0924 home and real estate

Saturday Reporter-Herald S eptember 24, 2011 E1

www.reporterherald.com Saturday, September 24, 2011 Reporter-Herald

Real EstateMatters

• •

� See GLINK/Page E3

Photos courtesy of Rob Larsen Photography

RE/MAX Alliance Children’sMiracle Network Golf Tournament

When: August 13 or 20, 2012Where: Riverdale Dunes and KnollsGolf Club, BrightonContact: Kim Hawkins,303-759-6636

Dilemma:Buy now orwait it outILY C E GLINKTRIBUNE MEDIA SE RV I C E S

Question: Can you please helpme? I am 32 years old and earn$63,000 a year and invest 8 percentof my salary into my company’s401(k) plan. I have $90,000 in cashin the bank. I also have a $45,000certificate of deposit earning 4.5percent that matures in 2 years.

I have a mortgage on my homewith a balance of about $133,000with a 6.6 percent interest rate. If Iwere to refinance, I would have toput in probably $40,000 to qualifydue to my home’s value declining.The problem now is that this homewas my first home and I do not likeit. I don’t like the layout or the size,but I can’t sell it because I wouldhave to take a huge loss.

Should I refinance the home andwait out the market to get thehouse I really want? Or should I waituntil my CD matures in two yearsand just pay off the entire mortgagewith savings and then buy the houseI really want? I could rent the homeat that time. Or should I refinancethis home, rent it out and buy ahome with interest rates as low asthey are today?

I’m just not sure what I should do.I really want to take advantage ofthe low interest rates and buy ahouse where I’d really want to spendthe next 15 to 20 years. My credit isexcellent.

Answer: Yo u ’ve done well finan-cially to have purchased your ownhome and saved so much money atyour age. While we’re not financialadvisors, and you might benefitfrom talking to a fee-only financialadvisor about your overall portfolio,from the real estate side, you mightnot be in such a big bind as youthink.

You might be right: you mighttake a huge loss on the sale of yourcurrent home. But if you are look-ing to buy in an area where homevalues have declined at the samerate as your home’s value, youwould stand to offset your loss bybuying your next home for muchless than peak price.

People tended to see the real es-tate market one way when the mar-ket was going up. They would buy ahome, see it appreciate in value andthen move up to another home. Aslong as they didn’t lose money onthe sale of their current residence,they would take money out fromtheir current home and move it tothe next one.

The same principal might apply ifyou sell and buy in the same com-munity even if you lose money. Ifyou purchased a home for $150,000when more desirable homes wereselling for $250,000 — and nowyour home is selling for $100,000and those same more desirablehomes are selling for $167,000 —you might be better off buying to-day even if you lose money on the

RE/MAX AllianceChildren’s Miracle Network

Golf TournamentGolf tournament

on Aug. 8 atRiverdale Dunes

benefitedChildren’s HospitalPAID A D V E RT I S E M E N T

RE/MAX Alliance is pleased toannounce their annual Chari-ty Golf Tournament, support-

ing the Children’s’ Miracle Network,has been another great success. Thisyear’s tournament, held on August8, 2011 at the Riverdale Dunes andKnolls Golf Club in Brighton, Col-orado, raised a record-breakingamount of $70,607. One hundredpercent of the proceeds raised bythe golf tournament go to Chil-dren’s Hospital in Denver.

David Powell, managing broker ofRE/MAX Alliance in Loveland, saidhe is grateful that his office gets theopportunity to participate in such awonderful event.

“It’s a truly amazing commitmentof our associates, staff, volunteers,sponsors and golfers that we canraise over $70,000 in just one day,”Powell said.

The RE/MAX Alliance Children’sMiracle Network Golf Tournamenthas always been about giving back tothe children in the community whileenjoying a great day of golf at thesame time. Last year’s tournamentraised just over $68,000, a record-high until this year.

Participants enjoyed a beautifulday of golf; RE/MAX Hot Air Balloonrides, silent auction items includingfour tickets to the Wildlife Experi-ence, Denver Zoo family four-pack,$200 Beau Jo’s Pizza party, and afive-night stay at the JW MarriottIhilani Resort & Spa on OahuHawaii, and a delicious lunch servedby Colorado based Smiling MooseDeli and Wal Mart in Brighton. Eachparticipant also received a grab bag,complimentary breakfast, a greatdinner buffet and had the opportuni-ty to meet the families who broughttheir amazing children who havebenefitted from Children’s Hospital.

“We are so humbled by the gen-erosity of those who gave in so manyways to help support and raiseawareness for such an amazing char-i t y, ” said Chad Ochsner, Bro-ker/Owner of RE/MAX Alliance.

“Each year, Children’s Miracle Net-work hospitals provide more than$2.5 billion in charitable care. Tosee the ear-to-ear smiles on the facesof children who have benefited fromthe Children’s Miracle Network just

reinforces why we give to Children’sMiracle Network, and the reason wedo this year after year.”

In addition to the annual golftournament, RE/MAX Alliance asso-ciates also contribute to Children’sMiracle Network each day — by do-nating anywhere from $25 to $100on each transaction they close.These day-to-day donations, knownas the Miracle Home Program, arethe most effective fundraising toolin RE/MAX offices across the globe.Since RE/MAX, LLC became a spon-sor of Children’s Miracle Network in1992, thousands of RE/MAX associ-ates have helped raise over $100million for their local Children’sHospitals.

Powell added that he hopes forjust as grand of a turnout for nextyear’s tournament.

“I’m psyched to see if we can beat

the record again at next year’s tour-nament,” he said. “That’s alwaysbeen our number one goal; to findmore ways to raise more money forthis wonderful cause.”

Interested in participating in nextyear’s event? Next year’s tentativedates are August 13 or 20, 2012.

Please visit www.alliancegolfforkids.com or contact KimHawkins at 303-759-6636 for moreinformation.

“It’s a trulyamazing commitment

of our associates, staff,volunteers, sponsors andgolfers that we can raise over

$70,000in just one day.”

— David Powell

www.HomeStateBank.com(970) 203-6100

An FHA 203(k) mortgage allows you to finance both your homepurchase and renovation with a single loan. Call now to learn more.

Loans and rates subject to credit approval. FHA conditions and restrictions apply.

Vivian DeVoe, VP Mortgage Banker, 970-227-4702

Buying a home that needs work?Call the experts in FHA 203(k)renovation financing.

Think big Bank small

E2 Saturday Reporter-Herald S eptember 24, 2 0 1 1

To add a listing or speak to an advertising representative, call Dan Grassmeyer at 970-635-3615

For details about these open houses, see the ads in this section. For additional open house listings, please check the “Real Estate Classifieds” section of this publication. This guide is

brought to you by the Daily Reporter-Herald, local real estate agents and area builders.

