We’ll admit it…even though the weather has been warm, we can’t help but get into the holiday spirit!  As the year winds to its conclusion and we prepare to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s, we can’t help but reflect on the year that’s been.

Without further ado, here are 12 reasons we’re grateful this year:

1. This year we were grateful to contribute to a handful of well-deserving local charities, including Make a Wish, EFAA, Byrne Urban Scholars, The Cancer League of Colorado, Home Builders Foundation of Metro Denver, and local food banks.
2. We’re in great company, with membership in the Erie, Boulder, Superior and Louisville Chambers as well as the Colorado Home Builders Association and National Home Builders Association.
3. We were proud to continue with our We ♥ Realtors initiative and to sponsor the Boulder County Real Estate Expo and other informative events to help realtors build their businesses and sell new homes.
4. We were able to transition to a new headquarters in downtown Louisville, purchasing and renovating the building we now occupy.
5. We were privileged to meet homeowners who value a lifestyle that’s second to none!  Nothing compares to seeing dreams turn into real homes built with green savvy and serving as the cornerstone of Colorado communities.
6. Speaking of Colorado communities, we had the privilege of launching neighborhoods at Kingsbridge Townhomes in South Longmont, taking on a select offering at Creekside, stepping up our involvement at Shadow Grass Park, and planning for new developments that bear Boulder Creek’s signature lifestyle touch.
7. We’ll admit…we love community recognition, from national news coverage of Boulder Creek’s distinctive communities to a 40 under 40 award for principal David Sinkey.
8. Our local partnerships and relationships make us grateful.  We couldn’t offer our unique mix of life and home without being firmly rooted in the community.
9. Our exemplary staff is reason enough to be grateful!  With their help, we run smoothly and give homebuyers the exceptional homebuying experience they expect and deserve.
10. Don’t forget about fun…we’re grateful for our participation in Colorado Music Festival and Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts in 2010!
11. We’re grateful for growing awareness of the green building techniques that are an integral part of our philosophy and our business.
12. Finally, we’re grateful for Colorado…where life comes first and home is second to none…where we are privileged to serve an extraordinary community.

Happy New Year!

“You don’t have to buy a used home. Buy a new home that reflects your style.”

Homebuyers have a rare opportunity to build a new home in a well-established, upscale South Longmont community. Six choice home sites are newly available at Village at Creekside, three of them bordering picturesque Left Hand Creek.

The sites are being developed by Boulder Creek Life and Home, known for high-quality construction and commitment to green building. Stylish ranch homes with finished lower levels are planned for the six sites. The main floor highlights a spacious, light-filled Great Room connecting the kitchen to the living areas. Those looking for additional bedrooms for visitors or a recreation room for grandchildren will find just what they need in the finished lower level.

Location, location, location

“Village at Creekside is a well-located little community,” says David Sinkey, a principal of Boulder Creek Life and Home. “This is a limited opportunity for people to acquire our sites, three of which back up to Left Hand Creek and will be in high demand. They connect you to the extensive Longmont trail system. We’re already having conversations with many interested parties wanting to stay in this great community. They’re excited about a new home that is designed around the way they live today.”

The six sites are nestled in a circling drive, in the heart of the neighborhood. Residents experience a quiet neighborhood setting while enjoying the close proximity of local shopping and quick access to Boulder and major transit thoroughfares.

“We’re close to starting our first home,” says Paul Gortzig sales manager. “One of the advantages of buying here is that you have the opportunity to invest in a brand-new, well-built, green home in an established community that is well respected. The location is great in south-central Longmont, near restaurants and Main Street, minutes from Twin Peaks Mall.”

Easy ranch-style living

Buyers choose from three floor plans. With all of them, you step inside to open Great Room living, with vaulted ceilings, a  dream kitchen, a well-appointed master suite with a separate shower and soaking tub and walk-in closet, convenient laundry room, and decks with outdoor living space. Also on the main floor is an office/study that can be used as a bedroom, and a bath.

The lower level combines two bedrooms, a rec room and bath. This nicely separates living space and entertaining. With room to invite 50 to 60 people, there’s still a sense of intimate space; you can live on the first floor and use the lower level for company, entertainment and hobbies.

Prices start from the mid-$300,000s. Early buyers will get to choose their floor plan and designer finishes to personalize their home. From Modern Contemporary to Country Craftsman, Boulder Creek’s professional design studio helps buyers select colors and materials to create their ideal space.

“Boulder Creek Life and Home builds lifestyle communities, and we found a need in this community for ranch-style living,” says Gortzig. “Our ranch-style homes include a finished lower level to make it perfect. We’re seeing more and more couples into their careers who find that the ranch makes sense for them, as well as empty nesters who want to stay in the neighborhood and until now, did not have an opportunity to buy new with spacious ranch-style living.. People love our Great Room designs and open floor plans. You don’t have to buy a used home. Buy a new home that reflects your style.”

