Spring And Summer Updates

Freshen Up Your Home With Spring And Summer Updates

Updating your home can seem like a huge undertaking, especially if it’s been a while and it seems like everything needs an overhaul. But there are easy ways to freshen it up and make it look spring- and summer-ready that won’t break the bank and won’t create a long, drawn-out hassle. Each of these Spring And Summer Updates represents a classic or current trend and is something you can pull off yourself this weekend if you’ve got a little time and a little skill.

Take it to the floor

There was a time when the Persian rug dominated formal spaces. But take a look at this one from Wayfair. The somewhat worn look of the Aliyah rug brings in a vintage feel but the color palette is all new. This is an easy and affordable way to instantly update a living room with bold colors that will get your space noticed.

“If there’s one piece to invest in to start your Spring And Summer Updates, it’s a rug,” said The Glitter Guide. “It’s a surefire way to bring interest and style to any room. Try a colorful pattern or print.”

Brighten up the bedroom

While you’re thinking about patterns…”Swap in a patterned headboard,” said Elle Décor. “You don’t have to grab your paint rollers or ready the wallpaper to revamp a bedroom. Upgrade the centerpiece of your room—the headboard—to something bright and cheery.”

Patterns, patterns, patterns

Mixed prints have been all over the runway, and for your Spring And Summer Updates, you can create a similarly textured and stylish look at home. Mix it up, mash it up, and freshen it up with an assortment of prints—florals, houndstooth, stripes, graphic patterns. You can create a look that brings depth to your space by using one main color as your anchor and then creating a mix of patterns around it.

Coordinate your pet decor

Your basic scratching post or dog bed may fade into the background for you, but they can stand out like a sore thumb to visitors. Pet decor has come a long way, and no matter what style you’ve got going on at home, you can find something to match, blend in, or even stand out—for all the right reasons. Stores like HomeGoods and Target have tons of options that are affordable. But if you’re looking to break the bank, perhaps consider this.

Spring for a new appliance

Lowe’s and Home Depot have both been running spring specials with appliances that are 35–40% off. These discounted prices could easily lead you down a rabbit hole, and before you know it, you’re wanting to redo your whole kitchen. But a new fridge all by itself sure would make your kitchen look pretty. If you really want to make the purchase painless, look into 0% financing that lets you spread the cost of the purchase over 24 or 36 months with no interest—it’s an easy way to upgrade that appliance without the crunch of putting out a lot of money upfront.

Paint, paint, paint

There really are few places inside and out of your home where paint can’t make a huge difference, and with such a low dollar commitment, you just have to pick and choose your projects. We love a good-ole fireplace makeover that can totally change the energy of your living space in one weekend for almost no money.

Bring in the flowers

Spring And Summer Updates 101: When spring flowers start blooming, we have a natural desire to bring them into the home. After all, just the smell of fresh flowers can lift our mood. “Flowers always brighten up a space, no matter what kind you use,” said The Spruce. “You also don’t need a lot of them. A small floral arrangement on a table, mantle or windowsill makes a big difference. What’s particularly great about flowers is that every color and combination works together, so it’s a great way to experiment with colors you wouldn’t normally put together.”

Big, bold floral patterns are also a huge trend this season, so, while you’re thinking about how to display your cut roses, consider where you can also make a splash on the walls, on an upholstered piece, or on the bed.

Frame your windows

Another easy way to bring an additional layer of interest to your home is with modern window coverings. Already have blinds or shutters? Framing the windows out with drapes that can be changed seasonally is a great way to create an interior that always looks updated while calling attention to the outdoors and to your architecture (or creating architecture where there isn’t much).

Shop your home

You can give areas of your home a whole new look without spending a dime. “I love updating the look of our home by styling the coffee table, accent tables, shelves, countertops, and mantel,” said Jane at Home. “One of the reasons I love styling is that I can use items I already have on hand. If I don’t like how something looks, I can easily change it by moving things around or bringing in new items from another part of the house.”

