Colorado Lifestyle Archives - Boulder Real Estate

The Kearney Report 4th Quarter 2020

by Neil Kearney | Jan 27, 2021 | Boulder County Housing Trends, Colorado Lifestyle, Statistics

Fourth Quarter Boulder County Real Estate Market Report

The fourth quarter of 2020 was very strong! The last three months were a continuation of a pandemic trend that started started in June just as the strictest stay-at-home orders were lifted. It turns out that staying at home caused people to want to be somewhere else! I personally saw people make decisions to downsize, to buy a bigger house, to re-locate to a dream area and some to move in order to solve the financial stress of the pandemic. After all was said and done Boulder County sales of residential real estate were up 30% from the 4th quarter last year. Even after the loss of the spring season, 2020 ended up with 7.8% more sales than 2019.

The graph above shows the entire year of sales in Boulder County by month. Each of the last five months of the year eclipsed each of the historical months of the previous five years.

Sales on a quarterly basis tell much of the same story. But it’s interesting that the 4th quarter was the second highest in terms of total sales over the past five years. Second only to the third quarter.

Not surprisingly, prices keep rising! The graph above shows the percentage of sales in each of the defined price ranges. The graph above compares the sales mix of the most recent quarter with the same quarter last year as well as with the same quarter five years ago. It’s easiest to see the upward shift in prices when comparing the $0 -$250 price range and the $1 million + price range. In 2014 27% of the sales in Boulder County were in the below $250,000 price range. This past quarter just 4% were in that price range. Inversely, 5% of the sales in 2014 were for $1,000,000 or more. This past quarter 15% eclipsed the $1 million barrier.

This past quarter 69% of the sales in Boulder County were classified as single family homes. 27% were townhomes or condos and 4% were investment properties, vacant land or farm and ranch. These numbers are fairly stable from year-to-year but the mix does vary within communities. For example, in the City of Boulder it is always near 50/50. In Longmont this past quarter the mix was 83% single family and 17% attached dwellings. In the east county communities the mix was 77% single family and 23% attached dwellings.

In the Kearney Report, I track key statistics on a quarterly basis over time in Boulder County, City of Boulder, East County Communities (Erie, Louisville, Lafayette, Superior) and Longmont. The report is always available and can be downloaded. An archive can be found by clicking here.

View a Printable PDF of The Kearney Report 4th Quarter

Supporting the Boulder Community – Colorado Music Festival Sponsorship

by Neil Kearney | Jul 30, 2018 | Colorado Lifestyle

I grew up in Boulder and I live in Boulder. Boulder is a special place. People are moving to Boulder because of the unique lifestyle that is available here. A great climate, an active lifestyle, world class dining and cultural and sporting events right in town. To that end I love supporting the community in what makes it unique and special. This year, I am proud to be a presenting sponsor for the Colorado Music Festival. with concerts held at Chautauqua Auditorium. I remember fondly my first concert at this historic and beautiful auditorium, and looking at the twilight sky out from my seat through the gaps in the siding planks gives me a visceral feeling of summer in Boulder.

I’m grateful to be a part of this community and I’m grateful to give back to the community that supports me. The specific concert I’m sponsoring is Thursday August 2nd and features the music of Bernstein – Dvořák – Bartók with Conductor: Peter Oundjian and Guest Artist: Narek Hakhnazaryan on the cello. If you can make it on Thursday you can use the code corp2018 to get a 20% discount. Here is where you buy tickets online.

Here are some other local organizations that I support: Emergency Family Assistance, Imagine Foundation, Attention Homes

Boulder Artist Don Coen Featured on the Today Show

by Neil Kearney | Mar 22, 2017 | Colorado Lifestyle

Boulder is full of interesting and accomplished people. Through my business I get to meet many of these wonderful people and that is one of the great joys of my profession. I grew up one street over from artist Don Coen. Over the years the Kearney family has had various personal and business relations with Don and his family. Don was recently featured on the Today Show where his beautiful and vibrant paintings of migrant workers was highlighted. These paintings are being featured at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center through May 21st. Here is a link to that show.

I love that we are surrounded by good people, quietly doing exceptional work.

The Vision and Legacy of Boulder’s Lifestyle

by Neil Kearney | May 26, 2016 | Boulder Real Estate, Colorado Lifestyle, Visiting Boulder | 1 comment

I stumbled across this video produced by The City of Boulder about the Boulder Comprehensive Plan. The video is not only well produced and beautiful, it gives some historical insight as to the creation and maintenance of the open space that surrounds our fair city. When I am showing around someone from out of town for the first time I always tell them about the foresight of our city forefathers (just over 40 years ago) who started preserving what was unique and great about our area. Can you imagine if market forces were allowed to prevail and there was a sea of houses and strip malls in an unending swath from the foothills to the city limits? If you appreciate the lifestyle in Boulder it’s well worth a watch.

Boulder Walking Tour – Chautauqua Neighborhood

by Neil Kearney | Oct 20, 2015 | Colorado Lifestyle, Visiting Boulder

Most people head to Chautauqua Park to take a hike. Here is a different take on the enjoying this beautiful part of Boulder Colorado. Here is a detailed walking tour starting from the Chautauqua Dining Hall that heads through the neighborhood that is closest to the park.

