Many people find that their lifestyles completely change after relocating to this magical mountain city.

If you are excited to move to Boulder Colorado but are daunted by the moving process and getting familiar with a new area, well….fear no more!  This is your Boulder County Resource List and it provides all the essential information you need to move to our popular city.  As a Realtor, I get many requests for resources about our county for people wanting to relocate here.   As a Colorado native and a Boulder resident for 15 years, I take pride in this city and love to share what I know.  So, here goes…

When I decided to move to Boulder from Denver it was based on an article stating that Boulder Colorado was one of the safest places in the country to live and to raise children.  Being a mother and raising my children here, I have found that to be nothing but true.  Click here for crime rates.

Another reason for my move to Boulder was to attend the University of Colorado.  Then, it was one of the first colleges to offer an Environmental Studies program - of course!!!  It really is a great campus and the population of Boulder is abundant with University Students.

You may be moving here to live among the open space, hiking/biking trails, and climbing opportunities.  From hard-core mountain biking to cruising on the gorgeous Boulder Creek Path, this town is a cyclist’s dream. Forget driving; it’s faster to get around Boulder on a bike. Trail information is available at Boulder Open Space website located above (includes an interactive map, or 303-441-3440); Boulder County Parks and Open Space (303-678-6200); and City of Boulder Transportation Department (303-441-3200). Boulder is famous for it’s outdoor playground and there is something for everyone.

One of the first resources you need to move is a reliable team of movers.  I have several that I like.  The first is The Moving Connection, owned by a friendly local.  Taylor Moving and United Moving Services are two more companies in town that also work across country.

The next and most important resource you need is a real estate agent to help you list the home you have now and to help you buy your new home here in Boulder.  Call the Troia Team, of course, for all of your real estate needs.

I always get requests for information on licensing, taxes, and utilities.  These are necessities to any move.  Dog licensing, car registration, and how to get your drivers license will get you started. 

Last, but not least for Your Boulder County Resource List includes Boulder Parks & Recreation, and Boulder Public Schools.  While this list is just a preview of all the great resources in Boulder County, you can call today for more information about real estate, entertainment, and medical facilities.  I look forward to assisting you in your move.

In honor of it’s 100th year anniversary, the Boulderado is hosting an open house, Sunday, January 4th, 2009 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  When the hotel first opened it’s doors in 1909 an open house offered the public a look inside and the same thing will happen 100 years later.  The lobby still welcomes visitors with it’s cantilevered cherry staircase and the stained glass ceiling over the mezzanine.  The Boulderado will once again invite the public in to enjoy the warmth of the hotel and its hospitality with: hors d’oeuvres, champagne, birthday cake, live music with ragtime dance performers and room tours. 

On February 10th, the Hotel Boulderado plans to host an event honoring the elderly long time residents of Boulder.  The “Old Timers” reception is for residents that are 65 years or older and who have been in the community for 50 years.  This celebration is one of many to mark the SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION honoring Boulder Colorado’s 150th birthday.

 Read more about the reasons why you should list your home for the holiday season. 

Listing your home during the holidays; myths and facts. 

Myth:  Buyers don’t look at homes during the holidays.

Truth:  Real estate agents know that homebuyers are shopping for properties during the holidays.  Life doesn’t stop just for Christmas and there are people who need to move during this time.  They are serious and anxious to close quick.

Myth: The housing market is already in favor of buyers.  We won’t get a good deal.

Truth:  You will get a great deal and here’s why: there is less competition and fewer homes to choose from over the holiday season.  Less competition means more demand for your home. 

Myth: We like to decorate our home for Christmas and we won’t be able to.

Truth:  Actually, home show great when decorated for the holidays as long as it’s not overdone.  Keep it simple and pack other items so your home doesn’t look cluttered.  And on a little different note; buyers tend to be more emotional around this time of year.  Their decision is often based on the warmth and good feelings they receive when viewing the home. 

Myth: People don’t want the hassle of buying at the end of the year. 

Truth: Many people want to buy at the end of the year for tax and financial purposes.  Also, there are many homebuyers who have a lot of time off right now.  They prefer to look for a home at the end of the year.

Myth: Waiting until spring is better.

Truth:  Waiting until spring is not better because January is a high job transfer month statistically.  Your home has got to be on the market in order to sell.  These homebuyers can’t wait for spring to buy and you may miss your chance.  And what’s more…many sellers will put their homes on the market in the spring.  You’ve just increased your competition!

See?  There are plenty of perks to listing your home during the holiday season.  By selling your home at this time, you’ve allowed yourself the opportunity to look at homes during the spring season when there will be too many to choose from.  Great strategy!

Other than income being the most important qualifier there are other qualifications:

1. Applicant must complete the city’s Orientation program and Homebuyer Class Series
2. You must work at least 30 hours per week, unless retired or disabled.
3. You must have a one year work history.
4. You must be able to contribute $2,000 for a down payment or towards closing costs.
5. You must be able to secure a first mortgage.
6. Debt to income ratio should not exceed 42%.
7. Your assets cannot exceed $50,000 for one person and add on $10,000 for each additional family member.
8. Home must be owner occupied.
9. The number of bedrooms may only exceed the number in the household by a factor of one.
10. You cannot own another property.
11. There are resale restrictions.

