Saturday Reporter-Herald February 26, 2011 E1
Real Estate Matters
www.homeandrealtyguide.com • Saturday, February 26, 2011 • Reporter-Herald
Albers: Realtors abide by Couple may not qualify for strict code of ethics times. A Realtor makes every effort to understand the housing needs of his or her client, thoroughly researches available inow does the Realtor’s ventory and shares all relevant code of ethics affect evinformation with the buyer so eryday real estate practhat he or she can make an intices? If a Realtor represents formed decision. This you, whether you are service is provided rebuying or selling a gardless of the comhome, you can count pensation available. on that Realtor to: 3. Disclose all per1. Be honest with tinent facts regarding all parties in the the property and the transaction — not transaction to both just with you, as his buyer and seller. or her client, but alIf a Realtor believes so with the other reinformation provided al estate practitioner by a seller is quesand his or her Kurt Albers tionable, the Realtor clients. is obligated to invesFor example, if Retigate. Realtors altors represent a buyer with a should recommend that buyers spotty credit history, they can’t consult their own experts, such be dishonest with sellers about as home inspectors, to address this fact. At the same time, Reconcerns. For example, if a altors can help their buyer colhome seller asks his or her Reallect and assemble information, tor to conceal the fact that the such as credit reports and auroof leaks, the Realtor cannot dited tax returns, to demoncomply; if the seller insists, the strate that the buyer has the problem and improved their sit- Realtor should end the business relationship with that seller. uation. 4. Be truthful in all communi2. Put the client’s interests ahead of his or her own at all cations with the public.
KURT ALBERS COLORADO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
tax exclusion ILYCE GLINK TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES
H
Q
uestion: I have some questions regarding the tax exclusion homeowners are entitled to when they sell their primary residence. Let’s say a homeowner who has lived in his primary residence for at least two of the past five years is selling his home. As I understand it, he is allowed to keep up to $250,000 tax-free of the profits. But let’s say that six months to a year prior to the home sale, the homeowner marries and files jointly. Although one of the individuals hasn’t lived in the home for the full two years, would they still be allowed to take up to $500,000 tax free? Also, let’s say there is some profit above the $500,000 or $250,000 (if the spouse is ineligible). Will the amount be taxed at the marginal tax bracket of the individual or couple or is it a flat 3 or 4 percent on the amount? Answer: According to IRS Publication 523, by selling your home, you and your spouse would qualify for the $500,000 exclusion if all of the I See GLINK/Page D8
Estate H&RE Real Briefs
When Realtors distribute newsletters, create web sites, or place advertisements, they must be careful not to represent other real estate professionals’ work product as their own. If a recently sold or listed property in the community is publicized, it must be clear whether the Realtor was actually involved in the transaction, or whether that data came from the local multiple listing service or other source. This ensures that the public understands the Realtor experience and can make an informed decision when choosing real estate. Realtors regulate themselves to make sure they follow this code of ethics. If you know of a Realtor not complying to this, please let your Realtors board know. If you real estate sales person is not a Realtor, your complaints may need to go to the real estate commission; they are not governed by any Board of Realtors. When you are buying or selling, make sure you agent is a Realtor. Kurt Albers is the NE District Vice President of the Colorado Association of Realtors. He can be contacted at 970-231-1224.
LARIMER COUNTY YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS OFFERING FREE ENERGY ASSESSMENTS The Larimer County Youth Conservation Corps is offering free basic energy efficient assessments for qualified residents. The organization is aiming to positively impact the local community with this conservation project. In the program: • Services and products provided at no cost to the homeowner • Crews will install energy efficient products such as compact fluorescent bulbs, retractable clotheslines, programmable thermostats and low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators. • Crews will conduct a visual inspection of your refrigerator, water heater, heating/cooling system and home insulation. • Crews will offer education on efficiency practices intended to lower your energy use and utility bill. Energy resources and potential rebates will be discussed. Elegible households shall be determined based on utility provider and income eligibility. To find out if you qualify, visit www.larimerworkforce.org/ energy or contact the LCYCC Energy Coordinator at 970-498-6081 or e-mail bkiefer@larimer.org.
Inside this week’s Home & Real Estate Realtor of the Week
Real Estate Transactions
Rhonda Heth, The Group, Inc. Real Estate
Director y
Listings from Front Range properties recently sold
Page D7
Page D7
Page D6
Carol O’Meara: How to prune your fruit trees
Page D8
FEATURED PROPERTIES - UP TO $199,999 OPEN HOUSE SUN 12-2
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 1PM-3PM
OPEN SAT. & SUN 11-1
OPEN HOUSE SAT AND SUN 12-2
402 Longs Peak Ave, Berthoud
4253 LaVeta Dr, Loveland
4629 N Franklin Avenue
2229 Arikaree Ct. Loveland
985 W 10th St E2
Fantastic 3bd 1ba brick ranch on corner lot. New kitchen appliances, new paint inside, fenced yard. 2 Storage sheds. Beautiful wood floors, sunroom/office. MLS#647954 $159,000
4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 4 car garage. All Bedrooms are a good size and the Garage is 718 sq ft The Patio has a new privacy fence. MLS#646053 $199,900
3 bed/3 bath home on a beautifully landscaped corner lot! Newer stainless steel appl., roof & paint. Hot tub room & sunroom. Large family room and oversized garage. MLS#634133 $199,900
PRE-LISTED BANK OWNED PROPERTY! 1100SF/3BR/1BA/2GA plus shop, move-in condition, remodeled w/ granite and tile on large lot.
Updated townhome in established Willow Briar. New laminate floors on main level and newly remodel bath up. Newer oak kitchen cabinets. Two bedrooms up with loft. HOA $115 mo. MLS #647884 $128,500.