Some of her styling tips include: “Use stacks of books to raise objects off the surfaces; combine items in groups of threes–preferably with a tall item, a shorter, more sculptural item, and a horizontal item; balance hard and soft objects, as well as things with different textures, colors, tones, and styles; layer–placing some things in front of others and some off to the side–to create more depth and give the space a more natural look.”

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

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

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

Paul Ross  970-217-3245

RESIDENT REALTY

SOURCE: 

REALTY TIMES

Outdoor Kitchens

Inside Tips On Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens make dining al fresco at home more appealing than ever. A rebounding trend in outdoor living reveals more and more properties feature outdoor kitchens that once were the province of only the very wealthy.

Today, moving the home’s indoor central meeting place outdoors creates an open-air living space that’s both accessible and inviting as any indoor room. Great for gatherings and socializing, having a kitchen and dining area outdoors also eliminates some of the indoor mess and hassle of food preparation and makes for a more inclusive cooking experience.

You can create outdoor living space that is an organic part of your yard or a discrete, open-air self-standing room or suite for your home. With features ranging from simple and functional to more extravagant, an outdoor kitchen investment comes with a return that’s at least equal to a major kitchen remodel – 80 percent or more.

Talk to your real estate agent about the return on your investment in an outdoor kitchen in your specific neighborhood. If you are enterprising, hands-on and have budget constraints, you can put ideas into play yourself. If you need a truly professional look, hire a contractor to design and build the area.

Here are a few elements to keep in mind when crafting your outdoor living space:

Outdoor kitchen appliances

Durability is paramount for any outdoor appliance and should be a primary concern, especially if you live in a harsh climate (cold, wet, dry or hot), even if you cover your appliances in inclement weather. Cooking fuels are commonly gas or charcoal, but outdoor kitchens can incorporate a wood-burning oven, outdoor fireplace, or a fire pit.

Barbecue fans might opt to include a smoker or mesquite grill. Higher end outdoor kitchens often include ample counter top space, drawers and cabinets for storage, as well as a sink, and refrigeration. Existing utility connections could narrow your choices, but you can run a natural gas line to the outdoor kitchen. Adequate plumbing pressure is a must in order to accommodate hot and cold running water.

Outdoor kitchen living space

The living space that frames your appliances helps set the tone for outdoor living.

If you have an existing deck or patio, you could develop that space into a living area. If you install an island and bar area with stools or opt for a simple outdoor dining set, consider protecting your space from the elements, just as you would your appliances.

Some kitchens incorporate a roof, covered archway or pergola; others could need only an ample patio umbrella to also protect diners from weather. Special roofs and over coverings can allow you to cook outdoors year round – even in inclement weather.

Outdoor kitchen flow

To build functionality into your outdoor kitchen, consider the flow of space just as you would your indoor entertaining areas. Keep your cooking area accessible to your indoor kitchen, when possible, to experience less running around with dishes and ingredients you keep inside the home.

Put seating near your cooking area, but not so near as to interrupt the flow of the chef.

Outdoor kitchen ambiance

Keep lighting in mind when it comes to evenings. It’s a lovely time to relax outside after the sun goes down, and inviting lighting enhances the experience. Create a mood with built in lighting and strands of hanging lights. Gas and traditional tiki torches are an option that maintains that outdoorsy atmosphere.

Overall, the design of your outdoor kitchen should compliment your home, especially adjacent areas.

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

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

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

Paul Ross  970-217-3245

       

RESIDENT REALTY

SOURCE: REALTY TIMES

Fancy Countertops

How To Maintain Those Fancy Countertops

Today’s luxury Fancy Countertops are easy to sell – they are beautiful and durable. Materials such as granite, solid surfaces, and ceramic tiles are making a statement not only about home fashion, but about easy maintenance. But beauty lasts only as long as proper care. Good fabricators will tell you how to clean and maintain your surfaces, but even then, there may be some suggestions that might have slipped through the cracks.

Today’s consumer has a delightful array of choices for countertop surfaces. The rules are being broken with materials crossing design boundaries every day. Concrete is now being formed for countertops instead of floors and Formica(R), the leader in laminate countertops, has entered the flooring arena. Ceramic tiles have come out of the bath and kitchen and are used for decorative as well as surface applications throughout living areas, indoors and out. And marble and granite, once found only in bank buildings, fabulous hotels and ultra residences are being fabricated into floors and Fancy Countertops for an increasing number of executive homes.

