Between Denver and Boulder Colorado – Local Tidbits & Real Estate News October 2010

Joetta’s Neighborhood Newsletter

Hello, Friends & Neighbors!

Those of you who live here in Colorado – or who hope to live here – know we have had an exceptionally lovely autumn. Sunshine, blue skies, contrasted by the beautiful colors of the changing leaves.

I’m so happy to live here, and to share it with you all!

I didn’t send out my pre-newsletter email asking for input this month, but I want to remind you for next time – don’t wait for me to ask! If you think of something for the newsletter, go ahead and tell me about it. If you’re not sure if it’s something I’d want to use ask before you spend the time writing it up, but I really, really, really think the newsletter is better when it has interesting articles from ya’ll. (I know you do, too!)

My Amazing New Listing

I have a beautiful ranch-style home listed in Thornton, it would be such a thrill to see one of you get to be the new owner. 1640 E. 167^th Circle.

See the virtual tour here: http://1640e167thcir.eproptour.com. Or see my blog post here http://homesdenvertoboulder.com/thornton-colorado-home-for-sale-1640-e-167th-cir/.

This home has1,731 square feet on the main floor, and 1,342 square feet in the basement. It has a huge yard, and is located just east of I-25.

This is a short sale, and as such it is an amazing deal. A semi-custom home built in 2007, it has lots of upgrades. Granite counters and upgraded cabinets throughout the home, stainless steel appliances, open floor plan, vaulted light-filled family room and master bedroom, 5-piece master bath with huge walk-in closet, main floor laundry. Every detail from light fixtures to paint colors has been attended to with style.

Now listed for $275,000. If you don’t know what a short sale is, call me. Yes, they can be more difficult than a ‘regular’ sale, but they’re nothing to be afraid of. And they’re the best deals around.

My blog posts for the past month

Writing blog posts has become a big part of my life, and is proving to be a wonderful way to connect with people all over the country who are interested in real estate, or life in Colorado. If you get this newsletter by email you can just click on the blue text below to read some sample posts. If you get the newsletter by regular mail and any of these articles sound interesting to you, let me know and I’ll get a printed copy to you right away!

More Arvada Neighborhood Updates

Household Trash Talk

My Favorite Plants Series

Taste of Colorado – Not Everyone’s ‘Cuppa Tea’

Lots more Realtor Ramblings by Joetta to read at

http://homesdenvertoboulder.com

Renee’s Little Rascal’s

Most of you know I have a little grandson, 9 months old now. His momma is going to school, so he is in daycare. Luckily for us, there’s a day care right across the street. I wanted to tell you about it because Renee has been so sweet to our little guy, and she would be happy with one or two more kids.

It’s called ‘Renee’s Little Rascals’. Right now, she has two babies and a toddler so she wants older kids. I don’t know exactly what she means by ‘older’, but I’m sure she’d be glad to tell you.

Anyway, the day care is in her home right near 80^th and Wadsworth, just a block from King Soopers. Call her for details at 720-435-8580.

Mail-in Vote or Voting in Person

I know, I know – we’re all sick of politics now due to the onslaught of ads via TV, phone and mail. Everyone in my house has already voted, so those ads are really moot to us.

I just wanted to comment on the fact that I really have enjoyed the act of actually going down to the polling station and casting my vote my whole life. But then, one year I was sick and couldn’t get out that day. So that’s when I signed up for mail-in voting.

Once I send in my ballot, I still want to go down there and vote – LOL! One year I was a poll worker, and really had a good time, maybe I’ll have to do that again. I actually got to meet a lot of my neighbors, but it was a long day and we all worked hard. If you go vote in person, be nice to the workers! (I know you will.)

And if you do mail-in, take note of the fact that it requires extra postage. I don’t know what happens if you only put on one regular stamp, but I’m going to find out because someone in my household did that. I put on two stamps even though that’s a little more than necessary.

Farm Co-op

In the spirit of supporting local food growers and reducing my ‘carbon footprint’, I tried something new this year. A client (now a friend!) told me about ‘farm co-ops’.

It’s where you pay in advance for a share of the food a farm will produce, without actually knowing what you’ll get, or how much. I am bad about eating vegetables, so was cautious. But I thought getting the food every week might encourage me to learn to cook and eat more variety of healthy, organic veggies.

And it did! I have to admit, I’m still far from a super-cook when it comes to vegetables, and I did waste a lot. But it was wonderful knowing everything I was getting was chemical-free.

Wendy and I bought our shares from Monroe Organic Farms, established in 1936 in Kersey, CO. You can look them up online, or call 970-284-7941.

I got a produce share, which included corn, squash, onions, peppers, basil, and some things I couldn’t even identify. You can also get fruit, honey, eggs, and meat. The produce was delivered once a week to a home off 44^th and Kipling, everyone had to pick up their share. If you couldn’t pick up your share for some reason (like vacation) it would be donated to a food pantry.

You can also get winter produce, which is delivered every other week.

If you have any experiences with a food co-op (also called a CSA), or if you give Monroe Organic Farms a try, please tell me about it some time!

Union Pacific to Add a Second Track

Recently, I was doing some research for a client, and had an enlightening conversation with an Arvada City employee.  It seems the Union Pacific folks plan to add a second track alongside the busy track that traverses Arvada.

I’m not sure what this will mean for day-to-day life in Arvada, I’ve heard there will be more train traffic and I’ve heard no, they just need the second track for when trains have to pass each other.

I just thought I’d pass the info along to you because it’s something to give some thought to when considering whether or not to buy into certain Arvada neighborhoods.

In the meantime, Arvada is trying to find funding for more quiet zones. Quiet zones are already in place where the UP line crosses Pierce St., Kipling St., W. 72nd Ave and Simms St. The desired locations for additional quiet zones are where the line crosses Lamar, Old Wadsworth, Carr, and 66th.

If you have input for, or a response to, this newsletter, I’d love to hear from you!

Joetta Fort~ Metro Brokers ~ 720-353-8031 ~ Joetta.fort@gmail.com

My website (see all available homes here): www.DreamHouseHunting.com

If you no longer want to receive this newsletter by email, just reply and so state. If you no longer want to receive this newsletter by regular mail, leave a voice message with your name and address at

720-889-2440 ext 1580

Have a fun-filled and safe Halloween!