Real Estate Matters
www.reporterherald.com • Saturday, September 3, 2011 • Reporter-Herald
Know when you have cause for litigation ILYCE GLINK TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES
Q
uestion: My real estate agent failed to notify me of a valid bid for my property. He claimed to have opened the bid on a Sunday evening and failed to realize the bid expired on the next day at noon. He failed in other areas, as well. He inaccurately filled out the paperwork for the local Board of Realtors, put up inaccurate information on the local MLS, estimated the value of a swimming pool at $70,000 instead of the actual retail price of $46,999, and quibbled with us over whether to list a new park and library within walking distance of our property. He was even going to miss our closing. After all that, but mostly because he missed letting us know about an offer, I terminated the relationship. The new agent sold the house within 120 days, in January, during the housing and mortgage market collapse of 2010. I feel the inept agent owes me. What do you see? Answer: Maybe I'm missing something, but I wonder exactly how you've been damaged in this transaction. Did you sell the property for less than you would have with the original agent? How did you deal with the original agent through all of these mistakes? Did you go to his managing broker to complain and ask for a different agent? How did you even find the agent to begin with? Did you interview several and were you impressed with this person's results? Or, did you pick the first agent in the phone book? For a lawsuit to produce the desired results, you'd have to start by showing that you were somehow damaged by the agent's actions — and that you have a legal right to collect as a result of those actions. A litigator who specializes in real estate cases should be able to help. Question: I wrote to you a few months ago and never thought I would get a response. To my amazement, I was reading your column in Sunday's paper and you answered my letter. Since I wrote you, I was able to sell my mobile home and now have $50,000 in savings plus a 401(k) with $30,000 in it. I also have my emergency fund in place. My mortgage is approximately $600 a month with taxes. If I make an extra principal payment with each payment, I could pay this off in 15 years or sooner if I continue to work. Is this a smart move? Answer: I'm sure you would like to be able to pay off your mortgage. Unfortunately, since you don't have enough cash to pay off the home in full, and can only do so by working and saving so much of your monthly income, paying off your mortgage doesn't seem like a reasonable goal.
Refinancing can save you money
age point. In real numbers, if you had a loan for $200,000, the reduction in interest payments would roughly equate to $1,550 in the first ver the past few years, it year. seems as though everyone For many first-time home purkeeps saying, “now is the chasers, buying now could result in time to buy – interest rates couldn’t avoiding refinancing later on. be any lower.” While this statement Interest rates are still at all-time certainly applies to many first-time lows, no matter what type of buyer home purchases, you should also you are, said David Powell, managing consider this option if you already broker for Re/Max Alliance in Loveown your home. land. The refinancing business has been “There is still a lot of negative perbooming ever since the drastic drops ception out there in the media that in interest rates over the past few makes people think they can’t qualiyears — and with good reason. Fred- fy for a loan,” he said. “Yet what peodie Mac recently released in its quar- ple fail to realize is you never know terly findings on refinancing trends, for sure until you ask.” that three out of four people who rePowell adds that the low interest financed their home in the second rates, coupled with lower market valquarter were able to either maintain ues, has multiplied buying power. or lower their unpaid principal balPeople who had considered buying a ance. home just a few years ago, may now More specifically, 51 percent of all be able to qualify for a loan. “In the aftermath of our nation’s refinanced loans in the second quareconomic problems, we’ve managed ter maintained the same principal to come out ahead by finding tons of balance (meaning less than a 5 pernew ways to help folks buy a home,” cent increase of the unpaid loan Powell said. Whether it’s with down amount) and 26 percent were able to lower their principal balance. The payment assistance programs, or other options, such as no private remaining 23 percent, classified as mortgage insurance, talking to a “cash-out” refinances, increased home mortgage consultant can help their principal balance by at least 5 you determine the loan that works percent or more. Additionally, Freddie Mac’s data re- best for you. In terms of both first-time home ported that the median reduction in purchases and refinances, there’s a interest rates was about 1 percentfew things your mortgage consultant will need to know. Lenders will take many factors into consideration when prequalifying you — factors such as your credit score, your income, other assets and debt, and the value of the property are all taken into consideration. There’s also a multitude of factors that can go into your decision to refinance your home. Powell said the biggest influencing factor is always the interest rate. “No matter what type of loan you have, if you are able to lower your interest payments in any manner, you will save yourself some money,” he said. If any of those base factors have changed since you applied for your
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Re/Max Alliance encourages current and new homeowners to take advantage of low interest rates
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loan, it would be a good idea to consider refinancing. Of course, sometimes the changes in these factors may not always be in your favor. There are also other programs available, such as the government’s Home Affordable Refinance Program, that help prevent foreclosure. This program helps those homeowners who may not be able to refinance, due to decreases in home valuation and are struggling with their current mortgage payment. Powell said the best way to figure out if you can benefit for a refinance or other programs is to start shopping around. You may not always get the best deal with your current lender, and by shopping around you know you will receive the best terms possible. At Re/Max Alliance, Powell adds that their in-house mortgage services, Colorado Mortgage Alliance, are always available and willing to talk to any current homeowners about their refinancing needs. “Our team of home mortgage consultants at Colorado Mortgage Al-
liance work hard to make sure they can help all their clients as best as possible,” Powell said. He adds that CMA has access to many versatile programs, enabling them to help many people in a multitude of ways. Colorado Mortgage Alliance, now one of the largest mortgage firms spanning across the Front Range and Denver, has lenders in each Re/Max Alliance location along the Front Range in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley and Longmont. You can also find more information, such as current mortgage rates, refinancing calculators and more at www.coloradomortgagealliance.com Powell adds that while not everyone may benefit from a refinance, it never hurts to ask. “Based on these statistics from Freddie Mac, more people should be talking to mortgage consultants,” he said. “It would be nonsensical to not pick up the phone and talk to someone, when that phone call could save you $1,500 next year on your mortgage.”
“Based on these statistics ...
more people should be talking
to mortgage consultants.
It would be nonsensical
to not pick up the phone and talk to someone, when that phone call
could save you $1,500 next year
on your mortgage.”
