Just Sold! Historic East Old Town Longmont – 430 Emery St.
Congratulations to our Seller who Just Sold
her darling Historic Eastside home in Longmont.
430 Emery St.
Longmont, CO 80501
Local Longmont: Downtown Longmont streets will be Closed on Saturday for ArtWalk!
Several downtown Longmont streets will be closed to traffic Saturday for ArtWalk, an evening of art, music, children's activities, exhibitions, music, and more!
Photo Credit: Longmont Times Call, Russell Sample, 5, paints a picture during ArtWalk in downtown Longmont
Closures as follows:
Main Street will be closed between Third and Longs Peak avenues between 3 and 9 p.m.
Southbound traffic will detour at Ninth Avenue and northbound traffic at Third Avenue.
Also, Fourth Avenue will be closed from Main Street to the alley east of Main from 1:30 to 9 p.m., and from Main west to Coffman Street from 3 to 9 p.m.
Fifth Avenue is to be closed from Main to the alley to the east from 2 to 9 p.m., and from Main Street to the alley west from 2 to 9 p.m.
Visit http://artwalklongmont.org/ for more information!
Photo Credit: Longmont Times Call, Russell Sample, 5, paints a picture during ArtWalk in downtown Longmont
Closures as follows:
Main Street will be closed between Third and Longs Peak avenues between 3 and 9 p.m.
Southbound traffic will detour at Ninth Avenue and northbound traffic at Third Avenue.
Also, Fourth Avenue will be closed from Main Street to the alley east of Main from 1:30 to 9 p.m., and from Main west to Coffman Street from 3 to 9 p.m.
Fifth Avenue is to be closed from Main to the alley to the east from 2 to 9 p.m., and from Main Street to the alley west from 2 to 9 p.m.
Visit http://artwalklongmont.org/ for more information!
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Rocky Mountain National Park Series: Fun for the Kiddos!
Hiking with your parents up a rocky trail doesn't always sound like a ton of fun for kiddos just being introduced to the mountains and all the fun they present. Sometimes kids need a goal for the trip, something that makes it special for them.
Photo Credit: nps.gov
Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan covers "10 Things to Do with Kids at Rocky Mountain National Park" in her recent article on MyRockyMountainPark.com
1. Become a Junior Ranger
Photo Credit: nps.gov
2. Go horseback riding
3. Take a hike
Add purpose by hunting for wildflowers (no picking!), looking for animal signs, sketching, a scavenger hunt (but just a photo scavenger hunt - everything needs to stay in its RMNP home:)
4. Go Camping
5. Attend a Family Ranger Program
6. Go Fishing!!
7. Paddle a Canoe
8. Walk on the Tundra
9. Have a picnic
10. In the winter, there's a wonderful sledding area at the Hidden Valley Snow Play Area
Visit MyRockyMountainPark.com for details on planning the perfect mini vacation to Rocky this summer! Have fun out there!
Photo Credit: nps.gov
Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan covers "10 Things to Do with Kids at Rocky Mountain National Park" in her recent article on MyRockyMountainPark.com
1. Become a Junior Ranger
Photo Credit: nps.gov
2. Go horseback riding
3. Take a hike
Add purpose by hunting for wildflowers (no picking!), looking for animal signs, sketching, a scavenger hunt (but just a photo scavenger hunt - everything needs to stay in its RMNP home:)
4. Go Camping
5. Attend a Family Ranger Program
6. Go Fishing!!
7. Paddle a Canoe
8. Walk on the Tundra
9. Have a picnic
10. In the winter, there's a wonderful sledding area at the Hidden Valley Snow Play Area
Visit MyRockyMountainPark.com for details on planning the perfect mini vacation to Rocky this summer! Have fun out there!
PRICE REDUCTION: Opportunity Awaits at 1849 Sundance Dr.!
We just lowered the price on this beautiful custom home in Longmont's Sundance Community!
Now priced to sell at $725,000.00!
