Boulder Dining Guide: The “Can’t Miss” Restaurants

Boulder Dining Guide: The “Can’t Miss” Restaurants

Boulder Colorado Dining Guide

How do you condense the best restaurants in Boulder into one concise dining guide? Well it isn’t easy and we know we’ve missed a few.

Why? Because Boulder has some of the most diverse and well established restaurants in Colorado. From pizza to Mexican fare (along with great rooftop dining)

So whether you are new in town, just visiting, or even a local who is looking for a great bite to eat and don’t know where to go, I’ve compiled a list of some of the top restaurants in Boulder based on regional style and price. Bon appétit — here’s your Boulder Dining Guide (and so let us know if we happened to have missed one of your favorites).

American Food

The Kitchen Group ($$-$$$): Is definitely one of the more unique groups of restaurants in the Boulder dining scene. They have three locations in downtown Boulder and they all have their own twist of culture and fare. The Kitchen is the more upscale restaurant of the three with amazing traditional American food. The Kitchen Next Door (which is right next door to The Kitchen) has a more laid-back atmosphere with great comfort food and drink prices. The Kitchen Upstairs (you guessed it — just up the stairs from The Kitchen and The Kitchen Next Door) is designed for more of the premium drinks and finger-food crowd. Either way you go, you’re in for some really great food right on downtown Pearl Street.

Riffs Urban Fare ($$): One of my personal favorites. This newer style American restaurant is located on the Pearl Street Mall in the heart of downtown Boulder. They do a lot of great twists to some more traditional American dishes at very reasonable prices.

Flagstaff House ($$$$): With its long history, extensive wine list, and almost perfect rating on Yelp, Flagstaff House has definitely earned its reputation as one of the best and most upscale American restaurants in the Boulder dining landscape.

OAK At Fourteenth ($$$): I don’t know what it is about Pearl Street that attracts top-notch American style restaurants. Whatever it is, OAK at fourteenth is up there with the rest of them. With their relaxed professional atmosphere, in-house bottled sodas, and new-style American fare, OAK at fourteenth is a great neighborhood restaurant and perfect for a night out.

The Buff Restaurant ($$): If you’re looking for one of the best brunch restaurants in Boulder, then look no further. This place gets packed quick, so make sure you stop by early to grab a table (and they recently moved so make sure your visit theirnew location).

If you’re a big fan of the brunch, make sure to check out our list of other greatbrunch restaurants in Boulder.

Asian Food

There are so many different types and styles of food from our friends on the other side of the Pacific that our very own Kelly Tidd put together a list of the best Asian restaurants in Boulder, listed by type and country of origin.

Boulder also has some amazing Pho restaurants around town. Make sure to check out our list of the best Pho restaurants in Boulder if you’re looking to dive in to some great soup.

Indian Food

Even though India is technically in Asia, it is so unique in taste (and smell) that I felt like it needed its own category. See below for some great local Indian restaurants right here in the Boulder dining mecca.

Curry N Kebob ($): Don’t be fooled by the price tags at this place, this authentic Indian/Halal restaurant is as good as it gets. Make sure to check out the daily featured combo.

Tandoori Grill ($$): As a lunch buffet by day, and a more upscale, sit down restaurant at night, Tandoori Grill is quickly becoming one of the best go-to Indian restaurants in Boulder.

Gurkhas on the Hill ($): Though technically an Indian restaurant, Gurkhas also serves some of the best authentic Nepalese and Tibetan cuisine around.

Italian Food:

Frasca Food and Wine ($$$$): With their exquisitely prepared Italian fare and a comprehensive wine list with over 200 varieties, Frasca has not only put their Friuli-Venezia Giulia style cuisine (Northern Italy) on the map here in Boulder, they are renowned all over the country.

Il Pastaio ($$): This place might seem like a hidden gem if it’s your first time passing by, but this place is one of the most popular and authentic Italian restaurants in town. The owner is old-school Italian and makes the pasta and sauces fresh daily. The place itself is pretty small so make sure to call ahead before the tables run out.

