Fourth of July Celebrations in Fort Collins, Colorado

With July 4th, 2008 coming up, I thought I’d share some of the great events going on in Fort Collins, Colorado.  For the past several years my family has headed back to Boston to visit my parents, sister, friends and extended family to celebrate the fourth and watch the fireworks either at the Boston Hatch Shell or sitting on the wall at Hampton Beach in New Hampshire, but this year we will be in Fort Collins.  There will be a lot of family activities going on around town so be sure to check out a few of the happenings.

I’ll get into the events but first I wanted to list a couple of my favorite spots in Fort Collins to watch the local fireworks.  The best place, IMHO, is from up at Horsetooth Reservoir looking down at the city lights…it is a magnificent view and the fireworks display is simply breathtaking from up there.  My second favorite place to watch the fireworks is from City Park.  For either viewing place, I recommend arriving early as there will be lots of people trying to get the best vantage point seats and parking spots.  Remember to bring chairs, blankets, food and drinks…trust me. 

 Here are the events going on in Fort Collins and don’t forget that the Red Sox will be playing the Yankees over the weekend so find time to root on my BoSox!  

The Civic Center Entertainment:

The activities and entertainment begin at 11:00am in the Civic Center Park (Just behind the Justice Center – LaPorte and Mason) and include music, gynmnastics, food, snocones, and hotdogs.  Lots of food, activity, a petting zoo and craft booths will be in the park along with bounce castles, and hands on games.

 

11am-12:30pm    Interstate Cowboy ~ Western Swing/Americana

12:30-1:00pm     Pie-Eating Contest (Only 12 competitors – ages 10 & under)

1:00-1:45pm        Mountain Kids Gymnastics Performance

1:45-2:00pm        Hula Hoop Contest (All Ages welcome)

2:00-4:00pm       Billy Pilgrims – Hot Bluegrass

4:30-6:00pm       Jockamo ~ Bluesiana Party Music

 

The Old Town Square Entertainment:

Live music, a beer garden and good ole American fun are in the square from 11-6:00pm

FREE and open to the public, so bring your blankets, your lawn chairs, your sunscreen and enjoy the sunshine on July 4th Downtown.

 

11:30-1:30pm – The Atoll ~ World Groove

2:00-4:00pm - Mojambus ~ Blues, Blues & Mo’ Blues

4:30-6:00pm - Mojomama ~ Hip Shaking Grooves

For more information about Fort Collins.

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The Fort Collins Brewfest 2008

If you are into great beer, food and music then you don’t want to miss out on this year’s brewfest in downtown Fort Collins.  This will be the 19th annual Coloardo Brewers’ Festival and it will take place on June 28 and 29 (Saturday & Sunday), 2008 in downtown Fort Collins, Colorado.  There will be over 50 Colorado beers to sample and you can enjoy great live music as well…the brewfest hours are from 11:00am to 6:00pm each day.

The admission cost is $10 for a 2-day pass or a $6 Sunday only pass.  The beer tokens are $2 which you need to get your beer samples.  Be nice to the volunteers pouring your sample!

The brewfest is made up solely of Colorado Breweries, including host breweries from Fort Collins: Anheuser-Busch, Big Horn Brewery/CB & Potts, Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing, New Belgium Brewing Co., Fort Collins Brewery, and Odell’s Brewing.  My personal favorite beer is the Punjabi Pale Ale from Coopersmiths and it’s even better in cask condition. 

What goes great with beer?  Other than pizza and nachos!  Great local music is the correct answer!  You will definitely want to check out these local Colorado bands while you imbibe on our local brews.  

 

       

Saturday, June 28                                Sunday, June 29

11:45am-1:30pm    Archie Funker       11:45am-1:30pm    the jimi austin

 2:00-3:45pm          Soul Feel                2:00-3:45pm          Pineapple Crackers

 4:15-6:00pm          Motorhome            4:15-6:00pm          The Corduroy

 

Be sure to check out The Jimi Austin Band and say hello to our friend, Simon playing bass. 

