Saturday, December 14, 2019

Making Your New Home Safe

Making Your New Home Safe 

For Your Family



Make Your Home a Safe Haven for You And Your Family

So, you’ve found your dream house and moved in – it’s an exciting time! You can finally have everything just the way you want it...

We hate to rain on your happy buzz but even before you start setting up, you need to look at how safe your new house is. Whether you’ve moved into a brand-new house or to one that previously belonged to a family, you need to put some precautions in place. We’re sure you’ve taken a look at all the big stuff before buying it – the foundation, paperwork, structure, neighborhood, and mold. You’ve got your insurance and you’re ready to move!

But there are several other concerns that need your attention to keep you and your family safe.

Here are a few steps to get you started



Change the locks

This home is new to you, but the previous owners may have passed on spare keys to their neighbors, relatives or close friends. Even if it’s a brand new house, the builder may have handed a key to a handyman or worker during the construction stage. To be safe, get all the locks changed and distribute spares only to those you trust.

Install a security system

Even in safe neighborhoods, a security system is a good precaution to take. You can decide whether you want a high-tech one with all the bells and whistles or if you’re happy with a few cameras and security lights. Depending on your lifestyle and your family, choose the features that you need.

Get to know your neighbors

Neighbors are invaluable allies. They can easily keep an eye on your place but if you’re new to the neighborhood, they probably won’t know the difference between a stranger at your door and a friend. Stop by for a chat and get to know them, introduce your family and keep the relationship cordial.

Case the joint

Think like an intruder and identify weak points in and around your home. You can then take appropriate measures to fortify these areas and prevent intruders from entering your home.

Give it a once over

Go around the entire house, checking to see that doors and windows open, close and lock as they should. Check for loose wires from electric outlets or loose floorboards and so on. Make a list of everything that needs to be fixed and either fix them yourself or have a handyman do it. But make sure they’re all taken care of as soon as possible, this goes a long way in preventing accidents.

Outdoor safety

If you have a garden or a backyard, give it a thorough once over to make sure nothing dangerous lurks in the bushes. Danger doesn’t necessarily have to be a creepy crawly or an animal. It could be sprinklers that haven’t been set in the lawn properly, a rusty gate or fence. Check the fence or wall around your property to make sure there are no weak points.

Landscaping

Many people like to have gravel below low windows as noise protection. If an intruder tries to get in that way, the crunching of the gravel will give it away and you’ll be able to hear them. A sensor-triggered alarm placed by the window may be louder.
Keeping the plant life in your garden trimmed ensures that there are no dark spots where intruders can hide. Trim branches that could otherwise give an intruder easy access to your home via a window.

Check smoke detectors

Don’t assume that the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms that the previous owners have left behind are in good working condition, check them. They may be very old and need a change of batteries. You can buy 10-year batteries to avoid this cropping up every 12 months.

Dryer vents

Check that the important appliances like the stove, gas pipes and dryer vents are all working smoothly. If any of the wiring looks old, replace it. Electrical fires because of worn-out wiring are common and happen without warning. Hot dryer exhaust needs to be let outside and the endpoint should be clear of dryer lint. Add this to your list of things to check routinely.

Install lights in all the right places

Intruders prefer to break in when it’s dark and they are less likely to be seen. So, even at night, have a well-lit porch and back door. You could also put in place lights that can be triggered by movement so you can catch any unwelcome visitors by surprise. Make sure your house number is clearly visible so that emergency services can find you easily. Put timers on the lights in some rooms to make it look like someone is home even if you’re running late. Intruders are less likely to try and enter a house when someone is home. This is also useful when you go on holiday.

Background checks

If you have just moved into a new house, it is likely that you need some work done. If you don’t already have a trusted service provider to rely on, go by recommendations from people you know well. If possible, you should also do a background check on the contractors you hire and ask for references.

Get your insurance sorted

Protect your investment with house insurance. Most policies will cover your old property until you exchange with the purchaser and the new one from when you exchange with the seller. But if there is any overlap in the dates, you should definitely check that both properties are covered during this time.
Every home is different and so you should look around yours carefully to ensure that you’ve taken care of everything. If you want a pair of fresh eyes, get a friend to look over the house with you, he or she may spot something you missed. Taking a few days to get these precautions right will help make sure that your new home is safe for your family.
https://ross-homes-noco.com/about-me



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.



