Boulder Fast Casual: Convenient Food That’s Anything but Junk

April 21, 2014 by

Boulder Fast Casual: Convenient Food That’s Anything but Junk

Fast Casual Food in BoulderIt’s Boulder — where do you eat (and fast) when you’re in a rush? You want to skip the fake food-in-a-box places but you’re willing to get out of the car and sit if it means healthy, delicious, AND fast. Well, it’s time for a Boulder fast casual joint.

With Hapa Sushi announcing that they have plans to open up a fast-casual sushi joint called Motomaki at the Twenty Ninth Street Mall this summer, Boulder adds another gourmet restaurant to its fast-casual repertoire.

For so long, people associated fast-casual food with convenient, but not quite healthy food options. Places like Chipotle, Noodles, and Buffalo Wild Wings sprout up all over the country and, well, we love them because they give us pretty good food for a decent price and we don’t have to wait for it. And waiting for food is the worst thing ever.

However, there’s a delightful new trend in Boulder that makes fast-casual a less gluttonous experience. Food that doesn’t dent your wallet, but also doesn’t cause your cholesterol count to sky rocket. Here are some healthy fast-casual food options you can find in Boulder.

Modmarket

This relatively new chain claims several locations around Colorado including one in Boulder. Customers can enjoy farm fresh food and unique menu items, plus they offer food to fit just about any restrictive diet, be it vegan, dairy-free or paleo. In addition, the décor at Modmarket certainly beats eating at one of the tables in Whole Foods.

Native Foods

Delicious vegan fast-casual. You can include that on a list of things that I never thought I’d write in my lifetime. Native Foods has places all over the West Coast and Chicago and their menu has earned them the praise of vegans around town. Their location at the Twenty Ninth Street Mall, along with Modmarket, makes this location a sort of fast-casual mecca for vegans looking for a quick fix.

Curry-N-Kebob

Let’s give this list a little bit of international flavor because there are a wide variety of fast-casual places that offer up sweet and savory ethnic food. Among them isCurry-N-Kebob, which offers Indian food at reasonable prices (and it’s pretty damn good too).

Cuba Cuba Sandwicheria

As their website says, “Eat Cuban!” I couldn’t agree more. Cubans know how to do a sandwich right! Now, this probably doesn’t fit into the “healthy, light” food category (roasted pork, ham and Swiss cheese on the Cuban sandwich alone), but screw it; it’s not everywhere in Colorado that you can find good Cuban food on the fly.

Zoe Ma Ma

You can’t have a fast-casual food list without some Chinese food in the mix andZoe Ma Ma is the perfect Boulder fit. Get your comfort foods such as dumplings (they’re vegan) or hot and sour soup, but with a Boulder twist: everything is made with high quality ingredients like cage-free eggs and all-natural meat. Plus, the organic noodles are made in-house.

Boulder has got some pretty unconventional options when it comes to fast-casual dining, so take that, Qdoba! What are some of your favorite places in Boulder where you can get a quick meal for a great price?

 

 

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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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Spend a Day in Old Town Louisville: Boulder County’s Hidden Gem

April 20, 2014 by

Spend a Day in Old Town Louisville: Boulder County’s Hidden Gem

The Empire RestaurantJust a ten minute drive from Boulder proper, is a little town that’s been rated America’s Best Place to Live by CNN Money for two of the last three years; last year they placed second. In fact, they aren’t the only major site to be singing this historic mining town’s praises. Louisville has received an abundance of accolades in the past five years. If you think you know Louisville as a sleepy little suburb of Boulder, think again.

Old Town Louisville, or Historic Louisville, on Main Street has a bustling retail and restaurant scene and if you haven’t been yet, I encourage you to hop in your car or take the Dash and spend a day in Downtown Louisville. You’ll barely have to walk more than six blocks the entire day, but you won’t be at a shortage for sights worth seeing.

