| Ft. Collins/Loveland Airport Gets Great Reviews |
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http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012202050330
Sometimes, convenience costs more for Northern Colorado travelers flying on Allegiant Airlines out of the Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport.
But not always.
And for many, the price of a shorter drive, fewer people and a faster security line vs. Denver International Airport is worth it.
Since 2003, travelers have been able to catch flights of less than two hours from Fort Collins to Las Vegas, and in 2010, service to Phoenix began. Flights are operating around 97 percent capacity, said Jason Licon, airport manager.
Travelers going through the airport park mere feet from the terminal building (and pay $5 per day to do it). They pass through a small security checkpoint adjacent to the concessions area (a bar that sells snacks and beverages) and then shuffle over to a modular building next door, where they wait for the plane to arrive. Then they head to the tarmac and climb the stairs leading into the MD-80 aircraft.
Several passengers waiting to board a flight to Las Vegas on a recent Friday said they didn't have to pay extra for the local flight that day.
"It's either about the same or cheaper" than flying out of DIA, said Windsor resident Allyson Stevens, who flies to Las Vegas about once a year. In fact, compared to her trips through DIA, there are no drawbacks to speak of at the local airport, she said.
Passengers had nothing negative to say about the humble airport facilities. The waiting area was buzzing with content travelers who simply seemed happy to be there.
The airport's future could bring more flights to the West Coast, airport officials said at a Loveland Chamber of Commerce forum last month addressing the status of the airport.
With the airline bringing on new aircraft equipped to fly to Hawaii, flights to the West Coast would open the door to more exotic travel from Fort Collins' back yard.
That would be just fine with Carla and Steve Christler of Loveland, who have been flying on Allegiant since service began at the airport.
As long as the landing is smooth, Steve Christler said.
One of his Allegiant experiences wasn't exactly a perfect landing, he said, eyeing the cloudy skies and wondering aloud whether the takeoff that day would be rough.
Still, the 10-minute drive from home and the more laid-back airport experience keeps them coming back.
The Fort Collins flights also bring regional travelers to town.
Jack and Diana Berger drove 170 miles from Sarasota, Wyo., to catch a flight to Las Vegas. They could have caught a flight out of Casper, Wyo., but the timing wasn't right. And they could have caught a flight in Cheyenne, but they still would have had to connect in Denver, they said.
posted: February 7, 2012
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| Halliburton to build a $20million facility in Windsor, CO |
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http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_19776949
Houston-based Halliburton will build a $20 million sand terminal in Windsor to support its hydraulic fracturing activity in the Denver-Julesburg Basin, the company said.
Halliburton will use 54 acres in the Great Western Industrial Park, which is being developed by the Denver-based Broe Group.
Sand is a key component in fracking fluid, which is pumped into wells under pressure to fracture rock and release more oil and gas. The sand props open the tiny fissures.
There has been an increase in hydrofracturing the in the basin as companies search the Niobrara formation, which is more than 6,000 feet below the surface, for oil deposits using horizontally drilled wells.
"With the increasing interest in horizontal well development in the DJ Basin, we have seen an increase in exploration and production by some of our key customers," Halliburton senior region vice president Rick Grisinger said in a statement.
The company said the new terminal will support more than 500 employees working in the basin. Halliburton has 1,600 employees in Colorado.
Halliburton said it anticipates hiring for a variety of positions and that information can be found at www.gohalliburton.com.
Construction of the sand terminal will begin in the first quarter of 2012, with operations expected to begin in the second quarter of the year.
Read more: Halliburton to build $20 million terminal in Windsor to support hydraulic fracturing activity - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_19776949#ixzz1jwq8duVo
Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse
posted: January 19, 2012
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| Windsor Basketball Off To A Good Start |
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http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20120106/WINDSORBEACON02/201060316/Windsor-boys-prep-champs-victory-home-opener?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Windsor Beacon|p
Lucas Watts was the first player off the bench in the Wizards' 79-42 win over Erie at home on Wednesday night, but his season-high 10 points simply highlighted a team contribution that saw points from 13 different players.
Team scoring leader Aaron Schmidt still topped all shooters with 13 points but struggled to get going, missing his first four field goals.
That sluggish start was covered up by a balanced scoring effort and a Windsor defense that allowed just 23 points in the first half and pressured Erie for 18 total steals.
Fellow starters Mitch Spykstra (11 points) and Drew Martin (10) helped Windsor (6-3) pull away in the third quarter when things started to click offensively. Martin hit a pair of three-pointers in that third quarter, and at times, the 6-foot-5 Spykstra looked nearly unstoppable beneath the basket.
Sophomore Dalton Walker nearly matched his season-high by coming off the bench against Erie (1-8) for nine points, while Alex Baldwin leaned on a strong first half to finish with eight points.
Zach Peck and David Watson both scored their first varsity points of the season for an improving Windsor team that needed a big win in its first Tri-Valley meeting heading into Friday night's road matchup against defending state champ Sterling (7-0).
That battle will not only be a rematch of last season's Class 4A state final, but it may also be a preview of teams many expect to make an appearance in Boulder again this season.
The two traded victories last season before Sterling won convincingly in the finals. One of the state's top recruits, Xavier Talton, returns to lead Sterling, while Windsor will be looking to its team depth to get the upper hand
posted: January 6, 2012
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| Listings Down, Prices Up in NoCO Residential Real Estate |
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http://www.ncbr.com/article.asp?id=60869&en=1
November 16, 2011 --
Residential real estate listings are down in all three Northern Colorado areas monitored by the multiple listing service Information and Real Estate Service, pushing median home prices up.
In the Fort Collins area, single-family-detached listings decreased to 1,132 in October from 1,273 in October 2010.
Median sales prices increased for detached units in Fort Collins, from $225,000 to $234,845 year-over-year in October.
In the Loveland-Berthoud area, the number of detached listings decreased to 807 in October from 969 in October 2010.
Median sales price for detached listings increased year-over-year in Loveland-Berthoud for the third month in a row, from $211,000 in October 2010 to $215,000.
In the Greeley-Evans market, detached listings decreased to 471 in October from 664 in October 2010.
Median sales price for detached listings in Greeley-Evans increased year-over-year for the second month in a row, from $124,900 in October 2010 to $135,000 in October.
posted: November 16, 2011
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| Healthiest Housing Markets |
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http://www.builderonline.com/local-markets/heathiest-housing-markets-mid-2011-update.aspx?page=1
There is a lot of great information in this article, so we're just including excerpts that pertain to Northern Colorado homes. Please click on the link to read the entire article! -Moira Bright, Water Valley Marketing
By:Boyce ThompsonRelated Articles Share
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What can you say about the fickle economic forces that drive the home building industry? Markets that were among the healthiest six months ago have lost favor, due to weakness in the oil and gas sector of the economy. They've been replaced in some cases by unexpected markets that have worked through job losses and foreclosures to reach a much brighter place.
Twice annually, Builder works with Hanley Wood Market Intelligence to compile a list of the healthiest housing markets in the United States, based on forward projections for the metrics that drive housing production--jobs, price appreciation, population growth, and income growth. The projections come from Moody's Economy.com.
Earlier this year, markets in Texas and the Carolinas dominated the list looking at 2011 market-level forecasts, thanks to growth in the oil economy in the case of Texas, and strong population growth in the case of the Carolinas. Both regions also had on their side a recovery in home prices as they worked through foreclosure issues.