Arugula Bar E Ristorante ($$): Nestled in a nice quiet shopping center in North Boulder, Arugula has everything you’d expect from an authentic Italian restaurant. Their chef was born and raised in New York City so you will see a lot of traditional Italian dishes and recipes. They are in Boulder however, so their menu has plenty of new takes and gluten-free options as well.

Pizzeria Locale ($$): Located right next door to Frasca Food and Wine (same owners) on Pearl Street in downtown Boulder, this place is an excellent contemporary Italian restaurant and pizzeria inspired by the traditional cuisine of Naples, Italy.

Boulder Pizza: If you’re looking for the best slice of Pizza in town, make sure to check out our local Boulder Pizza Guide to find the best spots near you.

Mexican Food

Zolo Southwestern Grill ($$): Zolo is not your typical Mexican restaurant (more like New Mexican). They make everything from scratch and are very accommodating with their entrées. So if you’re allergic to typical ingredients found in Mexican food (such as onions in guacamole) or are a picky eater, stop by Zolo for a quick bite, drinks, or a full meal.

Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant ($): An authentic Mexican restaurant that won’t break the bank – needless to say, this is not a fancy place for a first date. It is a bit of the drive to the outskirts of Boulder, but many locals give it a thumbs up. Fans recommend the The Efrain Burrito.

Centro Latin Kitchen & Refreshment Palace ($$): This Latin gem is located right in the heart of downtown Boulder. They serve out some great Mezcal and tequila margaritas and offer attractive happy hour prices.

Agave Mexico Bistro & Tequila House ($$): With plenty of gluten-free vegetarian options and delectable coin margaritas, this place epitomizes what a Mexican restaurant should be. They also have a great upstairs space, pool table, and tequila bar.

If you really want to feel like you’re South of the border, make sure to check out our list of the best authentic Mexican food restaurants in Boulder.

 

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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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Boulder BBQ: Finger Lickin’ Good

Boulder BBQ: Finger Lickin’ Good

BBQ in BoulderY’all love it when we talk food here, so we decided to revisit the Boulder BBQ scene — prime spring and summer fare. Summer means more outdoor activities in Boulder. More hiking, climbing, camping, and get togethers in backyards.

One of the quintessential foods of summer (for me, at least) is barbecue. However, I typically don’t have the patience to slow cook pork all day nor do I have a smoker to make the perfect brisket. Hence, I must rely on others to supply me with mouth-watering barbecue goodness. Here’s a gander at some of the Boulder BBQ joints I’ve taken a fancy to — and maybe they’re among your favorites as well.

Moe’s BBQ: Voted one of the top ten barbecue joints in the country, Moe’s BBQhas fronts in a few cities around Colorado, including the Boulder BBQ favorite on 30th Street. I’ll admit that, while I knew about the two places in Denver, I didn’t realize that this place was somewhat of a chain restaurant with places all over the country. I guess that means they’re doing something right. Plus, for those of you abstaining from animal flesh, they have a couple veggie options with tofu or tempeh.

KT’s BBQ: As long as I’ve lived in Boulder, there’s been a KT’s on Arapahoe Road — a mainstay in the Boulder BBQ scene — and now they’ve expanded with a location on 13th Street as well. KT’s BBQ specializes in Memphis-style barbecue, which isn’t quite as sweet as say, Kansas City style ‘cue (my favorite), but it’s still tasty. If you go, make sure to keep space in your stomach for their key lime pie. It’s a religious experience.

The Rib House: With an entire house dedicated to ribs, this place could either be the site of a horror movie or a place that serves up some mean barbecued ribs. Fortunately for us, it’s the latter and The Rib House goes so far as to serve up Tracy’s Illegal Babyback Ribs. While I’m not sure if you’ll get arrested for eating them, they do also feature prehistoric foul on their menu: Pterodactyl Wings!

