Saturday Reporter-Herald September 24, 2011 E1
Real Estate Matters
www.reporterherald.com • Saturday, September 24, 2011 • Reporter-Herald
Dilemma: Buy now or wait it out ILYCE GLINK TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES Question: Can you please help me? I am 32 years old and earn $63,000 a year and invest 8 percent of my salary into my company’s 401(k) plan. I have $90,000 in cash in the bank. I also have a $45,000 certificate of deposit earning 4.5 percent that matures in 2 years. I have a mortgage on my home with a balance of about $133,000 with a 6.6 percent interest rate. If I were to refinance, I would have to put in probably $40,000 to qualify due to my home’s value declining. The problem now is that this home was my first home and I do not like it. I don’t like the layout or the size, but I can’t sell it because I would have to take a huge loss. Should I refinance the home and wait out the market to get the house I really want? Or should I wait until my CD matures in two years and just pay off the entire mortgage with savings and then buy the house I really want? I could rent the home at that time. Or should I refinance this home, rent it out and buy a home with interest rates as low as they are today? I’m just not sure what I should do. I really want to take advantage of the low interest rates and buy a house where I’d really want to spend the next 15 to 20 years. My credit is excellent. Answer: You’ve done well financially to have purchased your own home and saved so much money at your age. While we’re not financial advisors, and you might benefit from talking to a fee-only financial advisor about your overall portfolio, from the real estate side, you might not be in such a big bind as you think. You might be right: you might take a huge loss on the sale of your current home. But if you are looking to buy in an area where home values have declined at the same rate as your home’s value, you would stand to offset your loss by buying your next home for much less than peak price. People tended to see the real estate market one way when the market was going up. They would buy a home, see it appreciate in value and then move up to another home. As long as they didn’t lose money on the sale of their current residence, they would take money out from their current home and move it to the next one. The same principal might apply if you sell and buy in the same community even if you lose money. If you purchased a home for $150,000 when more desirable homes were selling for $250,000 — and now your home is selling for $100,000 and those same more desirable homes are selling for $167,000 — you might be better off buying today even if you lose money on the I See GLINK/Page E3
RE/MAX Alliance
Children’s Miracle Network Golf Tournament Golf tournament on Aug. 8 at Riverdale Dunes benefited Children’s Hospital PAID ADVERTISEMENT
R
E/MAX Alliance is pleased to announce their annual Charity Golf Tournament, supporting the Children’s’ Miracle Network, has been another great success. This year’s tournament, held on August 8, 2011 at the Riverdale Dunes and Knolls Golf Club in Brighton, Colorado, raised a record-breaking amount of $70,607. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised by the golf tournament go to Children’s Hospital in Denver. David Powell, managing broker of RE/MAX Alliance in Loveland, said he is grateful that his office gets the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful event. “It’s a truly amazing commitment of our associates, staff, volunteers, sponsors and golfers that we can raise over $70,000 in just one day,” Powell said. The RE/MAX Alliance Children’s Miracle Network Golf Tournament has always been about giving back to the children in the community while enjoying a great day of golf at the same time. Last year’s tournament raised just over $68,000, a recordhigh until this year. Participants enjoyed a beautiful day of golf; RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon rides, silent auction items including four tickets to the Wildlife Experience, Denver Zoo family four-pack, $200 Beau Jo’s Pizza party, and a five-night stay at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa on Oahu Hawaii, and a delicious lunch served by Colorado based Smiling Moose Deli and Wal Mart in Brighton. Each participant also received a grab bag, complimentary breakfast, a great dinner buffet and had the opportunity to meet the families who brought their amazing children who have benefitted from Children’s Hospital. “We are so humbled by the generosity of those who gave in so many ways to help support and raise awareness for such an amazing charity,” said Chad Ochsner, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Alliance.
Photos courtesy of Rob Larsen Photography
“Each year, Children’s Miracle Network hospitals provide more than $2.5 billion in charitable care. To see the ear-to-ear smiles on the faces of children who have benefited from the Children’s Miracle Network just
“It’s a truly
amazing commitment of our associates, staff, volunteers, sponsors and golfers that we can raise over
$70,000 in just one day.” — David Powell
reinforces why we give to Children’s Miracle Network, and the reason we do this year after year.” In addition to the annual golf tournament, RE/MAX Alliance associates also contribute to Children’s Miracle Network each day — by donating anywhere from $25 to $100 on each transaction they close. These day-to-day donations, known as the Miracle Home Program, are the most effective fundraising tool in RE/MAX offices across the globe. Since RE/MAX, LLC became a sponsor of Children’s Miracle Network in 1992, thousands of RE/MAX associates have helped raise over $100 million for their local Children’s Hospitals. Powell added that he hopes for just as grand of a turnout for next year’s tournament. “I’m psyched to see if we can beat
RE/MAX Alliance Children’s Miracle Network Golf Tournament When: August 13 or 20, 2012 Where: Riverdale Dunes and Knolls Golf Club, Brighton Contact: Kim Hawkins, 303-759-6636
the record again at next year’s tournament,” he said. “That’s always been our number one goal; to find more ways to raise more money for this wonderful cause.” Interested in participating in next year’s event? Next year’s tentative dates are August 13 or 20, 2012. Please visit www.alliance golfforkids.com or contact Kim Hawkins at 303-759-6636 for more information.
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
E2
Saturday Reporter-Herald September 24, 2011
Featured Properties $200,000 - $299,999
UP TO $199,999 OPEN SUN. 11-3 PM
BEAUTIFUL LOVELAND REMODEL!!!
OPEN SAT. & SUN. 11-3 PM
OPEN HOUSE SAT & SUN 12-5 PM
OPEN HOUSE SAT & SUN 12-5 PM
4454 Stump Avenue, Loveland LANDSCAPED W/ SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Peakview Meadows, Berthoud
4009 Ash Avenue, Loveland
3730 Jefferson Drive, Loveland
4403 Elliot Place, Loveland SAVE $16,600**
Peakview Meadows Sales ofďŹ ce open Sunday 11-3 Prices starting at $195,900. 5 Models to choose from.
Amazing new price, downpayment assistance, closing costs all included on this beautiful remodel. New kitchen, master bath, paint, lighting and carpet on 1/3 acre! Open house Saturday 24th 10am-1pm.
Front loaded garages are now at The Cottages at Enchantment Ridge. Built Green-3 BR, 2 BA ranch style home w/full unďŹ n bsmt & landscaped front yard w/sprinkler system. $209,800** **Call for details.
Kurt Albers & Chris Rampone Century 21 Humpal, Inc 970-231-1224 Kurt 970-430-0845 Chris www.berthoud.org
Michelle Wilson Western Plains Realty 970-518-6640 michelle@westernplainsre.com www.westernplainsre.com
2,174 sq ft, A/C, humidiďŹ er, open oor plan, new carpet & interior paint, ceiling fans, main level laundry w/1/2 bath, kitchen pantry, all kitchen appliances, master w/3/4 bath & lg walk-in closet, full unďŹ n bsmt; mature landscaping, sprinkler system, covered front porch, large back porch, storage shed, 2-car garage. Close to schools; easy access to 287. Move-in ready!
