Super proud of our son John and all his agents in the New Era Group! Last year the Group helped over 500 clients with their real estate transactions which made 2018 our best year yet! John says "We are just getting started." Please contact us about how we can provide you with our excellent Real Estate Services as you buy or sell a home.  Just Email or call John Stegner Sr at 970-412-1657

In this issue:
Market Happenings
What to do in January in Northern Colorado

Market Happenings

According to the Fort Collins Board of Realtors:

"New Listings were up 12.6 percent for single family homes and 12.3 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Pending Sales landed at 184 for single family homes and 46 for townhouse-condo properties.
 
The Median Sales Price was up 8.0 percent to $405,000 for single family homes and 8.7 percent to $299,000 for townhouse-condo properties. Days on Market increased 4.1 percent for single family homes and 14.1 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that the national unemployment rate was at 3.7 percent. Low unemployment has helped the housing industry during this extensive period of U.S. economic prosperity. Home buying and selling activity relies on gainful employment. It also relies on demand, and builders are showing caution by breaking ground on fewer single-family home construction projects in the face of rising mortgage rates and fewer showings."

For more news and a complete review of the latest housing statistics and information compiled by the Fort Collins Board of Realtors click here and download the full report.

Want to get an up to the minute market report on any town in NoCo? Check out this page - click on the graph and follow the past and current trends in Fort Collins.

Further, go to our homepage and select a town listed there and you will be able to see other town's stat too! 

New Era Ranked #1 in Colorado and #67 Nationally by Real Trends

On behalf of all the agents here at New Era, we are proud to be recognized as the number one producing team in Colorado by Real Trends. On the national stage we ranked 67th overall in transaction sides and 99th in sales volume.

What to do in January

For an extensive list of upcoming events in Northern Colorado check out this link.

LOCATED CLOSE TO OLD TOWN AND CSU, THIS UNIQUE METICULOUSLY KEPT HOME WITH 10' CEILINGS AND MANY UPGRADES IS WAITING FOR YOU.  A beautiful ranch like this one is a rare find in Fort Collins.  Below is a list of its many amenities and upgrades. In addition, you also have access to a club house and workout gym.

 List of Amenities and Upgrades

·     Kitchen with plenty of storage in pantry and cabinets – granite counter tops – central island

·     Wood floors in all areas except in laundry and bathrooms

·     Handicapped Features – Walker wide front door entrance and garage and open floor plan. 

·      Walk-in shower with 3 safety grips. 

·    Hunter Douglas window coverings in living room and master bedroom. 

·     10’ ceilings throughout

·      Two car garage – insulated, dry walled and painted

·     Oversized Hot Water Heater and Air Conditioner

·     New Roof – October of 2018

·     Custom Craftsman Porch

·     Sprinkler System – front and back yard

·     Double sized back patio and fenced back yard

·     Sidewalk to back yard.

·     Walking Trail and Open Space behind house

·     Close to Old Town – CSU - AND MUCH MORE!

 For More Information Call John Stegner At 970-412-1657 

Want To Get to Know Northern Colorado - Visit Our Website 

I've had people walk in the door of a home I am showing them and they almost immediately fall in love with it. I even had one woman break into tears when she entered a 104 year old Victorian. 

This is a wonderful moment for clients. But it also can be a moment where a buyer looses track of what might be some real practical concerns in terms the hidden problems or costs involving the home or the neighborhood it sits in.

Here are a few things that a good Realtor will help a buyer with that allows them to settle into a less emotional state as they move through the process of checking out the home and its surrounding area.

1 - What is the Neighborhood like?

Make sure and visit with people who live near and around the home and see if it is considered to be a pleasant and safe place to live. 

Having good neighbors is one of the real joys of home ownership.

2 - Your Nose Knows

Use the nose when investigating a home. Is it possible that the perfumed odor from a infusion device or a nice spice simmering on the stove is there to hide an unpleasant odor — such as mold or lingering animal smells? 

