​Everyone loves their BBQ and Firework tradition for the Fourth of July, but there are other great things to do in the Boulder area to celebrate the long weekend. 


On Saturday, hit up the Boulder Farmers Market, complete with local farmers selling fresh produce, meats, flowers and other delectable foods. Also on Saturday, dance to summer tunes, located at Twenty Ninth Street Mall at a concert by Lee & Co. To warm up your artisitc cravings, visit the Colorado Music Festival at Chautauqua Park or the Colorado Shakespeare Festival the weekend before the 4th. 

During the day, cool off at the Boulder Reservoir. At 8 am, join in on the Craig Towler Freedom Run, which is a 5/10 K for people of all ages. Picnic, play in the water, go to the beer garden, gobble up beach-side snacks, paddle board and enjoy great company all day long! Entry fees of $7/adults, $4/youth, $5/seniors still apply. 

When it gets dark, the party begins. Visit Folsom Field for their annual Ralphie's Independence Day blast. Since 1941, Boulder locals and visitors have enjoyed the spectacular firework show with festivities beginning around 8 pm.

Gunbarrel Colorado lies to the northeast of downtown Boulder. For home buyers looking for larger homes at more affordable prices, this city is for you. What's even better is that these homes, averaged in the mid $300's, come with a Boulder address as well.

Though Gunbarrel does not have a strong downtown area, it has other hidden gems to offer to its residents. There are multiple golf courses, open space, corporate businesses, acupuncture and massage therapy colleges and lakes at driving distance from the city.

The Boulder Reservoir is well-known in the Boulder area and located minutes from Gunbarrel. The reservoir offers outdoor-lovers trails for running and biking and a family fun weekend activity. If you are looking to boat, memberships are fairly easy to come by. For those just hoping to soak up the sun, a beach, docks and picnic areas are open to the public.

Gunbarrel is also known for Twin Lakes. This wetland open space is located right in the city and is great for biking, jogging, fishing and watching wildlife. In an effort to protect the open space, Twin Lakes Action Group (TLAG) was formed in 2015. This non-profit's goal is to "preserve the rural residential look and feel of our neighborhoods and the surrounding areas." It's mission is to protect Gunbarrel's 20 acres of open space, making neighborhoods and land in Gunbarrel even more valuable. (For more information, visit TLAG).

Corporate businesses are also a known staple in Gunbarrel. The city's most well-known corporation is IBM, which was first located in Gunbarrel in 1965. With Gunbarrel's business park, other big-name corporations have joined IBM in the recent years.  Some of these businesses include Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Celestial Seasonings and Boulder's locally produced Bobos Oat Bars. 

Gunbarrel may be the best kept secret in Boulder County. It already has a lot to offer and will continue to grow. In the past few years, the city has grown to include a new hotel and grocery store. In the future, apartments, retail space and a Main Street are set to be built.

For more information on this city, visit Moving to Boulder County and to keep up to date on current events, visit our Blog.

Who doesn't love a good breakfast burrito? We decided to investigate and give you the rundown on the best places in Boulder to satisfy your breakfast burrito craving.


Village Coffee Shop serves American classics for breakfast and lunch. Located of of Folsom St, enjoy their breakfast burrito with eggs, cheese, onions, a choice of meat, smothered in green chili and served with hash browns and toast. 

The Parkway, located off of Pearl and 55th delights customers with weekend specials with authentic recipes from Mexico. Get a bowl of chili with a stack of tortillas or smother it over their classic version of a breakfast burrito. This place is not to be missed!


Foolish Craig's serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is known for their crepes. So, stuff a crepe or go traditional with their burrito filled with cheese, beans, chili, a choice of meat and served with potatoes or cheesy grits. 



Santiago's is known for their chili and chili goes best on breakfast burritos! For only $2+, cater to your friends and family with eggs, potatoes and the chef's choice of meat. You won't be disappointed and will even enjoy a surprise from the chef. 


A personal favorite is Illegal Pete's. Make it your very own with a selection of tortillas, pork or veggie green chili, potatoes, meat, grilled veggies and a plethora of toppings. It's fast, it's good and it delights veggie lovers and meat lovers alike.  
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Moe's Bagels not only serves up bagels and sandwiches, but breakfast burritos too. Grab and go with a burrito that will satisfy your taste buds and fill you up for the morning.

