Saturday Reporter-Herald July 23, 2011 D1
Real Estate Matters
www.reporterherald.com • Saturday, July 23, 2011 • Reporter-Herald
Options for remodeling old home ILYCE GLINK TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES
Q
uestion: My mother is 80 years old and lives in San Antonio, Texas. Her home is approximately 50 years old. The house needs some serious remodeling. It needs to be leveled, and the beams from the roof are poking into one of her bedrooms. She is still working but wants to retire. Are there any programs that will help her secure a loan to make these badly needed repairs? She doesn’t have much money, and, although my father is a veteran, they are divorced and I don’t think there’s any available assistance there. I’d hate to see my mother move from the property. She really envisions staying there in retirement. Answer: Your mother has three options in this situation: She can apply for a reverse mortgage, she can secure a 203k loan from the FHA, or she can sell the property. A reverse mortgage permits homeowners who are at least 62 years of age to borrow against the equity in their homes without having to sell, sign over the title, or take on a new monthly payment. The reverse mortgage is so named because the payment stream is inverted. In other words, the lender makes payments to you, and the balance and interest is due when you sell the home, move from it permanently (into a nursing home, for example), or pass away. Your email doesn’t say if our mother’s home is already paid off. If it is, a reverse mortgage could be a viable option — if she can get one. Unfortunately, some of the biggest reverse mortgage lenders have stopped making the loans due to a higher than expected level of defaults. In the past year, both Bank of America and Wells Fargo announced they would no longer do reverse mortgages. Your mother might qualify for a reverse mortgage but have difficulty finding a lender who can provide one to her. For more information, she should speak with a HUD-certified housing counselor. You can get more information on this page: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/hecm/hecmlist A second option for your mother is an FHA 203k loan, which is specifically designed for properties that need repair or renovation. A lender will give you enough cash to fix your home, and base the amount on how much the repairs will cost and what the property will be worth once the work is complete. There are a number of eligibility restrictions, including income requirements, but you can learn more on the FHA’s website: www.fhainfo.com/fha203k.htm . While your mom wants to stay in I See GLINK/Page E3
The key to
home buying
Secure loan pre-approval before shopping DOMINIQUE DEL GROSSO FOR THE REPORTER-HERALD
“It puts people in the
driver seat
B
uying a house is a serious financial commitment. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, but securing loan pre-approval before starting the house hunt is an easy way to help streamline the process. Fortunately, getting loan pre-approval can make the house hunting experience less concerning and provide a tangible price range by which potential home buyers can easily abide.
with more control of the process.” — Sabrina Lee, senior loan officer with WR Starkey Mortgage in Longmont the potential home buyer with a loan pre-approval letter, which will lay out how much money can potentially be borrowed to purchase a home. A pre-approval amount varies from one buyer to the next. This is because the loan pre-approval amount is based on credit scores and yearly income, and not every potential buyer has the same score or borrowing potential. • Then, a mortgage loan officer will have an open, but up-front conversation with the potential buyer regarding financial comfort levels. A plan for affordable monthly payments will also be addressed.
potential buyer. Most house sellers will only accept bids from buyers who have been granted loan pre-approval first. Loan pre-approval is also important to Realtors, LOAN PRE APPROVAL BREAK DOWN because it’s easier to work with buyers who have a Simply, loan pre-approval tells the mortgage clear number to start. “Most Realtors will not talk loan officer and potential buyer how much money to you or show you any homes until you’ve been can be borrowed to purchase a house, providing a pre-approved,” Lee said. “It (loan pre approval) is clear picture of which homes are affordable and important, because you’re also telling the seller which are not. To secure loan pre approval, that you’re serious.” meeting with a mortgage loan officer in person Fortunately since the housing market crash, is essential. getting loan pre-approval isn’t any harder than it This is important because buying a house is a used to be. Almost anyone can get loan prebig commitment, and being counseled by a proapproval. What is harder now than in the past is fessional can make or break the final sale. UNNECESSARY? THINK AGAIN finalizing the loan once a bid has been accepted Sabrina Lee, a senior loan officer with WR by the seller. Before staring the house hunt, getting preStarkey Mortgage in Longmont, said finding “Pre-approval is not more difficult, but getting approval first isn’t a must, but it’s strongly adsomeone trustworthy to walk through these steps vised by both Realtors and mortgage loan officers. the loans closed is much harder,” Dyer said. “They with is a must. “You want to see what you can qualify for before (underwriters) want more documentation from “Buying a house is the greatest investment you you go out looking because you don’t want to get things in your past about anything that’s reflected can ever make, and you want to make sure it’s on your credit report.” attached to a house you can’t afford,” Lee said. with someone you trust,” she said. “It (loan pre-approval) puts people in the driver Whether getting loan pre-approval first is the During a few in-person meetings, a mortgage priority, it’s important to keep in mind how loan officer will walk the potential buyer through seat with more control of the process.” Deanna Dyer, a broker associate at Dyer Realty, helpful it can be to have a clear budget. the following loan pre-approval process. Inc. in Longmont, echoes Lee’s advice. “It’s Pinpointing both the high and low end of the • First, the mortgage loan officer will take budget is, in the very least, a good place to start. down four pieces of information: potential buyers’ crucial that you know how much money you “It’s never too soon to get an idea of what kind of full name, social security number, current address have to spend, because you don’t want to be house-poor. Meaning, you don’t want to be home you desire, what neighborhood or what your and birth date. With this information, the putting too much of your income toward your mortgage loan officer will run a credit report to house requirements are, but pre-approval for the house payment,” she said. determine a specific credit score. buyer makes things so much easier. It takes the • Next, the mortgage loan officer will present Loan pre-approval isn’t just important for the stress out of the transaction,” Lee said.
Realtors present ideas to save the housing market ified borrowers can obtain safe and sound mortgage financing. The nonprofit trade organization called on regulators to revise the unnecessarily ast week, the National Associa- high down payment requirements of tion of Realtors (NAR) sent a the Qualified Residential Mortgage letter to Shaun Donovan, sec(QRM) exemption from risk retenretary of housing and urban develop- tion requirements under the Doddment, Timothy Geithner, secretary Frank Act. of the treasury, and Gene Sperling, director of the National Economic Council. In the letter, the NAR argued, “Stability in the housing market will lead to a quicker and greater economic recovery.” And, then it offered these recommendations: 1. Policies should ensure that qual-
ILYCE GLINK TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES
L
In short, NAR believes that if Congress implements a firm requirement that borrowers put down a minimum 20 percent on a conventional mortgage, that would severely limit the number of people who could buy homes. It would tank homebuyer demand, depress home prices further, and cause more fore-
“A strong housing market recovery
is essential
to the nation’s economic strength.”
closures. How long does it take someone who earns an average salary to save up 20 percent for a down payment? NAR says up to 14 years. To their point, it’s hard to even remember your American dream of homeownership after 14 years. “Mortgage availability remains a concern, and borrowers continue to find it increasingly difficult to find affordable mortgage options,” said NAR President Ron Phipps. “Requiring a higher down payment does little to reduce default risk, and only strips homebuyers of their savings I See MARKET/Page E4
— NAR President Ron Phipps
Buying a home that needs work? Call the experts in FHA 203(k) renovation financing. 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, 970-227-4702 Loans and rates subject to credit approval. FHA conditions and restrictions apply.
www.HomeStateBank.com
(970) 203-6100 Think big
Bank small
E D2
Saturday Reporter-Herald July 23, 2011
H&RE Real Estate Transactions Real Estate Transactions are supplied by Prospects Unlimited Inc., 1151 Eagle Drive No. 467, Loveland, CO 80537, 667-1537.
