Monday, May 27, 2019

Kitchen That Will Sell Your House

Designing a Kitchen 

That Will Sell Your House For You






The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a house when it comes to home value and appealing to buyers while trying to sell. For this reason, it's important to pay special attention to your kitchen when preparing a house to sell or building a house for the first time. The following is a guide for how to build a modern, desirable kitchen that will work to sell your house for you.

Keep It Clean

Because the kitchen is a room that sees significant use, it can get grimy and worn down easily. Upkeep your kitchen in order to upkeep its value. When it does come time to sell, make it a point to deep clean it. Polish all surfaces and metal, including countertops and faucets. Go at tile to clean out grout. Keep a kitchen clean and well-maintained and it will be a major asset when you do go to sell the house.

Appliances

All appliances should be energy-efficient because energy efficiency is desired in modern homes. This is not only because it is good for the environment but also because it saves money over time. Look for appliances with Energy Star labels when shopping and consider estimated average yearly operating costs. Many modern kitchen designs also hide appliances, so a design incorporating that may be worth considering as well. Consider brand too, because at least in certain areas, brands that are considered too thrifty can bring down the perceived value of the property.

Cabinets

Cabinets are another major item in the kitchen that buyers pay attention to. Their color and how well they blend into the rest of the kitchen are important, as is their size. It is amazing what a difference painting your cabinets can make. You can undertake this project yourself or hire a professional to do it. Another thing you can do is replace cabinet handles, which is a smaller upgrade but will still make them look better.

Colors

There are a number of color schemes you can choose for your kitchen. You can also change those colors anytime you want with paint, for the most part. White and gray is in right now, as is wood and more natural-looking colors and surfaces. You can also get more creative and use brighter colors such as teal or yellow. Most colors can work in the right combination, but at the end of the day, more neutral colors are easier to sell down the road.

Lighting

Lighting is also important to consider. Get modern light fixtures that will look good with the rest of the kitchen and provide strong lighting throughout the room. Ensure fixtures use energy-efficient bulbs. Remove broken or dim bulbs and replace them with new ones. Under cabinet lighting can be a good investment as it is relatively inexpensive and provides more light to workspaces.

Consider Utility

The kitchen is going to be a major place to entertain and work in most homes. For this reason, it needs to be designed with utility in mind. Most people nowadays prefer kitchens with plenty of space, both in general and on the counters. Islands are usually a good idea to put in because they give great places for preparation or entertaining as well as provide additional countertop space. Whether you are preparing a large dinner for the holidays or even if you skip lunch, you want a kitchen that will work with you.

Worth It To Remodel?

If you are considering remodeling your house, whether to sell or just to update, remodeling your kitchen is always an option. As with any addition to a property, look at it from the perspective of a cost-benefit analysis. Don't pour more money into a remodel than you expect it will increase the value of the home by, typically around 6% of the home's value. When remodeling your kitchen, you always want to find the right people for the job. Get referrals and quotes before making a final decision.
You are presented with a lot of options when designing a kitchen. Break it down to each individual aspect so you don't get overwhelmed and go in with a grand plan. You will end up with a gorgeous kitchen that will be the envy of buyers.




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! 


SAVE UP TO 10% ON YOUR PURCHASE AND FINANCE


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






















SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Shingles That Improve Air Quality

Replacing Your Roof? 

Now You Can Use Shingles That 

Improve Air Quality!