​Ready to sell your home? Make sure you start the process off right by getting some things in line before listing your home. 

REALTOR Magazine gives us 5 tips on what to do to make your sale successful. From empowering yourself with information from a pre-sale inspection to making your home presentable and enticing to buyers, REALTOR Magazine gives us ideas on how to not only make a sale but on how to make it more effective and profitable. Read the article below:

1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you'll be able to make repairs before open houses begin. 


2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine. 

3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn out or need to be replaced soon, such as your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don't plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin. 

4. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.

5. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you're a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn an bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?

Driving south down Broadway, it is hard to miss the pinkish building tucked away in the flatirons. Not only is NCAR, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, a Boulder landmark, but it signals a distinct community in Boulder. Broadly known as South Boulder, this community has become more thought of  as Table Mesa. 

South Boulder encompasses an old 50's ranch style Boulder. Homes are older and more affordable. Town homes and condos are also sprinkled in, making it a reasonable area for young families and students alike. 

Well known for its highly academic schools such as Fairview High School, the Table Mesa community is a very family-oriented section of Boulder. Parks, a recreation center and hiking on the Mesa Trail all make this area welcoming to family fun. If you're looking for a nice walk, Viele Lake is pleasant and enjoyed by multiple forms of wildlife. Residents can also have a day of fun playing frisbee golf at Harlow Platts Park or swimming at South Boulder Rec Center. 

Most of the area's local shopping can be done at the Table Mesa Shopping Center. A King Sooper's, restaurants and retail stores complete the strip mall. South Boulder is also a great location if you have to commute to Louisville, Lafayette or Erie. While South Boulder is easily accessed by the highway, traffic can be avoided by using alternative routes such as Marshall Road and South Boulder Road. 

To learn more about South Boulder, visit Boulder Neighborhood Guide

Making the decision to move involves a plethora of factors, each unique to every buyer. Things change, and, therefore, your needs and wants may change too. For example, you may be making more money, maybe you have children and now need to be in a better school district or maybe moving makes more sense than remodeling. REALTOR Magazine answers the question of whether moving up makes sense for you below:


These questions will help you decide whether you're ready for a home that's larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it's a sign that you may be ready to move. 

1. Have you built sustainable equity in your current home? Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out. Usually, you don't build up much equity in the first few years of your mortgage, as monthly payments are mostly interest, but if you've owned your home for five or more years, you may have significant unrealized gains.

2. Has your income or financial situation improved? If you're making more money, you may be able to afford higher mortgage payments and cover the costs of moving. 

3. Have you outgrown your neighborhood? The neighborhood you pick for your first home might not be the same neighborhood you want to settle in for good. For example, you may have realized that you'd like to be closer to your job or live in a better school district. 

4. Are there reasons why you can't remodel or add on? Sometimes you can create a bigger home by adding a new room or building up. But if your property isn't large enough, your municipality doesn't allow it, or you're simply not interested in remodeling, then moving to a bigger home may be your best option.

5. Are you comfortable moving in the current housing market? If your market is hot, your home may sell quickly and for top dollar, but the home you buy also will be more expensive. If your market is slow, finding a buyer may take longer, but you'll have more selection and better pricing as you seek your new home.

6. Are interest rates attractive? A low rate not only helps you buy a larger home, but also makes it easier to find a buyer. 

REALTOR Magazine release 12 good questions you should ask before hiring a realtor to make sure they are legitimate and will meet your needs. Read more below:

Make sure you choose a REALTOR who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs.

1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is this your full time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate - like many other professions - is mostly learned on the job.

2. What designations do you hold? Designations such as GRI and CRS, which require that agents take additional, specialized real estate training, are held only by about one-quarter of real estate practitioners. 

3. How many homes did you sand your real estate brokerage sell last year? By asking this question, you'll get a good idea of how much experience the practitioner has. 