• Jeanette Kolkmeier from Federal Home Ln Mortgage Corp, 3720 Black Oak Ct, Loveland, $160,500, home • Jill Pendas from Hiawatha Land Trust, 3029 Hiawatha Dr, Loveland, • Scott & Elaine De$203,000, home camp from David Doll, • Joshua & Andrea 810 Longspur St, LoveEveslage from Jeanne land, $388,000, home Hilgendorf, 2349 Paonia • Steven & Linda St, Loveland, $241,500, Kuzmich from Brent Eghome gers, 1204 E Broadmoor • David & Karen DanDr, Loveland, $180,000, bom from Gordon Humhome mel, 2581 Mary Beth Dr, • Humberto Delacruz Loveland, $218,500, from Fannie Mae, 1816 home Carlisle Dr, Loveland, • Peter & Debra $145,000, home • Richard Menkin from Bergmann from Lakes Maggard Investments Llc, Point Construction Ii Ll, 1556 Landsman Hill Dr, 1416 E Eisenhower Blvd, Loveland, $275,800, Loveland, $400,000, home home • Leonard & Jackie • Property Llc from Stephen Mcmillan, 530 W Huskey from Mercer Family Trust, 1852 Muddy Eisenhower Blvd, LoveCreek Cir, Loveland, land, $317,800, home $375,000, home • Lynn Batalden from • Shane & Ashley Skott Gerhard Nelson, 2517 from Pivot Point ProperFairplay Dr, Loveland, ties Llc, 3402 Red Maple $177,500, home Ct, Loveland, $180,000, • Benjamin & Charity Devries from Alan Rogers, home • Delores Rose from 2314 Notting Hill Pl, Maynard Pollock, 3643 Loveland, $208,000, Wild Horse Ct, Loveland, home • Thomas & Angela Ma- $165,000, home • David & Amy Holmes son from Mark Anderson, 4688 Twin Peaks Ct, Love- from Delorse Rose, 3254 Williamsburg St, Loveland, $311,000, home • Roger & Jennifer Ping land, $187,000, home • Bb Llc from Sugarloaf from Scott Bannick, 1769 Llc, 4190 N Garfield Ave, E 15th St, Loveland, Loveland, $415,000, $141,500, home home • Gerald & Heather • Anthony Pillitteri from Kehr from Kris Brose, 2107 Abeyta Ct, Loveland, Federal Home Ln Mortgage Corp, 821 W 35th $220,000, home St, Loveland, $159,000, • Howard & Nicole home Porter from Joel Comm, • Timothy & Cera 3847 Poudre Dr, Loveland, Austin from Wayne $510,500, home Hessler, 477 Cape Dory • Johanna Washkevich Dr, Loveland, $364,000, from Brad Dufrene, 2660 home W 46th St, Loveland, • Michael & Cyndy $146,300, home • Sherri Mckinney from Amaloo from Stacie HowFannie Mae, 2438 W 45th ell, 4825 Hahns Peak Dr Unit 201, Loveland, St, Loveland, $191,700, $115,000, condo home • Scott & Cynthia Ban• Corey & Marcella nick from Loveland MidLunt from Fannie Mae, 6895 Algonquin Dr, Love- town Development I, 2122 Virgo Cir, Loveland, land, $174,500, home
Loveland
$204,900, home • Brian & Gabrielle Kato from Ultimate Investment Group Llc, 805 E 58th St, Loveland, $186,800, home • Travis White from Ultimate Investment Group Llc, 1312 W 15th St, Loveland, $170,000, home • David Lorenz from US Bank, 32 Cedar Brook Ln, Loveland, $125,000, home • Ricky & Elvera Sharpe from Yvonne Verbel, 3011 Logan Ave, Loveland, $177,000, home • Ralph & Patricia Mathena from Sheryl Weitzel, 1475 New Mexico St, Loveland, $230,000, home • Barry & Debra Fuller from Arrowhead Properties Llc, 1825 Rio Blanco Ave, Loveland, $237,500, home • Paul Gilbert from Donald Beirne, 4141 Lookout Dr, Loveland, $206,000, home • Russell Tanner from Fannie Mae, 805 Heather Dr, Loveland, $133,000, home • Lee Mitchell from Rodolfo Garcia, 4137 Silverthorne Ct, Loveland, $129,900, home • Nicole Georges from Michael Georges, 1724 Talc Pl, Loveland, $225,000, home • Horieh Eftekharian from Marsha Hall, 1856 Dove Creek Cir, Loveland, $168,000, home • Joseph & Allison Simmo from Ryan Hollinshead, 294 Sand Grouse Dr, Loveland, $207,000, home • Charles Zitting from Hsbc Bank USA, 4153 Foothills Dr, Loveland, $176,200, home • Timothy & Cheryl Dolen from Keirns Construction Co, 1868 Rio Blanco Ave, Loveland, $281,900, home • Matthew Morath from David Madding, 1322 E 7th St, Loveland,
• Prestige Llc from Winter Farm Windsor Llc, 640 Saratoga Way, Windsor, $210,000, home • Crossroads Llc from FRB Properties Llc, 4720 Highland Meadows Pky, • Dwight Perrin from Windsor, $389,200, home Household Fin Corp Iii, • Troy & Patricia Settle 704 S Tamera Ave, Milfrom Barbara Muse, 6668 liken, $112,900, home Half Moon Bay Dr, Wind• Kenneth & Jennifer sor, $355,000, home Baladez from Kimberly • Bruce & Nannette Adams, 124 W Juneberry Berner from Jennifer St, Milliken, $166,600, Near, 1903 Bison Ridge home Dr, Windsor, $395,000, • Franklin & Lois Baty home from Warren Dickson, • Matthew Linzey from 2260 Birdie Way, Milliken, Fannie Mae, 235 Laurel $224,900, home • Tony Luna from Scott Ct, Windsor, $173,000, home Schiffner, 953 Traildust • John & Barbara Flynn Dr, Milliken, $195,000, from Hartford Homes Inc, home 6121 Southern Hills Dr, Windsor, $420,900, home • Shan & Rachael • Windmills Llc from Hemphill from Fannie • John Richards from Lot Holding Invest Llc, 84 Mae, 360 Bunyan Ave, • William & Lynn ArBradford Hiett, 2067 Veronica Dr, Windsor, Berthoud, $244,900, rington from TJ Bldrs Inc, Bayfront Dr, Windsor, $104,000, home home 1809 Suntide Dr, John$473,000, home • King & Doris Robert• Mark & Brittany stown, $231,900, home • Douglas & Laura Epson from Teresa LundGomes from Robert Hoff• David & Beth Mayperson from Melvin Carlgren, 218 N 6th St, Windman, 313 E Colorado Ave, hugh from Robert Miller, son, 6684 Royal Country sor, $152,000, home Berthoud, $215,800, 126 Pleasant Ave, JohnDown Dr, Windsor, home • Daryl & Amanda stown, $235,000, home $432,500, home • Kathryn Brown from Chambers from Melody • Joanne & Mark • Lance Pfeiffer from Pamela Phillips, 653 Sun- Carlsen from Wade Smith, Rhett Gordon, 103 WhitHomes Inc, 1658 Chelms bird Ln, Berthoud, Ford Ct, Windsor, 919 N 7th Pl, Johnstown, ney Ct, Windsor, $261,200, home $249,900, home $265,000, home $257,500, home • Ronald & Terri • Jennifer Near from • Alyssa Giuliano from • Colin Roberts from Baldridge from Chad AnMelody Homes Inc, 1650 Aurora Loan Services Llc, Household Fin Corp Iii, derson, 215 Redcloud