Rick and Sharon Nealeigh (970) 988-1205 http://www.homeďŹ nder.com/CO/ Loveland/78852803d_3730_Jefferson_Dr
Rosalie Lawrence Cottage Realty 970-215-0515 www.lovelandcorealestate.com
WALKOUT BASEMENT! Ranch style home w/10’ main oor walls. Granite countertops & SS appl in spacious kitchen w/island. A/C & wood oors. 5 pc master bath. 3-car garage & lge deck. $299,900.
Kevin Cook Cottage Realty 970-532-5900 www.lovelandcorealestate.com
$300,000 - $399,999 $400,000 - $499,999 OPEN SUN. 1:30-3:00 PM
Visit our website at
OPEN HOUSE SAT. & SUN. 1-4 PM
27847 Arikaree Rd, Loveland
Just West of Loveland 288 Reservoir Drive!
Great 1 acre property in Indianhead Estates on corner lot with 3 car attached garage PLUS separate 2 car/shop! Room for your RV’s & room to expand for additional garages!
Introducing Pittington Ranch! Panoramic views, open oor plans, room for your horses! 90 plus acres of riding space. Model home open! 13 homesites to choose from, starting in mid $400’s.
homeandrealtyguide.com
Online + Print = a Powerful Combination!
John Mathey Premier Lifestyle (970) 481-5512 info@pittingtonrach.com www.pittingtonranch.com
Maurine Garretson Coldwell Banker Plains Real Estate, Inc. 970-396-9597 maurinegar@aol.com www.coldwellbanker.com/local/plains
saturday
sunday
Price
Location
Address
Hours
Office
Phone
From the $140’s
Loveland
43rd St & Wilson Ave The Cottages at Enchantment Ridge
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-532-5900
Starting in the 150’s
Milliken
110 Traders Lane
12-3 PM
From $159,900$229,000
Loveland
$169,900
Loveland
4403 Elliot Pl
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
$180,000
Loveland
4009 Ash Avenue
10 AM-1 PM
1899 East 11th St.
10 AM-6 PM
Price
Location
Address
Hours
Office
Phone
From the $140’s
Loveland
43rd St & Wilson Ave The Cottages at Enchantment Ridge
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-532-5900
Starting in the 150’s
Milliken
110 Traders Lane
12-3 PM
The Group Inc. Realty, Tracy Wilson
970-567-0907
Loveland
1899 East 11th St.
10 AM-6 PM
Midtown Homes, Wayne Lewis
970-456-4600
970-215-0515
From $159,900$229,000
Western Plains Realty, 970-518-6640 Michelle Wilson
$162,500
Johnstown
1101 North Park Ave.
2-4 PM
RE/MAX Alliance, Julie 970-622-1809 Stinson
$169,900
Loveland
4403 Elliot Pl
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-215-0515
$195,900
Loveland
Peakview Meadows
11 AM-3 PM
Century 21 Humpal, Inc. Chris Rampone & Kurk Albers
970-430-0845 970-231-1224
$199,900
Loveland
3730 Jefferson Drive
11 AM-3 PM
Home Savings Realty, Rick & Sharon Nealeigh
970-988-1205
$207,315
Loveland
3441 Foster Pl
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-215-0515
$239,000
Loveland
4496 Hayler Ave
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-532-5900
$298,664
Loveland
4355 Ridgway Dr
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-532-5900
The Group Inc. Realty, Tracy Wilson
970-567-0907
Midtown Homes, Wayne Lewis
970-456-4600
$194,900
Berthoud
891 Longview Ave.
12-2 PM
The Group Inc. Realty, John Simmons
970-481-1250
$199,900
Loveland
3730 Jefferson Drive
11 AM-3 PM
Home Savings Realty, Rick & Sharon Nealeigh
970-988-1205
$207,315
Loveland
3441 Foster Pl
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-215-0515
$239,000
Loveland
4496 Hayler Ave
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-532-5900
$239,500
Loveland
227 Johnson Drive
2-4 PM
RE/MAX Alliance, Julie 970-622-1809 Stinson
$239,900
SW Loveland
1506 Gloria
12-2 PM
ERA Tradewind
303-684-6321
$277,000
Loveland
1529 Dryland St.
10 AM-12 PM
The Group Inc. Realty, Mark Moran
970-218-1891
$287,296
Windsor
4607 Pompano Drive
12-5 PM
The Group Inc., Realty 970-290-8097 Kristen Specketer
$298,664
Loveland
4355 Ridgway Dr
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-532-5900
$299,000
Loveland
2892 Ariel Drive
1-3 PM
The Group Inc. Realty, Georgena Arnett
970-481-9801
$299,000
Loveland
2892 Ariel Drive
1-3 PM
The Group Inc. Realty, Georgena Arnett
970-481-9801
$299,900
Loveland
1920 New Hampshire St
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-532-5900
$299,900
Loveland
1920 New Hampshire St
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-532-5900
$299,900
Loveland
4454 Stump Ave
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-532-5900
$335,000
Loveland
2890 Carina Circle
1-3 PM
The Group Inc. Realty, Georgena Arnett
970-481-9801
$299,900
Loveland
4454 Stump Ave
12-5 PM
Cottage Realty
970-532-5900
$347,900
Loveland
920 Norway Maple
1-3 PM
The Group Inc. Realty, Rich Gardiner
970-227-0964
Starting in the $300’s
Loveland
27847 Arikaree Rd.
1:30-3 PM
Coldwell Banker Plains Real Estate, Maurine Garretson
970-396-9597
$389,000
Loveland
94-8 Buckhorn Road
1-3 PM
The Group Inc. Realty, Julie Hart
970-481-1443 $335,000
Loveland
2890 Carina Circle
1-3 PM
The Group Inc. Realty, Georgena Arnett
970-481-9801
$347,900
Loveland
920 Norway Maple
1-3 PM
The Group Inc. Realty, Rich Gardiner
970-227-0964
Starting in the $400’s
Loveland
288 Reservoir Drive
1-4 PM
Premier Lifestyle Realty, John Mathey
970-613-4400
Starting in the $400’s
Loveland
288 Reservoir Drive
1-4 PM
Premier Lifestyle Realty, John Mathey
970-613-4400
$439,500
Loveland
2096 Vista Drive
1-3 PM
The Group Inc. Realty, Bob Skillman
970-631-2257
$509,900
Loveland
2960 Laguna Ct.
11 AM-1 PM
RE/MAX Alliance, Christina Koder
970-506-2962
To add a listing or speak to an advertising representative, call Dan Grassmeyer at 970-635-3615
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.