Century 21 Humpal, Inc Ursula Albers 970-231-0548 Ursula.Albers@century21.com
Century 21 Humpal, Inc Todd Murray 970-290-8899 Todd.Murray@century21.com
Steve Baker 970-302-0879 Felipe Sorzano 970-302-0879 or 970-330-7700 stevebakerrealestate.com
$300,000 - $399,999
$200,000 - $299,999 OPEN HOUSE 1-3PM SATURDAY
PRICE REDUCED-$267,900
Toni Alloway 970-690-5824 www.coloradohomes.com
Jerry Hessler Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 970-214-4612 jerry.hessler@coloradohomes.com ww.coloradohomes.com
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 1PM-3PM
OPEN DAILY 12-5
MARIANA BUTTE $318,000. SAT.12:30-3:30
2656 Autumn Harvest Way
219 E. Michigan Ave-Berthoud
1612 E. 1st Street, Loveland
2175 Rio Blanco Drive
4688 Twin Peaks Court
Harvest Park Beauty! Immaculate 3BD/2BA w/ upper level FR. Brazilian Cherry wood floors, Caesar Stone countertops & SS appliances. Unfin. bsmt for expansion. Community pool. Laura Leslie 744-8082
2826sf brick 2-story w/ 3BD, 2BA & across from a park! Maple cabs, corian counters & brkfst bar in kitchen! Solid oak flring, gas fireplace, main flr laundry, 9’ ceilings, crown molding & 2-car garage.
Fantastic ranch style home with 960 Sq Ft, heated 3 car garage/shop with electricity and additional carport that could be enclosed. Great wood deck w/ hot tub. MLS#647171 $214,900
Visit our exciting new homes in Meadowbrook Ridge. This home has 3bdrm, 2ba and full unfinished basement. Granite, Tharp cabinets, 3 car garage. $359,000.
A must see, 4bdrm, 3ba, 3479 sq ft open 2-story on green belt, cul-de-sac lot. Granite, newer flrs, custom paint, formal living and dinning, main floor den, loft, mountain & lake views.
Barbara Giesey Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 970-222-4035 barbaragiesey@msn.com www.BarbaraGiesey.com
Marian Maggi 970-290-0908 marian@berthoudrealestate.com www.berthoudrealestate.com
Century 21 Humpal, Inc. Ursula Albers 970-231-0548 Ursula.Albers@century21.com
Janet Erickson and Melissa Doherty Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 970-290-1315 or 970-391-5800 erikjan@q.com or milissa.doherty@coloradohomes.com www.coloradohomes.com
Rick L. Kelleher Coldwell Banker Residential Brokeage 970-980-7218 ricklkelleher@msn.com
LAND FOR SALE SALES OFFICE OPEN SUN 11-12PM
Warberg Farm at Chapman Reservoir OPEN Sunday 11-1PM. 2+ Acre Lake front & horse lots starting $225,000, water tap included. Surface rights, walk paths, parks, boat docks, fishing and peace garden.
08-324713
Kurt Albers Century 21 Humpal, Inc. 970-231-1224 kurtd57@msn.com www.warbergfarmatchapmanreservoir.com
homeandrealtyguide.com Your online and print resource for residential, commercial and land for sale
Saturday Reporter-Herald February 26, 2011 E2
Mortgage rate update This week Last week Trend
30-year fixed
4.87%
4.93%
15-year fixed
4.16%
4.23%
5/1 ARM
3.56%
3.62%
Realtor of the Week
Rhonda Heth BROKER ASSOCIATE/ PARTNER, THE GROUP INC. REAL ESTATE
WELCOMES
Years of Experience: Four
A
Location: 5401 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland
s a Realtor in Northern Colorado, Heth’s goal is to offer the highest quality service, professionalism and integrity. She worked in the Vail Valley in hospitality for some time, but having been born and raised in Loveland, she returned home and has served The Group and it’s customers ever since. Drawing on her hospitality background, she strives to establish long term business relationships through
Contact: 970-566-3516, rheth@thegroupinc.com, www.thegroupinc.com
Designations, Affiliations & Accolades: GRI, CNE, CDPE, MBA, Graduate Realtor Institute, Certified Negotiation Expert, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Masters of Business Administration, Love-
!" # $
% & " ' ' ( ' ) & ' # #$* ' ) & ' ) !+ , - . " & ' % & !$ * ' /
/ 0 '
November
December
Home & Real Estate is produced every Saturday by the Loveland Reporter-Herald.
January
Active Listings Previous Year Active Listings
903 882
834 842
855 941
Sold Listings
90
90
74
$206,819 $194,900
$219,777 $245,000
$240,000 $195,000
131 127
130 128
130 133
Year to Date Listings Sold Previous Year YTD Listing Sold
1,250 1,205
1,340 1,297
74 57
Monthly Volume Previous Year Monthly Volume
$24,289,790 $22,476,776
$26,065,297 $26,273,366
$20,505,379 $13,173,437
Median Sales Price Previous Year Median
Average Days on the Market Previous Year ADOM
legendary service and continually working hard to keep her customers’ best interests in mind. Heth thanks clients for allowing her to help fulfill their dreams of real estate ownRhonda Heth ership as they have helped her goals as she builds a career in real estate.
Regional Snapshot for Loveland/Berthoud Residential
! " #
land/Berthoud Board of Realtors, Colorado Board of Realtors, National Board of Realtors.
DISPLAY ADVERTISING 669-5050 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 635-3650
08-322128
Open Houses This Weekend - www.thegroupinc.com 100% FINANCING!
BEAUTIFUL HOME!
NEW HOMES!
SUNDAY 1:00-3:00
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12:00-3:00
SUNDAY 1:00-3:00
FRIDAY - SUNDAY 1:00-4:00
1221 E 6th Street, Loveland 2BD, 1BA 1027 sf ranch close to walking path, Chilson Rec Center & Library. This 1/2 duplex has newer decorator paint, new carpet & laminate in 07. Fenced yard w/ patio. Energy audit done‌ new Low E windows, added insulation etc. Great Buy!
1849 Chesapeake Circle A, Johnstown 3 units completed & 1 under construction. Maintenance-free townhomes w/open floor plans. Features many upgrades, central air, fireplace, tile entry, decorative light fixtures w/fans, walk-out basements, breakfast bar & more.
2508 Lake Drive, Loveland Great home on a quiet street across from Lake Loveland. Recent remodel includes newer furnace and central air, roof, windows, carpet and paint. The large lot is fenced, private and has a new spacious patio. The home is light and bright, ready to move into.
680 Moonglow Drive, Windsor New Homes starting in $190,000s! Ranch & 2-story plans. Personalize your home from framing to finish! Front landscaping with sprinkler is included. Miles of bike trails, open space & parks. Call for your personalized showing today!
