Bask in the Sun: Great Rooftop Bars in Boulder

Bask in the Sun: Great Rooftop Bars in Boulder

boulder rooftop

We’re smack dab in the middle of WinterSpring or SpringWinter or whatever you want to call that crazy unpredictable weather that engulfs Boulder during the Ides of March (which is tomorrow, in case you were wondering). This is the time when people, sick to death of being cooped up for several months, flood the parks, patios and any other open space outdoors any time there’s a sunny, warm day. You can actually hear the collective Ahhh of the city’s inhabitants when the temperatures hit 60 degrees.

My favorite way to soak in the Boulder Spring sunshine is on a rooftop. Preferably on said rooftop with a nice frosty drink in my hand or snacks in front of me. While most of the killer rooftop bars and restaurants in Boulder are in downtown Boulder, there are a few that step outside those boundaries. Read on to see if your favorites are included and maybe you can find a new rooftop bar in Boulder to catch some rays.

Rio Grande Restaurant

I can’t think of a better drink than a margarita to go with my sunshine. It’s sweet and refreshing, plus, with a limit of four margs per customer (they pack a punch), you’re not going to spend too much either. The Rio is located right downtown on Walnut and has been a fixture in Boulder for as long as I can remember.

Lazy Dog Sports Bar

Located on the corner of 14th and Pearl, this is the one place I’ve included that’s truly on the Pearl Street Mall. The Lazy Dog’s rooftop is impressive. It’s spacious with plenty of tables and some shaded spots for the fair-skinned bunch. The food here is acceptable, but I would suggest using this place as meeting point for friends to grab a pitcher of beer and soak up the sun before heading on to other venues as day turns into night. Or, just drink until the food is more sustenance than substance and catch a cab or walk back to your abode.

West End Tavern    

When I turned 21, this was my first choice for rooftop drinking and the West Endwill always hold a special place in my heart for that. Plus, with a menu that makes your mouth water, the West End rooftop is a great place for drinks and dinner (or lunch).

Southern Sun Brewery

Located at Table Mesa and Broadway, the Southern Sun is in a completely different area and has a more mellow vibe from the hustle and bustle of downtown. The area is more family oriented and so you’ll likely find an older crowd here. The rooftop here gets full quickly so be sure to stake a claim early. Remember, none of the Mountain Sun businesses take credit, so be sure to bring your cash.

Drakes Haus

I haven’t had a chance to visit this place yet, but every time I look at their menu, I start to drool. This place has Merlot Burgers.  I’m not entirely sure what that means, but if it’s meat and wine, I fail to see how you can go wrong. Plus, they have a beautiful rooftop patio with some spectacular unobstructed views of the mountains and it’s also another bar off the downtown strip.

I’m sure I’ve missed some other great rooftops in Boulder, so if you have a recommendation, be sure to mention it in the comments. Perhaps you have a favorite park or secret spot that can’t be beat; if you feel like sharing, you can give us those details as well. Happy sunning!

 

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John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

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MexiQuest: The Search for Authentic Mexican Food in Boulder

MexiQuest: The Search for Authentic Mexican Food in Boulder

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

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

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

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

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

Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

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

Restaurante 100% Mexicano

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

La Choza

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

Casa Alvarez

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

Pica’s

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

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

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

 

 

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John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
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Spend a Day in Old Town Louisville: Boulder County’s Hidden Gem

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 CellarThe 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.

 

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John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

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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
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john@boulderhomes4u.com

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MY HOUSE IS LISTED BUT I HAVE TO MOVE. SHOULD I LEAVE A VACANT HOUSE?

 

MY HOUSE IS LISTED BUT I HAVE TO MOVE. SHOULD I LEAVE A VACANT HOUSE?

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Answer –  Not if you can avoid it. It’s just a lot harder to sell an empty house (here’s an article that tells you why). I know that it’s a real hassle, in addition to an extra expense to have two places, but if you can leave the house that we’re trying to sell here furnished it makes it easier to sell. It sounds cruel, but you are better off to rent an apartment in your new location and live by yourself; while your family stays behind until the place sells.

 

If you’ve already bought a new place in the new town, move all of that clutter junk out of the storage place into your new house – you’ll feel right at home and the clutter will still be out of the house that we’re trying to sell. Move any excess furniture to the new home, but leave the old place furnished if at all possible.

