New Home

New Home Inventory Is A Bid-Free Sales Solution

Renovation bids are too high. Multiple bids for resales are too low. Deal killers, morale busters both. Could this be why bid-free, ‘no renovation’ bids are driving resale buyers to ‘new homes?”

All the standard reasons to buy new homes still apply, but, according the National Association of REALTORS®, forty percent of all new homes bought by Realtor-generated buyers in 2014, were purchased mostly as an option to renovating a resale.

General agents do not ‘sell’ new homes. They introduce their prospects to onsite agents who do the showing and the selling. Therefore, there is no need for an agent to learn construction. What general agents need to learn is how to qualify resale prospects for new homes and how to find new homes fast, beyond MLS searches.

According to a study by Builder Homesite Inc., a builder consortium formed in 2000 by thirty two of the largest homebuilders in the United States, thirty-five percent of the home shopping market will look at both new homes and resales. This has changed the way builders look at Real Estate Professionals and themselves.

New homes consultants are in an awkward place because they see the numbers. They know that according to the National Association of Realtors sixty seven percent of all new homes sold are through their co-broker networks.

Yet, you rarely see a Real Estate Professional marketing program included in a builder or national convention program or discussed in new-year marketing strategies.

Why?

Because everybody knows that if homebuilders could cut out the cobroker commission, they could make more money on the house. In the past, when markets become as strong as the one we are now experiencing, homebuilders would cut broker commissions, creating more confusion within the Real Estate Professional community, resulting in Realtors staying away from ‘new home’ training.

Not so today. Production homebuilders are competing for co-broker business like never before and are providing all transaction services plus presale services via their internet advisors.

The above is addressed to help Real Estate Professionals understand that the builder/Realtor commission issues arepractically non existent.

Just look around in your market. We are in a seller’s market in most markets yet homebuilder marketing programs are as aggressive as ever.

They need Real Estate Professionals and Real Estate Professionals need their inventory.

Homebuilders reach out to Real Estate Professionals because Real Estate Professionals have the qualified buyers in their car, and the homebuilders via their own studies know that thirty-five percent of them will consider a new home. they also know that the vast percentage of walk in traffic is either not qualified, motivated or both.

By the way, according to the BHI study, nineteen percent will purchase ‘new’ and not consider resales. If your agents are not marketing to new homes buyers, they are in effect ignoring one out of five home buyer prospects, some of whom will purchase a resale, of course, and will have homes to list.

So, in reality, agents don’t need a ‘How To Sell New Homes’ course. They need to learn to show salable inventory to qualified buyers who can afford what they cannot only see, but purchase without bidding and move in without renovating, be it resale or new a new home.

Northern Colorado is a great place to live! For more information, please give me a ring or email me today. I would love the opportunity to earn your business and partner with you in regards to your Real Estate needs.

If you are looking to purchase, I can show you how to save a lot of money, as much as 10% on the purchase and finance of your next home.

Contact me today to learn about ALL of my strategies to get you the BEST price for your home in the SHORTEST possible time, with the least amount of Brain Damage!

Paul Ross  970-217-3245

RESIDENT REALTY

 

SOURCE: REALTY TIMES

Selling Your Home

How To Handle The Stress Of Selling Your Home

Three things are certain in life: death, taxes … and undue stress caused by moving  when Selling Your Home. Whether or not you use the services of a Real Estate Professional to help you wade through the uncertain waters of the buy-and-sell process, moving is stressful, period. And there’s not much you can do to avoid it. And we’re not just talking about packing and paperwork. Moving is an emotional process. If your’e not calming down your nervous children, you’re trying to reassure yourself that you’ll meet people in your new neighborhood, that you bought the best house within your means, and that your kids’ new schools will measure up.

It’s easy to forget while we’re dealing with all of these jitters that Selling Your Home and moving actually can represent an exciting adventure, a growth opportunity and the prospect of new beginnings. Once the dust settles after your move, you’re entering one of the most memorable times of your life. With any luck, you’ve recruited a Real Estate Professional who’s familiar with the obvious stresses as well as the insidious (and subsequently more detrimental) ones. Depending upon your relationship with your agent, you should be able to rely on him or her for more than just closing the deal. Your agent also should be able to calm your trepidation by giving you the support you need — giving you the facts about that new school district, reassuring you that your jitters are perfectly normal, and giving you as much information about your new hometown as possible, increasing your familiarity with the previously unknown.

