Getting A New Roof

What To Expect When Getting A New Roof

“You need a new roof.” Those are five words no one ever wants to hear. Having to put many thousands of dollars into something you can’t get daily enjoyment out of, like a new kitchen, is a huge drag. Of course, so is a flooded house!

If you’ve been told its time to replace your roof – or if that big, gaping hole over your living room is a dead giveaway – you may have misconceptions about the process or you may not have any idea how it works. Here’s what to expect.

It’s going to be louder than you thought.

Unless you want to make sure you can oversee the process from home – and you have a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones – you’ll want to plan to leave at least for day one (if it takes more than one day). And, take your dogs with you. They’re sensitive to noise and will likely bark all day.

It may take more than one day.

This depends on a number of factors, including how large your home is, and how many workers are assigned to the job. Make sure to ask upfront; you don’t want to assume it’s a one-day job and end up having to make last-minute plans for family and pets for the remainder.

It may cost more – or less – than you thought.

The typical range for a new roof is $5,113–9,763, with a national average in 2018 of $6,600, according to Home Advisor.

Prices will depend on geography; “Cities like Denver ($7,500) being higher than average, and others being below average like Austin, TX ($6,100),” they said, as well as factors including:

• “Roof size
• Pitch (steep roofs take a lot more time and materials to cover than a flat roof)
• Type of application (how it’s installed on your roof deck)
• Materials used
• Number of layers (could involve taking off old layers, which takes more time)
• Where you live (material prices and requirements by roofers vary by region)
• Code requirements for your roof
• If you have a lot of skylights, chimneys, plumbing pipes or other adornments that need to be addressed during the installation”

The lowest quote may not be the best when getting a new roof.

This is probably obvious to anyone who’s ever been burned by a lowball offer, but it bears repeating. Especially with something as important as your roof, you want to make sure you get multiple bids and consider them carefully, checking out each company thoroughly and eliminating those with poor reviews or other red flags.

“Some roofers don’t worry much about customer satisfaction since replacing a roof is a once-every-few-decades job, which means they don’t have to count on repeat business,” said TIME: Money. “Plus, many homeowners (mistakenly) choose their roofer based largely on price, and many roofing contractors hire low-wage workers so they can deliver the lowest possible bids. All of which is to say: You need to be extremely careful whom you hire.”

You won’t necessarily come out of pocket for the whole thing.

Was your roof damaged by a tornado or a monsoon? Or did you recently buy a new home with a tattered roof from years of wear or improper maintenance? Those factors can help determine whether your homeowner’s insurance pays for the replacement or not.

“Insurance policies differ when it comes to repairing or replacing damaged roofs,” said Mr. Roof. “Severe damage that is out of the homeowner’s hands such as fire, vandalism, tornadoes and hurricanes is covered under most plans. General weather like wind, rain and hail may or may not be covered depending on the policy’s parameters and the roof’s age. In the eyes of an insurance agency, damage caused by improper maintenance is the fault of the insured. Your policy will also determine if the damage will be partially or fully covered.”

You might want to spend a little more.

“To make sure you don’t have to worry about your roof again – and give you some selling points when you’re ready to move—go for top-quality products,” said TIME: Money. “That means: 50-year-shingles (shingles with the longest available warranty add just $300 to $500 to your total cost) with an “architectural” look (varying color and thickness that creates upscale character for just $250 to $750 extra). You’ll also want to opt for copper flashing, the most durable metal for sealing the joints where a roof meets a wall or another roof, which might add $1,000 or more compared with aluminum.”

You might need HOA approval…even for the exact same roof.

If you have a serious roof leak, you obviously want to expedite the replacement, but cutting corners can prove unwise. Individual Homeowner’s Association rules may vary, but you can bet they’re going to require approval before you start. Even if you are using the exact same material and color as you previously had, they’ll want to sign off. The last thing you need is your HOA threatening to make you rip everything out, wait for approval, and start again because you skipped a step.

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 / WRITTEN BY JAYMI NACIRI

Time to Sell Your House

The Best Time to Sell Your House, Based on Real Estate Market Data

It’s summertime and you’ve been thinking about selling the house. The weather is great which makes it easy to show your home, and the kids are out of school to help you pack everything up (or just eat ice cream and watch you do it).

