The idea for Earth Day did not come from one single event, but instead the combination of events. There were two events that influenced the beginning of the Earth Day tradition more than others. First, the reaction from the very large oil spill that took place off the coast of Santa Barbara, California in 1969. Second, former Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson, who was inspired by the anti-Vietnam War “teach-in” demonstrations that brought awareness to the American public. He wanted to create a similar level of awareness for the plight of our planet and the reckless pollution and environmental misuse by nations and corporations.

It took Nelson less than a year to organize the first Earth Day, which was observed by an astounding 20 million people in rallies held across the U.S. This first Earth Day had an immediate impact. By the end of 1970, the U.S. saw some of its first major political efforts in ecology, including the founding of the Environmental Protection Agency.

More importantly, the Earth Day movement would spread around the world. By 2010, over one billion people in more than 180 countries celebrated Earth Day through rallies, concerts, symposiums and even online gatherings on Facebook and other social media sites.

Although Earth Day only comes once per year, the celebration of our planet can and should be every day! Here are ten ways to celebrate Earth Day all year long:

1. Plant a tree – Trees produce oxygen and help reduce air pollution. A single tree can absorb 10 pounds of air pollutants a year, and produce nearly 260 pounds of oxygen, according to the nonprofit American Forests.

2. Recycle reusable materials – The average person generates more than four pounds of trash every day and about 1.5 tons of solid waste per year, according to DoSomething.org. According to the nonprofit’s website, more than 75 percent of waste is recyclable, but only about 30 percent of it is recycled. Do your part by recycling glass, paper, plastic and other reusable materials at your local recycling centers. {We use the center conveniently located in the heart of downtown Erie!}

3. Donate or recycle used electronics – Electronic waste includes computers, cell phones, televisions and other electronic devices in working or non-working condition that are no longer used.

4. Cut back on time in the car – Use public transportation, organize a carpool, ride a bike or walk whenever possible. Leaving your car at home two days a week will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,600 pounds per year, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. {It will also help you save money on gas and maintenance!}

5. Reduce your energy use – Unplug electronics when you’re not using them. In the average home, 75 percent of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. Other ways to reduce your energy use include: taking advantage of natural daylight to reduce lighting; adjusting your thermostat down in the winter and up in the summer; using the dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full; washing clothes in cooler water; replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps; and investing in energy-efficient equipment.

6. Use reusable bags – enough said!

7. Buy Locally – The average meal in the U.S. travels 1,200 miles from the farm to your plate, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. Buying locally can save fuel and keep money in your community. Visit your local farmer’s market this week!

8. Clean up the Earth – More than 51 billion pieces of litter land on U.S. roadways each year, and litter cleanup costs the nation almost $11.5 billion each year, according to the nonprofit Keep America Beautiful. Help keep the earth beautiful by participating in local cleanup events or organizing your own.

9. Get outside and explore the great outdoors!

10. Participate in eco-friendly activities.

So, join in on the celebration by attending an Earth Day event, planting a tree, collecting recyclables or simply going for walk and enjoying the beauty of nature that surrounds us all.

Happy Earth Day!

1. Healthy Home – The number one trend of 2013 is having a ‘green,’ energy-efficient home. Did you know that each Energy Star-certified home has the ability to keep 4,500 lbs of greenhouse gases out of our air each year? {To put that in perspective, 4,500 lbs of greenhouse gases is enough to fill 275,000 one-gallon water jugs}. As we make strides to reduce our carbon footprints and our utility bills, owning a green home is the way to go.
2. Multigenerational Living – This trend has inspired larger common areas and easier-to-work-in kitchens. The great room design (kitchen, dining, living all in one extra large room) is also increasing in popularity.
3. Texture & Sparkle – Accents of gold or silver with glossy glass tiles are trending heavily in 2013. These types of embellishments add a unique, modern flair to any room.
4. Stone Finish – Calacatta marble is one of the top choices for 2013. This white stone with beautiful natural swirls of gray is a style of stone is one that works phenomenally in both contemporary and traditional settings. This stone is especially popular for use in bathrooms.
5. Simplicity for the sink – The extra large single sink has replaced the dual compartment sink for kitchens in 2013.
6. Glass Backsplash – A textured backsplash is trending in 2013. More specifically, the combination of textured stone and glass tile makes for a stunning and unique look for your kitchen.
7. Hardwood Floors – The floor material of choice for 2013. Not only are  hardwood floors beautiful, clean and timeless, but they are also incredibly solid.
8. Countertops – Many are claiming that the quartz composite countertop is replacing the granite countertop as the top choice of 2013. However, it is hard to beat the beauty of a natural stone countertop. We will leave this one up to personal preference!
9. Kitchen – The 2013 kitchen is of contemporary style with modern appliances. Many are opting for the sleek stainless steel look. Kitchen islands and French door refrigerators are also a popular choice for kitchens in 2013.

