How to be a Competitive Buyer in a Seller’s Market

Image from Keeping Current Matters

There's no getting around it; now is a tough time to be a buyer. With scarce active listings and median home prices creeping up, it may seem like a tough time to buy a home. Here are a few things you can do to remain competitive in this market:

First and foremost, know your budget. This way you can make informed decisions before putting in an offer. Knowing your budget allows you to narrow your search and focus energy on homes within your price range.

Compile a list of must haves and deal-breakers. If you know you are looking for a 2+ bath home, referencing this list will keep you from making offers on a home that may not actually suit your needs.

Get pre-approved to borrow. This shows the seller that you are serious about purchasing their house and can fast track your offer.

Build a team of trusted professionals. You'll have a better chance at landing your dream home when working with experienced leaders in the industry.

Local Longmont: Downtown Longmont streets will be Closed on Saturday for ArtWalk!

Local Longmont: Downtown Longmont streets will be Closed on Saturday for ArtWalk!

by Christa Marsh
Several downtown Longmont streets will be closed to traffic Saturday for ArtWalk, an evening of art, music, children's activities, exhibitions, music, and more! Photo Credit: Longmont Times Call, Russell Sample, 5, paints a picture during ArtWalk in downtown Longmont Closures as follows: Main Street will be closed between Third and Longs Peak avenues between 3 and 9 p.m. Southbound traffic will detour at Ninth Avenue and northbound traffic at Third Avenue. Also, Fourth Avenue will be closed from Main Street to the alley east of Main from 1:30 to 9 p.m., and from Main west to Coffman Street from 3 to 9 p.m. Fifth Avenue is to be closed from Main to the alley to the east from 2 to 9 p.m., and from Main Street to the alley west from 2 to 9 p.m. Visit http://artwalklongmont.org/ for more information!  
Rocky Mountain National Park Series: Fun for the Kiddos!

Rocky Mountain National Park Series: Fun for the Kiddos!

by Christa Marsh
Hiking with your parents up a rocky trail doesn't always sound like a ton of fun for kiddos just being introduced to the mountains and all the fun they present. Sometimes kids need a goal for the trip, something that makes it special for them. Photo Credit: nps.gov Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan covers "10 Things to Do with Kids at Rocky Mountain National Park" in her recent article on MyRockyMountainPark.com 1. Become a Junior Ranger Photo Credit: nps.gov 2. Go horseback riding 3. Take a hike Add purpose by hunting for wildflowers (no picking!), looking for animal signs, sketching, a scavenger hunt (but just a photo scavenger hunt - everything needs to stay in its RMNP home:) 4. Go Camping 5. Attend a Family Ranger Program 6. Go Fishing!! 7. Paddle a Canoe 8. Walk on the Tundra 9. Have a picnic 10. In the winter, there's a wonderful sledding area at the Hidden Valley Snow Play Area  Visit MyRockyMountainPark.com for details on planning the perfect mini vacation to Rocky this summer! Have fun out there!  
PRICE REDUCTION: Opportunity Awaits at 1849 Sundance Dr.!

PRICE REDUCTION: Opportunity Awaits at 1849 Sundance Dr.!

by Christa Marsh
We just lowered the price on this beautiful custom home in Longmont's Sundance Community! Now priced to sell at $725,000.00! 1849 Sundance Drive | Longmont, CO 80504 Custom, luxury-built home in the sought-after Sundance Neighborhood. Private community pool and clubhouse, surrounded by Ute Creek Golf Course and Jim Hamm Nature Preserve. Views of the back range and easy commuting! More photos and information here! http://www.tourfactory.com/1927244  

Call or email with any questions or to set up a private showing!

cory@justlistedcolo.com | 303-776-4004

Motivational Monday: We can all make difference.

Motivational Monday: We can all make difference.

by Christa Marsh
The Akashinga are one of Africa's only armed female anti-poaching units and they're protecting one of the largest elephant populations left on the continent. Photo Credit: Left to Right, LadyFreeThinker.org, GirlTalk HQ, International Anti-Poaching Foundation Part of the Lower Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe is a former trophy hunting reserve and, sadly, many of the animals are still threatened by poachers. These women, unafraid of who they may encounter, are often arresting local poachers that could be their neighbor or live in a nearby village. But, their focus is on their animals and duty to protect them so they won't disappear forever. These women are changing the face of conservation forever.
2017 Longmont Water Quality Report