Your typical roof keeps the rain out. A Tesla roof turns the top of your house into an energy source. And now the latest roof innovation aims to improve the quality of the air we breathe. You’ve gotta love innovation.
The new smog-reducing roof Granules from 3M will “harness the power of the sun to improve air quality, a first of its kind roof type,” said the company. “The smog-reducing granules are mixed with standard roofing granules allowing shingles to maintain their trusted performance and visual appeal while improving our climate.”
The science behind the product looks like this: The patented granules “contain a photocatalytic coating layer that releases radicals when activated by the sun. The radicals transform smog pollutants into water-soluble nitrate (NO3) ions that simply wash away with rainwater over time.”
That photocatalytic coating was designed to be used with asphalt roofing, which, by some accounts, is used on the roofs of at least 75 percent of homes today.
3M has gone to some length to prove their claim of improved air quality, conducting their own in-house tests and also taking the product to Lawrence Berkeley National Lab to have the granules evaluated for their effectiveness in absorbing various gases and pollutants. “They found that an average-sized roof coated in granules removes around as much pollution from the air as three trees could,” said Fast Company. “One company that sources from 3M, Malarkey Roofing, has pledged to incorporate the smog-reducing granules into all of their shingles. So far, Malarkey shingles have pulled the equivalent amount of smog from the air as 100,000 trees.” In fact, Malarkey Roofing Products has announced the inclusion of 3M Smog-reducing Granules to the Highlander NEX laminated architectural roofing shingle line.
For their efforts, 3M was also named to TIME Magazine’s list of Best Inventions of 2018 in the Sustainability & Social Good category.
“Smog-reducing technology, embedded into mainstream roofing materials” is a “great step forward in addressing air quality and climate concerns,” said Jonathan Parfrey, founder and executive director of Climate Resolve, a U.S. non-profit organization “focused on local solutions to global climate change.”
The product could have a huge application in the residential roofing market, which has not been as robust as commercial building when it comes to conservation. “Commercial buildings for many years have had solutions such as solar-reflective granules and ‘green roofs,’ which grow grass or gardens on top of buildings to help with the environment,” said the Star Tribune.




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! 


SAVE UP TO 10% ON YOUR PURCHASE AND FINANCE


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










SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY JAYMI NACIRI

Friday, May 17, 2019

Garage Organization

Garage Organization: 

A Chore No More In 5 Easy Steps



  
When Spring rolls around, you may find what was once a home for your cars has now become a landfill for everything you own but don't use. It's important to define different spaces of your house, and the garage is no exception: it's just as functional as any other part of the home. However, it's meant to store your car and tools, not your Christmas tree. Therefore, it's best to solve the problem once and for all with a little garage organization that'll help keep things nice and tidy for the future. Follow our 5 easy steps to get the job done quickly and painlessly and enjoy your garage once again.

1. Plan of Attack

Don't enter alone. And use the buddy system—if for no other reason than you may get overwhelmed and lost in your own sea of debris. Friends, family, and the kids can all lend a hand to get the job done quicker and to help keep you on track: it's easy to get distracted rooting through the objects of your past.
The first goal of any garage organization is to create more floor space, so that's where you should begin as well. Get all the knick-knacks, the holiday decorations, and any other indoor-related storage out of there and into the attic. This area is for outdoor items only. Always keep this objective in mind: it'll help you decide what stays and what goes.

2. Divide and Conquer

Give each helper a section to cover. This should help the garage organization run smoother. And don't be clingy. If you haven't used something in over a year, or if you forgot it even existed, it's time to say goodbye. Give your stuff to charities, thrift stores, or maybe even make a trip to the dump. Or, better yet, make a separate pile for a future garage sale, allowing you to reap all the awards of your excavation. (However, don't procrastinate on this chore either. It's easy to say you'll have a garage sale and not follow through so as to keep putting off the inevitable.) Then, divide up the remaining possessions into categories—sports items, seasonal décor, gardening tools, car maintenance, etc.—to help with the next step.

3. Get Vertical

Once everything is cleaned and categorized, now it's time to rearrange. The best way to store your things is to make use of your vertical space.
  • Get a pegboard for your tools.
  • Put up some shelves for boxes.
  • Heavy-duty hooks are great for shovels and rakes.
  • Buy a magnetic strip for stray metal items, such as steel rulers or chisels.
If you have bikes, skis, or ladders, put them overhead in the rafters (or if you have a drywall ceiling, once again, heavy-duty hooks are great for hanging these heavy-duty items).
Remember that a garage is mainly used to store or work on your car or other vehicles so make sure you clear enough space to make this possible. Garage car lifts provide a great way for you to store a vehicle whilst still giving you floor space to move around in. You can get 2 post lifts which make it easy to work on your car and 4 post lifts which allow you to store 2 vehicles in one space.

4. Compartmentalize

Once you have as much as you can off the floor, it's now time to find additional storage. The easiest answer to this dilemma is a garage organizer.
  • A multiple tier shelving unit is great for storing paint or varnishes.
  • A cabinetry system for miscellaneous items is always handy.
  • Maybe buy several Rubbermaid baskets to hang on the wall to help separate the recycling.
  • Buy a crank to roll up that hose.
  • Use garbage ties or bungee cords to keep your extension cords in line.
Whatever the need, investing in some form of garage organizer helps to maintain the floor space you've just created.