It’s important to remember throughout the entire selling and buying process, however, to reserve time for yourself and your family. It’s not a waste of time, but rather an insurance policy for your sanity and continued happiness. Stress is sneaky, as we’ve all discovered. It can eat away at us during what are supposed to be the happiest of times, because after all, any major change in life is stressful. If it’s suppressed, it can wreak havoc both emotionally and physically and spread throughout the family. And there’s nothing worse than moving a grumpy family across the country. For the sake of your continued family unity, when Selling Your Home, keep in mind the following stress-relieving measures:

First, remember that it’s perfect normal to feel unsure of your decision right now. You’ve just made a major commitment, and all of us experience those last-second “What on earth did I just do” worries after signing contracts and making life-changing decisions. Instead of becoming overwhelmed with “what ifs” and dread, re-frame this decision as a prime opportunity to begin your lives in a new environment. The old saying “When one door closes, another one opens” definitely applies here. Trust that your Real Estate Professional is looking out for your best interests, ask as many questions as you need to throughout the entire process (that’s part of what your agent is paid for), and look forward to the adventure that lies ahead of you.

If you can, keep an emergency fund in case you run into any unexpected costs when Selling Your Home. One example: If your buyer comes forward after a home inspection is completed and requests a series of repairs prior to move-in, you’ll be prepared. Chances are good that you won’t necessarily agree with the buyer’s requests, but at least you won’t face the additional stress of being short the money for repairs if you plan ahead and save some extra cash (no set amount — just as much as you can handle. A goal you might try to shoot for would be in the range of $2,500). It’s probably in your best interests not to try to guess what the buyer will want to repair, and then fix it ahead of time. That’s because buyers have a habit of isolating areas of your home that you never considered having repaired, and not even noticing the ones you expected them to pinpoint. So save yourself any expenses until you’ve determined their requests.

And while we’re on the subject of finances, try to anticipate and prepare for the initial expenses you’ll face upon move-in. Resign yourself to the fact that during the moving process, you’re going to feel as if you’re holding your wallet upside down, and everyone — movers, contractors, buyer, etc. — is sitting underneath, catching the windfall and demanding a larger share. Keep in mind that this is an investment for the good of your family, and that these costs are a one-time inevitability.

Remind yourself of why you’re Selling Your Home and moving in the first place. A job transfer, or is it a voluntary choice? Obviously, whether or not you had some degree of control over the decision will affect your outlook. Regardless of your answer to that question, round up as much information as you can about your new hometown. What kinds of cultural offerings does the town/city offer? What are its landmarks and natural attractions? Research some possible day trips you might take with the family once you’re settled. Is your new hometown near state borders, giving you the opportunity to explore different regions of the country without much effort?

Envision your new home. Where will you place the furniture? Remind yourself of the home’s primary selling points. Will you have more space? More closets? A large backyard and/or swimming pool? What does your new street look like? Do a lot of young families reside there? If so, your children are likely to be reassured by that knowledge. As often as possible, try to picture yourself and your family fully adapted to your new environment.

Remember to have a little fun occasionally. You’re still allowed, even if you feel as if you don’t have a penny left to your name. Take the family out to dinner, to a movie or a picnic — anything that gets all of you out of the house and away from boxes, paperwork, emotions and all of those pre-move concerns. Keep a regular “date” to get out together — for example, every Friday night leading up to the move. Take your mind off your stress for a few hours, and remind yourself that your family members are experiencing many of the same emotions. Like misery, stress often loves company, so enjoy your time together and remember that this stress won’t last forever. Regardless of what you’re feeling now, the move will happen and everything will eventually fall into place. Journeying into the unknown is what makes life rewarding, so trust in your agent’s expertise and in your family’s resilience, and look forward to the journey ahead.

Contact me today to learn about ALL of my strategies to get you the BEST price for your home in the SHORTEST possible time, with the least amount of BRAIN DAMAGE!

My wife and I have been in Northern Colorado since the 80’s. We have 2 boys, one at Poudre High  and our oldest is a manger in the restaurant business in Fort Collins. Our family has enjoyed the many recreational activities available in the area and we have spent many hours on the slopes, at the lakes and playing the various golf venues in northern Colorado.

SAVE MONEY WHEN BUYING
I can show you how to save 10’s of thousands of dollars on the purchase and finance of your nest home!!