All of the restaurants and retail spaces I’m about to mention are located on a two block rectangle, from Main and Pine to Main and Walnut, and back around to Front and Walnut to Front and Walnut.

Breakfast/Brunch

For some delicious morning sustenance and a healthy dose of caffeine, head toBittersweet; their pastries and coffee will bring you into the land of the living. For a slightly more formal (but not too formal) breakfast or brunch, grab a table at The Huckleberry. If you’d like a little booze with your brunch, head over to the Waterloo, which is a restaurant and hopping bar by night, but offers some tasty mimosas and bloody marys on the weekends.

Brew

Right on Main Street, there’s a little brewery tucked in between a few restaurants.12 Degrees Brewing, which specializes in Belgian-inspired ales. They also have some fantastic guest taps for other Belgians, Saisons and Sours from around the country.

Louisville Rex

Lunch

For lunch, there are several tummy-pleasing options (many of which also serve dinner, so you can go at any point during the day), including the Louisville Rex, with its iconic marquis sign or LuLu’s andLa Rev with a gloriously large shared patio for spring and summer sunning. If you’re feeling more like some Chinese or Vietnamese, Double Happy ought to do the trick. For a sweet treat, stop intoSweet Cow ice cream and lounge on their astro turf patio.

Shop

If you’ve got money burning a hole in your pocket, there are a couple of places to spend it in Old Town Louisville. The Book Cellar, The Singing Cook and Wildwood Guitars (which Premiere Guitar ranked as one of the 20 best guitar stores in the U.S.) all offer specialty goods that will have you browsing for hours. If you’re looking for some ladies’ fashion, look no further than Switch or Eleanor on opposite ends of the predefined boundary.

If you’re in the market for some quirky home décor finds, check out Little Horse, a cute little nook that sells used books, vinyl, and décor.  For more traditional style, check out The Fuzzy Antler. If you’re looking for small gifts or cards, check outAssorted Goods & Candy or Old Friends, which are located right next to each other on Front Street.

Feeling tense? Visit the Seagrape Day Spa on Main Street for a massage or mani/pedi. If you’d rather spend some quiet time alone with books, the Louisville Public Library is a wonderful place to spend a few hours in peace.

Dinner

You’ve probably worked up an appetite after all that shopping, but not to worry, there are plenty of options literally right around the corner. Fond of fondue? Have dinner at The Melting Pot. For Italian cuisine, get a table at Zucca. If you’re in the mood for some mouth-watering American fare, try The Empire (you can’t miss the sign) or Lucky Pie.

Drinks

If the night is still young and you’re not ready to call it a night, La Rev, Waterloo, the Rex and Lucky Pie are all open until 10 and offer a vast selection of beer, wine and cocktails. If it’s after 10, there’s one destination on this strip: Henry’s. The quintessential dive bar, Henry’s keeps the lights up and the drinks strong. Head over to play a game of pool or darts.

As I stated before, this is all within two square blocks of Downtown Louisville. There are far more highly rated restaurants, bars, and stores outside of this area, but still all within walking distance.

Louisville is definitely a family town (as evidenced by most places shutting down at 10 pm), but the young families that have moved there over the past five years or so have injected a fun, playful vibe around town that caters to parents of young children who aren’t quite ready to settle down yet, making it an appealing place for folks without children as well.

 

Search Louisville homes for sale

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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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A VACATION APARTMENT

