Rocky Mountain National Park - so so beautiful in the fall

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the fall. The gorgeous Aspen trees turn a vibrant yellow/orange/red. Come as I take a tour with you through parts of this National Park. Rocky Mtn Nat Park Reservations: https://youtu.be/LMz39HZ31G0

Certified Residential Specialist - Why Not Use The Best

A Certified Residential Specialist® (CRS) is a REALTOR® who has earned certification from the Residential Real Estate Council by completing advanced training and by meeting significant experience requirements. Working with a CRS will make a real difference in the purchase or sale of your home since they have been trained to help save you time and money.

CRSs have professional experience and advanced training to ensure successful, worry-free real estate transactions.

Experience

Certified Residential Specialists® are REALTORS® that have completed a significant number of real estate transactions and have met requirements for advanced training and education. That means that CRSs are experienced professionals who have a proven track record of successful sales and transactions.

Ethics

As REALTORS®, CRSs abide by a strict Code of Ethics and maintain membership within the National Association of REALTORS®. Negotiation Skills As a home buyer or a seller, you face many risks along the way— financial risks, legal risks, even the risk that a home purchase will fall through. A CRS is trained to minimize those risks and negotiate on your behalf to give you peace of mind throughout your transaction.

Negotiation Skills

As a home buyer or a seller, you face many risks along the way— financial risks, legal risks, even the risk that a home purchase will fall through. A CRS is trained to minimize those risks and negotiate on your behalf to give you peace of mind throughout your transaction.

Contact a CRS Today!

Discover how working with me, a Certified Residential Specialist®, can help make your home buying or selling experience a success.

How Martin Luther King Day Relates to Federal Fair Housing

Today is Martin Luther King Day.  Celebrate Civil Rights and the Federal Fair Housing Act.

Five days after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr, the Federal Fair Housing Act was passed.  It essentially extended the same discrimination protections contained within the 1964 Civil Rights Act to the housing industry.

Within the Federal Fair Housing Act, those individuals (realtors, lenders, property managers, etc) who facilitate a housing transaction must adhere to the rules of this Act. 

The classes of people this act protects are:

• Color
• Disability
• Familia Status  
• Parents who have one or more children under the age of 18 living with them.
• Legal guardians who have one or more children under the age of 18 living with them.
• The designee of the parent or legal guardian of a child under the age of 18. This designation must have been made in writing by the child’s parent or legal guardian.
• A person in the process of being granted legal custody of a child under the age of 18.
• Pregnant women.
• National Origin
• Race
• Religion
• Sex

Examples of discriminatory housing allegations based on membership in a protected class may include, refusal to rent, unequal terms and conditions, discriminatory financing, failure to provide reasonable accommodation or modification for a person with a disability, refusal to sell, and retaliating against someone who has exercised his/her fair housing rights.  These are just a few examples.  

We've come a long way since Dr. King changed the world, but we still have a ways to go.  Discrimination still exists in our country, even in the housing industry.  If you feel you are a victim of Federal Fair Housing, you have one year to file a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division

Here at Turn Key Realty, our agents have taken extensive training on Federal Fair Housing.  We pride ourselves abiding by the rules set for by National Association of Realtors and Federal Fair Housing.

Colorado's Changing Colors

September is a month for winding down the summer and getting ready for the wonderful fall that we have here in Colorado.  The leaves will be changing to beautiful yellows, and reds, and orange colors very soon.  

Aspen trees are some of the most beautiful trees in Colorado.  You can see patches of them in the mountains as you travel to the Rocky Mountain National Park.  Their brilliant yellow coloring splashes the roadways and bike/walking trails from September to October.  Poudre Canyon has some amazing bike trails as well as these other five trails. 

Colorado also has the pleasure of oak and maple trees.  Usually, these types of trees have gorgeous scarlet, crimson, and ruby hues.  The pigment in the tree plays a key role in getting the trees ready for the spring.  The chemical in the leaf act as a sunscreen, protecting leaves, especially evergreen trees.  With Colorado's 360 days of sun, the trees need as much sunscreen as they can get.  The red color can also serve to ward off insects and bugs.  Some insects laying eggs in the fall may seek other, weaker trees for their offspring.