If you’re wondering the best time to sell your house and want to take advantage of the current sellers market, then we’ve got the answers for you below.

When to List to Get the Best Price and Sell the Fastest

Every day real estate surges forward with a new abundance of real estate tech tools. These tools are the building blocks of the future of real estate and help to predict the temperature of the market.

We’ve used one of these tools to give you the best time to sell your house based on cold, hard numbers.

If you need to put your home on the market now, you’re in luck. Nationwide housing market data shows August as the best time to list a house in order to get the highest sale price. August was the best time to list overall from 2014 – 2017. Real estate transactions often take a few months to close, which means that homes listed in August will most likely close in November. Homes that closed in November over 2014 – 2017 sold for 4.04% higher than the national average.

If you want your home to sell quickly, aim for a close date this month or a close date in August. Overall from 2014 – 2017, homes that closed in July and August closed 7 days faster than the National average.

You can also predict the best time to sell your house in your local market by searching your city and state in this tool and state in this tool. For example, the best time to sell a house in Las Vegas is the Summer, aiming for a Fall close date.

Current State of the Market: Sellers Hold the Cards / Time to Sell Your House

If getting out while it is good is your goal, then it may be in your best interest to sell your house now. Currently the nation is in a sellers market, which means that the demand for homes exceeds the number of homes on the market. Basically, there are more buyers in need of homes than there are people selling.

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/WRITTEN BY ALEXA COLLINS

Your Hot Water Heater

Maintaining Your Hot Water Heater

Water heaters generally have a lifespan of 8-12 years, but as with anything, the better care you take of it, the longer it will last. There are several easy “set it and forget it” tips that you can use with your water heater, like keeping the thermostat at 120 degrees, and always maintain two feet of clearance around the appliance. You can also conserve money on your gas bill by setting your heater to its “vacation” setting when leaving town. This will keep the pilot light going without heating the water.

Water heater maintenance goes well beyond just checking the thermostat, however. Here are some detailed tips for making sure your water heater lives a long, full life.

Draining & Cleaning Your Hot Water Heater

The bottom of the tank can contain all manner of sediment, calcium deposits, rust and bacteria. Drain a quarter of the tank a few times a year to remove this debris. Hook up a garden hose to the drain valve and run until the water is clear.

A once-a-year full cleaning should include draining the appliance completely, removing the drain valve and then scrubbing the bottom with a long, narrow brush. From there, screw on a nipple, pump 15 or 20 seconds worth of fresh water into the tank, then drain, repeating the process until the water runs clear. This is the best chemical-free way to clean a water heater.

Testing Your Hot Water Heater TPR Valve

Most experts recommend testing the temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve on your water heater every six months for optimal performance. Frequent testing can also reduce the chance of a leak resulting from mineral salt, rust and corrosion buildup, or worse: an explosion.

To perform the test, slowly raise and lower the test lever so that it lifts the brass stem. At this point, hot water should rush out of the end of the drainpipe. If you get no water, or only a trickle, be sure to replace the valve. The main thing to watch for immediately after testing the TPR valve is a leak. If you do catch a leak, operate the test level a few more times to loosen the debris that could be preventing the valve from working correctly. If the valve is functioning properly, turn down the temperature on the water heater controller and turn down the water pressure.

Examining the Sacrificial Anode

‘Sacrificial anode’ is the fancy name for the rod of metal located in your water heater’s tank that rusts easily so that the steel won’t; it takes the fall, essentially. Sacrificial anodes in water heaters are made of highly corrosive metals like magnesium and aluminum.

To examine your heater’s sacrificial anode you must first remove it. Start by shutting off the electricity or gas to the water heater, as well as the water supply. Drain a few inches of water from the tank via the tank valve. Locate the top of the anode rod or connecting hardware – it may be under a cap about halfway to the center, or it may be under a pink top nipple. Loosen the anode very carefully with a wrench. Here, it may be necessary to apply penetrating oil to the connecting nut or threads.

