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www.reporterherald.com Saturday, October 1, 2011 Reporter-Herald
Real EstateMatters
• •
■ See GLINK/Page E3
Photos courtesy Oakwood HomesThe Turner floor plan in the New Beginnings II Collection at Thompson River Ranch.
Kitchen and dining area of the Turner floor plan.
Amazing OpportunityPAID ADVERTORIAL
Oakwood Homes is having an-other great year in Thomp-son River Ranch; once again
being the top selling communityacross all of Northern Colorado.While the subdivision has a long wayto go until it’s fully built out, Oak-wood Homes is down to 30 homesites available for the affordable NewBeginnings II Collection homes. Thisincludes the Gilpin, Emery and Turn-er floor plans, which have been someof the most popular choices in the73 sales so far this year.Starting with 209 of these home
sites, Oakwood Homes is down toroughly 30 left of this size. MikeWelty, Community Manager atThompson River Ranch, explainsthat the current prices won’t lastlong.“We’re able to sell that Collection
for a great price on those homesites, but that will go away oncethose lots have been sold.”At the current rate of sales, they
won’t be available too much longer.However, they still have plenty ofhome sites for the New Beginnings 1and Carson Collections to last quitesome time.With many homebuyers trying to
be in a new home before the end ofthe year, their inventory homes arein high demand.“We’re constantly advertising a
quick move-in Gilpin model for sale,but it’s never the same Gilpin,”explains Welty. “The home is just agreat value so it always sells quickly,
and we start building a new one forthe next buyer that needs a quickmove-in home.”That’s exactly what they have
going on right now with anotherGilpin home available for thosehomebuyers looking for a quickmove. For $200,190, it featuresthree bedrooms plus a bonus roomand two-and-a-half baths and over1,531 finished square feet. Addition-ally, it includes a full basement, airconditioning, and five-piece masterbathroom while still allowing you to
make personal selections atOakwood’s Design Center sincethe home will be finished inNovember.Oakwood Homes realizes not
everyone has the option to wait for apersonalized home to be built, sothey try to have a couple homes onhand for anyone that needs a homefast. This time last month theyhad four quick move-in homesavailable in Thompson River Ranch;currently they only have the oneGilpin.
Mike Welty and Dwayne Montoyawill be on hand this weekend for anyquestions or additional information;contact them at 970-669-9801. Mod-els will be open to view from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. To get there, take ThompsonParkway south from U.S. Highway34, then head west along RonaldReagan Blvd. to the frontage road.Follow that south and you can’t missthe entrance to the community. Youcan find more information aboutThompson River Ranch atwww.OakwoodHomesCO.com.
Homeownermay defaulton loanILYCEGLINKTRIBUNEMEDIA SERVICES
Question: I am pushing 73and my house is underwater.I have a first loan ofabout $140,000 and a sec-
ond loan of about $18,000 with a7.85 percent interest rate. My sec-ond loan has a balloon paymentcoming due soon. I was lied to aboutthis loan having a balloon payment.Neither of my current lenders will
work with me to refinance the loans,and I can’t find another lender tohelp either. I always pay on time,have never paid late and have greatcredit. I paid about $200,000 for thehome, and it’s now worth about$135,000.I’m thinking of walking out and
renting to cut down on monthly ex-penses. All of these thoughts bring amoral issue to me, and it goesagainst what I know is right.I just want a lower interest rate,
and it amazes me that no one willhelp me. It seems illogical and unfairto me that the only way I can gethelp is to stop paying on my mort-gage. What is the worst thing thatwill happen if I give it back to themsince they will not work with me? Ihave been told by several lenders tostop paying my mortgage, bank thesavings and walk out to help myself.Credit is not my major concern at
this point in my life. Any other con-cerns I should be aware of if I justwalk out? I’m not sure I can do itand live with myself, but I feel I haveto protect myself from these people.Answer: I’ve answered this ques-
tion in the past, but your questionhas an interesting twist to it. It ap-pears you can afford your mortgagepayments but did not know thepromissory note on your secondmortgage has a balloon payment.A balloon payment refers to a loan
that comes due at some time afterfive or seven years, and at that timeyou must repay the entire amountthat is still owed on the loan. With acustomary home mortgage, you havethat loan for 15 or 30 years and thepayments you make over the lengthof the term result in a zero balanceat the end of the loan term.Obviously, we don’t know the cir-
cumstances of how you obtainedyour loan or what type of a loan youwere getting— or thought you weregetting. However, in just about allthe cases we’ve seen, the borrower isgiven loan documents to sign at theclosing and has the opportunity toreview those documents.While most borrowers don’t read
all of the terms and conditions of theloan documents, all of them should.If you read your documents care-
fully, you’d see the interest rate forthe loan, how it works, whether therate can change, whether paymentscan increase and by how much, whenthe loan is due, whether you willhave to make monthly payments tothe lender for real estate taxes andinsurance, and what the costs are toobtain the loan.
www.HomeStateBank.com970-203-6100
Check the license status of yourmortgage loan originator at
http://www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate/index.htm
An FHA 203(k) mortgage allows you to finance both your homepurchase and renovation with a single loan. Call now to learn more.
Loans and rates subject to credit approval. Owner-occupied residences only. FHA conditions and restrictions apply.
Vivian DeVoe, VP Mortgage Banker, NMLS#269876, 970-227-4702
Buying a home that needs work?Call the experts in FHA 203(k)renovation financing.
Think big Bank small
E2 Saturday Reporter-Herald October 1, 2011
To add a listing or speak to an advertising representative, call Dan Grassmeyer at 970-635-3615 oremail: [email protected]. Realtors can join our on-line realtor community at:
http://www.reporterherald2.com/YourNorthernColoradoHome/_featured/featured_newclient.asp
For details about these open houses, see the ads in this section. For additional open houselistings, please check the “Real Estate Classifieds” section of this publication. This guide isbrought to you by the Daily Reporter-Herald, local real estate agents and area builders.
WWW.HOMEANDREALTYGUIDE.COM•CLICK ON OPEN HOUSE MAPS
saturday sunday
2,174 sq. ft., A/C, humidifier, new carpet & int.paint, ceiling fans, main lev. laundry w/halfbath,lg. walk in clst, full unfin bsmt, sprinklersyst., lg. porches, 2 car gar., close to schools& 287
3730 Jefferson Drive, Loveland
OPEN SAT. & SUN 11 AM-3 PM
Michael NicholsonHome Savings [email protected]
Introducing Pittington Ranch! Panoramicviews, open floor plans, room for your horses!90 plus acres of riding space. Model homeopen! 13 homesites to choose from, startingin mid $400’s.
Just West of Loveland 288 Reservoir Drive!
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 1-4 PM
John MatheyPremier Lifestyle(970) 481-5512
Well maintained with new roof and new extpaint, this 3 bed/2 bath/2 car garage homeis a great 1st time buy! Features gorgeousgardens, A/C, 5-Pc Master. Pre-inspected.$185,000.
207 Charles Ave, Severance
BRIGHT & OPEN!