Economic conditions in the oil patch aren't quite as favorable today. And some bloom has come off the rose in the Carolinas, where home prices in some markets have double-dipped. As a result, our forward-looking view of the 20 healthiest markets is a little different today.
A lot has happened in the housing market since we last compiled this list in February. We had a double-dip in home prices. Only a small improvement in employment occurred on a national basis. And the long-vaunted housing recovery, which most housing economists pegged for late this year, hasn't materialized.
Rising home prices, job gains, and improvement in median incomes will drive the healthiest markets over the next year and a half. Moody's projects that permit activity may double in some of the very hottest of these markets, as the long-awaited housing recovery takes hold.
Markets that benefit from military spending, or major universities, once again crowd the top of our list. Some markets hit the trifecta with military bases, big universities, and strong private sector employment. But several of the state capitals that appeared on previous versions of the list have dropped to the bottom due to fiscal problems that resulted in layoffs.
Here, without further ado, are the 20 healthiest housing markets based on forecasts through 2012. Though permits weren't used to produce the market health calculations, we've included forecasts for total housing permits in 2011 and 2012 to give you a sense of how big the market is and how much it's expected to grow over the next 18 months.
20: Greeley, Colo.
Health Index: 72
2010 Population Forecast: 252,825
2011 Total Building Permit Forecast: 1,532
2012 Total Building Permit Forecast: 2,510
The forces lifting the housing market along Colorado's Front Range are spilling into Greeley, located about an hour's drive northwest of Denver. Home prices here never got out of control during the housing boom and reset early in the housing recession. Also, the region dealt early and effectively with its foreclosure situation.
Now, positive economic forces are taking hold along Colorado's Front Range. In fact, all the main drivers of new home construction, home prices, jobs, population, and incomes, are expected to turn solidly positive in Greeley next year.
Home to Northern Colorado University and the North Colorado Medical Center, Greeley is projected to have some of the strongest population growth (1.8%) in the country. With a median home price of about $140,000 this summer, Greeley is an affordable alternative to Denver. A strengthening local economy will lift the median income here by 4.2%.
Visit our Local Markets page for Greeley to see more data and analysis.
2: Fort Collins-Loveland, Colo.
Health Index: 89.4
2010 Population Forecast: 299,630
2011 Total Building Permit Forecast: 1,004
2012 Total Building Permit Forecast: 1,650
The word is out about Fort Collins, which is regularly ranked among the best places to live in the country. Moody's projects that the number of households in Colorado's fourth most populous metro region will grow a hefty 2.7% next year, the highest on our Top 20 list.
Many new residents will be drawn by the prospect of jobs. Employment is projected to grow 2.6% next year, lifting median incomes 3.3%. Colorado State University is the biggest employer here. Most of the new jobs in recent years have come from the education and health services sectors. But high-tech firms such as Hewlett Packard and Eastman Kodak also employ thousands of people.
Housing production will receive a boost from these strong demographic forces. Moody's projects that permit levels will rise 50%.
Visit our Local Markets page for Fort Collins to see more data and analysis.
posted: November 15, 2011
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| 130 Kitty Hawk - Water Valley Home of the Week $290,611 |
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Check out this brand new 3 bedroom, 3 bath home in Water Valley South! Listed by Mtn Vista Real Estate, this home 3148 sf (2-story with unfinished basement) and features wood floors, upgraded finishes and is nearly ready for move-in!
Call RE/MAX Eagle Rock on-site agents Moira Bright 970-690-1286 or Ryan Bach 970-218-8975 for a showing!
posted: November 10, 2011
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| Good Luck at Playoffs This Saturday, Windsor Football! |
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http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20111104/WINDSORBEACON01/111104020/Windsor-grabs-conference-title-40-0-win-over-Frederick?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Windsor Beacon
FREDERICK – A year ago, Frederick came to Windsor on Senior Night and shocked the Wizards on their home turf.
To top it off, the visiting Warriors celebrated after the game on the Windsor W in the middle of the field.
Windsor’s seniors had not been able to forget that painful memory – until Friday night.
Windsor took advantage of 3 fumble recoveries, an interception, and a shanked punt to crush Frederick 40-0 at Alex Tesone Field here Friday night.
The victory gave Windsor not only sweet revenge over Frederick, it enabled the Wizards to win their first Tri-Valley Conference title with a perfect 5-0 record (9-1 overall) and secure a home game in the first round of the Class 3A state playoffs next Saturday.
The time and opponent for Windsor will be determined Sunday.
Five of Windsor’s six touchdowns came on runs of 9 and 4 yards by Aaron Schmidt, 3 yards by Joe Sanger, 12 yards by Joey Porterfield, and 16 yards by Vince Hooley.
The other score came on a 45-yard double-pass play from Tanner Wiemers to Alex Baldwin.
That play started on a backward pass (lateral) from Sanger to Wiemers in the left flat. Wiemers then threw a strike to Baldwin who streaked down the sideline and had to elude just one defender with a spin move at the Frederick 15-yard line.
The field conditions were sloppy with the middle of the field so muddy that cleats nearly disappeared in the muck. Despite that, Windsor found solid running up the middle all evening, running for 323 yards against a Frederick defense that had won 9 straight conference games over the past two years.
Sanger, Windsor’s junior quarterback, led the Wizard ground game with 118 yards on 20 carries. Porterfield added 70 yards on 9 carries and Wil Dressor had 62 on 10 carries.
As a team, Windsor averaged 6.6 yards per carry.
Windsor’s fast, hard-hitting defense caused numerous problems for Frederick’s offense, limiting the Warriors to just 7 first downs for the game. The Wizards also recovered 3 of 10 Warriors fumbles, intercepted one pass, and recorded one sack
posted: November 8, 2011
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| Windsor Leads NoCO in Single Family Permits |
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http://www.ncbr.com/article.asp?id=60468
October 21, 2011 --
Windsor, where home prices are among the highest in the region, hasn't escaped the housing downturn, though the latest permit statistics underscore its ability to draw buyers.
In all, 170 permits were issued in Windsor for single-family homes through the end of August, the highest number in all of Northern Colorado.
Fort Collins came in as a close second with 150 permits issued through the end of August, while Johnstown came in third with 123 permits, according to a report compiled by the Town of Windsor planning department.
One of the busier developers in Windsor is D.R. Horton, which has two developments in progress in the area, one in the Water Valley subdivision and the other near the intersection of State Highways 257 and 392 in a development called Windshire.
As of August 2011, Windsor had issued 47 building permits to D.R Horton, according to the Town of Windsor's latest single-family permit report.
The homes in Water Valley are priced from $389,000 to $449,000 and the Windshire homes are priced between $188,000 and $239,000. Median list price for a home in Windsor was $377,362 as of Oct. 10.
Construction in the region is seeing a "glimmer of hope," according to Steve Spanjer, president of Spanjer Homes, due in part to rock-bottom interest rates and the tiniest bit of increased confidence on the part of consumers.
"Home buyers aren't quite so fearful as they were at the beginning of the recession," Spanjer said. "And this is the lowest interest rates have been since I've been on the planet."
Still, a decrease in the availability of financing makes building new homes difficult, he said. Underwriting standards imposed on lenders make it difficult for would-be borrowers to qualify for loans.
To a degree, national builders don't have that problem, Spanjer said. They aren't as dependent on financing from banks and other institutions because their funding comes primarily from investors, making it easier to get started on new developments.
In addition, builders such as D.R. Horton have a game plan they have executed repeatedly, which can help them cut down on architecture and engineering costs, according to Doug Lindstrom of Legacy Partners Realty.
