Blog • Fun Facts • Living • August 30, 2024

Reasons for Celebrating Labor Day

by Windermere Evergreen

We celebrate Labor Day, the federal holiday that occurs on the first Monday in September, to honor the contributions of American workers and the labor movement, which played a crucial role in securing fair working conditions, better wages, and reasonable hours for employees across various industries. The holiday recognizes the importance of the labor force in building the nation’s economy and improving the quality of life for workers.

Reasons for Celebrating Labor Day:

Recognition of Workers’ Contribution: Labor Day is a tribute to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It acknowledges the role of labor in building the nation’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.
Commemoration of the Labor Movement: The holiday celebrates the labor movement’s historical efforts to improve working conditions, such as the fight for the 8-hour workday, the establishment of weekends, and the implementation of safety regulations. These achievements were hard-won through protests, strikes, and negotiations.
Public Awareness: By dedicating a day to labor, the holiday raises public awareness of the social and economic issues faced by workers. It encourages continued efforts to improve labor laws and protect the rights of employees.
End of Summer: Labor Day also marks the unofficial end of summer in the United States. It is often associated with the last long weekend of the summer season, prompting various outdoor activities, barbecues, and parades.
Cultural Significance: In addition to its historical and social importance, Labor Day has become a time for family gatherings, community events, and the start of the school year in many regions.
Symbolism: The holiday symbolizes the labor movement’s success in securing workers’ rights, including the 8-hour workday, weekends, and protections against unfair labor practices.

Overall, Labor Day is both a celebration of workers and a reminder of the ongoing efforts to improve labor conditions in the U.S. and recognition of the contributions of all workers to the nation’s well-being.

Fun Facts • August 23, 2024

National Peach Pie Day

by Windermere Evergreen

National Peach Pie Day is observed annually on August 24 to celebrate this mouth-watering dessert during the heart of the Peach harvest season. Don’t forget the à la mode!

#PeachPieDay

Generally speaking, there are two types of peaches – freestone and clingstone. The difference is in the way the flesh comes away from the pit in the middle of the peach. When the meat comes away freely from the stone, the peach is a freestone peach; if the flesh clings to it, it’s a clingstone.

While Georgia may be the first state to come to mind when we think of peaches, California actually leads the nation in production. In the United States, 20 states produce peaches commercially. Besides California and Georgia, the other two top producers are South Carolina and New Jersey. Pennsylvania and Washington grow a lot of peaches, too.

What makes Colorado’s Palisade Peaches so special?

Ideal Growing Conditions and Rich Soil: Palisade is situated in the fertile Grand Valley, where the combination of high elevation, warm days, and cool nights creates an ideal microclimate for growing peaches. This unique environment allows the peaches to ripen slowly, developing a deep, sweet flavor. The area has rich, well-drained soils, which contribute to the growth of healthy peach trees that produce juicy, flavorful fruit.
Handpicked and Tree-Ripened: Palisade peaches are typically handpicked at the peak of ripeness, which ensures they are full of flavor. Unlike many commercial peaches that are picked early to withstand shipping, Palisade peaches are allowed to ripen on the tree, giving them a superior taste and texture.
Variety and Size: The peaches from Palisade are often larger and more flavorful than those grown in other regions. The growers in the area take pride in producing a variety of peach types, each with its own unique taste profile, which adds to their appeal.

Fun Facts • August 16, 2024

25 Years of Wacky + Weird

by Windermere Evergreen

That’s how New Belgium Brewing Company describes its annual Tour de Fat. This massive costumed bike parade is happening on Saturday, August 24th. Always a lively, fun atmosphere, thousands of cyclists take to the streets in a mix of bikes and costumes. There is also a spirit of giving tied to the event- this is a celebration with a cause. Local non-profits benefit from a portion of the beer sales. This year’s featured non-profits include Bike Fort Collins, Overland Mountain Bike Association, Fort Collins Bike Co-op and Send Town Bike Club.