LOOKING TO BUY??
If you are looking to purchase, I can save you a lot of money, as much as 10% on the purchase and finance of your 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! 









REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY JAMES STEVENSON

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Prepping Your Home for the Long Winter Months

‘Tis the Season: Prepping Your 

Home for the Long Winter Months




No matter what winter holidays you celebrate, getting ready for the holiday season isn’t easy to do. There are events and gatherings, shopping trips, and busy work schedules. It seems there is an endless list of things to do.
This is especially true for homeowners. Making sure your home is ready for the winter can be a tedious and stressful process, particularly if you live in places that have temperatures falling below zero. As we move into 2020, you may have already experienced some problems with your home. Drafty windows, broken furnaces, or faulty wiring (which causes lots of fires) are just a few problems homes can have in the wintertime.
So, what can you do to ensure you and your home are ready for a relaxing and cheerful winter? Let’s consider some things you can do to finish (and start) your year right.

Call the Furnace Doctor

First, get a tune-up for your furnace. It may seem unnecessary, but this can pay off in the long run. Not only will getting a tune-up reduce your energy bills and monitor for carbon monoxide, but this will also prevent you needing to call for help on the coldest day of the year. This one preventative measure can make all the difference.

Inspect Your Roof

You should also clear out any debris from your eaves and inspect your roof for damage. Discovering missing tiles before it snows or sealing any cracks will prevent against leaks. Clearing your eaves will allow for proper drainage. By inspecting both of these, you can prevent ice dams and any long-term damage that may be caused by icy conditions.

More Insulation

If you’re further concerned about your utility bills or have cold toes from poor insulation, you can seal your windows and reverse your ceiling fans. There are a variety of popular methods for insulating—you’ve probably seen plastic on a few windows during the colder months. You can find weatherproofing kits online or at your local hardware store. It is important to make sure your attic is well insulated too, to further prevent ice dams on your roof.
As for your ceiling fans, reversing ceiling fans creates an updraft, which forces rising heat downwards, making it warmer down below.

Prevent Sparks

Be sure to get your electrical wiring checked, especially if you have an old home. In 2015, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, heating and electrical problems were the leading identifiable causes of residential fires behind cooking fires. Be careful not to overload power strips and replace any frayed cords. Faulty wiring is the number one cause of electrical fires. Some cases can even lead to lawsuits.
“I can't stress enough how important it is to check your appliances and wiring in the winter,” says Rich Newsome, attorney, and co-founder of Newsome Melton Law.  "Often people forget, and don't notice when something of theirs gets recalled - or, worse, starts to get old and faulty. Not paying attention to your appliances can cause costly - and potentially deadly - fires in your home."
Overall, be sure to unplug any unnecessary appliances and check for frayed wires or overstuffed electrical strips—don’t blame it on the Christmas tree!
There is a lot that goes into maintaining a home but making sure you’re ready for the winter months can reduce stress, costs, and risk. A few preventative measures can make sure you have a safe and warm winter, and maybe make your holiday season a little bit brighter.


https://ross-homes-noco.com/about-me



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.



LOOKING TO BUY??
If you are looking to purchase, I can save you a lot of money, as much as 10% on the purchase and finance of your 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! 








SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY JAMES STEVENSON

Friday, November 29, 2019

Remove Snow and Ice

5 Safety Tips to Remove Snow 

and Ice this Winter



Winter is coming and with it comes the snow and ice that many homeowners need to clear from their properties. Both snow and ice can create a safety hazard leading up to your home. This is particularly problematic, not only for those living there but also for anyone selling their home this season. Both heavy snow and ice can make it difficult to enter a building safely, and they can also cause damage to a home as well, potentially lowering its value. For this reason, it’s usually a good idea to tackle the snow and ice around your home in a timely way each snowfall.
There are a lot of ways you can go about doing this, from hiring a snow removal service to investing in special equipment. The following five tips for removing snow and ice this winter are designed to help you and your property deal with winter a little more safely. Start Early and Often
Snow becomes heavier as it builds up on walkways, steps, and your roof. And if it melts partially, then refreezes, it becomes ice, which is even more hazardous beneath your feet than packed snow. Removing fallen snow early and often makes it safer and easier to do. It also makes it less costly; by removing snow before it has a chance to build up, you can prevent issues such as having too much weight on your roof. 
Pay attention to what type of snow it is; wetter snow falling at higher temperatures is heavier than drier snow, and it will need to be removed more often.  