Ave, 4128 Onyx Pl, Johnstown, 119 Rock Bridge Ct, Chelms Ford Ct, Windsor, Berthoud, $238,000, $180,000, home Windsor, $255,000, home $214,600, home home • Dean & Sandra Recla • Keith Brancheau from • Brian & Karen Gafford • Adam & Brooke from Bejamin Schuchard, Benjamin Devries, 1926 from Robert Schleiger, James from Lance MorRuddy Ct, Johnstown, 6735 Rodney St, Windsor, 513 Springwood Ct, Windgan, 983 Glenview Dr, sor, $215,000, home $280,000, home $330,000, home Berthoud, $360,000, • Glynn & Liesa Brown • Travis Coatman from • Cristina Standridge home from Jason Smith, 109 Janet Murphy, 3531 Dilley from Michael Terwilliger, • Tyler & Heidi Wagner Cir, Johnstown, $215,000, 841 Bluegrass Way, Wind- Cobble Ct, Windsor, from Household Finance $290,000, home home sor, $184,000, home Corp Iii, 5324 Glen Dr, • George & Debra Se• Adam & Leslie Hunt • David & Leah Doll Berthoud, $186,900, ward from Stonewater Llc, from Jacob Wamboldt, from Thomas Baumgart, home 2001 Vineyard Dr, Wind252 Holden Ln, John6520 Spanish Bay Dr, • Kevin Cook from Ros- stown, $276,000, home Windsor, $418,000, home sor, $419,000, home alie Lawrence, 317 Welch • Carolyn Jones from • Michael Prill from • Kevin & Jennifer Ave, Berthoud, $143,500, Oakwood Homes Llc, Mcglue from Jason Brown, David Tiffany, 1054 Pinyon home 5085 Ridgewood Dr, John- 320 Whitney Bay, Windsor, Ct, Windsor, $207,500, home stown, $292,900, home $235,000, home • Kyle & Megan Schnell • Janet Hein from • Dean & Megan Gates William Johnson, 413 from Craig Dodd, 502 5th from Windmills Llc, 610 • Jimmy & Rebecca Moonglow Dr, Windsor, Trailcrest Ct, Johnstown, St, Windsor, $165,000, Spurgeon from Dale We$217,700, home home ber, 439 Aspen Ave, Estes $208,000, home Park, $175,000, home • Jason Badger from • Dale James from Gen• Jesse Hewell from oveva Maldonado, 303 Fcdb Snpwl Reo Llc, 1455 Windmills Llc, 530 Moon• Loraine Neuberger glow Dr, Windsor, Silverwood Ct, Windsor, Maestes St, Johnstown, from Charles F Coffey Iii $210,000, home $226,500, home Living Tr, 1437 Raven Cir $115,000, home
$101,500, home • Louisa & Stephen Scheele from Ralph Mathena, 982 Claremont Pl, Loveland, $235,000, home • Judith Juengst from Theodore Nyren, 1415 W 18th St, Loveland, $165,000, home • Elvis Licul from Quinnland Llc Trust, 124 2nd St Se, Loveland, $155,000, home • Katherine Janson from Karen Schulte, 262 Shupe Cir, Loveland, $240,000, home • Angela Hertrich from W Bubenitch Llc, 1451 Boise Ave, Loveland, $513,500, home
Berthoud
Unit I, Estes Park, $251,000, condo • Ware & Suzanne Carpenter from Steven Irish, 520 Venner Ranch Rd, Estes Park, $565,000, home • Wolverine Llc from Gisela Grueff, 470 Prospect Village Dr, Estes Park, $750,000, home • Rocky from Lakes, 1700 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, $4,283,000, home • Patricia Holland from John Blazek, 1986 Dallman Dr Unit 8, Estes Park, $579,000, condo • Timothy & Terry Vanryn from Promontory Llc, 514 Promontory Dr Unit 4, Estes Park, $490,800, condo
Johnstown
• Mary Rachetto from Tyrel Sindelir, 709 N 1st St, Johnstown, $110,000, home
Milliken
Windsor
Estes Park
Open Houses This Weekend - www.thegroupinc.com NEW LISTING
NEW CONSTRUCTION
NEW HOMES!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12:00-3:00
SUNDAY 1:00-3:00
FRIDAY-SUNDAY 1:00-4:00
SATURDAY 11:00-12:30
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.
1440 Gloria Court, Loveland Unique 4 bdrm, 2 bath, 2-story home near proposed ACE/NASA project. Relax in the hot tub on the private side deck or entertain on the 20x14 covered deck in the lushly landscaped, fenced backyard. Neighborhood pool and greenbelts. 14-month home warranty!
620 Moonglow Drive, Windsor New Homes starting in $190,000s! Ranch & 2-story plans. Personalize your home from framing to finish! Miles of bike trails, open space & parks. Windmills sales office in Greenspire Sub located on SW corner of Saratoga & Moonglow!
1502 Caddoa Drive, Loveland 15,897 SF lot has beautiful mature trees. Open & inviting kitchen & family rooms. Woodburning stone fireplace has gas for easy conversion. Wonderful sunroom on the back of the house so you can enjoy the mature yard from the inside or out.
Prices starting in the $150’s
$210,000
$219,000
$229,000
MLS#
MLS# 660982
MLS# 648489
MLS# 660243
Call Tracy Wilson
Call Kathy Boeding
Call Jim Watson
Call Nancy Maus
567-0907
231-9073
219-5219
213-0554
NEW LISTING
SUNDAY 1:00-3:00
SATURDAY 1:00-3:00
2115 Garo Court, Loveland Great floor plan w/all bedrooms, baths, kitchen & laundry on the main level with the openness of an upper level living room & a lower level family room. NEW Anderson windows, slider doors, siding, driveway, gutters, fence & updated main bath. Wonderful mountain views from the upper deck off the living room.
2202 Cameo Avenue, Loveland Beautifully redone home with gourmet kitchen, granite counters & tile floors. Newly landscaped. 4 bedrooms (4th bdrm is non-conforming), 2 baths. Large family room w/fireplace. New carpet, paint, Pella windows throughout & a new deck. Must see inside to appreciate!
SATURDAY 10:00-12:00
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12:00-5:00
SUNDAY 1:00-3:00
2989 8th Street SW, Loveland Large master on the main level. Large upper level bedrooms and loft as well. Cozy main level family room and living room. Vaulted ceilings. Fireplace in living room. Private yard with relaxing deck and mature landscaping. New roof in 2011. Potential for RV/boat parking.
7411 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 $239,900.
1506 Farmland Street, Loveland Beautiful universal ranch style home in Taft Farms. Open floor plan with great room, breakfast bar, and large kitchen. 36” doorways & hallways, ADA compliant baths (can convert to normal bath), low rise shower stall, high rise toilets, roll-under sinks. Basement level with caregiver/guest suite. Covered deck & entry.