Lori WeeksRE/MAX Advanced, [email protected]
Awesome ranch conveniently located inThompson River Ranch Subdivision. Tileback- splashes, Pergo floors, maple cabinetsand stainless steel appliances. MLS#664262$209,900
3843 Kenwood Circle, Johnstown
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 2:30-4:00
Ryan AndreSears Real Estate970-381-1081 / 330-7700www.searsrealestate.com
Fresh and clean! 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom,2 car garage brick patio home w/openfloorplan, new paint & carpet is minutes toMcKee Med Ctr. Access to Upper HofffmanLake just steps away. $185,000.
2476 N. Boise Ave, Loveland
PATIO HOME WITH LAKE ACCESS
Lori WeeksRE/MAX Advanced, [email protected]
OPEN Saturday & Sunday 1-3 PM 2+AcreLake front & horse lots starting $225,000water tap included. Surface rights, walkpaths, parks, boat docks, fishing and peacegarden.
Warberg Farm at Chapman Reservoir
OPEN SAT. & SUN. 1-3 PM
Kurt AlbersCentury 21 Humpal, Inc.970-231-1224kurtd57@msn.comwww.warbergfarmatchapmanreservoir.com
Peakview Meadows Sales office openSaturday 12-4 and Sunday 12-3 Pricesstarting at $195,900. 5 Models to choosefrom.
Peakview Meadows, Berthoud
OPEN SAT. 12-4 & SUN. 12-3 PM
Kurt Albers & Chris RamponeCentury 21 Humpal, Inc970-231-1224 Kurt970-430-0845 Chriswww.berthoud.org
Looking for Maintenance-FREE* lifestyle?Open floor plan, patio home w/3 bdrms/3baths, granite kitchen island, backs togreen belt with mountain views! Convenientlocation. MLS#622329. $342,000
3464 Peruvian Torch Drive, Loveland, CO
BUILDERS MODEL-DAKOTA GLENOPEN HOUSE 12 TO 4 THURS.-MON.
Venna HillmanERA Herman Group/Glen [email protected]
UP TO $199,999UP TO $199,999
$200,000 - $299,999$200,000 - $299,999 $300,000 - $399,999$300,000 - $399,999 $400,000 - $499,999$400,000 - $499,999
Featured Properties
Price Location Address Hours Office Phone
From the$140’s
Loveland 43rd St & Wilson AveThe Cottages at Enchantment Ridge
12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900
Starting inthe $150’s
Milliken 110 Traders Lane 12-3 PM The Group Inc. RealEstate, Tracy Wilson
970-567-0907
From$159,900-$229,000
Loveland 1899 East 11th St. 10 AM-6 PM Midtown Homes, WayneLewis
970-456-4600
$159,900 NW Loveland 2629 N. Gilpin Ave 12-2 PM RE/MAX Alliance-South,Rhonda Heth
970-566-3516
$169,900 Loveland 4403 Elliot Pl 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-215-0515
$185,000 Severance 207 Charles Ave. Call for information RE/MAX Advanced, Inc.Lori Weeks
970-443-9800
$185,000 Loveland 2476 Boise Ave. Call for information RE/MAX Advanced, Inc.Lori Weeks
970-443-9800
Starting at$195,900
Berthoud Peakview Meadows 12-4 PM Century 21 Humpal, KurtAlbers, Chris Rampone
970-231-1224,970-430-0845
$199,900 Loveland 3730 Jefferson Drive 11 AM-3 PM Home Savings Realty,Michael Nicholson
970-691-8429
Starting inthe $200’s
Windsor 620 Moonglow Drive 1-4 PM The Group Inc. RealEstate, Kelli Couch
970-310-8804
$207,315 Loveland 3441 Foster Pl 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-215-0515
$209,900 Johnstown 3843 Kenwood Circle 2:30-4 PM Sears Real Estate, RyanAndre
970-381-1081
$220,000 NW Loveland 4228 Foothills 1-3 PM RE/MAX Alliance-Loveland, FranciWunderlich
970-667-1828
Starting at$225,000
Loveland Warberg Farm at Chapman Reservoir 1-3 PM Century 21 Humpal,Kurt Albers
970-231-0548
$239,000 Loveland 4496 Hayler Ave 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900
$249,900 Berthoud Collins Park Subdivision 1-3 PM RE/MAX Alliance-Loveland, Kathy Beadell
970-290-1798
$287,296 Windsor 4607 Pompano Drive 12-5 PM The Group Inc.Real Estate, KristenSpecketer
970-290-8097
$298,664 Loveland 4355 Ridgway Dr 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900
$299,000 Loveland 2892 Ariel Drive 1-3 PM The Group Inc. RealEstate, Georgena Arnett
970-481-9801
$299,900 Loveland 1920 New Hampshire St 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900
$299,900 Loveland 4454 Stump Ave 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900
$335,000 Loveland 2890 Carina Circle 1-3 PM The Group Inc. RealEstate, Georgena Arnett
970-481-9801
$334,900 Berthoud 1723 Wales Drive 1-3 PM RE/MAX Alliance-Loveland, Lisa Moore,Connie Gliott
970-566-4629,970-566-4627
$342,000 NW Loveland 1/4 mile west of Wilson on 14thStreet/SW/HWY 402 to the DakotaGlen Subdivision
12:00-4:00 PM ERA Herman GroupNoCo/Glen Marketing
970-663-4522
$342,000 NW Loveland 3464 Peruvian Torch 12:00-4:00 PM ERA Herman GroupNoCo/Glen Marketing
970-663-4522
$347,900 Loveland 920 Norway Maple 1-3 PM The Group Inc. RealEstate, Rich Gardiner
970-227-0964
Starting inthe $400’s
Loveland 288 Reservoir Drive 1-4 PM Premier Lifestyle Realty,John Mathey
970-613-4400
$509,900 NE Loveland 2960 Laguna Ct. 12-2 PM RE/MAX Alliance-South,Coleen Ligotke
970-690-1732
Price Location Address Hours Office Phone
From the$140’s
Loveland 43rd St & Wilson AveThe Cottages at Enchantment Ridge
12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900
Starting inthe $150’s
Milliken 110 Traders Lane 12-3 PM The Group Inc. RealEstate, Tracy Wilson
970-567-0907
From$159,900-$229,000
Loveland 1899 East 11th St. 10 AM-6 PM Midtown Homes, WayneLewis
970-456-4600
$169,900 Loveland 4403 Elliot Pl 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-215-0515
$178,000 NE Loveland 2445 Oleander Ct. 2-4 PM RE/MAX Town &Country, Gary Maggi
970-692-2002
$185,000 Severance 207 Charles Ave. Call for information RE/MAX Advanced, Inc.Lori Weeks
970-443-9800
$185,000 Loveland 2476 Boise Ave. Call for information RE/MAX Advanced, Inc.Lori Weeks
970-443-9800
Starting at$195,900
Berthoud Peakview Meadows 12-3 PM Century 21 Humpal, KurtAlbers, Chris Rampone
970-231-1224,970-430-0845
$199,000 Loveland 3730 Jefferson Drive 11 AM-3 PM Home Savings Realty,Michael Nicholson
970-691-8429
Starting inthe $200’s
Windsor 620 Moonglow Drive 1-4 PM The Group Inc. RealEstate, Kelli Couch
970-310-8804
$207,315 Loveland 3441 Foster Pl 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-215-0515
Starting at$225,000
Loveland Warberg Farm at Chapman Reservoir 1-3 PM Century 21 Humpal,Kurt Albers
970-231-0548
$239,000 Loveland 4496 Hayler Ave 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900
$249,900 Berthoud Collins Park Subdivision 1-3 PM RE/MAX Alliance-Loveland, Kathy Beadell
970-566-4627
$287,296 Windsor 4607 Pompano Drive 12-5 PM The Group Inc.Real Estate, KristenSpecketer
970-290-8097
$298,664 Loveland 4355 Ridgway Dr 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900
$299,900 Loveland 1920 New Hampshire St 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900
$299,900 Loveland 4454 Stump Ave 12-5 PM Cottage Realty 970-532-5900
$300,000 Loveland 2821 Logan Drive 1-3 PM The Group Inc. RealEstate, Sally Lee
970-227-7742
$334,900 Berthoud 1723 Wales Drive 1-3 PM RE/MAX Alliance-Loveland, Connie Gliott,Lisa Moore
970-566-4629,970-566-4627
$342,000 NW Loveland 1/4 mile west of Wilson on 14thStreet/SW/HWY 402 to the DakotaGlen Subdivision
12:00-4:00 PM ERA Herman GroupNoCo/Glen Marketing
970-663-4522
$342,000 NW Loveland 3464 Peruvian Torch 12:00-4:00 PM ERA Herman GroupNoCo/Glen Marketing
970-663-4522
$347,900 Loveland 920 Norway Maple 1-3 PM The Group Inc. RealEstate, Rich Gardiner
970-227-0964
$369,963 Fort Collins 1031 Hinsdale Drive 12-4 PM The Group Inc. RealEstate, Keith Huntsman
970-227-2779
$625,000 NE Loveland 3015 Challenger Point Drive 12-2 PM RE/MAX Alliance-South,Jennifer Kelly
970-581-9005
Saturday Reporter-Herald October 1, 2011 E3
Mortgage rate update
30-year fixed
15-year fixed
5/1 ARM
This week Last week Trend
4.07%