Use the Right Ice Melt

Ice melt and rock salt can help keep steps clear, helping to eliminate any leftover snow that melted and refroze, and in some cases helping to prevent refreezing from taking place. The wrong ice melt can be poisonous for pets and harmful to landscaping, however. When you coat your walkways or driveway with ice melt, the runoff will end up in your landscaping, and it could result in some dead or brown plants come spring. Pets and other animals crossing your driveway may pick up some of the ice melt on their feet. If they lick their feet clean later, this could poison them. Always use a pet-safe ice melt to avoid these issues, and make sure that you apply it frequently to prevent any refreezing. 

Push Snow, Don’t Lift It

It can be tempting to try to lift up big shovelfuls of snow and toss them aside to clear your paths. But doing so can quickly lead to fatigue, as well as to potential injuries to your shoulders and back. The recommended method of shoveling snow by the National Safety Council is to push snow, not lift it. 
If you’re shoveling often, so the snow isn’t building up and getting heavy, then it’s usually easy to push the snow along the walk or driveway and out of the way. If you struggle with this technique, there are two-handled shovels that are designed for easier pushing; they can clear a lot of snow in very short periods of time, without potentially harming your back. 

Get a Long Handled Rake

Having a little snow on your roof isn’t going to hurt it. But if you live in an area that sees snow storm after snow storm with little to no melting in between, then the built-up snow could start to cause some issues. Once snow reaches the weight of 20 pounds per foot, it can begin to be too much for the structure of your roof. If left in place, it can cause leaks and roof damage at a minimum and a potential cave-in at the worst. 
While you can hire someone to come and clear the snow off for you, it’s also easy to remove at least some of it yourself. Purchase a long-handled snow rake and use it to drag or pull the snow off of the roof. Even if you can’t reach all the snow, just getting the bulk of it off your roof can help prevent future problems. 

Make Wide Paths

It’s tempting when you start shoveling to clear a path just wide enough to pass through. The problem with this, however, is that as the snow melts and refreezes, as well as continues to fall, paths often start to narrow and become more difficult to travel. This can make it dangerous to walk through your property. By making your paths extra wide, you can eliminate this problem. Even if they shrink a little as the winter continues, they should still stay wide enough to allow safe passage to and from your front door.

Practice Snow Safety this Winter

Snow and ice can be a serious hazard for homeowners and for potential buyers, as well as for the home itself. Make sure that you practice snow safety and remove snow and ice in a timely manner this winter to avoid these issues yourself. 
https://ross-homes-noco.com/about-me



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.



LOOKING TO BUY??
If you are looking to purchase, I can save you a lot of money, as much as 10% on the purchase and finance of your 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! 
















SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY CRISTINA MIGUELEZ

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Investing in Commercial Real Estate

7 Benefits of Investing in 

Commercial Real Estate






  For the longest time, Commercial Real Estate (or CRE) investing has been accessible only to more seasoned investors—those who have larger portfolios. Beginner investors, though, would find this particular market difficult to crack...but that was before. 
Today, thanks to the internet and online marketplaces, anyone can be an investor in real estate, even in CRE. In this article, we are going to learn what CRE investment means and its benefits. Let’s get started.

What Is CRE?

So, what is Commercial Real Estate Investing anyway? This is the procurement and management of commercial properties. These structures include (but are not limited to) retail buildings, office spaces, warehouses, and even apartments. 
The bigger question is why you should put your money there in the first place. Don’t worry. You’ll find the different benefits of investing in commercial real estate below.

The Benefits of CRE Investment

1. The Profit 

Of course, the first reason why anyone would want to invest in anything is the promise of profit, and for CRE, there’s actually a lot of it. You can get your ROI faster due to the influx of rental income. And since these are businesses we are talking about, you can significantly raise the rent compared to a residential structure. 
We also suggest adding amenities to the property to further boost your ROI. You can get these last-moment renovations done by getting a direct deposit payday loan. You won’t even have to leave your house to get your funds. They are quick and convenient.

