For many years I only purchased Pontiacs.  I can't even remember how many of them I owned.  I am not someone who loves cars.  I drive them because I must.  The day will probably come when I will have to hire a driver.  Then the rest of the people on the road can say "Hallelujah!" she is no longer a menace.

For the general public, car salesmen have rated in opinion polls right down there with attorneys and real estate sales people.  By the way, I am a Realtor.  People wanted great big, beautiful new cars and yet they understood that as they drove it off the lot, they lost value.   Of course, we surmised that the dealership was getting rich off our hard earned dollars.

There aren't any car dealerships in Erie, Colorado so I must drive elsewhere to purchase/service my current Jeep Cherokee.  You see, several years ago, I discovered Jeep and I love it.  I understand Pontiacs will no longer be made.  I just hope they keep on with my Jeeps!  It looks like we will have far fewer dealerships/choices as this year comes to an end.  I really don't understand the big guys rational for closing so many.  The public can now feel sorry for those business people who put time, money and dreams into building a business and are then suddenly told - "You are out of business". 

My generation of females (somewhere over 30) didn't have to know anything about cars.  I still don't.  That's why I think my current dealership, Pro Chrysler Jeep is wonderful.  I have a service rep, Bill who calls me by name, tells when I need something done and totally takes care of my car.  I did ask him recently if he thought this car would last me till I had to give up my license.  His return comment was to do all the scheduled maintenance particularly the oil changes and I should do fine.  Notice he didn't say it would run forever but that's okay.

A few weeks ago I noticed a strange addition to my back drivers side wheel well.  It appeared to be a very small bunny paw.  My first thought was, "I didn't know I had run over a bunny!".  I tried running the car through several car washes to no avail.  The appendage was still there.  I finally went to the dealership and confessed to murdering a bunny.  They inquired if I would like to attend services and I responded only if it was a closed casket.  My friends in the service department took pity on me and fixed my problem.  It turns out what I had was a bunny ear.  He must have gotten stuck under my car, panicked and lost an ear in getting away.  I guess his new name is definitely Flopsy.

I know that Erie is looking for some nice new commercial development.  How about a Jeep dealership moving into town?  I would sure like the convenience.

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Jacqui Jeffress
303-887-4210
Denver Real Estate & Condos
Residential & Investing

This post is supposed to be about restaurants and we will get to that.  First I have to give you a little background. Erie Colorado is in both Boulder County and Weld County.  Both counties have some great restaurants as well as other amenities to recommend this up and coming town.  I am going to tell you about one specific breakfast/lunch place now - The Rose Cafe at 303-828-3675 located at 554 Briggs Street, Erie, CO 80516.

This business is dedicated to the owner's mother Rosemary (Rose) who passed away from breast cancer in 2005.  Her daughter, Suzanne, is honoring her mom through a totally comfortable restaurant with great food.  She also has provided some interesting statistics on the back of the menu.  One in eight women will contract breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women exceeded only by lung cancer.  The good news is breast cancer has been declining since 1990 among women who are 50 years old and younger.  My own mother developed breast cancer at 80 years old.  Older women are not as prone to tell anyone anything that is of a personal physical nature. Mother's cancer was the size of a half dollar, we discovered it by accident, it was excised and she received radiation.  She is now 90 and cancer free.  Daughters remember to question your older moms.  Everyone - annual mammograms are a must and please have your own personal GYN doctor.  Your internist is not a GYN specialist.  Women are made differently and we have different medical needs! 

What brought this whole topic to mind was the wonderful breakfast I had at Rose's this morning.  It was the best Huevos Rancheros I have ever had!  You can enjoy all the "in" coffees with extra special flavors, both small plates and regular portions, lighter fare that is good for you or go for the sausage gravy and home made biscuits.  They are open from 7 am to 2 pm, Tuesday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch.  You can bet I will be back as often as I can arrange it.

PAY ATTENTION, SOME THINGS HAVE CHANGED.

Effective July 1, 2009 House Bill 1091 goes into effect.  This bill mandates the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in residential properties.  The bill applies to all properties - single family, multi-family, mobile homes, owner-occupied, rental, and homes for sale.  In other words if someone lives in it, there needs to be a carbon monoxide detector.

