COMPLETE GUIDE TO ANTHEM RANCH - The Skinny On Real Estatetheskinnyonrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/... · Welcome to the 2014 edition of the Complete Guide to Anthem Ranch. I

Skinner Realty / Beth I Skinner / Broker / 303.887.1883 / theskinnyonrealestate.com / [email protected]

COMPLETE GUIDE TO

ANTHEM RANCH

Beth I Skinner

Skinner Realty


COMPLETE GUIDE TO ANTHEM RANCH

2014 EDITION

Beth I Skinner

Skinner Realty

©2014 All Rights Reserved

No portion of this work may be reproduced without the express written permission of the

author. DISCLAIMER: The author has used best efforts in preparing this book, however no

warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided herein are

expressed or implied. The author is not qualified to render legal, tax, or financial advice and the

reader should consult with proper professionals before acting upon the information in this

book. The author disclaims any liability, loss, or risk that is incurred as a consequence of the use

and application of the contents of this book, including but not limited to the use of the

recommended services provided herein.


COMPLETE GUIDE TO

ANTHEM RANCH

Your FREE resource guide to Anthem Ranch and moving to Broomfield, CO

produced by Skinner Realty, where we love to make your dreams a reality!

Contact me with any questions or for help at 303.887.1883.

Anthem Ranch is an incredibly popular 55+ active adult community in Broomfield,

CO; where there are 48 miles of hiking trails, 700 acres of open space, parks,

fishing ponds, and mountain scenery right out your front door. Imagine living the

resort lifestyle in your luxury home! Granite counter tops in spacious, gourmet

kitchens, with stainless steel appliances, plus the spa-like bathroom and

incredible views of the Rocky Mountains. Then there’s the 32,000 square foot

private activity facility complete with indoor/outdoor pools, tennis, fitness center,

activity and social center, and so on - all with a full-time lifestyle director.


Quick Facts

HOA is approximately $163 per month and includes lawn maintenance,

snow removal, sewer, fitness center, tennis courts, etc.

There is an Anthem New Member Fee required of new buyers equal to

.25% of the sale price of the home.

The Aspen Lodge is a mammoth 32,000 square foot facility exclusive to

Anthem Ranch residents.

In 2014 (so far), 27 homes were reported sold in Anthem Ranch with a

price range of $327,500 to $696,000. The average days on market was 37 (which

means they go quickly in this neighborhood!).

There are the resale homes, which were built by Del Webb, and there are

the new homes that are currently being built by Toll Brothers.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. History of Anthem Ranch and Broomfield, CO

3. Videos and Photos of brand new Toll Brother’s homes in

Anthem Ranch

4. Life in Anthem Ranch

5. Life in Broomfield, CO

6. Golf in Broomfield

7. Recreation and Activities in Anthem Ranch

8. Recreation and Activities in Broomfield

9. Dining, Shopping and Entertainment

10. Cost of Living

11. Property Taxes

12. Real Estate Contracts


13. Miscellaneous Links


1.

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the 2014 edition of the Complete Guide to Anthem Ranch. I put this

guide together to help educate the numerous buyers who are interested in

Anthem Ranch in Broomfield, CO. I’m Beth Skinner, the owner of Skinner Realty,

and I love to help buyers who are looking to move to Broomfield, CO and

thoroughly enjoy their retirement years! I hope you enjoy this guide and find it

useful in your retirement plans.

Thank you for downloading my book and allowing me to help guide you in your

process of deciding whether or not you’d like to buy a home in Anthem Ranch or

even in Colorado.

If you have further questions, or would like help with buying a home in Anthem

Ranch, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 303.887.1883. If you’d like to see

which resale homes are currently for sale in Anthem Ranch click here.

http://theskinnyonrealestate.idxbroker.com/i/Anthem-Ranch-homes-for-sale


2.

History of Anthem Ranch and Broomfield, CO

The Del Webb home builders in Anthem Ranch first broke ground in north

Broomfield back in 2005. It was the newest, and one of only a few active adult

communities in the north metro Denver area. The only other 55+ age restricted

community in Broomfield, at the time, was Gate & Green which was established

in the 1970s.

Just east of Anthem Ranch is the Anthem Highlands neighborhood, which is open

to all ages.

Many of us were shocked to wake up to the news in December of 2011 that

Pulte/Del Webb had sold off their remaining, undeveloped land to new

developers. Plans in both communities were up in the air as to who the new

builders would be and what types of homes would they continue to build? In the


spring of 2013, Toll Brothers home builders bought up the remaining land to

continue developing this popular community.