— David Powell, managing broker for Re/Max Alliance in Loveland
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
D2
Saturday Reporter-Herald September 3, 2011
Featured Properties $200,000 - $299,999
UP TO $199,999 OPEN HOUSE SAT 1-3
OPEN SAT. 12-4 PM & SUN. 11-3 PM
OPEN SATURDAY 1 - 3 PM
OPEN HOUSE 1-4PM SATURDAY
ALFORD MEADOWS OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12-3
2640 SE 14th St, Loveland
3314 Apple Ave., Loveland, CO 80538
Peakview Meadows, Berthoud
4453 Pika Dr., Loveland
930 Crabapple, Loveland
PRICE REDUCED!!! Ditch water Available. Bring your Horses. Wonderful ranch style home located on 5.43 acres. 3 bed, 2 ba, 3 car garage. 1/16th share of the Big Thompson Ditch and Manufacturing Company.
Don’t miss this very nicely updated three bedroom, 2 bath and 2 car garage tri- level located near Loveland’s sculpture park and within walking distance to Loveland High and Lake Loveland. Practical and clean home, ready to be occupied with large yard, all fenced. New windows and new paint inside out. No HOA.
Peakview Meadows Sales office open Sat 12-4 and Sunday 11-3 Prices starting at $195,900. 5 Models to choose from.
Move in Ready! 3 bdrms up, main floor bdrm w/3/4 bath, vaulted ceilings, SS appliances, gas stove, main floor laundry. Finished bsmt has bdrm/bath, rec room & Theatre room. Hosted by John 222-9616.
Just Completed! Large covered porch, main floor laundry, open kitchen w/dbl pantries and eating nook, upgrades include wood floors, granite, tile, stone fireplace, 3 car garage. Neighborhood pool.
Todd Murray Century 21 Humpal, Inc 970-290-8899 Todd.Murray@century21.com
Sirmula Lansky Coldwell Banker (970) 691-0468 sirmulacb@aol.com www.coloradohomes.com
Barbara Giesey Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 970-222-4035 barbaragiesey@msn.com www.BarbaraGiesey.com
Dominic East Coldwell Banker (97) 667-4540 dominic@dominiceast.com
Chris Rampone & Leroy Gabriel Century 21 Humpal, Inc 970-481-8168 Leroy 970-430-0845 Chris www.berthoud.org
$400,000 - $499,999
$300,000 - $399,999 BUILDERS MODEL - DAKOTA GLEN OPEN HOUSE 12 TO 4 THURS.-MON. CLOSED LABOR DAY
BUILDERS MODEL-DAKOTA GLEN OPEN HOUSE 12 TO 4 THURS.-MON. CLOSED LABOR DAY
OPEN HOUSE SAT. & SUN. 1-4 PM
3480 Peruvian Torch Drive, Loveland
3464 Peruvian Torch Drive, Loveland, CO
Just West of Loveland 288 Reservoir Drive!
Maintenance FREE* Patio Home-Great open floor plan-Split 3 bdrms - Upgrades and designer tile! Alder doors, trim & cabinets, 5 pc. master bath. Stone fireplace.. 2 1/2 car garage. MLS#611670. $342,500
Looking for Maintenance-FREE* lifestyle? Open floor plan, patio home w/2 bdrms/2 baths, granite kitchen island, backs to green belt with mountain views! Convenient location. MLS#622329. $323,400
Introducing Pittington Ranch! Panoramic views, open floor plans, room for your horses! 90 plus acres of riding space. Model home open! 13 homesites to choose from, starting in mid $400’s.
Venna Hillman ERA Herman Group Glen Marketing 970-663-4522 venna@glencompanies.com www.DakotaGlen.com
We never stop moving:
John Mathey Premier Lifestyle (970) 481-5512 info@pittingtonrach.com www.pittingtonranch.com
Venna Hillman ERA Herman Group/Glen Marketing 970-663-4522 venna@glencompanies.com www.DakotaGlen.com
Visit our website at homeandrealtyguide.com
Online + Print = a Powerful Combination!
sunday
saturday Price
Location
Address
Hours
Office
Phone
$135,000
Loveland
2026 Dove Creek Ct.
1 - 4 PM
RE/MAX Alliance, Jeannine “j9” Gibson
970-689-4824
From the $150,000’s Milliken
110 Traders Lane
12 - 3 PM
The Group Inc., Tracy Wilson
970-567-0907
From $159,900 $229,000
Loveland
1899 East 11th Street
10 AM - 6 PM
Midtown Homes, Wayne Lewis 970-456-4600
Starting at $195,900
Berthoud
Peakview Meadows
11 AM - 3 PM
Century 21 Humpal, Inc., 970-481-8168, Chris Rampone & Leroy Gabriel 970-430-0845