$125,000
$170’s to $190’s
$184,000
$197,000
MLS# 637733
MLS# 642720
MLS# 642085
MLS# 640714
Call Doug Miller
Call John Simmons or Tracy Wilson
Call Cindy Kurtz
Call Jim Watson
970-481-9444
481-1250 or 567-0907
962-6832
219-5219
TAFT FARMS
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12:00-5:00
SATURDAY 1:30-3:30
SATURDAY 12:00-2:00
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12:00-5:00
SUNDAY 12:00-3:00
7405 Pimlico Drive, Windsor Brand new, beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home with loft, 2 car garage, covered patio and basement on oversized lot backing to open space. Our homes offer incredible value with high quality and energy efficiency in a serene setting. Ask about our builder incentives. Prices starting at $235,000.
2766 27th SW Court, Loveland Classy ranch in Lakeside Terrace. Pre-inspected. New carpet on main. Hardwood in office, dining & kitchen. Kitchen w/bayed eating area & access to back patio. Gas fireplace w/leaded glass window above mantle. Bsmt w/family rm & wet bar, bedroom, full bath, storage w/built-in shelving & sink and access to side yard.
1506 Farmland Street, Loveland 4bd, 3ba, ranch style home w/ oversized 2 car garage. Open floor plan, great room, large kitchen w/ wrap-around breakfast bar, master suite, a/c, fireplace, tile entry, wood floors, Low E windows, new carpet & more! Covered porch, sprinklers. Bedroom & bath in partially finished bsmt. Great location, only 10 minutes to Ft Collins.
1808 Prairie Ridge Drive, Fort Collins New Construction. Beautiful 2 story in scenic Harmony Ridge! Granite, hardwood, stainless steel appliances and more! More time to relax – yard maintenance year around included. Oversize 2 car garage, front porch, stone exterior. March 2011 move-in. Lots available to build. Starting at $279,000.
1016 Janna Drive, Loveland Updated kitchen w/slab granite countertops and upgraded appliances. Inviting master suite with 5-piece bath. Fully finished garden level basement. Basement floor has been completely re-done. Dining area opens to deck overlooking a private park-like back yard featuring a large lower deck for outdoor entertaining.
$257,000
$260,000
$279,000
$279,000
$288,642
MLS# 640398
MLS# 633804
MLS# 644880
MLS# 646094
MLS# 633055
Call Carole Newberry
Call Don A. Riedel
Call John Simmons
Call Matt Thompson
Call Tracy Wilson
443-4047
679-8265
481-1250
443-9910
567-0907
ENERGY STAR RATED
NEW LISTING
NEW CONSTRUCTION
IMMACULATE HOME!
SATURAY & SUNDAY 11:00-2:00
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 11:00-2:00
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 1:00-3:00
SUNDAY 1:00-3:00
SUNDAY 1:00-3:00
4169 Lost Canyon Drive, Loveland Offers a pre-inspection & 1 year home warranty. 2 story home located next to park. 4 bdrms up plus loft, 3 baths, formal living & dining, great room w/fireplace. High efficiency furnace & water heater, a/c. Fenced yard w/water feature, flagstone patio, herb & flower gardens, walkways, sitting benches & more.
3075 6th Street SW, Loveland Completely remodeled home with all the bells and whistles: 3 bed 3 bath 3 car gar with all NEW: Granite, Stainless Steel appliances, high-end light fixtures, interior & exterior paint, hardware, 50 gallon water heater, wood floors, tile backsplash, tile fireplace, tile master suite w/5-pc bath & large walk-in closet.
1541 Dryland Street, Loveland Ranch style home in Taft Farms built by Keirns Construction. Great floor plan w/full master bath. 3bds, one could be den. RV parking, oversized garage. Choose your finishes & colors if under contract before hard surfaces are installed. Other floor plans & lots to choose from.
1922 Windom Place, Loveland CRAFTSMAN style home on large corner lot. Convenient location & outdoor amenities of High Plains Village. Open floor plan features office & main level mstr w/5-pc bath. Upstairs-2 bdrms & loft. 3rd level bonus room. Hardwood floors on most of main. Kitchen w/upgraded appliances, center island & pantry. Trex deck. Fully fenced.
169 Muscovey Lane, Johnstown This home is immaculate! 3 bedrooms plus a study, 3 baths, 3975 sq. ft.! New paint, wood floors, comfortably roomy living areas, breakfast nook with work station, separate dining room, large kitchen, plus an office and a loft! 3-car garage!
$300,000
$300,000
$308,500
$308,900
$310,000
MLS# 648160
MLS#
MLS# 641473
MLS# 647378
MLS# 646591
Call John Simmons
Call John Simmons
Call Stephanie Kirkland
Call Debbie Hansen
Call Lee Cord
481-1250
461-1887
679-8084
222-9618
215-9658
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12:00-5:00
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12:00-5:00
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 1:00-4:00
SUNDAY 4:00-6:00
SATURDAY 12:00-3:00
7407 Pimlico Drive, Windsor Brand new 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 car garage on 8000 sq ft open space lot. 2549 finished sq. ft. Granite kitchen, hardwood floors, lots of extras. $314,000. Ask about our great builder incentives! Other plans available starting at $235,000.
1814 Prairie Ridge Drive, Fort Collins Brand new 2 story in scenic Harmony Ridge. Main floor master. Granite, hardwood, stainless steel appliances and more! More time to relax – includes year around yard maintenance. Front porch, stone exterior. March 2011 move-in. Lots available to build starting at $279,000.
4743 Sorrel Lane, Loveland AVAILABLE NOW! Ranch plan backs to 100 ft of greenbelt space with evergreen trees. This 2 bdrm home with main flr study is built with 2x6 walls, 92% eff furnace & features granite kitchen counters, SS gas range, walkin pantry, 5 pc mstr bath, 3 car gar, covered patio & more!
2439 Stonecrest Drive, Fort Collins Corner lot home w/3 car garage. Built to meet Passive Solar guidelines. Custom kitchen w/slab granite, large island & gas range. Main level office. Upstairs the master offers foothills views off the private balcony and a 5-piece bath. Bsmt features 4th bedroom & rec room w/ gas stove. Close to Old Town & bike path.
503 Eagle Crest Court, Loveland 4000 finished sq ft 2 story on a high lot in Eagle Crest. Many gardens, walkways, playground & spectacular views. 4 bdrms + laundry up. Finished bsmt w/ media room, office & family room. Living room, formal dinning, great room, breakfast nook. SS appliances, tile/wood floors, a/c, oversized 3 car garage. Central vac, humidifier.