1849 Sundance Drive | Longmont, CO 80504
Custom, luxury-built home in the sought-after Sundance Neighborhood. Private community pool and clubhouse, surrounded by Ute Creek Golf Course and Jim Hamm Nature Preserve. Views of the back range and easy commuting!
More photos and information here! http://www.tourfactory.com/1927244
Custom, luxury-built home in the sought-after Sundance Neighborhood. Private community pool and clubhouse, surrounded by Ute Creek Golf Course and Jim Hamm Nature Preserve. Views of the back range and easy commuting!
More photos and information here! http://www.tourfactory.com/1927244
Call or email with any questions or to set up a private showing!
cory@justlistedcolo.com | 303-776-4004
Motivational Monday: We can all make difference.
The Akashinga are one of Africa's only armed female anti-poaching units and they're protecting one of the largest elephant populations left on the continent.
Photo Credit: Left to Right, LadyFreeThinker.org, GirlTalk HQ, International Anti-Poaching Foundation
Part of the Lower Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe is a former trophy hunting reserve and, sadly, many of the animals are still threatened by poachers.
These women, unafraid of who they may encounter, are often arresting local poachers that could be their neighbor or live in a nearby village. But, their focus is on their animals and duty to protect them so they won't disappear forever.
These women are changing the face of conservation forever.
Photo Credit: Left to Right, LadyFreeThinker.org, GirlTalk HQ, International Anti-Poaching Foundation
Part of the Lower Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe is a former trophy hunting reserve and, sadly, many of the animals are still threatened by poachers.
These women, unafraid of who they may encounter, are often arresting local poachers that could be their neighbor or live in a nearby village. But, their focus is on their animals and duty to protect them so they won't disappear forever.
These women are changing the face of conservation forever.
Some aspects of a home loan can feel like a mystery…
What exactly is an "escrow" account and why does it change sometimes???
1. WHAT IS AN 'ESCROW' ACCOUNT
An escrow account is an account maintained by your mortgage servicer for the payment of bills. Bills such as property taxes and homeowner's insurance are deducted from your escrow account.
With each monthly mortgage payment, a portion goes into your escrow account for property taxes and insurance premiums (homeowner's, mortgage insurance (PMI), or flood insurance). When those bills are due, your mortgage servicer uses the funds in your escrow account to pay them. Part of the payment goes to pay your principal and interest, and part goes into your escrow account for property taxes and insurance premiums.
2. WHAT ITEMS ARE TYPICALLY PAID FROM AN ESCROW ACCOUNT
Most often the following are paid from escrow:
Property taxes
Homeowner's insurance
Mortgage insurance (if required)
Flood insurance (if required)
Your escrow account does not pay:
Homeowners Association (HOA) bills
Special or added tax assessments
Interim or supplemental secure tax bills (CA residents)
Water and other utility bills
Per Capita tax bills (PA residents)
3. WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT MY ESCROW ACCOUNT?
You can find information about your escrow account by logging into your online mortgage account or contacting your mortgage servicer. You'll be able to learn about previous escrow account activity and projected future activity including any changes to your monthly mortgage payment.
4. HOW OFTEN IS MY ESCROW ACCOUNT REVIEWED?
Property taxes and insurance premiums change over time. Your mortgage servicer reviews your escrow account annually to make sure you'll have enough funds to cover your bills. To help with any unexpected increases, you need to keep a minimum balance in your account at all times.
5. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW IF I'VE BEEN NOTIFIED OF AN ESCROW SHORTAGE?
A shortage occurs when payments to property taxes and/or homeowner's insurance obligations cause your escrow account balance to drop below the required amount. The required balance is based on your escrow cushion requirement, which is typically equal to two monthly escrow deposits unless otherwise required by state law. The shortage amount will appear on your Escrow Account Disclosure Statement.
Escrow shortages frequently occur due to increases in either taxes or insurance premiums. However, a shortage can also result if unexpected bills were paid on your behalf. Such items may include lender-placed insurance, midterm policy substitutions or delinquent taxes.
6. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW IF I'VE BEEN NOTIFIED OF AN ESCROW SURPLUS?
