ATTRACTIVE ACCESSIBILITY
by Barb Spanjer

Today, it is easy to find homes with granite countertops, knotty alder cabinets with roll out shelving, built-in bookcases and art niches. However, finding patio homes with these amenities in addition to wider hallways and doorways, front control appliances, and reinforcement behind the drywall for future grab bars and safety devices is not at all common. Yet, this is what you will find in the patio homes at SunStone West. Actually, what sets these homes apart from the typical home is what they DON’T have. These homes have been designed and built with no steps, no raised thresholds on the shower pans, no swing doors into crucial areas, and no small water closet rooms. They also have the option to have removable cabinet fronts.

Spanjer Homes started the homes at SunStone West in July. “Having built custom homes since 1978, it was a natural step to design and build a custom community to meet the needs of a chosen sector of the population,” said Steve Spanjer, president of Spanjer Homes. “You never know what could happen in life. It is easier to design and accommodate special concerns from the get-go, and it can make someone’s life better in the future.”

In addition to evolving lifestyles design, the patio homes at SunStone West have also been engineered with energy savings in mind. The combination of Low E windows that help in blocking the UV rays, the additional insulation, and the low maintenance exteriors will promote cooling in the summer months and save heating dollars in the winter. Spanjer Homes is also an E-Star rated builder, meaning all the homes built by Spanjer are tested and rated for their energy efficiency. Calculations according to these ratings can predict the average annual utility expense for the home.

Safety is another area in which SunStone West has differentiated itself. Not only has more lighting been added to the homes but photo cell activated lighting and lighting triggered by motion give owners additional security and ease of access. A Medi-Alert and alarm system are also offered with the homes.

SunStone West is truly a new generation of patio homes…for all stages of life. The designs, as well as the unique features and amenities in these patio homes, create interesting spaces that offer comfort and ease of living with style.

Shopping Around?
by Susan Raso, Residential Mortgage Lender

Looking for the right mortgage? First, you should make sure you’ve found theright mortgage lender! Owning a home may be the largest purchase you will ever make. Therefore, choosing the right mortgage lender is a very important decision. With more than 19,000 mortgage lenders in the United States, finding the one that is right for you may take some effort, but getting the results will be worth your while. Take the time to ask the questions you want to ask and make sure you understand the answers. When shopping for a lender, it is critical that homebuyers know the lowest interest rate is not always the single most important factor when selecting a lender. Most lenders have very similar and competitive rates, so you probably would not see dramatic differences among them. Compare rates for similar loans and be aware that fees need to be translated into your actual cost.

Your mortgage loan interest rate depends on 26 factors and, at First National Bank, Residential Mortgage, we will review your financial situation, including credit worth and collateral capacity, to determine how much house you can afford. The 26 criteria necessary to quote an
accurate interest rate include: loan size, property type, loan type, occupancy type, residency,
available assets, co-borrowers and employment history. We will strive to understand your needs, and our experienced, honest and knowledgeable team will explore options that are relevant to you. The best mortgage loan is not necessarily the one that offers the lowest rate, but rather a complete package of terms, conditions, rates and fees that fit your short- and long-term financial goals. Remember that rates can change on a daily basis, so make sure you compare lender quotes from within the same time period.

Rate is undeniably an important factor in your mortgage loan product, but it should not be the driving force behind your final decision. A low interest rate quoted by one mortgage lender
may not be a bargain if you do not know or trust the company.
Before you choose the most attractive rate, check into the company's history and reputation. At First National Bank, Residential Mortgage, you will find Lenders dedicated to providing the best guidance, selection of mortgage products and services to our clients.

First National Bank, Residential Mortgage offers a variety of mortgage options including fixed rate conventional mortgages, adjustable rate mortgages, FHA, VA and much more. With
access to more than 100 investors, our loan products are available with a variety of terms, each with its own unique features and benefits. Everyday we help clients decide which
mortgage is best for them. Let us help you make the right choice. At First National Bank, Residential Mortgage, you will discover an atmosphere of enthusiasm, a spirit of dedication
and a great desire to build quality relationships.
Experience the difference!