3.36%
3.01%
4.00%
3.30%
2.93%
Home & Real Estate is producedevery Saturday by the
Loveland Reporter-Herald.
Regional Snapshot for Loveland/Berthoud Residential
May June July
Active Listings 1004 973 938Previous Year Active Listings 1117 1101 1092
Sold Listings 126 155 134
Median Sales Price $200,000 $220,000 $208,958Previous Year Median $214,500 $234,000 $238,000
Average Days on the Market 107 121 103Previous Year ADOM 118 121 122
Year to Date Listings Sold 521 676 810Previous Year YTD Listing Sold 559 728 839
News and Press Releases: TheReporter-Herald welcomes news onhirings, advancements, awards,classes and other information ofinterest to the real estate and homecommunity. Submit information [email protected].
Advertising: For advertisinginformation, call Dan Grassmeyer.Office: 970-635-3615Cell: 970-214-6297E-mail:
GLINKFrom Page E1
These basic facts, which areall laid out in the first fewpages of the loan documents,should be the minimum infor-mation that a borrower shouldunderstand.If you were lied to on this
issue or the documents yousigned are not the documentsthat were recorded for yourloan, you should seek legalcounsel on that issue.Now on the issue of walking
away from the loan, that seemsto be a loaded question thesedays. The term people are us-ing for walking away from theirhomes and mortgages is“strategic default.”Some readers take exception
to the idea that you can walkaway from a mortgage obliga-tion. Others believe a mort-gage is merely a contractualobligation to make payments,and if a borrower decides tostop making those payments,then the only issue is the con-sequences of the default asspelled out in the contract.The moral question of mak-
ing or not making the pay-ments is a personal one, andyou will have to make that de-cision on your own. A contractis a legal document, not amoral one. Your actions mayaffect other people in yourneighborhood. If you walkaway, you force the lender toforeclose on your home and af-fect the home values of othersin your neighborhood.While your obligation to
make your payments under themortgage is a legal one, and alender can’t go after you forthe moral issues involved, onlyyou can deal with the moral is-sue and how it affects you.It’s interesting that you
didn’t indicate that youcouldn’t make your paymentsbut rather that you wanted alower payment and wanted onemortgage rather than two.Given the value of your
home, it’s understandable whylenders are unwilling to giveyou a new loan. While for someyears lenders were willing tooverlook just about everythingin a loan application, most to-day have gone the other way.Lenders will scrutinize everydetail of an applicant’s fi-nances, credit history andcredit score. Lenders will alsomake sure they have a valid ap-praisal for the property beingfinanced. And, finally, lenderswill seek to give their best loanterms to borrowers with thebest credit and those who bor-row at most 80 percent of theappraised value of the home.While you may feel these
terms are unfair to you, the fi-nancial system is still trying tocorrect itself from the imbal-ances of the last 10 years.If you end up walking away
from your home and the obli-gations you have to repay yourloans, your credit history willtake quite a big hit, your creditscore will drop substantially,and, depending on where youlive, your lenders may have theability to sue you and attemptto collect any amounts youmight still owe them after theyforeclose on your home andsell it to satisfy whateverportion of the debt they can.In addition, you may find
that no lender will give you aloan for the purchase of ahome for the next five years orso. But if you don’t need goodcredit, then that won’t matter.Question: Last September I
tried to refinance my homewith my lender. I had lost mycurrent job and started run-ning a small landscape busi-ness I previously had. Theagent working with my lendertold me about a loan productwith no income verification.There was a problem with
the appraisal and the loan offi-cer indicated there would beno problem, as he could pro-ceed based on the “valuation”of the property and the incomeI received from the rental por-
tion of my home. Any ideashow I can refinance?Answer: Based on the very
little specific information inyour letter, it’s going to behard for you to find a lender torefinance your home. I’m notsure what loan “program” yourlender is trying to get for you.You should know that “no in-come verification” loans died acouple of years back with thebursting of the housing bubble.The only no-appraisal loan
product we know of is for bor-rowers with FHA or VA loans.The lender is empowered to doa streamline refinance for FHAor VA loans, which consists oflowering the interest rate.If you don’t have an FHA or
VA loan, you’ll have a toughertime. It appears that the per-son you spoke to felt that yourincome was not sufficient toqualify you for a loan. He orshe might have thought thatyou could qualify for a loan at ahigher interest rate with alender that would not “look” atyour income. However, I wouldbe quite surprised if a lendertoday would give you a loanwithout looking at your in-come in great detail.As you have lost your job and
are now working in your ownbusiness, it won’t be easy tofind a lender to overlook yourjob situation. If you are self-em-ployed, lenders will want to seea two-year track history of yourself-employment to get a goodfeel as to whether you will beable to make your monthly pay-ments under the new loan.I suspect that any such new
loan will not be much betterthan your current loan onceyou review the terms offered byyour new lender. If you want torefinance your loan because it’sdue to become a variable rateloan after five or seven years ofbeing a fixed rate loan, youmight want to review your loandocuments again.Most loans taken out five
years ago were tied to an indexrate. Most of those index rateshave come down drastically.You may find that your monthlymortgage payment will godown once your loan adjustswith the new index. If your ratedoes go down, you may want towait a year or so, have your in-come in your new business sta-bilize, and then apply to refi-nance your loan to lock in arate for years to come.However, if your original loan
was locked in at a low paymentand is soon going to readjust,making your payment skyrock-et, you might want to call yourexisting lender and see if theyhave any loan modificationplans that meet your needs.Keep in mind that most peoplewho apply for loan modifica-tions end up being denied.One final note: If your
home’s value has gone downsignificantly, you probablywon’t find a lender willing togive you a new loan unless youhave cash to pay down the cur-rent loan balance.For example, if you bought
your home for $200,000 andhad a loan for $160,000, andnow your home is worth$150,000, most lenders won’twant to give you $160,000again. They will base any newloan on the home’s current val-ue and will give you the bestdeal at 80 percent of thehome’s value or a new loan at$120,000. That would meanyou’d have to pay down yourdebt by about $40,000.Since most borrowers don’t
have that kind of cash lyingaround, it makes it quite hardto refinance a loan under thosecircumstances. Even thoughsome loan modification plansallow you to refinance even ifyour home value has gonedown a bit, those plans onlywork if your new loan is goingto be at most 125 percent ofyour home’s value on the dateyou refinance.If you fall into this category
and your loan is owned by Fan-nie Mae or Freddie Mac, youmight be in luck. Talk to yourloan servicer and see if theycan provide you with details.
