Real Estate Information

This Week at Copper  July 2 - 15
Welcome to Copper,
Summer at Copper Mountain can be the best time of year to share with family and friends! Please enjoy all of Copper’s summer activities, as well as the festive 3 Ring Weekend, the Copper Half Marathon and Trail 10K and Fridays at Copper, mountain biking at Copper, in addition to Woodward at Copper Summer Camps and One Hit Wonder & Drop–In Sessions on Saturdays at 2, 4, and 6 p.m. in the Woodward at Copper Barn.

3 Ring Weekend, July 2 – 4: Following the "3 Rings" of The Copper Environmental Foundation's credo - connect, respect, protect - Copper's 3 Ring Weekend is full of eco-'edutainment,' hands-on activities promoting movement, creativity & learning, a mountain carnival atmosphere and live music from Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs, The Martini Shot, Rojos Calientes and Spin Cycle with DJ Laundry. Free family fun also includes the Primp My Ride kid-powered parade and fireworks on Saturday. www.3ringweekend.com

Copper Mountain Half Marathon and Trail 10k, July 3 – 4: In conjunction with 3 Ring Weekend, the Copper Mountain Half Marathon and Trail 10K returns for another great year of competition. In addition to the half marathon through the scenic Rocky Mountains, runners can test their skills with a 10k trail run, and the kids MaraFun. The exhilarating course starts and finishes in the heart of the Village at Copper. www.copperhalf.com

Fridays at Copper (F AC): This summer, F AC. stands for Fridays at Copper, and it also stands for Free. Copper's F AC. includes free music, free movies and free activities. Ok, the activities are almost free – just spend $30 in the Village on Fridays and you get free tickets to the village activities, from bungee to bumper boats.

Friday, July 2
 Friday Night Street Party – Rojos Calientes, Summit County's most exciting, innovative and respected acoustic band, blending Bluegrass, Latin and Folk Rock, at West Lake.
 Burning Stones Outdoor Theater – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (G)

Friday, July 9

 Friday Night Street Party - Angie Stevens and the Beautiful Wreck, a Denver-based band playing Indie, Americana and Folk Rock, on the patio of Endo’s. Burning Stones Outdoor Theater – Hairspray (PG)

Woodward at Copper: Make sure to check out Woodward at Copper, the first indoor & outdoor ski and snowboard camp on the planet with a focus on terrain park and pipe progression, offering week-long Summer Camps for those looking to progress their terrain park and pipe skills in the off-season, as well as the New Woodward at Copper skate and cheer camps. In addition, the Barn is open for Drop-In and One Hit Wonder sessions on Saturdays at 2, 4 and 6 p.m. during the summer. To sign up call a Copper Mountain Vacation Specialist at 866.534.7444 or The Barn at 970.968.3400, or visit www.WoodwardatCopper.com.
Mountain Bike Trails Now Open: Copper’s Mountain Bike Trails are open for the summer season, including Red Tail, Fat Marmot, Elk Alley and A-Road. Hours of Operation are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily (weather permitting). Mountain Bike tickets can be purchased at Guest Services inside Copper Sports – Center Village (formerly the MAC).
www.CopperColorado.com

Have you been caught in a jam on I70?  Below is information on a great resource for locals and visitors alike!

Want to know the status of I70 before you get on the road?  Check www.GoI70.com for current travel speeds by segment of highway, learn where delays might be, have text messages passed to your phone when conditions change or join a social network to get real time info on conditions/happenings on the highway.  Already on the road? Use www.GoI70.com/mobile. 

As most of you know, I 70 is only congested at specific time of the week and seasons of the year so traffic can easily be avoided.  The website’s blog gives a detailed travel forecast in advance of each weekend and holiday to help those coming from the Front Range plan their trip and avoid the jam.  One of our daily message for the Saturday and Sunday eastbound traveler is “leave after 6:00, home by 8:00”.

The added benefit is that this encourages our guests to reamin in the County and visit our Summit County business.  Please help spread the word.

“GoI70.com – More mountains less traffic.”

If you would like to know more about Summit County and want to, truly avoid All traffic, contact a realtor about the tremendous opportunity to purchase a vacation or investment property in our beautiful mountains, find us at www.YourSummitRealEstate.com. 