��

saturday sundayPrice Location Address Hours Office Phone

From the $140’s

Loveland 43rd St & Wilson Ave The Cottages at Enchantment Ridge

12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900

Starting in the 150’s

Milliken 110 Traders Lane 12-3 PM The Group Inc. Realty, Tracy Wilson

970-567-0907

From $159,900-$229,000

Loveland 1899 East 11th St. 10 AM-6 PM Midtown Homes, Wayne Lewis

970-456-4600

$169,900 Loveland 4403 Elliot Pl 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-215-0515

$180,000 Loveland 4009 Ash Avenue 10 AM-1 PM Western Plains Realty, Michelle Wilson

970-518-6640

$194,900 Berthoud 891 Longview Ave. 12-2 PM The Group Inc. Realty, John Simmons

970-481-1250

$199,900 Loveland 3730 Jefferson Drive 11 AM-3 PM Home Savings Realty, Rick & Sharon Nealeigh

970-988-1205

$207,315 Loveland 3441 Foster Pl 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-215-0515

$239,000 Loveland 4496 Hayler Ave 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900

$239,500 Loveland 227 Johnson Drive 2-4 PM RE/MAX Alliance, Julie Stinson

970-622-1809

$239,900 SW Loveland 1506 Gloria 12-2 PM ERA Tradewind 303-684-6321

$277,000 Loveland 1529 Dryland St. 10 AM-12 PM The Group Inc. Realty, Mark Moran

970-218-1891

$287,296 Windsor 4607 Pompano Drive 12-5 PM The Group Inc., Realty Kristen Specketer

970-290-8097

$298,664 Loveland 4355 Ridgway Dr 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900

$299,000 Loveland 2892 Ariel Drive 1-3 PM The Group Inc. Realty, Georgena Arnett

970-481-9801

$299,900 Loveland 1920 New Hampshire St 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900

$299,900 Loveland 4454 Stump Ave 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900

$335,000 Loveland 2890 Carina Circle 1-3 PM The Group Inc. Realty, Georgena Arnett

970-481-9801

$347,900 Loveland 920 Norway Maple 1-3 PM The Group Inc. Realty, Rich Gardiner

970-227-0964

$389,000 Loveland 94-8 Buckhorn Road 1-3 PM The Group Inc. Realty, Julie Hart

970-481-1443

Starting in the $400’s

Loveland 288 Reservoir Drive 1-4 PM Premier Lifestyle Realty, John Mathey

970-613-4400

$439,500 Loveland 2096 Vista Drive 1-3 PM The Group Inc. Realty, Bob Skillman

970-631-2257

$509,900 Loveland 2960 Laguna Ct. 11 AM-1 PM RE/MAX Alliance, Christina Koder

970-506-2962

Price Location Address Hours Office Phone

From the $140’s

Loveland 43rd St & Wilson Ave The Cottages at Enchantment Ridge

12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900

Starting in the 150’s

Milliken 110 Traders Lane 12-3 PM The Group Inc. Realty, Tracy Wilson

970-567-0907

From $159,900-$229,000

Loveland 1899 East 11th St. 10 AM-6 PM Midtown Homes, Wayne Lewis

970-456-4600

$162,500 Johnstown 1101 North Park Ave. 2-4 PM RE/MAX Alliance, Julie Stinson

970-622-1809

$169,900 Loveland 4403 Elliot Pl 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-215-0515

$195,900 Loveland Peakview Meadows 11 AM-3 PM Century 21 Humpal, Inc. Chris Rampone & Kurk Albers

970-430-0845970-231-1224

$199,900 Loveland 3730 Jefferson Drive 11 AM-3 PM Home Savings Realty, Rick & Sharon Nealeigh

970-988-1205

$207,315 Loveland 3441 Foster Pl 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-215-0515

$239,000 Loveland 4496 Hayler Ave 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900

$298,664 Loveland 4355 Ridgway Dr 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900

$299,000 Loveland 2892 Ariel Drive 1-3 PM The Group Inc. Realty, Georgena Arnett

970-481-9801

$299,900 Loveland 1920 New Hampshire St 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900

$299,900 Loveland 4454 Stump Ave 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900


Loveland 27847 Arikaree Rd. 1:30-3 PM Coldwell Banker Plains Real Estate, Maurine Garretson

970-396-9597

$335,000 Loveland 2890 Carina Circle 1-3 PM The Group Inc. Realty, Georgena Arnett

970-481-9801

$347,900 Loveland 920 Norway Maple 1-3 PM The Group Inc. Realty, Rich Gardiner

970-227-0964


Loveland 288 Reservoir Drive 1-4 PM Premier Lifestyle Realty, John Mathey

970-613-4400

WALKOUT BASEMENT! Ranch style home w/10’ main fl oor walls. Granite countertops & SS appl in spacious kitchen w/island. A/C & wood fl oors. 5 pc master bath. 3-car garage & lge deck. $299,900.

4454 Stump Avenue, Loveland LANDSCAPED W/ SPRINKLER SYSTEM

OPEN HOUSE SAT & SUN 12-5 PM

Kevin CookCottage Realty970-532-5900www.lovelandcorealestate.com

Peakview Meadows Sales offi ce open Sunday 11-3 Prices starting at $195,900. 5 Models to choose from.

Peakview Meadows, Berthoud

OPEN SUN. 11-3 PM

Kurt Albers & Chris RamponeCentury 21 Humpal, Inc970-231-1224 Kurt 970-430-0845 Chriswww.berthoud.org

Amazing new price, downpayment assistance, closing costs all included on this beautiful remodel. New kitchen, master bath, paint, lighting and carpet on 1/3 acre! Open house Saturday 24th 10am-1pm.

4009 Ash Avenue, Loveland

BEAUTIFUL LOVELAND REMODEL!!!

Michelle WilsonWestern Plains Realty970-518-6640michelle@westernplainsre.comwww.westernplainsre.com

2,174 sq ft, A/C, humidifi er, open fl oor plan, new carpet & interior paint, ceiling fans, main level laundry w/1/2 bath, kitchen pantry, all kitchen appliances, master w/3/4 bath & lg walk-in closet, full unfi n bsmt; mature landscaping, sprinkler system, covered front porch, large back porch, storage shed, 2-car garage. Close to schools; easy access to 287. Move-in ready!

3730 Jefferson Drive, Loveland

OPEN SAT. & SUN. 11-3 PM

Rick and Sharon Nealeigh(970) 988-1205http://www.homefinder.com/CO/Loveland/78852803d_3730_Jefferson_Dr

Great 1 acre property in Indianhead Estates on corner lot with 3 car attached garage PLUS separate 2 car/shop! Room for your RV’s & room to expand for additional garages!

27847 Arikaree Rd, Loveland

OPEN SUN. 1:30-3:00 PM

Maurine GarretsonColdwell Banker Plains Real Estate, Inc.970-396-9597 [email protected]/local/plains

Front loaded garages are now at The Cottages at Enchantment Ridge. Built Green-3 BR, 2 BA ranch style home w/full unfi n bsmt & landscaped front yard w/sprinkler system. $209,800** **Call for details.

4403 Elliot Place, Loveland SAVE $16,600**

OPEN HOUSE SAT & SUN 12-5 PM

Rosalie LawrenceCottage Realty970-215-0515www.lovelandcorealestate.com

Introducing Pittington Ranch! Panoramic views, open fl oor plans, room for your horses! 90 plus acres of riding space. Model home open! 13 homesites to choose from, starting in mid $400’s.

Just West of Loveland 288 Reservoir Drive!