Wayne’s Smoke Shack: For fans of true Texas BBQ, take a little jaunt just outside of Boulder to Wayne’s Smoke Shack in Superior and get a mouthful of downhome flavor. While it may be on the outskirts of Boulder, it’s still part of the Boulder BBQ culture and has quickly become a favorite for Southern-style BBQ devotees in the area. Please take note that this is a lunch only restaurant and they only stay open for as long as they have meat. Once they sell out of BBQ, they close their doors for the day.

 

 

 

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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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There’s Something About Spring in Boulder

There’s Something About Spring in Boulder

boulder flatirons your boulder

I have to tell you — there really is something about spring in Boulder.

It’s better than summer and fall. After this winter, it’s for damn sure better than winter. And I dig it.

I love how I can head out and stroll along Pearl Street and feel a gentle breeze sweep in. I love the way birds seem to serenade me as I’m on a bike ride along the north section of Broadway. I love how the mud is beginning to turn into something you can ride a moutain bike on and how I’ll have to bid my cross bike adieu until the next season.

I love the way the sky sweeps across the background of every view I take in, as if it’s saying, “No really — look all you want. There’s more where that came from.” I love the view from atop Mt. Sanitas, no matter the weather.

your boulder four mile

 

 

 

 

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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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DO YOU NEED TO HAVE FLOOD INSURANCE?

Unfortunately, most Americans do not already have flood insurance included in their traditional homeowners’ policies. Even if your home is not located in a hazardous flood zone, certain acts of nature can occur at a moment’s notice which can lead to structural damage, property damage of furniture and other household items, and even the potentially deadly onset of mold and mildew growth.

People who live in coastal communities are well aware of the possibility of tidal surges they can easily occur during hurricane season, and residents whose homes are located near rivers and lakes might also have already considered purchasing flood insurance. But did you know that even the normal city dweller who does not live anywhere near a flood zone can easily incur water damage from something as simple as a backed up city storm drain? If you are not already covered in your current homeowners’ insurance policy, the financial effects could be devastating.

TYPICAL FLOOD INSURANCE COVERAGE

Homeowner’s insurance for flood and water damage can be easily acquired for very little cost, and the benefits and peace of mind provided by this extra coverage can often be priceless. A typical flood insurance policy will cover the various types of damage that can be caused by naturally overflowing waterways or the rapid accumulation of other types of surface water. Even damage due to mud is covered in many policies. Check this out to learn more about it.

  • Do you need to have Flood InsuranceStructural property damage
  • Damage of electrical and plumbing systems
  • Damage to heating and air-conditioning systems
  • Cabinetry, kitchen appliances, and wood flooring damage
  • Carpet repair and damage
  • Unavoidable mold or mildew growth that results from excessive water
  • Removal of debris and trash
  • And much, much more.

LOWER RISK PROPERTIES

Even if your home happens to be located inside or near a flood zone, do not assume that your insurance provider will automatically include flood insurance into your standard homeowners’ policy. It is not usually required, in most states. However, this insurance can be easily purchased for a very modest fee.

Even if your home is located in an area that is deemed to be “lower risk”, you should still consider purchasing this extra coverage. Nearly 25% of all insurance claims due to flood are actually placed by homeowners in these low to moderate risk properties.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Some of the standard homeowners insurance policies do include a minimal amount of flood insurance, whether you happen to live in a flood zone or not. So whether you live in Warner Robins GA or San Diego CA, just be sure to ask your insurance agent before signing the policy and paying your monthly premiums. You need to know if they can provide coverage if you are going to need plumbers or  any other type of contractors to come and inspect your home for damages. In many cases, a “single peril” coverage clause may be secretly hidden inside your existing policy. This would cover water damage due to natural flooding, such as melting snow, dam or levee failures, storm surges, heavy rains, and perhaps blocked storm drains as well. However, in most cases the damage has to meet a certain threshold of intensity in order for the flood insurance policy to kick in. For example, the policy may require that two or more properties located within the same area must have been equally affected by the excessive waters. Or perhaps several acres of land must be affected in order for the policy to become active. For those consumers who take the time to do upfront research before the flood waters hit, the savings could be considerable.

