Improve Your Home’s Landscaping!

Great curb appeal draws buyers in. Your home’s landscaping is its first impression and sets the tone for a potential buyer’s overall experience.

There are many great options for landscaping your yard ranging from low budget quick fixes to complete yard overhauls. Here are a few ideas to get your started:

On a budget? Start with simply clearing away all the debris and cleaning up your yard and flower beds. Once you’ve loosed the ground and broken up the soil, allowing nutrients in, you can spread grass seed on the bare spots. It’s important to apply the seed now before temperatures get too hot. After your yard is established, be sure to fertilize and water.

For a little more buck but a lot more bang, think about laying sod. Spring time is the best time to this, cooler temperatures and more consistent moisture helps the sod take root quicker. Spring time is also a great time to plant trees and shrubs, this can really make a statement in your yard and transform your landscaping.

Ready for a major transformation? Home Advisor states that “…spending 5-10 percent of your home’s value on major landscaping improvements you could potentially increase your home’s value between 5 and 15 percent.”

Here are a couple of projects that have the highest rate of return on your investment. Installing an underground sprinkler system makes yard maintenance easier and more convenient. With timers that can be set to adjust for frequency, temperature, and conditions, a sprinkler systems takes all the guess work out of yard maintenance. The ultimate investment is to hire a landscape designer to help you pick out plants, plan the overall design, and make sure you have all the right equipment to have a beautiful and functional yard.

For more information visit: http://welcome.homeadvisor.com/landscaping-projects-for-every-budget?m=homesense&entry_point_id=27778032

Boulder currently has plenty of homes for sale including those at Trailhead Development, SpringLeaf, and the Arete.

Boulder, CO Real Estate Developments

Let’s face it; Boulder is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in the United States, if not the world. Who wouldn’t want to live here? Whether you’re looking to move here, or simply looking to upgrade your current Boulder location, we’ve got good news for you. There’s an abundance of new developments springing up on the market, so don’t miss out on the home of your dreams.

Trailhead


© moonbeamboulder.com

Resting right at the base of Mt. Sanitas is one of Boulder’s most picturesque developments. The homes at Trailhead are minutes away from all that North Boulder has to offer, including hiking trails, and an array of restaurants, shops, and cafes. With Ideal Market and Lucky’s Market just around the bend, there’s no need to travel downtown for your basic amenities, either.

Twenty-three lots grace this development, which is listed by Julie Meko and John McElveen of ReMax of Boulder. The homes are built with natural stone, steel, and wood, giving each home a bucolic, rustic, earthy, yet modern-day feel. Moonbeam Boulder is responsible for the development, and in true Boulder fashion, these homes are being built with energy efficiency in mind. Multi-split, forced air conditioning, along with high efficiency modulating and condensing boilers provide comfort against the elements while maintaining each home’s efficiency. If luxury mixed with that mountain feel are what you’re looking for, Trailhead has a home for you.

Springleaf


© cohomefinder.com

This development is ideal for Boulder. At SpringLeaf, sleek, stylish architecture is coupled with earth-conscious, sustainable living. Each home also has the potential to be LEEDS certified, which is one of the most prestigious, energy-saving certifications a home can acquire. The homes feature solar and geothermal systems, meaning that residents can expect to pay virtually nothing for their utility bills.

In fact, residents will more than likely be reimbursed most months, because a SpringLeaf home will usually generate more energy than it consumes. SpringLeaf is leading the way for green architecture, and green living here in Boulder, CO. Be part of a greener future!

The Granary Townhomes

The Granary Townhomes are the brainchild of Tomecek Studio Architecture, an award winning architectural firm here in the Foothills of Colorado. Their vision speaks volumes of their talent, passion, and dedication to Boulder’s beauty. The Granary Townhomes will be a modular multi-family residential project featuring elegant, modern and unique architecture, while respecting the historical landmarks it surrounds. The views of course, will be breathtaking.

The Arete



If urban luxury living is what you seek, you’re in luck. The Arete in Boulder currently has four condominiums for sale. Located on 11th and Canyon, The Arete sits right in the heart of Boulder. When you live at the Arete, nearly everything is a short walk away. Restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and even hiking trails are all at your fingertips. During the summer, Boulder’s Farmers Market is practically in your front yard.