Quality-built, green, efficient

In Boulder Creek Life and Home’s communities, home owners receive a higher standard of building: 2×6 wall construction to allow higher insulation levels; advanced framing techniques to produce sturdier buildings with less outside air penetration; concrete-based siding to create a durable exterior and provide a quieter interior; and Energy Star Rated furnaces, water heaters and appliances to help the home run most efficiently. These efforts are designed to produce a more comfortable interior living environment with better air quality, and to save on utility bills.

Boulder Creek Life and Home Boulder Creek Life and Home has pioneered residential development that meets the demands and needs of the ‘active lifestyle’ homeowner – including professionals, empty nesters, semi-retired and post-children “Baby Boomers.” It designs and builds low-maintenance, single-family and multi-family residential products to accommodate people’s desire for active, easy lives.

Learn more

For more information about this exciting opportunity or to schedule a tour of these six distinctive home sites, visit creekside.livebouldercreek.com

Article courtesy of Boulder Daily Camera – At Home

We’re used to accolades here in Boulder County (after all, our new office is in Louisville, one of the most celebrated of them all!).  But we were pleasantly surprised to see Boulder performing well in this recent feature on America’s top midsize U.S. metro areas.

What happens when right-sized design meets smart building technology? Homebuyers get a home designed around how they want to live today. Main floor living, energy efficiency and spaces that are thoughtfully proportioned are just a few of the exciting results.

Boulder Creek Builders has just released a newly designed series of homes dubbed the “Right Size” series. These ranch style patio homes were designed with valuable input from the Longmont Senior Advisory Council.

“For Boulder Creek, Right Sized was the logical solution for Shadow Grass Park” says Principal David Sinkey. “After consulting with the Longmont Senior Advisory Council, we developed a myriad of thoughtful design concepts for residents of every age, from standard slab on grade foundations with zero step garage entries to wider hallways and doorways. With front-yard maintenance, it’s a lock-and-leave lifestyle that appeals to a wide variety of residents…the people who ultimately give Shadow Grass Park its special charm.”

When you enter a new Right Sized home, prepare for a big surprise. Each home features convenience with everything a homeowner needs right there on the mainfloor; from the master suite to the laundry and even a home office. The main floor highlights a spacious light filled Great Room connecting the kitchen to the living areas.

“How often do you have people over and everyone gathers in the kitchen? We thought, our designs should provide those spaces which reflect the way we live today, ”states Paul Gortzig, sales manager for Boulder Creek.

Right Sized ranch style homes come in a variety of sizes dependent on a homebuyer’s particular needs. Those looking for additional bedrooms for visitors or a rec room for grandchildren will find what they need by adding a finished lower level.

Boulder Creek gives homebuyers the opportunity to express their personal tastes by choosing interior finishes of their homes. From modern contemporary to country craftsmen, Boulder Creek’s professional design studio helps buyers select colors and materials to turn a house into their home.

Staying true to itself, Boulder Creek has incorporated green building techniques and Energy Star guidelines into its homes. Homebuyers receive a higher standard in building: 2×6 wall construction to allow higher insulation levels; advanced framing techniques to produce sturdier buildings with less outside air penetration; concrete-based siding to create a durable exterior and provide a quieter interior; and new Energy Star Rated furnaces, water heaters and appliances to help the home run most efficiently. All these efforts are designed to produce a more comfortable interior living environment with greater air quality as well as save on monthly utility bills.

Third party inspection companies audit the home during and after construction. These inspections ensure quality of building and incorporation of green building and energy efficiency techniques.

“Once a home is complete,” says David Gregg, principal and architect for Boulder Creek, “we bring in an energy surveyor to evaluate the home’s performance. We are very proud to say our homes test out to exceed the ratings provided for the ‘Energy Star’ designation.”

But main floor living, highly personalized interiors and energy efficiency are just the beginning. Located near wonderful amenities, Boulder Creek at Shadow Grass Park has easy and quick access to shopping, recreation and breathtaking mountain views. Major retail centers are only blocks away and the Jim Hamm Nature Area, Ute Creek Golf Course and Union Reservoir are right next door. When you live at Shadow Grass Park you will have more time to do what you enjoy.

Going to the mountains for the weekend or Denver to visit friends? Shadow Grass Park is located minutes from major roadways, making travel a cinch.

Ready to discover Right Size? View Boulder Creek’s energy-efficient designs at Shadow Grass Park. Homes range in size from 1,300 to over 2,400 square feet with finished lower level. From its tree-lined streets to generous porches and traditional architecture that recalls small-town America, Shadow Grass Park is priced in the mid $200s. Discover the Clear Creek, Wolf Creek, Woody Creek, Maroon Creek and Roaring Fork floor plans today.