$229,900
$229,900
$235,000
$239,900
$269,000
MLS# 648987
MLS# 660892
MLS# 660250
MLS# 647541
MLS# 644880
Call Julie Hart
Call Laura Thomas
Call Mark Moran
Call Kristen Specketer
Call John Simmons
481-1443
290-7544
218-1891
290-8097
481-1250
NEW CONSTRUCTION
PRICE REDUCED
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 1:00-3:00
SUNDAY 1:00-3:00
SATURDAY 1:00-3:00
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 1:00-4:00
104 Birdie Drive, Milliken Ranch w/garden level bsmt. Main level features mstr w/walkout to deck, bdrm, office, great rm w/ FP & entertainment center, kitchen & formal dining. Lower level w/family rm, 2 bdrms, 5pc bath, 2nd laundry, mini kitchen w/wet bar & entertainment area. 3 car garage & landscaped lot w/fruit trees. Blocks from Mad Russian golf course!
4495 Ridgeway Drive, Loveland 5 bedroom, 3 bath, ranch style home. Kitchen features wood floors, granite counters, black appliances, 43” cabinets, island & breakfast bar. Great room w/ fireplace. Main level master. 2nd master suite w/5-piece bath, great room & mini kitchen in bsmt. Central air, 2 tankless hot water heaters, high-efficiency furnace. Covered patio & huge deck.
2469 Indian Hills Drive, Loveland Sprawling ranch w/4 bdrms, 3 baths, formal living, dining, family room & office on main level. Italian marble floors, newer triple pane windows. 50-year shingles, security system, 6-panel wood doors, remodeled kitchen w/granite tile counters, new refrigerator, dual fuel gas range, wood beam accents, xeriscaped yard. 22x20 workshop in bsmt.
302 Lyra Place, Loveland Colorado Craftsman Style Home! Hardwood floors, designer tile, slab granite, alder trim & doors, mission style alder cabinets. Gourmet kitchen. Formal dining room & breakfast nook. Deck overlooks open space w/access from kitchen & master bdrm. 3-car tandem garage. Garden level bsmt. Full yard landscape. Close to I-25.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12:00-3:00 4730 Georgetown Drive, Loveland 3 car finished garage. Finished bsmt w/wet bar, entertainment center & fireplace. Energy Star Score of 71 w/dual fuel furnace, A/C, tankless water heater & power humidifier. 3cm granite countertops, convection oven, microwave, chimney vent hood & refrigerator in kitchen.
$292,750
$312,500
$325,000
$357,000
$389,765
MLS# 638455
MLS# 656603
MLS# 654183
MLS# 657756
MLS# 653844
Call Rich Gardiner
Call Emily Moore
Call Cindy Kurtz
Call Georgena Arnett
Call Tracy Wilson
227-0964
(720) 231-7183
679-1545
481-9801
A N E X C L U SIVE SE RVICE OF T H E GROU P, IN C. RE A L E STAT E
Northern Colorado Real Estate Source e SATURDAY 1:00-3:00 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!
$449,500 MLS# 660692
Call Nancy Maus
213-0554
The Real Estate Source is a magazine produced by The Group featuring homes for sale and new home neighborhoods throughout Northern Colorado. 6]LY JVWPLZ KPZ[YPI\[LK L]LY` V[OLY :H[\YKH`
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E Saturday Reporter-Herald July 23, 2011 D3
This week Last week Trend
EDITORIAL INFORMATION 635-3656 DISPLAY ADVERTISING 669-5050 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 635-3650
Regional Snapshot for Loveland/Berthoud Residential
Mortgage rate update
Home & Real Estate is produced every Saturday by the Loveland Reporter-Herald.
May
4.53%
4.48%
15-year fixed
3.66%
Active Listings Previous Year Active Listings
960 1099
966 1126
1004 1117
Sold Listings
105
137
126
5/1 ARM
3.02%
3.63% 3.05%
$206,025 $234,500
$212,500 $199,900
$200,000 $214,500
Average Days on the Market Previous Year ADOM
123 126
155 119
107 118
Year to Date Listings Sold Previous Year YTD Listing Sold
258 263
395 401
521 559
Median Sales Price Previous Year Median
For home and real estate advice, features and information, visit www.homeandrealtyguide.com
GLINK
mission. Review your listing agreement to determine what it says on this issue. If it says that you will owe a commission if you sell the property to a buyer who saw the property during the listing agreement, and that obligation lasts for six months, you will have to wait a full six months before you sign a contract to sell the property to that buyer if you want to avoid paying the commission. One final note: Some real estate brokerage houses include a provision in their listing agreement that allows the home seller to move from one real estate brokerage house to another without having to pay a double commission. In other words, if you terminate your listing agreement with one broker and then list your home with another, and a buyer that came when the home was listed with the first real estate agent then buys the home, the first real estate agent would not be owed a commission. You would only owe a real estate commission to the broker at the time you sell the property. But you’d need to make sure that language is in your listing agreement, otherwise the first real estate agent could come knocking on your door demanding payment of his or her commission.
Watch for in the the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Cindy’s Featured Listings
Cindy Kurtz 970-613-0700 office
3226 San Marino Ave • Evans
$183,500
2989 8th SW St • Loveland
$235,000
Beautifully decorated ranch style home. Open Floor plan boasts of classy decorator colors, rich wood floors. Separate dining room, 3 sided gas fireplace, main level laundry, vaulted ceilings, art niches. Finished basement features large family room with bar area. Owner is licensed Real Estate agent. MLS# 661093
Awesome and unique home. Tons of rich feeling woodwork throughout. Large master bedroom on the main level. Upper level bedrooms and study/ loft are huge too. Cozy main level family and living rooms. Vaulted ceilings and fireplace. Private yard with relaxing deck and mature landscaping. Potential for RV/boat parking. New roof in 2011. MLS#660250
2469 Indian Hills Dr • Loveland
$325,000
1520 Seven Lakes Dr • Loveland $489,900
Sprawling ranch in lovely Windemere neighborhood! 4 bdrm, 3 ba. Formal living, dining, family room and office on main level. Gorgeous Italian marble floors, newer triple pane windows. 50 year shingles, security system, 6 panel solid wood doors, remodeled kitchen w/granite tile counters, new refrigerator, dual fuel gas range, wood beam accents, xeriscaped yard with veggie garden. 20x22 workshop in the basement. MLS #654183
Wonderful 4bd, 4bth. Lakefront w/ spectacular views backing & siding to open space 2story w/ quality finishes. Spacious kitchen w/ huge slab granite island, ideal for entertaining. Master Suite w/ 5pc bath. Fully finished garden level basement features rec room, wetbar & 4th bdrm. Trex deck, patio & water feature. 612sqft gar. 2 neighborhood lakes and walking trails. MLS#652348
970-679-1545 office direct
970-962-6832 mobile
www.thegroupinc.com
saturday LOCATION
April
30-year fixed
sale-by-owner without having to pay a commission to that agency? Answer: The answer deFrom Page E1 pends on the listing agreement you signed. In most her home, if these options parts of the country, real esdon’t work it may not be fitate brokers and sales people nancially viable. That’s why won’t enter into a listing the final option for your mother is to sell the property, agreement if they know that unburdening her of the need they could bring a buyer to to engage in time-consuming the table, only to have the seller cancel the listing and costly repairs. agreement and then sell You can help her underthe home to the buyer stand that, if the other options aren’t available, moving anyway. For this reason, brokers is a good choice. If she wants to know how much her home commonly insert a few clausis worth in its current condi- es in their listing agreements tion, you should talk to a real to prevent sellers from backestate agent who works in the ing out of their obligations. One clause stipulates that area. The agent should be able to provide you with sales the seller can’t unilaterally cancel a listing agreement, prices of comparable homes and that the listing agreenearby. You and your mother might ment will be in place for six want to sit down with a good to 12 months. A second clause generally and reputable mortgage says that when a real estate lender or broker to discuss options. Early in the process, agent has brought a buyer you might find out that some who is willing and able to options might be more limit- close on the home, the real ed than you had expected, or estate agent has earned his or her commission at that you might be surprised to time. find out that other options exist that you hadn’t anticiAnd the last clause related pated. to this issue typically states Question: I recently termi- that if the property is shown to any person while the listnated a listing agreement with a real estate sales office. ing agreement was in effect, One week after terminating, and that person buys the property within six months to they presented me with a contract from a buyer to buy one year of the termination my home. How long do I have of the agreement, the listing to wait before I can do a forbroker will be owed a com-
PRICE
March
sunday
ADDRESS
HRS
OFFICE
PHONE
FROM $140’S NW LOVELAND
43RD & WILSON AVE
12-5
COTTAGE REALTY
532-5900
STARTING $150’S
MILLIKEN
110 TRADERS LANE
12-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-567-0907
$150’S $220’S
SE LOVELAND
BOISE VILLAGE NORTH, ¼ MILE SOUTH OF 10-6 HWY 34 ON NORTH BOISE AVE. 1899 E. 11TH
MIDTOWN HOME
970-456-4600
$169,900
NW LOVELAND
4403 ELLIOT PLACE
12-5
COTTAGE REALTY
970-215-0515
$209,500
SW LOVELAND
1210 IDA DRIVE
10-1
COTTAGE REALTY
970-532-5900
$209,900
NW LOVELAND
2730 HARTSEL
1-3
RE/MAX ALLIANCE
970-391-8982
$219,000
WINDSOR
620 MOONGLOW DRIVE
1-4
THE GROUP, INC.