2017 Longmont Water Quality Report

by Christa Marsh
The 2017 Longmont Water Quality Report is hot off the presses! You can download the full report here. Below are the highlights. Spoiler: We have incredible water quality standards. So where does Longmont's water come from? The City of Longmont’s drinking water is all surface water that comes from streams, lakes and reservoirs. The sources of Longmont’s drinking water are: The St. Vrain Creek Watershed and the Colorado and Fraser Rivers via the Colorado-Big Thompson (C-BT) project. As our water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials. It can also pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Image Credit: City of Longmont 2017 Water Quality Report And, how is it treated? Step 1. Coagulation — Aluminum salts and chemicals called polymers are mixed with the water to make the particles in the water stick together. Step 2. Flocculation — The coagulated particles are slowly mixed so that they can collide and form larger particles, known as “floc.” Step 3. Sedimentation — Water flows through a large tank which allows the “floc” to settle to the bottom of the tank and be removed. Step 4. Filtration — Water is passed through filters made of sand and anthracite coal to filter out remaining particles. Step 5. Disinfection — Chlorine is added to kill any remaining bacteria or other disease-causing organisms. Step 6. Fluoridation — Fluoride is added to help prevent tooth decay. Step 7. Stabilization — Small amounts of soda ash (sodium carbonate) or sodium hydroxide are added to make the water less corrosive to pipes and plumbing. Image Credit: City of Longmont 2017 Water Quality Report The State-certified City of Longmont Water Quality Laboratory, performs many of the tests on your drinking water. Contract labs are also used for tests that the Water Quality Laboratory does not do in-house. 10,206 tests were performed on the City’s drinking water last year, 9186 of which were performed by the City’s Water Quality Laboratory. These tests ensure that the water delivered to your tap meets or exceeds the standards set by the EPA and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).  Last year, as in years past, our tap water met all EPA and State drinking water health standards. We're proud to live in a city that safeguards our water to such a high standard! READ THE FULL REPORT HERE  
Rocky Mountain National Park Series: Estes Park Photographer and Author Wins National Award

Rocky Mountain National Park Series: Estes Park Photographer and Author Wins National Award

by Christa Marsh
Erik Stensland, a local photographer and author from Estes Park just won the Benjamin Franklin Award for his latest book, ‘Whispers in the Wilderness’.
Stensland owns and operates Images of RMNP, and is well known in the close-knit Estes Park community.
MOUNTAIN SYMPHONY Tundra, Rocky Mountain National Park The tundra explodes with wildflowers in early summer in Rocky Mountain National Park as the Never Summer Mountains try to hold on to their remaining snow. This dynamic scene that reoccurs ever summer is simply stunning. It is as if the world can't help but break into song with the arrival of summer. Photo © copyright by Erik Stensland.
Whispers in the Wilderness is a compilation of small essays inspired by the natural world around Estes and Rocky Mountain National Park. 
Learn more about Stensland and the award in the video below.
 
HOT PICK FOR THE WEEK! 406 N Parkside Dr E, Longmont, 80501

HOT PICK FOR THE WEEK! 406 N Parkside Dr E, Longmont, 80501

Townhomes in Longmont and Boulder County are at a premium these days! The average sales price for townhomes increased by 18.5% from March 2017! 406 N Parkside Dr E, Longmont, 80501 is fresh on the market this week. Conveniently located in sought-after Parkview at Quail Ridge, it's an easy commute down HWY287 to Boulder/Louisville/Broomfield. Parkview at Quail Ridge is close to Old Town Main Street restaurants and breweries, connected to the community by walking/bike paths, close to shopping and Longmont's Recreation Center. This is a great starter home, low maintenance lock-and-go home, or an investment property. It's priced just right at $310,000. Send an email if you'd like to set up a showing christa@justlistedcolo.com or homes@justlistedcolo.com.
Are you participating in the #LoCo21DayChallenge?

Are you participating in the #LoCo21DayChallenge?

City of Longmont Waste Services is encouraging everyone to make a pledge to create a new recycling or composting habit this Spring. What is the 21-Day Challenge? The #LoCo21DayChallenge is hinged on the notion that it takes 21 days to instill a habit and asks participants to make a personal commitment to create a new habit to reduce waste and decrease our individual environmental impacts. Learn more about the challenge and sign up for the opportunity to win prizes and be part of the greater good! CLICK TO SIGN UP! Share your progress on our Facebook page!
Motivational Monday – Have Less, Live More

Motivational Monday – Have Less, Live More

"When I let go of what I have, I receive what I need."

- Lao Tzu

What's the one thing that we can never get back? Time. Our time is perhaps the most finite and valuable resource we each have as we go through life. Each moment you choose what you spend it on, whether you dip into tomorrow's time in order to do something today, and even risk it all looking for thrills.

Those of us who spend their time buying the biggest, newest, most flashy toys focus their energy (and time) on possessions. But do all those possessions really make for a happier life overall? One could argue that certain possessions add joy, freedom and even creativity to a life - but no matter what, you can't get the time back.