The bike parade will start at 9:30am at City Park and loops Mountain Avenue until 11:30am. The party continues at New Belgium which will open at 11:00am. Expect a variety of music (Shady Oaks and PhatJazz) entertainment, contests and games. A variety of food trucks will offer food for purchase.

Another highlight is the giveaway of a limited edition New Belgium Cruiser Bike. You can enter to win here.

While Fort Collins is the birthplace of Tour de Fat, the event has expanded to Denver, San Diego, and Minneapolis, bringing its unique blend of bikes, beer, and fun to a wider audience.

Fun Facts • August 9, 2024

What’s With All The Traffic?

by Windermere Evergreen

Noticed the roads getting busier lately? Blame it on the back-to-school season! As students of all ages return to classrooms, traffic patterns take a hit, and here’s why:

1. School Drop-Offs: Parents and buses are flooding the streets during peak hours, causing bottlenecks around schools.
2. More Pedestrians: With students walking or biking to school, drivers need to be extra cautious in school zones.
3. Shifted Schedules: Many parents tweak their work hours for school runs, adding to the morning and afternoon traffic crunch.

When college students return to campus, traffic dynamics in college towns and cities often undergo noticeable changes:

1. Increased Vehicle Volume

a) Student Cars: Many students bring their own cars to campus, leading to more vehicles on the road, especially around campus areas and popular student housing complexes.
b) Parents: The start of the semester sees a surge in vehicles as parents help move students into dorms, contributing to temporary congestion.

2. More Pedestrians and Cyclists: Walking and Biking: College students often walk or bike to campus, increasing pedestrian and cyclist traffic. This demands extra caution from drivers, especially in and around campus areas.

3. Changes in Parking Demand: Parking Challenges: The return of students often leads to a scramble for parking spaces, both on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods, which can cause frustration and further slow traffic.

4. Increased Activity in College Towns: Busy Local Roads: With students back, college towns see more activity in local shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, leading to busier streets and intersections.

Tips for Navigating the Change:
Plan for Delays: Expect longer travel times, especially during peak hours.
Use Alternative Routes: Avoid campus areas during busy times if possible.
Be Alert: Watch for increased pedestrian and cyclist activity, especially near college campuses

With these back-to-school dates in mind, you can expect traffic to increase in waves throughout August:

August 12th: Greeley schools start first, so expect traffic to pick up around that area as parents and buses hit the road.
August 15th: PSD, Thompson, and CSU (with move-ins) will see a significant surge, particularly around Fort Collins and Loveland. CSU move-ins will add extra congestion around the campus.
August 16th: University of Northern Colorado’s move ins start and continue until August 21st.
August 19th: As CSU classes begin, the area will be particularly busy, with more students driving to campus and increased pedestrian and bicycle activity.
August 26th: Windsor schools start later, so traffic will spike around this date in that region. Classes begin at UNC.

So, the next time you’re stuck in gridlock, remember: it’s just the back-to-school hustle making its annual return and we are lucky to live in beautiful Northern Colorado.

Fun Facts • August 2, 2024

Olympic Gold

by Windermere Evergreen

It’s always great when the Olympics games come around!

Of the 592 athletes that are representing the United States in the Paris Olympics, 26 of them are from Colorado. This put Colorado tied for the 6th largest contingent from any one state. These athletes are competing in multiple events ranging from discus to sport climbing.

Hopefully, you get a chance to cheer them on and hope they can bring some of the Olympic gold back to the Centennial state.

New Listings • July 31, 2024

New Listings July 2024

by Windermere Evergreen

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Instant equity with 2 appraisals from late 2023 over list price and NO Metro Tax! New roof in Nov. 2023. This home is too good to pass up! 1072 Little Grove Court is an elegant home in SW Longmont, 15 minutes from Boulder. Bike or walk to highly-rated schools, trails, playground, dog park, and open space in many directions. This home has it all, a huge upgraded kitchen with full height cabinets and lots of counterspace. Amazing island with fabulous granite countertops, SS appliances & large pantry are just a few of the special touches this home boasts. Natural light in abundance. The mudroom area off the 3-car tandem garage and the large office in the front of the house round out the main floor. There is a bright and airy loft to provide another living area in addition to the 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and handy laundry room that make up the 2nd floor. If that weren’t enough, the backyard is an entertainer’s dream. A large patio provides room to mingle or relax surrounded by the seclusion trees, bushes & a privacy fence provide. The basement is just waiting for your finishing touches or an ample space for storage. Call 970-430-9630 to schedule a private tour or click here for more information.