OPEN HOUSE SAT. & SUN. 1-4 PM

John MatheyPremier Lifestyle(970) 481-5512

[email protected]

UP TO $199,999 $200,000 - $299,999

$300,000 - $399,999 $400,000 - $499,999

Visit our website at

Online + Print = a Powerful Combination!

homeandrealtyguide.com

Featured Properties


Step Up

JADE CO DYRE P O RT E R -HERALD

With about 100 people in at-tendance at the Love-land/Berthoud Association

of Realtors Installation and AwardsLuncheon on Sept. 22, incomingLBAR president David Powell encour-aged his fellow Realtors to “step upto the plate,” stressing the positiveimpact LBAR can potentially make inthe community.

“If not us, then who? If not now,then when? Let’s step up to the plateand make this a great year forLBAR ,” he said.

Powell was speaking of LBAR’scommunity involvement and variousfundraisers, including a golf tourna-ment, a bowling event and a pokertournament, all aimed toward raisingmoney in the community.

Powell, Managing Broker withRE/MAX Alliance, also calledfor support of the National Associa-tion of Realtors in its push for

homeownership rights and less con-strictive lending restraints.

Powell was introduced by outgoingpresident Billie Jo Downing, who fo-cused her 2010 term as president onthe theme “rebuilding the Americandream.” She referenced the 10-yearanniversary of 9/11 and resolving topreserve the American way of living.

“I’ve never been prouder to be aRealtor than I am right now,” shesaid. “Housing is one of the majorkeys to our economy’s recovery.”

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Jesse Laner of The Group, Real Es-tate was presented the Rookie of theYear award. He was introduced byBob Skillman, last year’s Rookie ofthe Year. Skillman said Laner had $2million in volume last year with TheGroup Real Estate, all while being in-volved in the Jump Start program,the Colorado Association of Realtors,LBAR and serving as a high schoolgirls basketball coach in Loveland.

REALTOR OF THE YEAR

The 2011 Realtor of the Year, pre-sented by 2010 winner Kurt Albers,was Renae Hupp, a Realtor with FirstChoice Realtors since 2009.

Hupp, a Berthoud native and the2010 LBAR president, said she has al-ways had a passion for real estate.

“I don’t do this for a paycheck,”she said. “I do it because I have a pas-sion for this, and I want to educatebuyers and sellers — as well as thepublic.

She said she felt lucky to be able toprovide her services in the Lovelandarea.

“I feel very blessed to be a Realtorin this area,” she said.

Hupp was lauded for her communi-ty service — including her participa-tion in Alternatives to Violence. Shecurrently sponsors a transition housewith ATV, which provides temporaryhousing to women. Hupp, herself, has

been in a violent relationship in thepast, so giving back to ATV was im-portant to her. She is currently inclass to become an ATV advocate.

“I truly believe in giving back tomy community,” she said. “I don’t dothat for a feather in my hat or anotch in my belt, I do it because itmakes me feel good.”

2011/2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

to thePlate

LBAR steps up tothe plate at anInstallation andAwards Luncheon

RH photos/Jade CodyTop left: Kurt Albers, 2010 Realtor of the Year; Renae Hupp, 2011 Realtor of the YearTop middle: David Powell, incoming PresidentTop right: Jesse Laner, 2011 Rookie of the year and Bob Skillman 2010 Rookie of the YearBottom from L-R: Incoming officers — David Powell, President; Billie Jo Downing, Immediate Past President;Kurt Albers, Treasurer; Miki Roth, President Elect; Rob Proctor, Second Vice President; Gary Maggi, CARDirector; Brian Steving, Director; Bob Skillman, Director

“If not us, then who?If not now,then when?

Let’s step up to the plateand make this

a great year for LBAR.”— David Powell,

incoming LBAR President

Pre s i d e n t : David PowellPresident elect: Miki Roth2nd Vice President: Rob ProctorSecretar y: Deborah ManderscheidTre a s u re r : Kurt AlbersImmediate past president:Billie Jo Downing

Director 2010-2012: Abby RennerDirector 2011-2013: Bob SkillmanDirector 2010-2012: Brian StevingCAR Director 2010-2013: Gary MaggiCAR Director 2009-2012:Robert Walkowicz

Open Houses This Weekend - www.thegroupinc.com

SATURDAY 1:00-4:002074 Cheyenne Avenue, Loveland Open floor plan w/2family/rec rooms, remodeled upstairs bath featuring granitecountertop, cherry cabinets in kitchen, all kitchen appliancesstay, sprinkler system, great deck, storage shed & spaciousgarage. 3 Bdrm, 2 Bath, 4-level.

$178,000MLS# 664103

Call Kathy Beck970-213-8475

SATURDAY 12:00-2:00891 Longview Avenue, Berthoud 2 story home on a cornerlot w/beautiful curb appeal. 3bd, 2ba, 2car garage. Central air.Unfinished walk-out basement. Exterior features a coveredfront porch, deck, patio, privacy fence, greenhouse & gardens.Quality home in a desirable subdivision.

$194,900MLS# 664399

Call John Simmons481-1250

SUNDAY 1:00-3:005020 Coral Burst Dr., Loveland 3BD 3BA 2,848 sf ranch w/walk-out basement in Alford Meadows that backs to openspace. Beautiful master w/sitting room, formal dining room,awesome kitchen w/granite & wood floors. Family room w/wet bar. Natural light & special features!

$299,900MLS# 661595

Hosted by Kathleen Hollerbach222-0679

FRIDAY & SATURDAY 1:00-3:002890 Carina Circle, Loveland Colorado Craftsman style home.Finishes include hardwood floors, designer tile, slab granite,alder trim & doors and shaker style alder cabinetry. 12’ ceilingsin great room w/wood beams. SS appliances, gas fireplace andcustom built-ins. Fully landscaped. Close to I-25, Centerra andthe Medical Center of the Rockies.

$335,000MLS# 662119

Call Georgena Arnett481-9801

FRIDAY & SATURDAY 1:00-3:002892 Ariel Drive, Loveland Colorado Craftsman style homequality built by Oak Valley Homes. Kitchen features a largeisland and shaker style alder cabinetry. Ranch style home withopen floor plan backs to open space. Beautiful finishes includehardwood floors, designer tile & slab granite. Full, unfinishedbasement. Fully landscaped yard.

$299,000MLS# 662114

Call Georgena Arnett481-9801

SATURDAY 1:00-3:009408 Buckhorn Road, Loveland Beautiful home located on a1-acre lot in the secluded foothills with easy access to town.Open living areas compete with fireplace, vaulted ceiling, tile& hardwood floors. Kitchen features 42” upper cabinets, SSappliances & granite countertops. Each bedroom has its ownbath. 2 large decks to enjoy the peaceful outdoors.

$389,000MLS# 647561

Call Julie Hart481-1443

NEW CONSTRUCTION

FRIDAY - SUNDAY 12:00-3:00110 Traders Lane, Milliken Pick your own fixtures, carpet & colors.Wonderful ranch style & 2-story home plans to choose from. Yourchoice of 3 great subdivision to live in – Settlers Village – ColonyPoint or Centennial Farms. VALUE YOU CAN SEE… QUALITY YOUCAN COUNT ON with a WINDMILLS HOME. Visit us at 110 TradersLane in Settlers Village. 100% FINANCING! NO MONEY DOWN!!!