$314,000
$329,000
$365,000
$385,000
$425,000
MLS# 640727
MLS# 646093
MLS# 640372
MLS# 647131
MLS# 645291
Call Kristen Specketer
Call Troy Hiebsch
Call Kathy Albertz
Call Dave Trujillo
Call John Simmons
290-8097
222-7110
970-690-6011
222-0340
481-1250
PRICE REDUCED
MARIANA BUTTE
Online version of publication at www.thegroupinc.com containing links to detail pages for most listings. rado rn Colo Northe Source
SUNDAY 12:00-2:00
SATURDAY 1:00-3:00
SATURDAY 1:00-3:00
SUNDAY 1:00-3:00
3020 Blue Mountain Court, Loveland Enjoy views & wildlife from the deck of this 2 story home on .99 acres. Updated w/ slab granite counters in kitchen & mstr bath. Thermador gas range, spacious rooms, multiple windows, finished walkout basement, new tile roof. Neighborhood pool & tennis courts & minutes to 4 lakes for fishing, boating & hiking!
7711 Windsong Road, Windsor Unobstructed mtn views on your private 2.74 acre lot. Heated 34x26 outbuilding w/hot water to store toys or RV & a 3 car oversized garage. Custom cherry cabinets, hardwood floors, 2 offices, eat-in kitchen, formal dining, Italian marble entry, custom staircase. Large deck w/ built-in BBQ. Private deck off master.
530 Deer Meadow Drive, Loveland Quality custom from Austin Signature Homes. Enjoy the final opportunity for a lifestyle on Mariana Butte Golf Course! Golf course lifestyle with no membership fees. Peaceful, quiet setting with tranquil views that overlook the golf course, water and the front range. Deer Meadows Metro District.
542 Deer Meadow Drive, Loveland Quality custom home from Austin Signature Homes. Enjoy the final opportunity for a lifestyle on Mariana Butte Golf Course with no membership fees. Peaceful & quiet setting with tranquil views that overlook the golf course, water and the front range. Deer Meadows Metro District.
$498,000
$520,000
$825,000
$875,000
MLS# 645384
MLS# 648089
MLS# 645852
MLS# 645863
Call Cindy Kutin
Call Mark Moran
Call Nancy Walkowicz
391-4735
218-1891
461-7136
w w w.
Call Robert Walkowicz 07-322260
tate Real Es
481-6077 08-322261
thegr
oupin
c.com
Saturday Reporter-Herald February 26, 2011 E3
H&RE Real Estate Transactions covey Ln, Johnstown, $200,000, home • Justin & Chelsey Johnson from First Western Trust Bk, 27104 Coyote Ridge Ln, Johnstown, $111,000, home • Pfankuch LLC from Ib Property Holdings LLC, 316 Basher Dr, Johnstown, $650,000, home • Linda & Thomas Halloran from Ryland Group Inc, 52 White Wing Ct, Johnstown, $258,800, home • Kathleen & Kathleen Semler from Suhre Karen A & Blake R, 4618 Tarragon Dr, Johnstown, $400,000, home
• Patrick Virnich from Doorgeest Lucy J, 327 Drake Ln, Johnstown, $290,000, home • James Chavez from Morrison Karen Kay, 1015 Sw 1st St, Johnstown, $112,500, home • Suzanne Geary from Oakwood Homes LLC, 3800 Kenwood Cir, Johnstown, $245,600, home
Milliken • Thomas Boyle from Fort Morgan St Bk, 297 S Ursula Ave, Milliken, $152,000, home
Windsor • David & Becky Deer-
ing from Andrus Mark R & Christine D, 200 Cobble Dr, Windsor, $348,000, home • James & Cheryl Smothers from Pope Adam B, 138 Beacon Way Unit 1f, Windsor, $109,000, condo • Deborah Yonce from Prestige Homes LLC, 671 Babine Ct, Windsor, $225,300, home • Gary & Lisa Fisher from Shiloh Inc, 35325 Cornerstone Way, Windsor, $650,000, home • Prestige LLC from Winter Farm Windsor LLC, 612 Babine Ct, Windsor, $150,000, home
• Jason & Lisa Slater from Melody Homes Inc, 628 Lanley Dr, Windsor, $292,300, home • Dana Jaskol from Jbs Usa LLC, 1647 W Ridge Dr, Windsor, $390,000, home • Bradley Klein from Melody Homes Inc, 1581 Millfleet Dr, Windsor, $305,200, home • Marlou & Mark Vandelist from Melody Homes Inc, 620 Lanley Dr, Windsor, $212,000, home • Leslie & Marilyn Hagie from Tara Pt Llc, 6442 Murano Dr, Windsor, $100,000, home
NEW NORTHERN COLORADO HOMES N
1
W
Berthoud
S
3,000 Buyer Credit 9,
16 0
25
Homes priced from the $150’s - $230’s $
2,072 SF 3 Bd, 2 Ba Ranch
9,
17
Estes Park • Continental LLC from Hoyer Eric R & Lisa L, 1731 Aspen Cliff Ct, Estes Park, $332,500, home • Jerry & Phyllis Haight from Lord Lisbeth B, 1453 Matthew Cir, Estes Park, $283,500, home
$
90
• Cynthia & Timothy Swearingen from Fannie Mae, 940 Welch Ave, Berthoud, $135,000, home
E
0
90
Models Open Daily 10am-6pm
1775 SF 4 Bd,3 Ba Tri-Level
1
E 11TH ST
08-324301
HWY 34 DENVER AVE
Loveland
Bell Constr Inc, 906 Andromeda Dr, Loveland, $211,000, home • Kip March from Federal Home Ln Mortgage Corp, 1957 Park Dr, Loveland, $248,000, home • Donald Fairbanks from Purcell Conservation Group Llc, 535 Ruby Ave, Loveland, $130,900, home • Jean & Jeffery Davis from Tanner Russell U Ii, 199 12th St Sw, Loveland, $106,000, home • Jeff James from Golderdobbie Maury, 5050 Coral Burst Cir, Loveland, $260,000, home • William Large from Hanson Charles A & Sheryl L, 805 Knobcone Pl, Loveland, $410,000, home • Prudential Inc from Jeschke Jerome D & Leona M, 1742 Manchester Ct, Loveland, $198,000, home • Brian Zimmerman from Johnston Patricia J & Rhett A, 5165 Coral Burst Cir, Loveland, $240,000, home • Alan Tomlinson from Lakes Point Construction Ii Ll, 1527 La Jara St, Loveland, $225,200, home