Northern Colorado is a great place to live! For more information, please give me a ring or email me today. I would love the opportunity to earn your business and partner with you in regards to your Real Estate needs.

If you are looking to purchase, I can show you how to save a lot of money, as much as 10% on the purchase and finance of your next home.

Contact me today to learn about ALL of my strategies to get you the BEST price for your home in the SHORTEST possible time, with the least amount of Brain Damage!

Paul Ross  970-217-3245

RESIDENT REALTY

SOURCE: REALTY TIMES

Find an Air Leak

How to Find an Air Leak in Your Home

Air leaks in a home can emerge from cracks and openings in doors and windows. Air trapped inside the walls of your home can seep out through floor boards and around electrical outlets. It takes more energy to heat and cool your home if you have air leaks, which will increase your utility bills. To learn how to find air leaks in your home, you will need to conduct tests around your house that involve using your hand, a candle, incense, or an air leak device. Hiring a contractor to conduct more advanced tests will also help you to identify the air leaks in your home.

Steps

1. Use the hand test to find air leaks.

• On a cold day with the heat on inside your home, place your hand around the edges of all exterior doors, windows, and bathroom and kitchen air vents and fans. If you feel cold air on your hand, then you have an air leak.
• You can also use the hand test to detect leaks around electrical outlets.
• The hand test is best for finding large leaks of air coming into the home.

2. Find smaller leaks with the candle test.

• Light a candle and walk around your house to places that you think may have air leaks: electrical outlets, light fixtures, around baseboards and crown molding and phone jacks.
• If you are conducting the test on a warm day, turn off your central air conditioning. If it is cold outside, turn off your central heating system before conducting this test. Place the candle near the potential leak, if the light dances around slightly, you have a small leak.

3. Depressurize your house to find links all over your home.

• Choose a day that is cold and windy to complete this test. Turn off the furnace and close all of the windows and exterior doors. Turn on all of the fans in your bathrooms and your kitchen.
• Walk around your house with a lit stick of incense. Pass the incense over the edges of doors, windows, vents and other areas in your house where you suspect air leaks. If the smoke is blown into the house or sucked out, then you have a leak.

4. Use an air leak detector to find your leaks.

• Turn the device on and point it at the areas where you suspect leaks. A small light coming from the device will scan the area you are pointing at. If there is a leak, the light will turn blue if the leaking air is cold, it will turn red if the leaking air is warm. If there are no leaks the light will not change.

5. Hire a contractor to do a blower door test.

• The contractor will place a blower door fan in the front entrance of your house to suck out all of the air inside your home (depressurize). This allows outside air to enter the home through the leaks.
• While the house is depressurized, the contractor moves through the house to detect the leaks in the air ducts, dropped ceilings, around utility and plumbing openings, and from interior wall and ceiling joints and floor joists.
• A contractor can also detect air leaks around electrical and gas devices, cable and telephone lines, in air conditioners, and in basements and attics.

As a current resident in Northern Colorado I am fully aware of the current market trends and what it takes to get a great deal on a listing or get top dollar for your current home. When it comes to getting the job done right, you can count on me.

I have a lot of connections within the Northern Colorado area. Please don’t hesitate to call and ask me any questions you might have. This process is all about you and your needs. Real Estate is a big investment and I understand that. One thing you will get with me is a personal relationship, In the end, that goes a long way.

Northern Colorado is a great place to live! For more information, please give me a ring or email me today. I would love the opportunity to earn your business and partner with you in regards to your Real Estate needs.

If you are looking to purchase, I can show you how to save a lot of money, as much as 10% on the purchase and finance of your next home.

Contact me today to learn about ALL of my strategies to get you the BEST price for your home in the SHORTEST possible time, with the least amount of Brain Damage!

Paul Ross  970-217-3245

RESIDENT REALTY

Sign up here to get on our mailing list for our quarterly newsletter with seasonal home advice & tips!

SOURCE: WIKIHOW

Before You List Your Home For Sale

Eight Must-Do’s Before You List Your Home For Sale

The Spring selling season is on, and if you’re considering listing your house, it’s time to get it in tip-top shape. You may think your home is already listing ready right now, but a real estate agent may not agree. These eight activities will help you put your best house forward before you list your home for sale.

Before You List Your Home For Sale Clean up that yard

You can’t underestimate the power of curb appeal. An unkempt yard, chipping paint, even a mailbox that’s seen better days can turn off a potential buyer – or turn one into a bargain hunter. And you don’t want either.