The Arete condominiums feature impressive views; just imagine yourself enjoying dinner while watching the sunset behind the foothills. Each condo is equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, custom built interiors, and ten foot ceilings. Other amenities include a wash bay for your car, extra storage, underground parking, and gated entry. For the luxury dwellers seeking easy, convenient access to the best that Boulder has to offer, these condominiums are certainly worth looking into.

Surrounded by the foothills, with the Rocky Mountains peeking over top, it’s one of the most picturesque places to raise a family. Boulder offers more than just pretty scenery, it offers a whole new way of life. Boulder is a mecca where passion for sustaining the environment guides our way of life; where worldly culture and local inspiration meet; where life is altered for the better.

About the author: Jennifer Egbert is an award-winning, top-producing REALTOR® with over eleven years of experience. Her commitment to her clients, enthusiasm and determination, drive her to be at the forefront of the real estate industry. Jennifer is a licensed residential agent that specializes in the Boulder, Colorado market. She is the leading expert in Boulder Luxury neighborhoods, the best builders, and most current market conditions. Her advantage is not only her expertise and unparalleled marketing but also her ability to guide her clients through the transaction with the least amount of stress and anxiety as possible.



To learn more about the Boulder real estate market and general community events & news, follow her on Twitter and like her page on Facebook.

Only 2 Units Left!!!

Check out these amazing new Uptown townhomes while they’re still available.

1818 Clarkson offers a sleek, modern alternative to the typical townhome design. There are 7 townhomes ranging from 1,365 to 1,557 square feet with 2 beds, 2.5 baths, killer rooftop decks, 1-2 garages and some amazing views. Four distinctive floor plans feature spacious kitchens with islands or eat-in bar areas opening to the living area; a perfect combination for entertaining.

Please visit 1818Clarkson.com for additional information.

Exciting New Projects Around Denver!

The bustle around our city is getting exciting. With all the new construction projects that are happening in every neighborhood, it’s easy to see the results of Denver’s growing popularity. The current real estate market is being dominated by new construction and here are some amazing projects happening right now!


TEN10 Brownstones

Ten10 Brownstones, are sophisticated townhomes in the heart of the Golden Triangle. Seventeen brownstones, with a contemporary spin on design, are planned at the corner of 10th and Bannock St. Exterior materials will consist of floor to ceiling glass windows, sandstone, and brick which provides an exciting mix of warm and cool elements while also capturing the abundance of Colorado's predominantly sunny days. Each unit offers 3 beds/3.5 baths, 2 car attached garages, generous rooftop decks, private balconies, gas fireplaces, 10ft ceilings and sleek high-end finishes. Appointments include custom flat panel cabinets, Quartz type stone countertops, designer tile, European style glass shower doors, four piece designer baths, and open floor plans. Priced from mid-500’s and square footage ranges from 1895-1995 square feet. Construction is estimated to commence in February 2014 and completion is estimated for October 2014.


University Park Row

Designed and constructed by Sprocket Design-Build, the University Park Row Homes are located at 2170-2180 South Josephine Street, one block east of D.U. There are 12 townhomes ranging 1,331 - 1,354 square feet, and each townhome has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, an outdoor deck off the master suite, and a 2 car attached garage.

These stylish living spaces emphasize light and volume with open floor plans, oversized windows, and vaulted ceilings. Each plan’s interior palette has been created by noted Denver interior design firm MCdesign. Each row home also has a private deck with Trex decking. Decks range in size from 137- 186 square feet, are pre-wired for outdoor speakers and plumbed for water and BBQ gas grills, making them perfect for outdoor entertaining.

Don’t miss out on getting into these great neighborhoods!

For more project information visit: www.TEN10Brownstones.com and www.UniversityParkRow.com

Rising Mortgage Rates Shouldn't Make You Worry!

Experts predict that with the recovering economy, a shift in Federal Reserves, and rising home values, interest rates will reach above 5% in 2014. With a steadily growing housing market, buyers shouldn’t allow rising interest rates to deter them from buying a home.