If you are en”counter”ing a luxury surface for the first time, you want to know what kind of cleaning and maintenance products to use so you don’t accidentally etch the stone, strip color or cause any toxic penetrations. This is particularly important on surfaces in which many hands come into contact or food is prepared. So what kind of care do these luxury surfaces require? Let’s begin by grouping the materials into two groups, natural and man-made.

Natural Stone

Natural stone is the earth’s formation of minerals and gases that have slowly cooled and condensed over millions of years into a solid core, forming rock beds of various colors, patterns and degrees of porousness. They include marble, granite, slate, terra cotta, and terrazzo. Thousands of types of stones have been quarried throughout the centuries from all over the world and are finding their way to modern luxury kitchens. Because natural stone is porous, including the most dense stone – granite, it must be sealed to protect the stone from penetrating water or oils. Sealants, known in the industry as impregnators, do not protect the surface as such, but protect moisture from accummulating within the stone itself.

According to Andrew Levine, president of Stone Care International, nothing is maintenance-free, but understanding the nature of your surface will help you provide better maintenance. Stone Care makes specialized products for cleaning and sealing all surfaces, from laminates to solid surfaces to natual stone. “You still have to clean, and cleaning with the right product is important, because choosing the wrong product can cause a problem. Household cleansers are not for all surfaces. Tilex is fine for ceramic tile, but it can actually etch marble. Fantastic and 409 will attack the color and fade stone. Some stones won’t react, but you don’t want to take a chance. You have to choose the right product for the surface.”

“Stone has a PH balance due to its high moisture content. It is a chemical in a solid form, so it has different cleaning requirements. Granite comes from magma – it is a natural acid so it won’t react to acids, but marble is an alkalai, recrystallized limestone. It is vulnerable to acids like orange juice and colas.”

Solid surface, ceramic tile, concrete

Unlike natural stone, solid surfaces and ceramic tile are man-made materials that are produced in factories. Solid surfaces, better known by name brands such as Avonite and Corian, are pressure/heat treated products in which the pigment of the surface design is consistent all the way through the countertop. As with natural stone, solid surface materials are custom fabricated for each kitchen. They are most in danger from burning, but should the worst happen, those without high gloss finishes can be sanded to restore the countertop.

Most complaints about solid surfaces center on their tendency to streak. Newspaper and fingerprints are particularly difficult to clean, along with any greasy residues. A cleanser that cuts grease, doesn’t streak, and doesn’t eat through the material is required. “Again, what you find in the supermarket may not be adequate. Windex is often used, because it won’t hurt solid surfaces and it doesn’t streak, but it doesn’t really clean either,” advises Levine.

Concrete is mixed, poured, stained, sanded and fabricated for a variety of looks including old world or very urban contemporary. Like natural stone, it requires a sealant to protect it from stains, moisture penetration and accompanying bacteria.

Ceramic tile receives a permanent glaze right in the kiln, making it fairly maintenance-free. The grout, which is porous, can have stain and sealer added to blend with the tile, and most tile can be laid so closely that the grout is not a problem. Although tile is the most vulnerable surface to chipping, it cleans easily with most over-the-counter products. Levine adds, “Ceramic tile makes a good surface. It comes from mudstone, and it is pretty safe, but watch out for products like drain openers.”

For a complete list of cleansers and sealants for a wide variety of Fancy Countertops, visit Stone Care International.

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

SOURCE: REALTY TIMES

New Construction: Builder Grade Or Upgrade?

New Construction: Should You Go Builder Grade Or Upgrade?

Who hasn’t walked through a model home and thought, “I’ll take it! Even down to those fancy place settings on the dining room table!” That exclamation is typically followed by a sad-face realization that, A) The place settings are not for sale, and; B) All those fancy upgrades are going to cost you. A lot.

New Construction Models are typically fancied up by the builder and interior designer and outfitted with all kinds of bells and whistles including upgraded flooring, countertops and appliances, lighting, window coverings – you name it. The idea is to show buyers what their home could be. If they have an extra $100K or more to sink into it.