3 - See the Actual House through the Staging

Remember that room sizes can appear differently — if the home is empty its rooms will appear larger than they might actually be. If they are furnished, ignore the furnishings that are in the home and envision, or even measure the rooms, to see how ones personal furniture would fit in the room. Many times homes are staged to put their best foot forward. Look past the staging and make sure you see the real home behind it. 

4 - Unexpected Noises at Different Times of Day

Visit the house multiple times at different times of day - especially during high volume traffic times - when school gets out and at rush hour. Ask a neighbor about train whistles - especially the really loud ones that come at night. 

5 - How About Schools in the Area?

How important are the schools to individuals - we always help clients check out the quality and location of schools. Close proximity to a school is great when you have kids. If one is across the street or if the home is in a heavy traffic pattern associated with a school, this can be a real nuisance.

6 - Prepare for Some Fixing No Matter What

Understand that the seller probably will not repair or replace all items that were found on the inspector's list of issues. One will have to fix stuff on their own and doing so could be costly.

7 - How Much Upkeep does a Property Require?

Keeping a house and property maintained is often overlooked when purchasing a home. Really big homes have lots of rooms that need cleaning and big yards need to be mowed. Maybe you love to do these chores — or maybe you can afford to hire help getting the weekly jobs around the house done. Either way, factoring in the regular maintenance of a property is an important consideration. 

Falling in Love with a home is the first step, but only the first step in buying a home.

Here is another informative Blog I wrote that outlines 4 more questions that  buyers should be asking themselves as they move into and through the process of buying home.

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Lot’s going on this October in Northern Colorado!

October 5th to 6th – Longmont Oktoberfest

“For the 7th year in a row, Longmont Oktoberfest is Longmont’s favorite fall gathering featuring national touring act and Red Rocks headliner JJ Grey and Mofro, 10+ breweries, local food, and games for all ages. Ranked as a “Must Visit Oktoberfest” by DRAFT magazine, Longmont Oktoberfest celebrates the summer’s transition to fall on October 5th and 6th at Roosevelt Park. Pull out your lederhosen and dirndls, grab a pretzel or brat, and don’t forget a pint from your favorite Longmont breweries while supporting Longmont charities. Prost!” Tickets & More Info!

October 5th to 7th – Adventure Film Festival: Boulder

“Join award-winning filmmakers, visionary conservationists, and the world’s foremost names in adventure at the 14th annual Adventure Film Festival & Street Fair at the Boulder Theater and Pearl Street Mall. Presented by Meridian Line, this three-day adventure immersion showcases a selection of 2018’s most critical and transformative independent films, featuring special guests and live performances. From ultramarathons to Inuit activism, folk rock to rock climbing, no two films have the same stripes—each is crafted to shift the way we view our world and ourselves.” Tickets & More Info!

October 13th to November 3rd – Día De Los Muertos Event & Exhibit:

Longmont “The Longmont Museum and Cultural Center, 400 Quail Rd., will be hosting their 18th Annual Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, exhibit Oct. 13 – Nov. 6 offering all guests FREE admission. The Longmont Museum’s Day of the Dead exhibit allows you to learn more about the cultural tradition of celebrating and honoring deceased loved ones by viewing community-made altars, participating in exhibition tours, seeing one of many music and dance performances and joining the Family Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 3.” More Info!

October 19th to 21st & 26th to 28th – Fear of the Dark Haunted House: Ft. Collins

“Chipper’s Lanes is proud to be presenting a true Fort Collins Haunted House. This is a limited run event. All ages are welcome, though the haunted house is not recommended for anyone under the age of 10.” More Info!

October 20th – Loveland Zombie Crawl

“Join us for the 6th Annual Loveland Zombie Crawl on the evening of Saturday, October 20th! It’s the time of year when the zombies inhabit the streets of downtown Loveland. The back patio of Loveland Aleworks will feature zombie dogs, decorations and treats. Gather your friends and get dressed up in your finest zombie attire. The event begins at Loveland Aleworks and proceeds throughout Downtown Loveland at participating locations.” More Info!