$
$440,000, home • Resident from Brumley Wilson E, 205 Glenda Dr, Loveland, $270,000, home • Doreen & Jack Michals from Walters Nancy E, 1586 Persian Ave, •Michael & Julie Griffiths from Buringa Brian J Loveland, $250,000, home • 5905 LLC from & Carla J, 6009 Becker Collins Kay L, 5905 ClearLn, Loveland, $288,000, water Dr, Loveland, home • James & Carolyn Tra- $930,000, home • Jacob & Laura Owen cy from Eckert Michael, from Trainor Brian, 1154 532 W 1st St, Loveland, E 5th St, Loveland, $119,900, home • Gary & Clara Richard- $118,500, home • Kameron Lantzy from son from Emmerling Alvarez Daniel, 4019 Burr Thomas, 1840 Axial Dr, Loveland, $180,000, home Oak Dr, Loveland, $174,000, home • Gabriel Garcia from • Ronald Wolf from VerFrank Leslie D & Cheryl sluys Danielle K, 4695 D, 907 W 30th St, LoveHahns Peak Dr Unit 201, land, $184,000, home Loveland, $115,000, con• Carol Taylor from do Gabriel Arlene J, 1835 • Stuart Conkwright Blue River Dr, Loveland, from Quality Service $280,000, home Group LLC, 3419 Coal • Peter Grahm from Creek St, Loveland, Federal Home Ln Mortgage Corp, 6445 Clearwa- $161,900, home • Mary Kirkpatrick from ter Dr, Loveland, Robson Clifford P, 4490 $240,000, home • Kurt & Barbara Biegel Walden Ave, Loveland, from Floyd Susan W, 1032 $245,900, home • Peter & Eileen Ross E 15th St, Loveland, from Nordstrom David & $170,000, home Clarice, 1907 Boise Ave • Thomas & Joshua Ste 5, Loveland, Chapel from Mason Connie J, 4881 Sheridan Ave, $250,000, home • Carol Gutzmer from Loveland, $180,000, home • Keith & Lauren Kucz- Oak Valley Homes LLC, ka from Moses Earl C Jr & 275 Carina Cir Unit 104, Gail E, 2707 Sedona Hills Loveland, $165,000, condo Dr, Loveland, $499,800, • Kathleen Selcer from home Mcbeth David M & Karen • John & Jill Tregenza J, 6392 Sea Gull Cir, Lovefrom Pnc Mortgage, 315 land, $260,000, home Meadowsweet Cir, Love• Larry Richardson from land, $345,000, home Kee Randy S, 2866 Empire • Scott Tarbell from Ave, Loveland, $287,000, Schantz Scott A, 27575 home Hopi Trl, Loveland, • Carol Ford from Hart $280,000, home • James & Diane Hamm Joshua N & Cady E, 1517 E 4th St, Loveland, from Boose Constance L $100,000, home Gannon & John Adam, • Lynda Moore from Hj 604 Cove Dr, Loveland,
BOISE AVE
Real Estate Transactions are supplied by Prospects Unlimited Inc., 1151 Eagle Drive No. 467, Loveland, CO 80537, 970-667-1537.
970-456-4600
Johnstown
1/4 mi. So. of Hwy 34 on Boise Ave. - 1899 East 11th Street
• Jill Claypool from Doherty Charles L, 190 Mus-
www.newmidtownhomes.com
08-323057
saturday PRICE
$128,500
sunday
LOCATION
ADDRESS
HRS
OFFICE
PHONE
FORT COLLINS
2229 ARIKAREE COURT
11-1
COLDWELL BANKER
970-690-5824
SW LOVELAND
985 WEST 10TH E2
From the $140’s*
NW LOVELAND
43RD & WILSON AVENUE THE COTTAGES AT ENCHANTMENT RIDGE
12-2
COLDWELL BANKER
970-214-4612
12-5
THE COTTAGE REALTY
970-532-5900
$140’S -$220’S
SE LOVELAND
BOISE VILLAGE NORTH, ¼ MILE SOUTH OF HWY 34 ON N. BOISE AVENUE, 1899 10-6 E. 11TH
MIDTOWN HOMES
970-456-4600
970-532-5900
PRICE
LOCATION
ADDRESS
HRS
OFFICE
FORT COLLINS
2229 ARIKAREE COURT
11-1
COLDWELL BANKER
PHONE 970-690-5824
$125,000
SE LOVELAND
1221 EAST 6TH STREET
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-481-9444
$128,500
SW LOVELAND
985 WEST 10TH E2
12-2
COLDWELL BANKER
970-214-4612
From the $140’s*
NW LOVELAND
43RD & WILSON AVE THE COTTAGES AT 12-5 ENCHANTMENT RIDGE
THE COTTAGE REALTY
970-532-5900
$140’S -$220’S
SE LOVELAND
BOISE VILLAGE NORTH, ¼ MILE SOUTH OF HWY 34 ON N. BOISE AVENUE, 1899 10-6 E. 11TH
MIDTOWN HOMES
970-456-4600
$169,900*
NW LOVELAND
4403 ELLIOT PLACE
12-5
THE COTTAGE REALTY
970-532-5900
$170’s $190’s
JOHNSTOWN / MILLIKEN
1849 CHESAPEAKE CIRCLE
12-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-481-1250
$184,000
NW LOVELAND
2508 LAKE DRIVE
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-962-6832
$197,000
WINDSOR
680 MOONGLOW DRIVE
1-4
THE GROUP, INC.
970-219-5219
$169,900*
NW LOVELAND
4403 ELLIOT PLACE
12-5
THE COTTAGE REALTY
$170’s $190’s
JOHNSTOWN / MILLIKEN
1849 CHESAPEAKE CIRCLE
12-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-481-1250
$197,000
WINDSOR
680 MOONGLOW DRIVE
1-4
THE GROUP, INC.
970-219-5219
$198,000
NE LOVELAND
805 58TH STREET
1-4
WESTERN PLAINS REAL ESTATE
970-685-2992
$232,000
NW LOVELAND
4496 HAYLER AVENUE
12-5
THE COTTAGE REALTY
970-532-5900
$232,000
NW LOVELAND
4496 HAYLER AVENUE
12-5
THE COTTAGE REALTY
970-532-5900
$257,000
WINDSOR
7405 PIMLICO DRIVE
12-5
THE GROUP, INC.