Even with higher home prices than surrounding areas, Windsor is an attractive place to live due to the quality of life there, according to Lindstrom.
"Water Valley is also a great draw for many reasons including resort-style living, golf, fishing, boating, dining and incredible scenery," Lindstrom said.
Even the most modest of increases in construction in Northern Colorado is good news in light of conditions nationally.
Nationally, housing starts fell 5.8 percent from August 2010 to August 2011, with total housing starts falling to 53,000 from 56,300.
posted: October 28, 2011
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| Leprino Opens Nov. 1 |
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http://www.ncbr.com/article.asp?id=60449
October 21, 2011 --
GREELEY - Perhaps the biggest economic boon to ever come to Greeley - at least to its downtown area - is about to open for business.
Denver-based Leprino Foods is set to open the first phase of a massive new $270 million cheese production facility just southeast of downtown Greeley.
Ted Wietecha, a Leprino spokesman, said the company expects to open the first 127,000-square-foot phase of the project in early November. Ultimately, the facility will encompass more than 880,000 square feet after all three phases are built and in operation.
How busy will things get in there?
"We will use approximately 1.5 million pounds of milk per day to produce nonfat dry milk," Wietecha said.
That's just for starters.
Later - after phase two of the building is complete in late 2012 - the company will "ramp up its production of mozzarella cheese and other dairy products," Wietecha said.
At that point, he said, the facility will consume more than 4 million pounds of milk each day and, when phase three is open at some point in the future - depending on demand - the facility will process more than 7 million pounds of milk and produce more than 700,000 pounds of cheese each day.
The Dairy Farmers of America cooperative has the exclusive contract to provide milk for the Leprino facility, and it's been estimated that the region will need to add about 60,000 more dairy cows to meet the ultimate demand.
The Weld County Commissioners recently took action to change the county's zoning regulations to make it easier for new dairies to come into the county and existing dairies to expand.
Wietecha said about 90 of the 100 full-time workers needed to staff the first phase of the plant's operation have been hired, and more will be hired in 2012.
"We'll begin hiring an additional 200 employees in early 2012 for phase two," he said, adding to that another 200 will be hired for the final phase.
Wietecha said the facility's employment impact will be far greater than just those who will be working inside.
"Those are the direct jobs, but that will stimulate thousands of other jobs in the dairy industry, trucking, veterinary services, suppliers and other sectors," he said. "It's an immense impact, and we're happy to be doing it."
City already benefitting
Even before the facility opens, the city of Greeley is already reaping benefits from its newest employer.
The construction site has provided hundreds of construction jobs over the last year, with sales taxes collected from the purchase of local building materials and spending by construction workers and their families flowing into city coffers.
Last month alone, the city collected more than $63,000 in building permit fees and sales taxes from the construction of buildings to support the facility's own waste-water treatment plant and construction of the core and shell of phase two of the project.
And all of that is just the beginning in benefits to come from the new cheese plant, local officials say.
Becky Safarik, Greeley's community development director, said it's expected the facility will generate about $325 million for the city over the next 20 years. But it doesn't stop there, she noted. A city economic impact model showed the Leprino plant will generate $4.8 billion in economic impacts to Weld County and $10.1 billion statewide.
"You've got that food chain going back so far, its expected impacts will be felt on so many levels," she said.
Safarik said the city is providing tax increment financing for the facility, with all increases in property tax on the site channeled for the next 25 years into eligible public improvement projects in the vicinity of the project.
She said it's expected that figure will total about $60 million over the 25-year period, which will go to Leprino as reimbursement for the new public infrastructure - including utilities and street improvements - that it is building as part of the project.
Safarik said the facility is also generating interest from new businesses that want to be close to the cheese plant.
"As long as a year ago we started to get contacts from companies that are suppliers to Leprino," she said. "So we're seeing some ancillary businesses starting to look at the area."
Wietecha said the Greeley facility is Leprino's 10th spread across seven states. In addition to its Denver headquarters, Leprino has another Colorado production facility in Fort Morgan.
Altogether, more than 1,000 will be employed in Leprino's Colorado facilities when the Greeley plant opens, Wietecha noted.
He said the choice of Greeley for its second Colorado production facility was a natural.
"We took a lot of things into account," he said. "Dairy Farmers of America is one of the leading milk cooperatives in the U.S. We worked with them (on selecting the city), and Northern Colorado is such a wonderful, strong dairy community - plus its proximity to Denver.
"We consider Colorado our home, so we're very pleased to have it be in Greeley," he said.
Steve Porter covers agribusiness and natural resources for the Northern Colorado Business Report. He can be reached at 970-232-3147 or sporter@ncbr.com.
posted: October 21, 2011
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| Homebuilding Jumps 15% In September! |
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http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20111020/BUSINESS/110200345/Homebuilding-jumps-15-September?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p
Homebuilders started projects in September at the fastest pace in 17 months, a hopeful sign for the economy.
Most of the gain was driven by a surge in volatile apartment construction. That could help create jobs and boost economic growth, but it doesn't signal a comeback for the depressed housing market.
Single-family home construction, which represents almost 70 percent of homes built, rose only slightly. And building permits, a gauge of future construction, fell to a five-month low.
The Fort Collins building department issued 19 permits for single-family homes in September, the fewest in five months.
It issued permits for four multifamily units.
But near-record-low vacancy rates and rising lease rates have led to a resurgence of apartment building throughout Fort Collins, including at Presidio on Harmony Road and The Mason Street Flats in Old Town.
The city issued permits for 451 apartment units through September, up from 55 permits a year ago at the same time.
Overall, builders began work in September on a seasonally adjusted 658,000 homes, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. While that's a 15 percent increase from August, it's roughly half the 1.2 million economists say is consistent with healthy housing markets.
"The overall result is favorable," said Pierre Ellis, an analyst at Decision Economics. "But greater optimism would have been prompted if single-family starts had increased - suggesting that builders were seeing a better market ahead."
A separate report showed that consumers paid more for food and gas in September, although inflation outside those volatile categories was tame.
The Consumer Price Index rose 0.3 percent last month, the Labor Department said. Excluding food and energy, so-called core prices increased 0.1 percent, the smallest rise since March.
Food prices rose 0.4 percent in September, pushed up by big increases in the dairy, cereals, and fruits and vegetables categories. Gas prices rose 2.9 percent.
Inflation has worsened this year, after the cost of oil, corn and cotton spiked in the spring. But some economists believe consumer prices are leveling off. Clothing prices fell in September. Gas prices are down from their May peak. And new and used car prices are flattening now that supply chain disruptions caused by the Japan crisis have started to ease.
The spike in apartment construction helped homebuilding increase to its best pace since April 2010, when a federal homebuyers' tax credit temporarily boosted construction. Apartment building in Septem-ber surged 53.4 percent to its highest level in three years.
Still, single-family homes rose 1.7 percent and building permits fell 5 percent.
Increased apartment construction could be a sign that builders are gaining access to hard-to-get financing for projects, analysts said. It could also be a positive sign for the broader economy.
The Federal Reserve "will still be more encouraged than not, given the healthy multifamily sector - and the positive hint about availability of financing that it gives," Ellis said.
While home construction represents a small portion of the housing market, it has an outsize impact on the economy. Each home built creates an average of three jobs for a year and about $90,000 in taxes, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
Overall, homebuilding fell to its lowest levels in 50 years in 2009, when builders began work on just 554,000 homes. Last year was not much better.