Prices starting in the $150’sMLS#

Call Tracy Wilson567-0907

NEW CONSTRUCTION

SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12:00-5:004607 Pompano Drive, Windsor 3 bedroom, 3 bath ranch with3-car garage. Loads of upgrades, backs to open space! Allof our homes are energy-efficient on oversized lots! Visit ourmodels for other plans available starting at $239,900.

$287,296MLS# 661199

Call Kristen Specketer290-8097

NEW CONSTRUCTION

INVESTMENT TOUR NEW CONSTRUCTION

SATURDAY & SUNDAY 1:00-3:00920 Norway Maple, Loveland New custom home by TroendlyConstruction. Ranch w/2 bedrooms & den on main level. Bdrm,bath & family room finished in basement. Tandem 3 car garage.Nice finishes included granite, Alder cabinets & stainless steelappliances. Fully landscaped w/auto sprinklers. Move in ready -see this lovely home today.

$347,900MLS# 654230

Call Rich Gardiner227-0964

MOVE-IN READY

SATURDAY 1:00-4:00466 and 468 W 5th Street, Loveland Unique property with 2dwellings in downtown Loveland. Main home has 3 bdrms, 1.5baths, re-circulating FP & hardwood floors in living room, hall& 1 bdrm. Cheerful country kitchen. Main floor laundry. Somenew windows, newer roof & vinyl siding. Detached rental w/1bdrm, living room, kitchen, bath & separate parking.

$175,000MLS# 665337

Call John Simmons481-1250

SATURDAY 1:00-4:00935-937 Douglas Avenue, Loveland All brick duplex backsto park. Open floor plan with 2 large bedrooms, updated bathsand a large eat-in kitchen. Both sides are currently rented andhave good rental histories. Each side has a separate backyard.

$179,500MLS# 652253

Call Cindy Kurtz962-6832

INVESTMENT TOUR INVESTMENT TOUR INVESTMENT TOUR

SATURDAY 10:00-12:001529 Dryland Street, Loveland Brand new ranch style homebuilt in Taft Farms by Keirns Construction. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathsand a 3 car garage. Several other plans and lots to choose from.Call for details.

$277,000MLS# 624979

Call Mark Moran218-1891

FRIDAY - SUNDAY 1:00-4:00222 Saratoga Drive, Windsor Greenspire at Windsor Lake. It’smore than just a home… IT’S A QUALITY OF LIFE! Milesof bike trails, open space & parks. Personalize your homefrom framing to finish! Extraordinary floor plans – Ranch &2-Story. Lots available on Windsor Lake! Visit our Sales Centeror call for a showing today!

Homes Starting in the $200,000s!MLS# 662637

Call Jim Watson219-5219

NEW HOMES BUILT BY WINDMILLS LLC

SATURDAY 1:00-3:002096 Vista Drive, Loveland Located on the 10th Fairway ofthe Olde Course in Loveland. 2 Offices, formal living & diningrooms, large kitchen & great room. Slab granite counters & backsplash, wood floors. Mstr walk-in has custom built-ins. Jettedtub & huge shower. Mature yard. 3-car garage, workshop andheated driveway.

$439,500MLS# 644585

Call Bob Skillman631-2257

SUNDAY 1:00-4:001031 Hinsdale Drive, Fort Collins 6 Bdrm, 4 Bath 2-storyw/4021 total sf. Loaded w/upgrades and features. Open floorplan, granite counters, new carpet & hardwood flooring.5-Piecemaster bath, 2 water heaters, full finished basement & more!

$369,963MLS# 663036

Call Keith Huntsman227-2779

PRICE REDUCED!

SUNDAY 12:00-2:00627 Roma Valley Dr, Fort Collins 5 Bdrm, 5 bath 2-story w/5461total sf. Open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, all bedrooms haveprivate bath, main floor study, full finished walkout basementand backs to Fossil Creek open space.

$650,000MLS# 656565

Call Keith Huntsman227-2779

AN EXCLUSIVE SERVICE OFTHE GROUP, INC. REAL ESTATE

Northern ColoradoReal Estate Source

The Real Estate Source is a magazine produced byThe Group featuring homes for sale and new home

neighborhoods throughout Northern Colorado.� ��

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Northern Colorado

Real Estate Sourcew w w . t h e g r o u p i n c . c o m


Real Estate Transactions aresupplied by Prospects UnlimitedInc., 1151 Eagle Drive No. 467,Loveland, CO 80537, 667-1537.

L oveland• Shadow LLC from Advan-

tage Bank, 3993 Via Del Oro,Loveland, $160,000, home

• Sarah Ladd from JasonBachman, 4006 Trinidad Dr,Loveland, $197,800, home

• Michael Bilello from RetaBaker, 14500 Buckhorn Rd,Loveland, $275,000, home

• Richard & Carol Kampffrom Laurence Bartels, 2342Austin Ave, Loveland,$183,000, home

• Stephen & MaryBergstrand from David Colson,1620 Dumont Pl, Loveland,$317,900, home

• Matthew & Tara Layettefrom Fannie Mae, 4798 ValleyOak Dr, Loveland, $299,000,home

• Weston Sanford from FlatIrons Land Trust, 2731 W 28thSt, Loveland, $195,000, home

• Warren & Julie Villalovosfrom Devin Gilliam, 9000 Cot-tontail Rd, Loveland,$222,500, home

• Otis & Angela Vaughnfrom Kenneth Lafleur, 4986Valley Oak Dr, Loveland,$272,000, home

• Foundation 4568 fromJose Lesperance, 375 Cove Dr,Loveland, $277,000, home

• Deanna Simpson fromFrederick Smokoski, 1666Monarch Cir, Loveland,$320,000, home

• Jason Hillier from DonaldVandendriesche, 13382 OtterRd, Loveland, $143,900, home

• Colin Lee from David Adri-an, 1804 Kinnikinnik Pl, Love-land, $132,000, home

• Carolann Boncella fromJames Deis, 4234 Smith ParkCt, Loveland, $475,000, home

• Enoch & Linda Silva fromJack Doyel, 915 Crabapple Dr,Loveland, $420,000, home

• Lillianne Swisher from Fan-nie Mae, 735 Blue Azurite Ave,Loveland, $142,900, home

• Avon Anderson from Feder-al Home Ln Mortgage Corp,238 S Monroe Ave, Loveland,$235,000, home

• Resident from Gri S, 4715Hahns Peak Dr Unit 101, Love-land, $117,000, condo

• Robert & Margaret Mc-cormick from Timothy Mar-malick, 2868 Katie Dr, Love-land, $165,000, home

• Bonni Trimble from BradMudgett, 229 Grouse HollowLn, Loveland, $262,000, home

• Neil & Linda Martin fromJames Mull, 5978 Gitalong Rd,Loveland, $179,500, home

• Karl & Teresa Schuemannfrom Ric Soulen, 15850 StellerRidge Rd, Loveland, $550,000,home

Berthoud• M L Long from William

Hudson, 1405 Oak Dr,Berthoud, $190,000, home

• Heather Suits from FederalHome Ln Mortgage Corp, 7175th St, Berthoud, $102,000,home