$198,000
Loveland
3314 Apple
1 - 3 PM
Coldwell Banker, Sirmula Lansky
970-691-0468
$199,000
Loveland
2640 SE 14th St.
1 - 3 PM
Century 21 Humpal, Inc., Todd Murray
970-290-8899
From the $200,000’s Loveland
4453 Pika Drive
1 - 4 PM
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Barbara Giesey
970-222-4035
From the $200,000’s Loveland
930 Crabapple
12 - 3 PM
Coldwell Banker, Dominic East
970-667-4540
From the 200,000’s
Windsor
241 Saratoga Drive
1 - 4 PM
The Group Inc., Kelli Couch
970-310-8804
$239,900
Windsor
4607 Pompano Drive
12 - 5 PM
The Group Inc., Kristen Specketer
970-290-8097
$263,000
Loveland
1658 Stove Prairie Circle
12 - 2 PM
The Group Inc., Cindy Kutin
970-391-4735
$264,900
Berthoud
Collins Park Subdivision
1 - 3 PM
REMAX Alliance, Kathy Beadell 970-566-4627
$279,000
Loveland
1529 Dryland Street
11 AM - 1 PM
The Group Inc., Mark Moran
970-218-1891
$323,400
Loveland
3464 Peruvian Torch Drive
12 - 4 PM
ERA Herman Group, Glen Marketing Venna Hillman
970-663-4522
$342,500
Loveland
3480 Peruvian Torch Drive
12 - 4 PM
ERA Herman Group, Glen Marketing Venna Hillman
970-663-4522
$347,900
Loveland
920 Norway Maple
1 - 3 PM
The Group Inc., Rich Gardiner
970-227-0964
302 Lyra Place
1 - 3 PM
The Group Inc., Georgena Arnett
970-481-9801
Open Friday - Sunday Loveland from $357,000 $374,945
Loveland
4790 Wisconsin Avenue
12 - 3 PM
The Group Inc., Tracy Wilson
970-567-0907
$400,000
Loveland
288 Reservoir Drive-Pittington Ranch
1 - 4 PM
Premier Lifestyle Realty, John Mathey
970-481-5512
$425,000
Loveland
535 Marcellina
1:30 - 3:30 PM
RE/MAX Alliance, Don Riedel
970-679-8265
$450,000
Loveland
2009 Morning Drive
12 - 2 PM
The Group Inc., John Simmons 970-481-1250
To add a listing or speak to an advertising representative, call the Reporter-Herald at 669-5050
Phone
Price
Location
Address
Hours
Office
From $159,900 $229,000
Loveland
1899 East 11th Street
10 AM - 6 PM
Midtown Homes, Wayne Lewis 970-456-4600
$188,000
Loveland
3255 Adelaide Place
1 - 3 PM
The Group Inc., Diane Iwanicki 970-412-7082
Starting at $195,900
Berthoud
Peakview Meadows
11 AM - 3 PM
Century 21 Humpal, Inc., Chris 970-481-8168, 970-430-0845 Rampone & Leroy Gabriel
930 Crabapple
12 - 3 PM
Coldwell Banker, Dominic East
970-667-4540
From the $200,000’s Loveland From the 200,000’s
Windsor
241 Saratoga Drive
1 - 4 PM
The Group Inc., Kelli Couch
970-310-8804
$239,900
Loveland
1506 Gloria
1 - 3 PM
ERA Tradewind Real Estate, Rodney Carlson
303-684-6321
$239,900
Windsor
4607 Pompano Drive
12 - 5 PM
The Group Inc., Kristen Specketer
970-290-8097
$264,900
Berthoud
Collins Park Subdivision
1 - 3 PM
REMAX Alliance, Kathy Beadell 970-566-4627
$323,400
Loveland
3464 Peruvian Torch Drive
12 - 4 PM
ERA Herman Group, Glen Marketing Venna Hillman
970-663-4522
$342,500
Loveland
3480 Peruvian Torch Drive
12 - 4 PM
ERA Herman Group, Glen Marketing Venna Hillman
970-663-4522
$347,900
Loveland
920 Norway Maple
1 - 3 PM
The Group Inc., Rich Gardiner
970-227-0964
302 Lyra Place
1 - 3 PM
The Group Inc., Georgena Arnett
970-481-9801
Open Friday - Sunday Loveland from $357,000 $400,000
Loveland
288 Reservoir Drive-Pittington Ranch
1 - 4 PM
Premier Lifestyle Realty, John Mathey
970-481-5512
$525,000
Loveland
2951 Culebra Peak Drive
1:30 - 3:30 PM
RE/MAX Alliance, Don Riedel
970.669.1234
For details about these open houses, see the ads in this section. For additional open house listings, please check the “Real Estate Classifieds” section of this publication. This guide is brought to you by the Daily Reporter-Herald, local real estate agents and area builders.
WWW.HOMEANDREALTYGUIDE.COM •CLICK ON
OPEN HOUSE MAPS
Saturday Reporter-Herald September 3, 2011 D3
Home & Real Estate is produced every Saturday by the Loveland Reporter-Herald. EDITORIAL INFORMATION 635-3656 DISPLAY ADVERTISING 669-5050 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 635-3650
Regional Snapshot for Loveland/Berthoud Residential
Mortgage rate update 30-year fixed
This week Last week Trend
May
June
July
Active Listings Previous Year Active Listings
1004 1117
973 1101
938 1092
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
3.75%
4.19%
no change
15-year fixed
3.50%
3.43%
no change
5/1 ARM
2.99%
2.92%
Sold Listings
no change
Median Sales Price Previous Year Median
For home and real estate advice, features and information, visit www.homeandrealtyguide.com
$208,958 $238,000
H&RE Real Estate Matters
Fence matters indicate wrong property line
ILYCE GLINK TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES
if you find that the survey seems to accurately depict where your house is located on your lot, your neighbor’s surveyor may have made a mistake in preparing the newer survey. If the suruestion: We found out that the proper- veyor made a mistake, he or she can review ty line between my home and my your documents to determine what description neighbors’ home is different from what should be used for the survey of the fence. the builder said when he sold us our home. If you don’t have a survey from the time you Our neighbor had a survey done to put up a purchased your home, and if you were able to fence. During the survey, they came over and double-check and confirm that the legal deinformed us that according to what was regisscription used by the surveyor for your neightered with the county, our “zigzag” property bor’s land is correct, then you have a bigger line is off by 3 feet and goes over to the middle problem than you imagine. of our back yard. Oh, and my septic tank apTo answer your first question, the county may pears to be on my neighbor’s lot. not have a responsibility to fix any issues relatHow in the world did the county sign off on ing to the construction of your home or its lopermits and zoning that allowed my house to cation on the lot. But the county can still come be 3 feet from the property line and my septic after you if your home does not comply with tank being on my neighbors’ property? How the applicable building laws and zoning redo we go about getting this issue fixed? Can quirements – in some cases even if the county we simply have a surveyor draw a new line, signed off on original building plans and zoning have both parties sign some document, and changes. register the new document with the county? If you and your neighbor are in complete Can we get the county to help us fix this probagreement as to how you would want your lem? property line to be drawn, you would have to Answer: Before you run out