2. Less Risk

Another reason why we love investing in CRE is that it is less volatile. You can secure long-term lease contracts from clients for as long as 3-5 years, sometimes even longer than that. By doing so, you are already ensuring your profit for the next half a decade or so, regardless of what economic swings the future might bring.

3. Tax Incentives

Maintaining a commercial property is a hard and sometimes expensive task. The Internal Revenue Service recognizes this so that’s why they offer tax incentives to its owners especially on expenses related to upkeep and maintenance. 

4. Conscientious Clients

Speaking of upkeep and maintenance, you will be pleased to learn that these chores are significantly easier compared to residential properties for two reasons. First, your clients are business owners as well so you can expect more professionalism. Second, since most of them are establishments that offer products and services, they’ll be concerned about maintaining their image as well and will surely try hard to keep the premises as clean and well-kept as possible.

5. Realistic Responsibilities

As property investors ourselves, one of the things we absolutely hate is emergency calls in the wee hours of the morning. Those who have invested in residential properties are all too familiar with these calls as well. 
You’ll be pleased to know that you will rarely experience this with commercial establishments since they have set operation hours. They will also be gone most of the night. To further make sure that this doesn’t happen, we suggest that you beef up your property’s security features and insurance. In this way, you will be able to sleep every night without worries.

6. Less Competition

Another thing that we don’t appreciate in residential property investment is the fact that it has a lot of competition! Due to their bigger structures, expect your competitors to be less in CRE. What’s more, is that CRE offers a great variety of different establishments. Think of them as niches. The more specific your niche is fewer competition and more clients you’ll have.

7. Increased Value Over Time

Finally, one of the secrets of success in real estate is making sure that your property appreciates its value over time. That can be difficult to do with residences, especially if you don’t have much space to work with.
CRES, though, well they’re another thing entirely. There’ll always be a new amenity that you can add or a feature that you can install. Plus, if you have secured a prime location where tenants will thrive, then other investors will surely fight over your property should you decide to sell it in the future.
Investing in Commercial Real Estate is a huge undertaking, true, but it also offers a lot of benefits. Not only does it have a faster ROI rate, but it also has fewer risks. The best thing about it, though, is that it’s fairly easy to triple its value with just a few tweaks. We welcome you to the wonderful world of real estate investment and bid you good luck!
https://ross-homes-noco.com/about-me



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.



LOOKING TO BUY??
If you are looking to purchase, I can save you a lot of money, as much as 10% on the purchase and finance of your 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! 























 SOURCE: REALTY TIMES // WRITTEN BY JIM HUGHES

Monday, November 4, 2019

Home Improvement Decisions

The Home Improvement Decisions 

you will Never Regret





When it comes to home improvement, homeowners have a myriad of options at their disposal. However, this is not to mean that all of these options are the best. While some fixes and renovations in a home can turn your home into a perfect setting, others end up causing more harm than good. Right from landscaping to wiring and kitchen renovation, home remodeling needs careful consideration to avoid future regrets. 

What to Avoid

While some home remodeling options may look trendy on the surface, they may not be ideal for a long term engagement.  For instance, one of the trends you would not want to get involved in is specialty finishes on hardware. While most homeowners find specialty finishes on the bathroom or kitchen trendy, their relevance does not last long. Furthermore, they are expensive to have them installed or changed. So considering their up-charges and the fact that they are a thing of the moment, it may not be worth the effort.
In most cases, homeowners would try to do all they can to improve the overall outlook of their bathroom. However, some of these additions may be unnecessary. For instance, while adding a veined marble wall to your bathroom is a beautiful endeavor, going overboard can prove overwhelming since, in a few years, it will look outdated. The same applies to graphic tiling that seems trendy at the moment. At this age, Pinterest and Instagram, soon everybody will be going for it, and it will not be desirable in a few years to come.

What to Focus on in Home Remodeling

So you have everything figured out and are set up to make your investment in home renovation. Before starting your renovation project, make sure to budget all your expenses. With a detailed budget, you will know, whether is it better to consider a personal loan for home improvement or to use your savings and pay with cash. 
Where do you start? With funds ready, you ought to go for priority aspects of your home remodeling. The following are some of the notable areas to lay your emphasis.