Cash-strapped builders are struggling to compete with deeply discounted foreclosures and short sales, when lenders allow borrowers to sell homes for less than what is owed on their mortgages.
After previous recessions, housing accounted for at least 15 percent of economic growth in the United States. Since the recession officially ended in June 2009, it has contributed just 4 percent.
posted: October 20, 2011
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| Interest Rates Fall Below 4% |
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http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/story/2011-10-06/30-year-mortgage-rates-below-4-percent/50676902/1
WASHINGTON – The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage this week fell below 4% for the first time ever, to 3.94%.
By Al Behrman, AP
For those who can qualify, it's an extraordinary opportunity to buy or refinance. And mortgage rates could fall even further now that the Federal Reserve plans to reshuffle its portfolio of securities to try and lower long-term rates.
On Thursday, Freddie Mac said the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage dropped from 4.01% last week, the previous low. The average rate on a 15-year fixed loan, a popular refinancing option, dipped to 3.26%, also a record.
Still, rates have been below 5% for all but two weeks in the past year and have done little to boost home sales. This year is shaping up to be among the worst for sales of previously occupied homes in 14 years.
Many people are reluctant to take the risk in this market. High unemployment, scant pay raises and heavy debt loads are deterring many would-be buyers.
Others can't qualify for the historically low rates. Banks are insisting on higher credit scores. And many want first-time buyers to put down 20%. Few people have that much cash or home equity to satisfy the requirement.
Mortgage rates have tumbled because they tend to track the yield on the 10-year Treasury note. The yield has fallen in recent weeks, largely because investors are worried about the U.S. economy and the debt crisis in Europe. So they have shifted their money out of stocks and into the safety of Treasuries.
A drop in mortgage rates could provide some help to the economy if more people could refinance. When people refinance at lower rates, they pay less interest on their loans and have more money to spend.
Consider a homeowner who owes $250,000 and is paying 5.09% on a 30-year fixed mortgage. That was the average rate being offered in January 2010. Refinancing the loan at 3.94 percent could save him or her more than $2,000 a year.
But many homeowners with good jobs and stable finances have already refinanced over the past year. Most economists say rates would need to fall at least a full percentage point before it makes sense to refinance again.
The reason is homeowners typically pay a few thousand dollars in closing costs when they refinance. And the low rates being offered don't include extra fees, known as points, which many borrowers must pay to get the lowest rates. One point equals 1 percent of the loan amount.
The average fee for the 30-year and 15-year rose to 0.8. The average fees for both the five-year and one-year adjustable-rate loans were 0.6 and 0.5, respectively.
To calculate average mortgage rates, Freddie Mac surveys lenders across the country Monday through Wednesday of each week.
The average rate on a five-year adjustable-rate mortgage fell to 2.96%. The average for the one-year adjustable-rate mortgage ticked up to 2.95%
posted: October 6, 2011
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| Congratulations Wyndham Clark, Ind. Champion and Silver Creek, Team Champion Boys State 4A Golf |
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http://www.denverpost.com/preps/ci_19042017
WINDSOR — From the moment Wyndham Clark stepped on the grounds at Pelican Lakes Golf Club on Tuesday, it was focus personified.
From the driving range to the putting green and then onto the first tee, the Valor Christian senior had one goal in mind. And he achieved it with what looked like relative ease.
In what will go down as arguably the best two-day performance ever at a Colorado high school state championship event, Clark matched his opening-round, 8-under-par 64 with another stunning 64 on Tuesday and won his second Class 4A boys golf state championship by eight shots over runner-up Jack Adolfson of Silver Creek.
"Hard work pays off," said Clark, who will continue his golf career at Oklahoma State. "The
High School Sports
View slide show of 4A state golf finals Oct. 4.
two seconds were very frustrating to me, and I really didn't look at it as a negative, but as a positive, and I needed to get better."
Here's what is even more remarkable about what Clark did this week at Pelican Lakes: His 16-under total could have been better. That's right, better. Clark hit all but two greens in regulation and had at least six birdie putts skim the edge of the cup.
"I played good these two days, but I left a lot of shots out there and I have some stuff I need to work on," he said.
Those clearly are the words of a perfectionist.
Clark tore up Pelican Lakes' par-5 holes Monday and did it again Tuesday. A two-putt birdie on No. 2 (which he eagled Monday) and an eagle on No. 5 extended his lead over playing partner Dylan Wonnacott (68-69) of Silver Creek to seven shots.
Birdies on No. 8 and No. 9, including a shortsided chip-in on the ninth, all but had the rest of the field battling for second place from that point on.
"It hurts me not to win three or four (state titles), but it's a big deal to win two and not many people get the chance to do that," said Clark, who was 10-under on the par-5 holes for the 36-hole tournament. "It's a big deal, and I hold it close to my
Dylan Wonnacott, who helped the Silver Creek boys golf team win the Class 4A state championship, celebrates Tuesday at Pelican Lakes Golf Club in Windsor. Wonnacott finished third individually with rounds of 68 and 69. Silver Creek's Jack Adolfson (68-68) was runner-up. (RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post )heart to win here in my home state."
The team race was more interesting after 27 holes had been completed. Clark and Valor Christian teammate Josh Seiple had trimmed Silver Creek's first-day lead from eight shots to two.
But the Raptors' Adolfson (68-68), Wonnacott, Ryan Burke and Andrew Rademacher-Howe managed to hold off Valor Christian to claim their first state team title by five shots. They posted an impressive two-day total of 12-under 420. Valor finished second and Pueblo South was a distant third.
"I kind of knew they had it in them, but I knew they had to play really well," Silver Creek coach Mike Maydew said of his players. "Six or seven holes into it, we had heard that the Valor kids were on fire and we were down to a couple of shots lead, and we responded. To have a state championship is one thing, but to beat a great team like Valor is awesome."
Jon E. Yunt: 303-954-1354 or jyunt@denverpost.com
Boys state golf tournaments
CLASS 4A
Team scores — Silver Creek 207-213 — 420; Valor Christian 215-210 — 425; Pueblo South 229-226 — 455; Montezuma-Cortez 231-228 — 459; Broomfield 231-230 — 461; Thompson Valley 234-230 — 464; Pueblo West 234-232 — 466; Evergreen 232-234 — 466; Mullen 236-231 — 467; Palmer Ridge 243-244 — 487; Pueblo East 248-245 — 493.