970-443-4047
$257,000
WINDSOR
7405 PIMLICO DRIVE
12-5
THE GROUP, INC.
970-443-4047
$258,000
FORT COLLINS
2656 AUTUMN HARVEST WAY
1-3
COLDWELL BANKER
970-222-4035
$279,000
FORT COLLINS
1808 PRAIRIE RIDGE DRIVE
12-5
THE GROUP, INC.
970-443-9910
$260,000
SW LOVELAND
2766 27TH SW COURT
1:30-3:30
THE GROUP, INC.
970-679-8265
$288,642
NE LOVELAND
1016 JANNA DRIVE
12-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-567-0907
$279,000
NW LOVELAND
1506 FARMLAND STREET
12-2
THE GROUP, INC.
970-481-1250
$298,664
NW LOVELAND
4355 RIDGWAY DRIVE
1-4
970-532-5900
$279,000
FORT COLLINS
1808 PRAIRIE RIDGE DRIVE
12-5
THE GROUP, INC.
970-443-9910
THE COTTAGE REALTY
SW LOVELAND
3075 6TH STREET SW
11-2
THE GROUP, INC.
970-481-1887
NW LOVELAND
4355 RIDGWAY DRIVE
1-4
THE COTTAGE REALTY
$300,000
$298,664
970-532-5900
$300,000
NE LOVELAND
4169 LOST CANYON CREEK
11-2
THE GROUP, INC.
970-481-1250
$300,000
NE LOVELAND
4169 LOST CANYON DRIVE
11-2
THE GROUP, INC.
970-481-1250
$308,500
NW LOVELAND
1541 DRYLAND STREET
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-679-8084
$300,000
SW LOVELAND
3075 6TH STREET SW
11-2
THE GROUP, INC.
970-481-1887
$308,900
NE LOVELAND
1922 WINDOM PLACE
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-222-9618
$308,500
NW LOVELAND
1541 DRYLAND STREET
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-679-8084
$310,000
JOHNSTOWN / MILLIKEN
169 MUSCOVEY LANE
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-215-9658
$314,000
WINDSOR
7407 PIMLICO DRIVE
12-5
THE GROUP, INC.
970-290-8097
$314,000
WINDSOR
7407 PIMLICO DRIVE
12-5
THE GROUP, INC.
970-290-8097
$318,000
SW LOVELAND
4688 TWIN PEAKS COURT
12-3
COLDWELL BANKER
970-980-7218 SW LOVELAND
12-4
GLEN MARKETING
970-663-4522
SW LOVELAND
¼ MILE WEST OF WILSON ON 14TH STREET SW/HWY 402 TO THE DAKOTA GLEN SUBDIVISION
$323,400
$323,400
12-4
GLEN MARKETING
970-663-4522
¼ MILE WEST OF WILSON ON 14TH ST SW/HWY 402 TO THE DAKOTA GLEN SUBDIVISION
$329,000
FORT COLLINS
1814 PRAIRIE RIDGE DRIVE
12-5
THE GROUP, INC.
970-222-7110
SE LOVELAND
4743 SORREL LANE
1-4
THE GROUP, INC.
970-690-6011
$329,000
FORT COLLINS
1814 PRAIRIE RIDGE DRIVE
12-5
THE GROUP, INC.
970-222-7110
$365,000
$365,000
SE LOVELAND
4743 SORREL LANE
1-4
THE GROUP, INC.
970-690-6011
$385,000
FORT COLLINS
2439 STONECREST DRIVE
4-6
THE GROUP, INC.
970-222-0340
$389,750
SW LOVELAND
975 PRISM CACTUS CIRCLE
12-4
GLEN MARKETING
970-663-4522
$389,750
SW LOVELAND
975 PRISM CACTUS CIRCLE
12-4
GLEN MARKETING
970-663-4522
$425,000
SE LOVELAND
503 EAGLE CREST COURT
12-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-481-1250
$520,000
WINDSOR
7711 WINDSONG ROAD
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-218-1891
$825,000
SW LOVELAND
530 DEER MEADOW DRIVE
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-461-7136
To add a listing or speak to an advertising representative, call the Reporter-Herald at 669-5050
$425,000
NW LOVELAND
4875 APRICOT DRIVE
10-2
ERA HERMAN GROUP 970-430-1950 REAL ESTATE
$498,000
SW LOVELAND
3020 BLUE MOUNTAIN COURT
12-2
THE GROUP, INC.
970-391-4735
$875,000
SW LOVELAND
542 DEER MEADOW DRIVE
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-481-6077
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. 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
Saturday Reporter-Herald February 26, 2011 E4
H&RE Front Range Gardening
Pruning Fruit Trees
Keep fruit trees healthy with pruning CAROL O'MEARA CSU EXTENSION, BOULDER COUNTY
T
hough balmy days and blue skies are calling us to the garden, wet soils mean we should hold off on tilling and sowing. So lopping off a few branches is the perfect way to indulge our gardening itch, plus keep our fruit trees healthy. Early March is the perfect time to get out into the warm sunshine and prune a few trees. Fruit trees are those that work for a living, and to keep
yours healthy and bearing, spend some quality time with them this spring. With a nip here, a tuck there, and a few tidying trims, they’ll be ready to flower and fruit. Pruning allows air and sunlight to reach the center of the tree, improving sugars in the fruit while reducing disease. For all types of fruit trees, follow a few basic steps: Tidy it up: Prune out any dead or diseased wood. Look for twigs that are dried out, with a grayish or black appearance. Though it’s tempting to snap off dead wood, cut it off instead to avoid tearing the bark. Broken twigs are a harbor for disease, so cut them back to a bud or to the junction of twig to branch. Direct growth: Prune out
Don’t go hog wild, cutting off every branch; cut back one out of every four branches that fruited last year.