and start signing start with a surveyor to draw that line exactly. documents, you need to figure out what you Then, you’d have to have a land swap between own and what your neighbor owns. When you the two of you. purchased your home, you should have received You’d have to convey some of your land to the deed that transferred title to the home to your neighbor and your neighbor would do the you, along with a title insurance policy and sursame for you. However, frequently a land swap vey. of that type may need added approvals by your The deed to your home contains basic informunicipality and other agencies. And, in some mation to convey title from the builder to you: cases, you might be required to go before certhe name of the seller, your name, the address tain municipal boards to get their approval for of your home, the property tax parcel number the swap. and a legal description. That legal description You and your neighbor would both be advised describes the legal boundaries for your properto hire an attorney that specializes in zoning ty. and real estate issues to help you out. Sometimes these descriptions are brief and In addition, you and your neighbor would describe that, say, the buyer is buying lot one in have to get the consent to your swap from each a particular subdivision; there may be an additional paragraph or two. In other cases, the le- of your lenders. If you don’t get the lenders ingal description takes you from a starting point volved, part of the loan that you have would enwith certain coordinates, and those coordinates cumber your neighbor’s land and vice versa. You would never want to be in a position where take you step by step around your land until your neighbor’s loan goes into default and foreyou get back to the point of beginning. closure and that lender would have a right to In either case, the legal description on your sell some of your land along with his. You’d deed must match exactly with the legal deneed to clean up any issues with your mortscription that is listed on your title insurance gages and your loans at the time of the land policy and the survey you received when you swap – and getting lenders to cooperate on purchased your home. that issue might not be easy. The title insurance policy is the document isFinally, you’ll need to make sure that the govsued by the closing agent or title company that ernment agency that prepares the real estate guarantees your ownership to the land, subject assessments for your and your neighbor’s propto certain matters listed on that policy. The survey is the document that depicts the land you purchased. It’s a document that shows the boundaries of your land, For more information, call and where your home and other imGlink’s radio show at provements are located on the land. 800-972-8255 on Sundays If you have the survey, your deed from 9 to 10 a.m., write to Real and the title insurance policy from Estate Matters Syndicate, P.O. your purchase, review these docuBox 366, Glencoe, IL 60022 or ments and make sure that the legal visit www.thinkglink.com. descriptions in all of the documents match each other. If the legal descriptions match, and
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erty knows that the land swap has occurred, so that each of you will be assessed for the land that you own after the swap. If all that seems too complicated, and you and your neighbor are content with the way each of you owns your land and the way things were, and there are no other legal issues with your boundary that could cause problems with municipal authorities, you and your neighbor could enter into an reciprocal easement agreement that would allow your neighbor to put the fence up where you both decide, allow you to keep your septic tanks where they currently
EExperience Counts, Especially Now! Ex Featured Properties OPEN SATURDAY 1:30 3:30
Don A. Riedel RE/MAX ALLIANCE
970.679.8265 cell
970.669.1234
NORTHERN COLORADO HOMES
535 MARCELLINA, LOVELAND
(Mariana Glen) Superb 2 story, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 fireplaces, awesome kitchen and breakfast nook, formal dining, a master suite guaranteed to make you feel like royalty, fully finished basement done “right” and an oversized 3 car garage with an awesome workbench setup.
OPEN SUNDAY 1:30 3:30
2951 CULEBRA PEAK DR, LOVELAND
(Seven Lakes North) The ranch you have been waiting for!! One of Loveland’s best! 4,422 sq ft nearly all finished with a huge 27 x 47 family room, plus a gathering room off the kitchen with cozy fireplace, 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, and a 3 car garage. Beautiful deck/gazebo overlooking a .44 acre lot. Neighborhood lake access too! $525,000 MLS #663378
$425,000 MLS #663870
office
driedel@remax.net www.RiedelGroup.com 5548 STONE CHURCH CT, LOVELAND
(Mariana Cove) Simply one of Loveland’s best neighborhoods and one of Loveland’s best 2 story homes. Sited on a 1/3rd acre lot that overlooks substaintial open space areas. 4,218 sq ft all finished to the “nth” degree. The walk out basement and patio provide privacy and views. $450,000 MLS # 659284
Real Estate Matters
NEW
are, and obligate you to maintain your septic system. As a practical matter, you and your neighbor could live on your properties as you have for the last several years. If you find out, however, that your seller failed to do something to change the lot lines, and if you find other obstacles that prevent you from moving forward in an amicable way with your neighbor, you may have to dig deeper into the documents and the development of your parcel, and hire a real estate attorney to help sort out your problem.
2001 PONDEROSA PLACE, LOVELAND
(Namaqua Hills) 360 degrees view. Spectacular “Loveland at night” view and westerly views for 50 miles or more. Huge rooms, LR 32 x 20, DR 19 x 20, KIT 31 x 16, MBRM 21 X 17, Quality “Anderson” windows, 2 fireplaces (lower one is stone), 4+ car garage and RV parking. $595,000 MLS # 656245
Loveland, Colorado • $3,000 BUYER CREDIT NEW HOMES MONTHLY PAYMENTS FROM • STARTING AT $999 $159,900 - $229,900 • OVER 10 MODELS • CONNECTED TO CITY TRAIL
GREAT VALUE GREAT COMMUNITY GREAT LOCATION
New Construction
Sales Office Open 10-6 Daily
1899 East 11th Street, Loveland, CO 80537 Phone: (970) 456-4600 info@newmidtownhomes.com www.newmidtownhomes.com 17-326536
FHA Approved Community
Priced from $210K
Priced from $270K
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!
