companions are not so lucky. Deicer salt, when it gets into the pads of paws cracked and raw from ice, stings like the dickens, making wintry strolls a torment. In the garden, those salts are lethal to plant cells, and if they run off into the storm drains they add to pollution of our water. Fortunately several non-salt alternatives are available for removing ice without menacing our lawns, pets and waterways. Look for petfriendly products at local pet stores that are not comprised of chlorides, or check out local garden centers for organic products containing potassium acetate. But be careful — none of these products is fool-proof and the label should be read, and its instructions followed, for safe use. Over applications of any product or use of it in an unsafe manner will cause problems, regardless of whether it is labeled organic or petfriendly. All the research on eco-friendly deicers I read included the message that, to be effective, deicing material must be used in addition to an aggressive physical snow removal regimen. Translation: shoveling. One to two hours before snow is predicted to begin, lightly apply deicer to the walkway or drive. Be aware that potassium acetate can be slippery, so don’t over-apply. On top of this material, spread a thin layer of kitty litter or sand to provide traction during the storm. Wait until after the snowfall has ended, then shovel as much from the walks as possible, and apply a light amount of deicer to soften the remaining ice. The point is to soften the ice for removal, not completely melt

it. Over applying deicer in order to entirely melt snow means too much of the material is put down, and adds to runoff in the waste stream. Toss fresh snow up onto the lawn or garden, but if it has deicer in it, leave it in an area that has good drainage but no plants — salt tossed over and over into the same spot builds up in the soil and stays there, burning roots during the growing season. Leaching salt from the ground can be difficult to do and takes a lot of water we may not have. Many landscape plants are sensitive to having salt flung up onto their foliage or pooling in the soil. Shrubs such as Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), winged euonymous (Euonymus alatus), boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), and viburnums are salt-sensitive, as well as many popular trees, including Colorado spruce (Picea pungens), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and lindens (Tilia spp.). Salt in contact with plants will cause bud death and twig dieback. Evergreens can show damage to their needles (with flecking of yellow or brown) as early as February. Once snow and ice have been removed, apply another layer of kitty litter or sand to help with traction on ice melt. Don’t forget to stretch before shoveling that snow, and take it easy while lifting; snow can be heavy and it’s easy to overdo it. Just ask me — I’ll be at the drugstore in line ahead of you, buying up all the pain relievers.

Carol O’Meara is with CSU Extension in Boulder County. Contact her at 303-678-6238 or comeara@co .boulder.co.us.

‘Going out of town? Don’t miss your local news.

www.reporterherald.com/e-edition w

WELCOMES Tracy’s Team to the Loveland office

Tracy Wilson, Deb Martinez and Amy Lane (970) 567-0907 Tracy@tracyteam.com

Associate Profile:

Tracy has been in the marketing business for over 15 years. With her invaluable experience, she knows what it takes to get the job done. Real Estate is a people business and Tracy takes great pride in helping people realize their dream of home ownership. Deb has been helping buyers and sellers for over 20 years and assists in the daily operations. Amy has been in the Real Estate business for over 18 years assisting new home buyers as well as move up homeowners. “There’s No Place Like Home.”

Why I chose RE/MAX Alliance...

Alliance is the perfect place to call home “ RE/MAX and achieve our goals in helping buyers and sellers to achieve their dream of owning a home. We enjoy the team philosophy and love marketing homes to help our clients move forward.

Front Range Gardening

”

Oﬃce: 669-1234

Each office independently owned & operated

Open Houses This Weekend - www.thegroupinc.com

NEW CONSTRUCTION

SATURDAY 11:00-1:00

SUNDAY 2:00-4:00

SATURDAY 11:00-1:00

SATURDAY 1:00-3:00

4805 Hahns Peak Drive #202, Loveland 2 bdrm, 2ba, main floor condo. Neighborhood pool/clubhouse/gym w/spectacular views! Upgrades include storm door which leads to entry, spacious living rm w/fireplace, A/C, kitchen w/upgraded maple cabinets, hardware, colonial doors, light fixtures & mstr w/ceiling fan, walk-in closet, 2 sinks & soaking tub.

4615 Hahns Peak Drive #204, Loveland Meticulously cared for 2nd floor condo with detached garage. Design features include vaulted family room, upgraded cabinets, large master bath with double sinks, soaking tub & huge walk-in closet, large storage closet and covered balcony. Clubhouse and pool. Near lakes, nature trails, restaurants, shopping, MCR & I-25.

3359 Coal Creek Street; Loveland Spacious 3 BD, 3 BA with lots of extras! Formal & informal living & dining areas, office/ playroom in the finished basement, tons of storage, A/C & fireplace, plus all appliances included! Private backyard.

6709 W 21st Street Road, Greeley Open floor plan features a main floor master w/walk-in closet & Jacuzzi tub, spacious kitchen, formal dining room w/coffered ceiling & laundry. 2 bedrooms & a full bath upstairs. Basement finished w/2 bedrooms, family room & a wet bar. A/C. Freshly painted inside & out. 3 car garage. Covered flagstone patio w/built-in barbeque & fireplace.

$130,000

$139,900

$215,000

$259,500

MLS# 668161

MLS# 665134

MLS# 668114

MLS# 667962

Call Emily Waller

Call Andy Burnside

Call Mike Malvey

720-231-7183

Call Bob Skillman

567-1505

420-7235

631-2257

NEW CONSTRUCTION

SUNDAY 1:00-4:00

SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12:00-5:00

FRIDAY & SATURDAY 1:00-3:00

SATURDAY 1:00-3:00

2763 Blue Acona Way, Johnstown Spacious ranch with 10’ ceilings. Beautiful upgrades throughout. Gourmet kitchen features large island & breakfast bar, slab granite, gorgeous cabinetry and SS appliances. Double-door entry into the master suite, along with its 5-pc bath & large walk-in closet.

4604 Free Hold Drive, Windsor Brand new, beautiful, 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2-story home w/main floor master suite. Kitchen features a wood floor, granite countertops and SS appliances. Full, unfinished garden level basement. Deck. 3 car garage. See our model at 4613 Pompano Drive for more information.

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.

2511 Eldorado Springs Drive, Loveland Sprawling ranch, original owner, solid cherry Tharp cabinets in kitchen, beautiful study, finished bsmt w/2 bedrooms, wet bar, exercise room, hobby/craft room. This property has been on the Loveland Garden Tour and is in a no HOA community!

$279,041

$295,065

$299,000

$335,000

$389,000

MLS# 670228

MLS# 660768

MLS# 662114

MLS# 662119

MLS# 668064

Call Stephanie Kirkland

Call Ryan Spencer

Call Georgena Arnett

Call Becky Vasos

679-8048

214-0263

481-9801

217-9874