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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5 FINANCIAL REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BUY A HOME IN 2014

5 FINANCIAL REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BUY A HOME IN 2014

High demand and short supply in the rental market have driven rates up nationwide. Shaun Donovan, Secretary of Housing & Urban Development, says “We are in the midst of the worst rental affordability crisis that this country has known.”

The projected surge in rental housing construction and available units probably won’t be enough to drive the rental market in 2014. Rental affordability has been hit by lagging income growth and a lean job market.

Slow income and job growth have also affected the housing recovery. Homeownership rates will slow and normalize asmortgage rates are predicted to reach 5% by the year’s end and home prices are expected to increase by 3%.

The question of whether to buy or rent this year is not an easy one to answer. However, keep in mind that homeownership comes with major financial rewards you’ll miss if you rent.

Factor in these 5 financial reasons for taking the leap into homeownership:

  1. Increased Net Worth: Homeowners are worth 30x’s more than renters.
  2. Investment Benefits: You are paying for housing whether you buy or rent. Invest your dollars in something you own rather than paying a landlord.
  3. Home Equity: Equity in your home can help pay for college, retirement, and major life events.
  4. Tax Benefits: Homeowners can deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from their income.
  5. Savvy Financial Habits: Owning a home means more financial responsibility and encourages better saving and spending habits.

Local real estate markets, your financial status, and personal needs and goals will all affect your housing decision. Consult a financial advisor and your local real estate professionals to help guide you to happy and healthy living in 2014.

Are you currently renting?

What’s holding you back from homeownership?

 

 

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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IS AN ANTIQUE HOME RIGHT FOR YOU?

Charm. Grace. Nostalgia. Recollections of a more refined and genteel era. These may be the thoughts that come to mind when you think about purchasing an old home. Perhaps you’ve set your sights on such a property already, drawn in by the For Sale sign as you drive by and captivated by the possibilities of living in a home that is anything but “cookie cutter.”

Whether it’s a fully-restored Victorian, a centuries-old farmhouse, or a fixer-upper Colonial, older homes differ significantly from more recently homes built in compliance with modern residential plumbing, heating, and electrical codes. However, if you don’t mind calling a plumber for maintenance and a bit quirk, an antique home might be just what you’re looking for. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you make the decision to purchase an older home:

  • ·         What kind of storage space do I need?

Older homes may have smaller closets, but perhaps a giant walk-up attic is calling your name.

  • What about low ceilings?

Some homebuyers might be put off by having to duck under low doorways or when traversing stairways, while others will consider lower ceilings to be “cozy.”

  • Can I re-purpose spaces that haven’t been previously updated? What are the rules in my town in terms of remodeling older homes? Will I have to make changes to comply with current building codes?

If you’re considering an older home, you must be prepared for a small project mushrooming into something much larger if house-wide systems need to be updated.

  •   Are there historic considerations to uphold? What does it mean for me if my new home is recognized as a historic landmark?

If your home is on a historic roster, there may be limitations in terms of altering the building’s footprint or even changing the exterior paint color, which could put a crimp in your redecorating plans.

  • How much maintenance am I prepared to deal with? Do I have the resources to stay on top of general upkeep?

If you don’t consider yourself particularly handy, you’ll want to have connections to reputable contractors like this Greeneville TN Plumber who can do necessary work for you. You might also need a few new things to get started, like a heating system installation for example.

  • If problems arise, do I have the necessary financial cushion to address large-scale structural problems?

When buying an older home, budgeting for the unexpected is a must.

  • If I’m updating fixtures, must I look for antique fixtures, or am I willing to settle for an “old look” from a modern supplier like Restoration Hardware?

If you’re a purist, you’ll want to be prepared to search high and low for original fixtures.

  • How much do I know or can I find out about what has happened to the home – and in the home – before I decide to move in?

Old homes have long histories, sometimes fascinating and storied, and sometimes unpleasant. Learning whether a house has had extensive damage somewhere along the line might benefit you if there are any long-lasting structural or systemic consequences.