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Saturday Reporter-Herald September 3, 2011
H&RE Front Range Gardening
Age never a factor in obtaining a mortgage MARCIE GEFFNER BANKRATE.COM
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sk mortgage banker Michael Becker the age of his oldest-ever mortgage client, and he’ll tell you: 97. “She was lucid, owned her house outright and had retirement income,� says Becker, of WCS Funding Group in Lutherville, Md. “She was helping out her son.� While 97 might seem old to be getting a mortgage, age is never a factor in a loan approval. In fact, it’s illegal for lenders to discriminate against borrowers on that basis, Becker says. Age is a protected category within the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, a federal law that also bars credit discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status or receipt of public assistance benefits. Regardless of the borrower’s age, sufficient income will be required to obtain a mortgage, Becker says. Some elderly people still earn paychecks or are self-employed. Others qualify using nonemployment sources of income, such as Social Security benefits, a corporate, government or military pension, capital gains from investments, interest income or property rents. “If you’re old and living on a fixed income, you may have trouble qualifying for a mortgage,� Becker says. “But I’ve seen it happen.� Most older homeowners own their home free and clear and don’t want a new mortgage, says Mark Given, a Realtor and seniors real estate specialist with Coldwell Banker Advantage in Littleton, N.C. But he adds that some older homebuyers are more receptive to financing
than they might have been in the past because they’re reluctant to part with cash reserves. “Maybe they’re getting a 15-year mortgage, anticipating they’ll pay it off when they can,� he says. Still, a mortgage isn’t necessarily a good idea for an elderly person because there are risks as well as benefits, according to Michael Halloran, a wealth management adviser at Estate Strategies Group in Jacksonville, Fla., and past president of the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils. One risk is that seniors living on a fixed income might not be able to make monthly payments, even if they can meet the lender’s guidelines. “The main question is: Do they have the cash flow to pay for a mortgage?� Halloran says. Another concern, specific to married couples, is that the death of a spouse can cause a significant reduction in household income, making a payment unaffordable in the future. Add inflation or an adjustable rate to the equation, and an income squeeze becomes an even greater risk. Rising property taxes, living costs or interest rates can make a mortgage quite uncomfortable for seniors who have fixed incomes or who want to protect their assets for their heirs. “If a mortgage could erode their wealth because of a change in interest rates, I wouldn’t advise it,� Halloran says. One more risk is fraud. Foreclosure rescue scams, inappropriate reverse mortgages and bogus home-improvement refinancing grab the headlines, but any type of loan can expose an elderly person to financial abuse.
Fall Gardening chores CAROL O'MEARA CSU EXTENSION
P
erfect gardeners are those that work with the rhythm of the seasons, rolling with the vagaries of the weather. Rain or sun doesn’t ruffle their feathers; they simply are one with the Earth and its little mood swings. I am not a perfect gardener. If I were, the lingering heat wave wouldn’t bother me. But I’m shocked at the temperatures whenever I step outside, my mind insisting that Mother Nature is going to have to use the same calendar as the rest of us, darn it, and start cooling off. Now that we’re into September, it’s time to start planning for fall, not hosting a pool party. Each season brings with it a list of chores that promote good plant health, and in fall, perennial beds and borders should be rejuvenated with a little late season planting and cleanup. Local garden centers offer an excellent assortment of these long-lived plants, bringing in fresh material for shoppers’ delight. “People come in this time of year dismayed because nothing is blooming; they think they’ll add color,� says Connie Smith, Manager at Sturtz and Copeland in Boulder. “Others know fall’s a good time to plant if you get it in during September. But it’s still pretty darned hot, so water them carefully after they’re in.� The 20year veteran of gardening also encourages people to plan to winter water plants, especially their first year in the ground. Cleaning up after plants stop growing for the season removes insects, their eggs and any diseases that over-winter on fallen leaves. But in good gardener fashion, there are several schools of thought on how to care for perennial beds in fall. For those who like their beds tidy, cutting back the foliage once it is dead gives it a neat appearance throughout the winter. Others subscribe to the “do-it-later� tack of leaving all the plants in place, frozen into a winter tableau of browned leaves, spent seed heads and dried flowers. Both techniques have pros and cons; cutting some perennials back will open up stems to drying winds of winter and accelerate winter-kill, while leaving dead, decomposing plants in the garden increases risk of
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7803 Windsong Rd Windsor $880,000
Beautiful and spacious executive home. Attached 4 car garage perfect for showcasing automobiles. Extensive upgrades include Brazilian maple/cherry ooring, imported tile, iron inset railing. Panoramic mountain views, only minutes from I-25. Over 2 acre lot. Also includes a 3,000 sq ft. heated workshop/barn. Up to 7 garage spaces in the barn or expand the workshop. MLS# 663034
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spreading disease. Hedge your bets by cutting some perennials back after it dies to the ground but leave ornamental grasses, seed heads of Rudbeckia, Echinacea or poppies until late winter for texture and food for birds. If you do this, leave only healthy plants standing; if they’re diseased, remove them and throw them out. Leaving your plant clean up until spring allows the plant to capture more snow, funneling moisture to the soil. Snow, along with mulch, gathered at the base of plants sitting close to each other in a winter garden also gives them some added protection from wind. After the ground freezes, apply mulch to stabilize soil temperature and prevent alternate freezing and thawing of soil, which can lift crowns above soil levels. Dig and store tender summer flowering bulbs and corms after frost has nipped the foliage and leaves are blackened. Gladiolas, cannas and caladiums need to be lifted and kept in a cool location through winter. Dig carefully to avoid injuring corms since wounds are often entry points for disease organisms. Clip off and destroy plant tops immediately, then let the bulbs dry for a few days before storing them in a cool, dry area. Our Colorado Master Gardener program in Boulder County is currently taking applications for the spring class. If you are interested in helping others garden, the Colorado Master Gardener program is for you. Classes run January through March and will be held every Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please contact the Colorado State University Extension Office in Boulder County, at 303-678-6238, to receive an application.
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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110 Traders Lane, Milliken Pick your own ďŹ xtures, 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.
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3255 Adelaide Place, Loveland Beautiful end unit town home in Hunter’s Run. 2-story, kitchen has SS appliances, tile backsplash, wood oors, maple cabinets and pantry. Upstairs loft is perfect for ofďŹ ce or exercise room. Master has 2 closets, huge tiled tub, fantastic shower & double sinks. UnďŹ nished basement. Home looks out to landscaped open space. Stop by today!
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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.
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241 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 ďŹ nish! Extraordinary oor plans – Ranch & 2-Story. Lots available on Windsor Lake! Visit our Sales Center at 690 Moonglow Drive or call for a personalized showing today!
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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-efďŹ cient on oversized lots! Visit our models for other plans available starting at $239,900.
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920 Norway Maple, Loveland New custom home by Troendly Construction. Ranch w/2 bedrooms & den on main level. Bdrm, bath & family room ďŹ nished in basement. Tandem 3 car garage. Nice ďŹ nishes included granite, Alder cabinets & stainless steel appliances. Fully landscaped w/auto sprinklers. Move in ready see this lovely home today.