Saturday Reporter-Herald September 24, 2011 E3
Step Up to the Plate LBAR steps up to the plate at an Installation and Awards Luncheon JADE CODY REPORTER-HERALD
W
ith about 100 people in attendance at the Loveland/Berthoud Association of Realtors Installation and Awards Luncheon on Sept. 22, incoming LBAR president David Powell encouraged his fellow Realtors to “step up to the plate,” stressing the positive impact LBAR can potentially make in the community. “If not us, then who? If not now, then when? Let’s step up to the plate and make this a great year for LBAR,” he said. Powell was speaking of LBAR’s community involvement and various fundraisers, including a golf tournament, a bowling event and a poker tournament, all aimed toward raising money in the community. Powell, Managing Broker with RE/MAX Alliance, also called for support of the National Association of Realtors in its push for
homeownership rights and less constrictive lending restraints. Powell was introduced by outgoing president Billie Jo Downing, who focused her 2010 term as president on the theme “rebuilding the American dream.” She referenced the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 and resolving to preserve the American way of living. “I’ve never been prouder to be a Realtor than I am right now,” she said. “Housing is one of the major keys to our economy’s recovery.”
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Jesse Laner of The Group, Real Estate was presented the Rookie of the Year award. He was introduced by Bob Skillman, last year’s Rookie of the Year. Skillman said Laner had $2 million in volume last year with The Group Real Estate, all while being involved in the Jump Start program, the Colorado Association of Realtors, LBAR and serving as a high school girls basketball coach in Loveland.
REALTOR OF THE YEAR
The 2011 Realtor of the Year, presented by 2010 winner Kurt Albers, was Renae Hupp, a Realtor with First Choice Realtors since 2009. Hupp, a Berthoud native and the 2010 LBAR president, said she has always had a passion for real estate. “I don’t do this for a paycheck,” she said. “I do it because I have a passion for this, and I want to educate buyers and sellers — as well as the public. She said she felt lucky to be able to provide her services in the Loveland area. “I feel very blessed to be a Realtor Let’s step up to the plate in this area,” she said. Hupp was lauded for her communiand make this ty service — including her participaa great year for LBAR.” tion in Alternatives to Violence. She currently sponsors a transition house — David Powell, with ATV, which provides temporary incoming LBAR President housing to women. Hupp, herself, has
“If not us, then who? If not now, then when?
RH photos/Jade Cody Top left: Kurt Albers, 2010 Realtor of the Year; Renae Hupp, 2011 Realtor of the Year Top middle: David Powell, incoming President Top right: Jesse Laner, 2011 Rookie of the year and Bob Skillman 2010 Rookie of the Year Bottom from L-R: Incoming officers — David Powell, President; Billie Jo Downing, Immediate Past President; Kurt Albers, Treasurer; Miki Roth, President Elect; Rob Proctor, Second Vice President; Gary Maggi, CAR Director; Brian Steving, Director; Bob Skillman, Director
been in a violent relationship in the past, so giving back to ATV was important to her. She is currently in class to become an ATV advocate. “I truly believe in giving back to my community,” she said. “I don’t do that for a feather in my hat or a notch in my belt, I do it because it makes me feel good.”
2011/2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: David Powell President elect: Miki Roth 2nd Vice President: Rob Proctor Secretary: Deborah Manderscheid Treasurer: Kurt Albers Immediate past president: Billie Jo Downing
Director 2010-2012: Abby Renner Director 2011-2013: Bob Skillman Director 2010-2012: Brian Steving CAR Director 2010-2013: Gary Maggi CAR Director 2009-2012: Robert Walkowicz
Open Houses This Weekend - www.thegroupinc.com NEW CONSTRUCTION
INVESTMENT TOUR
INVESTMENT TOUR
INVESTMENT TOUR
FRIDAY - SUNDAY 12:00-3:00
SATURDAY 1:00-4:00
SATURDAY 1:00-4:00
SATURDAY 1:00-4:00
110 Traders Lane, Milliken Pick your own fixtures, carpet & colors. Wonderful ranch style & 2-story home plans to choose from. Your choice of 3 great subdivision to live in – Settlers Village – Colony Point or Centennial Farms. VALUE YOU CAN SEE… QUALITY YOU CAN COUNT ON with a WINDMILLS HOME. Visit us at 110 Traders Lane in Settlers Village. 100% FINANCING! NO MONEY DOWN!!!
466 and 468 W 5th Street, Loveland Unique property with 2 dwellings in downtown Loveland. Main home has 3 bdrms, 1.5 baths, re-circulating FP & hardwood floors in living room, hall & 1 bdrm. Cheerful country kitchen. Main floor laundry. Some new windows, newer roof & vinyl siding. Detached rental w/1 bdrm, living room, kitchen, bath & separate parking.
935-937 Douglas Avenue, Loveland All brick duplex backs to park. Open floor plan with 2 large bedrooms, updated baths and a large eat-in kitchen. Both sides are currently rented and have good rental histories. Each side has a separate back yard.
2074 Cheyenne Avenue, Loveland Open floor plan w/2 family/rec rooms, remodeled upstairs bath featuring granite countertop, cherry cabinets in kitchen, all kitchen appliances stay, sprinkler system, great deck, storage shed & spacious garage. 3 Bdrm, 2 Bath, 4-level.
Prices starting in the $150’s
$175,000
$179,500
$178,000
MLS#
MLS# 665337
MLS# 652253
MLS# 664103
Call Tracy Wilson
Call John Simmons
Call Cindy Kurtz
Call Kathy Beck
567-0907
481-1250
962-6832
970-213-8475
NEW HOMES BUILT BY WINDMILLS LLC
NEW CONSTRUCTION
NEW CONSTRUCTION
SATURDAY 12:00-2:00
FRIDAY - SUNDAY 1:00-4:00
SATURDAY 10:00-12:00
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12:00-5:00
FRIDAY & SATURDAY 1:00-3:00
891 Longview Avenue, Berthoud 2 story home on a corner lot w/beautiful curb appeal. 3bd, 2ba, 2car garage. Central air. Unfinished walk-out basement. Exterior features a covered front porch, deck, patio, privacy fence, greenhouse & gardens. Quality home in a desirable subdivision.
222 Saratoga Drive, Windsor Greenspire at Windsor Lake. It’s more than just a home… IT’S A QUALITY OF LIFE! Miles of bike trails, open space & parks. Personalize your home from framing to finish! Extraordinary floor plans – Ranch & 2-Story. Lots available on Windsor Lake! Visit our Sales Center or call for a showing today!
1529 Dryland Street, Loveland Brand new ranch style home built in Taft Farms by Keirns Construction. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a 3 car garage. Several other plans and lots to choose from. Call for details.
4607 Pompano Drive, Windsor 3 bedroom, 3 bath ranch with 3-car garage. Loads of upgrades, backs to open space! All of our homes are energy-efficient on oversized lots! Visit our models for other plans available starting at $239,900.
2892 Ariel Drive, Loveland Colorado Craftsman style home quality built by Oak Valley Homes. Kitchen features a large island and shaker style alder cabinetry. Ranch style home with open floor plan backs to open space. Beautiful finishes include hardwood floors, designer tile & slab granite. Full, unfinished basement. Fully landscaped yard.
$194,900
Homes Starting in the $200,000s!
