The Fire’s Impact

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

Our heart goes out to all of the people impacted by the Marshall Fire in Boulder County.

If you would like to give your support, we have set up a special fund through the Windermere Foundation where we will match any donation you make up to $5000.

You can make that donation HERE.

This devastating event will have significant impacts on the real estate market both short term and medium term.

There are some interesting things to consider related to the fire:

  1. This will be the costliest wildfire in Colorado history, by far.  The total losses will probably approach $800 million.  The most expensive wildfire up until now was last year’s East Troublesome fire at just over $500 million.
  2. It’s likely that the vast majority of the residential property owners who lost their homes were underinsured.   Given the recent rise in both property values and construction costs, these homeowners may find that their insurance won’t cover their actual loss.  We encourage everyone to check in on their own property insurance versus actual replacement costs.
  3. Nearly 1000 households are now in need of housing.  Today there are only 161 residential properties for sale in Boulder County.  In addition, the rental market also has low supply.  We expect that many of the people impacted will consider housing alternatives outside of Boulder County simply out of necessity.
  4. The homebuilding industry is currently challenged with both labor and material shortages.  It may take long time to replace the properties that were destroyed by the fire.

Again, we are so sad for the people who were impacted.  We are also encouraged to see all the different ways that our community has stepped up to help.

The post The Fire’s Impact appeared first on Windermere Colorado REALTORS.

Your Guide to Thanksgiving Weekend Events 2021

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

The year is coming to a close and Thanksgiving is just days away! Communities, locals and businesses are rallying together to finish the month off with a little holiday spirit and a whole lot of gratitude. See what Colorado has lined up for Thanksgiving Day and the year ahead:

 

 

Thanksgiving Day Run

Each year, cities across the state plan Thanksgiving Day runs & walks to raise funds for community organizations. The Mile High Turkey Trot in Denver is four miles long and has had 10,000+ participants in years past! Registration fees go toward United Way, an organization that assists families and individuals in poverty. Likewise, the Thanksgiving Day Run in Fort Collins has been going strong for 28 years now! This four-mile event is open to runners, walkers and kids in support of RamStrength, a local organization that supports cancer survivors. Lace up your shoes and start your Thanksgiving Day by giving back to those in need.  

 

 

Pop-Up Markets

Check out the Colorado Holiday Maker’s Market at the Aztlan Community Center. 80+ local vendors will be selling their handmade, high-quality products on Sunday November 28th from 12p-5p. The Wolverine Publick House will also be opening their doors to local artisans for the Little Zurich Open Air Holiday Market. This outdoor marketplace is free to attend and offers visitors the chance to participate in a variety of activities including candle dipping and wreath making while you enjoy ciders, wines and hot chocolates around the fire pit.

 

 

Free Horse Carriage Ride

Break up your holiday shopping with a horse carriage ride in Fort Collins! Head down to the Foothills Mall on Saturday November 27th from 5p-7p to enjoy a ride in a Clydesdale pulled carriage designed to give a slow tour of the shopping complex. Pick-up location is across from the Cinemark Theater and Bistro.

 

 

Holiday Lights

Ring in the holiday season by exploring the newly hung lights across Colorado! The Grand Illumination is held the day after Thanksgiving to bring the community together for the lighting of downtown Denver. The Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Zoo, and Butterfly Pavilion will also be adorning their spaces with holiday lights, but the festive displays don’t stop there! Downtown Colorado Springs, Seven Falls, Estes Park, and Gunnison will all hold lighting ceremonies to show their holiday spirit.

 

 

Support the Rapids & Donate to a Great Cause

The Colorado Rapids, Major League Soccer Team in the Denver Metro area, have made it to the playoffs and will be playing the first Thanksgiving Day game in MLS history at the DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. This is a huge accomplishment in an of itself, but the league isn’t stopping there. For every fan inside the park prior to kick off of the Western Conference Semi Final Playoff, the Colorado Rapids and Kroenke Sports Charities will donate fifteen meals to the Food Bank of the Rockies. Show your support while helping families facing hunger this holiday season!

 

 

When in Doubt, Hike it Out

Show gratitude for the awesome state we live in by jumping on a trail at one of Colorado’s 41 state parks. Lory State Park, Eldorado Canyon State Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park are just a few areas that are worth exploring.

The post Your Guide to Thanksgiving Weekend Events 2021 appeared first on Windermere Colorado REALTORS.

Windermere Foundation Approaches $1.5 Million Raised in 2021

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

Windermere offices across the Western U.S. have remained committed to serving their communities in 2021, collectively raising nearly $1.5 million so far this year alone, pushing the foundation’s grand total raised since 1989 to nearly $45 million. After a successful Community Service Day in June and a first half of the year which saw over $1 million raised, Windermere offices have continued to give back this summer. Here are some recent highlights from across our network.