970-219-5219
$222,500
NW LOVELAND
1015 WEST 32ND STREET
1PM
RE/MAX ALLIANCE
970-290-2836
$229,000
NW LOVELAND
1502 CADDOA DRIVE
11-2
THE GROUP, INC.
970-213-0554
$229,900
NW LOVELAND
2202 CAMEO AVENUE
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-290-7544
$235,000
SW LOVELAND
2989 8TH STREET SW
10-12
THE GROUP, INC.
970-218-1891
$239,000
NW LOVELAND
4496 HAYLER AVE
12-5
COTTAGE REALTY
970-532-5900
$239,900
WINDSOR
7411 PIMLICO DRIVE
12-5
THE GROUP, INC.
970-290-8097
$249,900
SE LOVELAND
3918 HEATHERWOOD
1-3
RE/MAX ALLIANCE
970-218-2826
$264,900
BERTHOUD
COLLINS PARK SUBDIVISION
1-3
RE/MAX ALLIANCE
970-566-4627
$292,750
MILLIKEN
104 BIRDIE DRIVE
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-227-0964
$298,664
NW LOVELAND
4355 RIDGWAY DR
12-5
COTTAGE REALTY
970-532-5900
$299,900
NW LOVELAND
1920 NEW HAMPSHIRE ST
12-5
COTTAGE REALTY
970-227-3893
$319,900
NW LOVELAND
517 CLUBHOUSE DRIVE
11-2
DEIS & ASSOC.
$323,400
SW LOVELAND
¼ MILE WEST OF WILSON ON 14TH STREET SW / HWY 402 TO THE DAKOTA GLEN SUBDIVISION
12-4
$325,000
NW LOVELAND
2469 INDIAN HILLS DRIVE
$339,900
NW LOVELAND
$349,900
ADDRESS
HRS
OFFICE
PHONE
FROM $140’S NW LOVELAND
43RD & WILSON AVE
12-5
COTTAGE REALTY
970-532-5900
STARTING $150’S
MILLIKEN
110 TRADERS LANE
12-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-567-0907
$150’S $220’S
SE LOVELAND
BOISE VILLAGE NORTH, ¼ MILE SOUTH OF 10-6 HWY 34 ON NORTH BOISE AVE. 1899 E. 11TH
MIDTOWN HOME
970-456-4600
$169,900
NW LOVELAND
4403 ELLIOT PLACE
12-5
COTTAGE REALTY
970-215-0515
$209,900
NW LOVELAND
2730 HARTSEL
1-3
RE/MAX ALLIANCE
970-391-8982
$210,000
SW LOVELAND
1440 GLORIA COURT
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-231-9073
$219,000
WINDSOR
620 MOONGLOW DRIVE
1-4
THE GROUP, INC.
970-219-5219
$229,900
NW LOVELAND
2115 GARO COURT
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-481-1443
$239,000
NW LOVELAND
4496 HAYLER AVE
12-5
COTTAGE REALTY
970-532-5900
$239,900
WINDSOR
7411 PIMLICO DRIVE
12-5
THE GROUP, INC.
970-290-8097
$264,900
BERTHOUD
COLLINS PARK SUBDIVISION
1-3
RE/MAX ALLIANCE
970-566-4627
970-231-5050
$269,000
NW LOVELAND
1506 FARMLAND ST
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-481-1250
GLEN MARKETING TEAM, ERA
970-663-4522
$292,750
MILLIKEN
104 BIRDIE DRIVE
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-227-0964
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-679-1545
$312,500
NW LOVELAND
4495 RIDGEWAY DRIVE
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
720-231-7183
2175 RIO BLANCO DRIVE
1-4
COLDWELL BANKER 970-566-9716
$323,400
SW LOVELAND
3402 CREEDE COURT
1-3
PREMIER LIFESTYLE 970-215-9913
GLEN MARKETING TEAM, ERA
970-663-4522
NW LOVELAND
¼ MILE WEST OF WILSON ON 14TH STREET 12-4 SW / HWY 402 TO THE DAKOTA GLEN
$357,000
SE LOVELAND
302 LYRA PLACE
1-4
THE GROUP, INC.
970-481-9801
$349,900
NW LOVELAND
3402 CREEDE COURT
1-3
PREMIER LIFESTYLE 970-215-9913
$369,000
NW LOVELAND
2045 ALABAMA STREET
2-4
BEAR REALTY CO
970-219-4831
$389,750
SW LOVELAND
975 PRISM CACTUS DRIVE
12-4
GLEN MARKETING TEAM, ERA
970-663-4522
$357,000
SE LOVELAND
302 LYRA PLACE
1-4
THE GROUP, INC.
970-481-9801
$389,765
NW LOVELAND
4730 GEORGETOWN DRIVE
12-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-567-0907
$359,900
NW LOVELAND
2208 PONDEROSA DR
1-4
DEIS & ASSOC.