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970-310-8804
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302 Lyra Place, Loveland Colorado Craftsman Style Home! Hardwood oors, 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.
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1658 Stove Prairie Circle, Loveland Stucco ranch style home with an inviting tile entry. Great room w/gas ďŹ replace opens to kitchen & breakfast nook. Tharp cabinetry, slab granite counters w/full tile backsplash & hardwood oors. Master w/5-pc bath & large walk-in closet opposite 2 guest bedrooms. Formal dining room. Central air. UnďŹ nished bsmt. Private patio.
$263,000
MLS# 663127
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391-4735
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4790 Wisconsin Avenue, Loveland Energy Star Rated & Built Green Home! Tharp cabinets, 3cm granite, huge walk-in pantry, gas cooktop, vent hood, built-in oven, microwave, refrigerator. Solid wood doors, wood trim & custom tile work. Finished basement w/wet bar & ďŹ replace. Finished, insulated 3 car garage w/work bench & epoxy sealed oor.
$279,000
$287,296
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MLS# 624979
218-1891
MLS# 661199
290-8097
MLS# 654230
227-0964
MLS# 657756
481-9801
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2009 Morning Drive, Loveland Spectacular Views – COMPLETELY Remodeled on 1.48 acres. Private, peaceful & serene mountain feeling, yet the convenience of paved roads, natural gas, city water & public sewer. All-season sunroom w/ radiant heat. Upgrades include iron railing, wood oors, highend ďŹ nishes, granite counters, SS appliances....
$450,000
MLS# 661575
Call John Simmons 481-1250
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MLS# 658861
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Saturday Reporter-Herald September 3, 2011 D5
H&RE Real Estate Transactions Real Estate Transactions are supplied by Prospects Unlimited Inc., 1151 Eagle Drive No. 467, Loveland, CO 80537, 667-1537.
Loveland
• William Ververs from Ida Alexander, 2380 Opal Ct, Loveland, $140,000, home • Douglas & Janice Harbe from William Valasek, 7612 W County Road 20, Loveland, $455,000, home • Kevin & Connie Cook from Gary Foster, 2252 Ulmus Dr, Loveland, $179,900, home • Timothy & Heidi Miller from Frazer Revocable Family Trust, 4412 Creekwood Dr, Loveland, $252,000, home • Curtis & Marsha Zimmerman from HJ Bell Constr Inc, 956 Pegasus Ct, Loveland, $215,800, home • Timothy Moeller from David Jauregui, 1775 Twin Lakes Cir, Loveland, $185,000, home • Jared & Jennifer Ridenour from Craig Kiebler, 4909 Otero Ave, Loveland, $289,900, home • Ahmad Shirazi from Loveland Southwest LLC, 100 Sw 12th St, Loveland, $750,000, home • Russell Stringham from Rocky Mountain Investment Grou, 336 Scenic Dr, Loveland, $269,000, home • Gary Foster from Paul Schwerdtfeger, 3555 Leopard St, Loveland, $248,000, home • Dean & Barbara Dobbins from Dale Boehner, 735 Beaver Cove Ct, Loveland, $865,000, home • Niki Jakobitz from David Bovie, 3420 Red Maple Ct, Loveland, $227,500, home • Joyce Parks from Helen Brown, 1100 Taft Ave Unit 36, Loveland, $147,500, condo • Ultimate LLC from Eric Chappell, 4009 Ash Ave, Loveland, $120,000, home • Craig & Amanda Cameron from Aspen Homes Colorado Inc, 4443 Elliot Pl, Loveland, $215,000, home • Sarah Westerbuhr from Aspen Homes Colorado Inc, 4439 Hayler Ave, Loveland, $385,600, home • Jodee McCloughan from Jean Compeau, 2070 Manitou Ct Unit 106, Loveland, $162,500, condo • Emma Houser from Edward Elshof, 1100 Taft Ave Unit 35, Loveland, $144,500, condo • David & Ellen Kisker from Larry Heckel, 6681 Apache Rd, Loveland, $120,000, home • Christopher Wagner from Donal Jackson, 2456 Mary Beth Ct, Loveland, $207,000, home • Derald & Naoma Pechin from Dorothy Lutz, 1512 Florida Dr, Loveland, $225,000, home • Judith & Gregory Oehmen from Mel Joyce Rossi Living Trust, 5145 Coral Burst Cir, Loveland, $335,000, home • John & Vicki New from Dorothy Thurman, 2295 Security Ct, Loveland, $180,000, home • William & Cathy Cahill from RR Homes Lov Inc, 1635 Rhode Island St, Loveland, $384,900, home • Robert Beekman from Angelica Perino, 404 Chestnut Dr, Loveland, $158,900, home • Roy & Anna Nitschke from R Dale Adams Trust, 1904 Leila Dr, Loveland, $185,000, home • Marlowe Stein from Lisa Rachlin, 2019 Grays Peak Dr Unit 102, Loveland, $115,000, condo • David & Amanda Brigham from Michael Schroetlin, 5176 Fallgold Dr, Loveland, $625,000, home