$277,000
$287,296
$299,000
MLS# 664399
MLS# 662637
MLS# 624979
MLS# 661199
MLS# 662114
Call John Simmons
Call Jim Watson
Call Mark Moran
Call Kristen Specketer
Call Georgena Arnett
481-1250
219-5219
218-1891
290-8097
481-9801
INVESTMENT TOUR
NEW CONSTRUCTION
PRICE REDUCED!
MOVE-IN READY
SUNDAY 1:00-3:00
FRIDAY & SATURDAY 1:00-3:00
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 1:00-3:00
SUNDAY 1:00-4:00
5020 Coral Burst Dr., Loveland 3BD 3BA 2,848 sf ranch w/ walk-out basement in Alford Meadows that backs to open space. Beautiful master w/sitting room, formal dining room, awesome kitchen w/granite & wood floors. Family room w/ wet bar. Natural light & special features!
2890 Carina Circle, Loveland Colorado Craftsman style home. Finishes include hardwood floors, designer tile, slab granite, alder trim & doors and shaker style alder cabinetry. 12’ ceilings in great room w/wood beams. SS appliances, gas fireplace and custom built-ins. Fully landscaped. Close to I-25, Centerra and the Medical Center of the Rockies.
920 Norway Maple, Loveland New custom home by Troendly Construction. Ranch w/2 bedrooms & den on main level. Bdrm, bath & family room finished in basement. Tandem 3 car garage. Nice finishes included granite, Alder cabinets & stainless steel appliances. Fully landscaped w/auto sprinklers. Move in ready see this lovely home today.
1031 Hinsdale Drive, Fort Collins 6 Bdrm, 4 Bath 2-story w/4021 total sf. Loaded w/upgrades and features. Open floor plan, granite counters, new carpet & hardwood flooring.5-Piece master bath, 2 water heaters, full finished basement & more!
$299,900
$335,000
$347,900
$369,963
MLS# 661595
MLS# 662119
MLS# 654230
MLS# 663036
Hosted by Kathleen Hollerbach
Call Georgena Arnett
Call Rich Gardiner
Call Keith Huntsman
222-0679
481-9801
227-0964
227-2779
AN E XCLUSIVE SE RVICE OF T HE G R OUP, INC. R E AL E STAT E
SATURDAY 1:00-3:00 2096 Vista Drive, Loveland Located on the 10th Fairway of the Olde Course in Loveland. 2 Offices, formal living & dining rooms, large kitchen & great room. Slab granite counters & back splash, wood floors. Mstr walk-in has custom built-ins. Jetted tub & huge shower. Mature yard. 3-car garage, workshop and heated driveway.
SUNDAY 12:00-2:00 627 Roma Valley Dr, Fort Collins 5 Bdrm, 5 bath 2-story w/5461 total sf. Open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, all bedrooms have private bath, main floor study, full finished walkout basement and backs to Fossil Creek open space.
$439,500
$650,000
MLS# 644585
MLS# 656565
Call Bob Skillman
Call Keith Huntsman
631-2257
227-2779
Northern Colorado Real Estate Source The Real Estate Source is a magazine produced by me The Group featuring homes for sale and new home neighborhoods throughout Northern Colorado.. (]HPSHISL MVY WPJR \W H[ V]LY KPZ[YPI\[PVU WVPU[Z PUJS\KPUN OV[LSZ NYVJLY` Z[VYLZ YLZ[H\YHU[Z JVMMLL ZOVWZ HUK .YV\W VMMPJLZ
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SATURDAY 1:00-3:00 9408 Buckhorn Road, Loveland Beautiful home located on a 1-acre lot in the secluded foothills with easy access to town. Open living areas compete with fireplace, vaulted ceiling, tile & hardwood floors. Kitchen features 42” upper cabinets, SS appliances & granite countertops. Each bedroom has its own bath. 2 large decks to enjoy the peaceful outdoors.
$389,000 MLS# 647561
Call Julie Hart
481-1443
o Colorad n r e h t Nor Source
tate Real Es w w w.
thegr
oupin
c.com
E4
Saturday Reporter-Herald September 24, 2011
Regional Snapshot for Loveland/Berthoud Residential
Mortgage rate update
May
June
July
Active Listings Previous Year Active Listings
1004 1117
973 1101
938 1092
Sold Listings
126
155
134
$200,000 $214,500
$220,000 $234,000
Average Days on the Market Previous Year ADOM
107 118
121 121
103 122
Year to Date Listings Sold Previous Year YTD Listing Sold
521 559
676 728
810 839
Median Sales Price Previous Year Median
This week Last week Trend
$208,958 $238,000
30-year fixed
4.00%
4.18%
15-year fixed
3.30%
3.38%
5/1 ARM
2.93%
3.00%
Home & Real Estate is produced every Saturday by the Loveland Reporter-Herald.
News and Press Releases: The Reporter-Herald welcomes news on hirings, advancements, awards, classes and other information of interest to the real estate and home community. Submit information to jcody@reporter-herald.com. Advertising: For advertising information, call Dan Grassmeyer. Office: 970-635-3615 Cell: 970-214-6297 E-mail: dgrassmeyer@reporter-herald.com
Estate H&RE Real Transactions 750 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland
669-1234
Each office independently owned & operated
view more properties at:
www.HomesInColorado.com
OPEN SATURDAY 2-4 227 Johnson Drive, Loveland
OPEN SUNDAY 2-4 1101 N. Park Ave, Johnstown
OPEN SATURDAY 11-1 2960 Laguna Ct, Loveland
SW Loveland - Awesome 2 story in Meadowbrook Heights! 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths finished basement, master bedroom 5 piece suite, master bedroom deck, gas fireplace, central air & a 3 car attached garage all on a quiet street.
BRAND NEW LISTING!! 1950’s ranch located across the street from the elementary school. Property has been updated and shows well. Give me a call for all the details!
Enjoy Water Views! BOATERS DREAM. Lake Access. PRISTINE CONDITION, Gorgeous VIEWS, walk-out basement & an amazing THEATER ROOM are just the beginning.
$239,500 | MLS #638800
Call Julie Stinson 622-1809
julies@rmfa.com
$509,900 | MLS #662500 $162,500 | MLS #663376
Call Julie Stinson 622-1809
julies@rmfa.com
Hosted by Christina Koder 506-2962
ckoder@remax.net
2945 Laguna Ct, Loveland
1019 Arkansas River, Windsor
1743 Platte River Ct, Windsor
Stunning 5 bed, 5 bath 2-story home in Waterfront. Fully finished walk-out basement, media room, formal dining, and main floor study. Kitchen features granite counters, SS appliances, cherry cabinets & wood floors.
New 2-story by Strathmore Homes in Poudre Heights. 3 beds, 2.5 baths and unfin. bsmt. Large master suite w/ private bath & walk-in closet. Eat-in kitchen w/ SS appliances; back patio, plus 3-car garage!
New 2-story by Strathmore Homes in Poudre Heights. 3 beds, 2.5 baths, upper loft/study area and unfin. bsmt. Eat-in kitchen w/ SS appliances & granite counters; back patio, plus 3-car garage!
