Friday, August 31, 2018

Best Granite Countertops

Five Tips For The Best Granite Countertops


The interior design industry has been trying for years to break homeowners’ addiction to granite counters. They’ve introduced stainless, concrete, glass, quartz, wood, marble and other ideas to wean people away, but the alternative surfaces just don’t have the luxury look that granite does.
If you’re getting granite countertops for the first time, here are five things you need to know to get Best Granite Countertops:
For the Best Granite Countertops Choose the right stone. Granite is a general term that describes a type of granular igneous rock formed by cooled magma and indigenous minerals. Depending on where the granite is quarried, it can be stunning with streaks of gray, pink, red, green, blue or gold. The rarity of the vein of granite can drive up the price considerably, as well as the thickness and the type of fabrication you choose.
When you shop for granite, don’t choose from a sample. You’re basically buying the whole slab so that’s how you should shop. Look only at whole slabs, as the fabricators will use as much as possible to match sections and to minimize waste. Sometimes it’s possible to buy two or more slabs from the same lot. They are sliced just like pieces of toast so they can accommodate large kitchens. If they’re put back to back, they form butterfly or mirror images of each other.
The beauty of granite is the movement of color and the pattern of streaks and dapples, so choose wisely. A strong graphic pattern will be highly energizing, while a softer color and pattern will be calming.
Hold the Dumb End of the Tape. Granite is sold by the square foot. You can get an idea of the number of square feet you need by multiplying length by width for each section of the kitchen, such as countertops, backsplash, and an island. Then add the square feet of each section together.
But that’s not all there is to measuring. There’s an edge allowance, seam allowance, sinks and other things to consider. You can tell your salesperson how many square feet you think you’ll need, and he or she can direct you to slabs and lots that are large enough to fulfill your order. Once you choose, the salesperson will “hold” the slab with a deposit, until the fabricator can come out to measure exactly.
Meanwhile, your cabinets should be installed before the fabricator comes out. Most appliances fit under the countertops, but if you’re installing a new sink or cooktop, the fabricator will need those measurements, too. Let the fabricator take the measurements. That way the fit is guaranteed.

Be aware of slab thickness. Not all granite slabs are sliced the same, so expect to pay more for a three-inch thickness than a one-inch thickness. If you choose a thick granite, make sure your cabinets can support that much weight.
Next, you’ll choose an edge that is bullnose, ogee or beveled, or raw-edged. The finish can also change the look of the granite. Polished granite is glossy and reflective. Honed granite is a smooth matte finish. Leather is a textured finish.
Ask for as few seams as possible. If you’re doing a large area like a kitchen, you want to use as few seams as possible so that the flow of the granite pattern and color is less interrupted. A seamless slab in a kitchen looks beautiful and holds more value than seamed pieces because it’s like a work of art. Ask the fabricator if any parts of the job can be done without a seam. Sometimes it’s very possible, depending on the design of your kitchen.
To save money, you can choose granite tiles, which is like a tile, so there will be no seams, but they add little value to your home. You can also order from scraps the dealer may have leftover from other jobs, but they’re only be suitable for small jobs where you don’t have to match another granite, such as a powder bath or laundry.


Granite requires care. Granite is fairly heat-resistant and easy to clean, but you should keep in mind that it’s also porous. It can crack, chip, stain and show scratches.
Don’t put hot pans directly on the surface; use a trivet or hot pad. Use only granite-safe cleansers. Don’t use bleach, ammonia products, scouring pads, or anything acidic such as lemon or vinegar to clean. Don’t use dish soap to clean as it can leave a dulling film on the surface. Spills of wine, juice and tomato sauce should be cleaned up quickly.
Some finishes such as polish act as more of a seal, but you can also purchase granite sealers at your local market. Just wipe it on once a year or so to keep your countertops looking their best.
If you’re wondering whether your countertop needs sealing, spill some clean water or the surface and cover it with a paper towel. If it leaves a stain, it will go away eventually, but you’ll know it’s time for sealant.
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


RESIDENT REALTY


PAUL ROSS NEWSLETTER


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SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY REALTY TIMES STAFF

Monday, August 27, 2018

Home Alarm Systems

How Much Do Home Alarm Systems Affect Resale?