Download and print the PDF here Boulder Walking Tour- Chautauqua Neighborhood

Here are the detailed directions:

Begin at the Chautauqua Dining Hall within Chautauqua Park. The Park is located at 9^th and Baseline. There is free parking in the area. From the Dining Hall head east (away from the mountains) toward the playground and walk past the tennis court.
At 12^th Street take a left and start heading downhill.
Once you pass a house or two take a right on Columbine Ave. for one block. I especially like this area so you may want to wander a bit on your own before you…
Take a left on 13^th Street and cross baseline Road (Note, there is no cross walk here so if you need extra time crossing head back up toward the park for a crosswalk).
Take a left on Cascade and enjoy the walk back towards Flagstaff Mountain on this nice wide street. At 6^th Street continue West even though it says it isn’t a through street. homes.
At the “T” take a right on Willowbrook . This tucked away street is especially charming.
Then take a right on Park. You are now headed downhill for a short stretch and then…
Take a right onto Aurora Avenue. This part of the neighborhood has some nice wild areas in people’s back yards and bears and other critters find this a great place to spend some time. Before you head back up a hill.
Take a Left on 6^th This narrow street winds downhill and halfway it turns into Rosehill Drive. You will see a mix of homes here from modern and new to the only log home that I know of in Boulder.
Take a right onto College this street isn’t marked but at the intersection you can see the schoolyard of Foothills Elementary. Head toward the cemetery.
Take a right onto 8^th Get ready for your uphill portion of the walk. As you walk you will see many remodeled homes and a few original cottages as well.
Take a left on Aurora then a Right on Grant – Grant is one way going the wrong way so if you are driving this route continue one block further to 9^th. Grant will continue up the hill and take you directly back to Chautauqua Park.

Where To Stay When Visiting Boulder

by Neil Kearney | Oct 13, 2015 | Colorado Lifestyle, Visiting Boulder

Before you move to the Boulder area you will need to visit. When you need lodging in Boulder here are some choices to consider. I have tried to give a good selection of price ranges while choosing the locations that I think would help you get a feel for the town. Prices will vary depending upon your dates and availability at the hotels.

Hotel Boulderado – ~$270 http://www.boulderado.com/ The Hotel Boulderado is located right in Downtown Boulder, one block from the Pearl Street Mall. Staying at the Boulderado will give you a great sense of what Boulder is all about. If you have never been to Boulder this is a great place to stay. It was built in 1909 as a joint project to attract tourists. It is still attracting crowds.

St. Julian Hotel – ~$350 http://www.stjulien.com/ If you are looking to be pampered in Downtown Boulder this is the place. Located right downtown with easy access to all that downtown Boulder has to offer. If you really want to do it up request a room with a view of the Flatirons. Spa on site.

Briar Rose Bed and Breakfast – $165 – $205 http://www.briarrosebb.com/ A bed and breakfast conveniently located near downtown Boulder and the University of Colorado. Great option if you are looking for something different than a normal hotel.

Courtyard by Marriott – ~$230 http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/denbd-courtyard-boulder/ This hotel’s location is an easy drive to anywhere in town but there are no restaurants within walking distance.

The Bradley – ~$175 – $275 http://www.thebradleyboulder.com/ The Bradley is a small boutique hotel right in Downtown Boulder. Quiet rooms, nicely decorated. This would be a great escape from the everyday lodging choices. Just a few blocks east of the Pearl Street Mall and right near many great restaurant choices.

Boulder Marriott – ~$250 http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/denbo-boulder-marriott/ A nice full service hotel located near everything. Close to CU, 29th Street Mall.

Chautauqua Cottages – ~$200 (Varies with cottage) http://www.chautauqua.com These cottages are especially popular in the summer but are available year around. If you have hiking and relaxation on the schedule this would be a great option. Located right at Chautauqua Park.

Millenium Harvest House – ~$140 http://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumboulder/index.html Located right on the Boulder Creek Path and located next to CU. There are 15 tennis courts on site. This is where I have played tennis since I was a kid. Close to restaurants and shopping.

Homewood Suites – ~$160 http://bit.ly/wQ9soD This hotel is located near Foothills Parkway and Baseline Road.

Holiday Inn Express – ~$180 http://bit.ly/xR41o9 The Holiday Inn Express is located on North Broadway. There are some good coffee shops and restaurants within an easy walk.

Twin Lakes Inn – ~$119 http://www.twinlakesinnboulder.com/ This small hotel is located in a residential neighborhood in Gunbarrel about 5 miles from downtown Boulder.

Alps Boulder Canyon – $160 http://www.alpsinn.com/ This hotel is located approximately 4 miles up Boulder Canyon. It is definitely different than all of the other choices because you are in a small in up in the mountains. If you are looking for Colorado quaint check this place out.

Hyatt Place – $250 http://boulderpearlstreet.place.hyatt.com This is one of Boulder’s newest hotels. It is located on east Pearl Street and is a short walk to the 29th Street Mall.

Quality Inn Boulder – $130 http://www.qualityinnboulder.com/ This traditional hotel is located on Arapahoe Street close to Boulder High and the CU Campus. It is very centrally located and is well maintained.

There are other options out there for lodging in Boulder Colorado, but this gives a good cross-section of what is available. The prices listed may vary depending upon time of year etc.