And buyers still have a choice between resale or new. In 2013, Anthem Ranch had

the distinction of being named Community of the Year by the Community

Associations Institute Rocky Mountain Chapter.

The area continues to grow, including the town of Erie just north of the

neighborhood, where they are building new homes as well, and slowly developing

restaurants and shopping on the north side of Highway 7.

As for the town of Broomfield, CO it became the 1st planned community in

Colorado in the 1950s. It was named Broomfield because of the vast crops of

“broomcorn” that grew throughout the area. It was originally known as

Broomfield Heights – a neighborhood that exists to this day. In 1998 residents

voted to become their own county as well, because at the time there were 4

distinct counties all within the city of Broomfield.

You can click here to see a neat video produced in the 1950s outlining the

beginnings of Broomfield.

http://youtu.be/U8k36DZFXXs


3.

Videos and Photos of Toll Brothers new homes

in Anthem Ranch

As of fall 2014, the brand new Toll Brother’s homes were ready to be sold to the

public. In Anthem Highlands Richmond Homes, Standard Pacific and Ryland are

the new builders.

Right now, the housing market in Broomfield is tight. Supply is at an all-time low,

houses go under contract quickly, and often result in multiple offers. Many buyers

automatically offer above asking price with their offer. The rental market is

incredibly tight as well. Renters are also offering above asking price and flooding

open houses.

Broomfield has grown considerably in the last 10 years. There are roughly 50,000

residents now, and there have been about one half dozen new home

developments (including Anthem Ranch) built and/or started since it became a


city and county. Newer construction includes the Paul Derda Rec Center, the

Flatiron Mall, Orchard Town Center (on Broomfield/Westminster border),

Broomfield WalMart and the expansion of Highway US 36.

The Anthem Ranch resale homes were built by Del Webb starting in 2006. You can

click here to see any of those currently for sale.

The new homes are made by Toll Brothers. They currently have 6 models

available for buyers to tour:

The Broomfield Collection

The Trelease

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 study, 2 car garage

2,189 square feet

Prairie/High Plains/Mountain

Starts in the mid $400’s

The Dunraven

click here to see video

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car garage

2,352 square feet

Prairie (Model available)/High Plains/Mountain




http://theskinnyonrealestate.com/anthem-ranch-broomfield-broomfield-collection/

http://theskinnyonrealestate.com/anthem-ranch-broomfield-broomfield-collection/

http://youtu.be/VpUTkFi9zjg


The Bancroft


2,414 square feet

Prairie/High Plains/Mountain

Starts in the high $400’s

The Boulder Collection

The Warren

2 bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms, 1 study, 3 car garage

2,400 square feet

Farmhouse/High Plains/Mountain


The Venable


2 bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms, a study, 3 car garage

2,700 square feet

Farmhouse (model)/High Plains/Mountain

starts in the upper $500’s

The Montana



2,875 square feet

http://theskinnyonrealestate.com/anthem-ranch-broomfield-boulder-collection/


http://youtu.be/X-AfqY_8rYA?list=UUL-KeTouiE0g5GpHIydMMrg


http://youtu.be/vgKk_MhJzuk?list=UUL-KeTouiE0g5GpHIydMMrg


Farmhouse/High Plains/Mountain (model)


The Antero


2,850 square feet

Mountain/Farmhouse/High Plains


Jefferson Collection

The Logan



1,602 square feet

Farmhouse/High Plains/Mountain (model)

starts in the mid $300’s

The Carson


1,725 square feet



http://theskinnyonrealestate.com/anthem-ranch-broomfield-jefferson-collection/


http://youtu.be/BUbiCqAPvSw?list=UUL-KeTouiE0g5GpHIydMMrg


The Wakefield



1,882 square feet

Farmhouse (model)/High Plains/Mountain


The Lindsey


1,893 square feet



The Fairplay


2,075 square feet




http://youtu.be/mT8x6Ly8LUE


4.

Life in Anthem Ranch

Location

Approximately 30 min west of Denver International Airport.

Approximately 30 min south of Boulder.

Approximately 30 min north of Downtown Denver.

Yes, Anthem Ranch is located pretty much in the middle of everything! Because

it’s in the middle of everything it’s also a little bit isolated – plenty of gorgeous

walking/hiking/biking/ trails located throughout the community but there’s no

restaurants or convenience store or grocery store within walking distance.


The small town of Erie is located “across the street” (Highway 7) from the

community where there are a few small restaurants, coffee shops, nail salons, etc.

and a great little family owned pharmacy but it’s a pretty small town.

There are plenty of areas close by however throughout Broomfield and

Westminster that are located within a 10-15 minute drive of Anthem Ranch.


5.

Life in Broomfield and Colorado

According to a residential survey conducted in 2012, more than 90% of

respondents said that life in Broomfield was excellent or good. More than 80% of

respondents said that services ranging from street lighting to parks and rec to

senior services were excellent to good. Adults aged 55 and older felt more

positively about retiring here than did the younger generation. 73% said

Broomfield was a good or excellent place to retire. This was an increase from 64%

5 years before that.

According to the survey, recreation facilities and programs, overall appearance,

ease of walking, sense of community and so on, rank far above not only the Front

Range but the national surveys as well.

95% of respondents ranked ambulance services as excellent or good which is

above the national average.


Colorado is a very popular place to live! And even though it seems at times like it

can get crowded (traffic congestion is a problem!) the majority of Colorado land is

undeveloped. Recreation and outdoor activities are plentiful here and people of

all ages like to take part in them all the time. Whether it’s skiing in the winter,

hiking year round, water skiing at a number of lakes in the summer, running,

biking, etc etc Coloradans are dedicated to their recreation. Not surprisingly,

Colorado has the lowest obesity rate in the nation.

If you’re the type of person who likes to stay active you’ll find there’s plenty to do

here, if you can’t stand the thought of any activity you may find all the

enthusiasm rather annoying.


6.

Golf in Broomfield

Broadlands: Rates for Broomfield residents are $32 during the week, and $42 on

the weekend. Seniors are $28. Fairways are wide and include 7,289 yards which

means plenty of use with your drivers. It opened in 1999 and includes 4 sets of

tees. The clubhouse is casual and includes food and drink. It’s open year round,

weather permitting, and offers discounted rates in the winter months. And yes,

there is still a fair amount of golf to be played in the winter in CO!

Greenway Park: A small course, better for practice play or perhaps when you

have younger guests (or beginners) who come to visit and who want to learn to

golf. It’s a 9-hole course and measures 1,096 yards. Tee times are usually $9 per

person but they offer reduced rates at certain times during the day. It opened in

1989 and is available year round.


7.

Recreation and Activities in Anthem Ranch

Amphitheaters

There are 2 amphitheaters in the Anthem Ranch portion – a large one right

outside the Aspen Lodge by Sailors Lake where people can sit on the grass or

concrete (with chairs). The smaller amphitheater can hold approximately 40

people.

Lakes

The Anthem Ranch neighborhood includes 6 lakes – 3 of them are privately

owned by the Anthem Ranch HOA and the other 3 are owned by the City and

County of Broomfield. The lakes are ideal for watching wildlife and birds. You can

fish in the lakes but it’s catch and release only. In general, they don’t encourage

fishing by non-Anthem Ranch residents who aren’t accompanied by a resident.

Residents don’t need a fishing license as you would at other lakes in Colorado.


Picnic Pavilions

There are 3 picnic pavilions within Anthem Ranch. There is one near Veterans

Lake, one near Aspen Lake and one near Antero Circle and Silver Mountain Loop.

2 of them include covers, grills and playgrounds or play structures.

There are 48 miles of interconnected trails throughout the community including

both dirt and cement surfaces.

Aspen Lodge

The Lodge includes both indoor and outdoor pools, an indoor walking track, bocce

ball, pickleball, tennis courts, shuffle board, horseshoe pits, exercise classes,

activity classes, over 100 social clubs and so on.

Classes within the Lodge include: yoga, pilates, Zumba, computer help, tai chi and

much more.

Groups include: caregivers support, bridge, poker, bingo, mah jongg, cribbage,

ping pong, group bike rides, special holiday events year round, concerts, political

clubs, wine tastings and much more.


8.

Recreation and Activities in Broomfield

Broomfield County Commons: The Broomfield County Commons is a huge park

that includes 15 playing fields, 2 playgrounds, a pavilion and 5 picnic huts. There is

also an off leash dog park, plenty of parking and restrooms available. There are

many public activities held there throughout the summer such as movie nights,

Memorial Day ceremonies, 4th of July fireworks, National Night Out, and so on.

Broomfield Senior Resources: The City and County of Broomfield has a large and

active Senior Resource Center for those 60 years and older. Their website is

www.broomfieldseniorresources.org and the Senior Center is located in the

Broomfield Community Center at 280 Spader Way.

Click here to open the 37 page Senior Resource Guide that explains all the

opportunities and programs in detail.

http://www.broomfield.org/DocumentCenter/View/1281


Lunches are available Monday through Friday for Seniors and their guests in the

Lakeshore Café (located in the Senior Center) for $4.50 (or you can buy a lunch

pass). Special celebratory lunches are held throughout the year on various

holidays.

There are numerous activities and classes available too such as art classes,

dancing classes, parties, nature hikes, volunteer opportunities, driving courses,

nutrition courses, cars shows, short trips, support trips, and so on.

Veterans Memorial Museum: The museum was established to honor all men and

women who have served their country. They offer a variety of special events

including Coffee and Conversation on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month

where someone presents a special topic and speech. Of course they always

feature a special and honorary program for Veterans Day, Memorial Day,

Independence Day, etc.

1st Bank Center: Offers all sorts of events including concerts, lectures, MMA

fights, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, Harlem Globetrotters and so

on.

Brunner Farmhouse & Gardens: A quaint place for the community to gather that

features scenic gardens, picnic areas, summer concerts and lectures.

Fishing in Broomfield: There are 3 ponds in Broomfield that are kept stocked with

fish – Tom Frost Reservoir, Josh’s Pond, and The Trails Pond. You must have a

license to fish in CO and for seniors over 64 the charge is $1.

Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library: Of course Broomfield has a library!

There are numerous programs and things to do at the library – children’s events,

teen events, parenting classes, computer classes, book groups, English classes,

tech café, etc.

Broomfield Days: Every year roughly in mid-September the entire town

celebrates Broomfield Days – a 3-day event that closes off the entire middle of

the city for parades, food, exhibitions, games, activities and more. It’s like an old-

fashioned town carnival.

http://broomfieldveterans.wordpress.com/


9.

Dining, Shopping and Entertainment

Flatiron Crossing Mall: Located on the northwest side of Broomfield, and only

about 15 minutes from Boulder, the mall first opened in about 1999 and features

an expansive campus that in some cases is only reached by driving from site to

site. There used to be a transport bus that traveled to different areas but not

enough people used it to keep it open. There are over 200 shops and restaurants

at Flatiron Mall including Macy’s and Dillard’s, and major retailers such as Ann

Taylor, Apple, Banana Republic, Coach, Crate & Barrel, Disney Store, H&M, J.Crew,

PINK by Victoria’s Secret, Pottery Barn, Sephora, The Container Store, White

House Black Market and XXI Forever. Dining options will please any palette with

choices such as California Pizza Kitchen, Gordon Biersch Brewery, P.F. Chang’s

China Bistro, Red Robin and Village Tavern.


Orchard Town Center: Located on the Westminster/Broomfield border and

opened only a few years ago it’s an outdoor mall with over 65 stores and 1 dozen

restaurants. In the summer they have a splash fountain that kids can play in, a

train, concerts, farmer’s market and holiday activities throughout December.

At Home Store: Large, warehouse type store with home goods, designing and

decorating goods, furniture, art, housewares, etc. Located on the west side of

Broomfield.

Restaurants: Here is a list of restaurants in Broomfield and some of them that I’ve

reviewed personally. Ooka Sushi and Asian Cuisine, Buenos Tiempos, iPIE, Chico’s,

Jus’ Burritos

Microbreweries: Big Choice Brewery, Four Noses Brewing, Wonderland Brewing

King Soopers Shopping Centers: There are 2 King Soopers Shopping Centers

worth mentioning in Broomfield – one at 120th Ave and Sheridan Blvd which is a

recent remodel into a Marketplace store. The entire area includes a Home Depot,

Petco, several restaurants and shops. The 2nd King Soopers is the largest King

Soopers in existence and that shopping center includes a number of restaurants, a

liquor store, nail salon, gas station, bank and so on.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g33330-Broomfield_Colorado.html

http://theskinnyonrealestate.com/broomfield-restaurants-ooka-sushi-and-asian-cuisine/

http://theskinnyonrealestate.com/broomfield-restaurants-buenos-tiempos/

http://theskinnyonrealestate.com/broomfield-restaurants-pizza-fan-try-ipie-in-broomfield-co/

http://theskinnyonrealestate.com/chicos-mexican-restaurant-broomfield-great-little-take-joint/

http://theskinnyonrealestate.com/great-quick-burritos-broomfield-jus-burritos/

http://www.bigchoicebrewing.com/main.html

http://4nosesbrewing.com/

http://wonderlandbrewing.com/


10.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in CO is lower than the nationwide average and the

yearly pay is slightly higher than the national average according to cityrating.com.