One you remove the anode, inspect it carefully. If it is covered in rough metal that looks like it’s been chewed, that’s normal and your anode is functioning properly. If you can see six inches or more of the steel core wire inside the anode, replace it. If not, put it back in place and check back in a year.

Insulating Older Units

When you insulate the walls in your house, you increase its energy efficiency, and the same is true with your water heater. Although newer units are optimized for insulation, many older units are not, and by insulating them, you could reduce heat loss by 25-45%. If you’re not sure whether or not to insulate your appliance, simply touch it; if it’s warm to the touch, it’s time to insulate.

Before purchasing a water heater insulating blanket kit, check with your utility to see if they offer blankets at discounted rates. Some companies even install them for little-to-no cost.

To self-install, turn off the electricity to your heater at the breaker (or for gas, switch the valve to “pilot” position). Wrap the blanket around the heater and tape it temporarily, leaving open areas for the access panel(s), valves and for gas heaters, the burner areas. Then tape the blanket permanently, and be sure to never set the thermostat above 130 degrees because the wiring could overheat.

When to Replace Your Hot Water Heater?

If you own a conventional storage tank water heater and it’s getting into the double digits in age, it’s time to replace. However if your water heater is only a few years old, there are a few things that would only take about $150-300 to repair. These things include extinguished pilot lights, burner or heating elements failing, thermostats breaking, or valves sticking. The two precursors to replacement are usually either old age or a leak. When your water heater springs a leak that usually means it’s time to face the music and buy a new one.

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/WRITTEN BY SARAH KELLNER

Urban Garden

Tips For Growing An Urban Garden

As families become more health-conscious and think more about the food they consume, family farms are on the comeback, regardless of the size. Whether driven to grow produce on their own to make sure their vegetables are pesticide-free, out of a passion for gardening or as a cottage industry for extra cash, city-dwellers are using innovative means to produce crops of their own.

Your ability to grow fruits, vegetables and a variety of herbs at home depends primarily on three things:Your climate zone, Available property, and Your desire.

Even an apartment-dweller in Alaska can raise edibles, given the right tools and motivation. Here are the primary things to consider when planning your garden:

What crops will you grow?

For an outdoor urban garden, the first step is to check local zoning ordinances and/or homeowner’s association rules. Then determine your plant hardiness zone. Take that number and consult a planting schedule to find recommended plants and the best times for planting. Selecting plants can be almost as much fun as growing them.

Indoor gardening is especially affected by available light. If you have large, south-facing windows, you’re set. If not, you will need to set up grow lights or get really creative. Hearty indoor crops that may work for you include: avocados, carrots, microgreens, lemons and scallions.

How can you urban garden… without a garden?

When you think of a garden, you probably envision lush rows of crops and tilled soils, producing plant after plant of vegetable-producing crops. Luckily, this dream may not be as far-fetched as you think. Find out if there is a community garden in your area, and take advantage of a fertile space to call your very own. Community gardens can be a way to share in the work, strengthen community bonds and enable others to participate. With the right equipment and some sweat equity, any community can turn a vacant lot into a food-producing zone.

It is entirely possible to garden at home, though, even when space is scarce. Urban gardeners have developed innovative ways to garden in small spaces.

• Build a grow tower: A 15-gallon plastic drum, a length of five-inch PVC pipe, a drill, and dirt—that’s all you need to garden vertically. This Grow It! video demonstrates how.
• Garden in containers: Use containers of all sorts on your porch and patio to maximize your growing space including buckets, planter boxes, hanging baskets, pots, and wooden barrels.
• Create a rooftop urban garden: Utilize the space that most of us never even think about, your rooftop! If you have a flat space on your roof and a safe way to access it, consider designating that area as your growing space.

Don’t be discouraged by small spaces when you have the urge to grow your own produce. There are plenty of innovative ways to support a small garden, it’s just a matter of getting creative and finding the best route for you. Once you’ve sliced and tasted your very first home-grown tomato or finished your first batch of pesto from your home-grown basil, you’ll know that all the hard work was well worth it!