970-231-5050
$405,500
SE LOVELAND
3545 PINEWOOD
1-3
RE/MAX ALLIANCE
970-217-7262
$369,000
NW LOVELAND
2045 ALABAMA STREET
1-3
BEAR REALTY CO
970-219-4831
$425,000
SW LOVELAND
535 MARCELLINA
1:30-3:30 RE/MAX ALLIANCE
970-679-8265
$449,500
WINDSOR
6787 SPANISH BAY DRIVE
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-213-0554
$389,765
NW LOVELAND
4730 GEORGETOWN DRIVE
12-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-567-0907
$459,900
SW LOVELAND
5912 LONG BRANCH
1-3
RE/MAX ALLIANCE
970-690-7596
$469,000
SW LOVELAND
4297 GOLF VISTA DRIVE
11-2
PREMIER LIFESTYLE 970-388-4608
$389,750
SW LOVELAND
975 PRISM CACTUS DRIVE
12-4
GLEN MARKETING TEAM, ERA
970-663-4522
To add a listing or speak to an advertising representative, call the Reporter-Herald at 669-5050
PRICE
LOCATION
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
E D4
Saturday Reporter-Herald July 23, 2011
H&RE Featured Home Plan
Traditionally
American
Claredon offers space, countrystyle appeal ASSOCIATED DESIGNS
S
omehow, front-facing gables have a way of giving a home a welcoming, open look, and that's certainly true of the two-story Claredon. This traditional American country-style home has yet another inviting feature: a large front porch that spans the front and wraps around to the left. There's plenty of room here for a set of wicker or other outdoor furniture to enhance summer relaxation. Entering, you step into a vaulted foyer. Double doors on the right
open into a den/study/office with plenty of storage at the rear. This space could double as a guest room, if needed. A cased opening on the foyer's left leads into a dining room, which links with the kitchen through a passageway with a pocket door. Vaulted ceilings expand the sense of volume in the great room and kitchen as well. These two areas are totally open to each other, bounded by the kitchen's long, J-shaped island, which is rimmed with a raised eating bar. A built-in desk fits neatly into a corner alcove at the end of the counter, near an atrium door that accesses the covered patio. The owners' suite has direct patio access as well, which would be particularly handy should they decide to install a spa. Other amenities include: oversized shower, dual vanity, private toilet,
and roomy walk-in closet. Two more bedrooms are upstairs, along with a large two-section bathroom, a storage room, and a deep bonus room over the garage. The front bedroom is vaulted and has a walk-in closet. A powder room and good-sized utility room are just off the great room. The utility room connects to the Claredon's two-car garage. Next to this garage is another, way deeper, RV garage. For a review plan, including scaled floor plans, elevations, section and artist's conception, send $25 to Associated Designs, 1100 Jacobs Dr., Eugene, OR 97402. Please specify the Claredon 30-564 and include a return address when ordering. A catalog featuring more than 550 home plans is available for $15. For more information, call (800) 634-0123, or visit www.AssociatedDesigns.com.
NEW NORTHERN COLORADO HOMES
MARKET
Open House Sat. & Sun 1-3 4698 Dillion Ave.
Enchantment Ridge FROM THE $140’S* TO $350’S
$6,000 BUILDER INCENTIVE THIS MONTH**
NW Corner of Wilson & 43rd St.
OPEN SAT & SUN 12-5 5 piece baths / 4 car garages Privacy fencing / Ranch / 2-Stories Built Green / Energy Star Immediate Possession
Priced from $210K
**$4,400 in The Cottages. With purchase & closing of home- Offer Expires 7/31/11
Priced from $270K
www.CosBuilders.com
4496 Hayler Avenue, Loveland 4403 Elliot Place, Loveland
Megan Wachtman 8z Real Estate Broker/Owner
970-532-5900
970-217-7977
www.MeganWachtman.8z.com www.cohomefinder.com A better way to buy and sell a home in Colorado!
(*w/ qualifying special financing)
From Page E1
and increases the number of borrowers who are unable to purchase a home. We cannot have a viable housing market and economic recovery until creditworthy borrowers are able to obtain mortgage financing.” 2. Regulators should reduce the overcorrection in underwriting standards for mortgages from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and governmentsponsored enterprises (also known as the GSEs) because the now-too-stringent standards are preventing qualified borrowers from getting loans. Phipps said more regulations and legislation that tighten access to credit and affordable safe mortgages are not the solution to righting the housing market and economy. 3. Mortgage loan limits on FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — which are critical to providing liquidity in today’s housing market — should be extended. Reverting to the statutory limits on October 1 would reduce limits in 669 counties and 42 states and territories — the average decline in loan limits would be more than $68,000. NAR has argued that reducing GSE mortgage loan limits to $625,000 in high-cost areas such as San Francisco and New York City would severely limit
the ability of people to buy homes in those areas. 4: Congress should pass a long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This program, which ensures access to affordable flood insurance for millions of homeowners, has never had long-term funding. However, with weather conditions and flood plains changing, NAR believes having a full-funded NFIP is essential to a properly functioning real estate market. The current program is set to expire on September 30 for the 10th time in two years. If Congress doesn’t extend the program, lenders will be unlikely to close on loans for properties that are in known flood plains. “A strong housing market recovery is essential to the nation’s economic strength,” said Phipps. “The housing market is in a fragile recovery, and our goal is to ensure that regulatory or legislative changes help lead the way out of today’s economic struggles and not jeopardize the recovery.”
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
FEATURED PROPERTIES - UP TO $199,999 OPEN HOUSE SAT. JULY 23RD 1PM-3PM
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 12-3
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 1-3
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 12-3
$200,000 - $299,999 OPEN SATUDAY & SUNDAY 1-4
3930 Boulder Drive, Loveland
Peakview Meadows, Berthoud
2432 Arthur Ave, Loveland
Peakview Meadows, Berthoud
3780 Larkspur Dr., Loveland
New Construction, 4 Great floorplans and 20+ lots to choose from, all customizeable. Prices starting in the mid $190’s. eaasy access to Loveland, Fort Collins - Longmont and I-25.
Open House Sat 12-3 New Construction, 4 Great floor plans and 20+ lots to choose from, all customizeable. Prices starting in the mid $190’s. eaasy access to Loveland, Fort Collins - Longmont and I-25.
Low maintenance ranch in S Loveland on a 5th of an acre with over 2000 sq ft of living space. New 50 gallon water heater. Dog run in back yard. Close to the proposed ACE site. MLS#657897 $186,000
Open Sunday 12-3 New Construction, 4 Great floor plans and 20+ lots to choose from, all customizeable. Prices starting in the mid $190’s. eaasy access to Loveland, Fort Collins - Longmont and I-25.
All New! Granite counters in kitchen, New carpet through-out, New paint, New stainless steel appliances, 5 pc master bath, Sprinker system, Awesome home in lovely NW neighborhood.
Chris Rampone Century 21 Humpal, Inc. 970-430-0845 Chris.Rampone@century21.com
Ursula Albers Century 21 Humpal, Inc 970-231-0548 Ursula.Albers@century21.com
Kurt Albers Century 21 Humpal, Inc. 970-321-1224 Kurt.Albers@century21.com www.berthoud.org
Cliff Johnson Coldwell Banker Res Bro 970-566-9716 johnson.cliff1@gmail.com cliffjohnsonteam.com
Marian Maggi RE/MAX Town & County 970-290-0908 marian@berthoudrealestate.com www.berthoudrealestate.com
$200,000 - $299,999 OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 10:00 - 1:00
OPEN HOUSE SAT & SUN 12-5 PM
1210 Ida Drive, Loveland
1920 New Hampshire St., Loveland KENDALL BROOK SUBDIVISION
Low maintenance all brick ranch style home. 4 BR & 3 BA. A/C. Living rm + family rm w/ woodburning stove. Home backs to 8 acres of open space. Patio, sprinkler, RV/Boat parking & fenced yard. $209,500
Kevin Cook Cottage Realty 970-532-5900 www.lovelandcorealestate.com
FREE FRONT YARD LANDSCAPING W/ SPRINKLER SYSTEM! Gourmet kitchen w/ granite countertops & center island. Wood floors. Master w/ 5 pc bath. A/C. Full unfin bsmnt & 3-car garage on corner lot. $299,900
Connie Salazar Cottage Realty 970-227-3893 www.lovelandcorealestate.com
SALES OFFICE OPEN SATURDAY 11-1
BUILDERS MODEL FOR SALE OPEN HOUSE 12 TO 4 THURS.-MON.