October 20th – Howl-O-Ween Trick or Treat: Greeley

“Head to Centennial Village Museum and harvest family fun and memories during the annual Howl-O-Ween trick or treat event. Try your hand at Halloween carnival games, check out the not-so-scary haunted house, trick or treat the historic structures, stop by booths and participate in the costume contest.  Admission is $2 per child, $3 per adult 18 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult.”

October 27th – Rocky Mountain Craft Spirits Festival: Estes Park

“The Rocky Mountain region is home to a booming craft spirits industry.  Distillers and consumers of fine spirits are invited to celebrate this craft at a tasting festival in Estes Park, Colorado.  Admission includes a souvenir tasting glass, complimentary pours from a variety of distillers, bar games, and live music.  So raise a glass to raised standards, and make your plans for the last Saturday in October.” Tickets & More Info!

October 31st – Munchkin Masquerade: Boulder

“Each Halloween downtown Boulder is invaded by tiny ghosts & goblins, dinosaurs & dragons, fairies and princes, super heroes & animals of every size for trick-or-treating at local businesses along Pearl Street and throughout Downtown Boulder.” More Info!

Have a great month!

SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NORTHERN COLORADO HERE!

September 8th – Lafayette Brew Fest

“No Entrance Fee! Explore craft/micro beers one pour at a time! WINE FOR SALE! Restaurant, Food Booths and Music! We will feature 26 Breweries/Cideries all within 75 miles of Lafayette. They bring great beer and your cider for you to taste. Local Food includes – Suburban Wiener, Butcher and the Blonde, Big Dawg Barbecue. Enjoy the music by – Blind Alley Troubadours. 21 & over to drink (Must show ID at the door). There are no age limits for entrance, but there are limited things for those under 21 to do at this event. We ask that you use your discretion in bringing kids.” Tickets & More Info!

September 14th to 16th – Fall Fest: Boulder

“For over 30 years, Downtown Boulder’s Fall Fest is one of Boulder’s most beloved community celebrations. The 3-day autumn festival features live music, great food, local micro-brews, wine and margaritas, children’s activities and over 100 artisans presented by Firefly Handmade Markets.” More Info!

September 15th – Fortober Fest: Fort Collins

“On Saturday, September 15th, celebrate the last outdoor music festival of the year at Fortoberfest in Old Town Square!  With support from the Bohemian Foundation, the Downtown Business Association proudly presents this free and family friendly Fort Collins-style Oktoberfest celebration, which features a full day of live music on the Choice Organics stage, seasonal microbrews from Odell and High Country Beverage, wine from Wilbur’s Total Beverage and regional German-themed cuisine!” More Info!

September 16th – Fall Equinox Half Marathon & 5 Mile: Ft.Collins

“7th annual race held around the Autumnal Equinox during the height of fall color. The race features a fast downhill point-to-point course great for your new PR. Both courses run downhill along the Cache La Poudre River finishing at the base of the canyon where a post race party awaits with live music, food and beer (21+ w/ ID).” Registration & More Info!

September 22nd – Rocky Mountain Chocolate Festival: Loveland

“Our first festival in 2017 was a HUGE HIT, with bigger crowds than we had dreamed of! This year, we’ll have MORE CHOCOLATE and shorter lines! We’re also adding VIP Tickets that allow you to skip the entry line!” Tickets & More Info

September 22nd to 23rd – Autumn Gold Festival: Estes Park

“It’s a perfect season for one of Estes Park’s late-autumn traditions when a series of bands herald Autumn Gold – a Festival of Bands, Brats & Beer! Entrance is free to dance, listen to music and enjoy the festival. The Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary will be offering mustard-smothered bratwursts, cold brews, soft drinks and more as talented local musicians and award-winning Colorado band play. Browse the vendor booths that will be offering corn on the cob, funnel cakes, fresh squeezed lemonade, roasted almonds and desserts. Bring the kids! Free family activities include face painting, corn bag toss, a bounce house and a classic car show. The highlight of the Autumn Gold Festival is the popular raffle with the winner taking home the grand prize of $5,000. Additional prizes include a $2,500 runner-up prize and various other cash awards. Raffle tickets are $25 each.” More Info!