February 11, 2014 by

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A VACATION APARTMENT

Things to keep in mind before renting vacation apartments

If you are thinking about a long holiday away from your hectic schedule, vacation apartment is probably the first thing what you need plan about. There is nothing like staying in an accommodation that feels comfortable as home. A vacation apartment can help you save money as well as much needed privacy away from home. However, there are certain things that you need consider before you select a luxury apartment unit or a luxury apartment complex.
List Your Requirements
The first thing that you need to have is the list of requirements you need at your vacation apartment. For instance, you are planning a vacation with your family; the vacation apartment should have all possible comforts that you expect at home. Make sure you aren’t paying for anything additional that is not needed during your stay. However, if you opt for apartments that are away from markets or other spots of attraction, the prices can go down considerably.
Research Well
When decided with the vacation idea and the list of requirements, the next you need is a good research about vacation apartments. For this you should consult reputed property agents so that you can compare and shortlist locations best suited for you.
Right Time to Select an Apartment
Apartment prices can certainly hit high, especially during the traveling season. Therefore, as a smart investor, you need to make a proposal when the prices aren’t touching the sky. For this you need to plan in advance, make booking at off season prices. This may call for booking months in advance at a time. Just make sure the selection meets your comforts and budget and fulfills your requirements too.
Evaluate Every Minute Detail
Mostly, people opt for vacation apartment options through online advertisements, which can sometimes get a bit confusing. The property you will see on websites can be totally different from the actual apartment. For this reason, you need to dig into every minute detail about the renting property. You can consult travel guides in that area or other check out reviews from previous residents.
Know About the Proprietor
Before, getting a vacation apartment on rent, you should have complete information about the proprietor. Check out if he is a seasonal agent or an experienced agent with a good business background. For this measure, you can scout local listings or find local property agents that offer you with other possible alternates.
Ask For a Rental Agreement
Before making a payment for the vacation apartment, make sure that you make a proper rental agreement with the proprietor. Check out whether the agreement fulfills all your demands and there aren’t any unknown provisos in it. Some experienced agents offer contacts with a cancellation policy, which will make a certain payback in case you have to cancel the vacation.

The best place to check for: vacation rentals 

 

 

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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SEVEN THINGS SELLERS SHOULD DO BEFORE PLACING THEIR HOME ON THE MARKET

February 9, 2014 by

SEVEN THINGS SELLERS SHOULD DO BEFORE PLACING THEIR HOME ON THE MARKET

As the Spring time approaches, many homeowners who need or want to sell will make the decision to place their home on themarket for sale, since Spring is considered the best time of the year for home sales.  However, prior to making that decision to place your home on the market, there are at least 7 crucial things that the Seller should do before putting up that ‘For Sale’ sign:

1.       Do All Needed Repairs: 

You would be surprised to know the number of sellers who put their homes on the market without doing the repairs needed.  I guess they think the buyer won’t notice the dripping faucet in the bathroom or the dry-rotted weather stripping on the front door.  Guest what? The buyer notices everything! And if they see that you haven’t done minor maintenance on the home, they will assume that you haven’t done any maintenance on major items like getting air conditioning repair over the 15 years you’ve been in the home. For this, you can contact experts that do AC installation in Decatur, GA. If you are fortunate to receive an offer from a potential buyer, EVERYTHING will be revealed during the home inspection and it will only affect your bottom line in the end or lead to the buyer terminating the offer. It is in your best interest to do the repairs prior to listing your home.

2.      Remove any Traces of Wallpaper:

Most buyers absolutely hate wallpaper.  Let me repeat that again.  Most Buyers “absolutely” hate wallpaper!  If you have wallpaper in your home, it is best to remove it prior to listing your home.  Not only is wallpaper personal to your taste, it is also dated and makes the house appear older than it is.  When buyers see wallpaper, they immediately walk-out in most cases because it is hard for them to imagine their furniture in the home with someone else’s décor.  It is best to remove it and paint your walls a neutral color so that buyers can easily envision their furniture working in any of the rooms.
3.      Clean Your Home Thoroughly (Interior and Exterior).

Maybe it’s a mild case of OCD that I have but I usually keep cleaning wipes in my car so that I can wipe my hands when necessary after a showing.  You would not believe the condition some people leave their homes in when it is on the market.  I once showed a home that still had dog poop and poop stains on the carpet—and it was NOT a foreclosure. I get it that some people still live in their home while it is on the market but when you’re selling your home, you have got to keep it clean!  Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, so they especially need to be thoroughly cleaned. Ceiling fans should be dusted as well as light fixtures.  One thing that some people tend to forget about are wall plates and light switches that are used frequently.  Sellers tend to forget about these and they are often dirty from constant use.  Have your home thoroughly cleaned to include windows, wiping down doors and door knobs and cabinets.  Also clean the yard for better curb appeal and pressure-wash the exterior if needed.