$617,000 | MLS #650798
$278,000 | MLS #653261
$289,000 | MLS #653148
Call Dennis Schick
Call Dennis Schick
Call Dennis Schick
www.dennisschick.com
www.dennisschick.com
www.dennisschick.com
567-3942
6776 Pumpkin Ridge, Windsor Beautiful 2-story by Landmark Homes with 4 beds, 3 baths, main floor study, formal dining, butlers pantry, mudroom, 3-car garage & unfin. bsmt. Gourmet kitchen w/ SS appliances, island & breakfast nook. $419,900 | MLS #657570
567-3942
PRICE REDUCED www.4997ValleyOak.com
www.1015W32nd.com
Lovely Boyd Lake North custom home. Neighborhood boat dock. Wall to wall spaciousness with main floor master, kitchen with island, and walkout basement that’s a great place to spend time.
Well-maintained, beautifully landscaped, tri-level near sculpture park; efficient kitchen that makes every square inch count, finished basement, and what about a cedar closet!!
$485,000 | MLS #647550
Call Dennis Schick
Call Nanci Garnand
www.dennisschick.com
www.LivingInLoveland.com
567-3942
567-3942
622-1846 or 227-1327
$210,000 | MLS #660546
Call Nanci Garnand
622-1846 or 227-1327
www.LivingInLoveland.com
4228 Foothills Dr, Loveland
1170 Crabapple Dr, Loveland
2275 W. 44th Street, Loveland
Corner Lot in Mariana Butte backing to Greenbelt! 4BR 3BA 2Car, FP, A/C, Sprinklers, Dining Rm & Eat-in Kitchen. Basement set up for Theatre Room. Upstairs Laundry. Close to Golf Course, Park & ACE!
5 BR/3 BA, 2 1/2 car gar. Ranch Style home. Finished Basement includes huge Rec Room. N. Loveland neighborhood w/ community pool. Open floor plan, 5 pc Master Bath, Upgraded appliances, Sprinkler & A/C.
4 BR, 3 BA Ranch w/ 2 Car Garage. Office & Rec Room with Bar in Fin Bsmt. Large Deck, Fenced Yard, Jetted Tub in Bsmt Bath, New Roof 2009, new Water Heater. Call for info & showing. EZ access to FTC.
$220,000 | MLS #663578
$300,000 | MLS #646835
$205,000 | MLS #654532
Call Franci Wunderlich
Call Franci Wunderlich
Call Franci Wunderlich
YourHouseInColorado.com
YourHouseInColorado.com
YourHouseinColorado.com
970-667-1828
667-1828
667-1828
Real Estate Transactions are supplied by Prospects Unlimited Inc., 1151 Eagle Drive No. 467, Loveland, CO 80537, 667-1537.
Loveland • Shadow LLC from Advantage Bank, 3993 Via Del Oro, Loveland, $160,000, home • Sarah Ladd from Jason Bachman, 4006 Trinidad Dr, Loveland, $197,800, home • Michael Bilello from Reta Baker, 14500 Buckhorn Rd, Loveland, $275,000, home • Richard & Carol Kampf from Laurence Bartels, 2342 Austin Ave, Loveland, $183,000, home • Stephen & Mary Bergstrand from David Colson, 1620 Dumont Pl, Loveland, $317,900, home • Matthew & Tara Layette from Fannie Mae, 4798 Valley Oak Dr, Loveland, $299,000, home • Weston Sanford from Flat Irons Land Trust, 2731 W 28th St, Loveland, $195,000, home • Warren & Julie Villalovos from Devin Gilliam, 9000 Cottontail Rd, Loveland, $222,500, home • Otis & Angela Vaughn from Kenneth Lafleur, 4986 Valley Oak Dr, Loveland, $272,000, home • Foundation 4568 from Jose Lesperance, 375 Cove Dr, Loveland, $277,000, home • Deanna Simpson from Frederick Smokoski, 1666 Monarch Cir, Loveland, $320,000, home • Jason Hillier from Donald Vandendriesche, 13382 Otter Rd, Loveland, $143,900, home • Colin Lee from David Adrian, 1804 Kinnikinnik Pl, Loveland, $132,000, home • Carolann Boncella from James Deis, 4234 Smith Park Ct, Loveland, $475,000, home • Enoch & Linda Silva from Jack Doyel, 915 Crabapple Dr, Loveland, $420,000, home • Lillianne Swisher from Fannie Mae, 735 Blue Azurite Ave, Loveland, $142,900, home • Avon Anderson from Federal Home Ln Mortgage Corp, 238 S Monroe Ave, Loveland, $235,000, home • Resident from Gri S, 4715 Hahns Peak Dr Unit 101, Loveland, $117,000, condo • Robert & Margaret Mccormick from Timothy Marmalick, 2868 Katie Dr, Loveland, $165,000, home • Bonni Trimble from Brad Mudgett, 229 Grouse Hollow Ln, Loveland, $262,000, home • Neil & Linda Martin from James Mull, 5978 Gitalong Rd, Loveland, $179,500, home • Karl & Teresa Schuemann from Ric Soulen, 15850 Steller Ridge Rd, Loveland, $550,000, home
2870 Kyle Circle, Loveland
1408 Maple Dr, Berthoud
3142 Ivy Dr, Loveland
4bed/4ba in North Berthoud. Newer windows, wood floors, granite counters, furnace, A/C, appliances. Master w/ walk in closet, 4 piece bath w/jetted tub. Brick Gas Fireplace, covered back patio, RV/Boat parking & more. No HOA fees!
Great mountain views and backs to greenbelt. 4 bedroom ranch with finished basement, 3 baths. 2 patios, gaslog fp, ac, open floorplan, main floor laundry, 5 piece master bath, a must see to appreciate!