5. Items Big and Small Don't forget the little things.

If you save glass baby-food jars, clear film canisters, or milk cartons (to be cut in half), you'll now be able to store smaller items, such as nails, screws, or tacks. If these small containers aren't see through, they can also be easily labeled with masking tape. Another alternative garage organizer is an inexpensive tackle box to help contain the confusion. But what if it's your bigger items that are getting in the way? What if it's the necessary tools, such as snow blowers, lawn mowers, or edgers creating the clutter? Then consider building an extra shed in the backyard or a lean-to against the outside of the garage in order to produce additional square footage.

Don’t Let It Happen Again

The main thing to keep in mind is never let it get to this point again. If you take these steps, you should be able to keep up with your garage organization in the future. This is not to say that you won't have some occasional maintenance—some sweeping, scrubbing, or washing. But by simply taking the time to arrange the space, at least you'll no longer dread entering into it.




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! 



SAVE UP TO 10% ON YOUR PURCHASE AND FINANCE


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





















SOURCE: REALTY TIMESWRITTEN BY

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Grown Up Enough to Be a Homeowner

Are You Grown Up Enough 

to Be a Homeowner?




Forever young. That’s what we all strive to be, right? But when it comes to owning a home, even the most mature of us can want to run and hide like a little kid when problems arise. If you’re looking to buy your first place and aren’t sure you’re up for the responsibility, asking yourself these questions may help you decide.

Do you know the true costs of homeownership?

Yes, you have a handle on what your principal, interest, taxes, and insurance are going to cost. But have you factored in the other costs? Homeowner’s association fees, tolls, gas, and other commuter costs, landscaping help, and increased utility costs could all add to your monthly expenses and push the affordability factor out of reach.

Are you aware of closing costs?

Many first-time buyers aren’t prepared to pay thousands of dollars on top of their down payment. Getting an estimate upfront is key to making sure you have what you need to close.

Are you being realistic about home appreciation?

Homebuyers love to look at home appreciation over a period of time and then use those numbers to project how much their home value will increase in the next few years. It’s human nature. But it can also be dangerous if you’re counting on that appreciation to move up or on in a few years’ time.
It’s important to remember that the real estate market is cyclical, and, while short-term gains are great, historical long-term gains also make real estate one of the safest and most successful investment strategies. “Housing was the world’s best investment over the last 150 years,” said Quartz.

If your home does increase in value, what will you do with the equity?

Hope your answer wasn’t, “Go shopping!” or “Buy a new car!” That kind of thinking can get you in trouble—in fact, it did get a lot of people in trouble during the last downturn. Responsible use of home equity is key to remaining financially stable. When you use your equity for things other than home improvement, you’re increasing your monthly costs but not your home value. Now it costs more to live in your home, and it’s at risk if you get in over your head and default on your loan.

Are you planning to run out and furnish every inch of the home right away?

Doing so could put you several thousand dollars in additional debt just as you’re transitioning to homeownership. Financial experts recommend easing into your new home and making sure the monthly output is what you expect and can manage before taking on too much additional debt.

Do you pay your bills on time?

There are those of us who like to pay bills right when we receive them and those of us who pay them when we get a notification that we’re about to incur a late fee. We’ve been both of those people. If you’re not used to—or fond of or good at—managing your bills, you may find yourself with no water or electricity. Investopedia has some great tools to help you get more organized.

How good are you at facing your issues?

We can procrastinate with the best of ‘em (and we have). We can put off fixing a problem—personal, professional, or otherwise (and we have). We can wait too long to take care of a little problem in the house and turn it into a big, huge, much more expensive problem (and we have). Being a homeowner means stepping up when the house needs you. And it will need you at some point. Are you ready to make it a priority?
Would you rather take a bucket list vacation or fix up your kitchen?
A trip to see the Northern Lights would be amazing…but would it be better than being able to run your hands over your new Quartz countertops every day? You may need to make some hard decisions as a homeowner. Whether or not it’s worth depends on how important the goal of buying a home is.