Top individuals
Wyndham Clark, Valor Christian 64-64—128
Jack Adolfson, Silver Creek 68-68—136
Dylan Wonnacott, Silver Creek 68-69—137
Jack Stimple, Cheyenne Mountain 75-66—141
Nick Reisch, Broomfield 70-72—142
Kolten Kyne, Montrose 70-72—142
Dylan Mitchell, Summit 70-75—145
Kyle Peterson, Evergreen 70-75—145
Jimmy Makloski, Pueblo South 75-71—146
Josh Seiple, Valor Christian 75-71—146
Chris Aiken, Montezuma-Cortez 74-73—147
Ryan Burke, Silver Creek 71-76—147
Mitchell Smith, Elizabeth 74-74—148
Taylor Rodriguez, Pueblo South 73-76—149
Graham McCoy, Mitchell 77-73—150
Glenn Workman, Pueblo West 76-74—150
Christian Rooney, Green Mountain 78-73—151
Kyler Smith, Palisade 76-75—151
Jake Staiano, Valor Christian 76-75—151
Marshall Loewen, Thompson Valley 75-76—151
Tanner Coulter, Eagle Valley 74-77—151
Blake Patterson, Valor Christian 77-75—152
Andrew Rademacher-Howe, Silver Creek 76-76—152
Evan Streit, Summit 74-79—153
Will Fowler, Green Mountain 78-76—154
Jakob Rudosky, Montezuma-Cortez 76-78—154
Justin Inslee, Centaurus 72-82—154
Gavin Compton, Pueblo West 80-75—155
Josh McLaughlin, Thompson Valley 79-76—155
Trevor McKune, Mullen 78-77—155
Grant Foster, Greeley Central 77-79—156
Kyle Burkhardt, Mullen 76-80—156
Jared Mannatt, Longmont 76-81—157
Brett Krantz, Windsor 75-82—157
Ryan Casados, Pueblo Central 74-83—157
Will Matthews, Mullen 82-76—158
Keith Hawkins, Montezuma-Cortez 81-77—158
Zack Dwyer, Thompson Valley 80-78—158
Keenan Dickard, Discovery Canyon 80-78—158
Ryan Gorney, Mountain View 82-77—159
Dylan Swanson, Pueblo East 79-80—159
Josh Cronk, Palmer Ridge 79-80—159
Read more: Valor Christian senior Wyndham Clark cruises to Colorado's Class 4A boys golf state title with stunning 64-64 performance - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/preps/ci_19042017#ixzz1Zv2g2Bqt
Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse
posted: October 5, 2011
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| Congratulations Wyndham Clark, Inc. Champion and Silver Creek, Team Champion Boys State 4A Golf |
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http://www.denverpost.com/preps/ci_19042017
WINDSOR — From the moment Wyndham Clark stepped on the grounds at Pelican Lakes Golf Club on Tuesday, it was focus personified.
From the driving range to the putting green and then onto the first tee, the Valor Christian senior had one goal in mind. And he achieved it with what looked like relative ease.
In what will go down as arguably the best two-day performance ever at a Colorado high school state championship event, Clark matched his opening-round, 8-under-par 64 with another stunning 64 on Tuesday and won his second Class 4A boys golf state championship by eight shots over runner-up Jack Adolfson of Silver Creek.
"Hard work pays off," said Clark, who will continue his golf career at Oklahoma State. "The
High School Sports
View slide show of 4A state golf finals Oct. 4.
two seconds were very frustrating to me, and I really didn't look at it as a negative, but as a positive, and I needed to get better."
Here's what is even more remarkable about what Clark did this week at Pelican Lakes: His 16-under total could have been better. That's right, better. Clark hit all but two greens in regulation and had at least six birdie putts skim the edge of the cup.
"I played good these two days, but I left a lot of shots out there and I have some stuff I need to work on," he said.
Those clearly are the words of a perfectionist.
Clark tore up Pelican Lakes' par-5 holes Monday and did it again Tuesday. A two-putt birdie on No. 2 (which he eagled Monday) and an eagle on No. 5 extended his lead over playing partner Dylan Wonnacott (68-69) of Silver Creek to seven shots.
Birdies on No. 8 and No. 9, including a shortsided chip-in on the ninth, all but had the rest of the field battling for second place from that point on.
"It hurts me not to win three or four (state titles), but it's a big deal to win two and not many people get the chance to do that," said Clark, who was 10-under on the par-5 holes for the 36-hole tournament. "It's a big deal, and I hold it close to my
Dylan Wonnacott, who helped the Silver Creek boys golf team win the Class 4A state championship, celebrates Tuesday at Pelican Lakes Golf Club in Windsor. Wonnacott finished third individually with rounds of 68 and 69. Silver Creek's Jack Adolfson (68-68) was runner-up. (RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post )heart to win here in my home state."
The team race was more interesting after 27 holes had been completed. Clark and Valor Christian teammate Josh Seiple had trimmed Silver Creek's first-day lead from eight shots to two.
But the Raptors' Adolfson (68-68), Wonnacott, Ryan Burke and Andrew Rademacher-Howe managed to hold off Valor Christian to claim their first state team title by five shots. They posted an impressive two-day total of 12-under 420. Valor finished second and Pueblo South was a distant third.
"I kind of knew they had it in them, but I knew they had to play really well," Silver Creek coach Mike Maydew said of his players. "Six or seven holes into it, we had heard that the Valor kids were on fire and we were down to a couple of shots lead, and we responded. To have a state championship is one thing, but to beat a great team like Valor is awesome."
Jon E. Yunt: 303-954-1354 or jyunt@denverpost.com
Boys state golf tournaments
CLASS 4A
Team scores — Silver Creek 207-213 — 420; Valor Christian 215-210 — 425; Pueblo South 229-226 — 455; Montezuma-Cortez 231-228 — 459; Broomfield 231-230 — 461; Thompson Valley 234-230 — 464; Pueblo West 234-232 — 466; Evergreen 232-234 — 466; Mullen 236-231 — 467; Palmer Ridge 243-244 — 487; Pueblo East 248-245 — 493.
Top individuals
Wyndham Clark, Valor Christian 64-64—128
Jack Adolfson, Silver Creek 68-68—136
Dylan Wonnacott, Silver Creek 68-69—137
Jack Stimple, Cheyenne Mountain 75-66—141
Nick Reisch, Broomfield 70-72—142
Kolten Kyne, Montrose 70-72—142
Dylan Mitchell, Summit 70-75—145
Kyle Peterson, Evergreen 70-75—145
Jimmy Makloski, Pueblo South 75-71—146
Josh Seiple, Valor Christian 75-71—146
Chris Aiken, Montezuma-Cortez 74-73—147
Ryan Burke, Silver Creek 71-76—147
Mitchell Smith, Elizabeth 74-74—148
Taylor Rodriguez, Pueblo South 73-76—149
Graham McCoy, Mitchell 77-73—150
Glenn Workman, Pueblo West 76-74—150
Christian Rooney, Green Mountain 78-73—151
Kyler Smith, Palisade 76-75—151
Jake Staiano, Valor Christian 76-75—151
Marshall Loewen, Thompson Valley 75-76—151
Tanner Coulter, Eagle Valley 74-77—151
Blake Patterson, Valor Christian 77-75—152
Andrew Rademacher-Howe, Silver Creek 76-76—152
Evan Streit, Summit 74-79—153
Will Fowler, Green Mountain 78-76—154
Jakob Rudosky, Montezuma-Cortez 76-78—154
Justin Inslee, Centaurus 72-82—154
Gavin Compton, Pueblo West 80-75—155
Josh McLaughlin, Thompson Valley 79-76—155
Trevor McKune, Mullen 78-77—155
Grant Foster, Greeley Central 77-79—156
Kyle Burkhardt, Mullen 76-80—156
Jared Mannatt, Longmont 76-81—157
Brett Krantz, Windsor 75-82—157
Ryan Casados, Pueblo Central 74-83—157
Will Matthews, Mullen 82-76—158
Keith Hawkins, Montezuma-Cortez 81-77—158
Zack Dwyer, Thompson Valley 80-78—158
Keenan Dickard, Discovery Canyon 80-78—158
Ryan Gorney, Mountain View 82-77—159
Dylan Swanson, Pueblo East 79-80—159
Josh Cronk, Palmer Ridge 79-80—159
Read more: Valor Christian senior Wyndham Clark cruises to Colorado's Class 4A boys golf state title with stunning 64-64 performance - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/preps/ci_19042017#ixzz1Zv2g2Bqt
Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse
posted: October 5, 2011
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| Windsor's Brett Krantz Doing Well At State! |
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Water Valley & Pelican Lakes Golf & Country Club are pleased to have one of the State 4A Championship players call us "home!" Come catch day 2 of the action today!
http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20111003/WINDSORBEACON01/111003026/State-golf-WHS-freshman-Krantz-great-shape-after-first-round-?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Windsor Beacon
An unseasonably warm day at the Class 4A Boys Golf Championships provided a great backdrop for Windsor High School’s standout freshman, Brett Krantz to display some extraordinary poise in the opening round at Pelican Lakes on Monday.