  • ·         Is the home updated with insulation, heating systems, new windows, and other energy-efficient conveniences?

If you’re accustomed to living in comfort, you may have to adjust your outlook when buying a rambling old home prone to drafts or lacking air conditioning.

  • ·         If the electrical system is original, will it support the installation of new appliances?

Original, ungrounded wiring from the early twentieth century may not have the capacity to power today’s modern appliances, calling for a major overhaul in the home’s electrical systems. For this, you need to hire professionals like Janco Electric – Manalapan, NJ that provide electrical troubleshooting in Slatington, PA or electrical inspections in Prescott, AZ. You can also visit a helpful site, such as https://suburbanenterprises.com/, to learn more about their services.

Buying an older home comes down to a matter of taste, commitment, and finances. Some people are ideally suited to the minor inconveniences and unmatched charm of living in an antique home, while others appreciate convenience above all else and would be hard pressed to constantly manage the unexpected. Talk to your real estate agent about the real benefits and drawbacks of owning an older home. He or she can guide you in making an informed decision before making an offer.

Boulder homes

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 Colorado Communities

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A VACATION APARTMENT

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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Boulder Colorado Communities

Boulder homes for sale

10 U.S. CITIES TO REDUCE ENERGY WASTE WITH GREEN BUILDINGS: THE CITY ENERGY PROJECT

10 U.S. CITIES TO REDUCE ENERGY WASTE WITH GREEN BUILDINGS: THE CITY ENERGY PROJECT

10 U.S. cities are stepping up to reduce energy waste by promoting green building designs and energy-efficient practices.

Residential and commercial buildings are the single largest user of energy in the United States, consuming 40% of total energy use. Total energy use can soar to as high at 75% in major cities.

The City Energy Project is a joint project with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) to help “create healthier and more prosperous American cities by improving the energy efficiency of buildings.”  

Participating cites will work with the NRDC and the IMT to build energy-efficient buildings and upgrade existing ones.

The project is funded by former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s foundation and other charitable groups. NRDC estimates the proposed emission reductions would compare to removing over 1 million cars off the road and save home and business owners over $1 billion over a year.

Here is the list of the 10 City Energy Project cities and the mayors leading the way:

  1. Atlanta: Mayor Kasim Reed
  2. Boston: Mayor Martin J. Walsh
  3. Chicago: Mayor Rahm Emanuel
  4. Denver: Mayor Michael B. Hancock
  5. Houston: Mayor Annise Parker
  6. Kansas City, MO: Mayor Sly James
  7. Los Angeles: Mayor Eric Garcetti
  8. Orlando: Mayor Buddy Dyer
  9. Philadelphia: Mayor Michael A. Nutter
  10. Salt Lake City: Mayor Ralph Becker

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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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HOW TO LIST YOUR HOME IN 3 STEPS

HOW TO LIST YOUR HOME IN 3 STEPS

for sale sign

 

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The following will help you take the proper steps to having a “For Sale” sign in your yard.

1.    CALL YOUR LENDER

Call your lender and ask for your payoff amount.  They will give you the amount to satisfy your debt that includes the interest owed through the estimated date you plan to pay off the loan. Knowing an estimated pay off amount will be beneficial when pricing your home.

2.    CALL ME, YOUR REALTOR

Call your local Realtor and have them to prepare a Comparative Market Analysis for you.  The C.M.A allows you to see how homes comparable to yours are selling. Most C.M.A’s will have three sections, the “Active”, “Pending” and “Sold” section.

  • Active – The active part of the report will show you which comparable homes are currently on the market, their list price, how long they’ve been on the market and if there has been aprice reduction since each home has been on the market.
  • Pending – When a home is pending, all parties have agreed on the terms needed to sell a home and are now going through the process that leads to a closing. This part of the report will not disclose the final terms that were agreed upon by the buyer and seller, however it will show you what the sellers were asking when an agreement was made and how long the home was on the market until it turned to a pending status.
  • SOLD – The sold section will tell you how long a comparable property was on the market and what the final sales price was. All three parts of the CMA play an important role in how you should price your home however in my opinion, the SOLD section is the most important part of the report. The sold section shows you what the market is willing to pay for a home like yours.  There are exceptions and your Realtor will be able to pull additional reports if needed.