Windermere Utah

Windermere Utah has always been deeply rooted in its community, and 2021 has been no different. This year alone, they have hosted multiple fundraisers and supported several organizations to affect positive change in their community.

One of the greatest challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has put on schoolchildren is access to technology. After searching for a way to provide digital access to local schoolchildren, Windermere Utah came across the organization Spy Hop, based in Salt Lake City. Spy Hop is a digital media arts center that provides classes in film, music, audio, and design for students between the ages of nine and nineteen. They offer mentoring and host technology drives to provide computers for students in need through a program called the Technology Liberation Project. Windermere Utah donated $3,000 to support Spy Hop’s programs while sponsoring their technology drive in August.

The office also rallied together to support Lincoln Elementary School. As a Title I school, they cannot ask for supplies or funds, often leaving them underfunded compared to other schools in the area. Windermere Utah donated $1,000 for kids to purchase the supplies they need for the school year.

 

A group of people inside a school hold up a check for one-thousand dollars.

From Left to Right: Misty Medina, Laurann Turner, Lincoln Elementary Rep, Shawnee Cooper, Lincoln Elementary Rep, Michelle Adkins, Chelle Preslar, Kelly Silvestor, and Stephanie Vera

 

Windermere Evergreen – Evergreen, CO

Windermere Evergreen has close ties to the local Rotary Wildfire Ready program and given the prevalence of wildfires across the Western U.S. in recent years, the office was inspired to tap their Foundation resources to support local wildfire relief efforts. John Putt–managing broker at Windermere Evergreen—is a member of the Rotary Wildfire Ready leadership council. A former paramedic and firefighter, he is passionate about providing resources and education to mountain communities regarding wildfire preparedness. After trying to come up with ways to support the program, they settled on a classic method of bringing the community together—a good old tailgate party.  The office donated $1,000 to support the Rotary Wildfire Ready program, and the first annual Windermere Foundation Tailgate Party saw members of the community come together from all corners of town.

 

The Evergreen, Colorado Rotary Wildfire Ready firetruck.

The Evergreen, Colorado Rotary Wildfire Ready firetruck.

 

Windermere Spokane – Spokane, WA

After hosting a blood drive earlier this year, Windermere Spokane has continued to find ways they can provide for those in need in their community. In early September, they turned their attention toward Spokane’s youth. When they saw the Spokane branch of Volunteers of America announce that they were planning to move their Crosswalk Youth Shelter across town to a new facility, the office jumped at the opportunity to help. Windermere Spokane held a matching fundraiser that ultimately raised over $21,000 for the new shelter. But the office’s recent foundation efforts didn’t stop there.

In preparation for the new school year, the office held their Spokane Sock and Shoe Event to support local low-income and homeless grade school-aged kids with new pairs of shoes and socks. This year’s event provided new shoes and socks for 116 kids.

 

Two women with masks on take a selfie during a clothing drive for local schoolchildren.

Left to Right: Windermere agents Blythe Thimsen and Brenda McKinley

 

A woman in mask holds up pairs of socks during a clothing fundraiser for local schoolchildren.

Windermere agent Brenda McKinley

 

Kritsonis Lindor Team — Windermere Bellevue South – Bellevue, WA

Windermere agents John Kritsonis and Karl Lindor of Kritsonis Lindor have been strong supporters of the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank in years past, but the continued challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that the IFCB needed their support more than ever. After food insecurity for children in their county jumped 54% in 2020, John and Karl knew they had to go all-in for their community. They doubled down on their fundraising campaign with a $25,000 match, ultimately raising $55,958. On August 20, their team spent the day volunteering at the food bank, putting together produce bags, and passing out groceries to families. All in all, they were able to provide groceries to over 120 families and over 350 kids. Their donations will support IFCB’s summer lunch program, which feeds roughly 300 children weekly during the summer.

To learn more about the Windermere Foundation, visit windermerefoundation.com.

The post Windermere Foundation Approaches $1.5 Million Raised in 2021 appeared first on Windermere Colorado REALTORS.

Windermere Foundation Approaches $1.5 Million Raised in 2021

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

Windermere offices across the Western U.S. have remained committed to serving their communities in 2021, collectively raising nearly $1.5 million so far this year alone, pushing the foundation’s grand total raised since 1989 to nearly $45 million. After a successful Community Service Day in June and a first half of the year which saw over $1 million raised, Windermere offices have continued to give back this summer. Here are some recent highlights from across our network.