If a product is advertised as “natural” and “organic,” it’s good for you, right?  That’s not necessarily the case.  While the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has taken some enforcement actions against companies, food labels still need improving.  Don’t be fooled:  Here’s what to look for to select the healthiest products for your family.  

  “Zero trans fat.”  That may be true but it could mean the product is high in saturated fat.  Be sure to read the Nutrition Facts label for the full story.

  “Low calorie” or “Reduced fat.”  Compared to what?  Chances are the company has a previous, higher calorie version of the product. 

   “Made with real fruit.”  That may be in the form of a concentrate and the primary ingredient may be sugar.  You’re better off eating an apple.

“Natural.”  This word isn’t regulated.  To be sure a product is natural, buy from a local farmer or buy food that is certified organic by the USDA. 

    Ingredient label tricks.  Since ingredients are listed in order of their proportion in the product, the first three are what you’re primarily eating.

 A manufacturer may use various sugars (sucrose, high-fructose cornsyrup, dextrose etc.) in the product so the word “sugar” isn’t listed first.

 Combining healthy ingredients. The actual amount of the healthy ingredients may put them at the end of the list. By combining them into a “blend” or “mix” they can make it to the top.

  “Yeast extract.” It’s a labeling trick to hide monosodium glutamate (MSG), which can cause side effects for people sensitive to this additive.

     Using the word “wheat.” All flour derived from wheat can be called “wheat flour,” even if it’s processed.  The key is to look for “whole grain wheat flour” on the ingredient list to make sure you’re eating whole wheat.

Looking for property in Summit County, CO??  Leave the rest and talk to the BEST!  Keller Williams top of the Rockies at www.YourSummitRealEstate.com.

Getting a Mortgage loan if you are self employed.

There's no question that it could be more difficult for you to get a mortgage loan if you are a free lance viola player than if you are a government accountant. Traditionally, lenders have been more cautious when evaluating loan applications of buyers who are self-employed than people who work for a regular salary.

However, if you are self-employed, there is no reason for you to shy away from applying for a home mortgage loan, especially if your earnings have been in the same field for at least two years. It is a good idea to meet with one or more loan officers before you begin your search. They will probably want to analyze your tax returns for the past 2 or 3 years, keeping in mind that many self employed people can look impoverished on paper, since you can write off some expenses that salaried individuals can not. Try to get pre-approval from the lender, and ask for a letter stating that you have pre-qualified for a loan which your real estate agent can attach to any offer you submit on a home. This will make you more attractive to the sellers.

Let us help you with your home search...we can be found at www.yoursummitrealestate.com.  Thanks!

Make up:  Make up can expire and is none too pretty for the earth when you throw it in the trash (chemicals you know) some manufacturers are making progress on the chemical front.   Check with your makeup manufacturer and see how you can help by disposing of the product in a safe and earth friendly way.

Mattresses and Box Springs:  Mattresses are made of recyclable materials, such as wire, paper, and cloth.  Not all cities accept them for recycling.  (Go to www.earth911.org to find out if yours does)

Metal Flatware:  If you are retiring your old forks, knives and spoons, you can usually recycle them with other scrap metal.

Milk Cartons with Plastic Spouts and Caps:  Take off and throw away the cap, don’t worry about the spout-it will be filtered out in the process of recycling.  As for the carton, check hour local recycling rules to see whether you should toss with plastics and metals or with paper.

Mirrors:  These are not recyclable through most municipal recyclers, because chemicals on the glass cannot be mixed with glass bottles and jars.  You can donate them to second hand stores, of course.  If the mirror is broken (is it still 7 years bad luck?) put it in a paper bag for the safety of your trash collectors.

We will need to wait for the next article on recycling from A-Z—we are at the end for now.

Summer is here in Summit County and that means Summer Fun and Outdoor activities.  As we play outdoors let us all remember our Earth and be good stewards.