Storage

Come to think of it; a building is essentially meant for storage apart from being home. This fact explains why one will go to great lengths to create several rooms of various storage purposes.  Over time, we accumulate a lot of stuff, and it only makes sense to create enough space for the same. Consider both your current and future storage needs when creating these spaces. This applies to both the interior and exterior storage.

Infrastructure

Apart from location, the home’s infrastructure can become a make or break point for your home remodeling design. By building a custom home, you have the autonomy to decide where each of the main features will be located. This is in addition to the assurance that whatever is used under the floor and behind the walls is high quality. Some of the notable infrastructural considerations in home remodeling include electrical systems, cooling systems, siding, plumbing, insulation, and windows. Work hand in hand with your architect or designer to ensure each of these works to improve the overall performance

The Kitchen

Kitchen remodeling is a worthy endeavor, but this comes at a price. However, there are changes you can make that will not only cost you less but also stand the test of time. For instance, you may see the need to stick to white in your kitchen. Apart from reflecting light, white makes small kitchen spaces seem larger. For flooring, hardwood takes the day. This is because hardwood can blend well with any kitchen style, whether contemporary or traditional. For cabinets, go for shaker-style versions as these give your kitchen backdrop a timeless look.

Lighting

Lighting is often overlooked when it comes to home renovation in place of other design aspects. It shouldn’t be the case as lighting makes a strong statement about the overall look of your property. This is especially so for interior design, as it affects every detail in the room. In this case, take your time to study each room in terms of its components and how best to accentuate them. Use ‘accent lighting’ to highlight some of the aesthetically pleasing fixtures in the room. While at it, consider the need to have sufficient sources of natural light into space.
Home remodeling doesn’t have to be a complicated process; the simpler, the better. The rule of thumb, in this case, is to go for options that stand the test of time. You do not want to incorporate features that will lose value or appeal in a few years.

https://ross-homes-noco.com/about-me



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.



LOOKING TO BUY??
If you are looking to purchase, I can save you a lot of money, as much as 10% on the purchase and finance of your 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! 




























SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY LIDIA STARON

Thursday, October 31, 2019

New Fixtures

New Fixtures: The Easy, Affordable 

Update You’re Not Making 

to Your Bathroom




Every year, The "Cost Vs. Value" Report from Remodeling magazine lays out an array of remodeling projects and their associated return on investment (ROI). A bathroom remodel always makes the list of popular projects, but the typical cost—more than $20,000 for a mid-range remodel and almost $65,000 on the high end—can give homeowners pause. That’s why we are always looking for ways to make small changes for big impact in the bathroom. One of our favorites: new fixtures.
“Trading up for a new faucet or showerhead can give a bathroom a whole new luxurious feel and it’s one of those cheap bathroom ideas,” said Family Handyman. “It’s especially fun to update those fixtures that you use every day.” 
If you have older cabinets and countertops that are in need of updating, you may think a new faucet or bath fixtures won’t make a dent. But you may be surprised. “These items may seem insignificant, but updating them can make a big difference in your bathroom’s look,” said Money Crashers
These small updates may be enough to make an older bathroom look freshened up, which is important if you’re trying to sell your home. But they may also help you enjoy your space more, even if you have no plans of moving anytime soon. “These improvements are affordable, easy, and quick, yet they will give the room a fresh new look,” said Termine’s Specialty Supply.
Aesthetics are obviously important. But, depending on how old your fixtures are, updating them might also save you money, and improve your footprint. “When you install new plumbing fixtures that are designed for improved efficiency, you can reduce water usage,” said Termine’s. “This change is not only responsible conservation, but it can also lower your monthly water bill. Saving money and water doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Replacing an old showerhead with a new model designed for lower flow or installing an aerator in your current faucet can make a positive difference.”