Do you have a solid support system?

Sometimes you just need someone you can vent to, sometimes you need someone to come to fix a smoke detector 20 feet up that’s going off in the middle of the night. If you’re used to living at home, where parents take care of everything, or in an apartment where you can call the manager, the realization that this is all your responsibility now can be a shock to the system. There are a few things you can do to make sure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way:
• Mine Nextdoor ahead of time for resources (plumber, electrician, garage door expert) you can reach out to when needed
• Find a good handyman as soon as you move in
• Meet and exchange contact information with your neighbors
• Consider getting a home warranty, especially if your home is older and you’re concerned about the large expense of a new hot water heater or air conditioning unit




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! 



SAVE UP TO 10% ON YOUR PURCHASE AND FINANCE


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
















SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY JAYMI NACIRI

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

One Story or Two Story

One Story or Two-Story? 

The Advantages—and 

Disadvantages—of Each.



Do you dream of a rambling ranch home? Perhaps the two-story place you grew up in is serving as inspiration for your home search. There are some homebuyers who insist they want a one-story home and those who wouldn’t dream of buying something without stairs.
Are you open to either? Do you feel like the right home will “speak” to you regardless of the number of floors? Let’s take a look at some of the realities of living of both, with a few things you may not have thought of.

Cost-per-square-foot

A one-story home may seem more expensive if it’s priced against a larger two-story home, but you have to take the price-per-square-footage into account to see the value. They typically “cost less per square foot to build,” said Bensonwood. “That’s because the most expensive elements of home-building—excavation/foundation and rafters/roof installation—are being built on a smaller footprint. Plus, you’ll have less roof area to maintain.”
Containing the mess
Kids may be more likely to keep their mess contained to the second level, where guests won’t see it. When their rooms are on the main level, their stuff has a way of migrating into main living areas.

Stairs are dangerous

Yes, people do fall down the stairs. In fact, the National Safety Council ranks stairway falls “second only to motor vehicle accidents as a leading cause of accidental injury,” according to USClaims. Injuries can include bruises, sprains, and bone breaks, as well as more serious traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis.
If the potential for injury is of concern, especially with young children, there are precautions you can take to make stairs safer, including carpeting the surface and making sure the area is well-lit.

The health benefits

Stairs give you a built-in butt workout, but they’re actually good for the whole body. “Climbing stairs is a great form of cardio exercise,” said Truweight. “While climbing stairs, you work against gravity lifting your entire body. This activity strengthens your leg muscles making it a rather strenuous exercise.” It can also “improve your heart rate and health” as well as strengthen joints and muscles.

Let the fresh air in

If you have a one-story home, you likely keep the windows locked up tight, especially at night. But there’s a sense of security that comes from being upstairs. And, as Shayan Jalali, a sales associate for Keller Williams in Boston, said on Realtor.com, “A thief is unlikely to shimmy up your drain pipe just to check out your goods, and far less likely to shimmy down it with your flat-screen TV.”

You may be safer in an emergency

You should have an evacuation plan for everyone in the household to follow regardless of what type of home you live in. But, some buyers prefer to have a single-story because it can be easier to evacuate in an emergency.
“Unfortunately, natural disasters—and some manmade disasters such as fires—do happen,” said The Balance. “This can be a primary consideration depending on your location. You might have to think about the possibility of tornadoes in the Midwest, tidal flooding on the Eastern seaboard, or earthquakes in California. In any case, you'll want to be able to evacuate your home quickly and efficiently under the worst circumstances, maybe even while you're still half asleep. This tends to be easier in a one-story dwelling.”

Defined spaces

Bedrooms upstairs, gathering spaces downstairs. That's the way it should be, right? That’s what many families lean toward—hence the enduring popularity of these plans.

Mobility issues

Young families aren’t the only ones who prefer single-story homes. If you’re approaching retirement age, you may be thinking about whether or not it’s smart to buy a home with stairs. The truth is mobility issues may be many years away or they may never affect you at all. There are also ways you can adapt a two-story home, like adding a chairlift or elevator. Or, you can choose a single story for your forever home and forgo the hassle or expensive renovations.





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! 



SAVE UP TO 10% ON YOUR PURCHASE AND FINANCE


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















SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY JAYMI NACIRI