7 Reasons To Move To Loveland Colorado

Loveland, Colorado has all you will need in a community.  It's known as the "Sweetheart City".  Yes, that's right.  Its population is about 80,000 and it's nestled between the popular college town of Fort Collins, CO, and the state capital Denver, CO.

Here are 7 reason's that you should move here:

1.  With Love From Loveland

Being known as the Sweetheart City has its traditions.   Every February the city has a Valentine Re-mailing program.  It is known worldwide for its hand-stamped Valentines from LOVELAND.  Participants send their Valentine to the Loveland Chamber of Commerce.  Volunteers stamp an official Loveland Colorado cachet and stamp on the cards and mail them to the recipient.  This tradition has been going on since 1940.

2.  Art Culture

Loveland is known for its art.  One of the more popular and recognized art shows is SCULPTURE IN THE PARK.  It is known as one of the finest outdoor juried exhibitions of three-dimensional art in the United States. Artists from around the world participate in the show that is held on the second weekend of  August each year.   Thousands of sculptures of all tastes are on exhibit.  Benson Sculpture Park is the location for the exhibit and sale and it's a must-see.

Downtown Loveland features many Art Galleries.  Some of the galleries offer classes as well as studio spaces.

Artists have transformed Loveland and have blessed the residence with beautiful pieces to enjoy in parking lots, in front of businesses, museums, and events. 

3.  Numerous Lakes

If you are someone who enjoys fishing, boating, paddleboarding, or swimming, Loveland has many lakes that are available for your enjoyment.  Lake Loveland is close to Benson Sculpture Park and is centrally located.  The lake itself is reserved for the use of surrounding homeowners, but the south shore allows guests to fish and enjoy the Rocky Mountain view.  North Lake Park is a common gathering space, with a swim beach, a park with a train, playgrounds, BBQ/picnic area, an amphitheater and a place to view the ducks, geese, and events.  Some of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Loveland are located by small mountain runoff ponds.  My favorite lake is Carter Lake.  Carter lake is about 25 minutes south of Loveland.  It's known for paddleboarding, fishing, a sailing club and boating.  It's about 3 miles long, so it's more than enough lake to "get away from it all".  

4.  Health Care At Its Finest

There is quite a range of healthcare options in Loveland CO.  UCHealth of the Rockies is highly ranked and is a teaching hospital.  McKee Hospital has been a part of the community for over 30 years and is a medical and surgical facility.  Urgent care facilities and walk-in clinics and free and income based clinics are available as well.

In the non-traditional medicine area, you can find acupuncture, massage, chiropractic care, holistic health care, healing arts, homeopathic practitioners, naturopathic medicine, and many more options.

There is something for everyone's needs and desires.

5. Endless Restaurants 

One of my favorite restaurants is a Cajun Restaurant called Betta Gumbo.  It's a Cajun eatery and features catfish, beignets, and has a New Orleans feel.  You can't go wrong with any item you decide to try.  If you sit on the patio, you can listen to local music and events going on at the Foundry.

Another one of my frequented locations is Bai Tong.  It's a Thai restaurant with the best curry dishes.  It's in a quaint old home that's been transformed into a casual, calming restaurant with an extensive menu for all tastes.

Variety abounds from the traditional Franchises to food trucks.  It doesn't matter where you are in town, you will be able to find Mexican, Italian, Sandwich shops, Bakeries, Breakfast, Asian, or just plain old American food at it's finest.

6.  Biking and Hiking Trails

As you can tell already Colorado is an outdoor haven.  According to U.S. News, Colorado is ranked 8th healthiest state in the United States.  There are avid hikers and bikers with numerous paths in the area.  Among the top trails is Devils Backbone, Pinewood Lake Trail, and Marianna Butte Trail.  There are hundreds of different places to enjoy the beautiful scenery and smell the abundant wildflowers.  More than likely on your adventure you will bask in the enjoyment of nature.  Mule deer, elk, raccoons, prairie dogs, snakes, are just a few creatures you may encounter.  Whether you want a short nature walk or a 25-mile ride, Loveland has you covered.  You won't be disappointed.

7.  Golf Anyone

Loveland has three courses to choose from.

The Cattail golf course is a 9 hole, 3 par course.  It's great for the beginner or someone who wants to improve their short game. 

The Olde Course is an 18 hole course located right in the middle of town.  This course is a 50-year-old course and is beautifully manicured with mature landscaping.  It features water holes and tree-lined fairways.  It has a fun layout and is enjoyed by all.

And the third is the Marianna Butte golf course.  It is an award-winning 18 hole golf course.  Its scenery is breathtaking and it can be challenging to say the least.  It is pricier than the other two but definitely worth it.

Memorial Day Amidst COVID19

Memorial Day may be a bit different this year as COVID19 has hampered our ability for large gatherings in parks, our lakes, and with families/friends.  Although it is a strange year, we can still honor our Military is the following ways:

American Flag

Our flag has taken on many changes since 1976.  But all in all, it still represented the American Dream of freedom for all.  The thirteen stripes represent the thirteen British Colonies that declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain and became the first states in the U.S. 

The 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states of the United States of America.

Without that military personnel that has fought for our freedom and proudly gave their lives for us, we could not be as bonded as a nation under God, with liberty, and justice for all.

Fly our flag proudly for our vet's!!  