“Your home’s curb appeal is the first thing buyers see when they drive up to the property. Buyers immediately start assessing the exterior and landscaping, forming a knee-jerk first impression,” said Professional Staging. “This initial reaction is very powerful. It instantly sets the tone of the tour and will have an effect on how buyers perceive the rest of the property. If their first impression is a negative one, then the rest of the home will suffer for it. The state of a home’s exterior usually matches the interior. If the grass is long or patchy, the paint on the house is faded or peeling, and there are cracks in the driveway, then buyers are going to be very wary of what other kinds of maintenance issues could be awaiting them inside and in places that they can’t see. These issues instantly translate to dollar signs and stress for home buyers, so it’s likely they will move on to the competition to avoid them both.”

porch.com

Consider your door

Chances are, you don’t look much at your front door because you come in and out of the garage. A buyer approaching your house will notice if your door isn’t pristine and may project the lack of pristine-ness onto the rest of the house. A fresh coat of paint is inexpensive but the impact is dramatic.

Declutter

A cluttered house can mask its best qualities and also make potential buyers feel like it’s not as spacious as they want it to be. “Resist the urge to roll your eyes at this one,” said Family Handyman. “It is imperative that your home looks livable. Potential buyers may not be able to see past your clutter. Think of it this way – don’t move things you no longer want or need. Make decisions now and your house will sell faster and your move will be easier. Take one room, or even part of one room, at a time and dive in. Recycle or shred paper. Donate books, toys, clothing and duplicate household items. If you’re getting frustrated and you can’t deal with one more stack of papers or shoebox of old photos, put them in a plastic tub, label the tub and stack it somewhere out of the way.”

Depersonalize

You want your home to be memorable, but for the right reasons – not because of your wall full of crosses or bookcase overflowing with antique figurines. Pack them away to neutralize the space. “The next step on your declutter list? You want to remove any distractions so the buyers can visualize themselves and their family living in the property,” Kipton Cronkite, a real estate agent with Douglas Elliman in New York, told Realtor.com. “He says that includes personal items and family photos, as well as bold artwork and furniture that might make your home less appealing to the general public. The goal is to create a blank canvas on which house hunters can project their own visions of living there, and loving it.”

Light bulbs, handles, and hardware, oh my!

Burned-out bulbs, loose handles, and hardware that’s worn, scratched, or rusted is easy to take care and can help your place look finished.

Give everything a good dusting

Look up! How’s that ceiling fan? You’d be surprised how a little thing like a dusty fan can impact a buyer and turn them into a non-buyer. Get out that duster and hit all the corners and window sills you never notice. And then clean all those windows so when you open all the blinds and drapes to let the sun shine in, the light doesn’t get blocked by smudges and fingerprints.

Walk through your home like you’re seeing it for the first time

Come in through the front door and examine every inch of the house. You’ve probably been ignoring little things that have just become part of the landscape. A scuffed baseboard here. A broken switchplate there. Even the pile of shoes in the front hall that you don’t even notice anymore. Potential buyers will, and these little things could be enough to turn them off.

“Once you’ve decided it’s time to sell your home, start to look at it with an objective eye,” said Family Handyman. “If you were the potential buyer, what red flags would you see when you walked around your house and yard?

Clean out your closets, your cabinets, and your pantry

Don’t fool yourself into thinking people won’t open doors and drawers and look through everything (Side tip: Hide your valuables before showings, just to be safe!). You don’t have to worry about being judged for your fashion sense—although, you might want to pack away those ‘80s parachute pants! You should be more worried about whether buyers will walk away because they think there isn’t enough closet or storage space, or it’s not efficient space.

You have to pack anyway since you’re moving, so start early. Empty out closets, cabinets, and storage areas so the space looks sufficient and nicely organized. For closets, the idea is to make them look filled, but not overfilled. Create space between hangers and fold other items neatly on shelves. Make sure there is ample space for shoes because, let’s face it, this could be a deal breaker for some people.

I have a lot of connections within the Northern Colorado area. Please don’t hesitate to call and ask me any questions you might have. This process is all about you and your needs. Real Estate is a big investment and I understand that. One thing you will get with me is a personal relationship, In the end, that goes a long way.

Northern Colorado is a great place to live! For more information, please give me a ring or email me today. I would love the opportunity to earn your business and partner with you in regards to your Real Estate needs.