750W.Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland669-1234 viewmore properties at:
www.HomesInColorado.com
Each office independently owned &operated
www.1432SevenLakes.comSpace and sunshine!! And only steps awayfrom your back door to water. A lot of livin’to do and lots of room for it in this lovely2-story home. Kitchen highlights granite
counters/maple cabinets.$390,000 | MLS #661627
Call Nanci Garnand622-1846 | 227-1327www.LivingInLoveland.com
2960 Laguna Ct, LovelandEnjoy Water Views! BOATERS DREAM.Lake Access. PRISTINE CONDITION,Gorgeous VIEWS, walk-out basement &an amazing THEATER ROOM are just
the beginning.$509,900 | MLS #662500Hosted byColeen [email protected]
OPEN SATURDAY 12 22629 N Gilpin Ave, Loveland
Like a patio home without HOA.New de-cor paint. 1/2 duplex, 3BR,Master oversizeshower, kitchen door to covered privatepatio. Large backyard, ample storage in
garage. You’ll feel right athome! Newer furnace.$159,900 | MLS #664129Call Rhonda [email protected]
OPEN SATURDAY 12 23015 Challenger Point, LovelandViews galore from this 5 bed, 5 bath ranchstyle home that backs to Westerdoll Lake.Garden level walk-out located in SevenLakes subdivision. Recreational lake
rights included! Check itout today!$625,000 | MLS #659326Call Jennifer [email protected]
OPEN SUNDAY 12 2
1723Wales Dr, BerthoudOversized 4 Car Garage. Great splitstyle ranch w/ unobstructed mountainviews & backs to open space. Largegranite island in kitchen, plus lots of
custom features. Locatedin Matthew Farm.$334,900 | MLS #643192Connie Gliottand Lisa Moore566-4627 | 566-4629
OPEN SAT & SUN 1 3 P.M.4228 Foothills Dr, Loveland
Corner Lot in Mariana Butte backingto Greenbelt! 4BR 3BA 2Car, FP, A/C,Sprinklers, Dining Rm & Eat-in Kitchen.Basement set up forTheatre Room.
Upstairs Laundry. Close toGolf Course, Park & ACE!$220,000 | MLS #663578Call FranciWunderlich970-667-1828YourHouseInColorado.com
OPEN SATURDAY 1 3
www.505-5thSt.com, BerthoudRoomy updated ranch in Berthoud.Experience the joy of cooking in kitchenwith a large pantry and then relax inthe basement with great home theater.
Amazing shaded patio.$225,000 | MLS #661764
Call Nanci Garnand622-1846 | 227-1327www.LivingInBerthoud.com
106-108 13th St, LovelandGood rental history! Investment oppor-tunity or live in one side, small business.Newer roof, paint, carpet, HW floors.Large corner lot with off st parking,
yard, and storage. Clean &ready now!$189,900 | MLS #664327Call [email protected]
PRICE REDUCED227 Johnson Drive, Loveland
SW Loveland - Awesome 2 story in Mead-owbrook Heights! 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathsfinished basement, master bedroom 5 piecesuite, master bedroom deck, gas fireplace,
central air & a 3 car attachedgarage all on a quiet street.$233,900 | MLS #638800
Call Julie [email protected]
PRICE REDUCED
2503 Logan Dr, LovelandLocation! Updated two story across from LakeLoveland, 4 beds, 2.5 baths, office w/ separateentrance, private backyard w/ decks, pond &mature landscaping, granite counters, mas-
ter bath w/ jetted tub, craftrooms & more! Call for yourappointment today!$350,000 | MLS #665751Call Julie [email protected]
JUST LISTED134 Sweet Clover Ct, Loveland
Beautifully remodeled Custom On Sitesemi-custom home in Mariana Butte GolfCourse. Lake/Mountain view.Wrap arounddeck. Gourmet kitchen, granite, hardwood,
NEW everywhere. 9’ ceilingin finished basement.$393,900 | MLS #654498Call Coleen [email protected]
PRICE REDUCED0 Rossum Dr, Loveland
WOW! The last lot with deeded recreationrights on Buckingham Reservoir in Mari-ana Butte Golf Course reduced $25,000!Lake allows fishing/non-motorized water
craft. Panoramic views ofwater/mountains.$325,000 | MLS #652947Call Coleen [email protected]
3377 Crowley Circle, LovelandStunning home backing to open space!Wonderful views of the foothills withgreenbelt, walking/biking trails, and pri-vacy. This lovely 4 bed/4 bath home has
a main-floor office/studyand hardwood floors.$350,000 | MLS #665906Call Susan [email protected]
JUST LISTED
E4 Saturday Reporter-Herald October 1, 2011
H& Real Estate TransactionsRE
CSU Gardening Tips
MITZI DAVISCSU EXTENSION
• Home invaders — Look for them inthe fall. The most common is the black andred boxelder bug, and becoming more com-mon, the brown western conifer seed bug.Both are harmless and you can vacuum themup if you find them on your south and westwindow sills or anywhere that’s warm andsunny.Cluster flies, which develop as a parasite of
earthworms, are looking for ways to spendwinter inside — usually in walls. European pa-per wasps will be abandoning their nests nowand will never use them again. The futurequeens seek protection during the winter andoften find their way into your home. Caulkcracks or openings into your house to keep
insects from entering.• Plant garlic in a corner of your garden
to harvest next spring. Separate the bulbsinto cloves. Enrich the soil with organicmatter like compost or well aged manure.They need full sun and well-draining soil.Plant with the pointed end up, about 1 inchdeep and 4 inches apart. They’ll be ready toharvest next spring when the foliage diesdown.• Fall is also the time to plant spring-flower-
ing bulbs. If you have trouble with deer eatingall your tulips, plant daffodils. The deer tendto avoid them. Check the nurseries, gardencenters and catalogs for early, mid-season andlate-blooming varieties to extend the bloomtime. Other bulbs that are deer “resistant” in-clude Dutch iris, grape hyacinth, scilla andpuschkinia.Mitzi Davis has received training through
Colorado State University Extension's MasterGardener program and is a Master Gardenervolunteer for Larimer County. For moreinformation about CSU Extension, LarimerCounty, call 970-498-6000 or visitwww.larimer.org/ext.