Besides things changing minute by minute in the mortgage industry, things are also changing among appraisers.  In the "olden days", your lender had a list of appraisers that they found to be efficient, trust-worthy, and accurate.  Appraisals for conventional loans could be done very quickly and you could have your results in about a week depending on the time of the order.  Unfortunately, there were some individuals who just didn't play by the rules.  That resulted in over-inflated values on some properties.  We Americans seem to have difficulty in trying to reach a median point, we are either all the way to the left or to the extreme right.  That pendulum has swung again and here are the new rules.

We now have a new compliance code called the Home Valuation Code of Conduct.  This code prohibits mortgage brokers and bankers from having any direct contact with an appraiser.  Appraisals for properties using conventional financing must now be ordered through an Appraisal Management Company (gee, we just created a new business giving someone else a job!).  Sometimes an appraisal needs clarification on an item but the lenders cannot have any contact with the appraiser even if the underwriter of the loan needs something changed or has a question about a comp that was used, or correcting a legal description, etc.  Let's see how this scenario plays out.

1.       The lender orders the appraisal from an AMC.
2.       The AMC orders the appraisal from one of the appraisers on its approved list.
3.       The AMC waits to hear back from the appraiser to see if they want to do the appraisal (hours, days, etc.).
4.       The appraiser is busy or cannot do the appraisal so they notify the AMC.
5.       The AMC orders the appraisal from someone else on their list.
6.       They do this process until someone accepts the job.
7.       The appraiser completes the job.
8.       The final report is sent to the AMC.
9.       The AMC sends the report to the lender.
10.     The lender sends the appraisal to the underwriter.
11.     Questions?  They go from the underwriter to the lender, to the AMC, to the appraiser.
12.     The appraiser makes an required correction and sends the updated appraisal to the AMC.
13.     The AMC forwards the updated appraisal to the lender.
14.     The lender sends it on to the underwriter.

All communication is accomplished on-line, no phone conversations are conducted.  Be prepared to see a rise in the cost of appraisals as we have added another entity to the pot.  The AMC will also have to be paid for their work.  Realtors® takes note:  this is going to slow the process down.  Be aware and make the proper adjustments when preparing those contracts.  By the way, these new rules do not apply to FHA, VA or Rural Housing Loans.

Just when you thought you had everything figured out, here's another new item.  "Walls-In" insurance.  You must have insurance to cover everything (cabinets, appliances, personal items, etc.). Check with your favorite lenders to keep up to date with changes in occupancy requirements for condo buyers.

Two of my favorites are Chris Thomas, cthomas@mtgsupportservices.com, 303-345-3683 and Elsa Wohlford, ewohlford@pmglending.com, 303-302-3916.  They both contributed information for this blog.  They always keep me "in the loop".

The Challenges Facing the Real Estate Community as Technology Advances

You guessed it! I had a computer challenge this past week. I was trying to be a responsible user by updating my security system when I heard about a new virus that might be going around. Why in the world anyone would waste their time creating and distributing these horrors is beyond me. I digress.

I went on-line and purchased an updated, supposedly incredibly wonderful new security system. After this system was installed I then found that my computer went into 1950 mode. It took 40 minutes to connect via my Log-Me-In site. I put up with this for awhile and then realized I was going to go nuts trying to use something that took forever to work.

Meanwhile, I had stopped in the Erie Chamber of Commerce office and as I visited with our director Elle, she told what a great help CMIT Solutions had been with the Chamber computers. I didn’t hesitate as I grabbed their card and headed out. As soon as I got home, I did call the company and spoke with the owner Susan Bateman. She spent a half hour on the phone with me explaining how to delete something I had downloaded. I asked for a bill but she just asked me to “pay it forward”. I had another question a bit later and spoke with her office manager, Erin. I received the same kind of courteous response to my question.

If you want someone who knows what they are doing contact these folks located in Lafayette at 303-673-9994. They have three technicians on staff plus Susan and Erin so there are plenty of people who speak “geek” to help you.

 "Saturday, May 16, 2009, The One and Only Erie Town Fair"

This is a date that should be marked in red on your calendars.  The Erie Town Fair is spectacular.  The day starts at 6 am with over 60 balloons lifting off from the Colorado National Golf Club (formerly Vista Ridge), 2700 Vista Parkway.  If you want to volunteer to crew you must be 18 years or older and be able to lift 50 pounds.  Sounds like fun to me.