4.      De-Clutter, De-Personalize, and Organize Everything:

Buyers like open spaces and are willing to pay for it.  If you have too much furniture, it is best to either get rid of some or rent a storage facility to store it in while your home is on the market.  I also advise my sellers to de-personalize the home by removing any personal photos and tchotchkes, and also making it gender-neutral by re-painting colors that would lean towards one particular gender (i.e. pink bedrooms) to a more neutral color. Since you’re going to be moving anyway, it is best to pack these personal items away and put in storage to use in your new home.  Organize all your closets, cabinets, and garage if you have one.  If you have small closets, take out the clothes that you don’t wear very often to create the appearance of spaciousness.

5.      Look at Your Home More Objectively Through the Eyes of a Buyer
Once you’ve done all the things mentioned above, look at your home objectively like a potential buyer would and ask yourself.  “If I was a buyer, would I purchase this home?”  If the answer is yes, then you have succeeded in getting your home prepared for the market.  If you have difficulty looking at your home objectively, have a friend or someone you trust walk through and give you honest and constructive feedback.

6.      Be Realistic about the Listing Price You Set for Your Home 

Homes sell for market value—period.  You don’t determine the price of your home—the Market Does.  With the onset of technology and so much information available online, most buyers are very savvy and perform their research in advance. They are not going to pay more for your home that what it is worth.  And if they are represented by a good Buyer’s agent (like myself) I will not let my Buyers pay more than what it is worth.  It doesn’t matter if you need to get a certain amount out of the sale in order to purchase your new home.  Your home is only going to sell for what similar homes like yours are selling for at the current time.

7.      Choose a Professional Real Estate Expert to Sell Your Home

The final step is to choose a local, experienced, real estate expert who specializes in marketing and selling homes. You will want to interview the agent and ask several questions pertaining to how they will market your home prior to making a decision to list with them.  Your agent should also do a comprehensive market analysis (CMA) to determine what your home could possibly sell for in the current market. Once you have selected an agent, follow the professional advice of that agent throughout the listing period. If you would like a detailed list of questions you should ask your agent prior to listing your home, email me at john@boulderhomes4u.com

Boulder listings

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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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HUD HOMES FOR SALE

December 18, 2013 by

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HUD HOMES FOR SALE

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One of the biggest concerns for any home buyer on the market is affordability. Staying within budget is a must, but we all dream of owning a home that fulfills all our wishes. In the real estate market, there is often one type of property that many agents and home buyers overlook: HUD homes for sale. Here is what they are and why you should buy one:

 

WHAT IS A HUD HOME?

HUD stands for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In general, HUD homes stand for houses that have gone through foreclosure on federal loans provided by the Federal Housing Administration. After the homes have been foreclosed and repossessed by the federal government, they are put on sale for fair market value — creating great opportunities to purchase a home for a great price.

WHY SHOULD I BUY A HUD HOME?

The biggest advantage to buying a HUD home is the price. Placed at fair market value, you can find a dream home for an affordable price. In addition to the low price-tag, you can find a mortgage loan with decent interest rates to help finance your home purchase.

WHO CAN BUY A HUD HOME?

Almost anyone can buy a HUD home. If you have cash or qualify for a loan, you can buy a home. Initially, HUD homes are offered to those who plan on living there, not for those who plan on using them for investments.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN BUYING A HUD HOME?

The purchase of a HUD home should be treated like any other home purchase, from inspection to using a real estate agent. All aspects of the purchase need to be weighed carefully and researched thoroughly, using as many resources as possible to ensure the value of the purchase.