Visit Shadow Grass Park at 1534 Moonlight Drive-in Longmont. Model Home hours are Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from12:00 to 5:00 p.m. You can also visit the Boulder Creek website at www.LiveBoulderCreek.com or call the Information Center at 303.776.3331

Article courtesy of Boulder Daily Camera – At Home

At Boulder Creek Life and Home, “We ♥ Realtors®” isn’t just a claim…it’s the truth.  Here’s why:

When Realtors® and builders partner together, incredible things happen.  Families find homes that are right-sized, affordable, and full of the features existing homes can lack…and they do so with the help of both their Realtor®, a seasoned professional who knows the area inside out and is building a business based on customer service and satisfaction, and their builder (Boulder Creek Life and Home), who strives to reach the highest levels of architectural and construction values while managing a building process that’s all about going home.  We think that’s a winning combination…and that’s why we make this pledge to Realtors®:

Boulder Creek understands the vital role Realtors® play for their clients.  We believe that the more closely we work together, the better we can serve the most important person in a transaction:  the customer. Boulder Creek Life and Home pledges:

Boulder Creek’s The Cottages at Erie Village: “This is a great situation for people who are working all the time or those who are retired.”

Only a few choice homes remain at The Cottages at Erie Village, the classic neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets and colorful ranch-style homes with welcoming front porches. Residents are attracted to the low-maintenance lifestyle and semi- rural living, located just minutes from shopping and recreation. Pedestrian trails, dotted with pocket parks, wind through the neighborhood and connect to enticing city amenities.

A balanced mix of retired couples, working professionals and young families has given this community a vibrant, welcoming feel. And for one family, Erie Village is the perfect place to try something new: they’re buying two homes right next to each other. “I’d been looking for a while, but not real deliberately,” says Shirley Henly, a long-time Aspen resident. “But I knew at some time I was going to need to move ‘down the mountain’ to live closer to my family.”

Shirley was passing Erie Village one day and on a whim decided to take a look. “The homes were very attractive and I liked the floor plans. And I discovered that the two lots at the end of the street were available.” She brought her son, Brantley Scott, back for a look and the decision was made to purchase two adjoining homes. “For us, it’s a good alternative to an assisted-living situation. After a lot of family discussion, we realized this could be the perfect solution,” Shirley says.

Scott, who will be moving into his new home with daughter Jadzia and son Jordan, says, “The Nantucket floor plan is going to work very well for us. It’s just the right size. The kids are actually getting larger bedrooms, and everyone will have their own bathroom. The open plan was just what we wanted, with a large space so that the kids can do their homework, I can have a home office, and we still have a separate retreat on the lower level for hanging out and watching movies.”

Erie Village’s low-maintenance living takes care of all exterior maintenance, snow removal and lawn and landscape care.

“I have been taking care of an acre-size lot, and it’s a lot of work to care for,” Shirley says. “The HOA takes care of all the outside care and keeps the neighborhood looking nice. This is a great situation for people who are working all the time, or those who are retired and can’t manage it anymore.”

The Cottages at Erie Village has been developed by Boulder Creek Life and Home, and like each of their communities, all homes are constructed to Built Green standards, with 2-by-6 wall construction, Low-E Argon-filled windows, advanced insulation package with R-23 walls and R-38 ceilings, Energy Star appliances and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. “These homes are well built,” Shirley says.

Shirley reports that her buying experience has been pleasant and things went smoothly. She was able to personalize her new home with her choices of finishes, paint and flooring. “I like having a view of the mountains and look forward to having my grandchildren near. I think we are going to be very happy here.”

A Limited Opportunity to Choose Your New Home at Erie Village

Find out for yourself why The Cottages at Erie Village community is such a special place. From Boulder, take Arapahoe Road east to US-287. Turn left (north) on US-287 to Isabelle Road. Turn right (east) on Isabelle Road to County Line Road. Turn left (North) and drive through Erie to Bixler Road. Turn left on Bixler and look for the flag pole. From Denver, take I-25 to Exit 229, drive three miles west on Highway 7 to County Line Road, north through the Town of Erie to Bixler Boulevard, look for the flagpole on the left.

The sales office, 303.772.3063, is located at 1111 Village Circle, is open Monday noon to 6 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For information on other innovative communities by Boulder Creek Life and Home, visit www.livebouldercreek.com.

Article courtesy of Boulder Daily Camera – At Home

Here’s a statistic guaranteed to perk your ears up:  green building now constitutes nearly 1/3 of new construction in the United States.*

Take a moment to appreciate what that means…to let it really sink in.  33% of new construction built with sustainability in mind.  33% of new construction built with efficient, money-saving components.

Of course, we could be biased. After all, green building techniques are just part of what Boulder Creek Life and Home does.  They’re as critical to our worldview as quality and access to a better life.