The Erie Municipal Airport (just west of Vista Ridge) will be the site for a pancake breakfast starting at 7 am with free plane rides for the kids from 8 to 17.  Skydivers are on hand too.  It should be fun to watch, but not something I would want to do.

At 10 am events begin in Historic Downtown Erie starting with DJ music by JayTee Productions, craft and food vendors, Garage Rats Car Show, Spirit of Flight Museum, 501 Legion – Star Wars Event, a children’s candy run at 1 pm, the Safeway BBQ and Chamber Beer Garden begin at 3, Deja Blu is the headliner band that kicks off the night at 6, and at 7 there will be a Night Glow Balloon Launch. 

The day culminates at 9:30 pm with a wonderful fireworks display.  Coal Creek Ball Park will be center stage for the following entertainment.  La Bella Ballerina Academy performs at 12:45, the Columbiners Square Dance Club will be exhibiting at 1:30, the Erie High School Jazz Band struts their stuff at 2:30, Axis of Movement is highlighted at 3 and the Erie High School Jazz Band comes back for an encore performance at 3:35.  Home Plate Novelties is contributing to this event by hosting “The Rocky Mountain Wrestling Event”.  Professional wrestlers from all over are being invited to Colorado to participate.  Autograph signing will be from 12 to 1 with the show going on from 1 to 3.  A free shuttle bus will be provided from Historic Downtown to the event in the Erie Commons parking lot.

The craft and business fair has approximately 200 booths.  There are still a few available at $125.  If you want more information please e-mail the Chamber at erie@eriechamber.org or call 303-828-3440. 

Is Colorado an Unknown Country?

The world is in turmoil as the United States financial situation has traveled around the globe.  We need to remember there are still people both here and abroad who actually have money!  It is my belief that the State of Colorado has not taken advantage of opportunities to promote themselves world wide. We have had a very insular attitude within our state.

Why Colorado is a Great Place for Real EstateForeignInvestors tend to go to either the east or west coast.  Many parts ofthe United States are on sale today and the savvy people worldwide are coming into take advantage of the great deals.  Unfortunately, they don’t know aboutColorado.  We need to be out there promoting ourstate.  We are centrally located with an International Airport atDIA.  Our weather is unbeatable and at times exciting.  The powder skiing here is incredible.  The open land is plentiful.  The mountain views are magnificent.  The subdivisions in the various communities are built with plentiful parks.  There is every sports team known to mankind (just about).  Many places in Colorado have been noted as“the best” place to live.  The work force is well educated.  And, the people tend to be very outgoing and friendly.

Chinese Investors need to visit Colorado In a discussion at work todayI discovered a website called Soufun This is a hugely popular site in China.  Apparently these people are bringing plane loads of investors to the United States to buy real estate – both Commercial and residential.  Colorado needs to be one of the places these folks visit.  In our company we have a real estatebroker who speaks Mandarin, seven agents who areCertified International Property Specialists and both commercial and residential agents.  Note:  most of these investorswill speak English.  My hope is that fear of foreign investment won’t make the state shy away from taking some positive action.  It is okay to welcome Chinese investors to our beautiful state.  

ANARCHY, TEA BAGS and OTHER THOUGHTS

I did my rant against Bank of America and their credit card policies yesterday. I feel better today because I have that particular situation figured out.  I did some deep thinking last night and this morning.  People in the United States are unhappy and disturbed regarding the state of our nation.  There is blame being tossed around from the government, to overpaid CEO's of major corporations, to home buyers who didn't read the fine print.  People are gathering outside local government buildings wearing tea bags. The Boston Tea Party has garnered new interest.

There are many circumstances at fault here.  The main fault lies with you and me.  I know, no one wants to buy into that. However, as parents, we have raised children who lack a work ethic, a sense responsibility or who accept the consequence of action/inaction. As adults we have bought into the "gimme" generation.  If you don't have the money today, that's okay, just charge it.  Past generations understood frugality.  They understood saving. We need to remember those attributes today.

Greed has been running our country from the Boards of Directors of corporations to the people in your house who owned stock and didn't bother to read or understand their voting opportunities in that particular stock. 

It isn't too late.  We must re-group, pay off our outstanding debt, vote responsibly, and make sure those representatives are doing what we want.  Why does Congress get to vote their own raises, why do they have a a totally different health plan than we do, why do they have their very own golden parachute at retirement?  Because we allow it. 

Be Americans and remember how we began.  Let's start over and do it right this time.