It is advisable to consult individuals who have professional knowledge in the matter. The purchase of a house is a huge step, and perhaps the purchase of a HUD home could help lessen the financial impact on individuals and families on the market for housing. 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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WHAT EVERY BUYER NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING A FIXER UPPER

December 17, 2013 by

WHAT EVERY BUYER NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING A FIXER UPPER

 

Buying a fixer-upper upper can be a great idea. You get a home in a great area at an affordable price with the potential of getting twice what you paid for it in value once you’ve finished a couple repairs. This of course is a best case scenario, but it is achievable. However, there are lots of things to think about before you take the plunge and invest your time, money and personal energies into a fixer-upper. Let’s start with a simple pro and con list to help you decide if you should purchase a fixer-upper.

pro

PROS OF PURCHASING A FIXER-UPPER:

  1. Get your dream home. All home buyers have a wish-list of things they want in a home – pool, granite kitchen counter tops, built in grill, location, bay window, etc. Experience Canadian properties like never before on HomesEh. Your ideal home is waiting. A sure way to get your perfect home is to put in the work and fulfill your own dream list. You might not be able to find the home you want within your price range that meets all of your wildest dreams, but you can find a home with the potential to do just that.
  2. Fixer-uppers are cheaper. Most home buyers purchase a fixer-upper because it’s a great deal financially. It’s in a great neighborhood, has more space or is just generally better than the other homes you’re able to afford.  Purchasing a fixer-upper is a great investment for a young couple or family because it allows you to save now on a down payment and monthly mortgage. A fixer-upper is an investment in your future because soon it will be the home you want with a higher resale value when you’re ready to sell.
  3. Great resale opportunities. Once you fix up your home, its value with increase. It may be below the average neighborhood price now but with a new kitchen, smart tech additions, fresh coat of paint and anything else you “fix-up”, your home gains resale value. Home owners spend a median of 9 years in their homes so you’ll have plenty of time to make the changes you need in order to love it and make yourself a profit once you’re ready to move on.

con

CONS OF PURCHASING A FIXER-UPPER:

  1. It can be expensive in the long run. Take the time before you buy the house to do the math and figure out if you will end out on top after all is said and done. Based on a thorough inspection of the house, add up all renovations that need to be completed in the home. Don’t forget, renovations include materials and labor costs – labor is often the most expensive part of the renovation process. If you need roof repairs, you can get the best roofing Tampa has ever seen here. If you will not be hiring professionals, consider what your time costs you.  Once you’ve assessed the amount you will spend on fixing up your home, subtract that from the estimated value of the home once it’s finished. You should deduct a little extra as well for complications that arise – there is always something that will surprise you. Whatever you end up with after that is what you should be willing to make as an offer on the home.
  2. Stress of living your life under construction. Taking on a fixer-upper is an investment and it will take time. Are you willing to live in a construction zone for 6 months or more? It can be stressful  to have the kitchen out of commission for a week while you repaint the cabinets and redo the counters so you have to be mentally prepared for the reality.
  3. Expensive mechanical/structural repairs. The best fixer-uppers are homes that need mostly cosmetic fixes which are less expensive and have the greatest impact on resale value. There are certain fixes that are more expensive than others and should be avoided if possible, not just in a fixer-upper but in any home you purchase. Not only are these renovations expensive, they’re “invisible” to the next buyer. That means once you fix them, they won’t increase the value of the home equal to the cost of the renovation job. Expensive fixes to look out for include:
    • Foundation Problems – Fixing cracks, slants and the like will cost you $10,000 or more. If your home inspection comes back with foundation problems, you might be best going with a more structurally sound and expensive home.
    • Water Damage – Water damage causes rot and mold over time and cannot be ignored in a home. Not only will you have to fix the cause of the water damage, you will also need to replace all damaged wood and materials in the home. It is difficult to estimate the cost but it will almost certainly be thousands of dollars to get everything squared away.
    • Sewer Line Problems – Tree roots, sagging over time or clogs can cause problems in a home’s sewer line that runs from the house to the city’s pipes. Slow drainage and backups could be a sign that the sewer line needs attention such as cleaning or repiping and it’s your job as the homeowner to fix this. A replacement sewer pipe can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000 – and that’s not including labor!