Once you know your pay out and have reviewed the C.M.A, I can then prepare a NET sheet for you. The NET sheet will allow you to have a snapshot of your closing cost and how much you may walk away with, after selling your home at the price you have decided on.

 3.    PREPARE YOUR HOME 

Now that you’ve met with me and decided on the right price for your home, it’s time to prepare your home for showing.

The easiest way to get your home ready is to remember the acronym R.U.D.E.

Repair  – Now is time to complete everything on your “Honey Do” list. If you want top dollar for your home it’s important to make your home move in ready. Fix and repair as much as possible, before the potential buyer discovers it. Repair items can cause you to get less for your home or even lose a sale.

Unclutter – Your home is lived in and probably very clean, however your home now needs to show like a model home; I know this task can be a challenge, especially if you have kids. If a buyer likes your home they will want to imagine it as their own. Remember less is more! You may even want to consider having a professional staging company, come in to assist you in this part of the process.

Depersonalize – Family pictures, awards, trophies, personalized artwork and mementos should be packed away.   Remember your home needs to show like a model not like the Smith family home that the potential buyers are visiting.

Exterior – First impressions are everything!  The first impression can literally turn a buyer off before they even walk through your doors or you can have really good curb appeal and get them really excited to see what’s next. Make sure your lawn is cut and while you’re at it, add a pop of color to your garden. Even a simple hanging basket filled with colorful blossoms could make a difference.

Now your home is ready to sell! Call me to put the “For Sale” sign in your yard quick!

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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Home permits soar

 Home permits soar

This 5-bedroom, 4-bath home with 3,160 square feet in Golden is priced at $595,000.

 

Denver-area home builders churned our new homes as fast as they could in 2013, but it wasn’t enough to meet demand.

Last year, builders pulled permits for 6,671 single-family detached homes, a 23.4 percent jump from the 5,407 in 2012, according to a report released Wednesday by the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver.

Builders also pulled 1,278 permits for townhomes, a 39.2 percent increase from the 918 in 2012.

“Together, we saw about a 30 percent increase,” said Jeff Whiton, CEO of the HBA of Metro Denver. The report includes the counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Elbert and Jefferson, as well as all of the communities in each county. Permits indicate future construction activity.

Last year, builders didn’t have enough subdivisions with lots ready to build on to meet the demand, Whiton said.

“We ran through our existing supply of finished lots pretty early last year and builders just couldn’t get enough new ones on line quick enough to meet demand from consumers,” Whiton said.

“I really think that was the major headwind on our industry last year,” Whiton said.

With fewer resale homes on the market than a year ago, builders probably won’t be able to build new homes fast enough to fill the void, he said.

“It doesn’t look like it,” Whiton said.

However, he said he still expects a similar percentage jump in activity in 2014 from 2013, as there was last year from 2012.

In addition to a shortage of lots, the home building industry is suffering from a shortage of workers.

“That is a long-term problem,” Whiton said. “Being a craftsman is a noble trade. We need to convince our up-and-coming generation that being an electrician or being a plumber or being a carpenter is a good thing. Over time, these trades traditionally pay very well.” Another long-term issue builders will continue to grapple with will be rising commodity prices such as lumber, drywall and concrete.

However, builders increasingly are finding cost-effective ways to build more energy-efficient and sustainable houses, which will lower utility costs for consumers while being better for the environment, he said.

“I think you would find that there is a green revolution going on with construction techniques,” Whiton said. “A home built 10 years ago probably had a HERS score of 130, while now it is probably 65.” The lower the HERS score, the more energy-efficient the house is.

Many consumers appear to prefer a new, energy-efficient home over an older resale home that uses more electricity and gas, Whiton said.

 

 

 

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

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

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I’m never too busy for your referrals.

 

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