 

Buyers have difficulty “seeing” how the house would look with furniture. Even if they don’t like your stuff at least it helps them envision how the space is used. If you absolutely can’t avoid moving your stuff out, so be it. Try to leave at least a table and a few chairs so that your agent has someplace to sit with a buyer to discuss things and somewhere to sit if he/she holds and open house. If you do vacate the house, use that opportunity of it being empty to get the carpets and floors cleaned and maybe getting some painting done. An empty house really shows all the wear and tear spots and with nothing else to attract the eye, any dirt or scratches or picture nail holes or other defects stand out.

 

An empty house makes an inviting target for vandals and thieves. Copper thieves in particular like to find vacant houses that they can strip. Even if your house is in what you would consider to be a “busy neighborhood”, thieves are bold enough to go in, even in broad daylight. No one ever said that they were smart, just brazen. Nothing says “rob me” quite like a vacant home with a real estate sign out front. Even if they don’t succeed in breaking in, copper thieves have been known to just hack off air conditioner condenser units and haul them away for the copper tubing that’s in most of them.

 

Oh, and here’s one more thing to make your day, if you are in a foreclosure or short sale situation. The Homeowners Association (HOA) may place a lien on the property for unpaid HOA fees, if you have decided to stop paying that, too. That’s just one more thing to have to worry about. Even if you’re not involved in a distressed sale, the HOA can also get involved if you have not contracted for lawn care when you moved out. If the HOA determines that your lawn is in violation of the HOA By-Laws, they may hire someone to cut your lawn and charge you for that, too. If you don’t pay that bill; oh well, there’s another lien on the house.

 

 

 

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

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

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

 

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7 BUYER TIPS FOR NEGOTIATING A HOME PURCHASE

7 BUYER TIPS FOR NEGOTIATING A HOME PURCHASE

Finding your dream home is hard enough and once you’ve found it, the process in a lot of ways has just begun. That’s right, you’ve got an offer to make and hours of negotiating before you sign the final paperwork and have the keys to your new home in hand. We’ve already discussed what to expect when negotiating a home purchase, but what happens once you’re in the middle of it all?

John Wenner, co-founder and professional trainer at the Real Estate Negotiation Institute says, “Negotiation is the key skill necessary to help achieve your goals. That’s why buyers should team up with an experienced agent with a negotiation plan in order to get what you want out of a home purchase.”

 

1. KNOW MARKET TRENDS.

Your negotiating power as a buyer varies greatly depending on the market you’re in.  Supply and demand is key as well as comparables in the neighborhood you’re interested in. If there are tons of homes for sale in the neighborhood, then the seller will be more willing to negotiate price with you because you could easily choose to buy another home nearby.

If homes for sale in the neighborhood are scarce however, then the seller has more negotiating power because he knows you’re interested and only have few choices. Comparables are also important because they allow you to set a reasonable range for negotiating. Check out the Market Trends tool on the First Team site to see some specifics and start learning.

2. LISTEN!

According to Wenner listening carefully is critical to the negotiating process.  When you listen to the other side, you are able to truly understand them and their wants. Once you understand your seller, then you can effectively begin negotiations with them with a strategic plan in place to get what you want.

3. IF THERE ARE MULTIPLE OFFERS TAKE A COMPETITION STANDPOINT, NOT A NEGOTIATING STRATEGY.

This goes along with knowing the market. Many transactions today are multiple offers because of the seller’s market we have been experiencing for the past few years. If you’re in competition with other buyers, it’s important to put an offer on a house that is competitive with other buyers. Once the seller chooses your offer, THEN you can start negotiating things like closing costs, repairs and buyer credits.

4. WHEN YOU OFFER SOMETHING, ALWAYS ASK FOR SOMETHING IN RETURN.

Negotiations require give and take so you need to “give when getting”. For example when you give on price, secure yourself credits for repairs or negotiate for the washer and dryer.  Wenner says, “To influence others, you should always be in a face to face setting and consider giving first so you can position the other side”. By coming to the table first with something to give, you’re more likely to get in turn what you want because you’re setting the terms.

5. AVOID EXTREMELY LOW OFFERS.

While there is obviously room to negotiate price, it is important that you understand your ZOPA and be realistic. Let me explain – your ZOPA in a negotiation is the zone of possible agreement. This zone is the intellectual space where two party’s expectations meet and overlap in which an agreement can be made.