Home alarm systems can be particularly hard to calculate into resale value or return on investment (ROI) because their job is to prevent loss rather than achieve gains. You purchase a home alarm system with the hope that you never need to use it.
The reality is that a burglary is reported to police every 14.5 seconds. But robbery isn’t the only thing that alarms can save you from. Smart alarms can detect smoke and hazards.
More than ever, homeowners want to feel safe in their homes. A built-in alarm system may be just what it takes to get your house off the market.
1. Alarm Systems Aren’t as Expensive as They Used to Be
According to HomeAdvisor’s survey, most homeowners invest between $330-$1,040 when purchasing and installing home alarm systems. However, with the advent of smart, connected technology, home security is more affordable than ever.
Products like the Nest Cam Outdoor monitor your home in 1080p high definition video that you can access from your smartphone 24/7. This monitor also has a two-way audio feature, meaning you can use your voice to scare off intruders or give live instructions to a delivery service. Smart products allow you to monitor your home yourself, which cuts down the cost of hiring a security company to do the monitoring for you.
Smart products send security alerts right to your phone, allowing you to act fast and take control. Monthly security subscriptions on smart products are usually a fraction of the cost of subscribing to a traditional security service.
2. Add Resale Value
Owning a safe and secure home is appealing to every home buyer, from frequent travelers to families. That means pre-installed cameras, smoke detectors, and smart locks can be huge selling points. The more convenient and easy-to-use the security, the better.
One of the most desired security features for homeowners is motion sensor lighting over the driveway. Not only does it scare away late-night intruders, it also helps homeowners navigate in the dark. Buyers want added safety and convenience in their everyday lives, and the right security system can provide both.
3. Home Alarm Systems / Home Security Lowers Neighborhood Crime
In 2016, Rutgers University released a study that found that neighborhood crime rates dropped significantly when alarm systems were installed in multiple neighborhood homes.
Burglars are less likely to break into homes that are protected with home security, and that fact carries over when applied to entire neighborhoods. Safe neighborhoods are highly desirable to homeowners and can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.
4. Home Alarm Systems Can Reduce Your Homeowners Insurance
If you financed your home with a mortgage, you are most likely required to have home insurance. While the price of home insurance varies, most companies offer discounts to homes with security systems.
With Home Alarm Systems installed, you can save up to 20% on home insurance. Those savings can amount to hundreds of dollars per year or the cost of the security system all together.
5. They Save Money in the Long Run
Burglaries can cost you, not only in the possessions stolen from your home, but also in the damage that many homes incur during a burglary.
Most burglars enter homes through the front or back door or first-floor windows, usually breaking them in the process. The cost of fixing a broken window or kicked-in door can be even more expensive than the valuables taken.
It was found that when burglars enter homes with security systems, they are much more likely to leave quickly, taking fewer items with them.
While security systems aren’t foolproof, they do offer the benefit of safety and security. Whether you’re installing a system for yourself or for future homeowners, the peace of mind it offers is the ultimate ROI.
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 / WRITTEN BY KATY CABALLEROS

Friday, August 17, 2018

Boost Home Value

7 Renovations to Boost Home Value



When the time comes to decide on renovations, it can be difficult to prioritize your options. And chances are, there are a lot of projects on your wish list. To help you narrow it down, we’ve put together a list of seven popular, cost-effective home renovations. From a whole new roof to a simple coat of paint, these projects will have great returns—whether you want to sell your home or Boost Home Value AND settle in.

1. Roofing to Boost Home Value

If your roof is over 20 years old — or if you’re itching to update it for style and curb appeal — a total replacement may be in order. It’s a big project, but it’s one that will pay off. A roof replacement can yield returns as high as 68.4 percent, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2018 Cost vs. Value Report — making a new roof a good investment for future resale. According to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide, a new asphalt shingle roof will cost $1,700 to $8,400, while a tile roof will range from $8,000 to $60,000Consult with a roofing pro to review your options.

2. Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen can make a big difference in the livability of your home, Boost Home Value And it can also make or break a sale. Clunky old appliances and “well-loved” countertops might keep buyers from seeing any potential to make the space their own. And these same details can take the joy out of your own morning routine. If you’re tired of dealing with the same-old, same-old, consider a few small upgrades, like updated lighting and appliances, to breathe life back into the space. A small remodel will likely cost around $5,000-$15,000, according to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide. A more substantial kitchen renovation will cost around $21,000-$22,000. The good news is that big-ticket kitchen remodels offer returns averaging 53 to 81 percent, according to the 2018 Cost vs. Value Report. Hire a professional kitchen remodeler for the most impressive results.