Apple spurs
Photos courtesy Carol O'Meara
This photo shows the difference between apple flower buds (the plumper one) versus a woody shoot. any crossing or rubbing limbs. Branches that rub one another sloughs off bark, setting them up for disease problems. As they grow, crossing limbs often begin rubbing each other. Get rid of sprouts: Cut out water sprouts and basal suckers (the vigorous upright growth shooting up from branches or from the
Triple buds from a peach tree
base of the tree). This type of growth is usually weak and fruits poorly. Prune it completely off. Upward and outward: downward growing branches don’t fruit well. Clip these off to let trees put energy into horizontal or upward limbs. If you have peaches or nectarine trees here on the Front Range, you’re a gardener who loves a challenge. Though these plants survive, they aren’t the most productive fruit we can grow; frost freezes their buds off nine years out of ten. To give them the best chance for forming fruit, prune them every year. Peaches and nectarines fruit on one-year old shoots, so the goal of pruning is to force part of the tree into new shoots yearly. Do this by cutting back branches that fruited last year to a woody bud — it’s pointed like an arrowhead, instead of plump. But don’t go hog wild, cutting off every branch; cut back one out of every four branches that fruited last year. Done every year, your tree will give plenty of fruit without overbearing. Very often these trees will have triple buds, where a woody bud is flanked by two flower buds. Prune off above this point, gently rub off the flower buds on either side, and let the woody bud grow into a shoot. Double buds are not uncommon; look for the pointed woody bud and rub off the other. Apples and pears fruit on older wood, on spurs forming along branches. These spurs are compressed shoots, appearing as a knobby, slightly wrinkled bud. Each year they grow minutely, not elongating like woody shoots. To keep the trees in fruit, branches three years and older are desired. When pruning apples and pears, the goal is to focus yearly at-
Peaches growing on one year old wood tention on the upper part of the canopy, where growth is vigorous and can rapidly shade the center of the tree. When pruning to a bud, prune one-quarter-inch above the bud, at a 45-degree angle. Pick buds that are pointing outward; they’ll go that direction. Avoid inward-facing buds, since you don’t want your branches to run back into the center of the Front tree.
GLINK From Page D5
To place an ad, call 970-635-3650 or go to www.ReporterHerald.com/classifieds and place your ad any time of the day or night. Fax: 970-635-3677…email: classifieds@reporter-herald.com
Houses Apartments/ Unfurnished 4030 LUXURIOUS UPSCALE APARTMENTS STUDIO, 1, 2, & 3 BEDROOMS- Pool, hot tub, 24 hr. fitness center, business center, coffee shop, salon, pizza & deli. OPEN HOUSE, Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat. 10am-5pm.
Apartments/ Furnished 4010 ALL BILLS PAID!!! 1 BDRM/studio, furnished or unfurnished. Downtown Loveland. $500-$625/mo. Call 970-391-0834
Apartments/ Unfurnished 4030 ”0“ UTILS! 1 or 2 room studios, vintage apts. Onsite mgmt. W/D, WiFi, DirTV $335-$630 970-219-6353 1 BDRM, 606 E Eisenhower $525. Avail 4/1. Utils incl rmpm.com. 970-669-0842
1 BDRM all utilities included! Only $680/mo. Low deposit, ready 3/10, restrictions apply, small pet ok. Call 970-669-1375 1 BDRM Executive Spacious, well-appointed loft in Downtown Loveland with optional single-car garage. This beautiful 1100 sq ft apartment is newly renovated. $950 per month. No smoking or pets. Call 970-980-6801 for application. 1 CUTE STUDIO. $395/mo. In canyon, river access rmpm.com. 970-669-0842
2 bdrm, 1 ba, ground level $640. Eat-in kit, AC, 8x10 storage. 1846 E 16th. No smoke/pets. (970)667-0365 2 BDRM, 1 BA, lg kitchen, water/ sewer/ trash paid. 1125 Gard Pl #1 $575/mo, Faith Property 970-377-1626
IMMEDIATE ● Move-In Special ● 2 WEEKS FREE! on our 2 bedroom Vermeer floor plan 325 E. 5th St., Loveland. 1-888-822-9346
$899/Month, Utils Included, 2 Bed/2 Full Ba, W/D Inc, new carpet, built 2000, balcony 970-667-7000x106 1043 Eagle Dr Lvld
Commercial Industrial 4040 6000 SF Retail/Warehouse on Hwy 287. Overhead door. 970-593-2401 or 970-227-7447.
Duplexes
4060
2105 Eagle Dr- 3 bdrm, 1 bath, 2 car gar. $800 Sorry, no smk/pets. Estate Bldr, (970)667-3400
2 BDRM, 3526 Butternut $615. Nice, patio, 2-story rmpm.com. 970-669-0842
2 BDRM duplex W/D hkup, 1 car gar, water paid, $700. No pets. (970)667-7321
Garages/Storage Spaces 4070 1 CAR GARAGE- $75/mo. Great for storage. rmpm.com. 970-669-0842
3 BDRM, 2 BA Ranch, frpl, STORAGE 20 x 40 hkups, 2 car gar, mstr with 14´ overhead door. bath. $1050/mo + dep. Faith Property 970-377-1626 $325/mo. Call (970)481-5899
4080 Houses
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertised in this paper is subject to the federal and state Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” The newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. 1919 CINDY CT- 3 bdrm, 1 bath, unfin bsmt, double gar. Pet nego, No/smk. $975/mo. (970)667-8816 1 BDRM Home in country. Fenced yard, Pet ok. Avail. March 1. Call 970-669-8813 2 BDRM 9441 WCR 18E $1195, pets neg, fncd, 1800´s home. rmpm.com. 669-0842
4080 Office Space 4100 Commercial 5030
$99 MOVE IN SPECIAL 4 bdrm, 2 bath, central Berthoud, Call 970-310-3855
1244 N. Lincoln/Lvld. 500 sq. ft. Util incl. $500/mo. 580-795-4636
Central Lvld, 3 bd, 1ba, all Office & Retail Spaces. utils, appls. inc, no smk/pet Starting at $150. Utilities neg. $985/mo. 1-580-795-4636 Included. 970-613-1477 Loveland Custom Home in brand new subdv. Oversized dbl gar, 2400 sf, landscaped/sprklr, A/C, short wlk to shops, schools, restaruants, trails, parks & green space . 2 bdrm, 2 ba, Female w/ MS seeking fem ranch. No smoke. $1,250/ for home care. Will rent mo +$1,250 dep 970-377-3315 downstairs apt for $200/mo for am/pm care. 970-667-4166 OWN your own home for what you pay in Rent! Lg bdrm w/ priv ba, W/D, Lowest rates, gar space, $550/mo inc $0 - $1000 Down utils, dep req´d. 970-692-3476 Free Prequalification. Western Plains Realty Ken or Tammy SHARE HOME/Room for 970-663-5008 rent, N/P/S. Rent includes utils, TV and internet. $450/mo. 970-324-0231
Roommates Wanted 4120
Berthoud 1710 sf Steel bldg for lease $1200. mo/purch w/poss owner carry, also adj vac lot 303-888-5882
Loveland
5110
2628 HARTSEL CT. MLS #648330 $259,900, 4 bed, 4 ba brick ranch, 3340 sqft, oversized 3 car gar w/ RV Bay. Call Rob 970-203-1101 At Home Real Estate Co
938 Ptarmigan Lane (Loveland). 4 bdrm-3 bath 1-3pm SAT & SUN
✔✔✔✔
To ensure you receive the best response to your advertisement, please check your ad the first day of publication. We regret we cannot be responsible for more than one day´s incorrect insertion. Billing inquiries can be initiated within 30 days of ad expiration.
