I haven’t done a pick of the week in a while, but this property brought it back. I recently toured this newly constructed green-built free standing condominium and was just blown away. The quality is more than you would expect from a home in this price range. Beautiful custom kitchen with granite and furniture grade cabinets, flush mounted sink and built in wine rack. A contemporary open floor plan is great for entertaining guests or family. Kitchen is open to the Dining area and Great room with a gas fireplace and cathedral ceilings. Split log accents over the doorways, vessel sinks and Alderwood doors. You won’t run out of room with four bedrooms and four baths encompassing 2100+ square feet. Quality craftsmanship shows throughout the unit from the cedar exterior, huge beams in the entry to the crown molding in the kitchen. In addition to its beauty this home is also energy efficient featuring new spray on fiberglass insulation, 95% efficient heating systems, Energy Star appliances and more.  Built by local builder Mark Theiss, this condo is going to be Energy Star certified.  Visit his website to learn more about his business philosophy and green building practices.  Enjoy this easy care condo as a primary residence or vacation home knowing your HOA fees cover exterior maintenance, landscaping and snow plowing.  All of this and more for $374,000-yes it is not a typo, brand new construction for under $400K.   Here is a link to all the details..

Coming soon for Theiss Construction is the start of construction on the new phase of The Timbers of Estes.  Check out the featured listing section of my website for further information.

Grand Entry for this Charming Home

This lovely Craftsman style home turned 100 years old this year.  Owning this home is a chance of a lifetime. This home was built by Miss Elizabeth M. A. Foot, who also went by the name of Emma Foot. She operated one of Estes Park’s general stores called Foot’s Utility and Curio Shop. This home was one of at least six rental homes that she owned and operated. Imagine a single business woman in 1901, what a pioneer she was! Later the home was sold to the Van Valkenburgh family who owned it until 2001. With so few owners the condition of this beauty will surprise and delight. We don’t see these homes come on the market very often.  This charming historic home has Longs Peak, Continental Divide and Lumpy Ridge views. Home has open living spaces, original Douglas Fir wood floors, two moss rock fireplaces and a huge Sun Porch just made for rocking chairs. Featuring 3 Bedrooms, two full baths, Great Room and lower level Den or Family Room. Great potential-600+SF Attic could be finished for an artist’s retreat. Take in the views from the fenced in flower garden, deck or patio. Picturesque .55 acre lot with rock outcroppings and huge Ponderosa pines. Own a piece of Estes Park history with this turn of the century beauty.

Further info and photos HERE

REALTORS® around the nation will be holding open houses on the weekend of April 10 and 11, 2010 during REALTOR® Nationwide Open House Weekend! Thousands of people who have listed their home for sale will open their doors with a REALTOR® as host, for you to look around. Look for open house signs throughout your town.  Here in Estes Park, our office will have dozens of homes open.  I will have 351 Virginia Drive open from 2-4pm on Sunday afternoon and 1321 Devils Gulch open on Sunday from 11am to 1pm.
How is this weekend different than any other weekend in April? This is an incredible opportunity for consumers to shop for a new home while:

•    Interest rates are at a historic low.

•    Home prices offer an amazing value to buyers in all price ranges.

•    There are a variety of home choices available in our inventory.

•    The Expanded First-time Homebuyer’s Federal Tax Credit is still available.  This includes first time home buyers and return buyers that qualify.  It ends April 30, 2010.
Agents are offering refreshments and a drawing for one $100 gift certificate to Marys Lake Lodge when you visit First Colorado Realty open houses.  Stop by and take a look at some beautiful Estes Park properties.  After all one of the open houses you visit may be the one you’ve been looking for.

The Estes Park Board of REALTORS® currently has approximately 60 REALTOR® members. Dedicated to serving America’s property owners, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate, is the largest professional association at over 1,112,000 members strong. So, whether you’re buying or selling a home, it pays to work with a REALTOR®. Look for the REALTOR® logo when choosing your real estate agent.

If you are planning on buying real estate in the next two years I implore you to consider the advantages of buying today. Home ownership is an investment in your future. With each mortgage payment you are building your wealth. Owning a home builds wealth over the long term, and it provides significant social benefits. Did you know home owners are are happier and healthier than non-owners? And what about the tax benefits of home ownership? In short, you can deduct interest charged on a loan used to acquire or improve your principal residence in the year that it is paid. Estes Park real estate is more affordable than ever in all price ranges. Check with your tax preparer and account for all the benefits of home ownership.

For more information don’t miss this article http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/dec2009/bw2009127_753974.htm

Devils Gulch Estate

Top of the world views. You won’t a find a better view in Estes Park! Longs Peak and the Continental Divide showcased from this home. Tucked into the Lumpy Ridge this rare offering backs to RMNP on 3+ acres. Simply walk out your back door into Rocky Mountain National Park. Aspens and large boulders line the drive to this private setting. Decks on every side of the home allow breathtaking views. Huge Master Suite with Fireplace, Jack and Jill Bath, skylights, built-ins and two decks. Elegant Dining Room with huge windows that allow the gorgeous setting to be enjoyed indoors as well. Featuring Five Bedrooms and Four Baths, Formal Living and Dining Rooms, Great room with wood burning fireplace, lower level Recreation room has a wood burning stove and full kitchen. The fifth bedroom doubles as a media room, Game Room, Exercise Room, Commercial Elevator, Secure Storage area, Central Vac, AC, Skylights & more. This is a must see property!?

More information HERE…

Link to article

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed into law a requirement that will require all homes and apartment buildings offered for sale after July 1, 2009  to have carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms.

Historic Devils Gulch Estate near Rocky Mountain National Park

1327 Devils Gulch Road, Estes Park CO

Please call Lori today 970-232-5511 for your private viewing of this Historic restored Craftsman style residence constructed in 1910. Boulders and Aspens grace the 2.38 acres with Longs Peak and Continental Divide views. Native stone accents from McGraw Ranch and raised flagstone patio offer a stunning entrance to this home. A modern country kitchen with Soapstone counters, antique replica stove, high-end appliances & Butlers pantry. The Great room features stone fireplace and built-in seating area. Sun porch stretches across the front of the home. Master bedroom has private sitting room & bath. Restored original wood floors, 10′ ceilings and wood beams throughout the main living areas. The 716 sf one BR, one BA cabin features stone fireplace & knotty pine accents. Zoned for horses. Exterior features landscaping, irrigation system, fenced yard, loafing shed, corral, 2 car garage/workshop, carport and playhouse. Completely updated plumbing, electric, radon mitigation system, security system, newer septic system.