People are shocked that we’re able to use earth-friendly building techniques without sacrificing price, quality, or location…but we’re living proof that green can and does work for residential building. For us, it’s just as much about the results as the techniques…

• lower energy bills
• more efficient heating and cooling systems
• improved indoor air quality
• reduced waste
• contributions to community sustainability and development

It’s great to see green spreading over our industry and others…great to know that it’s possible for your home to not just house your precious family and your hopes and dreams, but to make a difference as well.

Learn more about Boulder Creek Life and Home’s award-winning communities…click here for more information.

*NPR, September 7

Every day we hear it from astonished homebuyers:  can it really be true?  Is it really possible to have a  low-maintenance home?  Since the overrwhelming majority of Boulder Creek communities are classified as low- or no-maintenance, we have to answer a resounding yes!  Here’s why:

• Because you have a life.  When you build your home with Boulder Creek, you build a lifestyle that’s all about access to the best shopping, dining, and recreational activities.  All that hiking, biking, and relaxing isn’t going to leave you for much time for toiling in the garden or throwing your back out with that snow shovel.  That’s why we take care of it for you.
• Because low age equals low maintenance.  We build our houses from the ground up, and our commitment to green efficiency shows.  Even as your home ages, you can rest assured that it was built right the first time:  no shortcuts, no exceptions.  This reduces maintenance over time.
• Because you deserve it.  Whether you’re a young family eager to purchase your first home or a world traveler looking for a place to land, you deserve a life without the cares and stresses of routine maintenance.  So go ahead…take advantage of the unparalleled lifestyle offered by our low-maintenance homes.  Click here to learn more about Boulder Creek’s award-winning communities and to view current listings.

We’ve said it before…there are many great reasons to buy a new home instead of purchasing a used one.  And we’re glad to note that U.S. News and World Report agrees.  In fact, they point out a reason to buy new that, given our commitment to environmentally friendly building practices and great design, really hits home — buying new means buying greener.

Building codes have mandated increasingly higher energy efficiency standards since they began to address the issue in the late 1970s, says Kevin Morrow, senior program manager for the National Association of Home Builders’ green building programs. “The most recent International Energy Conservation Code came out in 2009 [and] required roughly 17 percent more efficiency than the codes of three years prior,” he says. “So using that as sort of a gauge to how newer homes should perform from an efficiency standpoint compared to older homes, it’s pretty clear that just as homes meet code, they are going to be more efficient.”

Newly constructed homes use energy more efficiently in two ways, Morrow says. First, they tend to have a tighter-sealed building envelope that helps prevent conditioned air—cool air in the summer, warm air in the winter—from escaping. Features that create this envelope include higher-efficiency insulation, doors, and windows. “Gone are the days of the single pane window … now I think you are starting to see triple- and quadruple-paned windows,” Morrow says. “These are windows that are designed to really minimize the transfer of heat either from warm to cold or vice versa, and they of course will help the building envelope.”

In addition, the article notes that newer appliances are more energy-efficient and Earth-friendly.  And luckily, buying green doesn’t mean scrimping on things like storage, custom finishes, stunning design, or the exemplary lifestyle that comes with great location.  Find out more about what we mean…drop by one of our homesites today!  Click here to learn more about Boulder Creek’s communities.

Here at Boulder Creek, we spend a lot of time helping homebuyers discover the home that’s perfectly suited to their family, their lifestyle, and their aspirations.  But while we pride ourselves on providing “right size” homes that are eco-friendly to boot, there are some considerations that come into play.  Here are some things we take into account when right-sizing homes:

Storage.  Given the amazing recreation opportunities in Boulder County and beyond, all that gear can really add up!  Bikes, skis, sportswear, fishing poles, hiking boots…not to mention cars and other conveyances.  We believe that the right-sized home has the right amount of storage for your prized possessions.  That’s why we take storage into consideration from the moment the pencil hits the drawing board.  (Hint:  in most Boulder Creek homes, rakes and snow shovels aren’t necessary!) For example, our Kingsbridge Townhomes in Longmont feature attached two-car garages, bike storage AND ample closets and cabinets.

Space.  The interior spaces you live in are just as important as where you stow all that gear.  We think the right interiors are spacious, beautiful, and livable.  Take the colorful cottages at Erie Village, where perfectly-proportioned ranch and two-story floorplans were built with your lifestyle in mind.

Second to None.  There’s a reason behind the awards and honors…Boulder Creek’s ironclad commitment to excellence in building.  From building techniques that are better for the Earth to the exquisite designs, locations, and finishes that make a house a home, we are committed to bringing life and home together in new homes that are sized right, placed right, and priced right.  Is Boulder Creek right for you?  Click here to explore our award-winning green communities today.