If that’s not you, either because you want to stay within a certain budget or you’re already stretching to buy a new home, you don’t have to forgo upgrades altogether. In fact, buying a home with builder grade everything is not considered a great idea from a value standpoint.

“A surprisingly large amount of the money you spend on your new home will be determined by the options and choices you make – and those options are forever changing,” said New Home Source. “For example, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, both considered pricey upgrades for years, are now standard in most New Construction homes. However, going with the most common (or lowest) denominator is not always the best way to save—or spend – your dollars.”

There’s also the fact that, when you do go to upgrade later on, you’ll have to deal with a number of issues. Here are five reasons to do some smart upgrades now.

The cost

Ultimately, how much you upgrade (or not) is dependent on cost. Finding out that a model home has $86,000 worth of upgrades, which far exceeds your budget, can be devastating. Breaking them down to individual items and comparing the cost to what you would spend down the road is a good first step.

It’s also important to remember that your selected upgrades don’t require you to write a check to the builder. They get rolled into your mortgage. Add $20,000 in upgrades to your $400,000 mortgage, and you’re looking at about $80 a month.

Photo by Arthur Rutenberg Homes – More kitchen photos

Yes, you may be able to finance your new floors or countertops at Home Depot, and you may even be able to qualify for zero percent interest. But, those payments will be spread out over only 24 or 36 months, instead of 30. If you’re worried about adding to your bottom line, an extra $300 per month could hurt.

The value

In considering your options and upgrades, weigh wants and needs against potential value. “When selecting builder upgrades for your new home, you need to be strategic,” said Houzz. “You want to choose the upgrades that will save you hassle and money by doing them upfront.”

Some upgrades provide instant value. “The idea that you have to wait years to see a return on your investment is false,” said New Home Source. “A quality refrigerator and freezer can keep food fresh longer without drying out – and with the cost of food rising, this is a savings you’ll notice immediately,” certified kitchen designer Joyce Gardine Combs told them.

Hardwood flooring is a classic that “never seem to go out of style,” said New Home Source, and kitchen cabinets are a great way to go. “Moving up from standard cabinets to semi-custom gives you way-better construction and longer-lasting finishes,” said Houselogic. “You’ll get a wide range of colors and styles to choose from, lots of storage options, and long-lasting details such as dovetailed drawer joinery and cool hardware.”

Other upgraded appliances may provide additional value – a great dishwasher can use less water and provide other energy savings. Quartz countertops may not be provide much in the way of cost savings but they do represent the most popular material today, which is predicted for many years to come. If it’s something you just can’t live without, and you’ll regret not doing it from day one, the extra cost may be worth it. But, keep in mind the reality of countertops when it comes to new construction. “Though the glitz of sparkling quartz or luscious marble countertops may be pretty compelling to go for now, if you can wait and get them later, you’ll gain choice and may end up saving money,” said Houzz. “Builders typically use only one supplier for natural stone or quartz counters and may offer limited options. And with the builder’s premium, the cost can be quite a bit higher than if you sourced the material and labor yourself.”

You don’t have to worry about contractors

We’ve all heard the horror stories about contractors, but even if you find a good one, you’re still going to have to contend with having people in your home and making sure they show up on time (or at all), work within the agreed-upon timeframe and budget, and do what they said they will do. With New Construction there is freedom in knowing that everything is going to be as you expected on day one, and that you don’t need to worry about what happens if the flooring guy is sick or doesn’t show up for work.

No mess

Your contractor will say they’re going to clean everything up and leave your home spotless. They may even mean it and make a valiant effort. But, let’s face it. You’re going to be cleaning up dust for a while. And that doesn’t account for all the mess that is created day to day. If you’re staying in the house while these renovations are being made, expect to be dirty. All the time.

No fuss

Speaking of which…How many times have you heard people say the worst decision that they ever made was living in their home during a renovation? The alternative—relocating for a few days or more to a hotel could get expensive, and staying with a friend or family member will get old, eventually. When you upgrade before you move in, you avoid all the fuss, moving in to a brand-new home that’s ready for you right away.