A few weeks ago I made a new friend. I had been doing one of my favorite things - going to a new art exhibit. It was being held at the new Open Studios office space on Spruce Street in Boulder Colorado. Believe it or not, I went by myself and was having a good time even after driving around a bit looking for a parking spot. Note to self: learn how to ride a bicyclesince that seems to be the popular mode of transportation in Boulder!

I spent a pleasant hour saying hello to artists that I knew and viewing some of the exhibits there. I also spent a long time salivating over a particular oil that I would have loved to add to my collection. However,my checkbook simply would not expand to the $2,500 that the artist was looking for. If that lottery ticket would just pay off I would run right back and get that painting.

Since I was having such a nice time I decided I should treat myself to a good dinner on Pearl Street. I found a great spot at La Roma and while enjoying a crisp Chianti was looking over the menu. In walks a colleague of mine with two of her friends. They were celebrating her birthday and the absence of another of their friends who had passed away. They invited me to join them and I did.

During the ensuing dinner and conversation I thought what a great treasure our female friends are. We understand one another, we can talk about anything at all, and our life experiences are all somehow interrelated. I do hope the male population also has groups of friends that can relate like this. Of the four of us, two are divorced, one married a little later in life and one has been married a long time and is wondering how to cope with up-coming male retirement. I am one of the divorced (for more than 20years) and have been a practicing Realtor for 17 years, another is also a Realtor with a husband who is on disability, one is avolunteer and homemaker, and the other divorcee is co-owner of a thriving business called "Basket Kase".

Most people in business today carry business credit cards to pay on-going expenses.  In addition if you have been responsible and paid your charges in a timely manner, you can get a reasonable interest rate on those charges.  In the current economy with rising gas prices, food prices, equipment, etc. these credit cards can carry a large balance.  I happen to be a Realtor and as other Realtors will realize, our business goes up and down.  Sometimes we are flush and sometimes we are not. 

My mail today delivered an unpleasant surprise.  I have carried a Bank of America credit card since 1994.  I use it exclusively for my business.  I pay it religiously and always well over the amount required.  This is a company who has received TARP funds, which is basically money from me, and now they are going to up my interest rate to 15%+ simply because they can and that poor company isn't making enough money.

 My next course of action was to start researching what credit card company would accept a balance transfer and give me a decent rate (something under 10%).  Apparently they are all suffering just like you and me.  This was a new thing for me since I have managed to maintain a good credit rating even though I am self-employed and single.  I now understand the total frustration of the American public at what is happening in our finance community.  I visit my bank tomorrow.  I will be paying off my Bank of America card and I would like to see everyone who holds this card do the same.  Unite America, tell them we aren't going to take it anymore!

The Erie Colorado Rotary Club meets every Wednesday morning at7:30 am at Zupa on Briggs Street in the heart of Old TownErie.  This small group of 15 people manages to generate some verygood programs, great camaraderie and accomplishes some incredible fund raisingfeats for local, national and international Rotary projects.

One of the recent programs was presented by Jill Wait, the Town of Erie Parks and Recreation Director.  She kindly gaveme permission to blog about the Erie Community Park that is evolving. These facts are taken directly from the report that she passed out at ourmeeting.  It is indeed an exciting time to live in this relatively smallcommunity of about 17,000 people.

A Brief History of Erie Colorado

Erie began in 1874as a coal mining town.  There are people today in Denver who have never heard of Erie.  They are missingout as this is not only a great place to live and play but a great place toinvest as I believe our growth and prosperity is just over the horizon.

The vision statement is “Erie Community Park will be a community gatheringplace that reflects and enhances Erie’s sense of community for residents andvisitors alike.  It will be cutting edge – fresh, new and unique – andsustainable for today and the future”.  The park will include four lightedball fields, a lighted multi-purpose field, event space, covered shade shelters,a destination playground, trails and trail connections, parking, open spaceareas, a Gateway, water feature/splash play, educational/cultural elements,sustainability-all elements, passive space and restrooms.

Residents did question why there would not be a large pool area.  Herewe have to remember Erie’s beginnings as a coal mining town.  The park willbe located on the corner of NE County Line Road and Erie Parkway, next to therecreation center and library.  This particular parcel of ground does havesome old mining tunnels underneath and it would not be suitable for deepexcavation.  Building is scheduled to begin this summer. Congratulations to the far sighted planners in the Erie community.