Windermere Utah

Windermere Utah has always been deeply rooted in its community, and 2021 has been no different. This year alone, they have hosted multiple fundraisers and supported several organizations to affect positive change in their community.

One of the greatest challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has put on schoolchildren is access to technology. After searching for a way to provide digital access to local schoolchildren, Windermere Utah came across the organization Spy Hop, based in Salt Lake City. Spy Hop is a digital media arts center that provides classes in film, music, audio, and design for students between the ages of nine and nineteen. They offer mentoring and host technology drives to provide computers for students in need through a program called the Technology Liberation Project. Windermere Utah donated $3,000 to support Spy Hop’s programs while sponsoring their technology drive in August.

The office also rallied together to support Lincoln Elementary School. As a Title I school, they cannot ask for supplies or funds, often leaving them underfunded compared to other schools in the area. Windermere Utah donated $1,000 for kids to purchase the supplies they need for the school year.

 

A group of people inside a school hold up a check for one-thousand dollars.

From Left to Right: Misty Medina, Laurann Turner, Lincoln Elementary Rep, Shawnee Cooper, Lincoln Elementary Rep, Michelle Adkins, Chelle Preslar, Kelly Silvestor, and Stephanie Vera

 

Windermere Evergreen – Evergreen, CO

Windermere Evergreen has close ties to the local Rotary Wildfire Ready program and given the prevalence of wildfires across the Western U.S. in recent years, the office was inspired to tap their Foundation resources to support local wildfire relief efforts. John Putt–managing broker at Windermere Evergreen—is a member of the Rotary Wildfire Ready leadership council. A former paramedic and firefighter, he is passionate about providing resources and education to mountain communities regarding wildfire preparedness. After trying to come up with ways to support the program, they settled on a classic method of bringing the community together—a good old tailgate party.  The office donated $1,000 to support the Rotary Wildfire Ready program, and the first annual Windermere Foundation Tailgate Party saw members of the community come together from all corners of town.

 

The Evergreen, Colorado Rotary Wildfire Ready firetruck.

The Evergreen, Colorado Rotary Wildfire Ready firetruck.

 

Windermere Spokane – Spokane, WA

After hosting a blood drive earlier this year, Windermere Spokane has continued to find ways they can provide for those in need in their community. In early September, they turned their attention toward Spokane’s youth. When they saw the Spokane branch of Volunteers of America announce that they were planning to move their Crosswalk Youth Shelter across town to a new facility, the office jumped at the opportunity to help. Windermere Spokane held a matching fundraiser that ultimately raised over $21,000 for the new shelter. But the office’s recent foundation efforts didn’t stop there.

In preparation for the new school year, the office held their Spokane Sock and Shoe Event to support local low-income and homeless grade school-aged kids with new pairs of shoes and socks. This year’s event provided new shoes and socks for 116 kids.

 

Two women with masks on take a selfie during a clothing drive for local schoolchildren.

Left to Right: Windermere agents Blythe Thimsen and Brenda McKinley

 

A woman in mask holds up pairs of socks during a clothing fundraiser for local schoolchildren.

Windermere agent Brenda McKinley

 

Kritsonis Lindor Team — Windermere Bellevue South – Bellevue, WA

Windermere agents John Kritsonis and Karl Lindor of Kritsonis Lindor have been strong supporters of the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank in years past, but the continued challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that the IFCB needed their support more than ever. After food insecurity for children in their county jumped 54% in 2020, John and Karl knew they had to go all-in for their community. They doubled down on their fundraising campaign with a $25,000 match, ultimately raising $55,958. On August 20, their team spent the day volunteering at the food bank, putting together produce bags, and passing out groceries to families. All in all, they were able to provide groceries to over 120 families and over 350 kids. Their donations will support IFCB’s summer lunch program, which feeds roughly 300 children weekly during the summer.

To learn more about the Windermere Foundation, visit windermerefoundation.com.

The post Windermere Foundation Approaches $1.5 Million Raised in 2021 appeared first on Windermere Colorado REALTORS.

Windermere Northern Colorado Foundation Tailgate Party 2021

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

September signifies something different for everyone: for some it’s the beginning of football season, for others it’s the end of summer, but for our Northern Colorado team, September means it’s time to tailgate! Each September, for the past five years, we have hosted our Windermere Foundation Tailgate Party to raise funds and spread awareness in support of a local organization dedicated to the betterment of our community.

 

 

This year, we teamed up with ChildSafe Colorado, a non-profit that provides resources, education and treatment to victims of childhood abuse. For such an amazing organization, we had no choice but to go all out. On September 17th, 2021 we joined together as a community on to party with a purpose. Our guests enjoyed complimentary drinks, complimentary food from Pepe’s Tacos and the Ball Joint, and live music performed by Kelsey Jo and the Wildcards. Special entertainment was also available for the kids in the form of balloon art, face painting and a petting zoo!