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/WRITTEN BY REALTY TIMES STAFF

Landscaping Ideas

Selling Your Home? Consider These Five Landscaping Ideas

You’ve probably heard how important curb appeal is when you’re trying to sell your home. The first thing buyers look at when they pull up to your home is the big picture — the house, the yard, the trees, the flowers. It’s the impression that counts, and all it takes is one thing to ruin the effect — a cracked walkway, dead branches in the trees, leggy bushes.

As you look around at all the things you need to fix or update to sell your home, it can be overwhelming. Many sellers struggle with the costs, the decisions, and the time it takes to market their homes. Since most landscaping isn’t permanent, you may think it’s not as important as other projects that need to be done, but you should strongly consider putting it in the marketing budget.

You can do some of the work yourself or you can get help. But here are five Landscaping Ideas you can do that help you make the most of your home’s drive-up appeal.

1. Get rid of anything dead. Dead leaves, flowers, and trees do nothing for your curb appeal. Snip it, rake it and bag it. As you finish, you’ll see blank areas. Fill these in with fresh flowers, small bushes, potted plants or yard art. No Gnomes or flamingoes need apply.

2. Cut and weed the grass. If you mow your own lawn, make sure it’s freshly mowed every week. Pull or spray weeds so the texture of the grass will be more pleasing.

3. Replace or hide leggy bushes. Nothing makes a front entry look more dated than bushes with longer legs than torsos. Pull them out and replace them, or if it’s more expedient, plant boxwoods or other small bushes in front. You can also cover a lot of blank areas with mulch, wood chips or gravel.

4. Improve both hardscapes and softscapes. Decorative stone, tile, brick, concrete or wood can add a lot of appeal to the softer elements such as flowers, plants, grasses and ground cover. Landscaping doesn’t have to end at the porch. Bring color and vitality to the entry with potted plants and flowers.

5. Light the way. Landscape lighting doesn’t have to be expensive. Lanterns to line the walk, or the occasional uplight for the trees can have a glamorous effect on the exterior of your home. Lighting provides security as well as spotlights what you want to call attention to — a beautiful tree, a flower bed or an architectural element of the house.

If you’re not sure where to begin, go to your local supply with a sketch or photo of your home and ask for ideas. Explain that you’re selling your home and you need help with curb appeal. You may get a lot of free advice that’s really helpful.

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 / WRITTEN BY REALTY TIMES STAFF

Kitchen Makeover

5 Steps For An Easy And Impactful Kitchen Makeover

Renovating a kitchen can be a huge expense, and a huge hassle, but you can get a brand-new feel at a fraction of the average cost. That means forgoing major structural, plumbing, or electrical changes and concentrating on fixtures, finishes, and fanciful details.

Counters

If you just don’t have the money for quartz but you want a sleeker look, The Spruce has several ideas for covering over your existing countertops with everything from paint to paper. We love this concrete look that was achieved for just $200 by pouring Level Quick Concrete right over tile counters!

Cabinets

One word: Paint. A dingy, dark, or outdated kitchen can be transformed with this one task. You can read a thousand different articles that discuss DIY versus hiring a pro, but all you really need to ask yourself is this: Are you up for the challenge?

The truth is, painting your kitchen cabinets is tedious and will test your patience. You will want to give up – more than once – and you will question your sanity a few times, too. But if you can get through it while maintaining a good technique and resisting the urge to cut corners, you’ll have cabinets that will make you proud every day you live in the home, and that will also add value. If you do choose to hire someone to do the painting (and we can’t say we blame you), be prepared to pay a premium. You can always find a deal, but when it comes something as important as kitchen cabinets, you want to make sure you get someone who really knows what they’re doing.

Lighting

Does your kitchen lighting fade into the background or stand out for all the wrong reasons? That’s easy to fix. A new chandelier over your kitchen table will freshen up the whole space. Add pendants over your island or sink to bring in a modern touch that will also add function.

Hardware

Cabinet hardware is highly underrated and requires only a small dollar commitment to make a big impact. Gold tones have made their way back into style and kitchen cabinet hardware is a great way to express this trens because when you tire of it, you can just unscrew and replace! If you’re worried about the gold or brass hardware clashing with your silver-tone faucet and stainless steel appliances, don’t be. Mixed metals are all the rage now.

