MexiQuest: The Search for Authentic Mexican Food in Boulder

April 24, 2014 by

MexiQuest: The Search for Authentic Mexican Food in Boulder

burritoBoulder has no shortage of unbelievable cuisine. From farm to table faire to fusion everything, Boulder chefs are culinary geniuses in the kitchen. For this, we are grateful.

Sometimes, however, you just want a heaping plate of cheese, meat, beans, tortilla, sour cream and lettuce (avocados optional). There are days when nothing but authentic Mexican food will sate the hunger growing in your belly.

This is one area, however, where Boulder is lacking. Where do you go to find authentic Mexican food in Boulder?

Sure, there are great modern places like T|aco (which I only recently discovered is pronounced “Tee-aco”; here I was calling it “T-bar-aco”) and Centro that serve modern twists on the classics. But I’m talking, hole-in-the-wall, telenovelas blaring on the TV, Mexican Coke in glass bottles Mexican food.

This article is dedicated to those sorts of establishments. It doesn’t mean I don’t think that Agave, Tahona and Rio Grande aren’t fantastic eating establishments; they just don’t fit the qualities that I’m looking for in this piece.

Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Long celebrated as some of the best Mexican food in Boulder, Efrain’s is a little bit of a drive to the outskirts of Boulder, but fans say it’s worth it. There is typically a bit of a wait due to its notoriety, but once you get a taste of their food, the wait will have been worth it. It’s also recommended that you try the Pink Cadillac Margarita.

Restaurante 100% Mexicano

Nestled in next to the DMV on the Diagonal Parkway, 100% Mexicano pretty much describes exactly what you’re going to get. This place features a wide variety of Mexican favorites that are fresh and fantastic. The gorditas are not what Taco Bell would have you believe they are. It’s actually made with a masa cake, not unlike an arepa.

La Choza

If you’re dining at La Choza, bring extra napkins and get ready for some in car dining. You see, this tiny little shack, also just off the Diagonal, only has room for a kitchen and a cashier. It’s located right next to a gas station, but people line up for breakfast and lunch here every day. The tacos and burritos are delicious and affordable (even by non-Boulder standards). Be sure to try one of their most popular items, the Jambo burrito.

Casa Alvarez

Another Boulder staple that’s been around for years, this has been the quintessential Mexican restaurant since 1994. It’s a great place to grab a burrito or taco and enjoy free serving of chips and salsa before the meal arrives. Extra bonus: they also deliver, so you can satisfy your MexiCraving without leaving home.

Pica’s

In East Boulder, right around 55th and Arapahoe, buried in a shopping center (beware the parking situation in this lot, it is apparently a beast of a chore), liesPica’s, which serves up fresh, healthy tacos with heaping helpings of ingredients. Many patrons swear by the shrimp tacos, so you’d be wise to make that selection.

The entire premise of hole-in-the-wall Mexican joints makes them harder to find than many other restaurants, so if you’ve got another favorite, by all means, add it to this list in the comments.

Now go enjoy some complimentary chips and salsa, drink a margarita and enjoy a meal that will leave you full and happy. There’s a bit more authentic (or bordering on authentic) Mexican food in Boulder than you might have imagined!

 

 

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John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

 

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7 THINGS EVERY NEW HOMEOWNER NEEDS TO DO FOR A STRESS-FREE MOVE

January 10, 2014 by

7 THINGS EVERY NEW HOMEOWNER NEEDS TO DO FOR A STRESS-FREE MOVE

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Congratulations on your new home! You are excited and eager to create a beautiful and welcoming home. While you may be eager to move in right away, every new homeowner needs to take some time to plan and prepare for a stress-free move.

Here are 7 things you need to do before moving into your new home:

  1. Start With Security: Change the locks. Too many people already have the keys to your home. Change the locks for your security and peace of mind.
  2. Clean Everything: Stock up on plenty of natural, nontoxiccleaning supplies and get to work. Clean your fridge, freezer, cabinets, closets, toilets, windows, carpets, and flooring. Enlist friends, family, or hire a pro to help get the job done.
  3. Paint: Decide which rooms need a fresh coat of paint. Choose eco-friendly paints and allow sufficient dry time before moving furniture into the room.
  4. Organize: Start organized and stay organized. Install shelving and closet organizers for clutter-free storage.
  5. Check For Water Waste: Do a thorough check of pipes and test toilets for running water.
  6. Locate Breaker Box and Main Water Valve: Know where they are and how they work.
  7. Check Heating and Cooling Systems: Hire a professional to inspect and service heating and cooling systems before you move in. For additional info on maintaining HVAC systems, check out Willard Power Vac. If you’re in need of professional seattle furnace services, you may contact companies like Gene Johnson Plumbing & Heating.