September 28th to 29th – OktoBREWfest: Greeley

“Greeley’s OktoBREWfest 2018 will be September 28th & 29th at historic Lincoln Park in Downtown Greeley at 8th Street & 9th Avenue. Join us at the kick-off on Friday evening, September 28th from 5-10PM for some great beer, brats, games, and a free concert. Then prepare for a full day of fun on Saturday, September 29th from 11AM-9PM. Enjoy a whole day of music, a wide variety of craft beer from great Northern Colorado breweries, food from more than a dozen vendors, and a huge children’s area with face painting, obstacle course, arcade games, inflatable slide, WOW Bubbles and more! Kids and adults can also compete in pie eating contests, stein lifting contests, life-size beer pong and more.” More Info!

September 29th to September 30th – Elk Fest: Estes Park

“Elk Fest features bugling competitions, a Cabela’s archery range, Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s Elk Camp, seminars, elk-themed kids’ activities, live country, rock and bluegrass music, elk-inspired arts and crafts, Native American storytelling & music, a display of raptors, and self-guided elk tour maps. There will also be a variety of vendors offering memorable souvenirs of your time at Elk Fest. Food vendors will be on site as well offering plenty of choices! Stop into the “Wallowing Hole” craft beer garden on both Saturday and Sunday serving up delicious drinks. Kick off the weekend festivities by participating in the Rut Run 5k on Saturday; registration starts at 8:30am and the race begins at 9am. Live entertainment will light up the park Saturday with popular Colorado bands on stage!” More Info!

Or you could go for a bike ride!

As the great recession rolled across American we saw a trend in which multiple generations began living in the same home together.

That trend has not abated today and we now see one in five families in American living in a multigenerational household with grandparents, parents and children — or even parents with just adult children. It most cases it brings forward a sense of family that we have not seen since American was a much more rural society. One of the problems a family may face when pursuing a common home can be found in both the financial and legal systems which are focused narrowly around the concept of single nuclear family housing.

Key Things to Know About Multigenerational Housing

Here are a few things that should be understood or considered as a family attempts to establish a multigenerational home.

1. In terms of local housing issues - zoning rules may impact a family's ability to add onto a home or involve a subdivision or government entity which has rules or laws regarding the creation of separate private living areas within an existing home. A positive element can be found in that some builders are putting up homes for multigenerational use. These homes would be established in such a way that they comply and meet local rules or laws.
   
   
2. In the last several years there has been a trend among lenders approving loans in which the income of all adults wanting to live together can be considered. For example, elderly adults can apply using their income from retirement sources along side the income of their adult children. 
   
   
3. When a home is purchased, remember that most lenders require that all individuals on a mortgage must be listed on the title. However, Renee Bergmann, a real estate attorney warns "that putting all parties on title could lead to later problems. For one, the older parent may not be able to qualify for Medicaid to pay for nursing home care. And, should one couple divorce, or one generation later moves out, how will the value of the property be divided? "Until the public becomes informed on the legal and financial aspects of it, Bergmann adds, "she expects problems could ensue."

The bottom line is that you need to make sure you have a clear understanding of how your desire to live together will be impacted by the rules of laws of a community. Further you will need to work through how moving in together might impact your future financial situation.

If you would like to know why Northern Colorado is a great place to consider setting up a multigenerational household here is some further information that we have written on this subject.

Come talk to us if you have questions.

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BRING ON THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER!