H& Front Range GardeningRE
Boxelder bugs, homeinvaders are commonin the fall season
Real Estate Transactions aresupplied by Prospects UnlimitedInc., 1151 Eagle Drive No. 467,Loveland, CO 80537, 667-1537.
Loveland• Jason & Leah Rohlf from
Fay Bell, 155 Snow Goose Ave,Loveland, $165,000, home• Charles Zitting from Fan-
nie Mae, 4589 Sunridge Dr,Loveland, $132,000, home• Michael Coronado from
Bonnie Ichimaru, 307 W 6thSt, Loveland, $182,500, home• Albert & Laura Brooks
from Larry Sanders, 339 John-son Dr, Loveland, $228,500,home• Peter & Corey Fox from
Connie Whyrick, 822 W 36thSt, Loveland, $190,000, home• Deborah Scherner from
Gayle Wilson, 138 MountainAsh Pl, Loveland, $175,000,home• Yvonne Siefken from Terry
Wright, 2617 Greenland Dr,Loveland, $215,000, home• Ralph & Rosalind Servello
from Lakeshore Condomini-ums LLC, 4905 Hahns Peak DrUnit 102, Loveland, $136,000,condo• Brian Urtel from Langar
Inc, 1620 Celeste Ln, Love-land, $105,000, home• Jackie Ross from Jeffrey
Mattson, 1126 Paloverde Dr,Loveland, $158,000, home• Alyson & Robert Benton
fromWindmill Properties #2LLC, 4764 Maggie Ct, Love-land, $328,500, home• Steven Hoostal from Sar-
rell Beal, 325 Harrison Ave,Loveland, $132,300, home• Patrick & Susan Kelly from
David Brigham, 4795 IgnacioCt, Loveland, $408,000, home• David & Mary Marquardt
from Buer Homes Inc, 3429Red Orchid Ct, Loveland,$424,300, home• Robin & John Main from
Charles Carnes, 7815 W Coun-ty Road 24h, Loveland,$425,000, home• Janelle Vandervelde from
Colorado Housing Finance Au-tho, 1563 Peacock Pl, Love-land, $102,000, home• Kody & Julie Krause from
Custom Onsite Inc, 4785 La-porte Ave, Loveland, $384,000,home• Thomas & Lana Wheeler
from Joshua Dietz, 2355 15thSt Sw, Loveland, $143,500,home• Andrea Obrien from Fan-
nie Mae, 1705 W 8th St, Love-land, $189,000, home• Robert Coleman from Fan-
nie Mae, 3788 Butternut Ave,Loveland, $113,500, home• Brian & Kirstin Syp from
Fannie Mae, 1605 Cheetah Pl,Loveland, $275,000, home• Linda Hansen from Fannie
Mae, 341 W 1st St, Loveland,$111,000, home• Jeffery & Margery West-
man from George Fentress,1805 Empire Ave, Loveland,$174,000, home• Amy & Jay Roup from
Romeo Gervais, 6281 Sea GullCir, Loveland, $275,000, home• Rodger & Jeannie Hosier
fromWilliam Guldan, 469Magpie Dr, Loveland,$218,000, home• Joshua & Nicole Dietz
from Timothy Hammers, 1697Rhyolite St, Loveland,$225,000, home• Albert & Marcella Sisneros
from Rodger Hosier, 1726Ellen Ct, Loveland, $179,900,home• Catherine Nelsoncurtis
from J N LLC, 5242 DeerMeadow Ct, Loveland,$501,800, • home• Susan & Kevin Miller from
Kevin Jacquot, 1113 Belle Dr,Loveland, $165,900, home• Craig Janda from Jj Betty
J Goetzinger Trust, 1502 Cad-doa Dr, Loveland, $229,000,home• Ronald & Carol Chris-
tensen from Patrick Kelly,2115 Garo Ct, Loveland,$225,500, home• Charles Klijewski from
Sandra Kendrick, 4725 HahnsPeak Dr Unit 102, Loveland,
$130,000, condo• John Underwood from
Michael Pasiewicz, 241 AudreyDr, Loveland, $215,000, home• Diann Rice from Bruce
Sutton, 4445 Walden Ave,Loveland, $323,000, home• Sean Mccormick from
Traders Network Inc, 1477Melissa Dr, Loveland,$185,000, home• Diana Brown from Otis
Vaughn, 6045 Clearwater Dr,Loveland, $725,000, home
Berthoud• Trevor & Carolyn Hobson
from Canyon Falls InvestmentsLLC, 817 Green Wood Dr,Berthoud, $268,000, home• Jaylene & Thomas Maxwell
from Federal Home Ln Mort-gage Corp, 808 14th St,Berthoud, $159,000, home• Linda Ellinger from
Michael Allen, 721 N CountyRoad 17, Berthoud, $330,000,home• Donna Ruehlen from Fran-
cis Hamm, 807 8th St,Berthoud, $224,900, home• Brandon & Danielle Hoda
from Peakview Homes Inc, 115Quandary Ave, Berthoud,$225,200, home• Russell & Traci Mau from
US Bank, 7106 Bennet Rd,Berthoud, $290,000, home
Estes Park• Oleksii Kurylin from Gail
Bruntjen, 882 Crabapple Ln,Estes Park, $203,500, home• John & Lynn Griswell from
Walker Scott, 1550 Raven CirUnit N, Estes Park, $225,000,condo• Resident from Robert
Brehm, 1751 HummingbirdLn, Estes Park, $218,000,home• Manuela Rivasmarquez
from 300 Far View LLC, 300Far View Dr Unit 12, EstesPark, $202,000, condo• Gary & Laura Wile from
Catherine E Taylor Trust, 700Summerset Ln Unit 3, EstesPark, $303,000, condo
• Deborah & Jay Blackwoodfrom Hanigan Family Partner-ship, 620 Macgregor Ave Unit2, Estes Park, $180,000, condo• George Hurni from Patrick
Finley, 2634 Dorsey Cir, EstesPark, $450,000, home• Chris & Judy Wadhams
from Rainer Schelp, 2625Marys Lake Rd Unit 12a, EstesPark, $200,000, condo• Susan Warcup from Mary
Smithson, 201 Fall River Ln,Estes Park, $339,000, home• Resident fromWilliam M
Patterson Trust, 1151 FairwayClub Cir, Estes Park, $270,000,home• Resident from Neal Wise-
man, 645 Riverside Dr, EstesPark, $630,000, home
Johnstown• Neal & Annette Monaghan
from Cory Owens, 326 Gra-ham Ln, Johnstown, $198,000,home• Donald & Teresa Morris
from Ryalnd Group Inc, 2791White Wing Rd, Johnstown,$226,800, home• Shannon Odiet from Saint
Aubyn Homes LLC, 156 TartanDr, Johnstown, $259,100,home• Christopher & Megan
Kwilinski from Saint AubynHomes LLC, 307 Sloan Dr,Johnstown, $225,700, home• Stacie &Wesley Windel
from Oakwood Homes LLC,3754 Beechwood Ln, John-stown, $209,300, home• Clarence & Shirley Robins
from Cathy Freerduggan, 204Tartan Dr, Johnstown,$250,000, home
Milliken• Ricky Markley from Fannie
Mae, 1531 S Cora Ave, Mil-liken, $135,000, home• Emily Graeper from Joint
Revocable Trust Patricia, 413Heidie Ln, Milliken, $170,000,home• Richard Marshall from
Dale Boothe, 1497 CattlemanCt, Milliken, $122,000, home
Windsor• Resident from Melody
Homes Inc, 1663 Merton Ct,Windsor, $216,000, home• Trollco Inc from Daniel
Sanders, 1492 Eagle Ct, Wind-sor, $400,000, home• Daniel & Jana Sanders
from Trollco Inc, 880 Doce Ln,Windsor, $565,000, home• Jacob & Candra Campbell
from Aspen Homes Colo Inc,74 Veronica Dr, Windsor,$242,900, home• David & Katherin Ahl from
Teresa Lafehr, 907 Scotch PineDr, Windsor, $201,500, home• Douglas & Susan Ham-
mond from Residential InvestLLC, 564 Lakewood Ct, Wind-sor, $339,900, home• Dennis Scheer fromWest-
mark Homes LLC, 6659Crooked Stick Dr, Windsor,$571,500, home• Dan Gentilcore from
Deutsche Bk Natl Trust Co,1204 Creekwood Ct, Windsor,
$176,000, home• Stacy Merritt from Fannie