The crisp cool changes in temperature during the fall start the food-making process of the leaves.  The length of daylight also has a bearing on the colors changing.  The chlorophyll breaks down, the green color disappears, and the yellow to orange colors become move visible and give leaves the part of their fall splendor. 

Hiking and biking on one of Colorado's most treasured activities.  What better way to get outside and discover the beautiful splendor of the fall in the Rockies.  

If you are interested in living in Colorado, call Margaret at 970-672-6069  Turn Key Realty

10 Reasons To Move To Loveland CO

I get the same response about every time I'm asked where I'm from.  Loveland, Colorado. "Oh, I'd love to live in Colorado".  So why is there such a draw to this area?  Why should you move to Loveland CO?

1. The Rocky Mountains

With views as beautiful as the Rocky Mountains, who wouldn't want to live here.  Every season is as gorgeous as the last one.  From snow-capped mountains to springtime wildflowers, the Colorado Rockies are a breathtaking sight.  The majestic pink skies and cotton candy clouds are a magnificent image. Amazing as it seems, there is a view for anyone who opens their eyes.

2. The Sweetheart City

Since we are known for Love, why not send your sweetheart a Valentine from our city?  Every February you can have your Valentine sent to the Chamber of Commerce, stamped with the official Valentine stamp for the year, and remailed to your sweetheart.  What better way to share your love than with a special Valentine!

3. Big Thompson River & Area Lakes

The Big Thompson River provides excellent fishing opportunities.  If you are a novice fisherman or a beginner, you can catch trout, walleye, bass, or other fish from this river.  Loveland also is the backdrop for a lot of lakes.  In fact, Lake Loveland, Boyd Lake, and Carter Lake are just a few lakes that have public access.  If fishing isn't your forte, paddleboarding, boating, jet skiing, and swimming are other options.  Carter Lake is also home to sailboating enthusiasts. There are a lot more lakes but many are private lakes.  

4. The Public Arts Program

Loveland, CO has 475 pieces of art in its public arts collection.  The arts collection consists primarily of sculptures; however, the collection also includes murals and other flatwork.  Over 150 pieces of the city's sculptures can be found in Loveland's Benson Sculpture Garden.  This "public treasure" draws tens of thousands of visits each year.

5. Hiking/Biking

Loveland is host to 26 miles of bike and hiking trails.   The Recreation Trail System consists of paved trail nearly encircling Loveland and connecting to other regional trails, including Long View Trail and Colorado Front Range Trail.  Take a ride and enjoy the view!!

6. Microbrews

Loveland on tap consists of various brews from Sours to IPA's to Porters and Stouts.  Strawberry beer, chocolate beer, lemon etc.  Different tastes for different folks with 388 breweries in the state of Colorado and 50 new pending licenses as of January 2019.  Entertainment, greenhouses, warehouses, and eclectic decor enhance the experience of the local brews.   A new delicious brew to try each day of the week.  

Living in Loveland is home to all of the above but it's also home to (7.) wonderful schools, (8.)robust higher education opportunities, (9.)a variety of restaurants, and (10.)community events on a regular basis.  

If you are interested in moving to Loveland or Northern Colorado, contact me, Margaret Herdt, Turn Key Realty for all of your real estate needs.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

"Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness"  These words will be celebrated around the United States tomorrow as we will celebrate our 234th birthday America!  July 4th, 1776 our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence.

Thomas Jefferson, who drafted the Declaration of Independence, viewed the relationship between a government and it's citizens a "social compact" among citizens.  Simply by virtue of existing, he believed, every person has an equal right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

What kind of life do American's?  Why do so many foreigners want to move to our country?  Look at the meaning of "liberty" - the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.  This says it all in my opinion.  We can be who we want to be, we can have what we want to have, and we can go where we want to go.  Sure all American's have different views but if we aren't free we have nothing but dreams.  In America, our dreams CAN come true!

The Pursuit of Happiness can be that "dream", that all of us can have a better life for our families.  Safety, security, living without fear, little restraints, freedom to prosper are our rights as an American citizen.  Every person in this country can be happy.  It starts with kindness, compassion, and a love for others.  