• Jeffrey & Brooke Whorlowfrom Brian Syp, 4717 FoothillsDr, Berthoud, $365,000, home

• Paul Pointer from Dee AnnWaddell, 832 6th St, Berthoud,$146,000, home

Estes Park• Donald Johnson from

Richard Masek, 1155 S SaintVrain Ave Unit 37, Estes Park,$113,500, condo

• James & Jeanna Meekfrom Brandon Pietsch, 1040Pine Ln, Estes Park, $422,000,home

• Brandon Pietsch from Ken-neth Sheffield, 1550 Raven CirUnit H Unit 39, Estes Park,$225,000, condo

• Christopher Gunia fromRobert Fixter, 1221 ProspectMountain Rd, Estes Park,$340,000, home

• Roger & Jane Truesdalefrom Michael Flannery, 252Solomon Dr, Estes Park,

$422,500, home• Jacob & Peggy Eisel from

Jeffrey Moreau, 249 E River-side Dr, Estes Park, $440,000,home

• Ronald Bockhaus fromLaura Nilsen, 255 Solomon Dr,Estes Park, $367,500, home

Johnstown• Carlyle & Mary Haviland

from Alternative Invest LLC,161 Lindenwood Ave, John-stown, $175,000, home

• Adam Darling from EarlDarling, 903 N 2nd St, John-stown, $130,000, home

• James Walton from DavidHakes, 22 S Denver Ave, John-stown, $108,000, home

• Gina Loudenburg fromMejias Invest Inc, 424 CastlePines Ave, Johnstown,$200,000, home

• Alan & Michele Dean fromDonald Morris, 2115 RedheadDr, Johnstown, $248,900,home

• Paul & Coreen Allen fromDarcie Moseley, 1537 MallardDr, Johnstown, $269,000,home

• Paul & Patrice Danielsfrom Linda Rouse, 20503 Cac-tus Dr, Johnstown, $269,000,home

• Blake & Celeste Weimerfrom Steel Mount Capital ILLC, 1855 Chesapeake Cir,Johnstown, $169,000, home

• Sandy Meyer from Oak-wood Homes LLC, 5306Ravenswood Ln, Johnstown,$170,200, home

• Gary & Kayla Kinnisonfrom Oakwood Homes LLC,3818 Blackwood Ln, John-stown, $201,300, home

• Anh Pham from RylandGroup Inc, 57 White Wing Ct,Johnstown, $303,300, home

• Sara Silvernail from ScottCarney, 335 Marble Ln, John-stown, $212,500, home

M i l l i ke n• Andrew & Sylvia Hester

from Paul Allen, 161 EHawthorne Ct, Milliken,$174,000, home

• Resident from John F NealRevocable Trust, 2150 CountryClub Pkwy, Milliken, $512,000,home

• Dene Miller from RoyMartens, 161 Oakwood Ct, Mil-liken, $158,000, home

• Fred Ohrn from DanielGrossman, 2363 Carriage Dr,Milliken, $145,700, home

Windsor• Edward & Kathryn Simp-

son from Saint Aubyn HomesLLC, 601 Wind River Ct, Wind-sor, $262,700, home

• Carrie & Joseph Borkows-ki from Douglas Williams, 148Bayside Cir, Windsor,$275,000, home

• Nathan & Natalie Ehlersfrom Sage Homes LLC, 611Wind River Ct, Windsor,$248,700, home

• David Aguiar from AaronEide, 100 Rock Bridge Ct,Windsor, $345,000, home

• Nancy Evans from LongBeach Mtg Loan Trust 2004,110 Beacon Way Unit 5e,Windsor, $103,500, condo

• Randal & Bethanie Mcgin-nis from Maxwell Family Trust,1326 Hilltop Cir, Windsor,$602,500, home

• Lonnie Dalrymple fromJames Hartmann, 125 BaysideCir, Windsor, $278,000, home

• Duane Fisher from Pres-tige Homes LLC, 612 DenaliCt, Windsor, $218,000, home

• Saint LLC from WinterFarm Windsor LLC, 651Babine Ct, Windsor, $105,000,home

• Saint LLC from High-pointe Vista LLC, 8835 Black-wood Dr, Windsor, $193,200,home

• Michael & Colleen Covafrom Homes Distinction Inc,7210 Caldeonian Ct, Windsor,$446,500, home

• Hugh Eastwood fromMichael Kinney, 1820 SeashellCt, Windsor, $870,000, home

Mortgage rate update

30-year fixed

15-year fixed

5/1 ARM

This week Last week Tre n d

4.00%

3.30%

2.93%

4.18%

3.38%

3.00%

Home & Real Estate is producedevery Saturday by the

Loveland Reporter-Herald.

H&Real Estate

Tr a n s a c t i o n sRE

Regional Snapshot for Loveland/Berthoud Residential

M ay Ju n e Ju ly

Active Listings 1004 973 938Previous Year Active Listings 1117 1101 1092

Sold Listings 126 155 134

Median Sales Price $200,000 $220,000 $208,958Previous Year Median $214,500 $234,000 $238,000

Average Days on the Market 107 121 103Previous Year ADOM 118 121 122

Year to Date Listings Sold 521 676 810Previous Year YTD Listing Sold 559 728 839

News and Press Releases: TheReporter-Herald welcomes news onhirings, advancements, awards,classes and other information ofinterest to the real estate and homecommunity. Submit information toj c o d y @ r e p o r t e r- h e r a l d . c o m .

Advertising: For advertisinginformation, call Dan Grassmeyer.

Office: 970-635-3615Cell: 970-214-6297E-mail:

d g r a s s m e y e r @ r e p o r t e r- h e r a l d . c o m

750 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland669-1234 view more properties at:

www.HomesInColorado.com

Each office independently owned & operated

227 Johnson Drive, LovelandSW Loveland - Awesome 2 story in Mead-owbrook Heights! 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths finished basement, master bedroom 5 piece suite, master bedroom deck, gas fireplace,

central air & a 3 car attached garage all on a quiet street.$239,500 | MLS #638800

Call Julie Stinson [email protected]

OPEN SATURDAY 2-41101 N. Park Ave, Johnstown

BRAND NEW LISTING!! 1950’s ranch located across the street from the elementary school. Property has been updated and shows well. Give me

a call for all the details!

$162,500 | MLS #663376

Call Julie Stinson [email protected]

OPEN SUNDAY 2-4

www.1015W32nd.comWell-maintained, beautifully landscaped, tri-level near sculpture park; efficient kitchen that makes every square inch count, finished basement, and what about

a cedar closet!!