Now that you’ve weighed the pros and cons and have made an informed decision, here are a few more important tips to remember when you purchase a fixer-upper

Who pays for repairs when buying a fixer-upper? The buyer is not necessarily responsible for paying for all repairs on the home. The seller, the seller’s agent, or your buyer’s agent may agree to pay for some necessary fixes or any of the parties may agree to some sort of split. Don’t be afraid to negotiate on repairs, most importantly a CO2 detector and other health or safety concerns. It is imperative for these types of repairs to be done before you move in and they are commonly paid for by the seller or their agent.

Proactively communicate with your mortgage lender during the process. It is important to ensure the financing on your purchase before putting money into renovating it. Securing a home loan is an important step in the home buying process and can be trickier if you’re buying a fixer-upper. There are special programs to help however like a Federal Housing Administration 203(k) loan. Figuring out what loans you are eligible for is a vital step in this process so do your research.

Include an inspection clause in your purchase contract. An inspection is a standard part of any real estate contract and it’s even more important when you’re buying a fixer-upper. The inspection should assure you that the home is a good investment – structurally sound, pest free and safe. If the results of the inspection reveal the need for pricey structural repairs, then you will be able to back out of the deal because of your inspection clause. Just because a home is a “fixer-upper” doesn’t mean it’s condemned. The best type of fixer-upper is one that needs mostly cosmetic improvements.

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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Boulder’s Best Burgers

December 16, 2013 by

Boulder’s Best Burgers

Mountain Sun Date Night Burger

We cover a lot of vegetarian and vegan options here on Your Boulder, but what about those of us who just want a nice, delicious, juicy burger? You know … cooked to perfection (rare or well-done, whatever your perfect looks like, I won’t judge) with toppings that make you drool just thinking about it?

Boulder’s has many burger joints that will fill your craving for meat on a bun. Here are just a few of the favorites from around town:

Reuben’s Burger Bistro

We’ve extolled the virtues of this burger joint before, but it’s worth it to point them out again. The burgers here are roll your eyes into the back of your head good and the cycling-themed names are always fun to throw around the table when deciding what to order. They burgers are forget-your-table-manners good. Plus, having them served on a pretzel bun makes them even more delicious. On top of that,Reuben’s serves up a fantastic selection of Belgian beer, so you can get the fanciest possible combination of a burger and a beer.

Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery

Once again, another fantastic place in Boulder to snag a burger and a craft beer. These beers are even made onsite! Fans of the Mountain Sun burgers say that Date Night Burger or the Junk Burger are the way to go (though, if you’re feel like a fiesta, the pollo asado burrito is equally amazing). If you’ve got friends that are meat averse, the Mountain Sun offers plenty of vegetarian options to keep them happy while you scarf down your burger.

The Sink

This place has been a staple on The Hill since before most of the residents of Boulder were even born. Of course, it’s had its share of different owners, but right now, it one of the great places to get a burger just off campus. If you want a classic burger that dates back to when Robert Redford worked at The Sink (true story), get the Sink Burger. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Drakes Haus

Two words: Merlot Burger. These aren’t your average, run of the mill burgers. They aren’t even they average size! Drakes Haus burgers are slightly smaller than an average sized burger, but slightly bigger than a slider. They have an offer for two burgers for $8 and when you see the offerings that they have, you’ll be ever so thankful for the ability to eat two burger choices.

West End Tavern

This place has been around for about 25 years and it’s had its ups and downs. Right now, however, is a definite up. This place not only has delicious, mouthwatering burgers, but a rooftop patio that’s just wonderful on a sunny spring, summer or fall (or winter, knowing Colorado weather) day. The West End is a good place to grab a bite before a night out on the town, or just sit and hang out with friends all night long.