If your escrow account is projected to have more than the minimum balance required, you have a surplus. The amount of the surplus will usually be refunded to you in 30 days, as long as your loan is paid current at the time of the analysis. The check may be attached to the bottom of your statement or it could be mailed it to you under separate cover. If your loan is past due at the time it is determined that a surplus exists, a refund will not be sent to you. Once your loan is brought current and if the surplus still exists, the amount of the surplus will be refunded to you.
***
Our friends at SWBC Mortgage helped bring this information to you today! Home ownership, loans, refinancing, etc. can be daunting and overwhelming, but Mortgage and Real Estate professionals deal with it all day, every day. Call us when you have a question, need a referral, or just want to ask real estate questions- we love helping you!
2017 Longmont Water Quality Report
The 2017 Longmont Water Quality Report is hot off the presses! You can download the full report here. Below are the highlights. Spoiler: We have incredible water quality standards.
So where does Longmont's water come from?
The City of Longmont’s drinking water is all surface water that comes from streams, lakes and reservoirs. The sources of Longmont’s drinking water are: The St. Vrain Creek Watershed and the Colorado and Fraser Rivers via the Colorado-Big Thompson (C-BT) project.
As our water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials. It can also pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.
Image Credit: City of Longmont 2017 Water Quality Report
And, how is it treated?
Step 1. Coagulation — Aluminum salts and chemicals called polymers are mixed with the water to make the particles in the water stick together.
Step 2. Flocculation — The coagulated particles are slowly mixed so that they can collide and form larger particles, known as “floc.”
Step 3. Sedimentation — Water flows through a large tank which allows the “floc” to settle to the bottom of the tank and be removed.
Step 4. Filtration — Water is passed through filters made of sand and anthracite coal to filter out
remaining particles.
Step 5. Disinfection — Chlorine is added to kill any remaining bacteria or other disease-causing organisms.
Step 6. Fluoridation — Fluoride is added to help prevent tooth decay.
Step 7. Stabilization — Small amounts of soda ash (sodium carbonate) or sodium hydroxide are
added to make the water less corrosive to pipes and plumbing.
Image Credit: City of Longmont 2017 Water Quality Report
The State-certified City of Longmont Water Quality Laboratory, performs many of the tests on your drinking water. Contract labs are also used for tests that the Water Quality Laboratory does not do in-house. 10,206 tests were performed on the City’s drinking water last year, 9186 of which were performed by the City’s Water Quality Laboratory. These tests ensure that the water delivered to your tap meets or exceeds the standards set by the EPA and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
Last year, as in years past, our tap water met all EPA and State drinking water health standards.
We're proud to live in a city that safeguards our water to such a high standard!
READ THE FULL REPORT HERE
Image Credit: City of Longmont 2017 Water Quality Report
And, how is it treated?
Step 1. Coagulation — Aluminum salts and chemicals called polymers are mixed with the water to make the particles in the water stick together.
Step 2. Flocculation — The coagulated particles are slowly mixed so that they can collide and form larger particles, known as “floc.”
Step 3. Sedimentation — Water flows through a large tank which allows the “floc” to settle to the bottom of the tank and be removed.
Step 4. Filtration — Water is passed through filters made of sand and anthracite coal to filter out
remaining particles.
Step 5. Disinfection — Chlorine is added to kill any remaining bacteria or other disease-causing organisms.
Step 6. Fluoridation — Fluoride is added to help prevent tooth decay.
Step 7. Stabilization — Small amounts of soda ash (sodium carbonate) or sodium hydroxide are
added to make the water less corrosive to pipes and plumbing.
Image Credit: City of Longmont 2017 Water Quality Report
The State-certified City of Longmont Water Quality Laboratory, performs many of the tests on your drinking water. Contract labs are also used for tests that the Water Quality Laboratory does not do in-house. 10,206 tests were performed on the City’s drinking water last year, 9186 of which were performed by the City’s Water Quality Laboratory. These tests ensure that the water delivered to your tap meets or exceeds the standards set by the EPA and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
Last year, as in years past, our tap water met all EPA and State drinking water health standards.