Katie Robinson | MLS# 1014125

306 Snow Top Drive is nestled in the Storm Mountain community. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath pristine cabin offers nearly 3 acres of stunning and usable land, an ideal home for horse lovers and those seeking a peaceful sanctuary in nature. Newly installed fencing and a horse stall, ready for your equine friends. The cabin has recently been chinked and stained along with the deck that has an automatic Sundowner sunshade. To protect you and your furry friends, this home has been equipped with a fully enclosed dog run and a whole house camera system. Have peace of mind with radon mitigation and a whole house Generac generator with its own dedicated 500-gallon propane tank, ensuring you are never without power! Home has been pre-inspected, ask listing agent for details. Showings start Friday July 12th. Call (970) 690-5707 to schedule a private tour or click here for more information.

Jared Foster | MLS# 1013621

Welcome to 216 10th Street, a charming ranch-style home centrally located in Windsor. Boasting over 1800 sq ft all on a single level, this residence features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Inside, you’ll find a spacious living room, a kitchen equipped with cherry cabinets and silestone countertops, and elegant hardwood floors throughout. An inviting sunroom with tile floors extends from the kitchen, offering a tranquil space to relax. Outside, a fenced yard is complemented by a convenient 2-car attached garage. Situated within walking distance to downtown Windsor and the lake, this home offers both comfort and convenience. Call (970) 590-4841 today for a private showing or click here for more information.

Suzanne Ekeler | MLS# 1013712

Have you been searching for a solid mountain home on the sunny side of Black Mountain? 762 Okmulgee Circle is it! Well positioned between and protected by ancient massive rock formations, Moss Rock House is one of the original developed properties in beautiful Crystal Lakes, only a one hour scenic drive NW of Fort Collins. This 3-bed, 2-bath, easy open/close, well insulated cabin has room for everyone inside and out. The large elevated sunroom has magnificent views of the Mummy Range and the North Fork Poudre Valley. The oversized 3-car detached garage with carpenter’s workbench provides ample space for all your recreational equipment. A seasonal stream flows through your private Aspen grove filled with native wildflowers. This 4 acre property is located with easy access to all Crystal Lakes has to offer yet still retains quiet privacy. Enjoy the diverse subalpine forest, wildlife and serenity in this well maintained and much-loved mountain home. Call (970) 401-0123 to schedule a private tour or click here for more information.

Rondi duPont | MLS# 1014198

Lots of windows makes 6483 Ward Road very light and bright. Fantastic main level living townhouse with attached two car garage. Custom neutral interior paint! 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom large open floor plan. Middle unit with private patio. Updated kitchen and cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Primary suite has plenty of space w adjoined bathroom. Spacious family room -Formal dining room-laundry space for washer and dryer. Fantastic location easy commute to I-70 and amenities. Call (720) 201-1332 to schedule a private tour or click here for more information.

John Putt | MLS# 9760238

1522 Linden Way is nestled on a cul-de-sac in the highly desirable golf community of Vista Ridge steps away from one of the neighborhood parks. This home has lots of finished sq ft. to enjoy. Basement could be used as 5th bedroom. Enjoy playing golf at Colorado National Golf Club and take advantage of the 2 neighborhood pools and clubhouse in the summer. New roof in 2023, Newer exterior paint and updated kitchen in 2017. Sellers offering $2800 in concessions for hardwood floor refinish or can be done before closing. This home also comes with a 1yr 1st American Home Warranty. Call (970) 420-4498 to schedule a private tour or click here for more information.