$210,000 | MLS #660546

Call Nanci Garnand 622-1846 or 227-1327www.LivingInLoveland.com

1019 Arkansas River, WindsorNew 2-story by Strathmore Homes in Poudre Heights. 3 beds, 2.5 baths and unfin. bsmt. Large master suite w/ private bath & walk-in closet. Eat-in kitchen w/

SS appliances; back patio, plus 3-car garage! $278,000 | MLS #653261

Call Dennis Schick 567-3942www.dennisschick.com

1743 Platte River Ct, WindsorNew 2-story by Strathmore Homes in Poudre Heights. 3 beds, 2.5 baths, upper loft/study area and unfin. bsmt. Eat-in kitchen w/ SS appliances &

granite counters; back patio, plus 3-car garage!$289,000 | MLS #653148


6776 Pumpkin Ridge, WindsorBeautiful 2-story by Landmark Homes with 4 beds, 3 baths, main floor study, formal dining, butlers pantry, mudroom, 3-car garage & unfin. bsmt. Gourmet

kitchen w/ SS appliances, island & breakfast nook.$419,900 | MLS #657570


2945 Laguna Ct, LovelandStunning 5 bed, 5 bath 2-story home in Waterfront. Fully finished walk-out base-ment, media room, formal dining, and main floor study. Kitchen features granite coun-

ters, SS appliances, cherry cabinets & wood floors.$617,000 | MLS #650798


4228 Foothills Dr, LovelandCorner Lot in Mariana Butte backing to Greenbelt! 4BR 3BA 2Car, FP, A/C, Sprinklers, Dining Rm & Eat-in Kitchen. Basement set up for Theatre Room.

Upstairs Laundry. Close to Golf Course, Park & ACE!$220,000 | MLS #663578

Call Franci Wunderlich970-667-1828YourHouseInColorado.com

1170 Crabapple Dr, Loveland5 BR/3 BA, 2 1/2 car gar. Ranch Style home. Finished Basement includes huge Rec Room. N. Loveland neighborhood w/ community pool. Open floor plan, 5 pc

Master Bath, Upgraded ap-pliances, Sprinkler & A/C. $300,000 | MLS #646835

Call Franci Wunderlich667-1828YourHouseInColorado.com

2275 W. 44th Street, Loveland4 BR, 3 BA Ranch w/ 2 Car Garage. Office & Rec Room with Bar in Fin Bsmt. Large Deck, Fenced Yard, Jetted Tub in Bsmt Bath, New Roof 2009, new Water Heater.

Call for info & showing. EZ access to FTC. $205,000 | MLS #654532

Call Franci Wunderlich667-1828YourHouseinColorado.com

2870 Kyle Circle, LovelandCustom 2-story on almost 3/4 acre. Kitchen w/ island, walk in pantry, tile counters, double ovens. Master has private deck w/ views, fire-place, sitting room & 5 piece bath. WALK-

OUT bsmt w/ room for

home theater & pool table.$500,000 | MLS #629663

Call David Powell [email protected]

1408 Maple Dr, Berthoud4bed/4ba in North Berthoud. Newer windows,

wood floors, granite counters, furnace, A/C,

appliances. Master w/ walk in closet, 4 piece

bath w/jetted tub. Brick Gas Fireplace, covered

back patio, RV/Boat parking

& more. No HOA fees!$260,000 | MLS #656768

Call David Powell [email protected]

3142 Ivy Dr, LovelandGreat mountain views and backs to greenbelt. 4 bedroom ranch with finished basement, 3 baths. 2 patios, gaslog fp, ac, open floorplan, main floor laundry, 5

piece master bath, a must see to appreciate! $299,900 | MLS #000000

Call Kathy Beadell [email protected]

2960 Laguna Ct, LovelandEnjoy Water Views! BOATERS DREAM.

Lake Access. PRISTINE CONDITION,

Gorgeous VIEWS, walk-out basement &

an amazing THEATER ROOM are just

the beginning.

$509,900 | MLS #662500

Hosted byChristina Koder [email protected]

OPEN SATURDAY 11-1

www.4997ValleyOak.com Lovely Boyd Lake North custom home.

Neighborhood boat dock. Wall to wall

spaciousness with main floor master, kitchen

with island, and walkout basement that’s a

great place to spend time.

$485,000 | MLS #647550

Call Nanci Garnand 622-1846 or 227-1327www.LivingInLoveland.com

PRICE REDUCED


Rita Embryi b

Property of the Week

Tremendous opportunity to own a darling home in great location with detached studio apartment or offi ce. Make part of your mortgage payment with income from apartment! Separate studio/carriage house currently rented for $565 per month. Sep-arate entrance and parking for studio apartment/offi ce. Main home features include:

Tremendous opportunity to own a darling home in great location with detached

1866 Monarch Circle, Loveland,

Call Rita Embry, Realtor with RE/MAX Alliance, at 970-226-3990 or 970-481-4967, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.ritaembry.com.

veland,

$299,900$299,900

• 4 Bedroom/4 Bath• Hardwood in entry and kitchen• Maple cabinets/breakfast bar• 10-foot ceilings• Main-fl oor study• Custom stained patio with fruit trees, grape vines, strawberries, raspberries and more!

• Located close to tons of shops and restaurants, The Shops at Centerra, a new hospital and easy access to Interstate 25!

sale of your current residence.If you wait for the market to recover —

and I’m not sure when that will be — youmight be able to sell your current home for$150,000 and buy the more desirable homefor $250,000. I don’t think you’d be betteroff waiting, especially if you can obtain amortgage today at historically low interestrates.

While renting your current home may bean option, you might not have that flexibili-ty if you refinance your home with the in-tent to rent the home. Most residentialhome loans require you to tell the lenderthat you intend on living in thehome as your primary residenceand maintain the home as yourprimary residence for at leastone year.

As for keeping your currenthome and becoming a landlord,you might find that it’s a goodinvestment that you can managealong with your other holdings.But if you don’t feel up to deal-ing with tenants and all the is-

sues that surround real estate investments,your best bet might be to sell your currenthome at its current market value and buy ahome you love and can live in for years tocome.

Keep in mind that the $90,000 you havein the bank may be making you almost nomoney. If you use that money for a downpayment on your new home and take out anew mortgage at around 4 percent, youmay have a lower monthly mortgage ex-pense in the new home, but you might findthat a new and larger home has higher utili-ty, insurance and real estate tax costs.

Again, you might find it useful to sitdown with a financial advisor and walkthrough each scenario and how it will affectthe amount you have saved, where you haveyour savings invested, and where you wantto have your money for the long term.

GLINKFrom Page E1

For more information, callGlink’s radio show at800-972-8255 on Sundaysfrom 9 to 10 a.m., write to RealEstate Matters Syndicate, P.O.Box 366, Glencoe, IL 60022 orvisit www.thinkglink.com.

Real Estate Matters

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CLAES BELLBA N K R AT E .COM

Buying a home that de-clines sharply in proper-ty value can put you un-

derwater on your mortgage,erode your net worth and leaveyou unable to relocate for anew job or adapt to a changein income. One of the biggestfactors that determineswhether a home will rise or fallin value is its neighborhood.

That’s actually a good thing,because you don’t need a crys-tal ball to evaluate a neighbor-hood’s direction, saidAndrew Shiller, creator ofNeighborhoodScout.com.

“The places that tend tohold on to their value areplaces that basically do wellacross two primary dimensionsthat anyone can think aboutand evaluate neighborhoodsb y, ” Shiller said.

Those two criteria and a fewothers can help you get asense of where a neighborhoodis headed.

The most important deter-minate of real estate prices inan area is employment oppor-tunity nearby, Shiller said.Without that, a neighborhoodis at risk of taking a free fall inreal estate values.