 

 

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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Boulder Neighborhood Guide: Hillcrest

December 13, 2013 by

 

Boulder Neighborhood Guide: Hillcrest

boulder neighborhood hillcrest

Sandwiched in between Whittier and Old North Boulder neighborhoods, Boulder’s exclusive Hillcrest neighborhood is perched high on a hill above Boulder’s floodplain. This translates to the centrally-located neighborhood being very small and exclusive. There are wide winding roads, homes featuring modern design, and expansive views that sweep from the foothills to the Flatirons. Anyone lucky enough to call this area of Boulder home can (literally) look down on the rest of Boulder.

History: This neighborhood was started in the beginning of the 1950’s, when Boulder’s population was booming and homes were expanding towards the north. Land on a hill can be difficult to divide but that did not stop the early developers from doing it. They measured out generous lots and the subdivision of Hillcrest/Panorama Heights was born.

Housing: In Boulder’s Hillcrest, renovation is the name of the game. It’s about buying the midcentury ranch houses and then tearing them down or remodeling them. Many of the lots are larger than the average Boulder home which means that many of the house prices are higher than average Boulder home. You definitely pay for the seclusion and gorgeous panoramas. Houses in Hillcrest start in the $500,000 range and it’s easy to spend a million or more for the opportunity to live in this neighborhood.

newlands ideal market shopping center

Restaurants and Shopping: Hillcrest is a small and mostly residential neighborhood. Fortunately, the midtown location means that Pearl Street anddowntown Boulder are just a short bike ride down the hill. This neighborhood is also only a few blocks away from Ideal Market and the various shops there (Breadworks, Marie’s Restaurant,Boulder Wine Merchant and Pharmaca, among others) provide many different options for shopping or dining. Additionally, RTD bus routes service the neighborhood frequently via Folsom street and connect you with wherever you want to go in town.

Family and Fitness: The neighborhood elementary and middle school are inwalking distance and there are obvious signs of family life all over Hillcrest. While there aren’t any parks proper in this neighborhood, Casey Middle School is right down the hill with soccer fields aplenty for outdoor recreation. There are also two different parks, Columbine and Salberg, that are within a four-block walking radius of the neighborhood.

Schools: Columbine Elementary, Casey Middle, Boulder High

Quirks: This Boulder neighborhood was featured in the New York Times as an example of what $1.3 million can buy you in the Boulder real estate market. If that’s not affirmation enough for Hillcrest, I don’t know what is.

Find homes in this area for sale here: North Boulder Homes For Sale

 

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.

Filed Under: Local news, Real Estate Topics Tagged With: , , , , , ,

HOW TO CALCULATE A HOME’S SQUARE FOOTAGE

December 8, 2013 by

 

HOW TO CALCULATE A HOME’S SQUARE FOOTAGE

Written by Henry Savage

Question:Is there a standard formula to calculate a home’s square footage? I have seen different publications with different square footage for the same house. For example, the county land records will say a house has 3,000 square feet, but a sales brochure will say the same house has 3,500 square feet. Are finished basements allowed in a calculation? What about hallways? I don’t know what or who to believe. It seems misleading.

Answer:You have asked a very good question. I doubt if anyone is purposely trying to mislead the public, but it’s true that not everyone in the real estate business calculates square footage the same way. In fact, it may be different from one geographic area to the next. I’m from the Washington, DC area, so I’ll share with you what I know about how it’s done here.

The square footage listed in the city and county records for condominium units are typically not questioned. These numbers are taken from the original condominium documents and are generally accurate. Unlike detached homes, square footage is less likely to change on a condominium as a result of additions and improvements.

Most real estate appraisers measure the exterior of the home to calculate the gross living area. For example, a two-story home that measures 25 feet by 25 feet would have 625 square feet on each floor, so the appraiser would say the house contains 1,250 square feet. Since he is measuring from the exterior, the calculation includes hallways, stairwells, closets and wall space.