4. How many days did it take you to sell the average home? How did that compare to the overall market? The REALTOR you interview should have these facts on hand, and be able to present market statistics from the local MLS to provide a comparison. 

5. How close to the initial asking prices of the homes you sold were the final sale prices? This is one indication of how skilled the RELATOR is at pricing homes and marketing to suitable buyers. Of course, other factors also may be at play, including an exceptionally hot or cool real estate market.

6. What types of specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home? You don't want someone who's going to put a For Sale sign in the yard and hope for the best. Look for someone who has aggressive and innovative approaches, and knows how to market your property competitively on the Internet. Buyers today want information fast, so it's important that your REALTOR is responsive.

7. Will you represent me exclusively, or swill you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction? While it's usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, it's important to understand where the practitioner's obligations lie. Your REALTOR should explain his or her agency relationship to you and describe the rights of each part. 

8. Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done? Because REALTORS are immersed in the industry, they're wonderful resources as you seek lenders, home improvement companies and other home service providers. Practitioners should generally recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with or recieve compensation from any of the providers. 

9. What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you? Having resources such as in-house support staff, access to the a real estate attorney, and assistance with technology can help an agent sell your home.

10. What's your business philosophy? While there's no right answer to this question, the response will help you assess what's important to the agent and determine how closely the agent's goals and business emphasis mesh with your own.

11. How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction? How frequently? Again, this is not a question with a correct answer, but how you judge the response will reflect your own desires. Do you want updates twice a week or do you prefer not to be bothered unless there's a hot prospect? Do you prefer phone, email, or a personal visit?

12. Could you please give me the names and phone numbers of your three most recent clients? Ask recent clients if they would work with this RELATOR again. Find out whether they were pleased with the communication style and follow up and work ethic of the REALTOR. 

CONTACT ME so that I can help answer any of these questions above!

Northfields Commons is a new neighborhood located in northeast Boulder between Kalmia Avenue and Palo Parkway. The residencies are being built on a 22 acre lot near the Pleasant View soccer fields. The new builds aim to give residents the "best of Boulder" with easy access to trails, a community park and great views.

The neighborhood's design elements are also attractive. With a sleek look, these contemporary lofts, single family homes, duplexes, condos, row homes and town homes have open floor plans, energy efficient qualities and traditional looks. The community, complete with porches and walking paths, is one for people looking to be social with their neighbors. 

To stay up to date on this new development, visit Northfield Commons
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REALTOR Magazine came out with 8 Reasons Why You Should Work With a REALTOR. REALTORS are professionals who can deal with the paperwork and forms for you, they know about areas and resale opportunities, they have the tools to find the right home and they are negotiators and advisers. Learn more below:

Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS. The term REALTOR is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are five reasons why it pays to work with a REALTOR.

1. Navigate a complicated process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. 

2. Information and opinions. REALTORS can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They'll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions. Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

3. Help finding the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigating by your REALTOR to find all available properties. 

4. Negotiating skills. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishing, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn't sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner's contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR will generally pre-screen and accompany qualified prospects through your property. 

6. Someone who speaks the language. If you don't know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it's important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language. 

7. Experience. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.

8. Objective voice. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security - it's not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, home buying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they'll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you. 

To learn more about what my clients value and how I have helped them, visit the REVIEWS PAGE
To contact me for more information, visit the CONTACT PAGE

Boulder and Denver are hubs for great food with fresh ingredients and creative twists. New to the metro area is Cattivella. This Italian restaurant features chef Elise Wiggins, a known chef in the culinary world and executive chef of Panzano in Denver. Cattivella Wood-Fired Italian is located in the Eastbridge development in Stapleton. Complete with a patio with mountain views and a wood-fired oven making delectable food, Cattivella is on the list for your next evening out! Some items to try are the caramelized meats, char-grilled seafood, Neapolitan-style pizzas, all made mouth-watering with their wood-fired cooking style. 

Food is inspired by Wiggins' travels to Italy every year, where she collects recipes and inspirations from the different cultures and flavors. 10 wines are also featured on the menu to accommodate personal taste, budget and seasonality.

Learn more about this great culinary addition at Dining Out Denver & Boulder or on Cattivella's website