More recycling tips: L

Leather Accessories:  Are your leather goods gently worn?  Take them to be fixed.  Are they beyond repair?  They have to be thrown in the trash—no recycling option.  (A product labeled ‘recycled leather” is often made from scraps left over from the manufacturing process, which is technically considered recyceled).  You can donate your gently used shoes to www.soles4souls.org, a non profit that collects used footwear and distributes it to needy communities.

House Odors and Selling
Do you have a dog or cat that lives indoors with the family? A pet can pose a problem when your property is listed for sale. Even if prospective buyers have pets of their own that smell just like yours, they may be repelled by animal odors as they tour your home. If you have a pet odor problem, you should hire a professional to clean and deodorize the furniture and/or carpets that have been affected. Check the cat box frequently and keep the kitty litter fresh.

Some people have allergies to pet hair or irrational fears of certain animals, so it is a good idea to put dogs or cats outside or confine them to one area when your house is being shown. It is hard for buyers to appreciate your home through puffy, watery eyes or in between sneezes! Even if the house is exactly what they want, your chances of selling it will be diminished if the buyers are afraid of being attacked by Fido.

Hey, I thought it was supposed to be Spring!!  All bets are off as we had snow over the past Saturday, Sunday and Monday.   The weatherman said, "Snow down to the 9000' level,"...well I live at 8700 feet and we had about an inch and a half in the yard Sunday morning, just not what I wanted to see.  

Just goes to show, it CAN and WILL snow any given month here in the high country of Colorado.  Come join us so you too can enjoy the weird weather we have here!  Naw, just kidding, the weather isn't any weirder here than anywhere else, at least we don't/haven't encountered any tornadoes and hurricanes!! 

Looking for bargains on real estate in Summit County, CO?  Give us a call at 970.368.7000 or visit us at www.GetYourSummitHomes.com. 

Thanks and here's to warmer and drier air!
Betty

Solar Tubes

Technology Snapshot & Benefits:
Solar tubes are tubes that run from the ceiling of a room to the roof, where they collect light that is reflected down the tube and then diffused into the attached room. Solar tubes work like skylights but are less expensive, require less roof/ceiling space, and can be easily installed in almost all buildings. They can even work in the basement or the first floor of a two-story house if there is a closet, a chase, or any place to feed through the solar tube up to the roof. Solar tubes are made to look like ordinary ceiling lights and can easily blend into a home. They are carefully built to maximize the amount of light provided, and can light 100 to 600 square feet of space, depending on the depth and diameter of the tube. Short, wide solar tubes provide the most light. A 10-inch solar tube can produce 3,750 lumens of light, whereas a 60-watt incandescent bulb only produces 870 lumens. This means that one 10-inch solar tube can replace about four 60-watt incandescent bulbs! Solar tubes also produce roughly 68 percent less heat than the average light bulb.

Solar tubes require no electricity to run and produce no pollution. This can result in energy cost savings and contribute to a healthier planet. The natural light that solar tubes provide also has been shown to have numerous benefits for the people living in the home. According to the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory of the EPA, natural lighting can contribute to psychological and physical health by boosting energy and concentration levels. A study by the Florida Energy Conservation Assistance Program showed that natural lighting resulted in reduced eye fatigue and headaches by providing better light and matching the normal functional rhythms of the human body. Having access to natural light also helps the body produce vitamin D.

Solar tubes are also commonly referred to as tubular skylights or sun tubes. The leading providers of solar tubes are SolaTube and Velux.

Estimated Cost Savings:
Because solar tubes require no electricity to run, replacing lights with solar tubes will reduce monthly energy bills. The savings depends on the type of light bulbs the solar tubes are replacing (incandescent or CFL), the amount of time the electric lights were normally left on, and the number of electric lights replaced with solar tubes. Solatube, a leading manufacturer of solar tubes, reported that they saw an 86.1 percent reduction in daytime lighting costs and a 68.2 percent reduction in nighttime lighting costs when their headquarters incorporated 21-inch solar tubes. This is a very high number and, again, the reduction percentage depends on the amount of lights replaced, size of the solar tubes, and initial costs.