As we celebrate in Colorado our "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness" tomorrow, wave the American flag of freedom proudly, be happy to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.  When the "bomb's bursting in air" be proud that we live in the greatest country in the world.  Smile, be kind to all and raise your families to be proud to be an American too.

Documents You Should Fill Out Before You Die

Estate planning is the process of establishing a framework to manage your assets upon death, disability or incapacity. It involves creating documents that outline your wishes. While estate planning is not a pleasant task, it is critical that you implement it before you need it.

Here are seven critical documents necessary to cover the aspects of a well-devised estate plan.

1. Last Will & Testament

The fundamental purpose of a will is to outline who will receive your assets upon your death. Another important purpose of a will is to specify guardianship for your minor children. A guardian is one who takes legal responsibility for the care of your minor or incapacitated children after you are gone. It is important to understand that a will does not become effective until the date of death. So it does not provide any benefits during your lifetime. A will can be changed at any time (assuming you are not mentally incapacitated). It can be amended by using a codicil or revoked by writing a new will. A will can also create a trust upon your death. If your estate is large enough you may also need to incorporate federal estate tax planning into your documents.

2. Trust

A trust is a legal instrument that provides ongoing management for your assets. It can be inter vivos (also known as a Living Trust, which exists during your lifetime) or Testamentary (one that is created by your will upon your death). It is a good idea to leave assets in trust if the beneficiaries are minors, incapacitated, or if they are simply not fiscally responsible. The trust document names a trustee who has the responsibility of managing the assets in the trust and determines when and how much of the trust assets to distribute (subject to the terms you have written in the trust). You may want to name a trustee while your child is under a certain age, say 25 or 30. Then, once your child reaches that specific age, they can either act as their own trustee, or the trust can terminate and distribute all of the assets to your child outright.

3. Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney allows you to empower someone else to act on your behalf for legal and financial decisions. It can be a Durable Power of Attorney, which becomes effective immediately, or a Springing Power of Attorney, which becomes effective upon a stipulated event, typically when you are disabled or mentally incompetent. It is critical that you completely trust the person to whom you provide this power, as he or she can legally act on your behalf.

4. Healthcare Power of Attorney

A Healthcare Power of Attorney (also known as a Medical Power of Attorney) gives a trusted individual the authority to make decisions about your medical treatment should you be unable to do so on your own. No financial authority is granted in this document, only medical power. So you could provide one person the Durable Power of Attorney and another person the Healthcare Power of Attorney if you desire.

5. Living Will

While the Healthcare Power of Attorney authorizes another to make medical decisions on your behalf, a Living Will (also known as a Directive to Physicians) sets out your predetermined wishes regarding end-of-life care should you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious. Essentially it takes the decision to withhold life out of the hands of your medical providers and the ones you love so that they are not burdened by it and so that you can be assured your wishes are respected.

6. HIPAA Release

One of the important provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is the obligation that medical records be kept confidential. While this is definitely an important requirement, it can have severe unintended consequences. Without the legal authority to share medical records, your family may not be able to obtain important information regarding your medical condition and treatment if you were to become incapacitated. A HIPAA release allows your medical providers to share and discuss your medical situation with whomever you specify in the document.

7. Letter of Intent

A Letter of Intent is a simple, non-binding personal letter to the ones you love expressing your desires and special requests. It may include information regarding burial or cremation, or a specific bequest of collectibles or personal items. While it does not typically have legal authority, it can help to clear up confusion regarding your personal preferences.

Estate planning can be complex and the laws vary widely by state. This article is general in nature and is not meant to provide legal advice. I recommend that you engage the services of an estate planning attorney to discuss your wishes and prepare the appropriate documents.

How The Loveland Airport Impacts Our Community

Northern Colorado Regional Airport

The Loveland/Fort CollinsAirport is a small airport, located at 4824 Earhart Road, Loveland CO 80538. It's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.   The Airport impacts our community in a vast array of capacities.  

It is one of the most diverse airports in our state, supporting a mix of almost every facet of air transportation for the region.  There are four main categories of aviation at our Airport. General Aviation, Business, Commercial, and Public Service.