$500,000 | MLS #629663
$260,000 | MLS #656768
Call David Powell
Call David Powell
davidpowell@remax.net
davidpowell@remax.net
481-5015
481-5015
$299,900 | MLS #000000
Call Kathy Beadell 290-1798
beadell@rmfa.com
Johnstown • Carlyle & Mary Haviland from Alternative Invest LLC, 161 Lindenwood Ave, Johnstown, $175,000, home • Adam Darling from Earl Darling, 903 N 2nd St, Johnstown, $130,000, home • James Walton from David Hakes, 22 S Denver Ave, Johnstown, $108,000, home • Gina Loudenburg from Mejias Invest Inc, 424 Castle Pines Ave, Johnstown, $200,000, home • Alan & Michele Dean from Donald Morris, 2115 Redhead Dr, Johnstown, $248,900, home • Paul & Coreen Allen from Darcie Moseley, 1537 Mallard Dr, Johnstown, $269,000, home • Paul & Patrice Daniels from Linda Rouse, 20503 Cactus Dr, Johnstown, $269,000, home • Blake & Celeste Weimer from Steel Mount Capital I LLC, 1855 Chesapeake Cir, Johnstown, $169,000, home • Sandy Meyer from Oakwood Homes LLC, 5306 Ravenswood Ln, Johnstown, $170,200, home • Gary & Kayla Kinnison from Oakwood Homes LLC, 3818 Blackwood Ln, Johnstown, $201,300, home • Anh Pham from Ryland Group Inc, 57 White Wing Ct, Johnstown, $303,300, home • Sara Silvernail from Scott Carney, 335 Marble Ln, Johnstown, $212,500, home
Milliken • Andrew & Sylvia Hester from Paul Allen, 161 E Hawthorne Ct, Milliken, $174,000, home • Resident from John F Neal Revocable Trust, 2150 Country Club Pkwy, Milliken, $512,000, home • Dene Miller from Roy Martens, 161 Oakwood Ct, Milliken, $158,000, home • Fred Ohrn from Daniel Grossman, 2363 Carriage Dr, Milliken, $145,700, home
Windsor
• Edward & Kathryn Simpson from Saint Aubyn Homes LLC, 601 Wind River Ct, Windsor, $262,700, home • Carrie & Joseph Borkowski from Douglas Williams, 148 Bayside Cir, Windsor, $275,000, home • Nathan & Natalie Ehlers from Sage Homes LLC, 611 • M L Long from William Wind River Ct, Windsor, Hudson, 1405 Oak Dr, $248,700, home Berthoud, $190,000, home • David Aguiar from Aaron • Heather Suits from Federal Eide, 100 Rock Bridge Ct, Home Ln Mortgage Corp, 717 Windsor, $345,000, home 5th St, Berthoud, $102,000, • Nancy Evans from Long home Beach Mtg Loan Trust 2004, • Jeffrey & Brooke Whorlow 110 Beacon Way Unit 5e, from Brian Syp, 4717 Foothills Windsor, $103,500, condo Dr, Berthoud, $365,000, home • Randal & Bethanie Mcgin• Paul Pointer from Dee Ann nis from Maxwell Family Trust, Waddell, 832 6th St, Berthoud, 1326 Hilltop Cir, Windsor, $146,000, home $602,500, home • Lonnie Dalrymple from James Hartmann, 125 Bayside Cir, Windsor, $278,000, home • Donald Johnson from • Duane Fisher from PresRichard Masek, 1155 S Saint tige Homes LLC, 612 Denali Vrain Ave Unit 37, Estes Park, Ct, Windsor, $218,000, home $113,500, condo • Saint LLC from Winter • James & Jeanna Meek Farm Windsor LLC, 651 from Brandon Pietsch, 1040 Pine Ln, Estes Park, $422,000, Babine Ct, Windsor, $105,000, home home • Saint LLC from High• Brandon Pietsch from Kenneth Sheffield, 1550 Raven Cir pointe Vista LLC, 8835 Blackwood Dr, Windsor, $193,200, Unit H Unit 39, Estes Park, home $225,000, condo • Michael & Colleen Cova • Christopher Gunia from from Homes Distinction Inc, Robert Fixter, 1221 Prospect 7210 Caldeonian Ct, Windsor, Mountain Rd, Estes Park, $446,500, home $340,000, home • Hugh Eastwood from • Roger & Jane Truesdale Michael Kinney, 1820 Seashell from Michael Flannery, 252 Solomon Dr, Estes Park, Ct, Windsor, $870,000, home
Berthoud
Estes Park
Custom 2-story on almost 3/4 acre. Kitchen w/ island, walk in pantry, tile counters, double ovens. Master has private deck w/ views, fireplace, sitting room & 5 piece bath. WALKOUT bsmt w/ room for home theater & pool table.
$422,500, home • Jacob & Peggy Eisel from Jeffrey Moreau, 249 E Riverside Dr, Estes Park, $440,000, home • Ronald Bockhaus from Laura Nilsen, 255 Solomon Dr, Estes Park, $367,500, home
Saturday Reporter-Herald September 24, 2011 E5
Nearby jobs, amenities help neighborhood value you assess an area’s employment picture. One key bureau feature is the Local Area Unemployment Statistics map, uying a home that dewhich can give unemployment clines sharply in proper- information by metro area and ty value can put you un- county. Another data set derwater on your mortgage, called the Current Employerode your net worth and leave ment Statistics can tell you you unable to relocate for a how many people are emnew job or adapt to a change ployed in different sectors of in income. One of the biggest the economy in a metro area. factors that determines Having desirable amenities whether a home will rise or fall within the neighborhood is a in value is its neighborhood. second major factor in That’s actually a good thing, whether a neighborhood will because you don’t need a crys- appreciate or decline in proptal ball to evaluate a neighbor- erty value, Shiller said. hood’s direction, said In the world of real estate, Andrew Shiller, creator of “amenity” is the term used to NeighborhoodScout.com. describe any asset within a “The places that tend to community that people find hold on to their value are desirable. places that basically do well Shiller cites some examples across two primary dimensions of key amenities that can add that anyone can think about value to a neighborhood: and evaluate neighborhoods • Low crime. by,” Shiller said. • Good public schools. Those two criteria and a few • Parks. others can help you get a • Pleasing views. sense of where a neighborhood • Distinctive architecture. is headed. • A variety of retail stores. The most important deter• An educated population. minate of real estate prices in Still, amenities by theman area is employment oppor- selves aren’t a guarantee that tunity nearby, Shiller said. property value will remain Without that, a neighborhood high, Shiller said. is at risk of taking a free fall in “When a high proportion of real estate values. the value of real estate is “How convenient is this to a based on amenities and not lot of high-paying jobs? That is access to job opportunities, it the most important thing for is more vulnerable to colvalue,” he said. lapse,” Shiller said. There are a few telltale signs Doing a drive-through of a of areas with long-term oppor- prospective neighborhood is a tunities for jobs, Shiller said. good way to get a gut feeling • Low unemployment. for where a neighborhood is • High household income. now and where it’s headed, • Seats of federal or state said Ken Shuman, a government. spokesman for real estate in• Creative industries (muformation site Trulia.com. sic, television, design, publish“Look at the neighbor’s ing, advertising). lawns. Look at the neighbors’ • Research facilities. houses,” Shuman said. “Do • Large or prominent colthey take care of them? leges and universities. Shuman also has one caveat Shiller said the Bureau of for the drive-through test: No Labor Statistics has a wealth test is complete without a of information that can help drive-through at night.
CLAES BELL BANKRATE.COM
B
“You usually go to open houses in the afternoon or in the morning, so definitely drive through the neighborhood in the evening,” Shuman said. “This is a big mistake a lot of people make, because they see it on a sunny Sunday afternoon and they think it’s a gorgeous area.” Shiller said the neighborhoods that protect homeowners’ value the most are those that combine good job opportunities and amenities in ways that are unusual for the area. For instance, if you live in or around a metro area with poor schools overall, buying in a neighborhood that has good schools can keep your property values high. Shiller cites the examples of Belle Meade in Nashville, Tenn., and Beverly Hills, Calif., both of which enjoy the access to opportunities of nearby urban centers, but also have amenities like excellent public schools and low crime that set them apart. “These places just go out of control as far as value,” he said. Consistently rising home values over the long term is a key sign a neighborhood will protect residential property value. The critical phrase there is “long term,” Shiller said. Looking at recent numbers can be misleading, especially since they’re likely to be influenced by the recent boom and bust in the housing markets. “You don’t want to look at only one quarter. One quarter can tell you, ’Is it raining today or is it sunny today?’” he said. “But that really doesn’t tell you about the climate. You want to know, ’Does it rain all the time here?’” To do that, he advises potential homebuyers to look at property values and comparables going back at regular intervals over the past 20 years, predating the housing bubble.