Are you noticing the home decorating trends mentioned here in your own experience? Are there other trends that we may have overlooked? We love hearing from you!

Latitude offers five distinct ranch patio floor plans all with standard finished basements.  These five floor plans range in size from 1,734 to 2,902 finished square feet, and are perfect for those looking to re-size, singles as well as first time home buyers, and all those in between!

All homes are Energy Star-certified and feature 2, 3 or even 4 bedrooms,  some with dens, an open great room, island kitchens, rear decks, some with optional 3^rd car garage, fenced low-maintenance private yard spaces, and that low maintenance, hassle-free lifestyle that so many homebuyers are looking for today. In addition, with Chartered Homes being a smaller, highly experienced local builder, they have allowed all buyers to add custom touches to their new homes should they desire to.

In regards to the high degree of customization opportunities that Chartered Homes offers, Community Sales Manager RD Baker adds: “I’ve been in new homes sales a long time and for various builders, both large and small and I’ve never represented a builder like Chartered that let’s its buyers customize to the degree they do.  This lets buyers create a home that is uniquely theirs at costs well below of having a home custom built.”

In addition to the vast range of customizable options available, many are drawn by the “lock and leave” lifestyle and the low maintenance development.  The Vista Ridge Homeowners Association takes care of the landscape maintenance and snow removal, alleviating two of the biggest potential hassles living in a detached home.

Latitude homeowners pay a modest monthly HOA fee of $128 and enjoy all of the fine amenities of the Vista Ridge community, including neighborhood walking trails, a recreation center and weight room, two large pools, Jacuzzi, tennis courts, volley ball court, children’s play structure and park, along with on site viewing areas overlooking the gorgeous Colorado National golf course and the magnificent front range. In addition to access to the extensive list of Vista Ridge amenities, this monthly fee also takes care of all landscaping maintenance, snow and trash removal for homeowners. Latitude residents don’t have to use a snow shovel or a lawnmower again! Can it get any better than this?

At Latitude, magnificent vistas await. The Vista Ridge HOA/community center provides residents with all the amenities they need, and is only a brisk walk away.

The low-maintenance lifestyle that Latitude offers its homeowners gives residents the freedom to spend their time however they please instead of being slaves to the tasking chores of grounds maintenance like the rest of us.

So there you have it. What’s not to like about the ranch patio home lifestyle? Affordability, customizability, convenience, and magnificent vistas of the Colorado National Golf Club and Colorado’s Front Range await you at Latitude at Vista Ridge. Our sales office is open daily 10am to 5pm.

Homebuilders and homebuyers across the country are increasingly interested in green building. But what exactly makes a home green?

According to Energy Star, the most widely used green certification program in residential construction, ‘green building’ means improving the way that homes and home building sites utilize energy, water, and materials to reduce impacts on human health and the environment. Building a green home means making environmentally-conscious decisions throughout the building process that will not only minimize the environmental impact of the home while it is being built, but also over the many years it will be inhabited.

To earn the Energy Star-certified seal, a home must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (see our link to these guidelines on our Blogroll sidebar).

Typical features to look for in Energy Star-certified homes include the following:

1. Efficient Walls & Windows {the levels of wall, floor and attic insulation properly installed designed to block drafts; high-performance windows}
2. Efficient Air Ducts {so that rooms can get enough air to have consistent, comfortable temperatures throughout the house}
3. Efficient Equipment {for heating and cooling the house, helping you save money while staying comfortable}
4. Efficient Lighting & Appliances {including ENERGY STAR-certified dishwashers, refrigerators, light bulbs and clothes washers}

Green building is a vital tool for homebuilders.  In fact, according to a “Green Building” survey of Professional Builder readers just last year, more than half (51.8%) of builders believe that green/high performance features are key in helping them to sell new homes.

Latitude’s builder, Chartered Homes, is a proud Energy Star partner. All new homes are designed and built for greater energy efficiency (up to 28% greater energy efficiency when compared to a non-Energy Star home as determined by an independent 3rd party testing agency), not only saving you money, but also reducing your home’s carbon footprint.  Everything* from efficient walls, windows, air ducts, heating and cooling equipment, to lighting and appliances help to reduce your environmental impact and your utility bills.