Stay active and hit these great events going on in Northern Colorado in August:

August 3rd to 5th – ARISE Music Festival: Loveland

“An independent, family-run, leave-no-trace event, the ARISE Festival takes place over three days at Sunrise Ranch, a 350-acre organic farm and retreat center, located in a stunning Colorado mountain valley just west of the town of Loveland. Recognized as more than a music festival, ARISE offers a range of activities such as workshops, enriching yoga classes, provocative documentary films and panel discussions, art installations, live painters and art gallery, performance artists and theme camps. ARISE also offers “interactive villages” including a Children’s Village, Food Truck Village, Vending Village, Healers Village, Hemp Village, and a Wisdom Village.” Tickets & More Info!

August 3rd to 12th – Boulder County Fair & Rodeo: Longmont

“The Boulder County Fair is the oldest fair in Colorado celebrating it’s 148th year. The Fair is a non-profit that rents the grounds and facilities from Boulder County who in turn is our main sponsor supporting the 4-H and open events during Fair.
The Fair is a “Free” fair meaning no charge for parking or gate admission so please come as often as you would like. We want you to enjoy the “free” musical entertainment and many of the other activities on the grounds. Don’t forget to purchase a ticket to any one of our motorized sports, rodeos or special events because that is one of the ways we can continue each year. We hope you also support our on-site vendors or the many sponsors who help to keep the Fair.” Tickets & More Info!

August 11th to 12th – Estes Park Wine Festival

“A celebration of Colorado wine in the heart of downtown Estes Park. Enjoy tastings from over 20 Colorado wineries, fresh food, local Colorado vendors and live music. The third annual Estes Park Wine Festival sets up for the weekend in beautiful Bond Park, where festival-goers can soak in the summer sun while enjoying sipping on a variety of locally created wines. From red to white and pink, the Estes Park Wine Festival offers the opportunity to taste and learn about each style of wine and the unique process of how wine is made in Colorado.” Tickets & More Info!

August 17th to 19th – Rocky Mountain Folks Festival: Lyons

“In contrast to the hot licks and hyper tempos of RockyGrass, the mellower moods of Folks Fest are the perfect antidote to relax and enjoy the warm Colorado sun. Claim your space with a blanket or tarp, set down your low-back chair, and settle in for unforgettable days and nights of music. For these 3 magical days, Festivarians from around the world get a taste of what being a “Lyons local” is all about. From morning ’til after 10pm each night, the world’s most inspired songwriters share their songs and stories, projected through the best sound system at any festival in the country.” Tickets & More Info!

August 18th – Lafayette Peach Festival

“19th Annual Peach Festival centers around world famous all natural Palisade, Colorado peaches. Enjoy peach pies, peach cobbler and peach smoothies. Food vendors, crafters, antique dealers along with some of the finest artists from the Front Range and Western States will be showcased. Children’s activities in 2 locations.” More Info!

August 18th – Boulder Craft Beer Festival

“The 5th Annual Boulder Craft Beer Festival brings together Boulder County’s best craft breweries for a tasting festival, offering attendees samples of Colorado’s best beer. The festival includes live music and food for purchase.” Tickets & More Info!

August 24th to 26th – NedFest: Nederland

“The Nederland Music and Arts Festival is an annual three-day outdoor music and arts festival in the music world’s renowned Nederland, Colorado. We host a wide range of music, from rock and roll to blues, bluegrass to folk and Americana, with a hint or two of jazz. Onsite camping is available next to the Barker Reservoir and NedFest is very kid friendly, with kids 12 and under free with an adult, a kids’ tent and activities, and a special teen price too. Artists and craft vendors ring the field. Colorado microbrews and mead are on tap and we always have a variety of food vendors.” Tickets & More Info!

August 31st – Rocky Mountain Showdown (played in Denver)

“The 2018 Rocky Mountain Showdown football game between the University of Colorado Buffaloes and the Colorado State University Rams returns to Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Friday, August 31.” Get Tickets!

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