Ways to discourage home break-ins:

The idea of a home break-in can be unsettling. Here are some preventative measures that may spare your home an uninvited guest.

Get an alarm system. In order for home security systems to actually work, they must be turned on! If you are unable to afford an alarm system, consider home alarm stickers for your windows and signs for your yard.

Lock your windows and doors. This may be obvious, but it is important to secure your home by utilizing locks. Also, don't leave your garage door open.

Don't advertise you're not at home. Arrange for mail to be held at the post office and cancel your paper delivery.

Install motion sensors. Lights that are triggered by movement may deter an intruder who is lurking around outside.

Get to know your neighbors. Alert neighbors to be vigilant when you're out of town.

Set your timers. Lights should be on a timer, so your home is well lit even if you're not there.

Trim shrubs and trees around your home. Any overgrown brush provides a place for an intruder to hide.

Don't have valuables in plain sight. A purse on a kitchen counter or a nice watch on the coffee table can be very tempting to an intruder.

Best Regards,

Paul Martin Ross - RESIDENT REALTY/Northern Colorado

Website: www.ross-homes-noco.com

Phone: (970) 217-3245

Email: paul@ross-homes-noco.com

Real Estate Professional with over 28 years experience SPECIALTIES: Northern Colorado Real Estate / Luxury Homes / New Construction / Custom - Semi-Custom Homes in Northern Colorado

GUARANTEED SERVICE...GUARANTEED RESULTS

GUARANTEE #1

When I list your home, I will create video slide shows and use them to get your home on page 1 of Google in under 48 HOURS and use this to attract qualified buyers FAST! Contact me today to learn about ALL of my strategies to get you the highest price for your home in the shortest possible time! 

GUARANTEE #2

When I list your home, I create a list of targeted buyers, people in the market looking for a home like yours. I am proactive working with this list on a daily basis to get your home SOLD FAST!  

GUARANTEE #3

Lowest commission for a full service agent!

Contact me today to learn about ALL of my strategies to get you the highest price for your home in the shortest possible time! 

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Please do remember that my business grows on referrals. If I have provided you good service and you have a sibling, parent, neighbor, friend or coworker that might be in need of Real Estate services please pass along my contact information. Thank you in advance!

Winter car maintenance tips

No matter where you live in the country or what type of car you drive, a routine check of your vehicle during the winter months should be performed. Here are some tips to help you drive safely this winter, whether you reside in sunny LA or snowy Colorado.

Read through your owner's manual and follow the recommended service schedule. A routine maintenance should check b...rakes, transmission and exhaust fumes.

Inspect your tires. Check the tread and tire pressure, as worn tires may fail to grip the road and tires generally lose pressure when it gets cooler.

Replace your wiper blades. Their lifespan is usually a year, and the minor expense makes a big difference in visibility.

Check your battery. Rather than wait until your car won't start, be proactive, so you're not stranded.

Consider waxing your headlamps and taillights. At the very least, make sure they are free of dirt and debris and in working order. As days are shorter in the winter your lights become of greater importance in navigating the roads.

Have your antifreeze, or engine coolant checked. Most service stations will check it for free.

Best Regards,

Paul Martin Ross

RESIDENT REALTY/Northern Colorado

Website: http://www.ross-homes-noco.com
Phone: (970) 217-3245

Email: paul@ross-homes-noco.com

pross@residentrealty.com

Real Estate Professional with over 28 years’ experience / SPECIALTIES: Northern Colorado Real Estate / Luxury Homes / New Construction / Custom - Semi-Custom Homes in Northern Colorado

GUARANTEED SERVICE...GUARANTEED RESULTS

GUARANTEE #1

When I list your home, I will create video slide shows and use them to get your home on page 1 of Google in under 48 HOURS and use this to attract qualified buyers FAST!

GUARANTEE #2

When I list your home, I create a list of targeted buyers, people in the market looking for a home like yours. I am proactive working with this list daily to get your home SOLD FAST!  

GUARANTEE #3

Lowest commission for a full-service agent!

Contact me today to learn about ALL of my strategies to get you the highest price for your home in the shortest possible time! 

Instagram

Like me on Facebook 

REVIEWS

Please do remember that my business grows on referrals. If I have provided you good service and you have a sibling, parent, neighbor, friend or coworker that might be in need of Real Estate services please pass along my contact information. Thank you in advance!