Additional benefits of owning an energy-efficient home include:

1. Added Homeowner Confidence—You know that you are buying a home built in line with strict government guidelines.

2. Lower Ownership Cost—Compared with standard homes, Energy Star-certified homes use substantially less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating-delivering $200 to $400 in annual savings. Over the average 7 to 8 years you may live in your home, this adds up to thousands of dollars saved on utility bills.

3. Smart Investment—The increasing popularity of the green building trend insures that your home will be worth more—if and when you choose to sell—because trend is only increasing in buyer demand.

4. Environmental Protection—According to Energy Star, a typical home produces twice the pollution that a car produces during the year. Energy efficient homes produce less emissions, reducing your environmental impact.

So there you have it. Why wouldn’t you want to own an Energy Star-certified green home? Come on down to our Latitude sales office today and see one of our energy-efficient model homes today! 1913 Windemere Lane, Erie, CO 80516

*Chartered Homes uses a state of the art insulation system for walls and attics for maximum efficiency – both are blown into place rather than batts that are not as thermally efficient because they don’t provide coverage that is as complete. All air ducts are sealed to reduce leakage and increase efficiency, and all are tested as part of the process. All furnaces and water heaters installed are efficient in that they have sealed combustion chambers. High-efficiency air conditioning is included to help reduce electrical usage. Lastly, energy-efficient lighting and appliances used in Chartered Homes include compact fluorescent light bulbs, available LED lighting, and Energy Star kitchen and available laundry appliances.

Number 1. Stability – When you select Chartered Homes, you are selecting a home builder whose roots go back over 35 years. That’s 35 years of demonstrated commitment to building high quality homes and providing top-level customer satisfaction. We have been and continue to be there for the long haul. We’ll be there to complete your new home as well as the post closing warranty needs you may have.

Number 2. Personalization – Our New Home Design Center offers so many ways to personalize your new home and make it distinctly yours. We offer a wide variety of materials, colors and textures along with personalized design assistance to help you coordinate your choices.

Number 3. Livability – Our Colorado based architects and designers have put a lot of thought behind how you will live in our homes. Timeless, exciting and practical designs for the way you live.

Number 4. Energy Star – Chartered Homes are Energy Star certified. They are designed and built for greater energy efficiency (up to 28% greater energy efficiency when compared to a non Energy Star Home as determined by an independent 3rd party testing agency), not only saving you money, but reducing your home’s carbon footprint.

Number 5. Financing – Our preferred lender 1^st Mortgages is a Denver based leader in home lending. Their experienced team works very closely with every buyer to create a smooth and seamless process to put together a financing solution suited to your needs. Whether it be a conventional, FHA, or VA loan, 1st Mortgages will work for you to obtain the lowest rates and costs, faster loan approvals and on time, smooth closings.

Number 6. Quick Move in homes that you can personalize – Need to move fast, but still want to make your new home a reflection of our taste and style? Not a problem at Chartered Homes. We, unlike other builders, hold a number our homes at the final stage of construction so you can personalize your new home with cabinets, paint, counter tops, bath tile, and flooring choices.

Our Turnberry Home has 2,253-2,581 Sq. Ft. Finished Living Space {1,248 Sq. Ft. Main Floor 1,005-1,333 Sq. Ft. Lower Level}
2 Bedrooms & Den or 3 Bedrooms + 2.5 or 3 Baths

According to theologians and experts, there are about a dozen St. Valentines, three that were martyred on February 14. But legend has settled on only two possible Valentines – one, a priest in Rome, and the other, the bishop of Terni (a city in central Italy). Both lived in the second half of the third century, were imprisoned for promoting their religion, suffered horrible deaths under Emperor Claudius, and are both buried along the Via Flaminia, an ancient highway that connected Rome to northern Italy.

You may be wondering, how does any of this connect to Valentine’s Day and our culture’s annual celebration of love and romance? It just so happens to be that both of these Valentines were readily associated with courtly love, in addition to their many other commonalities. Saint Valentine of Rome was imprisoned for performing weddings for Roman soldiers (who were forbidden to marry) and converting the new couples to Christianity. While in jail, he tried to convert the Emperor himself—a brave act that earned him his beheading.

St. Valentine of Terni was awaiting execution by the very same Emperor Claudius when he is said to have healed the blind daughter of his jailer. According to legend, on the eve of his execution, he penned a farewell to the young girl, with whom he had fallen in love, begging her to keep true to her new faith. He signed the letter “from your Valentine,” which many consider to have been the first ‘Valentine’ ever written.