The programs are as follows:

Homeworks Program

To make sure that homes fit the needs of low to moderate income levels, homes are build by developers as a requirement of Inclusionary Zoning.  Homes are sold at below market prices and these homes are generally classified as permanently affordable.  Resale prices are restricted which keeps the homes affordable in the future.   To purchase any of these homes you must complete an Income Certification Application.

There are two programs for Down Payment Assistance.

The H2O program, which stands for; House to Home Ownership.  This is essentially a deferred loan program, which means you can borrow up to $50,000 and not make any payments for up to 15 years.  When you sell the home or if you reach 15 years the loan is due in it’s entirety plus 15% appreciation.  If you only own the home for 2 years the 15% is waived.  There is no resale restriction.  For more information you can download the H2O Brochure.

With the “First Home” program, the city of Boulder will provide up to 20% or a maximum amount of $56,000 towards the purchase of a home.  For families of 3 or more, then the amount is increased to $90,000 even if this exceeds 30% of the purchase price for a 3+ bedroom home.   These purchased homes become classified as “permanently affordable” and at resale the sale is the price minus the amount of the grant.  Essentially the grant becomes an investment of the property by the city.   Please read, First Home Conditions and Requirements,

The 3% Solution program is basically a grant that can be used in conjunction with the Homeworks program or on properties purchased with Thistle Community Land and Trust if within Boulder city limits.  This 3% grant is solely for persons that DO NOT qualify for the CHFA (Colorado Housing Finance Authority.)  Persons must be denied CHFA assistance before applying for the 3% grant.  The grant is invested in the property so that when a person decides to sell the property the 3% is deducted from the starting sale price.  You may not have more than $12,500 in assets.   Here is more information on CHFA loans.

The benefits of all these programs are huge, your chance to own instead of renting, tax benefits, possible equity, and having control over your own property.

I know this is a lot of information, but it’s good information and if you need help then ask your Realtor for assistance.  I have only touched the surface of all the details involved with all these great programs, if you are interested, then I urge you to investigate thoroughly all the resources available through the city of Boulder, Co.

Because of the unique mix of employers in the Boulder County and a high concentrations of well paying jobs in industries such as aerospace, biotechnology, renewable energy and natural and organic products industries, Boulder will sustain at a higher level.   The CU Economic Forecast expects the natural resources, education, health services and government sectors to weather the recession the best.  The report also expects the private businesses and professional and business services to see some gains, however, the retail , information sector, finance, insurance and real estate are expected to cut jobs.

Here are a few of the highlights of the economic indicators for Boulder Colorado:

• 4.6 percent - August unemployment rate, compared with 5.2 percent for Colorado and 6.1 percent for the US
• 16 percent - Decrease in the number of building permits from the first quarter of 2007 to the first quarter of 2008
• 2.5 percent - Appreciation of homes from mid-year 2007 to mid-year 2008, compared with 1.8 percent for the state and a fall of 1.7 percent nationwide
• $243 million - Increase in deposits held in county banks from mid-year 2007 to mid-year 2008
• $346 million - Venture capital investment in local companies between mid- year 2007 and mid-year 2008

For Colorado in general, the government will add about 4,400 jobs, mostly in education, however, the economic forecast expects Colorado state to loose 4,000 jobs bringing the unemployment rate to 6.5% - compared to the 2009 national US unemployment forecast that is expected to grow to 7.5%.

So, can’t stand all the good news here?  Stick with sage advice of “DO NOT PANIC“, and don’t “DON’T DO ANYTHING STUPID“.  Continue doing what you normally do.  They say “the economy is driven much more by people’s attitudes and their perspectives”.   And if you’ve got a good job, hold onto it if you can.

Yes, Boulder Colorado, decorating your home for the holidays is fun, spiritual, and festive.  We love to put out those icicle lights, wreaths, and huge figurines.  However, if you are listing your home during the holidays, be cautious to not go overboard.  Sellers, you don’t need to keep all the trimmings in storage just because your home is on the market.  But you should decorate in such a way that buyers won’t be turned off.  Will they be able to picture themselves spending the holidays in your home someday?  Read more to find out. 

In Boulder, you know it’s the season to be jolly when you see the huge star lighting up Flagstaff Mountain.  The poinsettias and singing Santa adorn our office lobby.  Pearl Street Mall looks dazzling and homes sparkle with their holiday light.  Sellers want to continue with their particular family tradition and decorate accordingly but homes that are on the market should not ever be overly personalized or cluttered. 

Honestly, it’s not a good time to put the blow-up snowman that is as tall as your roof out on the lawn.  So where do you start and what is appropriate.  Asking your Realtor is a good place to begin as they should be able to help you strike that balance between enjoying tradition and showing restraint. 