Decorating the Modern-Day Laundry Room

Gone are the days when sterile white was an unspoken mainstay. In the modern laundry room, anything goes! From color selections to wall décor, go bold to show off individuality and personality. Cover the basics in terms of appliances, organization and functionality, and then let creativity rule to help build a workable space that's also enjoyable to be in.

Cover the Basics

There are a few obvious features that should be included in every laundry room. A washer and dryer, ironing board and utility sink are obvious "musts." Consider functional placement of these items to ensure ease of work. Washer and dryer units can be stacked or placed on pedestals for added under-unit storage when space is limited. Ironing boards can be built into or attached to the wall (only being lowered when in use) to again preserve valuable space. If possible, cabinetry and shelving should be included for storage of laundry soaps or additional cleaning supplies. Adequate counter space should also be considered to allow for folding clothes or sorting laundry, and closet space is handy for additional storage or air-drying delicates.

Building Off of Bold, Beautiful Color

Think of this room as your blank canvas to do with what you'd like. Classic laundry room color selections typically include clean, crisp whites or shades of pale blue. This color palette pairs perfectly with the feel and smell of warm, clean sheets and freshly folded towels.

Don't be afraid to choose bold wall colors such as red, green, yellow and even pink to liven up your space and make it more playful and fun. Add throw rugs and accessorize with complimentary colors. Have a utility sink skirt designed with a color or pattern that pairs well to add more flair and conceal added storage space underneath. Consider covering an accent wall with a patterned wallpaper and add a jeweled chandelier to create a shabby chic look. If your home has an overall established theme such as Tuscan, rustic or maybe even Southwest, consider maintaining this consistency in your laundry room.

Miscellaneous Décor

In addition to the fun décor items already mentioned above, this is where you can add personality to your laundry room. Consider a custom-made patterned valence for a window to enhance the room's theme while inviting an abundance of natural sunlight into your working space.

To create a rustic feel, consider adding vintage laundry accessories into your space, such as old washboards and irons or weathered metal buckets. Add vintage wall signage in wood or metal, and consider an old accordion wooden peg rack, which can be functional in addition to rustic.

Create a more contemporary feel with an appropriate light fixture and minimal wall décor. Keep your space tidy, clean and simple, adding only a classic vase with fresh flowers for a splash of color. Decorative wall tile such as subway tiles establish a more refined, modern environment.

A modern-day laundry room can include anything from classic framed prints that coincide with your chosen theme to wooden laundry signs or even wall decals and stencils. Block letters spelling "laundry" can also be fun and, depending upon space, can be either hung on a wall or sit on a shelf.

A Functional Space With Style

Bearing in mind that the laundry room serves a very specific purpose, there are still countless ways to maintain a very functional, organized workspace "with style." It can be fun and easy to accessorize while being practical.

Instead of leaving exposed laundry soaps or fabric softeners on your counters or shelves, use decorative wire or wicker baskets to conceal them while adding some charm. Decorative jars, including apothecary or mason jars, make great storage for anything from laundry soaps and loose dryer sheets to clothespins. Creative labeling can be a neat way to add additional detail and personality.

Think creatively. Let your personality be your inspiration. Use the decorative tips mentioned above to design your own unique laundry room

Best Regards,

Paul Martin Ross

RESIDENT REALTY/Northern Colorado

Website: http://www.ross-homes-noco.com
Phone: (970) 217-3245

Email: paul@ross-homes-noco.com

pross@residentrealty.com

Real Estate Professional with over 28 years’ experience / SPECIALTIES: Northern Colorado Real Estate / Luxury Homes / New Construction / Custom - Semi-Custom Homes in Northern Colorado

GUARANTEED SERVICE...GUARANTEED RESULTS

GUARANTEE #1

When I list your home, I will create video slide shows and use them to get your home on page 1 of Google in under 48 HOURS and use this to attract qualified buyers FAST!

GUARANTEE #2

When I list your home, I create a list of targeted buyers, people in the market looking for a home like yours. I am proactive working with this list daily to get your home SOLD FAST!  

GUARANTEE #3

Lowest commission for a full-service agent!

Contact me today to learn about ALL of my strategies to get you the highest price for your home in the shortest possible time! 

Instagram

Like me on Facebook 

REVIEWS

Please do remember that my business grows on referrals. If I have provided you good service and you have a sibling, parent, neighbor, friend or coworker that might be in need of Real Estate services please pass along my contact information. Thank you in advance!

Home Décor Trends

 

What Are some of the Hot Northern Colorado Home Décor Trends?

Just like fashion designs and hair styles, home décor trends are constantly changing and evolving. Each new season brings a new must-have feature for your home. In order to keep your Northern Colorado home looking fresh and chic, what are the hot trends for 2013 that you can incorporate into your décor?