Flooring

The good thing about kitchen flooring is that, even if you don’t have the money to redo it, you can just cover it with a decorative rug. But, if you are looking to use a little sweat equity to create a floor you can more than stand to look at, CHECK OUT this painted stencil technique. “In order to avoid the hassle of ripping out existing floor and the high cost of real tiles, you CAN achieve a similar look by painting your tile floors that only LOOK expensive,” said Royal Design Studio Stencils. For a couple hundred dollars, you can get the look of a pricey Moroccan tiled floor and create a showstopper instead of an eyesore.

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 / WRITTEN BY JAYMI NACIRI

Housing Shortage

What you should know about the Housing Shortage in High-demand Housing Markets

The housing market is tough for homebuyers right now, especially in Colorado. There are simply more prospective buyers than homes available to purchase. To understand how to deal with the housing shortage, you may first want to know why it’s happening.

The housing shortage in various cities is a result of a great many factors. In Colorado, the population has been growing exponentially, particularly over the past 10 years and more so over the last 5 years But, housing growth has not risen fast enough to accommodate this increased population due to the slow down in building after the 2008 financial crisis. As a result, this scarce housing supply and increase in population, has driven property prices up.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom, and you can get the edge on the property market by being proactive, prepared and willing to compromise. So what can you do to increase your chance of success in this cutthroat seller’s market?

Buyers: Get Clear About Your Expectations

In these current market conditions, buyers need to be crystal clear about expectations. Communicate those expectations to your agent to see what’s realistically possible. A mismatch in buyer and agent expectations can lead to conflict or disappointment.

In a market experiencing a housing shortage, buyers need to be prepared to adjust expectations. A skilled real estate agent will be able to negotiate the best possible deal for you, but market conditions are a major factor in determining what can be achieved. Either way, it’s important that both buyer and agent are on the same page, with common goals in mind.

Be Prepared To Compromise

When there are slim pickings available, and a large volume of prospective buyers, buyers may need to resort to compromising on your property wish list. It’s not about discounting your housing needs – it’s about prioritizing your needs and wants and balancing the costs and benefits. In a seller’s market, you may not be able to find that three bedroom, two bathroom home in your desired area, within your price range. You may need to compromise on the location, or consider buying a home which requires renovations to get into the property market.

Get Your Finances Ready Now

In a high-demand market, those that need time to sort out their finances are left behind. Not many people have enough cash to buy a home outright, so if you’re in the majority, you’ll need to speak to a lender. Do this early and obtain pre-approval for your mortgage, before you even start shopping for a home. This will help your agent focus the search for the right home for you.  And it will increase the speed at which you’ll be able to obtain mortgage approval, when you actually find a property you wish to buy.

In a seller’s market where multiple offers are highly likely, showing you’re already pre-approved for a loan can help get your offer accepted over others.

In turn, this will increase your chances of actually getting the home you want.

Be Proactive In Your Search For A Home

In a tough property market, proactivity is key. If you’re not clear on what features you’re looking for in a home, write up a list now. Then, approach your real estate agent to discuss your needs. Don’t rely on homes being advertised in the newspaper or online – houses in a tight market don’t last long. Importantly, an agent will be able to tell you what hasn’t been advertised yet, or what will be coming on the market soon. This will help you get the home you want sooner.

Keeping Safe

There is an element of risk when transactions move quickly – so, as a buyer, it’s important to keep yourself safe. Working with a qualified real estate agent with a solid reputation can reduce your risks.  He or she will be able to advise you about any suspicious signs of potentially fraudulent sales. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous scammers out there who prey on average Americans trying to get into the housing market.

Here are some potential red flags that may signify something less than above board is going on:

• There’s no seller’s agent involved in the process
• A seller requesting an online deposit directly to them, and not via a lawyer or agent
• The seller has a copy of the transfer deed, but no other home information (e.g., surveys and purchase documents)
• The seller needs to close on the sale urgently

Rely on a qualified real estate agent with a strong reputation who knows what to look for, and can help steer you away from trouble.