Susan Raso, Residential Mortgage Lender
First National Bank, Residential Mortgage
750 North Lincoln Ave. Loveland, CO 80537
ph 970.494.5535 fx 970.494.5521
www.SusanRaso.com

AVS MECHANICAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING

To further accommodate our Northern Colorado Customers Avs Mechanical is pleased to announce the opening of there newest office location in Frederick, Located on the West frontage of of I-25, 1 Mile north of HWY 52 .Avs Mechanical opened there new doors on Feb 1st of 2005. The northern I-25 Frederick office was selected to better serve our Northern Colorado Customers and Contractors. Not to mention, the growth in this area is tremendous and we will be a big part in the success of this growth. With the majority of our customers located in this vicinity our new location is accessible and centrally located, making it eaiser to do buisness with Avs Mechanical. We take great pride in accommodating our customers, stated Craig Whitfield, Owner. 14 years in the business, Avs Mechanical is authorized, licensed, factory certified LENNOX AND TRANE dealer. Need more information please visit Avs Mechanical at www.avsmechanical.com 0r
Office 303-772-2060
fax 303-772-2070
Easy to remeber #'s
1-877-641-COOL
1-888-511-HEAT

Building a Custom Home
by Stoner Construction

Building a custom home should be an exciting and rewarding experience. Unfortunately that is not always the case. This article will hopefully help you to better understand the Design/Build process to that you can enjoy your custom home.
You must first figure out how much you can afford to spend. Your total budget is the sum of cash, plus borrowing power, plus equity, if any, in the home site. At this stage we recommend that you visit your lender to establish this amount so that you can find your builder to discuss the breakdown of fees to build your home (how to find your builder to come).
You must then determine the geographic area. When doing this you'll want to consider employment, recreation, schools, medical facilities, shopping, etc. Once you choose the location, you need to choose the site. At this stage you need to think about which direction you want the house to face, if you want a sloping lot, backing to open space, etc.
Selecting a Builder is very important. You will be working very closely with this person for quite a while. You want to make sure they are qualified. Most conscientious builders belong to the local and or national Associate of Homebuilders. Make sure they have high integrity. Talk to other people the builder has worked with. Ask them things like...Was the builder accessible, Did the builder stay in your budget, Is the home efficient, etc. Some good questions to ask the builder are ...
How long have you been in business, what areas have you built in, what sets you apart from other builders, etc.
Tour previous homes built by this builder. Look for things like...plumbing is tight, who did the windows, quality of finishes and equipment, etc.
Now that you found the builder, you need an architect. Again, you need to be comfortable with this person because you will work closely for quite a while with them. Ask thinks like...What is your design philosophy, Can you describe the steps in the design process, What do you expect the clients to provide?
Next you need to select an interior designer. They will add the finishing touches and/or choose appliances, colors, carpet, built-ins, cabinets, etc throughout the process so you need to involve them from the beginning of the design process. Some things to ask them are..

• Can you provide a list of clients
• How does your fee structure work
• What suppliers to you use? etc.

Now that you've picked your team you can design and build your home. When you've finished you need to be ready for closing so you can take possession of your home...Reconcile changes, make sure your lender has what you've asked for, review documents, obtain funds for the Settlement Statement, etc.
This is just a quick overview. If you would like more information and a workbook, please contact Stoner Construction to be invited to one of our Custom Home Building Seminars at 970-229-1952 and begin the enjoyment of building your dream home.

Stoner Construction
2815 E Harmony Rd
Fort Collins, CO 80528
970-229-1952

Judy Rummery or Ron Mc Crimmon
The Group, Inc. Real Estate
970-613-0700

To achieve the goal to raise $50,000 for the Colorado Chapter of Make-A-Wish Foundation®, The Group Inc. Realtors Judy Rummery and Ron McCrimmon will offer tours through the Berthoud Estates Make-A-Wish House in the Estates of Matthews Farm. From August 11 to September 9, 968 No. County Road 19 will be open from 11-6 Thursday through Sunday. For $10, the public can experience this magnificent $2.6 million home, which is for sale. Proceeds from this promotion will benefit the Colorado Chapter of Make-A-Wish Foundation®.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a non-profit organization, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. The most popular wish is a visit to a Disney theme park or to embark on a Disney cruise. Other wishes include computers with special software for people with limited motor skills and a hot tub to help ease pain and help a child relax.

Located just west of the City of Berthoud, the Rocky Mountain Country Home includes views of the snow-capped mountains and 6388 finished square feet to explore. It is situated on 3 ½ acres in a quiet rural setting is conveniently located near Boulder County.

A few of the features include: copper gutters; extensive decorative concrete decks, driveway and sidewalks; running creek; vaulted ceilings; gourmet kitchen with two separate work islands; six fireplaces; exercise room (or fifth bedroom); outdoor living area with fireplace and Wolf BBQ; 6 audio zones (6 additional pre-wired); intercom system and has an oversized four-car garage.

The builder, Phil Rummery of Crystal Creek Homes, Inc., is the top winner of the 2004 Northern Colorado Homebuilders Association, Parade of Homes. The architect, Terry Weingard of Evergreen, Colorado is also recognized as a leading architect of many high dollar homes in Colorado.

For more information, please call Judy at 970-481-8316 or Ron at 970-214-2763.