3. Painting

Don’t be afraid to take a small risk in sprucing up interior paint—and exterior paint, if needed. But consider the atmosphere of the rooms you’re painting, and be careful about entering into tacky territory with bright primary colors and mood-altering shades. A red dining room, for example, may be too exciting for an environment that is supposed to be relaxed. And it may also deter future homebuyers should you ever decide to sell. There are lots of neutral colors you can use to enhance your walls without reducing your chances in a future resale. In 2017, Zillow reported that the most appealing colors for homebuyers are light blues, taupe, grey and griege. Most homeowners pay just under $2,000 to paint a home interior, according to our True Cost Guide. They pay just under $3,000 to paint a home exterior.

4. Bathroom Remodel

Upgraded bathrooms are one of the most sought-after elements in a home — both for buyers and homeowners renovating for themselves. The options for remodeling this space have grown to meet all varieties of budgets, which means that a sleek new bathroom is right at your fingertips no matter how much you want to spend. Even better: Bathroom remodels offer an ROI as high as 56 to 70 percent, according to the 2018 Cost vs. Value Report. The typical bathroom remodel costs between $6,000-$14,000, but even small upgrades of around $2,500 can make a big difference. Get in touch with a bathroom remodeler to discuss the possibilities.

5. Windows

Windows aren’t just for ventilation anymore. If you have still have standard, single-pane windows, you’re probably spending too much on your energy bill. Single-pane styles allow for excessive heat transfer and UV radiation. Plus, they’re easily broken and unlikely to be sealed well against drafts. You can upgrade to double-pane, triple-pane and reinforced or tempered glass windows for optimal efficiency, Boost Home Value and receive a 70-75 percent ROI, according to the 2018 Cost vs. Value Report. And HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide reports that the average cost to install windows is $2,500-$7,500. A professional window installer will be in-the-know about the latest technologies, and can help you pick the right materials for your home and climate.

6. Landscaping

Professional landscaping is one of the biggest ways to build your curb appeal. Realtors highly recommend it, as it is said to yield an ROI of over 100 percent. This investment can also boost home value by up to 20 percent. HomeAdvisor reports that homeowners spend an average of $3,000 to have a new landscape installed. And outdoor living areas with fire pits and lighting are a great way to amplify the appeal. Of course, it’s important to keep the yard balanced. It’s easy to over invest in a beautiful landscape when a simpler design would do.

7. Flooring

Hardwood is one of the most popular flooring options. And, as engineered hardwood has become more durable and made to mimic more varieties, the look is more attainable than ever. Installing hardwood flooring TO Boost Home Value has a potential ROI of 70-80 percent, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2017 Remodeling Impact Report. And, according to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide, wood flooring installation costsaround $4,500. Whether you have old carpet or creaky wooden floors, consider this upgrade to raise your home value and interior aesthetics. For a carpet upgrade, you’re looking at installation costs averaging $1,600Hiring a flooring professional will guarantee that your flooring is installed correctly, and that the proper preparation and care is taken.
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


RESIDENT REALTY








SOURCE: HOMEADVISOR.COM
© Copyright 1999-2018, HomeAdvisor, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Get Your House Sold