Mae, 564 Powderhorn Ct,Windsor, $265,000, home• Byron & Debra Austin
from Herbies Homes LLC,37573 Lee Lake Ave, Windsor,$281,000, home• Raymond & Judith John-
son from Larsen Marital Trust,201 Manor Ct Unit A, Windsor,$147,000, condo• Patrick Reinard from Tracy
Peter, 308 Amber Dr, Windsor,$243,900, home• Devin Wagner from Shores
LLC, 7040 Ruidoso Dr, Wind-sor, $425,000, home• Jeffrey & Debra Mathews
from Highpoint Vista LLC,5815 Stone Chase Dr, Windsor,$100,000, home• Kelly Paulus from Melody
Homes Inc, 613 Botley Dr,Windsor, $299,000, home• Timothy Hoops from
Melody Homes Inc, 1666 Mer-ton Ct, Windsor, $330,700,home• James & Terri Hoover from
Gunderson Trust, 1131 ValleyDr, Windsor, $215,000, home• Geroge & Diane Nelson
from Highland Meadows Devel-opment I, 6347 Crooked StickDr, Windsor, $105,000, home• Brody & Terri Price from
Jeremy Olinger, 5518 Flam-boro Dr, Windsor, $332,000,home• Robert Smith from
Deutsche Bk Natl Trust Co,1753 Clear Creek Ct, Windsor,$262,500, home
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Loveland, Colorado
Saturday Reporter-Herald October 1, 2011 E5
On the
MARYMACVEANMCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE
To anyone reading thereal estate ads in recentyears, it could seem that
granite was the only materialworth using for a kitchencounter, as important asupdated electrical or a reliableroof.Granite isn’t going any-
where. But many designersand homeowners are turningto glass, manufactured stone,metal and other materials tocreate counters that work forpeople who actually cook aswell for those who see thekitchen as a decorative acces-sory.“What consumers now have
seen is there is kind of thisgranite fatigue. Everyone hasgranite,” said Ed Rogers, thedirector of business develop-ment at CaesarStone US,based in Van Nuys, Calif.CaesarStone and other
brands, including Silestone,sell engineered quartz, adurable product made frommore than 90 percent crushedquartz mixed with a resin.Manufacturers are produc-
ing dozens of colors of engi-neered quartz, some of themtrying to replicate the look ofother stones or concrete, atprices comparable to those ofmidlevel granites. Both avirtue and a drawback is itsconsistency — no fossils ornatural quirks, though thatcould change too as compa-nies work to mimic the naturalvariations of marble or add aleathery surface texture.Glass counters too are shin-
ing. Lighted from below, theycan add an appealing glow to akitchen. Buyers also like thehygienic qualities of glass inthese days of the hand sanitiz-er.Granite had been “reserved
for the ultra high end,” butnow it’s available in big boxhome stores, Rogers said. “Itwas the home center and the
production builder that movedthis market.”And moved some homeown-
ers to other choices that arenew and appealing to greenconsumers, such as engi-neered quartz, as well as somethat have been around forcenturies, like soapstone ormarble.“I have not done a single
granite countertop in 10years,” said Dan Campbell, aLos Angeles contractor whospecializes in kitchen designand remodels. “Maybe becauseit’s so overused. It all blendstogether.”Troy Adams also hasn’t used
much granite in the high-endkitchens he designs, thoughhe acknowledged there aremany beautiful granite slabsavailable. Improvements toother materials, such as stain-less steel with fine patternsthat resist fingerprints, havemade alternatives more popu-lar, Adams said.One of the materials he likes
to use is lava stone, which isquarried from a volcano inFrance, enameled and thenfired at high temperatures. It’sstain-, heat- and scratch-resis-tant, and it has a sort of crack-ly surface that can be made inintense colors. It’s also threeto four times as costly as manygranites, Adams said.Whether the kitchen
counter is just a spot to tossthe keys and mail, the placefor breakfast around an island,the lab for a chili cook-off en-try or the respite for sittingalone with a glass of pinot gri-gio, the kitchen counter is in-evitably a focal point of what’sbecome the center of manyhomes.Adams said he builds his
palette around the aspect ofthe kitchen with the most sur-face area, so a large, dramaticisland might be the place tostart.In sophisticated, high-end
kitchens, an island might betopped with one material, thesink and cooking area in an-other. In his own kitchen,Adams combined lava stone,stainless steel and glass.That doesn’t mean the old
standbys, including solid sur-faces such as Corian, are gonefrom the market — particular-ly in budget-minded kitchenplans. Wood— often used for
cutting blocks or other insertsto countertops — also canwork for counters, whether ina farmhouse kitchen in thecity or a sleek contemporaryspace.Although it still represents
a small share of overall sales,engineered quartz has beenthe fastest-growing categoryin the last five or six years,CaesarStone’s Rogers said.CaesarStone was the first en-
gineered stone, made in 1987,said Arik Tendler, president ofCaesarStone US. It was, andstill is, made in Israel, wherehe grew up to become a stonefabricator.When he was first ap-
proached by a salesman withengineered quartz, his reac-tion was: “Do me a favor. I’m asecond-generation stone guy.Have some coffee and get outof here.”Obviously, he changed his
opinion over time. In SouthernCalifornia, he went door todoor to introduce his companystarting in 1999.Campbell said he likes the
seamless counter front possi-ble with engineered quartz.“No one wants to see the man-ufacturing of anything if youcan avoid it,” he said.Many companies also are
working to make their prod-ucts — natural and manufac-tured— as eco-friendly as pos-sible. Consumers who caremight check a product for itspercentage of recycled materi-als, which varies considerably,or the conditions of its mining.Cosentino reports that its
Eco line is made of 75 percentpost-consumer or post-indus-trial materials, including mir-rors, glass, stone scraps andporcelain. Other counters arebeing made from recycledglass or recycled paper sealedwith wax.“Granite is going to stay as
long as they keep on digging,”said Oren Osovski, an L.A. con-tractor and interior designer,noting that the range in ap-pearance can provide a lookthat feels unique. “If you wantsomething beautiful that onlyyou have, you have to havegranite or marble.”
