Location matters when evaluating housing amenities

With the housing market picking up, the Boulder area seems to be on the edge of a strong comeback, local Realtors say.

“In general, the market in Boulder feels really strong – the showings vs. listings are back to what they were in 2007 and 2008,” said Julie Meko, an associate broker with Re/Max of Boulder. “The number of sales in Boulder from January 2011 to January 2012, month to month, is up about one-third in all price ranges.”

For the time being, prices are still good for homebuyers, but there's a growing trend of competitive offers, said Meko. “I haven't seen that for the last three or four years,” she added.

“We're in a severe inventory shortage all along the Front Range,” said Kevin Schill, an agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. “We're 41 percent below last year's market in inventory.”

And because sales are on the increase and inventory is still low, Schill believes that prices will soon start to come up.

“There are people who are anxious to buy,” said Kimberly Fels, Re/Max of Boulder Realtor. “Some buyers are ready to buy with cash in hand.

“If I was a seller, I wouldn't wait,” she added as advice to people looking to sell the homes.

So what can you expect to find in the area in the $750,000 range? Plenty.

560 Iris Ave., Boulder : List Price:$780,000

Unique features
The house sits on a street so quiet that the only people who use it live there, said Bruce Beresford, listing agent with Wright Kingdom Real Estate. As an appeal to hikers and people who'd rather keep their car in the garage, the house is a short walk to miles of hiking trails or north Boulder shops. Built in 1955, it has had numerous upgrades since 2007, including roof insulation, a new kitchen, remodeled bath, a two-car garage, new window treatments and skylights.

Inside
The living room fireplace adds a cozy glow in the winter, and the hardwood floors bring a foundation of artistry to the rooms. Bay windows, a walk-in closet and a kitchen island open up the house. The layout makes it well-configured to use one bedroom as an office or guest room because the other two bedrooms are on the other side of the house, Beresford said.

Outside
The Trex deck, overlooking a manicured lawn, sets the tone for backyard barbeques in the summer

13900 Gunnison Way, Broomfield : List Price:$749,900

Unique features
This two-story Country Estates house sits across from a community park. It's ideal for formal entertaining, and the garage features three spaces.

Inside
The open family area includes a gourmet kitchen with a center island as well as cherry cabinetry, wide plank cherry flooring and slab granite. A cozy fireplace in the family room, vaulted ceilings, walk-in closets and French doors add inviting finishing touches.

Outside
The house includes professional landscaping and sprinkler system, stucco construction and a shingle roof.

782 Niwot Ridge Lane, Lafayette : List price: $740,000

Unique features
The open floor plan makes this a family living house — someone can be in the kitchen cooking and still feel part of the family, said the listing agent, Kimberly Fels, of Re/Max of Boulder. With emphasis on the spectacular views of the foothills and beyond, the house features large windows that open up rooms to the surrounding area. This is in a golf course neighborhood.

Inside
The house includes a fireplace in the living room, as well as one in the master bedroom. Additional features include bay windows, vaulted ceilings, walk-closets and an unfinished basement.

Outside
An enclosed wooden fence gives the yard privacy without blocking the spectacular views. It also features an outside deck. The house shares a community park and recreation facilities.

1149 Harper Lake Drive, Louisville : List price: $759,500

Unique features
The custom house is ithin walking distance to Coal Creek Elementary and Harper Lake. The newly done driveway leads into an oversize garage that holds three cars.

Inside
The finished basement pulls people in with a theater and theater seating. The house has great storage space and a spacious family room.

Outside
The professional landscaping features shaded areas as well as in-the-sun spots. The front porch creates a welcoming scenario, and the tiered back deck is designed to hold a group.An enclosed wooden fence gives the yard privacy without blocking the spectacular views. It also features an outside deck. The house shares a community park and recreation facilities.

3900 Pebble Beach Drive, Niwot/Longmont : List price: $749,000

Unique features
The custom-built house comes with private open space to the south that provides stellar views, according to the listing agent, Kevin Schill, broker associate with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Adjacent to the Lake Valley Golf Club, the house comes with access to a private lake and a swimming beach.

Inside
The house has a full master suite with laundry on the main floor — a hard-to-come-by feature, Schill said. Slab granite counter tops, Italian tile and a steam shower add elegant touches to the house.

Outside
This Southwestern-style house sits at the quiet end of a cul-de-sac and offers uninterrupted views of Boulder's foothills, flatirons and reservoir. Mature gardens and decks on each level give the house a feeling of blended indoors and outdoors.