“How convenient is this to alot of high-paying jobs? That isthe most important thing forvalue,” he said.

There are a few telltale signsof areas with long-term oppor-tunities for jobs, Shiller said.

• Low unemployment.• High household income.• Seats of federal or state

government.• Creative industries (mu-

sic, television, design, publish-ing, advertising).

• Research facilities.• Large or prominent col-

leges and universities.Shiller said the Bureau of

Labor Statistics has a wealthof information that can help

you assess an area’s employ-ment picture. One key bureaufeature is the Local Area Un-employment Statistics map,which can give unemploymentinformation by metro area andcounty. Another data setcalled the Current Employ-ment Statistics can tell youhow many people are em-ployed in different sectors ofthe economy in a metro area.

Having desirable amenitieswithin the neighborhood is asecond major factor inwhether a neighborhood willappreciate or decline in prop-erty value, Shiller said.

In the world of real estate,“amenity” is the term used todescribe any asset within acommunity that people finddesirable.

Shiller cites some examplesof key amenities that can addvalue to a neighborhood:

• Low crime.• Good public schools.• Pa r k s .• Pleasing views.• Distinctive architecture.• A variety of retail stores.• An educated population.Still, amenities by them-

selves aren’t a guarantee thatproperty value will remainhigh, Shiller said.

“When a high proportion ofthe value of real estate isbased on amenities and notaccess to job opportunities, itis more vulnerable to col-lapse,” Shiller said.

Doing a drive-through of aprospective neighborhood is agood way to get a gut feelingfor where a neighborhood isnow and where it’s headed,said Ken Shuman, aspokesman for real estate in-formation site Trulia.com.

“Look at the neighbor’slawns. Look at the neighbors’houses,” Shuman said. “Dothey take care of them?

Shuman also has one caveatfor the drive-through test: Notest is complete without adrive-through at night.

“You usually go to openhouses in the afternoon or inthe morning, so definitelydrive through the neighbor-hood in the evening,” Shumansaid. “This is a big mistake alot of people make, becausethey see it on a sunny Sundayafternoon and they think it’s agorgeous area.”

Shiller said the neighbor-hoods that protect homeown-ers’ value the most are thosethat combine good job oppor-tunities and amenities in waysthat are unusual for the area.

For instance, if you live in oraround a metro area with poorschools overall, buying in aneighborhood that has goodschools can keep your propertyvalues high.

Shiller cites the examples ofBelle Meade in Nashville,Tenn., and Beverly Hills, Calif.,both of which enjoy the accessto opportunities of nearby ur-ban centers, but also haveamenities like excellent publicschools and low crime that setthem apart.

“These places just go out ofcontrol as far as value,” hesaid.

Consistently rising homevalues over the long term is akey sign a neighborhood willprotect residential propertyvalue. The critical phrase thereis “long term,” Shiller said.

Looking at recent numberscan be misleading, especiallysince they’re likely to be influ-enced by the recent boom andbust in the housing markets.

“You don’t want to look atonly one quarter. One quartercan tell you, ’Is it raining todayor is it sunny today?’” he said.“But that really doesn’t tellyou about the climate. Youwant to know, ’Does it rain allthe time here?’”

To do that, he advises poten-tial homebuyers to look atproperty values and compara-bles going back at regular in-tervals over the past 20 years,predating the housing bubble.

Nearby jobs, amenities helpneighborhood value

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kitchen. Oversized two-car attached garage& separate 728 square foot heated garage &carport. Third bedroom is currently used as afamily room. Beautiful landscaping with maturetrees & also an in-ground pool. Square footageincludes detached bonus room/office. This oneis a must see!

7803 Windsong RdWindsor, 80550MLS#663034 $880,000Beautiful & spacious executivehome located within an equestrianneighborhood. Extensive upgradesinclude Brazilian maple/cherryflooring, imported tile, iron inset railing.Panoramic mountain views, & onlyminutes from I-25. Over two acre lot. Also includes a 3,000 square foot heatedworkshop/barn. Up to seven garage spaces in the barn or expand theworkshop.

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H& Front Range GardeningRE

CA RO L O'MEARACSU EXTENSION

Trees get all the glory,but not every plant thatshows off in fall is a big, leafy,tourist magnet. Sometimesthe most enchanting displayslie at your feet, creeping car-pets of gold, garnet, andb ro n z e .

Perennial groundcovers addmore than a blanket of greenacross the landscape; if you’returning your eye to designing atouch of color into thegarden in fall, plan to putsome into the mix. You’llfind many are three-seasonperformers and now is thetime to check out their fallcolors in the neighborhoodaround you.

But before you fall prey tothe myth that this is a no-main-tenance alternative to lawns, beaware: weeds will pop upwhether it’s grass or ground-covers, so be prepared to putsome effort into the garden.Make sure the bed is free ofweeds before you plant and usea weed barrier cloth withmulch to keep the area tidywhile the plants grow.Groundcovers still need soilfor their roots, however, soplant through slits in thefabric.

Then let your imaginationrun wild with a few of thesecreeping wonders:

Plumbago (Ceratostigmaplumbaginoides) — This herba-ceous beauty sports dark blueflowers atop green leaves,but when fallcools usdown theshow heatsup, withfiery redleaves. Grow-ing six to teninches tall with aspread of up tothree feet,plant plumba-go where it hasroom to flow un-der and around other plants,creating spectacular rivers ofcolor. Xeric, sun to part shade,zones 5 to 9.

Himalayan border jewel (Per-sicaria affinis) — short stalks ofpink flowers in August are thefirst of this late-season per-former’s display, which forms amat of leathery foliage thatturns coppery as cooler weath-er arrives. This aggressivegroundcover is ideal for xericareas that need cover, blanket-ing areas in sun to part shade.Zones 3 to 9.

Biokovo cranesbill (Gerani-um x cantabrigiense) andcompact rose geranium(Geranium dalmaticum) —don’t let the early summerblooms of pink and whitefool you into thinking theshow is over for these twogeraniums; once fall arrives the

leaves turn crimson. Waterthese weekly in the dog daysof summer; extreme heat

could makethem struggle.

Sun to partshade.

Oregongrape holly(Mahoniarepens) —the spinyleavesresembleholly butare lightgreen whenyoung, be-

coming darker as they growolder. When cool weather ar-rives, these leaves turn red-pur-ple in fall. Keep this in a pro-tected site to avoid winterburn.Xeric; shade, zones 3 through8.

Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylosuva-ursi) — the glossy,spoon-shaped evergreenleaves of this well-behavednative woody plant glowcoppery red infall. Punctuatedby clustersof pink flowers inspring and redberries that lingerthrough January,kinnikinnick is alovely, low main-tenance cascadeof color ideal onlow walls or inrocky spaces.

Xeric; shade, zones 2 through8.

Kannah Creek Buckwheat(Eriogonum umbellatumvar.aureum ‘Ps d o w n s ’) – it’seasy to see why Plant Selectchose this in 2007 to add totheir collection: This hardywestern native cloaks itselfin gorgeous yellow flowersthat age into a fine orangetone. The purple red foliage isa perfect pick me up forearly winter gardens as theevergreen leaves graduallybronze. Xeric; sun to partshade, zones 3 to 8.