• Rochele Eddins from Lavern Tjaden, 235 W Eisenhower Blvd, Loveland, $124,900, home • Michael & Michelle Truex from William Bent, 6241 Sea Gull Cir, Loveland, $245,000, home • James & Sandra Petersen from Hector Bermudez, 811 S Van Buren Ave, Loveland, $178,000, home • Dennis & Lorraine Janson from Custom Onsite Inc, 4686 Dillon Ave, Loveland, $203,700, home • Barbara & Tommy Lobato from Teri Danielson, 2187 Monte Vista Cir, Loveland, $290,000, home • Brian Kelly from Dmell LLC, 1111 Jennifer Dr, Loveland, $140,000, home • Michael & Judy Franze from RR Homes Lov Inc, 4710 Georgetown Dr, Loveland, $348,900, home • Kenneth & Judith Jackson from Lanette Spotanski, 2229 Woody Creek Cir, Loveland, $305,000, home • Michaelle Thorn from Bank America, 702 W 29th St, Loveland, $420,000, home • Charles Reddick from Michael Clark, 155 Johnson Dr, Loveland, $174,000, home • John & Joan Tadlock from Barbara Ericson, 1920 Canterbury Ct, Loveland, $233,000, home • Sandra Strine from Sw 16th Financial Trust, 832 16th St Sw, Loveland, $156,000, home • John & Sara Turner from Keith Turney, 3402 Windsor Ct, Loveland, $320,000, home
Berthoud
• Willis & Staci Wetzler from Utes Real Estate Co, 436 W Weld County Road 10e, Berthoud, $172,500, home • Francis & Karin Thompson from John Hammel, 4980 Getaway Dr, Berthoud, $670,000, home
Estes Park
• Colleen Wittstruck from Vickie Cody, 170 Stanley Circle Dr, Estes Park, $259,000, home • Don & Pam Peterson from Doris E Wagner Trust, 1361 Raven Cir, Estes Park, $293,000, home • Dalyn Schmitt from Demitros Joint Revocable Trust, 1440 Bluebell Dr, Estes Park, $325,000, home • Anna Powers from Marketto Family Trust, 2710 Longs Trl, Estes Park, $269,900, home • Donald & Allison Rice from Sloan Investments LLC, 800 Macgregor Ave Unit F1, Estes Park, $285,000, condo • Ward & Patricia Nelson from Edward McKee Living Trust, 150 Boyd Ln, Estes Park, $271,000, home • Jeffrey Legler from Don Peterson, 920 Old Ranger Dr, Estes Park, $350,000, home • Zachary & Scott Miller from Fannie Mae, 2516 Pine Meadow Dr, Estes Park, $218,000, home • Jerrold Brown from Jonathan Whitlock, 1451 Matthew Cir, Estes Park, $258,000, home
Plan, prepare then plant a tree properly
Milliken
• William Whaley from Farmers Bank, 295 W Forest St, Milliken, $150,000, home
Windsor
• Keith Mutz from Bank New York Mellon, 1409 Boardwalk Dr, Windsor, $160,000, home • Laura Sizemorewilliam from Dtlt LLC, 909 Conifer Ct Unit A1, Windsor, $119,000, condo • Patrick Macken from Bruce Gorze, 70 Lodgepole Dr, Windsor, $123,000, home • Christopher & Erin Vegter from Gustavo Lechuga, 108 Poudre Bay, Windsor, $264,000, home • Tisha & Scott Wernersbach from Melody Homes Inc, 631 Camberly Ct, Windsor, $260,000, home • Randy Marlow from Saint Aubyn Homes LLC, 602 Babine Ct, Windsor, $239,400, home • Scott Strader from Savant Homes Inc, 8745 Blackwood Dr, Windsor, $420,800, home • Thomas & Anna Bell from Aspen Leaf Construction LLC, 7291 Caledonian Ct, Windsor, $464,900, home • James & Tamra Beach from Robyn Esch Robyn, 6676 Royal Country Down Dr, Windsor, $500,000, home • Robert & Nicholle Peralta from Andrew Higa, 1265 Ridge West Dr, Windsor, $420,000, home • Ferd & Monique Anderson from Highpoint Vista LLC, 6025 Stone Chase Ct, Windsor, $135,000, home • Andrew & Tracey Davis from Strathmore Homes I Inc, 7005 Royal Country Down Dr, Windsor, $419,000, home • Meghan & Sean Malone from Fed Home Loan Mtg Corp, 4 Aspen Ln, Windsor, $152,000, home • Scott & Keslie Astley from Saint Aubyn Homes LLC, 633 Shoshone Ct, Windsor, $279,600, home • William & Zeta Gray from Mark Weeks, 518 Lakewood Ct, Windsor, $384,900, home
KATHY VAN MULLEKOM DAILY PRESS
B
efore planting a tree make sure you know how to do it properly, advise tree experts. The way you plant a tree governs how it grows or dies. For example, girdling roots strangle a tree, and roots planted too deeply suffocate a tree. Here’s how to correctly plant a tree, courtesy the International Society of Arboriculture and the website TreesAreGood.com.
PREPARE THE PERFECT HOLE Dig the hole two to three times the width of the root ball. Do not dig deeper than root ball depth. Make the sides of the hole slant gradually outward. • For bare root trees, neatly cut away any broken or damaged roots. Soak the roots for a few hours prior to planting to allow them to absorb water. • Container-grown trees should have the plastic or metal containers completely removed. Carefully cut through any circling roots. Remove the top half of pressed peat/paper containers. • Balled and Burlapped ("B&B") trees should have all of the ropes cut. Pull the burlap at least one third of the way down. Slit remaining burlap to encourage root growth. If in a wire basket, cut away the top of the basket.
PLANT THE TREE Gently place the tree in the hole. Partially backfill with the soil from the hole, water to settle the soil, then finish back-filling the hole. Tamp the soil gently, but do not step on the root ball.
PLANTING POINTERS • Remove tags and labels. • Do not stake unless the tree has a large crown or the planting is situated on a site where wind or people may push the tree over. Stake for a maximum of one year. • Prune only the damaged branches. • Soak the soil well, making sure no air pockets form between roots. Wait until next year to fertilize. • Spread 2 inches of mulch over the planting area, but do not place it up against the trunk. •Be sure the root ball has plenty of water throughout the year. For additional information on planting and tree care topics, or to find a local ISA Certified Arborist, visit www.treesaregood.com.