Krantz, began his day on the 10th hole, bounced back from a triple bogey to close out the first nine holes and recorded three birdies in the final six holes to finish with a score of 75.
That score was not enough to place him in the top 15, but after his first taste of state-tournament competition, Krantz was all smiles.
“That was a pretty good round for me,” said the 14-year-old, who also plays on the school’s football team. “I could have shot better without some of those mistakes, but for a freshman out here in a tournament like this, I’ll take it.”
After shooting a 39 in the front nine, Krantz was on his way to turning things around in the back nine when he found himself in the weeds on the third hole and had to settle for a double bogey.
That was only a minor setback for Krantz who would find a way to rebound from his second major hiccup on the day.
“He doesn’t have a freshman mindset,” said third-year Head Coach Doug Hammond. “He can reel it back in pretty good.”
Krantz went on to shoot some of his best golf of the day, including a birdie on the final par 3 to close out his opening round, but he was humble enough to admit that playing on his home course was quite an advantage.
“That was a really big advantage. I can see my house from hole two. It really made it stress free.”
Valor Christian’s Wyndham Clark, with a score of 64, was the overall leader after the first round, followed by Silver Creek’s Dylan Wonnacott and Jack Adolfson, who both shot a 68 to push Silver Creek atop the team standings after the first day.
Krantz, the only member of the WHS boys golf team to make it to the state tournament, was scheduled to play his second round on Tuesday morning
posted: October 4, 2011
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| Windsor's Brett Krantz Doing Well At State! |
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Water Valley & Pelican Lkes Golf & Country Club are pleased to have one of the State 4A Championship players call us "home!" Come catch day 2 of the action today!
http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20111003/WINDSORBEACON01/111003026/State-golf-WHS-freshman-Krantz-great-shape-after-first-round-?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Windsor Beacon
An unseasonably warm day at the Class 4A Boys Golf Championships provided a great backdrop for Windsor High School’s standout freshman, Brett Krantz to display some extraordinary poise in the opening round at Pelican Lakes on Monday.
Krantz, began his day on the 10th hole, bounced back from a triple bogey to close out the first nine holes and recorded three birdies in the final six holes to finish with a score of 75.
That score was not enough to place him in the top 15, but after his first taste of state-tournament competition, Krantz was all smiles.
“That was a pretty good round for me,” said the 14-year-old, who also plays on the school’s football team. “I could have shot better without some of those mistakes, but for a freshman out here in a tournament like this, I’ll take it.”
After shooting a 39 in the front nine, Krantz was on his way to turning things around in the back nine when he found himself in the weeds on the third hole and had to settle for a double bogey.
That was only a minor setback for Krantz who would find a way to rebound from his second major hiccup on the day.
“He doesn’t have a freshman mindset,” said third-year Head Coach Doug Hammond. “He can reel it back in pretty good.”
Krantz went on to shoot some of his best golf of the day, including a birdie on the final par 3 to close out his opening round, but he was humble enough to admit that playing on his home course was quite an advantage.
“That was a really big advantage. I can see my house from hole two. It really made it stress free.”
Valor Christian’s Wyndham Clark, with a score of 64, was the overall leader after the first round, followed by Silver Creek’s Dylan Wonnacott and Jack Adolfson, who both shot a 68 to push Silver Creek atop the team standings after the first day.
Krantz, the only member of the WHS boys golf team to make it to the state tournament, was scheduled to play his second round on Tuesday morning
posted: October 4, 2011
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| New Construction and Home Sales Are Up In Weld County! |
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http://www.greeleytribune.com/article/20111001/BUSINESS/710019918/1006&parentprofile=1001
Home starts are showing a glimmer of a rebound, with Windsor leading northern Colorado with 170 single-family detached permits through August and on pace for 200 permits this year. That’s rarefied air that no regional city, not even Fort Collins or Greeley, has seen in recent years.
When the housing bubble burst in 2006, new-home starts across the nation and northern Colorado dropped precipitously for the next three years, finally flattening out in 2010. This year there are signs of increases in home starts — especially in Windsor, where the Peakview Estates, Greenspire and Water Valley subdivisions are adding homes, and a slight uptick in Fort Collins.
“We’re probably closer to 190 (home start) permits or so right now through this month,” said Windsor Planning Director Joe Plummer. “We’re on a 200-plus pace. We’re the leader in the region.”
Greeley’s detached single-family homes remain in a slump, with 25 permits issued through August this year, compared to 67 in the same period in 2010. August was an especially slow month for Greeley — just one single family housing permit was issued compared to seven in August 2010.
Greeley’s commercial permit picture, meanwhile, is brightening. The city issued 10 permits through August this year with a $19.2 million in total valuation. In 2010, Greeley had only four new commercial projects with a valuation of $14.8 million.
Fort Collins issued 159 single-family detached house permits through August, compared to 124 through the same period in 2010. The city issued 21 new commercial permits through August of this year, compared to eight in all of 2010.
Loveland issued 110 single-family detached house permit through August.
Windsor also led the region in single-family detached starts last year with 134 permits issued.
Plummer said Windsor’s location in the center of the tri-cities works to its advantage, as well as other factors.
“We have easy access to the larger cities up here, and also it’s fairly easy access to the Denver metropolitan region,” he said. “We have land that has been platted or has been master planned for residential development. Plus, the price point for homes has come down somewhat, and all of those are kind of contributing factors to people being interested in building and having their businesses selling products here in Windsor.”
Prices on the new homes have come down 10 or 15 percentage points since four or five years ago, Plummer said. In the height of the housing boom midway through last decade, the average prices of new homes in Windsor were $275,000 to $300,000, he said. This year the average is closer to $250,000. The reduction in town revenues from lower valuations is somewhat offset by increase in permits being issued, Plummer noted.
Windsor has not seen much new commercial activity this year, he said, but businesses in the industrial area, such as Vestas Wind Systems, continue to expand and some businesses have taken out permits for tenant finishes.
Joanne Eskildsen, a real estate broker for Re/Max Alliance in Greeley, said there’s not much housing being built in the region for a sale price of more than $250,000 — “especially Greeley. There’s very little — a little out west.”
Fort Collins has a glut of homes in the higher price points of $600,000 to a $1 million, Eskildsen said.
She said housing starts in the lower price points, around $250,000 and less, are picking up in Windsor, Fort Collins and Loveland. A majority, about 52 percent, of the homes bought in Greeley in recent months have been foreclosed properties, thereby slowing construction of new homes in the market, she said.
“I think that’s maybe leveling out and getting better,” Eskildsen said of the foreclosure situation.
Still, a glut of vacant lots remains in the region, and “the lots are going for nothing,” she said.
Owners are liquidating because they are taxed at a commercial property rate — a much higher rate than residential — even though the lots may be intended for residential development.
A city of Greeley Planning Department report on development projections shows three scenarios for growth in the next four years. The analysis ranges from a high-growth scenario of 3.5 percent that would yield about 8,278 new housing units, including attached units such as condominiums and apartments, to a low-growth scenario of 0.5 percent that would generate 1,097 new units through 2015.