The appraiser will also consider the size of the basement and determine how much of the basement has been finished as living area. Instead of totaling the square footage of a basement’s living area, he will make value adjustments based on other comparable homes. For example, a home with a full finished basement that includes a den, bathroom and bedroom might be credited $15,000 or $20,000 in value compared to a similar house with an unfinished basement. A well-maintained and waterproofed basement by Basement Waterproofing Systems can positively impact the home’s value.

In some cases, even if the lowest level is completely above grade, an appraiser may treat it as a basement. Consider an attached townhouse that has a lower level used as a garage and a den or mud room. An appraiser might consider such a room as a basement.

It gets more complicated. What if the house in our example has a vaulted ceiling in the family room with a second story balcony? This would clearly result in the second floor having less than 625 square feet of actual floor area. Most appraisers won’t subtract the space left out of the second floor to make room for the vaulted ceilings. Why? Because such a floor plan often enhances the market value of the home because it’s a popular feature to have. Remember that an appraiser’s job is to determine the market value of the home. The total size of the living area is only part of the equation. Imagine a 3,000 square foot house that contains 20 small rooms each consisting of 150 square feet. Such a build out would not be very popular for a typical family.

Many real estate agents and builders will include all finished “walkable” areas when totaling the square feet of a house. It’s certainly not misleading. A lot of prospective home buyers would want to know the total living area, regardless of whether some of it is below grade.

The bottom line? Calculating the square footage of a home is more of opinion than exact science. If you’re interested in buying a particular house and want to know the size expressed in square feet, my advice would be to make an appointment to visit the home and bring your tape measure, pen, paper and calculator. 

Courtesy of RealtyTimes.com

 

Boulder CO homes

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

Search all Boulder homes for sale 

Filed Under: Real Estate Topics Tagged With: , , ,

Top Thrift Stores in Boulder

November 7, 2013 by

Top Thrift Stores in Boulder

boulder thrift stores

Something about this post makes me want to bust out a Macklemore song. Is it just me?

Who says you’ve got to shell out the big bucks to look fantastic? Sure, big time shops and designer retailers want you to think that great fashion comes with a hefty price tag, but that is simply not the case! Savvy shoppers know that right now, thrift stores are a wealth of great finds from vintage looks to slightly loved designer apparel.

Since Boulder shares space with some fairly successful entrepreneurs and fashionable college students, there are great finds to be had at some of Boulder’s most well-known thrift stores. Take a look at what they have to offer:

Goldmine Vintage

Located right on the Pearl Street Mall, this place is a hipster’s paradise. They’ve got everything from retro jackets to kitschy accessories and your favorite old school bands on vinyl. Goldmine is definitely a treasure trove of vintage finds.

Common Threads

This place offers uncommonly good prices for folks who want to look great, but have a pretty tight budget. Also, for those looking to make a few extra dollars, they offer consignment as well. Common Threads in Boulder is a great place to get fashionable finds for less. If you also love applying nail polish, you can buy their nail art brush for an affordable price.

Buffalo Exchange

Is this place part of a chain of thrift stores? Yes. Does that stop it from having one of the best sections of clothing in Boulder? Absolutely not! Whether you describe your look as Bohemian Punk or Neo Flapper, the chances of you finding the perfect outfit at Buffalo Exchange are pretty good.

Candy’s Vintage Clothing & Costumes

This place has been a staple in Boulder since 1977. If anyone gets the whole retro thing, it’s going to be these cats. Not only can you find some great old school pieces, you can also find some fantastic costumes and accessories! When it comes to vintage, Candy’s has it in the bag.

Looking for some places to thrift in Boulder while also giving your money to a great cause? Have no fear, there is a wealth of places that you can go shop at to find great outfits and make sure your money goes to a great cause.

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

Search all Boulder homes for sale 

BH4U

Filed Under: Area recreation, Real Estate Topics, Things to Do Tagged With: , , , ,
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