 

The Taste of Fort Collins 2008

If you are looking for something fun and different to do this weekend in Fort Collins then stop by the Taste of Fort Collins on Saturday and/or Sunday and enjoy all the different foods Fort Collins has to offer.  This event will take place on Saturday from 11am to 9pm and on Sunday from 11am to 7pm at the Civic Center Park by Laporte Avenue and Howes Street.

The gate fee is $10 per person; children 11 and younger, seniors over 65 and military with ID get in FREE!  The food is extra but there are lots of kids activities going on including a kid karaoke stage.  For the adults, there is a beer garden, wine pavilion and food and wine demonstrations.

There will be many different styles of food to sample from Mexican, Indian, Italian, America, BBQ, pizza, desserts and just about anything you could want…this is one of Fort Collins’ best outdoor events.

Also, there will be live performances by local and national musical acts.  Here is the list:

Saturday

11:15am: Jessica Sonner

Noon: Stylish Summer Soiree

12:30pm: Set Forth

1:15pm: Cooking Together

2:00pm: The Informants

2:30pm: Culinary Creativity

3:30pm: Buckner Funken Jazz

5:00pm: Hearts of Palm

5:15pm: Eliot’s Mess Meatball Madness Sandwich Eating Contest

7:00pm: National act: Lifehouse

Sunday

11:00am: Michael Cole

Noon: Brethren Fast

Noon: Cool Summer Whites

1:30pm: The Heyday

1:30pm: Caribbean Coolers

3:00pm: Angie Stevens & The Beautiful Wreck

3:00pm: The Odell Beer Tasting Tour

4:15pm: Buffalo Wild Wings’ Blazin’ Boneless Buffalo Wing Eating Contest

5:00pm: National act: Shawn Colvin

Those are two very recognizable national acts headlining each evening so don’t miss out on your opportunity for some great food and live music outdoors under our beautiful Colorado sky…I hope to see you there.

For more information on the Taste of Fort Collins, visit their website: www.TasteOfFortCollins.com.

Seniors Real Estate Specialist in Fort Collins, Colorado

What is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)?  Realtors with the SRES designation are specifically trained to serve the needs and interests of real estate buyers and sellers age 50 plus.  I received my SRES designation in 2007 because I saw a great need to provide the same type of specialization that we receive as we age in health care…so why shouldn’t we receive the same in our housing and equity as well?

Today’s seniors have unique needs and as an SRES, my goals are to:

• Learn of anyone who will be involved in the decision making
• Build trust and rapport
• Define your parameters
• Help you form realistic expectations
• Consider alternatives in some cases
• Learn your needs and goals, life stage, health and activity stage, and motives for buying or selling
• Find out how this purchase/sale fits into long-term plans
• Plan a strategy for finding the right property or plan a strategy for selling your home

Each individual has unique needs.  I can help you because I have…

• A solid comprehension of Federal Laws for Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA)
• Sensitivity to 50+ issues and priorities
• The devotion to provide reputable services that win and sustain trusting client and customer relationships

Purchase, Sale or Investment Housing Options:

• From communities that enable independent living to facilities that provide assistance and care
• Learn how pensions, 401K accounts, and IRA’s can be used in the purchase of real estate
• Examine how additional sources of income – Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security may impact your real estate decisions
• Look at all available financing methods including reverse mortgages

SRES designees are not qualified to give financial or legal advice.  That is why I have assembled a team of experts to help serve you.  My team will provide you with professional advice, council, and direct attention to your specific needs.

Looking for a home can be frustrating at times.  If you need additional information, I can provide you with relevant resources and answers to any of your real estate related questions.

Are you undecided about your next move?  Part of my SRES course was dedicated to understanding current market trends, recent research, and the pros and cons accumulated by National and Government programs in these areas of interest:

• Active Lifestyles
• Independent Living
• Assisted Living
• Continuing Care
• Care Facilities
• Age-restricted Communities

A customized approach to your real estate needs is one of the many services I will offer to you.  I have the knowledge and expertise to counsel you through major financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, refinancing, or selling the family home.  My team and I will offer you the opportunity to complete a real estate transaction with the patience, professionalism and expertise you deserve.

 Are you looking for a dedicated real estate professional?  One that will take the time and effort to complete a transaction that meets YOUR standards?  Look no further!  My knowledge and experience in the 50+ market will open up the door for a well-paced successful real estate transaction.