Bright Paint Colors
Vibrant (and even neon) hues are very popular in fashion at the moment and they also look really chic on your walls. If you are looking for a way to freshen up a dull room, a bright pop of color can really do the trick. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you keep the rest of the room neutral and use the bright color as an accent.

Original Artwork
Decorating your home with unique and original works of art from funky local artists is a hot trend this year. You could find such pieces at a local art fair or on online craft auction websites. You could also check out a local art school or university art program in your area where you can buy some student artwork at cheap prices.

1920s Inspired Designs
With the Roaring 20s being revitalized on the silver screen in the show Boardwalk Empire and the film The Great Gatsby, designs from the 1920s are becoming more popular. Why not incorporate some gorgeous Art Deco furniture or decoration into your home? Check out auctions to find authentic vintage pieces for cheap prices.

Simple Wood
Another hot trend is unfinished exposed wood furniture, with a very natural texture and feel. These simple wood pieces give your home a natural beauty that compliments any color. It works well with neutral accents to give the home a very peaceful and welcoming atmosphere.

Stripes and Graphic Prints
Crisp patterns, graphic prints and stripes are popular at the moment in everything from fabrics to wallpaper to furniture. If you really want to make your home décor look cutting edge, incorporate some of these eye-popping graphic designs into your décor.

These are just a few of the hottest home décor trends of the year. Which ones will you incorporate into the décor of your Northern Colorado home?

Resources:Art Deco furniture or decoration http://www.bbc.co.uk/homes/design/period_artdeco.shtml

Artwork at cheap prices http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2010/02/16/affordable-art/

Bright pop of color
http://www.hgtv.com/color/6-tips-for-painting-with-strong-colors/index.html

Best Regards,

Paul Martin Ross

RESIDENT REALTY/Northern Colorado

Website: http://www.ross-homes-noco.com
Phone: (970) 217-3245

Email: paul@ross-homes-noco.com

pross@residentrealty.com

Real Estate Professional with over 28 years’ experience / SPECIALTIES: Northern Colorado Real Estate / Luxury Homes / New Construction / Custom - Semi-Custom Homes in Northern Colorado

GUARANTEED SERVICE...GUARANTEED RESULTS

GUARANTEE #1

When I list your home, I will create video slide shows and use them to get your home on page 1 of Google in under 48 HOURS and use this to attract qualified buyers FAST!

GUARANTEE #2

When I list your home, I create a list of targeted buyers, people in the market looking for a home like yours. I am proactive working with this list daily to get your home SOLD FAST!  

GUARANTEE #3

Lowest commission for a full-service agent!

Contact me today to learn about ALL of my strategies to get you the highest price for your home in the shortest possible time! 

Instagram

Like me on Facebook 

REVIEWS

Please do remember that my business grows on referrals. If I have provided you good service and you have a sibling, parent, neighbor, friend or coworker that might be in need of Real Estate services please pass along my contact information. Thank you in advance!

What if Your Teenager Doesn’t Want to Move?

 

You’ve got a new job offer across the country and you are planning to pack your things, buy a home and make the big move. However, when you tell your 17 year old daughter your plans, she lets out a mournful wail and cries that it is not fair. How can you possibly take her away from all of her friends, her favorite hangout spots and the cute boy she just started seeing?

Moving is a difficult transition and it is even more traumatic for teenagers. The teenage years are an important stage where young adults establish their individuality and independence and during this time their social circle is extremely important to them. Being removed from that against their will can make any teen feel sad, confused, angry and resentful. Also, fitting into a new social scene in a different location can be a challenge for a teen that might be singled out as the “new kid”.

How can you help your teen during this transition so that the experience will be easier on them?

How to Help Your Teen Move

Here are some tips that will make the experience of moving house a little bit easier on your teenager:

• Give them as much notice as possible so that they have time to adjust to the idea of moving. They will feel like they have enough time to say goodbye to their friends and close a chapter of their lives.
• Try to schedule the move around the school calendar, as moving in the summer is much less disruptive to your teen’s life than relocating in the middle of the school year.
• Make sure that they have ample time to spend with their close friends before they leave and once you arrive, understand that they might go through a grieving process of missing their old pals.
• When you get to your new home, make sure that your teen has plenty of ways to keep in touch with their old friends, such as an internet connection and a cell phone plan.
• Encourage your teen to get involved in the community of your new hometown, such as joining sports clubs or attending events. This can help them to make new friends.