We're proud to live in a city that safeguards our water to such a high standard!
READ THE FULL REPORT HERE
Rocky Mountain National Park Series: Estes Park Photographer and Author Wins National Award
Erik Stensland, a local photographer and author from Estes Park just won the Benjamin Franklin Award for his latest book, ‘Whispers in the Wilderness’.
Stensland owns and operates Images of RMNP, and is well known in the close-knit Estes Park community.
MOUNTAIN SYMPHONY
Tundra, Rocky Mountain National Park
The tundra explodes with wildflowers in early summer in Rocky Mountain National Park as the Never Summer Mountains try to hold on to their remaining snow. This dynamic scene that reoccurs ever summer is simply stunning. It is as if the world can't help but break into song with the arrival of summer. Photo © copyright by Erik Stensland.
Whispers in the Wilderness is a compilation of small essays inspired by the natural world around Estes and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Learn more about Stensland and the award in the video below.
4 Reasons Why Today’s Housing Market is NOT the 2006 Bubble all Over Again
You're not alone if you're concerned about buying into today's market. Across the country, we are seeing housing prices much like 2006, but there are four key metrics that explain why this market is quite different than 12 years ago.
1. Home Prices
2. Mortgage Standards
3. Mortgage Debt
4. Housing Affordability
HOME PRICES
Yes, they are high, but if you account for inflation, after more than a decade, values should be much higher. Chief Economist for CoreLogic, Frank Nothaft, explains it like this, “Even though CoreLogic’s national home price index got to the same level it was at the prior peak in April of 2006, once you account for inflation over the ensuing 11.5 years, values are still about 18% below where they were.”
MORTGAGE STANDARDS
Some folks are concerned that lending standards are easing, which was a big contributor to the 2006 housing bubble. However, according to the Urban Institutes Housing Credit Availability Index (HCAI), the riskiest loan products have been eliminated and lending standards are much tighter on a borrower's credit situation.
MORTGAGE DEBT
In 2006, many homeowners continued to withdraw from home equity and spend it without concern for ramifications. That is not occurring in today's market. The Federal Reserve Board's household Debt Service Ratio for mortgages calculates mortgage debt as a percentage of disposable personal income. At the height of the 2006 bubble market, the ratio stood at 7.21%, today, the ratio is at 4.48%. This is the lowest in 38 years!
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
Lastly, with home prices and mortgage rates on the rise, there is concern that homeownership may not be feasible for many buyers. From a National perspective though, the Housing Affordability Index shows that homes are more affordable now than an other time since 1985 (with the exception of after the 2008 crash).
BUT WHAT ABOUT COLORADO AND BOULDER COUNTY?
Here in Colorado and specifically Boulder County, it may not seem that we are aligned with National averages. However, according to Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American Financial Corporation, Boulder County homes are still more affordable than they have been in anytime over the last 40 years, and Longmont leads the pack! If you missed it, Kyle Snyder of First American Title, along with First American Financial Corp and the Longmont Association of Realtors released the Annual Longmont Affordabilty Review at the end of March.
Read the full review here: http://bit.ly/2GbH8LO
No matter the market, deciding to buy a home is one of the biggest decisions of a lifetime. Our team takes the time to educate our buyers on the local market and can help unravel the questions and concerns that come along with buying a home. Give us a call at 303-776-4004 or send us an email at homes@justlistedcolo.com - we'd love to help YOU!
MORTGAGE DEBT
In 2006, many homeowners continued to withdraw from home equity and spend it without concern for ramifications. That is not occurring in today's market. The Federal Reserve Board's household Debt Service Ratio for mortgages calculates mortgage debt as a percentage of disposable personal income. At the height of the 2006 bubble market, the ratio stood at 7.21%, today, the ratio is at 4.48%. This is the lowest in 38 years!