Too many novelties end up hiding what’s most important about your home such as architectural style as well as its’ location, price, and condition.  It goes along with the curb appeal of the home and that the first impression to buyers is the most critical element in capturing them to want to see more.  You want them to say, ” I wish this was MY home for the holidays.

There is one huge advantage to listing your home during the holidays - buyers during this season are serious.  Don’t blow your chances.  Do the following:

Keep it simple, tasteful, and quiet.  David Lannuccilli, an agent in RI, says to keep it minimal.  One wreath, one tree, and one table centerpiece.  How about a tall narrow tree to emphasize a room’s height and conserve floor space?  No cute wreaths with gingerbread men and steer clear of personalized objects such as monogrammed stockings. “When decorations get too personal, people have a hard time picturing themselves in the home.”  Pat Heydlauff, a feng shui expert in Palm Beach County, Fla., recommends no or few religious symbols, whether it be crèches or menorahs.

Decorations picked or cut from the garden tend to look as good as anything you can buy. Obviously, holly is the best known plant for this. Christmas without holly is like Easter without daffodils, and that combination of green leaves and red berries will add the simple elegance you’re looking for to sell your home.

When deciding which decorations go where, also decide which nonseasonal items you’ll be removing.  For every seasonal item, trade it with a nonseasonal item and put that in storage.  This will help keep your home from looking cluttered. 

If your home is still on the market when the holidays are over, don’t procrastinate to take them down as soon as possible.  I’d say not more than a couple of days after New Year’s.

One more tidbit of advice:  In the winter in Boulder, you need to keep the walk shovelled and approachable.  You don’t want potential buyers slipping on your sidewalk or tracking in snow for that matter. 

Sellers need not refrain from family traditions when listing during the holidays.  Just remember, you want to show off your house - not your holiday decorations.  Keep it simple, decluttered, and flattering.

This Weeks Rates

 Todays November employment report showed job losses of 533,000 on expectations that 320,000 jobs would be lost. The unemployment rate was reported at 6.7% on expectations of 6.8%. The ISM Manufacturing Index and the ISM Services Sector Index were weaker than expected. October Construction Spending and Factory Orders were also weaker than expected. The Treasury is considering buying mortgages at rates as low as 4.50% but no details have been worked out. It is just a rumor at this point.
 
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is currently at 8,264, down almost 500 points from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Crude oil futures are currently trading at $41.21, down over $13 per barrel on the week. U.S. automakers continue to ask Congress for bailout loans to help them avoid bankruptcy.
 
Next week look toward Thursdays International Trade and weekly jobless claims and Fridays Producer Price Index (PPI) and Retail Sales as potential market moving events.

• United Way of Boulder Colorado currently has a socks and mitten drive going on and check out their website if you want to set out a collection bin in your office, store or church.
• Parenting Place - their goal is to relieve to relieve isolation and the stress of parenting by providing outreach, education, and help in developing a sense of community.
• Boulder Shelter for the Homeless - their goal is to provide safe shelter, food, support services and an avenue to self sufficiency for homeless adults. They have 2 very successful fundraisers: the Barely Black Autumn Gala, held at the Boulder Theater and the Boulder Shelter Golf Classic.
• Community Radio station KGNU - a non profit “community radio” continues after 30 years to be a part of the publicity organ by promoting community outreach and participation.
• Boulder Humane Society - founded to protect those who do not have voices to protect themselves.
• Boulder Health and Human Services - click on the website to see a list of all Boulder County’s health services
• NARF - Native American Rights Foundation - based out of Boulder Colorado and founded in 1970, it’s the oldest and largest non-profit law firm dedicated to asserting and defending the rights of Indian Tribes, organizations and Indians nationwide.
• Golden West Foundation - formed to cover gaps between Medicaid reimbursements and actual costs for senior housing and care to Boulder residents in their assisted - living facility.
• EFAA - Emergency Family Assistance Association - helps those in the community with immediate needs for food and shelter and other basic necessities.
• Peace and Justice Center - rooted in the spirit of unconditional nonviolence and decdicated to personal and social change.
• eQuilters Inc - a Boulder based online resource of quilting supplies who have earmarked their 2009 charitable partner Engineers Without Boarders - promoting and implementation of water filtration and energy solutions in Rwanda Africa.
• Pedestrian Shops of Boulder - they’re collecting used shoes
• Bead of Life - an organization founded by 3 women that arrange to try and help Ugandan woman overcome extreme poverty and hardship by earning money by making colorful bead necklaces out of paper and selling them.

This is just a smattering of volunteer non profits in the Boulder County Community. If you want more information about working as a volunteer and are looking for that special interest of your heart, please visit The Volunteer Connection. Established in 1969 in Boulder Colorado, this organization was one of the first volunteer information and referral centers in the nation.

Please email us if you would like The Troia Team to highlight your non-profit organization on our website and in our blogs during this holiday season and throughout the new year. As a Real Estate Team, we are involved in the community and want to be involved with you! Have a wonderful and safe Holiday Season.