I am also a member of the Elder Care Network (ECN) of Larimer County which is a collaboration of family members and community professionals working to help caregivers, their families and support groups join with their elders to plan transitions, explore options, and support life choices.  This website is a great local resource for family and caregivers to locate information and resources that support the process of caregiving.

The local Fort Collins newspaper, The Coloradoan, ran an article on my specialization working with adults over the age of 50…click here to read the article.

You can search for homes online at: www.SearchFortCollinsMLS.com or email me directly for additional information at: SRESMike@MikeMalvey.com.  I’d be happy to assist you with real estate or caregiver questions so don’t hesitate to contact me: 970-420-7235.

Short-term housing in the Fort Collins, Colorado area for relocation

Based on feedback from my clients, there is a real need for short-term housing options in Fort Collins, Colorado and the surrounding towns of Loveland and Windsor.  Many people are relocating to Northern Colorado and would prefer to rent an apartment or condo before choosing a long term home whether that is a home purchase or leasing for a longer term.

I have researched places in Fort Collins that offer short-term rentals at an affordable rate.  Also, quite often I will have an executive condo available that might fit your temporary needs so email me to see if I have some available at: Mike@MikeMalvey.com.  If you think you will be purchasing a home down the road then you might want to search for available homes to get a feel for the local market: www.SearchFortCollinsMLS.com

Here is a list of short-term options in Fort Collins.

New Colony Apartments

1917 S. Shields

970-484-7754

They have 6 month leases available that include water, sewer, trash and basic cable.

2 bedrooms = $699-$799

1 bedroom = $600-$660

$250 security deposit

$15 application fee nonrefundable

Heritage Park Apartments

1742 Heritage Circle

970-221-2015

They have 3 month leases available but do not include any utilities.

2 bedrooms = $859

1 bedroom = $739

$200 security deposit

$300 pet deposit (half is refundable)

Somerset Apartments

451 E. Boardwalk Drive

970-226-0853

They have 6 month leases available that include water, sewer, trash and basic cable.

2 bedrooms = $845

1 bedroom = $685

$250 security deposit

$15 application fee

$300 pet deposit with half refundable

Stone Creek Apartments

1225 W. Prospect

970-221-5328

They have a fully furnished executive condo (2bedroom, 1 bathroom) available for 3-6 month lease terms that includes gas and electric.

The rent is $900

$250 security deposit of which $100 is refundable and $150 is nonrefundable (a move-in and administration fee)

$35 application fee

$300 pet deposit of which $100 is refundable and $200 is nonrefundable

35 pound maximum weight limit for pets

Argyle Apartments

2002 Battlecreek Drive

970-229-1882

They have 6 month leases available that include trash only.

2 bedrooms = $905

1 bedroom = $745-$810

$250 security deposit

$35 application fee

$200 pet deposit

$30 pet month fee for a pet

Carousel Properties

4920 McMurray Ave., Bldg. A

970-223-7070

They have month-to-month leases that include all utilities and Internet.

1 bedroom = $1,400

2 bedrooms = $1,600

3 bedrooms = $1,800

Homewood Suites by Hilton

 

1520 Oakridge Drive

970-225-2400

Conveniently located just a few miles off I-25 & Harmony exit

1 & 2 bedroom suites equipped with kitchens

Daily complimentary hot breakfast

Complimentary in-suite high-speed Internet access

Complimentary light meal and beverage Monday through Thursday evenings

Business center

Swimming pool, sports court and exercise room

Complimentary grocery shopping service – they actually pick up your food at no charge

This is a perfect hotel for people coming in to Fort Collins for a brief stay for a job interview or to look at potential homes.  I just had clients stay here and they raved about the customer service and amenities.

 

 

 

 

These are all wonderful short-term options for people relocating to our great City of Fort Collins, Colorado.  Our city offers many amenities for outdoor enthusiasts, as well as various arts and museums, and a plethora of restaurants.  If you are interested in receiving a free relocation package which would include the local demographics, school directory and maps then email me at: MikeRelocates@MikeMalvey.com. 

I hope you found this information helpful as you contemplate your relocation to Fort Collins, Colorado.