"New Listings were down 0.5 percent for single family homes and 38.5 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Pending sales clocked in at 222 for single family homes and 55 for townhouse-condo properties. The Median Sales Price was up 11.4 percent to $325,000 for single family homes and 3.4 percent to $227,500 for townhouse-condo properties. Days on Market decreased 3.1 percent for single family homes but remained flat for condo properties. Other than the change of another month and year, little else is changed in residential real estate both nationally and locally. Unemployment is solidly about the same, housing metric trends are running about the same for now and the sunny outlook is still at about high noon. Same is the sound of 2016, so get curled up and comfy with the song, because we are likely to sing it a lot this year."
For more news and a complete review of the latest housing statistics and information compiled by the Fort Collins Board of Realtors, click hereand download the full report.
March through May can stir up quite a few gnarly storms. We've already seen dramatic video of storm damage from around the country and we need to realize we could be victims ourselves. However, thunderstorms and high winds don't have to be something to fear. You could curl up with a good book and a cup of warm tea if you take some steps before hand to get your home ready.
Raising the Roof
Even contractors look at the home top down. If a home is to sustain damage, 90% of the time the roof is involved.
So, how do you prepare? Take a look at your trusses. Do they have roof sheathing attached? And, like many construction items, installation is key. This sheathing has to be done with ring-shank nails, which can double the holding power. If you are uncertain about the sheathing or the installation, it is better to seek professional help, as storms are nothing to play around with.
Just Outside Your Windows
Northern Colorado has some of the most amazing views in the world. Of course, we want our homes to have plenty of windows. But, no one wants those windows to be damaged in a storm. Storm shutters and storm windows are specifically made to withstand quite a strong storm. Plain glass windows can be damaged in storms, and become dangerous because they become sharp flying objects. Replacing them with double-paned storm windows could save your pocket book and prevent injuries.
In Colorado, we love our landscaping, that is for sure. However, be sure to cut back on tall bushes around your house to protect your windrows from broken, flying limbs. Take the same care to trim tree branches, so they don't fall on your roof. Look at your trees. The ones that look like a "V" are
more likely to break than the ones resembling a "U" at the branch joints. Are any trees dead? Cut them down, as they can uproot easily during rainfall and windy conditions.
Knock, Knock
Doors are another vulnerable area of most homes. Many doors don't have pins strong enough to withstand really strong winds. The American Red Cross recommends adding more bolts to a "weak" door. This usually runs between $10 and $40. The large, flat horizontal slats on a garage door break relatively easy when battered by winds. If you install horizontal bracing to each panel, your garage doors have a better bet at making it through the storm in one piece. In fact, your garage door manufacturer may have a bracing kit for sale. Many do. For more information, click here.
What to do in NoCo
NoCo has some fun things lined up to enjoy this March! For a list of more events in NoCo in addition to those listed below, check out this great local events website.
Northern Colorado Cinco De Mayo Festival (May 7 -8)
"A celebration of family, culture, and community. There will be food vendors, live bands, a beer garden, merchandise vendors, arts and crafts, inflatable bounce house, face painting, and much more!"
Learn more here.
FACE Mother's Day Concert (May 8)
"FACE is back at Lincoln Center for a special Mother's Day Concert! They'll be singing popular songs specially arranged for their all-vocal stylings. You won't be able to believe there aren't any instruments and you'll find yourself ready to dance in the aisles."
Buy tickets here.
Wolfpack Ninja Event (May 14)
"Join the Wolfpack Ninjas for a fun day of athleticism, health & fun for the whole family! The Wolfpack Ninja Tour is dedicated to getting you and your family healthy through the super fun sport of obstacle running. As seen on NBC's hit summer TV show, American Ninja Warrior, The Wolfpack Ninja Tour is dedicated to fun, challenge and crushing obstacles!'" Learn event details here.
Dazzling (May 14)
"This concert will dazzle audiences with legendary music and add to the Fort Collins Symphony's performance legacy. Vietnamese teenage virtuoso Do Phuong Nhi performs the famous G minor Violin Concerto by Max Bruch. The concert will also highlight two famous show pieces for symphony orchestra: British composer Benjamin Britten's Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra and Russian genius Serge Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances."
Get event details here.
Old Town Car Show (May 21)
"Hundreds of great hot rods, vintage cars and classic trucks will be on display in Downtown Fort Collins. This event is free for spectators and open to all ages. Come downtown and enjoy the atmosphere of historic Old Town while viewing hundreds of cars."
Get details here.
Tour de Coop (May 22)
"9th Annual Tour de Coop - urban chicken spirit revival! A 6 to 8 mile bike ride from coop to coop in and around Fort Collins. See a variety of urban backyard chicken coops, learn about chickens from experienced backyard chicken owners."
Get details here.
Colorado Governor's Art Show and Sale (Now - May 29th)
"The 25th anniversary of the Colorado Governor's Art Show and Sale will be held at the Loveland Museum/Gallery. This prestigious event is a fundraiser for the Loveland Rotary Club and the Thompson Valley Rotary Club. The show features the finest artists from across the state."
Learn more here.
Our Current Listings
Beautiful views included!
The Orchard II Luxury home on premium lot w stunning mtn views! Gourmet kitchen w huge island opens into stunning great room & begs to entertain, showing off the epic open view! Quaint touches thru-out incl stained 8' doors & trim, Black Walnut Alder cabinets, 3/4/5" Hickory wood floors & hand-trowled walls w character! Relax in your stunning MB, or tinker in your 4-car, high-ceiling dream garage. Better yet, retire to your fin bsmt complete w wet bar & relax! This beauty is the one you've been looking for!
Introducing 3 new floor plans from Haven Builders!
The Anchorage(top left) boasts 6 bed, 5 bath, a finished basement w/ great room and bar, 2 rear patios and a front wrap-around patio for awesome outdoor living! It also has a huge 4-car garage and a den w/ 14' vaulted ceilings! Anticipated completion is May 2016 and it will be priced in the mid 800's.
The Vale II (top right) is one of our favorite, and most popular plans! It will boast a total of 5 bed, 4 bathrooms, a 3-car garage, with our typical great room, bar and two bed, 1 bath in the finished basement. This lot is one of the largest lots on Cherry Blossom, with over 14,000 square feet and nobody behind you! Anticipated completion is August 2016 and it will be priced in the upper 600's.
The Meadow (below) is a new plan being built with golf course views off the Eaton Country Club Golf Course. It will feature a smooth and sophisticated floorplan, with a formal dining, great room and kitchen that all flow together. Separate laundry, mudroom, 3-car garage and finished basement all come in this 5 bed, 3 bath home. Anticipated completion is also August 2016 and it will be priced in the upper 500's.
For a private tour or specific information on any of these homes, available lots in inventory, or building a new home in general, please contact Dan Bode direct at 970-290-6164.