Can They Stay Behind?

In some situations, the better option might be to let your teenager stay behind.

If they are in their older teens, they will have finished high school, maybe have a job and be independent people of their own. Perhaps they could stay with a family member or parents of a friend for a while until they are old enough to move out on their own. This might make them a lot happier in the long run, rather than taking them along with you if they really don’t want to move.

For more advice on moving to your new Northern Colorado home, feel free to contact me at paul@ross-homes-noco.com or phone me at 970.217.3245.

Links:

Angry: http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/talk-angry-teen-5913.html

make new friends: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/how-to-make-a-bunch-of-new-friends-in-any-new-city.html

have a job: http://voices.yahoo.com/5-reasons-why-teenagers-after-school-331714.html?cat=25

Best Regards,

Paul Martin Ross

RESIDENT REALTY/Northern Colorado

Website: http://www.ross-homes-noco.com
Phone: (970) 217-3245

Email: paul@ross-homes-noco.com

pross@residentrealty.com

Real Estate Professional with over 28 years’ experience / SPECIALTIES: Northern Colorado Real Estate / Luxury Homes / New Construction / Custom - Semi-Custom Homes in Northern Colorado

GUARANTEED SERVICE...GUARANTEED RESULTS

GUARANTEE #1

When I list your home, I will create video slide shows and use them to get your home on page 1 of Google in under 48 HOURS and use this to attract qualified buyers FAST!

GUARANTEE #2

When I list your home, I create a list of targeted buyers, people in the market looking for a home like yours. I am proactive working with this list daily to get your home SOLD FAST!  

GUARANTEE #3

Lowest commission for a full-service agent!

Contact me today to learn about ALL of my strategies to get you the highest price for your home in the shortest possible time! 

Instagram

Like me on Facebook 

REVIEWS

Please do remember that my business grows on referrals. If I have provided you good service and you have a sibling, parent, neighbor, friend or coworker that might be in need of Real Estate services please pass along my contact information. Thank you in advance!

Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector Before Buying Your Northern Colorado Home

When you buy a Northern Colorado home, you need to know exactly what you’re buying. Imagine how frustrated you’d be to find out that the hot water heater wasn’t working—in the middle of a shower! This is why you should have a home inspection before you buy your home. A home inspection is an important part of buying your home. Before you hire a home inspector, ask candidates a few questions to make sure you hire a trustworthy inspector.

1.  What does your inspection cover? Not all inspections are the same. Ask for copies of previous home inspections so you can see exactly what they will check inside the home. If you are concerned about something specific, like a leaky faucet in the bathroom, mention that to the inspector so they can check it out.

2.  Are you licensed or certified? If you live in a state that licenses home inspectors, ask to see their license. At the very least, choose a home inspector who belongs to American Society of Home Inspectors. This shows a level of professionalism and education that you can trust.

3.  What kind of report will you give me? You should expect a written report  what the inspector found. Most inspectors will give you a typed report within a week of the inspection. Make sure the inspector will be available to explain anything on the report that doesn’t make sense to you.

4.  Will I be able to attend the inspection? If the inspector refuses to let you be present during the home inspection, find someone else. This is your chance to know exactly what you are buying and what potential repairs you or the seller will have to make.

Kind regards;

Paul Martin Ross

RESIDENT REALTY/Northern Colorado

Website: http://www.ross-homes-noco.com

Phone: (970) 217-3245

Email: paul@ross-homes-noco.com

pross@residentrealty.com

Real Estate Professional with over 28 years’ experience / SPECIALTIES: Northern Colorado Real

Estate / Luxury Homes / New Construction / Custom - Semi-Custom Homes in Northern Colorado

GUARANTEED SERVICE...GUARANTEED RESULTS

GUARANTEE #1

When I list your home, I will create video slide shows and use them to get your home on page 1 of

Google in under 48 HOURS and use this to attract qualified buyers FAST!

GUARANTEE #2

When I list your home, I create a list of targeted buyers, people in the market looking for a home

like yours. I am proactive working with this list daily to get your home SOLD FAST!  

GUARANTEE #3

Lowest commission for a full-service agent!

Contact me today to learn about ALL of my strategies to get you the BEST price for your home

in the SHORTEST possible time! 

Instagram

Like me on Facebook 

REVIEWS

Please do remember that my business grows on referrals. If I have provided you good service and

you have a sibling, parent, neighbor, friend or coworker that might be in need of Real Estate

services please pass along my contact information. Thank you in advance!