A report on northern Colorado real estate recently released by the Everitt Real Estate Center at Colorado State University showed the region’s home sales fell 11 percent in the first half of 2011 compared to last year. The report noted that a first-time homebuyers’ tax credit that was in place through June 2010 contributed to a surge in sales in the first half of last year.
Weld County posted the lowest decrease in closings at 5 percent, while Boulder County, where home prices are the highest in the region, had the sharpest drop-off in sales at 18 percent. Larimer County home sales dropped 10 percent in the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2010.
Weld County had 1,714 home closings in the first half of 2010 compared to 1,625 in the first half of this year.
posted: October 3, 2011
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| Weld County Leads in Job Growth |
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http://www.greeleytribune.com/article/20110929/NEWS/709299971/1051%26ParentProfile%3d1001
While the nation’s economy still lags, Weld County’s job growth continues to chug along at one of the highest rates in the country, according to quarterly statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Weld posted 3.6 percent job growth in the first quarter of 2011, ranking 12th-highest of the nation’s 326 largest counties. In comparison, job growth increased 2 percent in Denver (65th nationally), 1.7 percent in Boulder (86th overall) and 1.2 percent in Larimer (139th).
Weld’s first-quarter job growth is the best of Colorado’s large counties, according to the statistics. Weld is also a state leader in wage growth, posting a 7.6 percent increase in first-quarter 2011 compared with first-quarter 2010. That ranks the county 22nd nationwide for large counties in wage growth percentage in the quarter.
Other Colorado counties’ wage growth: Larimer, 5.3 percent (83rd nationally); Denver, 5 percent gain (94th); and Boulder, 3.9 percent (170th).
Larry Burkhardt, president and CEO of Upstate Colorado Economic Development, the county’s economic development arm, called the quarterly report “wonderful.”
“I think in general it goes back to the fact that we have a diversified economic base and we’re seeing an awful lot of activity in the oil and gas arena and the manufacturing arena,” Burkhardt said.
He said the growth of energy activity associated with the Niobrara Formation in northeast Colorado has spurred economic activity, as have the three Vestas Wind Systems factories that have located in Weld in recent years.
“All the economic activity associated with that has been quite a benefit to our area and our local residents,” he said, adding that the second blade factory in Brighton isn’t even at full capacity yet.
Weld’s job growth has been strong for several consecutive quarters. According to year-over-year data from December 2009 to December 2010, the county had 2.6 percent employment growth, 11th-highest of the nation’s counties. In average weekly wages, Weld saw a 6.2 percent gain in the yearlong data, ninth highest in the nation.
Meanwhile, the personal income level for Greeley rose 3.9 percent from 2009-10, according to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The trends should hold up for the near future, according to Burkhardt. Leprino Foods Co. is building a mammoth cheese and whey plant in east Greeley expected to employ 500 workers by 2013-2014.
The large employers such as Leprino and Vestas are spurring associated businesses, he noted, while Weld gains other new jobs through equipment manufacturing for the oil and gas industry.
“Eventually, it might flatten out, but I think we’re a long ways from that,” Burkhardt said of the county’s job growth.
posted: September 30, 2011
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| Congratulations Brett Krantz, Windsor Freshman Qualifies for State |
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http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20110924/WINDSORBEACON02/109240327/Windsor-s-Krantz-qualifies-state-golf-tournament
Brett has played Pelican Lakes Golf and Country Club for several years and we look forward to supporting home at the state 4A tournament next week!
BROOMFIELD - Windsor freshman Brett Krantz shot an 80 at the Class 4A Northern Regional Golf Tournament on Tuesday at the Broadlands Golf Course.
That qualified Krantz for the Class 4A state golf tournament Oct. 3-4 at Pelican Lakes Golf Course, the Wizards' home course.
As a team, Windsor finished tied for seventh with Roosevelt with a team total of 261.
posted: September 27, 2011
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| Vestas Considered the MOST Sustainable Company in the WORLD! |
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http://www.metrodenver.org/news-center/metro-denver-news/vestas-tops-dow-jones-sustainability-index.html
Vestas tops Dow Jones Sustainability index
Vestas is now considered the most sustainable company in the world in the segment Renewable Energy Equipment by the world's leading stock market index, Dow Jones
"Looking at the figures behind our new position it is obvious, that our comprehensive work with the LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) on the V112-3.0 MW turbine and targets for reducing our carbon footprint has paid off," says Lilian Harbak, Reporting Specialist with Vestas' Sustainability department. "Another important area of improvement is our dedicated efforts to increase reliability of turbines. Detailed tracking of turbine performance has led to well documented increases in availability and thereby minimal loss of potential production capacity for our customers".
Vestas' overall score in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index has gone from 68 to 77 in a year.
Being number one in a Dow Jones index may also influence investors who are looking for green shares.
"It is of course very nice indeed for Vestas to be considered best in a focus area," says Lars Villadsen, Senior Specialist with Vestas Investor Relations. "Some investors want a share of their stock portfolio to be in the renewable/green segment. And being number one in a Dow Jones index for sustainability surely will not harm Vestas."
Villadsen adds that he can't comment on a possible effect on the Vestas share price, but points to the fact that investments in so-called ‘responsible shares' have risen with a factor four - from 2.6 trillion US-dollars in 2002 to 10.1 trillion US-dollars in 2010
posted: September 26, 2011
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| Great Article On Farms & Rural Real Estate |
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http://www.cattlenetwork.com/drovers/features/Farm-real-estate-values-129485193.html?ref=193
The global recession may have taken a toll on stocks and many other traditional investments, but the value of your farm or ranch land has performed well. In fact, rising farm real estate values are luring investors who are seeking a safe haven from the volatility of stocks.
In its annual report on farmland values, the U.S. Department of Agriculture found a 6.8 percent increase in the value of farmland from 2010 to 2011. USDA put the average value of farm real estate at $2,350 per acre, with cropland values at $3,030 per acre and pastureland values at $1,100 per acre.
Returns like that don’t go unnoticed. Market analysts say investments in farmland have been on the rise in the United States and parts of Europe, Latin America and Africa as global food prices soar. A fund controlled by George Soros, the billionaire hedge-fund manager, owns 23.4 percent of South American farmland venture Adecoagro SA.
Farmland values have outpaced stocks and many other investments since September 2008 when the stock market plunged at the beginning of the recession. Analysts believe farmland values are supported by the growth in demand for food, spurred by the rising middle class in countries like China and India.
But investors aren’t the only ones driving the price of rural real estate higher. Farmers and ranchers are also active buyers, according to surveys by universities and real estate brokers. The rising price of grain is listed as the primary driver of farmland prices in places like Iowa and Illinois. But farmers and ranchers are also lured to real estate by historically low interest rates and the potential for inflation of farmland prices.
click image to zoom
USDA’s latest report on farmland values shows prices varied considerably last year depending on region. The report shows a whopping 15.9 percent increase in the Corn Belt region, while farm real estate in the Southeast declined 2 percent over the same period.
The highest land values are in the Northeast, with an average of $4,690 per acre. Farmland in New Jersey averages $12,700 per acre, and in Rhode Island $13,000.
The Mountain region had the lowest farm real estate value, averaging $923 per acre. But again, values vary widely from state to state, with Arizona land averaging $3,500 per acre while Wyoming averages $540.
click image to zoom
Irrigation makes a big difference in land values, particularly in the West. Irrigated land in Colorado, for example, averaged $3,160 per acre, compared with $880 for non-irrigated. In New Mexico, irrigated land averaged $5,500 per acre while non-irrigated land averaged $410.