6 Surefire Ways To Get Your House Sold



We’re coming to the end of summer, and that means that families seeking to buy a new home before school starts have likely already done their thing. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you’re looking to sell. Whether you’re just getting ready to list your home or haven’t had any bites on your existing home for sale, these tips will get it – and you – moving.
Price it right
This is the most obvious, but also the most contentious, tip TO Get Your House Sold. Everyone wants top dollar. But rule No. 1 about a house that isn’t selling is to lower the price. (Likewise, listing a house now at an unreasonable price likely won’t get you the sale you’re looking for, especially when kids go back to school and sales naturally slow down.) ABC News has a good piece on how to tell if your home is overpriced, but…if it’s not selling, and your showings are limited, and your real estate agent has already talked to you about this (maybe more than once, including when you first discussed the list price), you probably already know why it’s not selling.
Here’s how to get past the disappointment of having to list your home at a lower price than you want or lower it when it’s sitting on the market: Your ultimate goal is to Get Your House Sold and get on with your life, right? Maybe that means buying a larger home. Perhaps you’re looking to downsize or even move out of state. Whatever your plans, you’re delaying them by letting your home stay on the market.
Every month it doesn’t sell is another month you’re in a holding pattern. And, it means you’re spending more money on carrying costs if you’ve already moved to a new home before your old one has sold. Ultimately, you have to ask yourself what your happiness or peace of mind is worth. Chances are it’s more than the money you’ll miss out on if you sell for less. Once you’ve come to that realization, it should be easier to make a price adjustment.
Choose the right REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL
Another “Duh” statement here. But the reality is that the right agent can make or break your sale. You may be inclined to list your home with a friend who’s just getting into the business or a cousin twice removed due to family pressure, but consider this move carefully. When you’re dealing with hundreds of thousands of dollars, you want to make sure you have someone in your corner who has the knowledge and experience to navigate professionally and successfully through every step of what can be a very complicated process. While your pal or relative may be eager, they might not have the depth of understanding of sales trends to strategize the best listing price, or the negotiation skills to get the deal done. The relationships a seasoned agent has with other industry professionals is also key to a quick and profitable sale.
Paint your front door
We all know the value of curb appeal, so getting your front yard in order is a must-do when listing your home. (If it’s not selling, perhaps a little more sprucing up out front is in order.) But don’t skip your front door while you’re trimming bushes and laying down new mulch. A refreshed (or new, if needed) front door regularly tops the list of improvements providing a good return on investment on the annual Cost vs. Value Report. It’s an easy DIY update, too.
But, before you run off to buy paint, carefully consider the color. Choose wrong and you could turn off buyers. Choose right and you could actually get more for your home.
“When it comes to paint color, homeowners may have reason to go back to black. Houses with front doors in shades of black – from charcoal to jet – fetched $6,271 more than expected when sold, said MarketWatch. “Pops of color are especially important for front doors. It often forms the first impression in a prospective home buyer’s mind and can determine how they will view the rest of the property when touring a home. A door paint in a popular color can help make buyers feel that the property is well cared for.”
Take half the stuff out of your closets
Yes, your overstuffed closet can kill a sale. If a potential buyer feels like they won’t have enough space for their stuff, they won’t be a potential buyer for long.
Put your personal stuff – and your personal taste – away
“Pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. You’ll have to do it eventually anyway when you move, and buyers tend to have a hard time seeing past personal effects. You don’t want your potential buyers to be distracted. You want them to be able to imagine their own photos on the walls, and they can’t do that if yours are there,” said The Balance. “This goes for furniture items, too, painful as that might be. Not everyone will share your taste, so if you have your bright red sofa screams, “I’m unique!” you might want to remove it for the time being. Try to stick with your more understated pieces.”
Keep your emotions out of it
Selling your home can be an emotional experience, especially if it was your first home or it’s otherwise filled with memories. But emotions can get in the way of a home sale, and waylay your objective, which is to move up or move on.
“Once you decide to sell your home, it can be helpful to start thinking of yourself as a businessperson and a home seller, rather than as the home’s owner,” said Investopedia. “By looking at the transaction from a purely financial perspective, you’ll distance yourself from the emotional aspects of selling the property that you’ve undoubtedly created many memories in. Also, try to remember how you felt when you were shopping for that home. Most buyers will also be in an emotional state. If you can remember that you are selling not just a piece of property but also an image, a dream and a lifestyle, you’ll be more likely to put in the extra effort of staging and perhaps some minor remodeling to get top dollar for your home. These changes in appearance will not only help the sales price, but they’ll also help you create that emotional distance because the home will look less familiar.”
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


RESIDENT REALTY










SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY JAYMI NACIRI

Friday, August 10, 2018

Small Kitchens: Get The Most Out Of Them

How To Get The Most Out Of Small Kitchens





Many people complain about small kitchens but tiny spaces aren’t always to be dreaded. If you’re selling your home and your kitchen is, well, compact, know that you can find ways to achieve big appeal with a little creativity.

Bring in the light Small Kitchens.