Credit card debt in the United States alone is approximately $750 billion. Imagine what things would be like if people chose to focus on saving more and spending less! We'd each have more flexibility to give to the causes that meant the most to us, and to invest our time in the same ways.

To take that another step further, why don't more people practice genuine gratitude for all that they do have, rather than focusing on what they need next? There's never been a point in human history when we've had so much and been so unhappy despite all of it. So what can you do to change it all?

Practice gratitude! Wake up and immediately remind yourself of everything that you're thankful for. Write it down, meditate on it, brainstorm while in the shower - whatever works best for you. Focus on yourself and those that you care most about rather than what you have or don't have. When you're able to live without placing importance on belongings, you'll find that you already have everything you need to live and be truly happy...

Motivational Monday – 5 Ways to Get Out of That Rut

Everyone has found themselves in a place where all you can ask yourself is, "What am I doing?" Whether you are feeling stuck at your job or struggling to achieve even the most basic of goals, there is a way out of the rut! Here are 5 steps to take which help you regroup and focus back in on what's most important.

1.) Unplug and Refocus

Some of us find ourselves renewed by spending time alone, and others generate momentum by surrounding themselves with many friends in a fun and lively setting. No matter how you recharge, it's important to unplug while you do it. Disconnect from the technological part of life and spend time taking inventory of your life. What are you happy about? What are you unhappy about? What can you do to make it better?

Spending time examining your experience of life is crucial. Without self examination there's no room for growth. It can help you recollect your energy and efforts, notice differences between healthy and toxic relationships, and carve out new habits and paths to get you to the end.

2.) Journal Every Day

The human mind is a problem-solving machine, but it can run into difficulty when thoughts are scattered and energy isn't focused and put to effective use. Writing down your thoughts can be one of the first steps to changing your entire life! There are many reasons why keeping a journal is recommended by most of the world's enlightened and successful people. But if it seems like a daunting task, start with something fresh. Discuss problems that came up during the day, different opportunities, ideas and potential solutions.

Once you get into the habit of setting time aside each day to journal, adopt a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) or CPSP (Creative Problem Solving Process) layouts. Structure and formalized routine can help you focus on specific areas that need the most attention. 

3.) Ask for Help 

No one will ever disrespect you if you genuinely ask them for their guidance and help. We're naturally wired to avoid stressful situations, including initiating vulnerable conversations with people who don't know us. But the fact is that mentors and guides are all around us in life, if we can only break free from our own insecurities and seek them out. 

Reach out to people that inspire you to be more, and those who understand you and/or your situation. Most people will be honored by your outreach and will do all they can to help you succeed.

4.) Go For It 

There comes a point when you simply must take action. Walk the walk, then talk the talk! A common mistake that most of us make is waiting to 'feel like it', or for that surge of motivation to come sweeping in out of nowhere. Don't wait for the right moment; just begin. Get started with baby steps and take it one day at a time, little by little.

To put it into perspective... The time will go by whether you take the action or not! 

5.) Take the Leap of Faith

You may not notice it until you're more confident about your decisions, have settled into a routine and are living in a place of progress... But this is the time to take that leap of faith. You've adopted new habits and your new goals are in focus; it's time to drop the negativity and anything that drained you or distracted from your pursuits. 

Ask for input from your mentors, discuss the pros and cons, and then just do it! Without taking this essential but scary step, you will remain stuck. 

Congratulations to our Sellers, Who JUST CLOSED!

Congratulations to our Sellers, Who JUST CLOSED!

Congratulations to our sellers!

They JUST SOLD their spectacular luxury townhome in the Renaissance neighborhood of southwest Longmont. With an ideal location alongside a neighboring greenway and intelligent design options & green features, we knew this one would go fast...

This unbelievable townhome is the second one in 2 years that Cory has sold for the highest known price in the Renaissance neighborhood. He admits to getting a bit of a rush seeing where the market will go and maximizing his clients return, so they can dream big on their next home purchase.

Our strategies work, are proven and in the end, they deliver!

Cory feels blessed and honored to be a top producing, full-time real estate broker and business owner in beautiful Colorado. He gives everything he has to fulfilling his client's dreams of home ownership - and it's a privilege he doesn't take lightly. His family includes his wife and daughter, and they feel fortunate to call Longmont their home.

Cory can be reached by mobile at 303.641.8597 or email at cory@justlistedcolo.com.

Rocky Mountain National Park Series – Firewood Lottery!

Rocky Mountain National Park Series – Firewood Lottery!

What if you could win firewood straight from Rocky Mountain National Park? Now you have the chance! Over 100 permits will be granted via a lottery to claim wood that has been previously cut from the forest. If chosen through the lottery, you will be limited to one cord of firewood, which can be picked up by appointment near Moraine Park.

If you're interested, here's what you need to do...