If you are looking to purchase, I can show you how to save a lot of money, as much as 10% on the purchase and finance of your next home.

Contact me today to learn about ALL of my strategies to get you the BEST price for your home in the SHORTEST possible time, with the least amount of Brain Damage!

Paul Ross  970-217-3245

RESIDENT REALTY

Sign up here to get on our mailing list for our quarterly newsletter with seasonal home advice & tips!

SOURCE: REALTY TIMES

Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom Remodel? Avoid these top five bathroom blunders — because nobody likes to learn the hard way.

While a bathroom might not be the first room a potential home buyer asks to see, it can make or break the sale.

Here are five common mistakes both rookie and seasoned flippers and homeowners make when renovating a bathroom.

Mistake 1: Ignoring proper spacing and layout

Bathrooms may seem straightforward, but a lack of spatial awareness in the renovation planning stages can lead to problems down the road when completing your Bathroom Remodel.

Remember: Just because you can fit something into the bathroom design doesn’t mean it can function within that space. Always keep function in the forefront of your mind and in your design.

For example, if you choose a shower with a door, your bathroom layout should leave plenty of room for it to fully open. No potential home buyer will want to squeeze out of a partially opened shower door every morning. Other considerations include providing enough space to comfortably get on and off the toilet, open cabinet doors, etc.

Spatial considerations also include making sure elements of the room are close enough together to function. For example, the toilet paper holder should be within a child’s arm’s reach of the toilet, and outlets should be easily accessible from the counter.

Mistake 2: Choosing the wrong materials

Because of the sink, toilet and shower, bathrooms deal with more moisture than any other room in the house. Homeowners also use many of the strongest cleaning products on bathroom surfaces. Both of these factors, if not taken into consideration, can lead to significant damage if you don’t select the right materials for the job.

Go with materials that can stand up to harsh cleaners and are not highly susceptible to mold, warping or distortion. Avoid porous materials that will retain moisture and allow hidden mold to grow.

Mistake 3: Ignoring storage space

No one complains about having too much storage in the bathroom. When planning a bathroom remodel, incorporate plenty of storage space into the design.

Consider how many people will use the bathroom. Don’t make the mistake of providing only enough bathroom storage space for one person in a 4-bedroom house.

Additionally, most people prefer a bit of privacy with bathroom storage, so a set of floating shelves, while helpful, will not be sufficient on its own.

Mistake 4: Forgetting about ventilation

Ventilation isn’t a glamorous part of a bathroom renovation, but it is essential. Forgetting to work in enough ventilation can lead to mold, mildew and other costly problems in the future. It can also make a bathroom uncomfortable if it’s not properly ventilated during or after a shower.

If possible, work in a combination of natural and artificial ventilation sources. A well-placed window can go a long way, but it won’t be very helpful during cold winter months, when a homeowner won’t open it. Make sure to install a quality ventilation fan that can handle the size of the bathroom.

Mistake 5: Putting off lighting plans until the end

Many people think of lighting as a finishing touch to a renovation. While lighting is often installed later in the process, you should plan your lighting fixtures at the beginning of the Bathroom Remodel.

Bathrooms are often where people get ready for the day, which is why lighting is essential. Recessed lighting can create shadows on your face in the mirror, and the last thing you want when trying to sell a bathroom is unflattering lighting.

Waiting until the end to address lighting can also lead to dark patches within the bathroom. Depending on your preferred shower style, you may or may not need lighting above the shower or tub.

Similarly, no one wants to use the toilet in darkness. When drawing up your plans, consider what type of lighting will best accommodate your space and room design. Making adjustments in the planning stages will be much easier than making them at the end of a project.

Top photo from Zillow listing.

I have a lot of connections within the Northern Colorado area. Please don’t hesitate to call and ask me any questions you might have. This process is all about you and your needs. Real Estate is a big investment and I understand that. One thing you will get with me is a personal relationship, In the end, that goes a long way.

Northern Colorado is a great place to live! For more information, please give me a ring or email me today. I would love the opportunity to earn your business and partner with you in regards to your Real Estate needs.

If you are looking to purchase, I can show you how to save a lot of money, as much as 10% on the purchase and finance of your next home.

Contact me today to learn about ALL of my strategies to get you the BEST price for your home in the SHORTEST possible time, with the least amount of Brain Damage!