As a buyer, you may think giving a lowball price is a great strategy to getting the price you want eventually. However, if your lowball price is outside of the seller’s zone of possible agreement, you could offend them and they’ll never even enter into negotiations with you. Anticipating a seller’s ZOPA is crucial to deciding on the right price for your offer. Knowing what’s too low and too high comes from knowing market trends (see #1).

6. KEEP EMOTIONS AT BAY.

No doubt about it, buying a home is an emotional process. However, an emotional negotiator is not effective. That’s why it’s best to let your agent do the negotiating for you; in fact it’s why you hired them. Letting your emotions drive negotiating and showing all of your cards makes you vulnerable and could lead to sellers taking advantage.

7. UNDERSTAND THE SELLER’S MOTIVATION.

Not only do you need to understand the seller’s ZOPA, you also want to understand their needs, wants and situation. The initial sale price on the home is just the tip of the iceberg in understanding them; you need to understand what is motivating them to sell. Are they looking to sell because they are going through a divorce? Are they retiring to a smaller home? Are they in a rush to move out because they’re relocating for work?

Knowing the seller’s motivation is the key to engaging them in negotiations and getting what you want. According to Wenner, “The only way to negotiate a win-win sale with a seller is to understand the goals of the other side and match them with your own.”

 

 

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
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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 insurance 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. To learn more about effectively addressing water damage, Read More Here for additional information.

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.

  • 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. 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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THE DESIGN MISTAKES YOU’RE MAKING RIGHT NOW

You just bought your new home, and you’re ready to put your personal stamp on it. Go get that paint brush and paint those kitchen cabinets neon yellow! It’s your home, right? What’s the problem?

For starters, making bold changes to your home without considering a few things, like… how they might affect resale value, your taste level, the taste level of other people who might want to buy your home some day, how hard it might be to paint over neon yellow, whether or not you are qualified to do a decent job painting your cabinets neon yellow (or any color for that matter)… may not be your best option.

You’re making mistakes in your home everyday, whether by changing the big things, not changing the small things, or just plain changing things wrong, according to Yahoo (via HGTV). They talked to “some of today’s hottest interior designers to count down” the top decorating mistakes found in American home design.

You can check out the full list here. We’ve included a few of our faves below, and also added a few of our own.

1. Toilet Rugs

“Toilet rugs are cut to fit around the toilet and sometimes have the carpet-like matching seat cover. Opt for a regular rectangular rug placed away from the base of the toilet instead,” said Yahoo.

We have to agree. And, we would add, this is especially important if you have boys. Just think about it.

toilet rugs

2. Following Fads

It’s easy to fall in love with something and then never let it go. “From beanbag chairs to lava lamps, be careful of trends as it’s difficult to get rid of those items once the fad is gone, especially furniture,” said Yahoo. Decorate in a style you’ll really like for a long time such as getting a modern sleeper sofa. Have fun with it, but be ready to recycle it when it goes out of style.

Speaking of which…

3. Faux finishing

It’s over. Really. You should do something about that.

4. Outdated Accessories

One of the easiest and most economical updates for a house is updating cabinet hardware. If yours look like this…

outdated cabinet hardware

it’s time.

“Don’t let your rooms feel dated by hanging on to older cabinets and especially hardware,” said Yahoo. “Make small changes like switching the hardware on your kitchen or bath cabinets for a big impact.”

5. Thinking You Can Do It All Yourself

They make contractors and plumbers and electricians for a reason. It’s because they are skilled at doing stuff the average person is not. We can’t all be Mr. Fix It.

That doesn’t mean you can’t fix a toilet or build a closet. But it may mean you should stay away from the kitchen sink and the electrical panel. And probably the HVAC system and the roof. Make sure to hire a professional drain cleaning contractor to avoid clogging that may cause damage. Don’t be afraid to hire out a residential or commercial electrician and write a check for residential electrical installs. You can always count on Gator Electric and Communications for your electrical concerns.

It may actually save you money in the end. It will most certainly save you frustration.

That being said…

Do It Yourself Nightmares

6. Not Thinking You Can Do Anything Yourself.

Just because the bookcase you bought at IKEA gave you fits and took two weeks to assemble doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of doing anything. There is pride in DIY… if you start small and take on a job you can finish, and do well.