The Loveland/Fort Collins Airport is also a diversion Airport for Frontier, Southwest, and United Airlines when landing at Denver International Airport (DIA) is not possible. 

Many businesses are based on the activities supported by our Airport, which generate specialized employment opportunities that earn greater than average wages.  This level of activity and those jobs contribute significant impacts to the total economic output for our region. 

Fixed Base Operators 

These operators provide Competitive Fuel Prices, Free Wi-Fi, WSI Flight Planning, Transient Hangars, Private Crew Lounge, Crew Cars, Crew Showers, De-icing Type I & IV services and Hot Fuel for Helicopters.

Ground Transportation

Ground transportation is provided by Groome Transporation.  They provide shuttle service to DIA (Denver International Airport) and COS (Colorado Springs Airport)

Aircraft Avionics and Maintenance

 Your repair needs are met onsite when and if you need them.  Mechanics, software updates, warranty work, or a complete engine overhaul can be done with the team of three companies onsite at the Loveland Airport.

Rental Services

Rentals are available through the flying schools. Government agencies rent various aircraft for wildfires, oil and gas implosions, and construction jobs of various types.

Charter and Commercial Helicopter Service

This arena mainly focuses on government contracts such as wildfires and oil and gas implosions. fight natural disasters, emergency air service jobs, and military operations.   They are also equipped for passenger carrying power poles setting, air conditioner sets, photography flights, mining support, and core and conventional drilling.

The Trans Aero LTD Helicopters are capable of flying missions anywhere in the United States or the World.

We are so blessed to have such a diverse opportunity for our community and one that makes such a financial and service impact.  

Six 5k Walks around Loveland CO This Spring/Summer

There are lots of different walking events in and around Loveland CO this spring and summer. Here are six runs that are coming soon.

If you are a beginning runner, going from zero to 5k, you will need about two months to prepare.  Here are some tips to help you get off the couch and onto the trails.

• Start out by walking/running three times a week
• Alternate between walking and running for about 30 minutes, decreasing the time you walk each week.
• Every week, transition one of your 30-minute run/walks into a three-mile walk, until you're doing three miles three times a week
• Gradually increase the mileage of one-run a week until you are doing five miles once a week.

Here are six 5k runs for you to check out and register for.  What better way to get in shape and contribute to a cause.  

_________________________________________________________________________________

April 20

Loveland Classic

Supports:  Early Childhood Education

Visit website:  Loveland Classic 

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May 11

CerusRuk (obstacle + race)

Supports:  Roberta's Legacy - breast cancer 

Visit website: CerusRuk

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June 2

Crazy Leggs 10k Run

Supports:  Devils Backbone Run

Visit website:  Crazy Legs Run

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June 15

Sierra's Race

Supports:  Meningitis

Visit website:  Sierra's Race

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July 4

Loveland Liberty 5k

Supports:  Life for the Innocent

Visit Website:  Loveland Liberty

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August 9

Valley 5000

Supports:  House of Neighborly Service

Visit Website:  Valley 5000

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Walkable Neighborhoods

Loveland CO Public Transporation route

More American's prefer living in a walkable, mixed use neighborhoods with easy access to amenities according to a Community Preference Study done by the  NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. More than half (56%) of respondents said they preferred living in a walkable neighborhood over one that requires more driving between work, home, and recreation.  When considering a home purchase, 77% of respondents say they would look for locations with abundant sidewalks, while 50% say they would rather see improvements to public transit systems than initiatives to build new roads. 

While space is important to many home buyers, some say theyare willing to sacrifice more square footage if it means less driving. Nearly three out of five home buyers say they would choose a smaller home if it's location promised commute time of less than 20 minutes.

Walking can play a significant role in your health, your quality of life, and your enjoyment of the outdoors in Loveland, Colorado. 

Loveland Colorado Is All Above Love

February is the love month and Loveland, CO is all about love. This year there are numerous ways to celebrate in the Sweatheart City of Loveland.