Paul Ross  970-217-3245

RESIDENT REALTY

Sign up here to get on our mailing list for our quarterly newsletter with seasonal home advice & tips!

SOURCE: ZILLOW,COM

Determine ROI Before You Swing That Hammer

Use The Renovation Bible To Determine ROI Before You Swing That Hammer

Every year we gear up to do some much-needed (or long-desired) renovations to our home, and every year we wait for the Cost vs Value Report to come out and tell us whether we’re going to see a decent return on those renos or whether they’re a waste of time – and money.

The Cost vs Value report is a renovation bible of sorts in that it provides a guide for those of us who want to make sure we get some ROI with our updated kitchen, attic bedroom, new deck, or addition. “This site compares average cost for 21 popular remodeling projects in 149 markets with the value those projects retain at resale in 100 U.S. markets,” they said. That means that not only can you get an idea of what the smartest renovations are nationwide, but also in specific geographic areas.

In the 2018 report, “average return on investment (ROI) for home improvement projects dipped across the board, with ‘upscale’ projects taking the biggest hit,” said RISMedia. Remodeling magazine’s editor-in-chief Craig Webb suggests this may be a side effect of a strong housing market.

“It’s not clear if this is a sign of nervousness among real estate pros in the face of a booming housing market or if nationwide affordability concerns are leading pros to question the value of renovations that would make a house even more expensive at resale – particularly with the new tax law regarding the deductibility of mortgage interest and state, local and property taxes,” he said.

2018 trends

Highest returns

The highest returns in this year’s report were focused on curb appeal projects. “In 2018, the three projects with the highest year-over-year increase in value are ‘curb appeal’ projects—work that can be seen from the street,” said Hanley Wood, publisher of Remodeling magazine. “These are for garage door replacement (up 18.6%), wood deck additions (up 17.7%) and manufactured stone veneer installation (up 15.7%). In keeping with this trend, the projects showing the highest YoY decline in value were interior projects: master suite additions (down 14.7%) and major kitchen remodels (down 10.9%).” Steel entry door replacements also continue to show among the most robust ROI, at 91.3%.

Geographic differences

“The report continues to reveal tremendous regional variations in recouped value, with the highest returns on the Pacific Coast where the average payback is close to 64 cents on the dollar,” said Builder magazine. “Markets in the Middle Atlantic region averaged a return of just over 51 cents. The cost differences are even greater when you compare individual markets. There was a 73.1% difference between the highest- and lowest-cost market for the Universal Design Bathroom project, a wider gap than any other job. The smallest difference was 28.5%, for a vinyl window replacement. Depending on the project, the most expensive of the 149 markets to get remodeling work done for particular projects are the New York City region, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and – perhaps surprisingly – Trenton, N.J.”

Kitchen and baths

Renovation projects in these key areas showed better returns than additions, and mid-range projects rank higher than extensive overhauls. The highest-ranking kitchen project was a minor kitchen remodel, at an 81.1% return; while a major kitchen remodel had only a 59% ROI. The previously mentioned Universal Design bathroom renovation had a 70.6% ROI, but opt to add a bathroom instead, and you can expect only a 59% return.

I have a lot of connections within the Northern Colorado area. Please don’t hesitate to call and ask me any questions you might have. This process is all about you and your needs. Real Estate is a big investment and I understand that. One thing you will get with me is a personal relationship, In the end, that goes a long way.

Northern Colorado is a great place to live! For more information, please give me a ring or email me today. I would love the opportunity to earn your business and partner with you in regards to your Real Estate needs.

If you are looking to purchase, I can show you how to save a lot of money, as much as 10% on the purchase and finance of your next home.

Contact me today to learn about ALL of my strategies to get you the BEST price for your home in the SHORTEST possible time, with the least amount of Brain Damage!

Paul Ross  970-217-3245

RESIDENT REALTY

Sign up here to get on our mailing list for our quarterly newsletter with seasonal home advice & tips!

SOURCE: REALTY TIMES

Flooring Trends

Pros And Cons Of Today’s Flooring Trends

If you’re thinking about doing your floors, you’ve probably done countless hours of research online, visited several stores, and pored over colors, textures, sizes, and styles. You may have some idea of what you like, but is it a good choice for your lifestyle or your budget – or both? We’re breaking down the pros and cons of the most popular trends in flooring today.

Wide plank

Wide-planks are the most predominant trend in flooring today, regardless of color and finish.