Cropland values across the nation’s midsection increased, reflecting higher grain prices. Values were up by 18.4 percent in Illinois, 23.9 percent in Iowa, 13 percent in Kansas, 17.9 percent in Nebraska and 19.5 percent in North Dakota.
On average nationally, pasture values were up by 1.9 percent, at $1,100 per acre, but again, changes varied by region. Pasture values declined in the Southeast by 8.4 percent, while values in the Corn Belt and Northern Plains regions each increased by 6.6 percent.
Further price declines in both farmland and pastureland are expected over the next year in drought-hit areas such as Texas and the Southeast. Investors who help drive farm real estate values are unlikely to be lured to areas damaged by drought and other natural disasters. And the impact of the drought on real estate values may remain for an extended period of time
posted: September 25, 2011
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| Congratulations Windsor Author Debbie Martin! |
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http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20110924/WINDSORBEACON01/109240305/Local-author-s-first-book-soars-No-1-Amazon-com
It all started with a seed.
“Over the years in the florist business, and then through my cancer journey, I’ve been hearing these stories,” said Debbie Martin. “They belonged in a book.”
The Windsor resident recently saw to it that those stories found their way into print with the release of her first book, “Flowers Whisper: What Words Can’t Say.”
The book is a compendium of inspirational stories and motivational words.
While the stories are compelling, it wasn’t easy to get them published.
The first printing company Martin approached agreed to publish her book, but the firm went bankrupt just before the book was ready to go for editing.
“The seed had bloomed, but then it died and went dormant,” Martin said. “And it’s been nothing but miracles to get beyond it.”
A second publishing company agreed to pick up the book, and at that point, the seed was able to grow fully.
But, the seed wasn’t finished with its season yet.
“The publishing company encouraged us to continue with the push on Amazon,” Martin said. “They said they had a feeling this book had touched a lot of lives.”
“Flowers Whisper” hit the top of the Amazon bestseller’s list in three categories at 1:30 a.m. last Saturday.
“It was amazing and incredible,” Martin said. “I’m just a farmer and a florist; I’m not an author.”
The book topped the inspirational/spiritual, motivational/self-help and movers and shakers categories.
To make it even more amazing, the book came from the very bottom of the list.
“We were absolutely the millionth book listed,” she said. “And we came up from there.
“This book is a miracle; it should have died, but it’s here, and topping the list.”
The message of the book is Martin’s pride and joy as well.
“Too many people are in a hurry. Do we say the words we need to say, every single day, to those we love?” she asked. “It’s about relationships and making marriages last, and reminders to be grateful and graceful.”
And perhaps, this book has been the finish on a journey that, for Martin, began with the seeds of inspiration she garnered as a florist.
“These steps, becoming a florist and then going through breast cancer (in 2003); maybe they were just the steps getting me to where I was meant to be,” she said.
The seeds of another book are already being planted in Martin’s mind, but until then, she wanted to plant her own seeds in her readers’ minds.
“When was the last time you stopped to admire the flowers, give or receive flowers, or plant flowers?” she asked.
posted: September 24, 2011
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| Feds Announce Rates May Go Even Lower! |
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http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2011/09/22/fed-s-latest-move-may-send-rates-lower
Daily Real Estate News | Thursday, September 22, 2011
The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday it will invest $400 billion in long-term Treasury securities over the next nine months, which is expected to send interest rates on mortgages even lower. The Fed’s move is yet another attempt to try to stimulate economic growth, which has faced stagnation in employment, housing, and household spending over the past couple of years.
"This program should put downward pressure on longer-term interest rates and help make broader financial conditions more accommodative," the Fed said in a statement Wednesday.
Mortgage rates have already been reaching record lows in recent weeks, but the Fed’s latest efforts are expected to send rates dropping even further. Economists predict that interest rates could drop by a few tenths of a percentage point, which would be significant to anyone getting a loan to purchase a home.
However, tough lending standards remain an obstacle that is keeping many home buyers on the sidelines. Banks have tightened their lending standards, which have made even some buyers with good credit struggle to qualify for the best rate.
Source: “Fed Will Shift Debt Holdings to Lift Growth,” The New York Times (Sept. 21, 2011
posted: September 23, 2011
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| DR Horton Model Home Open! |
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DR Horton has officially opened their model home at 1973 Seadrift Drive in Water Valley South! Come see the fully furnished & beautiful Waterford plan. The home is open until 6pm 7 day a week! Five other plans are under construction.
posted: August 31, 2011
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| Free Golf Offer for New Homeowners |
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We have had several questions recently regarding the free golf offer for new homeowners in Water Valley, Windsor, CO. One select new construction homes new home owners will receive up to 2 years of free golf with their purchase. When a new homeowner has made their purchase of any home in Water Valley through a Re/Max Eagle Rock agent, that person will receive 1 year of free golf. Restrictions apply to each offer, please contact Moira Bright at 970-690-1286 or mbright@watervalley.com with questions. Moira Bright and Ryan Bach are on site Re/Max Eagle Rock brokers who would love to help you with buying or selling a Water Valley Home!
posted: August 21, 2011
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| WATER VALLEY BOAT DEMO & SWAP DAY |
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On August 20th, Water Valley will be holding its first annual Boat Demo and Swap Day from 10am-2pm behind the Water Valley office building on Rockbridge Lake.
Residents and friends are welcome to stop by and get a demo boat ride and check out the 4-stroke Mercury 9.9 motor which is now acceptable for use on the lakes in Water Valley. Residents can also bring their own boats to swap and sell, and maybe even find one to buy! We'll provide free hot dogs and refreshments.
Call 970-686-5828 to reserve a space if you will be bringing over a boat to swap or sell. Canoes, sailboats, paddle boats, fishing boats, kayaks, pontoons...... if it floats you can bring it over.
posted: August 8, 2011
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| SHORT TERM RENTAL NEEDED |
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We have people coming into Water Valley the second half of Aug. who would like to lease a furnished home for 2 weeks. These are people who are coming from out of the area and would like to eventually buy in Water Valley! Please call Moira Bright, Broker Associate, Re/Max Eagle Rock if you have a home that might work.
posted: July 26, 2011
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| WATER VALLEY RENTALS NEEDED |
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We have inquiries daily from people who want to lease homes in Water Valley. If you have a home for lease, please notify us by completing the form found here http://www.homesfortcollins.net/List-Your-Property.htm
Moira Bright will add you to our rental list immediately! If you are interested in property management services through Eagle Rock Management, LLC please notify Moira on the form or by emailing mbright@watervalley.com
posted: July 23, 2011
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| Check Out The New & Improved www.watervalley.com |
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We've completely redone the Water Valley website to be more user friendly! There are gorgeous pictures of our community and amenities as well as country club, golf and pool info. Find information on new homes for sale, rental properties, real estate services, HOA, metro district, our key projects and more. We hope you enjoy the new www.watervalley.com and use the site often!
posted: July 20, 2011
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| Rental Properties Needed! |
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We are getting daily inquiries from people wanting to rent homes in Water Valley! Please let us know if you have a home available for lease by emailing Moira Bright mbright@watervalley.com.
posted: July 20, 2011
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| Water Valley Residential in Northern Colorado New Website |
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Water Valley Residential in Northern Colorado New Website
posted: July 13, 2011
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