On February 8th and 9th the city will hold it's Sweatheart Festival.  The event will feature:

• Art Shows
• Palace of Sweats
• Beer garden
• Musical performances
• Fire Hoola-Hooper
• And lots of vendors and happenings

More Hearts Added Each Year 

Each year, the Chamber dedicates an average of three to five HeARTs, continuing a program started by the former nonprofit Engaging Loveland as a sculpture project, launched a decade ago on Feb. 16, 2008.  You can view the hearts at local businesses throughout Loveland.  Each is unique and has a different theme.

Valentine Remailing Program

Also the ‘Sweetheart City,’ has been doing the Valentine Re-Mailing Program for 73 years. Each year, the city and its volunteers lovingly hand stamp and re-mail valentines from all 50 states and more than 110 countries. Many of the ‘Sweetheart City’s’ residents are thrilled about the program, so much so that there is a waiting list of volunteers to stamp and re-mail valentines. Loveland’s Re-Mailing Program has grown to be the largest program of its kind.  If you plan on mailing a Valentine from Loveland there is a deadline so visit the website for details.

As you make your way around our city you will find the loving spirit of it's community.  If you want to live in the Sweetheart City please reach out to me.  I would be more than happy to show you around.  

Margaret Herdt, Broker/Owner 

970-672-6069

Loveland, CO Walking Trails

Colorado is known for it's healthy people.  One of the great benefits we have in Loveland, is all of the walking trails and bike trails.  What better way to improve your health and see the sites of Loveland than by walking.  You can walk by a lake, look at beautiful homes, walk by parks, or enjoy the peace and quite of the foothills. 

Walking Trail Map

Most subdivisions in Loveland have a walking trail nearby or at least within a short drive.  22 miles of trails border the city.  One of my favorite is the trail by Horseshoe Lake and Boyd Lake.  It's so beautiful to look at the lake. You will also meet bikers and others walkers who will greet you with a smile.

There are many other paths around town that are not on this major route. They are smaller and pass through the subdivisions or parks.

Major Walking map of Loveland

Maps are available to pick up at numerous locations around the city, including the Loveland Visitor's Center, Boyd Lake State Park, Chilson Recreation Center, various bicycle shops, or at the Parks & Recreation administrative office (500 E. Third St., Suite 200). 

If you are interested in more information about the different kinds of trails and locations, go to the City of Loveland.

Move To Loveland

It's a great place to live.  Not only is it beautiful, but if you are looking for a healthy place to live or relocate to, reach out to me at 970-672-6069.  Turn Key Realty will help you buy the perfect real estate to stay happy and healthy.   

 

Loveland Library - Inform, Enrich, and Inspire

You can do or find anything you can imagine at the Loveland Library located at 300 N Adams Ave in Loveland, CO.  The Loveland Public Library is a dynamic, evolving organization, dedicated to providing our community members equal access to the space, information, and resources they need. They are a medium-sized library serving a community of 70,000, tucked in the Front Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. They completed a LEED Gold-certified renovation and expansion in 2012, with special focus on cutting-edge technologies and education resources. The mission of the Loveland Public Library is to inform, enrich, and inspire, thereby engaging and strengthening the community.

COMPUTER LAB
47 computers make up the computer lab.  All you need to do is scan your library card to reserve a computer.  There is a 2 hour time limit and is free.  Printers are available for a fee

Computer Classes are held on a regular basis and can be taken in person or online.  They offer classes on Wordpress, Excel, computer basics, Gmail 101, and many other classes.  

DOWNLOADABLES
The library has many resources to download movies, books, courses, and even the New York Times.  Why pay for this entertainment or information if you don't have to.  The resources available to you are so vast that you will never get bored.

EVENTS
The events are vast at the Loveland Public Library.  Children events are a big draw for the library.  Preschool story time, Robokids, and the Library Play group are just a few of the children events held weekly or monthly.

For the adults the library offers a Knitting group, book groups, Geneology help, a Mahjong Group, and other events.  This bi-monthly calendar will help you determine what is going on and when.

BUSINESS HELP
If you want to learn about small business loans, Colorado Small business resources, or even National Small business resources, the library and it's staff are more than happy to help you with your search.  With your library card you can go to Lynda.com.  It's a leading online learning platform and helps anyone learn about business, software, technology, and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals.