By Mark Samuelson

When Colonnade Communities opened its townhomes across a footbridge from Pioneer Hills Shopping Center, it had Cherry Creek State Park a block away; nice amenities; and some ranch plans that more affluent buyers prefer. Colonnade roared through the ranches…but that left some roomy 2-stories, at prices that must look terrific to a younger buyer who can’t afford downtown or Cherry Creek.

Bob Buford, sales agent at Pioneer Hills Townhomes by Colonnade Communities

Come visit Bob Buford at Pioneer Hills Townhomes and he’ll show you homes that have to seem dreamlike to somebody who’s been trapped in apartment-land. They’re sized from just under 1,500 to 2,000 feet; and have the full basements and 2-car garages (attached!) you never find on reasonably priced townhomes. Every one has been marked down at least 15%…some even more.
“We couldn’t build them again at this price,” says Keith Neale, president of Colonnade, who wants to wrap these up and move on to some new plans in Pioneer Hills. Colonnade is no tract builder; they’re rated A-plus by the Better Business Bureau, with a résumé of pricey projects like Batéleur in The Preserve, and Lighthouse at The Breakers.
This is opportunity knocking, Buford says, for buyers trying for a first or second home, in a location way better than the prices convey: Cherry Creek Schools, eateries you can walk to…even a coffee place, right across the footbridge that Colonnade installed as part of the trail system (the great pool area is also done).
To underscore the nearness of the shopping, Buford will give any purchaser who contracts by April 5 a $500 gift certificate at closing, good at Home Depot, Wal-Mart, or Bed, Bath & Beyond…all next door to Pioneer Hills. “We’ll also talk with you about how we can make this work for you,” he adds. It might be the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit that’s available this tax year…coupled with low-down payment FHA financing. Buford helped one recent buyer out of her lease at her apartment…and will have a lender on site today to qualify you.
“These are the newest, best quality,” adds Silvio DeBartolomeis, Colonnade’s vice president. “Why would anybody buy a used townhouse when they can have new?” On a few, you can still pick your colors, counters and floors…and you can ask about buying the decorated model, The Castlewood…to go on the market today with its designer furniture.

If you go…