Installation of solar tubes usually costs between $500 and $800, depending on the size of the tube and the features installed (see "Issues" for more information on possible features). It also costs more if tube extensions are required to install the solar tube. This is less expensive than typical installation costs for regular skylights. Installation costs should be weighed against long-term savings for each particular case. Some investments will pay for themselves more quickly than others; in some cases, you might even be able to make a small profit by installing solar tubes. It is important to weigh the investment against the environmental, health, and light quality benefits of solar tubes.

Issues:
When choosing a solar tube, several issues must be considered. First, look for the ENERGY STAR® label. This label indicates the solar tube truly works in the environmental-friendly fashion it should, and it could be used for federal or state tax credits. It's also important that the solar tube has some kind of moisture control so that water does not leak into the home. There are several extra features available for solar tubes that may desirable, including an electric light add-on that can be installed in the tube and used at night, a daylight dimmer to control the amount of sunlight allowed in, and designer diffusers to maximize light diffusion. Some companies also offer a softening lens instead of a dimmer for very bright climates. The actual look of the light fixture attached to the solar tube can also be customized to suit the aesthetic desires of a homeowner or business.

Regional Issues:
Solar tubes are technologically advanced, using advanced optics to draw as much light from the sun as possible. As such, they can function even in cloudy regions, during low-light hours, and in winter, although it is possible to draw more light in sunnier climates during the day. Look into details on the efficiency of different manufacturers' products in your specific climate before purchasing a solar tube.

Installation:
Solar tubes are simple enough that, in many cases, they can be installed by the homeowner. This can cut costs by almost 50 percent. Instructions often come with solar tube kits; however, a simple installation instruction video, "How to Install Solar Light Tubes," is available here. If the tube must be very long or must be bent through complex structures and is too difficult for the homeowner to install, professional contractors are available to install solar tubes.

Videos On This Topic:

Solatube Daylighting (1:20) - Solatube - solar panels are the most well-known source of solar energy on the market.  However, there are many other technologies out there that can utilize natural daylight to reduce energy use, including solar tubes.  In this video from Solatube, find out more about how solar tubes work and how they can benefit your home and reduce your energy bills.

More Information On This Topic:

"Skylights, Sky Lites, Solar Rooftop Windows, Light Tubes Resources"

"Solatube Product Summary", green-buildings.com

"Tubular Skylight, Natural Solar Lighting" - Solar Direct

"Benefits of a Solatube" - Common Sense

"Innovating the World of Daylighting" - Solatube.com

"The relationship of urban design to human health and condition" - By Laura E. Jackson
Journal of Landscape and Urban Planning. Vol. 64.4: 191-200

"Solar Lighting Tubes" - MasterCraft Design & Build, MasterCraft News

Insulation Rebates

Xcel Energy has launched an insulate and seal rebate program for their gas customers in Colorado.

QUALIFYING CUSTOMERS

This program is available to Xcel Energy residential natural gas customers in Colorado for existing residential housing. Rebate applies to attic and bypass sealing, wall insulation and air sealing and weather-stripping only. Program excludes new residential construction, new residential additions, garages, sheds and workshops. Customers requesting rebates must contract for insulation services with fully licensed and bonded insulation contractors.

REBATE DETAILS

This program will provide a rebate equal to 20 percent of the of the insulation and installation up to a maximum rebate of $ 300 per customer per natural gas heating meter. To qualify for a rebate, all insulation must be installed to the manufacturer’s specifications and meet all state and local codes and federal regulations. Xcel Energy reserves the right to inspect installations before issuing a rebate. Qualifying equipment must be purchased and installed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. Customers must apply for this rebate within 6 months of installation of insulation.

REBATE FORM

The GOVERNOR'S ENERGY OFFICE INSULATE COLORADO Rebate Program

The Governor's Energy Office (GEO) is currently offering insulation rebates to residents living outside of Xcel Energy territory or other utility territories who currently offer insulation rebates for insulation installed after January 1st, 2009. Please see http://www.colorado.gov/energy/residential/existing-insulate-co.asp for more details.

The GEO partners with local Colorado organizations to offer rebates directly to qualifying homeowners for the installation of insulation and air sealing measures through the Insulate Colorado program. The program provides a rebate to homeowners that insulate and air-seal their attics and exterior walls to the recommended R-Values presented in the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (2006 IECC) after January 1st, 2009.