Scholars still debate which Valentine is the true patron saint of lovers. Many believe that they are actually one in the same. Regardless, their dedication to love, romantic or otherwise, paid with the ultimate sacrifice, can serve as an inspiration to us all.

Share the love this Valentine’s Day.

Happy Valentine’s Day from our family to yours!

By using a camcorder and/or digital camera homeowners are able to give a narrative explanation of items and rooms in the house–which in the event of a disaster (i.e. fire, earthquake, etc.) can potentially save up to thousands of dollars if filing an insurance claim is ever necessary. It is also vital to keep this home inventory documentation in a safe place, for if a disaster were to occur or your personal computer were to be stolen, it would be useless. Some ideas for safe places could include a USB drive kept safe in a safety deposit box, at a relative’s home or in your emergency bag.

Be sure to include important information on this inventory checklist such as product serial numbers, brands, quantities, and estimated values. It is recommended to update this documentation about every five years or so, before moving properties, or if you are changing your insurance coverage.

Some other useful tips for moving:

1. Use plastic wrap fragile objects and sharp (i.e. dish ware, iron, etc.). The objects do not shift around when they are wrapped in plastic because they stick to each other.

2. Go to grocery stores EARLY to find good and FREE moving boxes.

3. Place like items together

4. Pack as though you will be living in an empty space.  Create one essential box for each room so that you know what to unpack first. Also, create a suitcase with personal essentials for a two week duration. This may include: clothing for work, clothing for unpacking/cleaning, toiletries, important documents.
Also create an essential box for the kitchen with the following items: dish soap + sponge, plates, bowls, cups, basic cutlery, one pot, one pan, one spatula, anything else used to make quick and easy meals.

5. Invest in a dolly

6. If possible, keep original boxes for household items for easier moving (i.e. TV box, toaster oven box, etc.)

7. If you are having professional movers move your belongings, be sure to label boxes containing electronics or office documents “Misc.1, Misc. 2, etc.” (and jot down which each one generally contains) to ensure no one walks off with your valuables.

A day of cultural pride for Italian-Americans since 1866 and a federal holiday since 1937, Columbus Day brings to mind the intrepid expedition of a crew of Spanish sailors and an Italian-born captain aboard the famous trio of ships called the Santa Clara, the Pinta and the Santa Gallega.

That’s right, the three ships that Columbus sailed on the ocean blue in 1492 had different names when they left port off the coast of Spain. But as was custom for the sea voyagers of the time, the crews of the ships gave them nicknames. The Santa Clara became la Nina, which is Spanish for “the girl.” But the other two boats were given names that, well, you might expect a band of hardworking sailors might come up with. The Pinta became the Pintada, Spanish for “the painted one,” a common term for a common woman. The Santa Gallega became Maria Galante, the actual name of a woman who was, let’s say, well-known by the crew.

Spanish historians, in deference to the powerful Church in Spain, censored the somewhat offending nicknames, dubbing the trio with the monikers we are familiar with today – the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. Those three small ships (the longest was only 60 feet!) brought Christopher Columbus and his hardy, if not bawdy, crew to the New World and opened the pathway to the Americas and, eventually, the establishment of one of the greatest nations on Earth.

We hope you have a wonderful Columbus Day this coming Monday!

Although the upfront costs of purchasing a home are significantly steeper than renting, the break-even point (i.e. when ownership costs match the costs of renting) is three years or less for more than 75 percent of the 200 metro areas and 7,500 cities included in Zillow’s analysis. Denver is included in this majority with a break-even point of approximately 2.5 years.

Zillow’s study compared rental costs to all major homeownership costs, including down payments, closing fees, mortgage payments, utilities, maintenance costs, and property taxes. Estimated home price appreciation, rent increases, inflation and tax deductions were also factored into the analysis.

Although the ultimate decision on if it is more economical to rent or to buy will contend on the length of stay and the particular metro area, data from Zillow’s recent analysis indicates that for the majority of cities, buying is actually the better option.

Latitude’s community garden area is first of its kind in the area and is a prefect compliment to the ranch patio homes that make up Latitude. “I grew up on a farm and really appreciate having the garden so I can be outside in the sunshine and fresh air as well as getting my hands in the dirt”, says Doris.  In addition to sharing her bounty with her neighbors and the Latitude sales and construction staff she has canned a considerable amount as well.  Her crop included corn, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers and melons.

Latitude at Vista Ridge’s community garden is just another amenity that makes Latitude special!