**Bonus Tip: Create a contact list of home professionals and emergency phone numbers. Ask your new neighbors, friends, family, and real estate professionals for recommendations of local companies to create your master list. Make extra copies and exchange lists with your family and new neighbors.**

For more moving in tips check out my favorite home websites Houzz and House Logic.

 

 

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

 

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SHORT SALE HELPFUL TIP

January 3, 2014 by

SHORT SALE HELPFUL TIPS

 

Q: How long do I have to wait to buy a new home after I have had to do a short sale on a previous home?
A: Maybe not as long as you think. It is totally dependent on your own personal situation. In general terms, for Federal Housing Administration loans, there’s a three-year waiting period from the short sale closing date, and homebuyers can get a mortgage with as little as 3.5 percent down. Those who qualify for a Veterans Affairs loan have to wait two years and are not required to make a down payment. It is important to find out what your situation is currently. Talk to an expert in the mortgage industry to get your personal plan started so you can buy soon.

Q: What are the first steps to getting ready to purchase again?
A: Use your annualcreditreport.com, which is an annual credit report you can get for free. Check to make sure all your current debt is up to date and that all accounts are reporting correctly. If not, use this time to contact those old debts and correct any owed balances or incorrect reporting.

Q: Will a large down payment be required when I do want to enter the housing market again?
A: Not necessarily, it depends on the situation. If you qualify for an FHA mortgage, your down payment may be as low as 3.5%. Get with an expert mortgage consultant to talk about your specific situation and options for your future home purchase.

Q: Is there any difference in getting back into the market, if the short sale was an investment property or a primary residence?
A: When it comes to getting back into the market and qualifying for a mortgage loan, a short sale is a short sale. The qualification in regards to down payment, time you need to wait, and credit are the same no matter if the property you originally had a short sale on was an investment on a primary residence.

Short Sale Helpful Tips

 

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

 

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THE DO’S AND DON’T OF KITCHEN INTERIOR DESIGN

December 26, 2013 by

 

 If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen then you might be interested to read some do’s and don’ts of kitchen interior design so that you don’t waste time and money in creating a kitchen that could have been an awful lot better.

 

  •   Do have at least one element that is fun or creative :

It’s all too easy to play everything safe and end up with a kitchen that looks fine but lacks any personality or spirit. The key here is not to be boring but to be a bit creative and add something that is a little quirky and interesting or that is you to a tee. For example if you’re renovating a kitchen in what was originally an old barn then why not do something like keeping the architecture of the horse stalls and adding a pot rack in the shape of a wagon wheel?

 

 

  •   Do use cabinetry to conceal some appliances :

Many a good kitchen interior design will feature splashes of stainless steel here and there, but too much and it starts to overpower the kitchen. Instead use built in cabinets that conceal those large expanses of stainless steel such as in the refrigerator. Your kitchen will look seamless and elegant. If you’re considering such a transformation, explore the cabinet options at gammacabinets.com/our-services/manufacturing.

 

 

  •  Do have countertop space around a wall oven :

It’s all well and good having a wall oven but if you don’t have countertop space adjacent to it or opposite where are you going to put the joint of beef when it comes out of the oven?

 

  •  Do purchase strong good looking cabinets :

When you think about the amount of times you open and close your kitchen cabinets doors and drawers it makes sense to invest in cabinets that have a high specification including soft close doors, concealed hinges and dovetail joints. A good finish and strong hinges are essential.

 

  •   Do make your small kitchen work  :

Don’t be put off by a small kitchen thinking that big is best. A well designed kitchen which utilizes the space and adds some thoughtful detail can be perfect for you. In a compact kitchen make the most of floor to ceiling cabinets and a handy island on castors which can be wheeled around to wherever you need it. With everything within reach you won’t have to walk so far during the course of the day.

 

  •   Do know when to stop :

Knowing when to stop can be a real challenge but by throwing everything at a kitchen it can end up looking messy, cluttered and overdone. Use a bit of restraint and invest in soft pale shades to match a mellow wood floor with possibly some quartz kitchen countertops.

  •   Do take your cabinets right up to the ceiling :

Don’t stop short your kitchen cabinets a couple of feet short of the ceiling as this just attracts dust and leaves a wasted area of space which often gets unnecessary items placed there out of the way. Full height Tall cabinets give plenty of storage and if you use glass paned doors these will reflect the light and make your kitchen look bright and airy.

 

 

 

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

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WHEN TO CONSIDER A SHORT SELL FOR YOUR HOME

December 19, 2013 by

 

WHEN TO CONSIDER A SHORT SELL FOR YOUR HOME

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Falling behind on a mortgage payment and fearing foreclosure is a stressful way to spend those precious few last months in a home. If there are no options for keeping a home, sometimes the best solution may be to consider a short sale.