GLINK From Page E1
sale of your current residence. If you wait for the market to recover — and I’m not sure when that will be — you might be able to sell your current home for $150,000 and buy the more desirable home for $250,000. I don’t think you’d be better off waiting, especially if you can obtain a mortgage today at historically low interest rates. While renting your current home may be an option, you might not have that flexibility if you refinance your home with the intent to rent the home. Most residential home loans require you to tell the lender that you intend on living in the home as your primary residence and maintain the home as your primary residence for at least one year. As for keeping your current home and becoming a landlord, you might find that it’s a good investment that you can manage along with your other holdings. But if you don’t feel up to dealing with tenants and all the is-
sues that surround real estate investments, your best bet might be to sell your current home at its current market value and buy a home you love and can live in for years to come. Keep in mind that the $90,000 you have in the bank may be making you almost no money. If you use that money for a down payment on your new home and take out a new mortgage at around 4 percent, you may have a lower monthly mortgage expense in the new home, but you might find that a new and larger home has higher utility, insurance and real estate tax costs. Again, you might find it useful to sit down with a financial advisor and walk through each scenario and how it will affect the amount you have saved, where you have your savings invested, and where you want to have your money for the long term.
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
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Property of the Week
$299,900
Welcome Home Cindy Kurtz Broker Associate/Partner 970.962.6832 m ckurtz@thegroupinc.com www.Cindy-Kurtz.com 5200 Crystal Lane • Loveland, CO 80538 MLS# 657935 $339,900 Come see an artists’ dream home, perfect for any studio! A mountain type get-away right in town. A-frame home that is meticulously cared for. Access decks or balconies from nearly every room. Newer stainless steel appliances & maple cabinets. Light & bright sunroom is accessible from master bedroom & kitchen. Oversized two-car attached garage & separate 728 square foot heated garage & carport. Third bedroom is currently used as a family room. Beautiful landscaping with mature trees & also an in-ground pool. Square footage includes detached bonus room/office. This one is a must see!
7803 Windsong Rd Windsor, 80550 MLS#663034 $880,000 Beautiful & spacious executive home located within an equestrian neighborhood. Extensive upgrades include Brazilian maple/cherry flooring, imported tile, iron inset railing. Panoramic mountain views, & only minutes from I-25. Over two acre lot. Also includes a 3,000 square foot heated workshop/barn. Up to seven garage spaces in the barn or expand the workshop.
1866 Monarch Circle, Loveland, veland, Tremendous opportunity to own a darling home in great location with detached studio apartment or office. Make part of your mortgage payment with income from apartment! Separate studio/carriage house currently rented for $565 per month. Separate entrance and parking for studio apartment/office. Main home features include: • 4 Bedroom/4 Bath • Hardwood in entry and kitchen • Maple cabinets/breakfast bar • 10-foot ceilings • Main-floor study • Custom stained patio with fruit trees, grape vines, strawberries, raspberries and more!
• Located close to tons of shops and restaurants, The Shops at Centerra, a new hospital and easy access to Interstate 25!
Call Rita Embry, Realtor with RE/MAX Alliance, at 970-226-3990 or 970-481-4967, e-mail ritaembry@remax.net or visit www.ritaembry.com. Rita i Embry b
5401 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland, CO 80538 970.613.0700 www.thegroupinc.com
NEW NORTHERN COLORADO HOMES New Construction
FREE FRONTYARD LANDSCAPINGW/ SPRINKLER SYSTEMTHRU SEPT. 30TH! $299,900
OPEN SAT & SUN 12-5 PM STARTING IN THE MID $200’S
www.CosBuilders.com
Megan Wachtman 8z Real Estate Broker/Owner
970-217-7977
www.MeganWachtman.8z.com www.cohomefinder.com A better way to buy and sell a home in Colorado!
GREAT VALUE GREAT COMMUNITY GREAT LOCATION
Sales Center 4355 Ridgway Drive, Loveland
970-227-3893
GEORGETOWN
Priced from $270K
$3,000 BUYER CREDIT NEW HOMES MONTHLY PAYMENTS FROM STARTING AT $999 $159,900 - $229,900 OVER MODELS CONNECTED TO CITY TRAIL
Imagine the warmth of sunlit rooms. Become a gourmet chef in a state of the art kitchen. Open floor plans, 3-4 bedrooms, 5 piece baths, 3-4 car garages. (12 models & 50 lots to choose from)
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Priced from $210K
Loveland, Colorado
Sales Office Open 10-6 Daily 1899 East 11th Street, Loveland, CO 80537 Phone: (970) 456-4600 info@newmidtownhomes.com www.newmidtownhomes.com
43RD ST. 17-326536
FHA Approved Community
E6
Saturday Reporter-Herald September 24, 2011
H&RE Front Range Gardening
Carpet the garden in fall color Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) — This herbaceous beauty sports dark blue flowers atop green leaves, Trees get all the glory, but when fall but not every plant that cools us shows off in fall is a big, leafy, down the tourist magnet. Sometimes show heats the most enchanting displays up, with lie at your feet, creeping carfiery red pets of gold, garnet, and leaves. Growbronze. ing six to ten Perennial groundcovers add inches tall with a more than a blanket of green spread of up to across the landscape; if you’re three feet, turning your eye to designing a plant plumbatouch of color into the go where it has garden in fall, plan to put room to flow unsome into the mix. You’ll der and around other plants, find many are three-season creating spectacular rivers of performers and now is the color. Xeric, sun to part shade, time to check out their fall zones 5 to 9. colors in the neighborhood Himalayan border jewel (Peraround you. sicaria affinis) — short stalks of But before you fall prey to pink flowers in August are the the myth that this is a no-main- first of this late-season pertenance alternative to lawns, be former’s display, which forms a aware: weeds will pop up mat of leathery foliage that whether it’s grass or groundturns coppery as cooler weathcovers, so be prepared to put er arrives. This aggressive some effort into the garden. groundcover is ideal for xeric Make sure the bed is free of areas that need cover, blanketweeds before you plant and use ing areas in sun to part shade. a weed barrier cloth with Zones 3 to 9. mulch to keep the area tidy Biokovo cranesbill (Geraniwhile the plants grow. um x cantabrigiense) and Groundcovers still need soil compact rose geranium for their roots, however, so (Geranium dalmaticum) — plant through slits in the don’t let the early summer fabric. blooms of pink and white Then let your imagination fool you into thinking the show is over for these two run wild with a few of these geraniums; once fall arrives the creeping wonders:
CAROL O'MEARA CSU EXTENSION
CSU gardening tips SHARI THOMAS CSU EXTENSION • If you have a favorite geranium or coleus you’d like to keep over the winter, take cuttings now and bring into the house. A little rooting hormone on the cut edge can help those roots get going in a new container. East or south-facing windows work best for these plants. • Preserving the fall harvest can be fun and very rewarding in January. Take a class offered at a local nursery or the Larimer County Extension office to safely preserve vegetables and fruits. For a list of the classes offered through the Extension Office, please visit: www.larimer.org/ext and click on “2011Food Preservation Workshops.” • If you have brown patches showing up in your lawn, it could be drought stress with the very low humidity and high daytime temperatures typical of late summer/fall. Make sure these areas are getting adequate water. Now is also good time to spread lawn seed (called overseeding) on trouble spots after aerating the area first. Shari Thomas 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.