 

 

To raise funds, custom-made cups were available for purchase and prizes donated by local businesses were raffled off. Otterbox, Walmart, Pure Barre Fort Collins, Orangetheory Fitness, Board 30 Fort Collins, Ascent Climbing & Fitness Studio, Pure Drip IV, The Cupboard, Butter Cream Cupcakery, Rally5 Crafted Eats & Bar, Jax Outdoor Gear, New Belgium Brewery, Odell Brewing Co, Coyote Gold, Smilin Faces Face Paint, Painting with a Twist, Amy Vandegrift with Skin Pretty Aesthetics, and Kali Johnson with Salon One Ten were among the generous donor who contributed to the event.

With the help of our platinum donors Elevations Credit Union and Fidelity National Title Company in Northern Colorado, we were able to raise over $4,000 dollars in support of this wonderful organization.

Want to get involved? Click here for more information. 

The post Windermere Northern Colorado Foundation Tailgate Party 2021 appeared first on Windermere Colorado REALTORS.

Windermere Northern Colorado Foundation Tailgate Party 2021

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

September signifies something different for everyone: for some it’s the beginning of football season, for others it’s the end of summer, but for our Northern Colorado team, September means it’s time to tailgate! Each September, for the past five years, we have hosted our Windermere Foundation Tailgate Party to raise funds and spread awareness in support of a local organization dedicated to the betterment of our community.

 

 

This year, we teamed up with ChildSafe Colorado, a non-profit that provides resources, education and treatment to victims of childhood abuse. For such an amazing organization, we had no choice but to go all out. On September 17th, 2021 we joined together as a community on to party with a purpose. Our guests enjoyed complimentary drinks, complimentary food from Pepe’s Tacos and the Ball Joint, and live music performed by Kelsey Jo and the Wildcards. Special entertainment was also available for the kids in the form of balloon art, face painting and a petting zoo!

 

 

To raise funds, custom-made cups were available for purchase and prizes donated by local businesses were raffled off. Otterbox, Walmart, Pure Barre Fort Collins, Orangetheory Fitness, Board 30 Fort Collins, Ascent Climbing & Fitness Studio, Pure Drip IV, The Cupboard, Butter Cream Cupcakery, Rally5 Crafted Eats & Bar, Jax Outdoor Gear, New Belgium Brewery, Odell Brewing Co, Coyote Gold, Smilin Faces Face Paint, Painting with a Twist, Amy Vandegrift with Skin Pretty Aesthetics, and Kali Johnson with Salon One Ten were among the generous donor who contributed to the event.

With the help of our platinum donors Elevations Credit Union and Fidelity National Title Company in Northern Colorado, we were able to raise over $4,000 dollars in support of this wonderful organization.

Want to get involved? Click here for more information. 

The post Windermere Northern Colorado Foundation Tailgate Party 2021 appeared first on Windermere Colorado REALTORS.

Windermere Foundation Evergreen Tailgate Party 2021

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

At Windermere, giving back to our communities is the cornerstone of who we are. Over the past 30 years, our owners, staff and agents have worked together to organize events, raise funds, and spread awareness about worthy causes to strengthen our communities and lend a hand to those in need.

Last week, our team in Evergreen hosted their first annual tailgate party to raise funds for the Rotary Wildfire Ready Campaign, a community-based project whose mission is to build wildfire awareness in mountain communities.

 

John Putt, Cindy Latham, Chuck Ridings

 

Wildfires pose a major threat to mountain communities due to the enormous volume of trees in the surrounding area. Archuleta County, Jefferson County, La Plata County and Montezuma County are just a few areas that face the threat of wildfires each year. Rotary Wildfire Ready helps residents assess their wildfire risk, learn how to harden their homes with fire resistant materials, and create an evacuation plan to keep their families safe.

 

The Rotary Wildfire Ready Truck

 

With the help of our sponsors (pictured below): Kate Higgins with BW Mortgage, Laura Roberts with Chicago Title of Colorado and Otterbox, we were able to raise $2,200 of which 100% of the proceeds were donated to the Rotary Wildfire Ready Campaign.

Yvette Putt, John Putt, Kailee Harvey, Dave Gorsuch

Kate Higgins, JT Putt, Dave Gorsuch, John Putt, Yvette Putt, Laura Roberts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here to donate to Rotary Wildfire Ready or to learn more about the organization. 

The post Windermere Foundation Evergreen Tailgate Party 2021 appeared first on Windermere Colorado REALTORS.