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

SOURCE: REALTY TIMES

PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR SUMMER

Prepare Your Home For Summer Now Before It Gets Scorching

Do you live in a part of the country that’s still dealing with sub-zero temps? Maybe you’re lucky enough to be in that in-between place where you don’t have to run your heater or your air conditioning – for at least the next few weeks, anyway. Regardless of your location, now is a great time to start thinking about summer and getting your home prepared. Paying attention to a few maintenance items can give you a leg up on the season so you don’t need to wait in line for repairs once summer heat hits.

Check your roof

If you’re in a part of the country that had a rough winter, one must do to prepare your home for summer; you definitely want to check your roof to make sure it hasn’t been compromised. A summer rainstorm could provide a not-so-fun surprise leak right over your couch. However, if spring storms that can include tornadoes and hail are normal for your location, you may want to wait until closer to summer—or check again at the end of the season.

“Check for misaligned, cracked or missing shingles, all of which can let water seep in,” said Liberty Mutual. “Also check flashing (those metal pieces where the shingles meet places like your chimney) for rust, and inspect the caulk around pipes or skylights to be sure it hasn’t cracked. Take a look at the chimney. If it’s masonry, inspect the joints between bricks or stones for pieces that have fallen out or have vegetation growing in them. Both could be signs of water problems.”

Get your air conditioning serviced

Here’s what’s going to happen if you don’t: There’s going to be a scorching heat wave in your city, causing everyone to flip on their air conditoning at the same time as you turn on your A/C—which, of course, will not work. And neither will the air conditioning units of numerous other people, all of whom will be calling for service at the same time.

No one wants to be forced to wait several days (at least), all sweaty and angry, for a repairman to come and provide some relief. Do yourself a favor and schedule a servicing now so you’re good to go when the temperature rises.

Check your sprinklers

If it’s been months since you’ve used your sprinklers, you just don’t know if they’re still in good shape. Wait until the warm weather arrives and you could have a situation on your hands similar to the A/C conundrum. Check them now so that if you need a fix or an adjustment, you can schedule it well in advance.

Manage air leaks

Did you check for leaks in the winter? You’re probably good to go, but, then again, it wouldn’t hurt to do another check. After all, leaks are quite literally sucking the air out of your home, and dollars are going with it.

“Taking the time to make sure your home is properly sealed and insulated will lower your total energy usage,” said Central Heating & Air Conditioning. “Similarly insulating your attic and walls, and sealing cracks and openings will prevent warm air from leaking into your home. When your home is sealed tightly, there is less chance of your cool air escaping. Your system will run less often, while keeping you just as cool and comfortable.”

According to Energy.gov, sealing a home up tight can provide a cost savings of between 10–20%. a must do to prepare your home for summer.

Spring for a new fan

If you don’t have ceiling fans in key areas of your home, it might be time to add them. Fans can make the room feel more comfortable, so your air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard, thus saving you money. If you’re staying away because you don’t like the way fans look, it might be time to take another glimpse, as more modern and streamlined options are readily available today.

Don’t ignore your fireplace

Once the temps have risen and your fireplace is off limits for the next couple seasons, don’t just walk away and pretend it doesn’t exist. If you haven’t closed the damper, you’re letting hot air into your home, which will make it much harder to keep cool.

Change out your window coverings

You can freshen up your space and prepare your home for summer by opting for lighter materials that bring in the sunlight. “As warmer weather becomes the norm, and we crawl out of the darkened caves we’ve been hibernating in all winter, update windows to reflect the light, airy mood of the upcoming summer days,” said Quicken. “Change out thick, dark curtains with lighter fabrics to take advantage of the added daylight and brighten up the room.”

While you’re addressing your windows, take a look around to make sure you don’t have any unwanted friends hanging around. “Also, to ensure you keep the creepy crawlies out when you open up your home to let outside air in, do a thorough inspection of your window screens and look for any tears or holes requiring repair,” they said. “This is also a good time to rid the exterior of your windows of the grime and buildup of winter.”

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

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

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

Paul Ross  970-217-3245

RESIDENT REALTY

SOURCE: REALTY TIMES