leaves turn crimson. Water these weekly in the dog days of summer; extreme heat could make them struggle. Sun to part shade. Oregon grape holly (Mahonia repens) — the spiny leaves resemble holly but are light green when young, becoming darker as they grow older. When cool weather arrives, these leaves turn red-purple in fall. Keep this in a protected site to avoid winterburn. Xeric; shade, zones 3 through 8. Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) — the glossy, spoon-shaped evergreen leaves of this well-behaved native woody plant glow coppery red in fall. Punctuated by clusters of pink flowers in spring and red berries that linger through January, kinnikinnick is a lovely, low maintenance cascade of color ideal on low walls or in Front rocky spaces.
Xeric; shade, zones 2 through 8. Kannah Creek Buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum var.aureum ‘Psdowns’) – it’s easy to see why Plant Select chose this in 2007 to add to their collection: This hardy western native cloaks itself in gorgeous yellow flowers that age into a fine orange tone. The purple red foliage is a perfect pick me up for early winter gardens as the evergreen leaves gradually bronze. Xeric; sun to part shade, zones 3 to 8. Ice plant (Delosperma spp.) – these fleshy, succulent plants are a show stopper in bloom, with pinwheel flowers covering the plant throughout the summer. But once frost arrives the leaves are tinged in reds or purple, keeping winter as interesting as other seasons. Perfect for hot spots and dry winters, ice plants come in a variety of blossom colors. Xeric, full sun, zones 4 to 8.
Carol O’Meara is with CSU Extension in Boulder County. Contact her at 303-678-6238 or comeara@co .boulder.co.us.
Range Gardening
Growing native plants TRUDI MANUEL CSU EXTENSION
Q
uestion: Is it advisable to plant native plants in the fall and could you name several that are hardy here? Answer: Native plants are species that occur naturally in a particular region, state, ecosystem and habitat. Another definition from the Federal Native Plant Conservation Committee is, “A species that develops without direct or indirect human actions.” Examples of native plants in our region are yarrow, wild geraniums, spotted gayfeather (Liatris punctata), bee balm (Monarda fistulosa) and scarlet and blue mist penstemon. It’s advised to buy locally grown stock. Sowing native seeds in the fall is a good idea as many native seeds require a cold period to ensure germination. It helps to mix small seed with sand or dirt to help spread more evenly. For more information on native plant selection, visit the CSU Extension website at www.ext.colostate.edu for Fact Sheets on native trees, shrubs and perennials. Question: Do native plants need special soil and fertilizer when planting and what about
watering requirements? Answer: Native plants generally don’t require amended soils. It your soil is very compacted, loosen it with a fork 8-12 inches deep. Avoid turning over soil as weeds are activated. You’ll need to water natives when soil is dry to a depth of 2-3 inches, but natives are drought resistant when they become established. Once established, water deeply but infrequently. Fertilization is not needed usually as natives are adapted to lean soils. Trudi Manuel 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.
A guide to rock garden plant selection KATHY ROTH CSU EXTENSION
N
ow that Labor Day has come and gone, it is time for fall garden projects. Though nights are getting chilly and approaching the first frost, it is still a perfect time for garden design and construction in Colorado. Is there some area or corner of your yard that presents a challenge to keep plants or grass growing? Maybe it is sloped or terraced? Perhaps it is a difficult area to water? Or maybe it’s faced with difficult exposures — whether it’s a hot, dry southwest exposure or an area that faces northwest and gets the full brunt of our desiccating winds. These are ideal areas to convert to a small rock garden. Not only will it be an excellent use of these tough spots, but a well-planned rock garden can become a focal point and show stopper year round. Peggy Burch, a fellow Larimer County Master Gardener, wrote an article a few weeks ago on how to prepare a site and build a rock garden. Her article is a great reference on rock garden design and is found at Planttalk Script #1115, www.planttalk.org. Plants most suited to put in your rock garden are generally low-growing and have a clumping habit. Planttalk Script #1016 discusses “Perennials for the Rock Garden.” Another resource is CSU Extension Fact Sheet #7.242, “Native Herbaceous Perennials for Colorado Landscapes” found at www.ext.colostate.edu. Native plants are naturally adapted to Colorado’s climate, soil, and weather. Consider attributes like water need, sun exposure and bloom time. Pussytoes, wine cups, sundrops, primrose, mat penstemon, spreading vervain and prairie zinnia are all excellent native choices. Many non-natives also thrive in rock gardens like: iceplant varieties, basket of gold, carpet sedums, creeping phlox, candytuft and rock cress, but there are many others. An entire chapter on “Perennial Groundcovers” is found in Durable Plants for the Garden. This book is the most recent collaboration between CSU, Plant Select,
and the Denver Botanic Gardens. Each page features the plants by name with large, beautiful color photos. Details such as plant height, sun exposure, flower color and bloom period are also listed. It is getting a little late to plant your perennial rock garden plants — perennials should be planted by mid-September so that roots have time to establish before winter. However, if you do plant, just remember to water throughout winter and consider adding an extra layer of mulch around the plants for protection. If you wait, use the winter months to plan which rock garden plants you wish to use when spring arrives. Many rock gardens can be described as “miniature.” When picking out plants, choose diminutive relatives of your hardy favorites. Place these smaller plants so their size accentuates, yet softens, the large stones or boulders by which they are placed. Unless you live in the mountains, the best plant choices are not alpine plants. These plants have adapted to grow above tree line, at high elevations, with cool summer temperatures and continuous snow cover all winter. Better plant choices for those who live in the foothills areas are “saxatile” or “plants that grow on or among rocks” which thrive in meager, welldrained soils that allow roots to penetrate deeply in search of moisture and nutrients. Rich soils actually weaken rock plants; don’t make the mistake by using soil you would use in our vegetable gardens or perennial beds. Plan a visit to the Gardens on Spring Creek (2145 Centre Avenue in Fort Collins) and view their newly opened rock garden. There, you will feel the harmony created among the winding paths of this miniature landscape that evokes images of the rugged terrain you enjoy on weekend hikes. Kathy Roth 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.