A word on finishes

If you don’t have a personal preference, you might choose a finish for your new sink fixtures to match what’s in your bath or shower, assuming you’re not changing those as well. Or maybe you’re making your decision based on what’s on sale. Here are a few things to consider if you’re not sure which way to go:
Price—Budget is obviously a driver here, especially if you’re looking for an affordable update. Our pro tip is to check with local building supply warehouses, where you can often find overstock and clearance items for a great price. We also recommend signing up for Lowe’s and Home Depot’s daily emails so you’ll be alerted to their Special Buy of the day. Bathroom fixtures are in the regular rotation.
Cleanliness—If you’re a neat freak, the fact that shiny chrome fixtures are more likely to show water spots and fingerprints may be a deal-breaker. A more matte finish may be a better option. 
Trend factor—Matte black is the latest trend when it comes to fixtures, but you’ll have to weigh whether you want to go super current and risk your fixtures being out of fashion quickly. The good news is that because this is a relatively inexpensive update, you can always change them out again when another new finish catches your eye! 
https://ross-homes-noco.com/about-me



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.



LOOKING TO BUY??
If you are looking to purchase, I can save you a lot of money, as much as 10% on the purchase and finance of your 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! 












SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY JAYMI NACIRI

Monday, October 28, 2019

Rent or Buy

Should You Rent or Buy Your Home?





Everyone needs a place to lay their heads at night. But while shelter might be a basic human need, it's not something that comes cheap. To enjoy a beautiful home, you'll have to pay. And when it comes to how to pay for your home, there's plenty of debate as to how you might best go about it. You have two basic ways to get a home, of course: renting and buying. When you buy a home, it's yours — but you'll most likely have to take out a huge loan to do it, and you'll be on the hook for all kinds of maintenance tasks and other burdens and expenses. Renting, on the other hand, has challenges of its own: You'll have limited power to alter and improve your space, and you'll leave your rent payments behind when you move out, taking no value from the real estate you helped fund for however many years. Both renting and buying have their pros and cons, but which is better? Let's explore the question.

The case for buying your home

The conventional wisdom on the renting-versus-buying debate is simple: Buying is better. That's an oversimplification, of course, but the traditional logic leans in this direction. The reason that buying a home is often considered to be the wiser choice lies in the difference between rent and mortgage payments. To buy a nice home, you'll almost certainly need to take out a home loan. That means you'll be paying every month, much as you would with rent. But while rent goes in your landlord's pocket, mortgage payments go toward your debt on your home. Eventually, you may pay the whole mortgage off; at that point, you won't have to make monthly payments anymore. And if you ever move and sell your home, you'll likely get much of the value of your mortgage payments back. In short, a home you buy is a store of value, and that means that mortgage payments can contribute to your net worth in a way that rent payments never can. If you're lucky, your home may even increase in value over the years. Increasing real estate prices are not a good thing for renters (who may see their rents go up), but they can be great for homeowners; while real estate tax payments may rise, the homeowner's net worth will be going up, and they may even make a profit when the home is sold.

The case for renting your home

With all of these points in favor of buying, why would you ever rent a home? The case for renting instead of buying hinges on two things: the down payment and closing costs. When you buy a home, you don't just start paying a mortgage. First, you have to put some cash in as a down payment — often 20 percent of the home's cost. That's a big chunk of change, and if you don't have enough, renting may be your only real option. It's also important to remember that this cash could do other things for you. If you put all of your money into a house, you won't be liquid and will be vulnerable to financial emergencies. And a down payment could be invested instead of put toward a home; depending on how the market does, you could offset your rent payments and come out ahead. The down payment is a judgment call, but the closing costs argument against buying is pretty basic. The idea is this: When you buy a house, you pay a big chunk of change to cover one-time closing costs. Collectively, these costs can be as high as 5 percent of the value of the mortgage. If you turned around and sold your home the next day, you would lose money. You might get what you paid for the house, but the closing costs would be gone forever. If you wait decades to sell your house, however, you're likely to come out ahead. Those advantages mortgage payments have over rent will have added up to far more than the closing costs. So the decision on whether or not to buy a home often comes down to the question of how long you'll be staying there. Moving soon? Then you should rent. Settling down? It's often better to buy. Other reasons to rent include high costs associated with taxes and maintenance. As always, do the math in your specific situation. What this means for you is that you'll likely want to do some math before you decide whether to buy or rent your home. Happily, a lot of calculators online may be able to help you out. Make a careful decision, and do whatever is best for you.

https://ross-homes-noco.com/about-me



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.



LOOKING TO BUY??
If you are looking to purchase, I can save you a lot of money, as much as 10% on the purchase and finance of your 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! 














SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY HARRIS JOHNSTON