MISSION: KITCHENChoosing a material that
works for you: The toughestpart of the kitchen counterdecision may be figuring outwhat you care about most.Durability? A unique look?Color? Price? Here’s a look atsome of the most commonoptions, with an assessment oftheir quality from designers,manufacturers and the websitewww.kitchen.com.
CONCRETEPros:Modern, industrial
look. Can be made in anyshape and in a variety ofcolors.Cons: Can stain and crack,
though that also may be anappeal. Relatively expensive.May need a sealer and waxapplied periodically to protectagainst staining.
GRANITEPros: Huge range of colors
and prices. Durable. Stain- andheat-resistant, though somesealers commonly used tocombat its porous qualitiescan be damaged by excessiveheat.Cons: Some designers say it
has become overused.
TILEPros: Budget-friendly.
Unlimited color and patternchoices. Durable, heat- andstain-resistant.Cons:Grout can stain and
be tough to clean. Not asmooth surface for somecooking tasks.
GLASSPros: Looks new and mod-
ern. Can be made in manycolors, patterns and shapes.Translucent qualities enablenatural light to pass through.Nonporous, heat-resistant,easy to clean. Can be madefrom recycled glass.Cons: Shows fingerprints.
Can crack or break.
MARBLEPros: Classic looks. Some-
times has translucent quality.Great for making and rollingpastry dough because it’s coolto the touch.Cons: Can stain.
LAMINATESPros: Huge range of colors,
patterns and finishes. Budget-friendly. Easy to maintain.Cons: Chips can be difficult
to repair.
ENGINEERED QUARTZPros: Extremely tough.
Dozens of colors and patterns.Easy to clean. Consistent colorand detail. Many manufactur-ers, including CaesarStone,Silestone, Cambria. Consid-ered more sustainable, as rem-nants often can be recycled.Cons: Lacks unique
colorations and details foundin marble or granite.
STAINLESS STEELPros: Durable. Stain-resis-
tant. Looks like a professionalkitchen. Other metals, such aszinc and copper, lend an un-usual appearance that willchange over time.Cons: Can show fingerprints
and scratch.
WOODPros: Can be used as a
chopping board.Cons: Shows knife marks.
Susceptible to water damage.Requires periodic re-oiling.
OTHER NATURAL STONEPros: Slate, soapstone,
quartzite, lava stone and oth-ers can provide a variety oflooks. Soapstone gives a tradi-tional appeal, while lava stoneis as modern as can be. Somecan be made into sinks as well.Cons: Depending on the
rarity, it can be expensive.
SOLID SURFACESPros: Products such as Cori-
an come in a variety of shapes,colors and finishes. Non-porous, low-maintenance. Canbe made into a seamless piece.Cons: Can be stained or
scratched, though marks canbe repaired, sometimes withjust an abrasive cleaner.
SurfaceTop counters:Granite sharingthe spotlightwith glass,stone and more
Laminate countertop swatchWood countertop
Marble countertops
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FRIDAY - SUNDAY 12:00-3:00110 Traders Lane,Milliken Pick your own fixtures, carpet & colors.Wonderful ranch style & 2-story home plans to choose from. Yourchoice of 3 great subdivision to live in – Settlers Village – ColonyPoint or Centennial Farms. VALUE YOU CAN SEE… QUALITY YOUCAN COUNT ON with a WINDMILLS HOME. Visit us at 110 TradersLane in Settlers Village. 100% FINANCING! NO MONEY DOWN!!!
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Call Keith Huntsman227-2779
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$287,296MLS# 661199
Call Kristen Specketer290-8097
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FRIDAY & SATURDAY 1:00-3:002892 Ariel Drive, Loveland Colorado Craftsman style homequality built by Oak Valley Homes. Kitchen features a largeisland and shaker style alder cabinetry. Ranch style home withopen floor plan backs to open space. Beautiful finishes includehardwood floors, designer tile & slab granite. Full, unfinishedbasement. Fully landscaped yard.
$299,000MLS# 662114
Call Georgena Arnett481-9801
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SUNDAY 1:00-3:002821 Logan Drive, Loveland Professionally remodeled 4bd+ study, 3ba, 3070 sf. home. The kitchen has travertine tile,stainless steel appliances. Wood floors throughout the mainfloor. Lots of special touches are found everywhere. It feelslike home the minute you enter.
$300,000MLS# 660462
Call Sally Lee227-7742
CLOSE TO LAKE LOVELAND!
FRIDAY & SATURDAY 1:00-3:002890 Carina Circle, Loveland Colorado Craftsman style home.Finishes include hardwood floors, designer tile, slab granite,alder trim & doors and shaker style alder cabinetry. 12’ ceilingsin great room w/wood beams. SS appliances, gas fireplace andcustom built-ins. Fully landscaped. Close to I-25, Centerra andthe Medical Center of the Rockies.
$335,000MLS# 662119
Call Georgena Arnett481-9801
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SATURDAY & SUNDAY 1:00-3:00920 Norway Maple, Loveland New custom home by TroendlyConstruction. Ranch w/2 bedrooms & den on main level. Bdrm,bath & family room finished in basement. Tandem 3 car garage.Nice finishes included granite, Alder cabinets & stainless steelappliances. Fully landscaped w/auto sprinklers. Move in ready -see this lovely home today.
$347,900MLS# 654230
Call Rich Gardiner227-0964
MOVE-IN READY
Northern Colorado
Real Estate Sourcew w w . t h e g r o u p i n c . c o m
Online version of publicationat www.thegroupinc.comcontaining links to detail pagesfor most listings.