Sometimes small kitchens can be dark, making them feel even smaller. But if you remove the curtains from any windows in your small kitchen, it’ll let light in and open up the area. Instead of curtains, you can use small blinds that are recessed inside the frame of the window. These are easy to clean and still provide some privacy even when the blinds are open.

De-Clutter the counter tops and the walls.

Most people have a tendency to let kitchen clutter build up on the counter tops and walls. Removing items from the counters, kitchen table, and even off the walls will make the space feel bigger. Yes, I know these items on the counters are useful but when you’re selling your home, a little inconvenience may help you receive a higher offer and you’ll probably agree, that’s worth it! Take the appliances and either store them in the kitchen cabinets or, if there isn’t enough room, pack them up. You’re moving soon, anyway.
Clearing off photos and miscellaneous papers that are stuck on your refrigerator door or kitchen walls will also help make your kitchen look bigger. If you’re tight for space, mounted storage units can be added to your kitchen walls to free up limited counter-top space. But again, too many storage units, even the decorative kind, will give people a feeling like the walls are closing in on them. The same goes for hanging pot racks from the ceiling. Be sure to leave some open wall space and to use storage units that aren’t completely solid. The open units, if the shelves aren’t stuffed, will give a less closed-in feeling.

Opt for lighter and brighter wall color.

Going with lighter colors tends to open up a room. Light and bright colors are also very inviting and friendly, making them a perfect choice for the kitchen. You can use a darker accent trim to create some contrast. You can also use decorations including floral arrangements or even some colorful kitchen appliances to add spice to the kitchen.

Wall-mounted appliances and reduced counter-top depth.

Wall-mounted or under-the-cabinets-mounted appliances can save valuable kitchen counter-top space. You might even have a way to wall-mount your kitchen faucet. In one small home design, the faucet was mounted to the wall, creating a very distinctive look. The counter-top was a standard 24 inches deep but elsewhere the counter-top was reduced just slightly down to 21 inches–very subtle and hardly noticeable but it allowed more floor space in a tiny kitchen.
Small kitchens don’t have to be an eyesore. Some even prefer less space because there’s less to clean. If you know the audience you’re marketing your home to, you can play up the home’s best features–including, perhaps, a small, quaint, and simple kitchen.
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


RESIDENT REALTY

















SOURCE:REALTY TIMES/ WRITTEN BY REALTY TIMES STAFF

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Front Door Colors

7 Paint Colors, 7 Reasons To Redo Your Front Door


We all know the importance of curb appeal, and while that may make you think exclusively about your yard, it can be a mistake to ignore your front door. “If you’re looking to add some interest to your curb-appeal, changing your front door color is an easy update,” said Southern Living. “Front door colors can say a lot about your personality as well as your personal style.”
There’s more to choosing a color than liking the way it looks. Certain colors can help create the right feng shui, and some may even be able to boost your home value and make it easier to sell.

Here are five Front Door COLORS to consider.

Black
No, black doesn’t give off a “Go away!” vibe. On the contrary, “It may sound emo, but painting your front door black is actually a tried-and-true way of increasing home value,” said TIME: Money. “According to Realtor.com, a black door gives buyers the impression that your house is a serious, stately and safe choice. It’s so popular that two of Sherwin-Williams’ top 50 paint colors fit the bill: Peppercorn and Tricorn Black.” That can translate to as much as $6,271 more for your house, according to an analysis of more than 135,000 houses for sale.
Soft yellow
A soft yellow door “welcomes guests in a cheery fashion,” said HomeBNC. “When you choose a yellow door, you are letting guests and passersby know that you have a sense of fun and a lively decorating style.”
Royal blue
There are countless shades of blue you can choose to freshen up your home, but we love a midrange, super vivid royal blue. “Looking for visitors? Try painting your front door a bright blue, which is linked to calmness and trust,” said Realtor.com.
Stone Gray
Gray may have been the hot color for everything from living room walls to kitchen cabinets for the last several years, but, on your front door, “This timeless shade not only softens the intensity of an exclusively contemporary design aesthetic, it also extends a hint of modern elegance to the front door,” said Domino.
All-American Red
“A shot of this happy hue brings to mind: Coca-Cola (the original, not the diet version), the American Flag, a great picnic-table gingham, and other All-American notions,” said Exit Home Key Realty. “If you want to be known as the house with the best barbecues – this is your best bet. It looks best against a crisp white and avoid pairing with bits of navy – lest you want to be known as the flag house.”
Metallic Gold
If you haven’t thought about painting your front door metallic gold, you will after seeing this exquisite option. “This metallic gold door shines bright to welcome guests to L.A.’s Hotel Covell,” said Dwell. “Against a backdrop of more textural, aged elements like brick walls, it’s a chic, smooth, glam touch.”
Purple
We know what you’re thinking. Purple? It’s so… purple. And so bold. And different. And rich. All of which are great reasons to slather this unconventional shade on your front door.
“After the announcement of Pantone’s Color of the Year – Ultra Violet – front doors are all about being bold and making a statement in 2018, according to composite door company, Truedor, said Country Living. Joining forces with their ambassador, property expert and TV presenter George Clarke, the door specialists have released their top 10 New Year’s door color list, based on recent sales. And you guessed it — the most popular door color is purple, driven by Pantone’s selection.”
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