Ice plant (Delosperma spp.) –these fleshy, succulent plantsare a show stopper in bloom,with pinwheel flowers coveringthe plant throughout the sum-mer. But once frost arrives theleaves are tinged in reds or pur-ple, keeping winter as interest-ing as other seasons. Perfect forhot spots and dry winters, iceplants come in a variety of blos-som colors. Xeric, full sun,zones 4 to 8.

Carol O’Meara is withCSU Extension inBoulder County.Contact her at303-678-6238 orcomeara@co. b o u l d e r. c o . u s .

Front Range Gardening

Carpet the garden in fall colorKAT H Y ROT HCSU EXTENSION

Now that Labor Dayhas come and gone,it is time for fall

garden projects. Thoughnights are getting chillyand approaching the firstfrost, it is still a perfecttime for garden design andconstruction in Colorado.

Is there some area orcorner of your yard thatpresents a challenge tokeep plants or grass grow-ing? Maybe it is sloped orterraced? Perhaps it is adifficult area to water? Ormaybe it’s faced with diffi-cult exposures — whetherit’s a hot, dry southwest ex-posure or an area thatfaces northwest and getsthe full brunt of our desic-cating winds. These areideal areas to convert to asmall rock garden. Not onlywill it be an excellent useof these tough spots, but awell-planned rock gardencan become a focal pointand show stopper yearro u n d .

Peggy Burch, a fellowLarimer County MasterGardener, wrote an articlea few weeks ago on how toprepare a site and build arock garden. Her article isa great reference on rockgarden design and is foundat Planttalk Script #1115,w w w. p l a n t t a l k . o rg .

Plants most suited to putin your rock garden aregenerally low-growing andhave a clumping habit.Planttalk Script #1016discusses “Perennials forthe Rock Garden.”Another resource is CSUExtension Fact Sheet#7.242, “Native Herba-ceous Perennials for Col-orado Landscapes” foundat www.ext.colostate.edu.Native plants are naturallyadapted to Colorado’s cli-mate, soil, and weather.Consider attributes likewater need, sun exposureand bloom time.

Pussytoes, wine cups,sundrops, primrose, matpenstemon, spreading ver-vain and prairie zinnia areall excellent native choices.Many non-natives alsothrive in rock gardens like:iceplant varieties, basket ofgold, carpet sedums, creep-ing phlox, candytuft androck cress, but there aremany others. An entirechapter on “Pe r e n n i a lG ro u n d c o v e r s ” is found inDurable Plants for the Gar-den. This book is the mostrecent collaboration be-tween CSU, Plant Select,

and the Denver BotanicGardens. Each page fea-tures the plants by namewith large, beautiful colorphotos. Details such asplant height, sun exposure,flower color and bloom pe-riod are also listed.

It is getting a little lateto plant your perennialrock garden plants —perennials should be plant-ed by mid-September sothat roots have time to es-tablish before winter. How-ever, if you do plant, justremember to waterthroughout winter andconsider adding an extralayer of mulch around theplants for protection. If youwait, use the wintermonths to plan which rockgarden plants you wish touse when spring arrives.

Many rock gardens canbe described as “minia -ture.” When picking outplants, choose diminutiverelatives of your hardy fa-vorites. Place these smallerplants so their size accen-tuates, yet softens, thelarge stones or boulders bywhich they are placed. Un-less you live in the moun-tains, the best plant choic-es are not alpine plants.These plants have adaptedto grow above tree line, athigh elevations, with coolsummer temperatures andcontinuous snow cover allwinter. Better plant choic-es for those who live in thefoothills areas are “sax -atile” or “plants that growon or among rocks” whichthrive in meager, well-drained soils that allowroots to penetrate deeplyin search of moisture andnutrients. Rich soils actual-ly weaken rock plants;don’t make the mistake byusing soil you would use inour vegetable gardens orperennial beds.

Plan a visit to the Gar-dens on Spring Creek(2145 Centre Avenue inFort Collins) and view theirnewly opened rock garden.There, you will feel the har-mony created among thewinding paths of thisminiature landscape thatevokes images of therugged terrain you enjoyon weekend hikes.

Kathy Roth has receivedtraining through ColoradoState University Exten-sion's Master Gardenerprogram and is a MasterGardener volunteer forLarimer County. For moreinformation about CSU Ex-tension, Larimer County,call 970-498-6000 or visitw w w. l a r i m e r. o r g / e x t .

SHARI THOMASCSU EXTENSION

• If you have a favorite geranium or coleusyou’d like to keep over the winter, take cut-tings now and bring into the house. A littlerooting hormone on the cut edge can helpthose roots get going in a new container. Eastor south-facing windows work best for theseplants.

• Preserving the fall harvest can be fun andvery rewarding in January. Take a class offeredat a local nursery or the Larimer County Ex-tension office to safely preserve vegetables andfruits. For a list of the classes offered throughthe Extension Office, please visit:www.larimer.org/ext and click on“2011Food Preservation Workshops.”

• If you have brown patches showing up inyour lawn, it could be drought stress with thevery low humidity and high daytime tempera-tures typical of late summer/fall. Make surethese areas are getting adequate water. Now isalso good time to spread lawn seed (calledoverseeding) on trouble spots after aeratingthe area first.

Shari Thomas has received training throughColorado State University Extension's MasterGardener program and is a Master Gardenervolunteer for Larimer County. For more infor-mation about CSU Extension, Larimer County,call 970-498-6000 or visitw w w. l a r i m e r. o r g / e x t .

A guide to rockgarden plant selection

TRU D I MANUELCSU EXTENSION

Question: Is it advisable toplant native plants in thefall and could you name

several that are hardy here?Answer: Native plants are

species that occur naturally in aparticular region, state, ecosys-tem and habitat. Another defini-tion from the Federal NativePlant Conservation Committee is, “Aspecies that develops without direct orindirect human actions.” Examples ofnative plants in our region are yarrow,wild geraniums, spotted gayfeather(Liatris punctata), bee balm (Monardafistulosa) and scarlet and blue mistpenstemon. It’s advised to buy locallygrown stock. Sowing native seeds inthe fall is a good idea as many nativeseeds require a cold period to ensuregermination. It helps to mix smallseed with sand or dirt to helpspread more evenly. For moreinformation on native plant selection,visit the CSU Extension website atwww.ext.colostate.edu for Fact Sheetson native trees, shrubs and perennials.

Question: Do native plantsneed special soil and fertilizerwhen planting and what about

watering requirements?Answer: Native plants generally

don’t require amended soils. It yoursoil is very compacted, loosen it with afork 8-12 inches deep. Avoid turningover soil as weeds are activated. You’llneed to water natives when soil is dryto a depth of 2-3 inches, but nativesare drought resistant when they be-come established. Once established,water deeply but infrequently. Fertiliza-tion is not needed usually as nativesare adapted to lean soils.

Trudi Manuel has received trainingthrough Colorado State University Ex-tension's Master Gardener programand is a Master Gardener volunteer forLarimer County. For more informationabout CSU Extension, Larimer County,call 970-498-6000 or visitw w w. l a r i m e r. o r g / e x t .

Growing native plantsCSU gardening tips

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