One of the significant benefits of considering this route instead of foreclosure is that legal problems, such as a lawsuit filed against the homeowner by the bank may be avoided. Additionally, although a short sale does result in the loss of a home, the process often offers a less-stressful way to overcome a mortgage that can’t be paid.

WHEN TO CONSIDER A SHORT SALE

 The best time to consider a short sale is before the point of no return — nearing foreclosure and mortgage default. When a borrower realizes that the payments on the mortgage may soon become impossible, the idea of a short sale is an important consideration. Economic circumstances are the most common reason why a borrower might need to look into a short sale; however, issues like a move or a family problem that requires the borrower to relocate may influence the sales decision.

 A borrower must convince the lender that catching up on payments is a virtual impossibility before a short sale will be approved. It’s essential for homeowners who are late on payments or who will soon become unable to cover the mortgage work swiftly to determine whether a short sale is feasible.

 ISSUES THAT PREVENT SHORT SALE

 Before embarking on a potential short sale, a seller needs to understand that there are two issues that will prevent this type of sale from occurring. If a seller decides to pursue bankruptcy, a short sale is not possible because collection activity is halted with a bankruptcy filing. A short sale is considered collection activity.

 Secondly, a homeowner who has defaulted on a home loan will not be approved for a short sale. This means that a seller has a finite amount of time before a short sale because unfeasible. Activities involving short sales must commence before default has occurred.

 REASONS FOR LENDER AGREEMENT

 It may sound incredible that a lender would allow a homeowner to sell his property for a greatly reduced price and take a loss on the profits offered through a standard mortgage, but the time and expense of a foreclosure tends to eclipse that of a short sale.

 Lenders are inclined to avoid foreclosure activity since a foreclosure doesn’t just make a homeowner look bad. A foreclosure also makes a lender seem as though they don’t approve mortgages to borrowers who will be able to pay back the debt.

 OVERVIEW OF THE SHORT SALE PROCESS

 Requesting a short sale from a lender or bank is no guarantee that the sale will be approved. Preparing financial documents and letters before starting the process is essential. However, homeowners shouldn’t take too long to figure out whether a short sale is the best solution.

Common steps in the short sale process include the following:

LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION:

This notarized letter is required by the lender so that potential sales discussions may commence with buyers or real estate agents.

HARDSHIP LETTER:

This is a letter detailing why you can no longer make your mortgage payments, and it should be addressed to your lender. They need to see that a borrower’s financial situation makes repayment of the mortgage impossible. This means a borrower can’t have any assets or cash, such as savings and retirement accounts that may be sold to pay the mortgage.

CONSIDER A SHORT SALE FOR YOUR HOME

No homeowner wants to face the prospect of foreclosure, and a short sale that results in the loss of a home is just as emotionally challenging. However, undertaking a short sale may be the most expedient method for relieving an indebted homeowner of mortgage debt that cannot be paid. FULL ARTICLE

 

 

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

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4 HOME PPROJECTS FOR BEATING CABIN FEVER

December 9, 2013 by

 

4 HOME PPROJECTS FOR BEATING CABIN FEVER

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 1. Install a programmable thermostat:

This task can be a bit daunting but will be worth the effort in the long run.  This device will help your heating system run more efficiently by automatically adjusting your home’s temperature. Using a programmable thermostat also reduces your energy bills by keeping your heating system from overworking itself unnecessarily.

 2. Replace interior doors:

Interior doors are often hollow and boring. Replace them with some more interesting pieces to add character to your home and keep yourself busy. This is a task that is relatively easy and inexpensive making it a great project to complete over the weekend.

 3. Replace lighting fixtures:

Install new ceiling fans to dramatically change the look of any space. Install or replace wall sconces in the halls. Make the switch to energy efficient light bulbs. Take a trip to your local hardware store and pick out some new fixtures. It’ll keep you busy and it’s fun!

 4. De-clutter:

This is the least expensive and one of the most rewarding home improvements you can make. You can often make your home look like an entirely new space just by getting rid of clutter. Maximize storage in your smaller spaces with these tips. De-cluttering is also a great family activity. Rewarding them with a special dinner or game night after is a great way to make this task seem a lot less like a chore.

Be sure to check out our Tips and How To’s category for simple and budget friendly home improvements. RealtyTimes.com

 

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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Credit card debt … Don’t compromise your future

November 9, 2013 by

Credit card debt …

Don’t compromise your future

According to an estimate recently released by NerdWallet.com, the average American has around $7,000 in credit card debt.1 Many households of course are carrying much higher balances. The good news: Paying your way out of credit card debt may not be as difficult as you think. You’ve probably heard and read the following information before, but if you’re still strapped with credit card debt, you didn’t act on it. Take action now!