RESIDENT REALTY












SOURCE: REALTY TIMES/WRITTEN BY JAYMI NACIRI

Friday, August 3, 2018

Moving Mistakes

Moving? Avoid Making These Mistakes


Whether moving across town or across the country, packing up and moving can be stressful, costly and full of surprises. From shady movers and inaccurate price quotes, to overpacking or not allowing enough time to get the move set up, every step of a move has the potential for mistakes that can make a move a nightmare.
These tips will help anyone preparing for a move, whether they currently live in a house, an apartment, a dorm, with friends or with mom and dad.

1. Hiring a shady mover.

We’ve all heard horror stories about moving scams, and perhaps maybe you’ve been the victim of a moving scam yourself. You can steer clear of a less-than-upstanding mover by doing your homework. The Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, your state transportation regulator and the U.S. Department of Transportation — and even your relatives, friends, neighbors and colleagues — are all good sources of information about whether a moving company is on the up-and-up. Doing some homework online can save you a lot of heartache on moving day.
If you’ve done your research and still aren’t confident in the movers you’ve come across, you always can go the DIY route — just be sure you’re up for the task.

2. Messing up the Moving quotes.

If you hire a mover, you should be able to have someone from that company come to your place for an in-home moving estimate. If a moving company won’t do an in-home estimate, you should think about shopping around for another mover.
Along those lines, don’t rely on just one quote from one mover. Contact several movers for quotes. If you really like one mover over another but your favorite company is a little pricey, try negotiating for a lower price. Always make sure to get a moving estimate in writing.

3. Packing too much stuff when Moving.

Do you really need those old boxes of baby clothes that you haven’t laid eyes on since your 6-year-old was in diapers? Before you move, you need to “edit” your belongings. Think about whether you can trash some of your possessions, donate them to charity, or give them away to friends and relatives. Perhaps you could hold a garage sale to clear out some of the clutter. If you haven’t seen, worn or used something in a year, it’s best to think hard about whether you need to keep it — and whether you need to haul it to your new place.

4. Failing to schedule your move well in advance.

During the summer months, good moving companies are booked up quickly. Rather than waiting till the last minute, make sure your move is scheduled weeks — or, better yet, months — in advance. You don’t want to be scrambling to find a mover the day before you’re supposed to head out. Moving already is stressful enough without adding that frustration.

5. Ignoring the need to pack ahead of time.

You’ll find very few people who’ll say that packing is fun. In fact, a survey commissioned by SpareFoot found that people who’d moved in the past year identified packing and unpacking as the biggest hassle in the process.
You can lessen the load by beginning to pack well before moving day comes along. Start by boxing up stuff that you won’t need right away — for instance, if you’re moving in the summer, pack up your winter clothes so that they’re out of the way. Also, be sure to carve out time in your schedule to check items off your packing to-do list.
If you get down to the wire and need help with packing, enlist friends, neighbors, relatives or colleagues to lend a hand. Make sure you’ve got plenty of food and beverages as a “thank you” for your volunteer helpers. If you can’t rustle up any free help, consider hiring laborers to do the packing for you; that may be a small price to pay to alleviate moving-related stress.
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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.
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Paul Ross  970-217-3245
RESIDENT REALTY


RESIDENT REALTY










SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY SPAREFOOT.COM