Pro: The popularity of this type of flooring means there is a wide variety of options, from smooth engineered flooring to barn-like boards.

Con: DIY installation can be trickier because you’re working with such a large area.

Distressed

“The distressed floor style has been around for quite a while but has become even more popular just recently,” said Sebring Design Build. “Distressed flooring undergoes artificial aging and styling processes that give it a slightly worn finish. It works best for spaces where a beautiful rustic look is desired.  In preparing distressed wood flooring, various actions are taken depending on the degree and style of ‘distress’ desired. The edges of each wood plank are hand scrapped, swirl and kerf markings are added to imitate historic wood and the planks are brushed to remove glossing and give them a soft worn texture.”

Pro: Because it’s already distressed, it’s a good choice for households with kids and/or dogs.

Con: If/when smoother wood looks come back into style, those who have gone the distressed route may not be be able to have their floors refinished, depending on the depth of the distressing.

Luxury Vinyl

This is another fast-growing segment of the flooring industry because today’s vinyl planks can fool the eye, and, sometimes the foot and fingers, too. Luxury vinyl planks look like the real thing, but often at a much lower cost.

Pro: Choose vinyl planks that “float” and you can go right over the top of existing flooring. That makes it an easy choice for those who don’t want to do demo. Luxury vinyl is also extremely durable and easy to take care of—great for active households.

Con: The best vinyl plank product will get close to the price of real wood unless you are lucky enough to catch a sale. It’s not wood.

TheSpruce.com

Lighter floors

“For years, lighter floors were viewed as outdated or inexpensive. That is no longer the case,” said Flooring Inc. “As more homeowners embrace the light, airy feel in their home, you will see a huge resurgence in light wood floors. Blonde wood, in particular, can give you that light feel, while still feeling timeless. With blonde wood, your decorating possibilities are endless. You can go for a chic, contemporary feel or a rustic, homey vibe all without changing your floors.”

Pro: Depending on how light you go, you may be able to enjoy an added benefit of disguising dirt! Also, “blonde wood makes any room feel larger and more open, especially if you use large planks.”

Con: If trend cycles hold, darker wood will come back at some point. Choose an excessively trendy look, like bleached-out floors, and you may further limit your “in-style” window.

Gray finish

“Gray wood floors are increasingly common and are a 2018 floor trend. They provide a unique, clean look that fits well in modern houses that need to brighten up,” said Family Handyman.

Pro: They look fresh and can make any home feel a little more current.

Con: Will the pendulum swing back to brown? Eventually…probably. Flooring that works in both brown and gray tones might help with the staying power. Also, gray can “lack the warmth of traditional natural-color wood flooring,” they said.

HomeYou.com

Bamboo Floors

Those who lean green have loved bamboo floors for years because of the material’s eco-friendliness. “Bamboo is considered as the fastest growing woody plant, reaching full maturity in five to six years,” said Green Design Build.

Pro: Bamboo is also known to be very strong and durable, and, whereas options used to be somewhat limited, a growing green trend means more looks for buyers interested in eco-friendly floors.

Con: Bamboo can be pricier than many other options.

Wood-look tile

There is a huge trend toward going with tile that looks like wood instead of using real wood. “These are porcelain planks that are designed to mimic natural wood grains,” said Family Handyman. Porcelain planks (tiles) are an attractive and durable floor trend.”

Pro: With 3D printing, the looks you can achieve are endless, and mimic the appearance of wood so closely that people may not even realize it’s not wood. Wood-look tile is also a great choice for areas like “the bathroom or other space prone to dampness” and is easy to clean and care for.

Con: It’s hard under foot. And it’s not wood.

I have a lot of connections within the Northern Colorado area. Please don’t hesitate to call and ask me any questions you might have. This process is all about you and your needs. Real Estate is a big investment and I understand that. One thing you will get with me is a personal relationship, In the end, that goes a long way.

Northern Colorado is a great place to live! For more information, please give me a ring or email me today. I would love the opportunity to earn your business and partner with you in regards to your Real Estate needs.

If you are looking to purchase, I can show you how to save a lot of money, as much as 10% on the purchase and finance of your next home.

Contact me today to learn about ALL of my strategies to get you the BEST price for your home in the SHORTEST possible time, with the least amount of Brain Damage!

Paul Ross  970-217-3245

RESIDENT REALTY

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SOURCE: REALTY TIMES