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
Lastly, with home prices and mortgage rates on the rise, there is concern that homeownership may not be feasible for many buyers. From a National perspective though, the Housing Affordability Index shows that homes are more affordable now than an other time since 1985 (with the exception of after the 2008 crash).
BUT WHAT ABOUT COLORADO AND BOULDER COUNTY?
Here in Colorado and specifically Boulder County, it may not seem that we are aligned with National averages. However, according to Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American Financial Corporation, Boulder County homes are still more affordable than they have been in anytime over the last 40 years, and Longmont leads the pack! If you missed it, Kyle Snyder of First American Title, along with First American Financial Corp and the Longmont Association of Realtors released the Annual Longmont Affordabilty Review at the end of March.
Read the full review here: http://bit.ly/2GbH8LO
No matter the market, deciding to buy a home is one of the biggest decisions of a lifetime. Our team takes the time to educate our buyers on the local market and can help unravel the questions and concerns that come along with buying a home. Give us a call at 303-776-4004 or send us an email at homes@justlistedcolo.com - we'd love to help YOU!
MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY: AGAINST ALL ODDS!
It's all about ambition! Shaquem Griffin suffered amniotic band syndrome, a condition that can cause a number of birth abnormalities. When Shaquem was four years old he experienced so much pain and ended up having his left hand amputated. But, his parents raised him just like his brother, Shaquill, and never let him believe he was anything less than anyone else. The world, however, did treat him differently. That's when Shaquem decided to prove them wrong! Shaquem used the negativity as fuel. Shaquem fought! He earned his way back to the field, after eventually being told to walk. He led the team in tackles, became the AAC defensive player of the year and helped ucf to become the only undefeated team in the nation! Against all odds! (Please click into full screen video mode) What makes you different is your heart, your mind, your will!
HOT PICK FOR THE WEEK! 406 N Parkside Dr E, Longmont, 80501
Townhomes in Longmont and Boulder County are at a premium these days! The average sales price for townhomes increased by 18.5% from March 2017!
406 N Parkside Dr E, Longmont, 80501 is fresh on the market this week.
Conveniently located in sought-after Parkview at Quail Ridge, it's an easy commute down HWY287 to Boulder/Louisville/Broomfield.
Parkview at Quail Ridge is close to Old Town Main Street restaurants and breweries, connected to the community by walking/bike paths, close to shopping and Longmont's Recreation Center.
This is a great starter home, low maintenance lock-and-go home, or an investment property. It's priced just right at $310,000.
Send an email if you'd like to set up a showing christa@justlistedcolo.com or homes@justlistedcolo.com.
Are you participating in the #LoCo21DayChallenge?
City of Longmont Waste Services is encouraging everyone to make a pledge to create a new recycling or composting habit this Spring.
What is the 21-Day Challenge?
The #LoCo21DayChallenge is hinged on the notion that it takes 21 days to instill a habit and asks participants to make a personal commitment to create a new habit to reduce waste and decrease our individual environmental impacts.
Learn more about the challenge and sign up for the opportunity to win prizes and be part of the greater good!
CLICK TO SIGN UP!
Share your progress on our Facebook page!
The #LoCo21DayChallenge is hinged on the notion that it takes 21 days to instill a habit and asks participants to make a personal commitment to create a new habit to reduce waste and decrease our individual environmental impacts.
Learn more about the challenge and sign up for the opportunity to win prizes and be part of the greater good!
CLICK TO SIGN UP!
Share your progress on our Facebook page!
Rocky Mountain National Park Series – December 3rd Full Moon Hike
Bask in the light of the full moon in Rocky Mountain National Park this Sunday 12/3.
What better a way to get into the holiday spirit!
Photo Credit: NPS/Russell Smith
The Rocky Mountain Rangers lead Full Moon Walks in the winter months, the first one this coming Sunday. Groups leave from Beaver Meadows at 5 pm. Reservations are required and can be made in person or you can call the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center at 970-586-1223. Maybe there will even be a little fresh snow from the system that passes through Sunday - fingers crossed!