If you’re a DIY virgin, ease in by painting a wall. You can always have it repainted. Or torn down, depending on how bad your paint job is.

7. Cable Cobwebs

The cords coming from your TV look like a spider web and you’re so used to it you don’t even notice anymore, right? Visitors to your home will, and this sloppy look is taking away from your chic style.

“Keep wires hidden at all times with these easy solutions” from Yahoo:

  1. 1. Use a staple gun to attach them to the back of furniture or along baseboards.
  2. 2. Find a cord cover that matches your wall color.
  3. 3. If the furniture isn’t a valuable antique, drill a hole in the back for the cords to go through.

If none of that is feasible, purchase a cord keeper for a couple bucks from IKEA, or repurpose the twisty-tie from your package of bread.

 

 

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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Valentine’s Day Events in Colorado

Valentine’s Day Events in Colorado

 

Hearts of all Ages 2014

Hearts of all Ages 2014

Friday, Feb 14 5:30p

This Valentine’s Day, get ready to join the University of Colorado Hospital Foundation under the big top for the Hearts of All Ages 2014 carnival! The whole family gets to enjoy the high-flying fun…

Valentine's Day Heartbeats with Ed Battle, Terri-Jo and Jeff Jenkins

Valentine’s Day Heartbeats with Ed Battle, Terri-Jo and Jeff Jenkins

Friday, Feb 14 7:00p
Dazzle Jazz, Denver

Featuring: terri-jo – vocals ed battle – vocals brad goode – trumpet jeff jenkins – piano mark simon – bass paul romaine – drums Join us for a Valentine’s day full of music for lovers! Ed Battle …

Denver's Biggest Date Night

Denver’s Biggest Date Night

Friday, Feb 14 6:00p

A Valentine’s Day Party at Boettcher Concert Hall Colorado Symphony’s Love & Lust concert is the perfect way to celebrate the sweetest day of the year…

Hay House Angel Card Reader Course in Denver, CO on March 28, 2014

Friday, Mar 28 10:00a

Become a Certified Angel Card Reader ™ In this entertaining and enlightening one-day seminar, Doreen Virtue (the best-selling author of 24 oracle card decks) will guide you through the symbology a…

Improv Comedy Night: Monkey Butler’s February Show

Saturday, Feb 8 7:00p

Celebrate Valentine’s Day early by enjoying Monkey Butler’s monthly improv show! The Denver Post named Monkey Butler the “Best Comedy Value” in Colorado in 2013…

Nature For Kids & Parents: Colorado’s Sweethearts

Sunday, Feb 9 1:00p

In the coldest part of winter, the courtship begins. By Valentine’s Day she will likely be sitting on a nest of round white eggs, as the cold wind blows around her…

Zakat Interfaith Boutique

Saturday, Feb 8 9:00a

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a heartfelt sale of new, used, antique and estate jewelry priced to move…

CU Museum of Natural History – In-Service Day Workshop for K-5th grade: Prehistoric Water Worlds

Friday, Feb 14 9:00a

Colorado used to be an inland sea full of weird and wonderful creatures…

My Big Date Night

Friday, Feb 14 4:00p

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Sweetheart City: LOVELAND, CO HeidiTown, My Big Day Events & NoCo Short Bus Tours present “My Big Date Night!” Stay and Play in Loveland — These All-Inclusive Pac…

23rd Annual  Mountaintop Matrimony

23rd Annual Mountaintop Matrimony

Friday, Feb 14 12:00p
Loveland Ski Area, Georgetown

Marry Me & Ski Free Valentine’s Day – February 14th 2014 Thank you for your interest in Loveland Ski Area’s 23rd Annual Marry Me & Ski For Free Mountaintop Matrimony…

Viennese Voyage

Viennese Voyage

Friday, Feb 14 7:30p

Come join the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra and the University of Northern Colorado Opera Theatre department as we collaborate to perform Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus…

 

 

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.

 

new bh4u logo

Boulder Colorado Communities

Boulder homes for sale

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.

By consulting professionals and seeking expert advice, you can ensure that your plumbing needs will be handled with expertise and precision.

  • 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.

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.

new bh4u logo

Boulder Colorado Communities

Boulder homes for sale