Here are four reasons buyers shouldn’t let rising interest rates affect their home search:

1. Mortgage rates rising but they are not reaching drastically high levels.

Looking at interest rates in a historical context helps put our rising interest rates in perspective. Close to a decade ago, a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was around 5.24%. The dramatically low rates due to the housing market crash has made 5% seem like a huge increase but it is normal for a healthy housing market.

2. Housing inventory increases.

Nationwide, home values are hitting a 7 year high and have continued to increase for 17 consecutive months since last year. New construction also continues to dominate the market, creating an increase in the supply of new homes.

3. Less competition from investors.

Real estate investors, who like to buy cheap cleaned up in the wake of the housing market crash. They often bought up reasonably priced properties before regular homeowners had a chance. With home prices rising, experts are predicting that investors will slow down their buying leaving more inventory for individual home buyers.

4. Federal Reserve’s tapering.

Mortgage rates have started to steady, and the tapering of Federal Reserve regulations signals a recovering and strengthening economy.

For more information visit: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/4-reasons-you-shouldn-t-worry-over-rising-mortgage-rates-223016788.html

Denver Draws Residents Away From Other Big Cities!

What makes Denver so great?! Current residents already know. The rest of the country is starting to catch on to Denver’s sheer awesomeness, and as a result many are making the move to our fair city.

The influx of so many new residents is due to an increased desire of homeowners to live in a more affordable city. Denver represents the best of both worlds: it offers the food, culture, activities, and quality of life that are on par or exceed that of coastal cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston, while at the same time maintaining a healthy affordability factor.

What is creating this draw?

1. The mix of affordability, quality of life, a burgeoning downtown, and open spaces.

2. The growing young population is encouraging the development of apartment and residential projects. Denver has tied Seattle for the third-biggest increase in 25-34 year old residents from 2008-2012.

3. Colorado is home to some of the nation’s most popular skiing destinations, not to mention the great food scene, art galleries, bars and nightclubs.

4. New companies that are seeking an educated workforce are helping to drive the unemployment rate down lower than the national average. In October Denver’s unemployment rate was 6 percent, compared to the 7 percent nationwide average.

All of this new growth is being seen in the housing market as well. The median sales price of a single-family home in Denver has raised 9.7% since the third quarter and the number of days on market has dropped significantly. Home prices are beginning to top the height of the 2006 market.

New resident, Lyndsey Lodha said “We were impressed by the burgeoning food scene, young, professional population, as well as the diversity and growth,” and “the cost of living is lower than other major cities, which allows our dollar to stretch a little farther. Denver really does have everything we are looking for in a forever home.”

For more information visit http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-12-31/denver-real-estate-booms-as-ski-slopes-trump-nyc-bustle.html

Creative new office space in Rhino!

Ground has been broken for a creative new office building that is to head a long-planned revitalization of the Brighton Boulevard corridor and River North neighborhood.

The office building is planned to house 120,000 square-foot Industry space and will host 350 to 400 professionals in a creative, collaborative community.

With support from the City of Denver Jason and Ellen Winkler, the co-founders of the vibrant Battery 621, secured a $1 million acquisition loan from the city to help buy the underutilized 1939 former produce depot on nine acres.

This renovation is just one part of the City’s big designs for Denver's industrial north end. Other transformations will include a realignment of Interstate 70, improving the South Platte River's ecosystem, new light rail stations, neighborhood revitalization, repositioning the National Western Stock Show as a year-round destination and shining up the tired Brighton Boulevard as a gateway to the city. The Denver Office of Economic Development identified the corridor as a "key strategic project" in its Jumpstart 2013 strategy, with a plan to provide loans to stir business development and employment along Brighton Boulevard.

"We think Brighton Boulevard is really shaping up to be a key development area for the city," said Paul Washington, director of the city's office of economic development.

"I think Jason and Ellen ... they are true visionaries in how they are redefining the workplace for the 21st century employee," Washington said.

Industry Denver, which has partnered with Denver developer Koelbel and Co., closed on the property last Tuesday and began interior renovations the next morning. After a brief renovation, Industry is scheduled to be open for tenants by February 2014. Future phases of development include 250 affordable and market-rate residential units. The building will host about 100,000 square feet of office space and three eateries in an open setting, with 26-foot ceilings and shared kitchens, lounges and conference spaces.

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_24260143/industry-denver-workspace-brighton-blvd-host-400-professionals