E6 Saturday Reporter-Herald October 1, 2011
Stinky house will foul sales prospectsMARCIEGEFFNERBANKRATE.COM
Homebuyers don’t want housesthat stink. Sellers must identify andremediate odors that make prospec-tive purchasers hold their noses andrun for the exits.A buyer’s market is a tough chal-
lenge for sellers, said Patti Ketcham,owner of Ketcham Realty Group inTallahassee, Fla.“If you’re selling,” she said, “your
house has to look a little better, smella little better and be priced a littlebetter than the other houses the buy-er will look at that same day.”Unfortunately, it’s not always easy
for sellers to identify familiar smellsthat might be problematic, said Neer-aj Gupta, director of product research
and development at ServiceMasterClean, which does major cleanupsand post-disaster restorations forcommercial and residential proper-ties.“There is no ’odor meter,’” Gupta
said. “People get used to the odor oftheir house and may not notice thatsomething is not pleasant.”The best way to find out whether a
house smells OK is to “ask someonewho doesn’t live there to come insideand give an opinion,” Gupta said.The obvious “someone” would be
the real estate broker hired to sell thehome. But not all brokers will pointout that a house smells bad, even ifthey’re willing to offer other helpfulsuggestions.Ketcham offers to pass along any
unfiltered “brutal truth” comments
she hears from her colleagues whobring buyers to see the property. Thatway, the message gets delivered withless risk to her cordial relationshipwith the sellers.“I will never be the kind that will
come out and tell you that yourhouse smells like cat litter or moth-balls,” she said. “I would rip mytongue out first.”The two most common sources of
offensive odors are pets andcigarettes; neither of which, Guptasaid, is easy to remediate.The first line of defense in any
smelly situation is to remove theproblem’s source, even if that meansa beloved pet must board elsewherefor a while.“If the pet is in the house, you’re
introducing new odor every day,”
Gupta said.Cat urine can seep into carpet
fibers, carpet padding, concrete andwood floors, upholstery fabrics, andfurniture cushions and pillows.“Oftentimes,” he said, “you have to
remove the carpet, remove the padand seal the floor, and then replacethe carpet and the pad.”Cleaning the carpet might help.
But humidity will raise the odor fromthe padding or floor beneath.Cigarette smoke can cling to fur-
nishings, drapes and other window
coverings and work its way insidewalls. Some topically applied solu-tions can reduce the stench, but anozone generator, hydroxyl generatoror air scrubber should be more effec-tive, Gupta said. These approachesare “very effective in absorbingodors,” he said, though there is noguarantee that an odor can be elimi-nated completely.One more tip: If someone suffers a
long illness or dies in a home, a goodairing may be adequate to removeodors. In the case of a violent death,however, professionals who handlewhat’s known as “trauma cleanup”should be called. The cost mightrange from a few hundred dollars toat least $1,000, depending on thetype of remediation and the squarefootage.“If you have that type of situation,”
Gupta said, “it’s probably best to calla professional. It may be traumaticfor you to do it yourself.”
CAROLO'MEARACSU EXTENSION
Discovery is an enjoyablepast time for a curiousgardener. With each new
squash, flower or shrub, lessonsin life as well as gardening arelearned each year. During asilent auction a few weeks ago, Idiscovered the joy of new plantswhile my spouse learned thatit’s not safe to take me to asilent auction.The basket was filled with sup-
plies for seed saving, so Icamped out near it in order tooutbid anyone else who wantedit. Swooping in after the otherbidders left, I counterbid eachentry until it was just me andone other person, a stubbornwoman named Connie. As theprice rose, my spouse wonderedif we couldn’t simply buy theitems for less.“Yes I could, but this is for
charity; we’re helping people,” Isaid, glaring at the back of Con-nie’s head as she sidled up tothe clipboard to log anotherbid. The back and forth contin-ued until I eventually securedthe basket for a price thatmade the charity organizersdelirious.It was worth it, for within the
basket was treasure: A paperwrapped bundle of yellowpotato onions, small, goldenorbs waiting to be put in theground. The perennial onions
are new to me, so what was pur-chased at the silent auction wasnot just a basket, it is an adven-ture.Yellow potato onions, also
known as multipliers, grow inclumps of onions from oneplanted bulb. Plant them in fall,until mid-October, and they pro-duce three to five onions each,giving you a big crop for a smallinvestment. Eat the largerbulbs, but save some for re-planting; you’ll have a perennialsupply of onions for your gar-den. Other multiplier onionscreate clusters of small bulbs atthe top of their stems and areknown as top setting onions,such as Egyptian, or walkingonions.Soil preparation is the key to
success, as potato onions don’tlike heavy, wet ground. Amendthe planting area with plenty ofcompost or peat moss to keepthe soil well drained. Dig theplanting hole 2 to 3 inchesdeep, sprinkle a teaspoon ofbonemeal into the hole beneaththe bulb, then pop in the onions6-inches apart.Mulch with a 3-inch layer of
straw for winter. In spring,clearing away the mulch fromaround the onions is a must,but leave the mulch in placebetween rows tohelp conservewater. Keep thebulb from becom-ing elongated byscraping away a bitof soil until there isonly one-inch of soilabove the bulb.Make sure theonions never dryout during the
growing season, and you’ll berewarded with sweet, delectablebulbs.Other alliums for fall planting
are shallots and garlic, staplesfor any kitchen garden. Shallotsare perennials that create clus-ters of bulbs around the motherbulb. Treat them like youwould the potato onions, fertil-izing shallots once in springwith an all-purpose fertilizerbefore the sprouts are 6-inchestall.Garlic thrives in Colorado,
but if you want to grow yourown, avoid grocery store garlic,which might be treated with agrowth inhibitor. Softneck gar-lic (Allium sativum var sativum)has a soft, flexible stem at thetop of the bulb that makes itthe choice for braiding intoropes and necklaces. Commonlysold in grocery stores, they growreadily.Hardneck garlic (Allium
sativum var ophioscorodon) pro-duces a curled, flowering stem,called a scape, that eventuallyturns woody. Rich with flavor,they have fewer, but larger,easy-to-peel cloves. Use hard-necks early; they don’t store aslong.Plant now, while we still have
four to six weeks before theground freezes, in a sunny spotwith well-drained soil. Plant onlythe largest cloves, saving thesmaller ones for eating. Pushcloves root end down, 1-to 2-inches into the soil, about6-inches apart.
Carol O’Meara is withCSU Extension inBoulder County.Contact her at303-678-6238 [email protected].
Front Range Gardening
H& Front Range GardeningRE
Perennial PATRICKMILLERCSU EXTENSION
Question: I see many greenhousesand nurseries selling trees andshrubs at reduced prices. Would
this be a good time to purchase andplant?Answer: Absolutely. Fall and spring may
be the best time to plant nursery itemssuch as deciduous trees and shrubs. It isadvised to plant evergreen trees andshrubs in spring or summer, becausetheir foliage continues to lose water dur-ing winter months and desiccation ismore probable. If you plan to plant in thefall, be sure to finish before the end ofOctober, to increase the chances of yourplant(s) becoming established. One bene-fit of Colorado’s sunny days is that soilsstay warm and usually don’t freeze untilDecember or later. The warm soils willhelp plants form new roots for establish-ment.Be sure to water new plantings thor-
oughly and check soil moisture often,
even in the winter. Mulching and properwatering will greatly improve the likeli-hood of plant success in the followingmonths and years. More informationregarding tree planting, fall and winterwatering and mulching is provided byColorado State University Extension fromwww.ext.colostate.edu and the ColoradoMaster Gardener website atwww.cmg.colostate.edu:• Fall and Winter Watering, #7.211:
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/Gar-den/07211.html• Mulches for Home Grounds, #7.214:
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/Gar-den/07214.html• The Science of Planting Trees, #633:
http://cmg.colostate.edu/garden-notes/633.pdfPatrick Miller has received training
through Colorado State University Exten-sion's Master Gardener program and is aMaster Gardener volunteer for LarimerCounty. For more information about CSUExtension, Larimer County, call 970-498-6000 or visit www.larimer.org/ext.
Fall planting is encouraged
OnionsMultiply youryield with yellowpotato onions