OPEN THURSDAY - SUNDAY 1-4
OPEN HOUSE SAT. 2-4 SUN. 1-3
Warberg Farm at Chapman Reservoir
2175 Rio Blanco Dr., Loveland
2045 Alabama St., Loveland
OPEN Saturday 11-1 2+Acre Lake front & horse lots starting $225,000 water tap included. Surface rights, walk paths, parks, boat docks, fishing and peace garden.
Quality that you have come to expect from Keirns Construction. Lovelands Best of the West subdivisions with easy access to walking trails and recreation. Stop by our Model today.
Kurt Albers Century 21 Humpal, Inc. 970-231-1224 kurtd57@msn.com www.warbergfarmatchapmanreservoir.com
Cliff Johnson Coldwell Banker Res Bro 970-566-9716 johnson.cliff1@gmail.com cliffjohnsonteam.com
Own your view of the foothills from this stunning Kendall Brook home. Nothing in this home is ordinary- gourmet kitchen, granite, cherry wood cabinets, alder wood finish, 3 bedrooms, 3 bath, office, 3 car garage, rv storage, gas cook top. Price just reduced this week. One of the best values in Kendall Brook subdivision. MLS# 660736 Offered at $369,000 Contact Bill Stephens at Bear Realty Co at 970-219-4831 or bearrealtyco@hotmail.com with questions.
$300,000 - $399,999 BUILDERS MODEL FOR SALE OPEN HOUSE 12 TO 4 THURS.-MON.
$300,000 - $399,999
OPEN HOUSE SAT & SUN 1:00-3:00
Bill Stephens Bear Realty Co. 970-219-4831 bearrealtyco@hotmail.com
$400,000 - $499,999 $500,000 + OPEN SAT 11AM-2PM
OPEN SAT. 1-3PM
3480 Peruvian Torch Drive, Loveland
975 Prism Cactus Circle, Loveland
3402 Creede Court, Loveland
4297 Golf Vista Dr. Loveland, CO 80537
728 Beaver Court, Loveland 80537
Maintenance FREE* Patio Home-Great open floor plan-Split 3 bdrms. Alder doors, trim & cabinets, 5 pc. master bath. Stone fireplace.. 2 1/2 car garage. Landscaping included. MLS#611670. $342,500
Custom 3 bdrm/2 bath ranch,open floor plan w/slab granite in kitchen, hardwood floors, alder cabinets & trim, designer tile, 3-car garage, composite deck w/amazing views. MUST SEE! MLS#613207. $389,750
A spacious new ranch w/walkout basement bsmt. Inviting open kit/dng/great room area, main lvl laundry. Blt for energy savings, 2x6 const, UPGRADES thru out Quality built by Weinland Homes in Quail Run.
3bd, 4ba, loft, study 5200+sq. ft, Backs to 13th Fairway, Mariana Butte, $469,000
New carpeting, a fully finished basement , first- floor master suit , with separate vanities, many upgrades through out home using the best of everything.
Venna Hillman ERA Herman Group Glen Marketing 970-663-4522 venna@glencompanies.com www.DakotaGlen.com
Venna Hillman ERA Herman Group/Glen Marketing 970-663-4522 venna@glencompanies.com www.DakotaGlen.com
Cory Roberts Premier Lifestyle Realty (970) 215-9913 plrealty@qwestoffice.net
Stephanie Javernick White and White Realty 970-388-4608 stephaniejavernick@yahoo.com www.white-whiterealty.com
Gayle Schink Prudential Rocky Mountian, REALTORS 970-215-4771 gschink@prurmr.com www.prudentialrockymountain.com
E Saturday Reporter-Herald July 23, 2011 D5
H&RE Front Range Gardening
Garden in a Trough of plant color, texture, and movement. Locally available plants can inspire new design combinations. Limited space our existing garden space need not be a concern, as might take on new inter- troughs can be made to nearly est using the methods of any size. trough gardening. The practice Older animal troughs and gained popularity in Britain in stone sinks now have become the 1920s and 1930s, with scarce and expensive. However, gardeners making use of old stone troughs that once would your own planters can be made using hypertufa. Hypertufa is have held water for livestock; an artificial medium with abstone troughs gradually were sorbent properties similar to left behind with the introductufa rock; it resembles old tion of metal water tanks. stone but is lighter than norAs planters, troughs can be mal concrete. Freezing will not featured on patio, terrace, baldamage hypertufa after it is cony or deck. The arrangement completely cured. Antique of plants within individual contanks and vessels, oversized tainers encourages creative use
DICK CHRISTENSEN CSU EXTENSION
Y
flowerpots, and shallow basins can inspire the forms of these planters. Explore the public library and the Internet to find specific techniques for making faux-stone garden planters or — if you’re impatient to get planting — browse a garden center. Most recipes blend finegrade Portland cement, gritty sand, and dark, finely sieved sphagnum peat moss. Methods also frequently include either perlite or vermiculite and incorporate chicken wire for reinforcement. One approach to
planter. Careful planning — and beginner’s luck — can result in attractively planted troughs. In turn, the personalities of these planters can add visual weight, introduce texture and bring drama to unexpected spots in the garden. Consider spring bulbs such as scilla or snowdrops — these can be perfect additions to alpine trough gardens. Phlox, miniature campanulas (bellflowers), dwarf columbines, primroses, tiny blue forget-me-nots, dwarf mountain laurel, and mosses or groundcovers can be at home in trough gardens. Saxifrages, primulas, sedums, semplanting design is anchored or not allow the soil to remain pervivums, lewisias, arenarias, accented by the miniature cul- saturated. and campanulas are a few extivars of commonly hybridized Look for interesting rocks to amples of locally available plants. Alpine trough gardenadd to trough-garden landalpine plants. Let your imagiers design with plants that scapes. Positioning stones can nation design your garden and grow in tundra. Alpine-inspired help to balance a planter’s ma- enjoy your trough for years to troughs mimic geological feature heights, dimensions and come. tures, with rocks or rock-creat- character. Place plants in the Dick Christensen has reed grooves providing crevices. appropriate soil mixture, then ceived training through ColThese notches can sometimes cover the soil with small pea orado State University Extensupport select miniature culti- gravel. It usually looks best to vars — those that remain small group plants more or less natu- sion's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener and are slow growing. Monitor rally, rather than in straight volunteer for Larimer County. whether plants do well in full rows. Keep plants in proportion For more information about sun, deep shade, or partial to the size of the trough. Avoid CSU Extension, Larimer Counshade. Water your trough garplants that are too big or that ty, call 970-498-6000 or visit den when the soil is dry, but do will rapidly outgrow the www.larimer.org/ext.