Returning the favor to our National Parks – Rocky Mountain National Park Series
...when you drive into this park, you forget about everything else. You hear the water, hear the birds, you hear the wind ruffling through the aspens. Everything else disappears and all you have are the sounds and your thoughts." Blake Crossland
Image Credit PARK CHAMPIONS // 02 // Rocky Mountain National Park from Compass Coalition on Vimeo
Blake Crossland grew up in the Rocky Mountains, through which he developed a deep appreciation for exploration and adventure in the outdoors. Now, he is dedicating his life to returning the favor by becoming a trail crew leader for the Rocky Mountain Conservation Corps.
Image Credit PARK CHAMPIONS // 02 // Rocky Mountain National Park from Compass Coalition on Vimeo
Blake's crew is responsible for trail construction and maintenance. They focus on making trails more sustainable, so they last longer and are more enjoyable for the public.
Image Credit PARK CHAMPIONS // 02 // Rocky Mountain National Park from Compass Coalition on Vimeo
The main goal of the Conservation Corp is to get kids involved in conservation work. Younger people will determine our National Parks' futures. We need to connect young people to the public lands and parks and continue to protect these treasured places!
Thank you Blake!
PARK CHAMPIONS // 02 // Rocky Mountain National Park from Compass Coalition on Vimeo.
Rocky Mountain National Park Series – Proposed Gate Fee Increase to $70
Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the 10 most-visited national parks in the United States, coming in at number 4 behind (1) Great Smoky Mountains NP, (2) Grand Canyon NP & (3) Yosemite NP.
Photo Credits: Michael Hodges, Jim Osterberg © 2012 RockyMountainNationalPark.com
The number of visitors each year (over 4.5 million this year!), specifically concentrated during the peak season (June to September), is taking a toll on the park. From roads and bridges to campgrounds and restrooms, the infrastructure is aging and the National Parks Service is proposing raising rates to fund improvements in RMNP, as well as, 17 other popular national parks.
Photo Credits: Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce
Current Rocky Mountain National Park entrance fees are $30/week and $10 dollars for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycles. If the proposed rate increase goes into effect, it could cost $70 to enter RMNP in June of 2018.
Photo Credits: CBS Denver - CBS Local
The National Parks Service says if implemented, this increase could boost park revenue by $70 million/year. But, there's no guarantee that this will happen. A public comment period is open through November 23rd. Learn more and share your thoughts in the Comments section here: http://bit.ly/2yMe5IB
Rocky Mountain National Park Series – Stay Curious Video Series
"I think that's what I like the best is understanding more about how things work, and what's living there, and how it interacts with all the other organisms in that system."
- Erin Borgman
The National Park Service's video series, Stay Curious, most recently selected and interviewed one of Rocky Mountain National Park's very own. Erin Borgman is an NPS Ecologist and Field Coordinator with the Rocky Mountain Inventory and Monitoring Division. In short, her job is to keep a close eye on the vital signs and overall 'health' of important streams and rivers within the park. These bodies of water are the most important resource to the park's habitat and wildlife inhabitants, making her mission a crucial one!
Check out the video below to learn how Erin began down the path of Ecology sciences and the advice she has for anyone else trying to discover their place in the world around them.
Rocky Mountain National Park Series – Park Closures for Elk Protection
Closures to protect the elk during the annual bugling season are currently in effect throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. Horseshoe Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, Moraine Park, Harbison Meadow and Holzwarth Meadow will all be closed through October 31st. In addition, fishing in the Fall River, Thompson River or Colorado River during the closure period is prohibited.
"The purpose of the closures is to prevent disturbance and harassment of elk during their fall mating period and to enhance visitor elk viewing opportunities," states Kyle Patterson, park spokeswoman.
The park reminds visitors that elk calling, shining headlights for better nighttime visibility and generally harassing the elk is not only prohibited but dangerous. The majority of issues are caused by people directly who get too closely to the elk, or "elk jams" due to so many viewers parked alongside the roads.
In order to enjoy the rutting season and visits to the mountains responsibly, maintain your distance!
