Best Time to be a Buyer in 10 Years

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As we move into the fall, the real estate market is providing a rare opportunity for buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines for years. Inventory levels are higher than they’ve been in a decade, and sellers are increasingly open to negotiations, making repairs, offering concessions, and even accepting contingent offers to close deals. This presents an exceptional chance for buyers to leverage their negotiating power before potential rate drops lead to increased competition in the marketplace.

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Reasons for Celebrating Labor Day

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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National Peach Pie Day

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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?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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National Peach Pie Day

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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?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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25 Years of Wacky + Weird

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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.

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What’s With All The Traffic?

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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.

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Olympic Gold

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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.

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Hazardous Waste 101

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Have you wondered how to get rid of those old paint cans, household chemicals, and lawn fertilizers?

We know that when people are moving, they have a bunch of these items that they aren’t allowed to just throw in the trash. There are good resources in both Weld and Larimer counties for disposing of them in an environmentally friendly way. 

In Larimer County, there is a hazardous waste drop-off spot located adjacent to the landfill. You can bring up to 30 gallons of items for free as long as you follow the guidelines. In Weld County, there is a location in NE Greeley for dropping off these types of waste. The limit there is 200 pounds. 

For information on the hours they are open and what items are acceptable, click on the links below:

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From Renting To Owning

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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.

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15-Year Mortgages

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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.

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