Visit Cemetary/Memorials Virtually

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.  Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials.  People place flags, flowers, potted plants to honor their loved ones.  Many Veterans Clubs place individual flags on graves of the vet's.  

Each national cemetery will still conduct a wreath-laying ceremony along with a moment of silence and the playing of Taps, which will be live-streamed on the National Cemetery Administration's Facebook page.

Camp/BBQ/Vacation

Memorial Day is the official start of the summer season.  This year may have changed many families' plans for travel or vacation during the pandemic, but the spirit of summer is still alive and well in America.  People are getting so creative during this COVID19 virus.  In Loveland, CO there is a gathering (in your car of course) with 5 comedians on 11th Street downtown.  Families are going to the Drive-In Movie.  Cocktail hour on Zoom with friends.  Even churches are having virtual events. 

Whatever it takes to have a sense of community. We will prevail and our veterans have much to do with our pride in America  

Thank you veterans and their families for allowing us the privilege of being the Greatest Country in the World.  

Patio Homes - Are They For You

If you are among the 73,000 Baby Boomers, you may be considering downsizing your home or moving closer to your children.  One of the home options you have is a Patio Home.  

What Is A Patio Home

The definition of a patio home can vary greatly, but generally, a patio home is a smaller, single-family home with a small yard and lot.  (oh dear that could be most new construction nowadays).  It's a "cluster" of homes in a community. with the same architecture/style.  Some have a clubhouse, gym, walking paths, social events, but not all.

Loveland Patio Communities

Today Loveland CO has 11 patio homes for sale ranging from $307k - $556k.  Most of them have a Home Owners Association that takes care of lawn maintenance, snow removal, common areas such as parks, trees, and beautification of those areas.  Some cover exterior maintenance. 

Why Would I Want To Buy A Patio Home

• You don't enjoy yard work
• You don't want to shovel snow in the winter
• You want to travel - usually, the neighbors watch out for one another
• Easy to clean because they are smaller in size
• Since you are so close to the neighbors, generally you get to know them
• Most aren't high-end homes so they are cost-effective
• Some take care of exterior maintenance of the home
• Some are age restrictive 

Why Would You Avoid a Patio Home

• You prefer to have a little space from your neighbors
• You don't like the way the exterior yards are maintained
• You don't like the rules of the HOA
• You would rather hire someone to take care of a problem right away instead of wait for the HOA to approve cutting down a tree for instance.  
• You might not care for the restrictions ie exterior paint restriction, landscape restrictions, remodel restrictions
• If you are not a conforming person, this might not be a suitable fit

Generally, patio homes are a great way to downsize. 

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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.

Moving Out Of The Area? Realtors are Great Resources

Real estate agents are a great resource if you planning on buying a home or selling a home. But, did you know that when you move out of the area, they also can be a valuable resource?    I, like other agents, are continually seeking continuing education.  During conferences, webinars, virtual learning events, I am networking with other agents around the world.

Why Is This Important To You

As a Certified Residential Specialist, Buffini and Company agent, an Independent Broker Group agent, and many other certifications and groups that I belong to, I have access to the best of the best agents.  These agents come from all walks of life and locations.

It is important to me, and to you, to refer you to an agent I know is ethical, is the right fit for you, and who is knowledgeable about the area that you are moving to.

Why Not Just Call Anyone

When you decide to move, you will have a lot of other things to think about.  Moving companies, schools, new jobs, what location should I buy-in, where can I stay temporarily, etc.  Why leave it to chance.  The most important decision you make is for your family.  The agents I recommend for you can be a great wealth of information such as Dr's, Vet, church, good places to eat or places to explore.  You could get an agent who is new to the business.  Everyone needs to start somewhere but when you are moving to a location you are not familiar with, I'm not sure this is a good choice.

I am not just real estate agents but a good resource and wealth of knowledge about the market.

When To DIY and When To Get Help

Homeowners can see expenses add up quickly. From home improvement projects to ticky-tack repairs, people are looking to avoid additional costs for their home. But what projects make sense to take care of on your own, and which ones need professional assistance? Here are some examples that will help guide your plans and know which projects to DIY and when to get help!

DIY Projects 

Clogged pipes

You can often fix these with plungers or commercial drain cleaning products.

Broken toilet handle

If your toilet doesn’t flush, remove the tank lid and see if the chain is detached from the lever.

HVAC maintenance

You can easily change your system’s filter yourself. 

Blown fuse

Simply throwing the switch in your circuit breaker could get your power back on.

New light switches

It’s fairly easy to replace a switch. Just make sure you turn off the circuit breaker before touching any electrical outlet. home improvement 101 When to DIY and when to hire help Trained Professional Required

Trained Professional Required

Major electrical work

Anything involving wiring can be extremely dangerous and should be left to a licensed electrician. ÄExtensive plumbing replacement— Replacing any fixtures can cause extensive flooding if not done properly.

VAC installation

Since these are some of the more expensive pieces of equipment in your home, don’t try installing units yourself, as it may void the warranty.

Remodeling Projects

Don't start knocking down or building new walls without discussing the idea with a maintenance or remodeling professional.

Do it yourself or Hire a Professional?  You have to make that call depending on your confidence.  I have many resources if you are in need of a plumber, electrician, or remodel contractor.  Feel free to reach out to me for a professional.  Or a move-in ready homes or new construction homes.  Please reach out to me for any help.  970-672-6069  Margaret Herdt at Turn Key Realtyhttps://www.turnkeyrealtyco.com/.