  • Create a budget — Use an online service like Mint.com or list your monthly income and expenses on a spreadsheet. Review your expenses to find areas where you can cut costs and expenditures.
  • Reduce your monthly bills — Some of your regular monthly expenses are discretionary and can be cut or reduced. For instance, can you get by with a cheaper data plan for your smartphone? Do you really need all those TV channels and premium movie services?
  • Cut down on unnecessary purchases — Track your expenditures for a week and then cut back “minor,” everyday purchases such as fast food, coffees and so on.
  • Rethink entertainment — Note how often you go out to dinner, bars, movies, concerts, etc. Work to eliminate at least one expensive entertainment outing per month.
  • Reward yourself along the way — The only way to get the job done is to keep at it and stay motivated. Once you start feeling deprived or punished, you’re more likely to throw in the towel. So reward yourself: Create goals and set milestones by which to measure your progress. For example, if your goal is to reduce your credit card debt from $8,000 to $6,000 in two months, give yourself a reward — just keep it within reason. Don’t book a trip to Paris or Rome that will get you right back in debt.

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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Outdoor Recreation in Boulder, Colorado

November 5, 2013 by

Outdoor Recreation in Boulder, Colorado

To say Boulder is a healthy, fitness-oriented town is an understatement, and all the amazing opportunities for outdoor recreation are a big part of that. You almost can’t help but be in good shape here, thanks to miles of trails for hiking and running, an avid bicycling culture, and some of the best rock climbing around. And of course, a day of skiing is just a short drive away.

Boulder is also home to many true world-class athletes. Outside Magazine named Boulder the “#1 Sports Town in America” due to the high-caliber cyclists, runners, and rock climbers who live here and enjoy the bountiful training opportunities right outside the front door.

Don’t worry … you don’t have to be preparing for the Olympics to enjoy everything Boulder offers in the form of outdoor recreation. Take a look at some of the amazing free activities you can enjoy today.

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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Where to Find Gluten-Free Beer (and Cider) in Boulder

November 4, 2013 by

 

Where to Find Gluten-Free Beer (and Cider) in Boulder

By  YourBoulder.com

Gluten-Free Beer

It’s never been easier to eat gluten-free, and in a town with so many healthy eating options, Boulder is a great place for folks who are gluten intolerant. But what happens when you’re in the mood for a little imbibing?

Of course, there are tons of wine and cocktail options, but sometimes you just want a beer. Nature’s cruelest joke was to make nearly all beer undrinkable for folks on a gluten-free regimen, but some breweries are heeding the call for gluten-free beer and there are plenty of places to find these options (as well as some delicious, refreshing ciders as well) in Boulder.

New Planet Brewing

All hail this completely gluten-free brewery in Boulder! This company offers a wide variety of beers from pale ales to blondes and everything in between. They do have a tasting room, which is open for very limited hours each month (every second Friday from 4-6 pm).

Even better, they bottle it so that you can find it all over Boulder. With over60 locations in the Boulder area, it’s not too hard to get a gluten-free beer fix any time you need one.

Shine Restaurant

That’s right, this bar/restaurant/meeting place is also a brewery. When they said they wanted to be an all-inclusive eatery, they meant it and they brew their very own gluten-free beer called Liberation Ale. Add this beer to their menu of delicious gluten-free menu options and you’ve got yourself a great evening out.

Colorado Cider Company

While this is a Denver based cider company, this brewery offers a fantastic selection of hard ciders to give you a little variety to the standard cider recipe (which isn’t all that bad to begin with) and they have numerous locations all around Boulder, from liquor stores to bars and restaurants. Try some of their unique twists on the classics, such as their Grasshopp-ah, which has a slightly hoppy flavor and is still gluten-free.

Eating gluten-free is fairly easy in Boulder and with this handy little guide, drinking gluten-free should be just as simple!

 

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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Affordable Housing in Boulder County Housing and Human

October 26, 2013 by

 

Affordable Housing in Boulder County

Housing and Human Services provides affordable housing opportunities to County residents.

Affordable Rentals

We provide clean, nicely maintained one, two and three-bedroom units located in: Broomfield, Louisville, Lafayette, Longmont, Lyons, Erie and Nederland.

  • All units are owned and managed by the Housing Authority
  • All rents are fixed and below market rate from $400-$1,335
  • No rent subsidy
  • View current properties and apply

Housing Assistance Programs

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8, is a rent subsidy program. For more information go to the Housing Choice Voucher page. 

Senior Housing

We offer housing exclusively for seniors. Seniors may apply for any of our Housing Programs as well.

Check out our new Senior Housing development, Josephine Commons.

 

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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