Lindsey Crisanti | MLS# 1014552

Welcome to Settlers Village! 896 S Prairie Drive is a well-maintained home that feels like new and boasts over $30k in builder upgrades. Step inside to find durable LVP hardwood floors throughout the main level. The sun-filled, open floor plan leads to a kitchen with 42-inch upper cabinets, quartz countertops, and Slate appliances. Upstairs, the master suite includes a large walk-in closet, a full tiled shower with double sinks, and quartz counters. Two additional bedrooms and a full bathroom with two sinks offer ample space. The convenient laundry room upstairs makes chores a breeze. The fully finished basement features a bedroom, full bathroom, and a living room with a dry bar and quartz countertops. Outside, the three-car garage is insulated, heated and equipped with a hot/cold bib for easy car washing. Relax outside on the 900-square-foot patio, surrounded by a fully landscaped yard complete with planter boxes, drip lines, and a full sprinkler system. Additional storage is available in the 8×10 shed. Located with easy access to Longmont, Windsor, Fort Collins, Boulder, and North Denver, this home is near walking trails, bike trails, and neighborhood parks. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Call 970-310-6999 to schedule a private tour.

Alexis Foster | MLS# 1014725

ATTENTION INVESTORS! TWO HOMES ON ONE LOT! This fixer-upper offers an incredible opportunity for investors with a vision and a passion for remodeling. 3624 Terry Lake Road is situated on a spacious lot in a mature neighborhood of Fort Collins. This dual-home property is perfect for those seeking a multifamily setup or an income-generating investment. Imagine the sight of two charming homes side-by-side, each with a brand-new roof, just waiting to be brought back to life. With water tap and electricity already available, the groundwork is set for your dream project. Please note, this property is sold as-is and the listing price reflects the current condition. Buyers must be accompanied by a licensed agent to explore this unique opportunity. A Fixer-Upper with Endless Potential. Call (970) 310-6999 to schedule a private tour or click here for more information.

Alexis Foster | MLS# 1014877

Fun Facts • July 19, 2024

From Renting To Owning

by Windermere Evergreen

According to a report by Fannie Mae, 74% of consumers plan to buy a home the next time they move. This included 43% of consumers that are currently renting.

The interesting fact is that 9 out of 10 consumers overstated or didn’t know the minimum down payment required for most mortgage programs. The great news is that of those surveyed, 70% of the respondents said they were saving specifically for a down payment.

Speaking with a lender is the first step to understanding the current mortgage requirements. Reach out to your Windermere agent for great lender recommendations.

Fun Facts • July 12, 2024

15-Year Mortgages

by Windermere Evergreen

Interest rates have leveled off at around 7% over the last couple of months. Interestingly, the 15-year mortgage is a more reasonable 6.375% right now.

If you are looking for a lower rate and are willing to pay a higher monthly payment, this may be a good option.

The other benefit of a 15-year mortgage is that more of your payment is going toward the principal of your loan. So, on a $400,000 loan, you would reduce your principal loan amount by $16,500 in the first year of your loan.

This compares to a reduction of only $4,000 on a 30-year mortgage during that same period. If you can swing the higher payment, this may be the way to go.

Fun Facts • July 5, 2024

Fourth of July Slowdown

by Windermere Evergreen

Showings during the week of the 4th is one of the slowest periods of the year. This data comes from home builders that track the number of potential Buyers that visit the model homes.

This same trend is shown in showing data for resale homes. This trend usually only lasts for the week, though, and showings tend to pick back up the second week of July.

The good news is that the buyers that are looking during this week are typically quite serious about finding a home.

We at Windermere hope you have a fun and safe Independence Day holiday weekend!

Fun Facts • June 28, 2024

Ninety Eight Percent

by Windermere Evergreen

Properties in Northern Colorado sell for 98% of their list price on average.

This single statistic communicates two interesting facts about the market.

First, this is not a market full of desperate sellers who are willing to accept low ball offers.

Second, properties that are priced right are the ones that are selling.

So, if a seller has an appropriate price, they can expect to receive an offer very close to the list price.