Remove unwanted grass in flower bed BETH THIRET CSU EXTENSION
Q
uestion: I have a lot of grass coming up in my iris bed. Can I use a grass killing spray without killing my iris? Answer: There’s nothing more frustrating than finding your lawn extending into your flower beds. Unfortunately, the most effective and safest way to remove grass from your iris is still hand pulling and digging up the roots of the grass. While there are products designed to eliminate grass in flower beds, safely removing the grass without injuring the iris or other perennials may be challenging. Some product labels, however, do say they are safe for use around iris, but plants may experience temporary discoloration of the foliage and directly spraying the foliage should be avoided. As always, read the label carefully and follow the directions precisely when using any type of herbicide. Question: Even though I have my automatic sprinkler system running twice a week, I still have dry spots in my lawn. What could be causing this problem? Answer: Automatic sprinklers are a great convenience, but they need monitoring and adjusting especially as temperatures rise and landscapes mature. During the summer months, the typical lawn requires 1.5 to 2 inches of water a week. It’s possible the settings you are using on your sprinkler system or the sprinkler heads aren’t meeting this requirement. With our heavily compacted soil, lawns benefit from split watering cycles — two rounds of ten minutes rather than one round of twenty, for instance. This allows the water to slowly be absorbed rather than pool up and run off into the street or low spots in the lawn. Also, check to see if there are shrubs or trees that may have grown to obscure the sprinkler’s spray pattern. The City of Fort Collins Utilities offers free sprinkler system audits for customers in the Fort Collins and Fort Collins-Loveland water districts. They will visually inspect your system for proper operation, conduct a catch-can test to measure the amount of water your lawn is receiving per cycle and leave you with a customized watering schedule for your lawn. You can schedule an audit through the City’s utilities department online at www.fcgov.com/sprinkler-audit, by email at utilities@ fcgov.com or by leaving a message with your name, address and phone number at 970-416-2666. 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.
Difference between herbaceous, woody GERRY HOFMANN CSU EXTENSION, BOULDER COUNTY
Q
uestion: I have heard plants described as “herbaceous” and “woody.” What's the difference? Answer: ing seasons by way of plant tissue which survives a dormant season; usually winter in our climate. They also regenerate by producing seed. Here are the differences between the two types: the base of shoots (think of peonies) or maintains underground storage structures that produce stems the following season. Many flowers in our gardens are examples of herbaceous perennials. and come back the following season to repeat the lifecycle. A woody plant develops over-wintering tissue along woody stems and in buds. Most trees and shrubs in Colorado are examples of woody plants. our landscapes and continue to grow taller and wider each growing season as they add new woody plant tissue. For more information, refer to Colorado Master Gardener Garden Notes #121 on “Horticultural Classification Terms” from www.cmg.colostate.edu/gardennotes/. Gerry Hofmann 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.
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Saturday Reporter-Herald July 23, 2011
Heirloom tomatoes taste great, yet require more care There is a trade off between the rich flavor of heirlooms and the disease resistance of hybrids. • Avoid overhead watering on eirloom tomatoes are older va- tomatoes due to the increase chance rieties of tomatoes that your of spreading disease. Morning watergrandmother used to grow. ing is preferred, so that plant leaves Heirlooms taste terrific, but they can can dry out by evening. Over- or require a lot more care compared to under-watering will cause root rot, hybrid varieties. Hybrids were develblossom end rot and other problems. oped for increased yield and disease Even, consistent watering will proprevention. Be sure to choose variduce healthier plants with less chance eties wisely for the time and care that of disease. Mulch your garden you can give your tomato plants. tomatoes, as well as your container
SALLY WEISSER CSU EXTENSION
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tomatoes. This will help reduce splash on your plants, as well as maintain stable moisture levels. • Fertilize your plants when you transplant them into the garden in the spring. Use a water-soluble plant starter fertilizer. In mid-summer, lower tomato leaves may yellow, indicating low nitrogen levels, so fertilize accordingly. When fruit reaches two-inches in diameter, fertilize plants lightly with a half-rate of water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks. Fertilization of tomato
plants depends on soil organic material content. Poorer soil will need more fertilization throughout the summer and richer soil will need less. • Night temperatures along the front-range in July and August have a 50-50 percent chance of staying above 55 degrees. Cooler nighttime temperatures can interfere with fruit set, as will high daytime temperatures. Blossoms will abort when temperatures reach 90 degrees before 10 a.m. during the daytime. • Reduce watering in the fall to
speed fruit ripening. After the first frost of the season, remove all dead plants from your garden. Do not compost dead plants or fruit. This will help prevent the spread of insects and diseases in next year’s plants. Be sure to rotate crops the following year to also help prevent insects and disease in your new plants. Sally Weisser has received training through Colorado State University Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.
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CAROL O'MEARA CSU EXTENSION
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here’s a commercial on TV for equipment that lets you clear brush from your property as easily as mowing the lawn. Actors in the ad effortlessly run their machine over saplings, shrubs, and vines, clear cutting small forests in record time. The ad is a curiosity, because I don’t know anyone with the problem of trees growing rampantly over the yard. In Colorado, kochia and bindweed overrun our yards, but trees, no. Or so I thought, until this year. The rains and mild summer have brought forth a host of novelty problems in the garden, and trees sprouting everywhere is one of them. True, suckers from aspen or crabapple roots plague some people each year, springing up as part of the tree’s desire to turn into a grove, instead of an accent planting. But the saplings sprouting across my landscape aren’t suckering up; they’re germinating. Oaks and walnuts are popping up in beds; ash, elms, catalpas, chokecherries, and honeylocust are crowding the perennials. The influx of moisture cracked open seeds left by squirrels and wind until a stroll to show off the garden to friends turned into a comedy of repeated vows to rip out sprouts. Early in the season these invaders aren’t an issue; a quick tug and they’re out of the ground. But by mid summer some are large with roots that feel firmly clamped around the center of the earth, and the only way to pull them is by grasping the tree and throwing myself backwards, using all my body weight to wrench it from the soil. This is why my spouse invests in aspirin and ibuprofen manufacturers. There are other ways of eliminating the unwanted trees, such as chemical brush killers or pruning them off. But tugging them up suits me; I don’t want to clip them because the plant will keep trying to grow and another ongoing battle is not what I need. Unwanted trees aren’t the only things the rains have brought. Be on the look out for a few other moisture loving thugs: Slugs — Gliding across the driveway, sliming
the sidewalk, slugs are having a field day on flowers and vegetables. Gnawed leaves and silver trails are evidence of their nocturnal raids on the garden. The only place you don’t find them is on the bindweed choking the lawn, which makes sense because invading monsters rarely cozy up to one another. Reach for a tried and true remedy: Beer and pans to pour it in. But don’t use the good stuff; slugs aren’t picky. Croon “come and get it,” at the creatures while you dispense liquid like a bartender on St. Patrick’s day, moving from pan to pan with a smile on your face. They’ll belly up to the beer, then plunge headlong into the fermented beverage and drown in their sorrows. Check the pans daily, discarding the captured slugs and refilling with fresh beer. Bacterial spot on tomatoes — symptoms of this disease, found in years when we have wet, warm summers, are small, water-soaked, greasy spots that appear on infected leaves. After a few days, these spots become haloed in yellow and the centers dry out and tear. As the disease progresses, spots coalesce to form larger dead patches. Older leaves are usually affected, occasionally dropping off to the ground. On the fruit, bacterial spot appears as small, quarter-inch wide, water-soaked areas that become scabby and rough. Driving rain and hail aggravates the disease, wounding the plant so bacteria can invade. Once it sets in, little can be done to correct it. The tomatoes are still edible, but if you don’t want to serve bacteria-speckled fruit to your guests, cut away the skin to remove the spot. Clean the area well this fall, removing all leaves and tomato debris. If possible, rotate crops to a new location next year.
Carol O’Meara is with CSU Extension in Boulder County. Contact her at 303-678-6238 or comeara@co .boulder.co.us.
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