Mobile Homes/ Spaces 4090 ✭ 3 BDRM, 1 BATH ✭ W. Hwy 34. $700/mo + dep. Pets on appr. Se Habla Espanol, 970-685-8573
3 BDRM, 2 ba, Tri-level, frpl, gar, 766 21st St SW, ✭ 2 BEDROOM HOMES ✭ $575 to $650 + dep. $1250/mo Faith Property 970-377-1626 W. Hwy 34. Pets on appr Se Habla Espanol (970)685-8573 3 BDRM- 321 Roosevelt $925 Unfin bsmt, big liv room rmpm.com. 970-669-0842 IT PAYS TO BUY! $1000.00 Cash Rebate If purchase Feb. 3 BDRM- 925 E. 7th, $795. Easy Credit Low Down Pets neg, big fenced yard Starting under $699 rmpm.com. 970-669-0842 That includes Lot Rent! 970-420-8488 3 BDRM- 925 Lincoln I WILL MOVE YOUR $1025, Remod kit, Classic! MOBILE HOME FREE rmpm.com. 970-669-0842 LOT RENT STARTING @ $199 4 Bdrm- 2090 Luvesta $3495 250+Communities Custom home on 3 acres. to choose from Call rmpm.com 669-0842 Offer expires 2/25/2011 970-420-8488
Rooms For Rent
4130
Fully furnished large rooms in Lvld. Laundry, A/C, cable, all util. incl. $325/mo. (970)412-6714.
Wanted To Rent
4170
Responsible older male needs small farmhouse/apt to rent w/space for 2 mini. donkeys. 303-746-7028
A picture is worth a thousand words Try a classified picture ad! Call for details
970-635-3650 ● TRI-LEVEL- 2400 SF, 4 bdrm, 3 bath, updates! 10K Sq. Ft. lot, $219.5K Appt only, 970-635-1862. No Realtors
Lyons
5120
LYONS 2 bdrm 1ba mobile home, shed. No dogs. $420/ mon lot rent. $12,000 no owner finance. 303-827-9185.
Mobile/ Manufactured Homes/ Spaces 5130 Berthoud
5020
BANK OWNED2-story, 3 bdrm, 4 bath, 2878 SF Fin. C/A new int paint/carpet. $249,900. Re/Max Alliance, Wanda Quaid, 970-481-3033
14x70 SKY (1978), 2 bdrm, 1 ba, all applcs, new paint & carpet, 8x8 shed, No. Lvld, $8000 More info, call (970)290-8163 1993 BERTHOUD mobil home, rent to own. 2 bdrm, 1 ba. (970)215-1819
following is true: you are married and file a joint return for the year in which you sell the home; either you or your spouse meets the ownership test, in which you or your spouse owned the property and lived in it as a primary residence for at least two of the past five years; and, during the twoyear period ending on the date of the sale, neither you nor your spouse excluded gain from the sale of another home. If the property owner has only owned the property for 18 months before selling, he can take a proportionate share of the profits as an exclusion on his federal and typically state income tax return. So, if you lived there for 18 months (1.5 years), you’d multiply your profits by 0.75 (or 75 percent of the two years required to take the full $250,000 tax free). If you’re married, you’d use $500,000 instead of $250,000. To answer your second question, for profits in excess of what you can legally exclude, you’ll pay longterm capital gains tax, up to 20 percent, depending on your income level. That is dictated by how much you and your spouse (if you have one) earn. For more details, check out IRS Publication 523, Selling Your Home. Question: I currently own a home and owe $388,000 on the mortgage. I think the home is probably worth $370,000. I bought the home for $417,000 in 2006, so I’ve taken a big hit on equity like everyone else. I have no issue making the payments, but feel as though I am trying to dig myself out of a hole. I make an extra payment a year plus pay an additional $200 each month toward the principal on the loan.
If you’re cutting the branch off entirely, prune to just outside of the raised area at the junction of the branch to the trunk. This is the branch collar. Leaving this intact will help the tree seal the cut off from disease.
Carol O’Meara is with CSU Extension in Boulder County. Contact her at 303-678-6238 or comeara@co .boulder.co.us.
Range Gardening
Given how low interest rates are right now, do you think it would make sense to just sell my house at a loss and trade up now? I live in a starter home and think it makes sense to trade up while prices on bigger houses and mortgage interest rates are really low. I could easily afford to buy a home for $600,000 to $700,000 and put down close to 20 percent. Am I crazy to want to make the move now? Answer: I can just imagine all the e-mails I’m going to get from Realtors wondering if they can sign you up as a client. Seriously, I think there are a lot of buyers wondering the same thing: Is now the best time to trade up and buy a bigger house while mortgage interest rates are still low? If you want to buy a bigger house, now is the time. You’ll have to make good on what you owe on your home, but if you can sell and get out, good for you. Then, you can shop around for the bigger property that you want and buy at today’s relatively low prices. I’d love to see you put down 20 percent, because otherwise you’ll get killed on private mortgage insurance. Also, you’d want to make sure you don’t get a loan bigger than $417,000 so that you’re in the conventional market. Keeping the big picture in mind (you’re losing a little money on one house but hopefully making it up by buying a home that you can stay in for the long run at an equally reduced price) is a smart way to go. To put it differently, if real estate prices had increased across the board, you would sell your place at a profit but have to buy your next place at an increased price. It’s all relative. If you plan to live in a home for the long term, you might find the right home for yourself now and lock in an interest rate that appeals to your budget as well.