1.) Email ROMO_Firewood@nps.gov now through 8am on March 27th. In the subject line of the email, type your last name, then first name in the following format: Smith, John.

2.) In the body of the email, type your full name, home address and phone number.

And then you're officially entered!

If you're selected, you'll be contacted by the RMNP staff to set up an appointment. You'll need to receive a vehicle and gear inspection, obtain the permit, go through an orientation to wood gathering and then gather your wood.

Please note a couple of things... First, if selected, a $20 non-refundable fee will be charged to claim the permit. Second, most of the wood will require a chainsaw - it hasn't been cut into smaller more  manageable pieces.

Motivational Monday – Living In the Present

Choosing to live in the past or the future not only robs you of the enjoyments that today brings, but it robs you of truly living. The only important moment is the present moment... If you wish to begin living more mindfully in each and every moment, consider this list of tips below!

(Video Credit: Tragedy & Hope, Audio: Alan Watts)

Remove unneeded possessions

Embracing a more minimalist lifestyle forces you to live in the present moment. Remove items that remind you of past memories - you will free up your energy to start living in the present.

Smile often

Start your day with a smile! Write a reminder note on your computer monitor to smile, put images or quotes up on your walls that inspire happy feelings. Remember, you and you alone are in control of your attitude every morning. Do yourself the favor of keeping things optimistic.

Soak it all in

Pay closer attention to the sights, smells, sounds and emotions that rise up throughout the moments of your day. Embrace feelings that come from both successes and sorrows, and appreciate each for the experience they offer.

LOVE your job

Most of us spend at least 5 full days out of the week (71% of our waking time) working in our chosen profession. If you're in a constant state of "surviving" the workweek, you're wasting nearly 3/4 of your life! Though it can be a challenge, there are two solutions to this: 1) Find a new job you enjoy that inspires you, or 2) Find something about your current career that you appreciate and engage in that rather than focusing on the negatives.

Forgive past hurt feelings

When someone does wrong against us, we have the choice to move on or allow their poor choice to continue impacting our mood and outlook on life. Choose to forgive and move forward for your own sake.

Don't dwell too much on past accomplishments

It's plain and simple - if you are too busy talking about what you did yesterday, you certainly haven't done much today!

Stop worrying

Has worry ever accomplished much of anything for anyone? There's no way to fully appreciate the day if your mind is focused on yesterday or tomorrow. After all, tomorrow will come whether you worry about it or not.

Dream about tomorrow, work hard today

It is important to set big goals and plan for a beautiful future, but putting the effort in today will get you that much closer to tomorrow. Don't fall into the trap of letting dreaming take the place of hard work in this moment.

A Unique Holiday Gift

If you're still in search of the perfect holiday gift or stocking stuffer, a Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass is just the thing for anyone who enjoys visiting the park - or would like to visit more in the coming year!

This is a gift in more ways than one. Not only is the recipient able to enjoy all that the National Park has to offer, but the park itself benefits greatly from the contribution. In the past 20 years, over $68 million from fees have helped to renovate campground facilities, replace picnic table throughout the park, repair trailhead signs, mitigate hazard trees, operate the park's visitor shuttle bus system, rehabilitate and maintain 350 miles of trails, and so much more.

No matter the season, the park has something to offer everyone; winter activities are plentiful during the chillier months, and visitors can explore the lesser known corners of the park for a unique and secluded experience.

The park pass will increase in price from $50 to $60 as of January 1st, 2017. You can purchase your pass today at any Rocky Mountain National Park entrance station, or online HERE until December 30th.

JUST CLOSED – Renovated Brick Charmer on Historic Eastside

JUST CLOSED – Renovated Brick Charmer on Historic Eastside

Congratulations to another great couple making Old Town Longmont their forever home. We were honored to represent the Sellers, which invested into this market a little over 2 years ago and made a handsome return!

What’s currently happening in Old Town? Currently there are only (6) properties “Active” available in Old Town with an Average Sales price of $520K. Since October 1st (15) properties have “SOLD” with an Average Sales price of $362K. At this current time there are (5) properties “Under Contract” with an Average List price of $404K.

So…. What does 2017 look like? From our office, we see a continued trend of a limited supply of homes “For Sale’ and a steady upwardly creep in Average Sales prices. I personally believe it won’t be long before $400K is the entry market to live in Old Town. Therefore…

Please lets us help you get into this amazing community and start enjoying the benefits of living Downtown before things get too crazy!

Cory feels blessed and honored to be a top producing, full-time real estate broker and business owner in  beautiful Colorado. He gives everything he has to fulfilling his client’s dreams of home ownership - and it’s a privilege he doesn’t take lightly. His family includes his wife and daughter, and they feel fortunate to call Longmont their home.

Cory can be reached by mobile at 303.641.8597 or email at cory@justlistedcolo.com.