In case you haven’t figured it out already the cost of housing in CO is higher than

average. It you’re coming from California, you’re likely to find the cost of housing

in Colorado rather low. However if you’re coming from Texas or Missouri you’re

likely to find housing is rather high here. According to Sperling’s Best Places,

groceries, utilities, and transportation are lower than the national average.

Housing, not surprisingly, is considerably higher.


11.

Property Taxes

Property taxes in Colorado are on the lower end compared to the rest of the

nation. Unfortunately however, this is “balanced” out by a rather high sales tax –

in Broomfield and Westminster alone it’s approaching 10%. Colorado is ranked

#30 in terms of median property taxes with only 20 other states that have lower

property taxes. Please note however, that property taxes are paid in arrears –

your taxes are actually a year behind – even though you’re paying them every

year, it’s for the previous year’s taxes. So when you go to sell your Colorado

house you must pay the current year’s taxes as well. Many unsuspecting sellers

have been caught off guard with that at closing day! If you sell your house on

December 31 for instance, you will owe a year’s worth of taxes on one day! Of

course calculating your actual property taxes isn’t an easy task but this is how the

Broomfield County Assessor determines them: Actual value x 7.96% = Assessed

Value then Assessed Value x Mill Levy = Property Taxes.


As an example: a recently listed home in Anthem Ranch (for $529,000) paid

property taxes of $4,751. Another one listed for $475,000 paid property taxes of

$4,608. Keep in mind that these are strictly used for examples and you’ll need to

consult with the Broomfield County Assessor or your mortgage broker.


12.

Real Estate Contracts

In Colorado, when you buy a home that an individual is reselling you’ll use the

Colorado Real Estate Commission approved contract to buy and sell a home. Note

that I’m not a lawyer and so this isn’t considered legal advice – just what I know

from being a licensed Colorado real estate agent. If you’re buying a brand new

home you’ll have to use the builder’s contract. The contract on a resale home

tends to be much friendlier to the buyer than a builder’s contract. If you change

your mind, or become unable to buy the resale home you’re under contract on, it

will be much easier for you to get your earnest money back. On a builder’s

contract it’s next to impossible to get your deposit back.

Traditionally, on a resale home, the buyers and their agent will discuss the best

offer and then the agent presents it to the seller’s agent. On a brand new home, I

strongly advise that you still use a licensed buyer’s agent to help you. Even though


you can walk into any builder’s office and go under contract on a property today, I

urge you to take a licensed real estate agent with you to help you with the

process.

On a traditional resale home, the average seller asks for $7,000 in earnest money.

This is due within about 48 hours of going under contract. The real estate contract

(on a resale) allows you to conduct a thorough inspection using a licensed

inspector and if you find something unacceptable about the property you may ask

the seller to correct it. If the seller refuses to correct it, you may proceed with the

sale or you may terminate the contract and get your deposit back.

As of November 2014, 30 resale homes have sold with a price range of $327,500

to $696,000 with an average of 37 days on the market. 2 were brand new builds,

and the rest were resales. 5 of the homes sold for asking price, 3 sold for more

than asking price, and the average home in 2014 (so far) went for $12,000 under

asking price.


13.

Helpful Links

City and County of Broomfield

Broomfield profile in City Data

Broomfield’s Facebook Page

1st Bank Center

Flatiron Crossing Mall

Tom Frost Reservoir

Metzger Family Farm Open Space

http://www.broomfield.org/

http://www.city-data.com/city/Broomfield-Colorado.html#b

https://www.facebook.com/Broomfield

http://www.1stbankcenter.com/

http://flatironcrossing.com/

http://theskinnyonrealestate.com/tom-frost-reservoir-broomfield-co/

http://theskinnyonrealestate.com/an-easy-walk-in-broomfield-metzger-farm-open-space/

Documents

COMPLETE GUIDE TO ANTHEM RANCH - The Skinny On Real Estatetheskinnyonrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/... · Welcome to the 2014 edition of the Complete Guide to Anthem Ranch. I