750 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland
669-1234
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OPEN SATURDAY 1 4 PM 2026 Dove Creek Ct, Loveland
WOW!!! You won’t BELIEVE the differences this home has from ALL the others in the neighborhood! Completely remodeled kitchen, with the W/D moved out & upstairs by the bedrooms. Central A/C. HURRY! $135,000 | MLS #664273
Call Jeannine “j9” Gibson 689-4824
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PRICE REDUCED 2821 Glendevey Dr, Loveland
Updated tri-level on a large lot backing to private open space. 3+ bedrooms, 4 baths, fireplace, hardwood, vaulted ceilings, very open floor plan. New furnace & A/C. VIEWS! $240,000 | MLS #654946
Call Julie Stinson
PRICE REDUCED 227 Johnson Drive, Loveland
SW Loveland - Awesome 2 story in Meadowbrook Heights! 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths finished basement, master bedroom 5 piece suite, master bedroom deck, gas fireplace, central air & a 3 car attached garage all on a quiet street. $239,500 | MLS #638800
Call Julie Stinson
622-1809
622-1809
JUST LISTED 4230 Julesberg Dr, Loveland
JUST LISTED 2629 N Gilpin Ave, Loveland
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Johnstown
• Jamie & Jessica Croteau from Oakwood Homes LLC, 5127 Ridgewood Dr, Johnstown, $289,900, home • Robin & Michael Papp from Baessler Constr Co Inc, 478 Frontier Ln, Johnstown, $187,200, home • Matthew Bachicha from William Chatel, 4313 Onyx Pl, Johnstown, $195,000, home • Charles Sheppard from Jeffrey Tippets, 230 Wyss St, Johnstown, $310,000, home
JUST LISTED 4228 Foothills Dr, 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! $217,000 | MLS #663578
Ranch w/ garden level bsmt, 4 Bd, 3 Baths, new carpet, 5 pc bath, new roof, A/C, sprinklers, fenced yard, great condition, ready to move in, close to schools, parks, great NW location. $219,900| MLS #664312
Like a patio home without HOA. New decor paint. 1/2 duplex, 3BR, Master oversize shower, kitchen door to covered private patio. Large backyard, ample storage in garage. You’ll feel right at home! Newer furnace. $159,900 | MLS #664129
Call Franci Wunderlich
Call Kathy Beadell
Call Jan Thayer
YourHouseInColorado.com
beadell@rmfa.com
team@janthayer.com
667-1828
290-1798
215-0880
D6
Saturday Reporter-Herald September 3, 2011
Make a productive home landscape Enjoy fresh food year-round by adding edibles to your yard MAUREEN GILMER SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE
W
hile studying horticulture decades ago, there was a clear division between the "ornamental" students and the "agricultural" ones. With organic gardening now mainstream, these two polar camps are coming together. Designers are looking to add food plants to both their residential and institutional projects. To do this, they are looking more closely at varieties that have evolved throughout the last 20 years to make food plants better suited to the landscape. The result is a more productive home landscape without sacrificing any of its beauty. It is a place where we are considering many food plants in lieu of very similar ornamental ones. For example, design classes emphasized fruitless cherries, plums and pears to bring spring color into ornamental gardens. They were some of our most widely used landscape trees, and remain so to this day. But now we ask: Why grow a fruit tree if it doesn't fruit? Let's consider Bradford and Kawakamii pears, two long-standing fruitless pears. They are so similar to gourmet Seckel or Bosc pear trees, and just as easy to grow. Only with fruiting versions you enjoy spring flowers, summer fruit
SHNS /Couresty Maureen Gilmer
The cascading growth of prostrate rosemary brings this popular herb into the ornamental garden as a groundcover.
SHNS /Courtesy Maureen Gilmer
Fennel, a beautiful ornamental, offers foliage, bulb and seed for use in the kitchen.
and fall color. What makes fruiting trees even more useful is that the same variety can be purchased in dwarf, semi-dwarf and full-sized trees. Such variation offers a size suited to both small spaces or an average yard. Artichokes are large perennials with truly lovely foliage. Their large, deeply cut leaves are silver in color and stand out crisply against dark or vivid backgrounds. The strong stalks that rise from the plants produce the flower bud that we love to eat, scale by scale. The buds are attractive in their own right, but if left on the plant to mature, the result is a gorgeous
blue thistlelike flower the size of a softball. In this case, you can enjoy foliage, food and flower all in one plant. Another plant with multiple crops is fennel, because virtually every bit of it is edible. This is a beautiful, drought-resistant perennial that bears very finely textured foliage to create a cloudlike mass. Forms sold as Purpurea or Nigra bear attractive bronze foliage that is outstanding in the perennial garden. The plant's flavor is that of anise and vital to Mediterranean cooking. Foliage is easily snipped to add depth to all sorts of fresh summer dishes and salads. Fennel also produces a bulb at the base from which the stems rise, much like fine celery. The thick, corrugated bases are quite tasty, particularly when lightly sauteed in olive oil. When fennel blooms, it resembles dill with tall umbels of small golden flowers. Even the seed is valued, as it is the most intensely anise-flavored part of the plant. Plants like rosemary are a great alternative to ordinary shrubs, particularly in the dry garden. This tough shrub is extremely heat-resistant and virtually nothing kills it but excessive wet in poorly drained soils. There are varieties that differ in proportion, though all bloom blue-violet. For very small gardens, creeping rosemary makes a great alternative as a groundcover. Identical to its full-sized cousin, this one is favored for cascading down the outside of raised planters.
Top 20 Edible and Ornamental Plants for Landscaping • Artichoke • Asparagus • Banana • Citrus • Currant • Fig • Grape • Kiwi • Lavender • Natal Plum • Olive • Oregano • Pineapple Guava • Pomegranate • Raspberry and Bramble Fruits • Rosemary • Stone fruits (apple, pear) • Strawberry • Sweet Bay laurel • Thyme
It really goes without saying that grapes belong in gardens because this fast-growing vine makes quick shade for outdoor living areas. Rather than a wisteria, plant table grapes that dangle fruit instead of flowers; you'll enjoy vivid autumn color at season's end. You'll even have grapevine runners to cut during the dormant season to fashion into free wreaths and garlands. If you're planning a new landscape or revising an existing one, use this list of plants to inspire you to make it more productive. Integrate them into your plan to make the landscape beautiful, and enjoy fruit, vegetables, herbs and garnishes for many years to come.
SHNS /Couresty Maureen Gilmer
The foliage and buds of artichokes thrive in this perennial border beside foxgloves.
Maureen Gilmer is an author, horticulturist and landscape designer. Learn more at www.MoPlants.com. Contact her at mogilmer@yahoo.com.
SHNS /Courtesy Maureen Gilmer
Table grapes grown on an overhead arbor offer shade and food, as well as vivid autumn foliage color.