Talk with your agent about how you’ll authorize any offers, transfer of funds or document exchanges. Be sure to double- and triple-verify with your agent any wire transfer instructions before acting upon them.

You can be ready to take advantage of buying opportunities in a tight market while managing your risk.

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: https://www.cresinsurance.com

Transform Difficult Properties into Beautiful Landscapes

Landscape designers transform difficult properties into beautiful landscapes. Here are five reasons to include a professional designer in your next outdoor update.

1. Working with Small Yards

Landscape designers combine eye-catching landscaping with space-conscious designs. Curves and tiered levels add more depth and points of interest without swallowing up your valuable space. It’s important to plan ahead with your landscape designer as you choose plants. Plant small trees instead of large ones and hide your fence with flowering vines instead of big shrubs.

2. Avoid High Maintenance Landscapes

Landscape designers often encourage homeowners to avoid high-maintenance landscapes. High maintenance usually ends up in homeowner neglect. Instead, most designers suggest planting low-maintenance species that are native to your area. With the large variety of low-maintenance plants available to homeowners today, you can have a yard that requires almost no upkeep. Low-maintenance yards also require less water. In this time of environmental concern, designing a landscape that conserves resources is always a plus.

3. Refurbish Rather than Replace Your Yard

Landscape designers always recommend that you re-use as much of your existing yard as possible — even when undertaking a large landscaping renovation. Skilled designers generally help homeowners decide which plants to leave in place and which to remove. Any designer will tell you that refurbishing your yard — instead of replacing everything — saves you time and money.

4. Landscaping Solutions for Busy Streets and Intersections

A busy street or intersection presents a different set of challenges for your landscape design. A buffer of fast-growing, dense shrubbery can make a world of difference when it comes to providing privacy. A small, enclosed garden is another way to close off your backyard to outside noise.

5. Landscape Designers are Worth Every Penny

These landscaping solutions are just a taste of what a good landscape designer can provide your property. Whether you’re looking for a total landscape renovation or just a quick update, a professional designer will help you find the perfect design for your home and budget.

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: HomeAdvisor, Inc

Plants That Can Improve Your Health

House And Garden Plants That Can Improve Your Health And Help You De-stress

Want to de-stress, improve your indoor air quality, and bring important health benefits to your garden? The right mix of plants can do all three, and you don’t even need a green thumb for many of them. Incorporate these indoor and outdoor plants into your home.

“Some well-placed greenery can not only brighten a space but also purify the air – and they’re also helpful in creating a more relaxing, restful ambiance in any room,” said Huffington Post. “We know that spending time in nature is linked to reduced stress levels and tension relief. What’s more, in a 2008 study, Dutch researchers found that hospital patients with indoor plants in their rooms reported lower stress levels than patients without them.”

Their No. 1 choice:

English Ivy, which NASA scientists listed as “the number one best air-filtering houseplant, as it is the most effective plant when it comes to absorbing formaldehyde. It’s also incredibly easy to grow and adaptable.”

Here are a bunch of other healthy options for inside and out.

Golden Pothos

“Although this plant isn’t great at removing formaldehyde, it does remove other chemicals like benzene and trichloromethyl from the air, according to the NASA clean air report,” said This is Insider. “Benzene is in glue, paint, and detergent. Golden pothos are also especially hard to kill, according to Rodale’s Organic Life, making it a great starter plant for horticulture newbies.”

Basil

“Thanks to the compound linalool, basil smells delicious and can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety,” said MyDomaine. “It also emits oxygen for 20 hours a day.”

Boston Fern

Add this leafy plant to your home to purify the air. It can remove up to 1863 toxins per hour.

Spider Plant

Spider plants are one of the easiest houseplants to grow, and they remove pollutants including formaldehyde and xylene.

Bamboo Palm

Bamboo is a superstar when it comes to filtering formaldehyde (plus benzene and trichloroethylene). Plus, “A Bamboo plant is considered auspicious and lucky. The lucky bamboo plant is one of the favorite choices for Feng Shui cures,” said Astrospeak. “Often sold in decorative containers; these plants are bound to bring positivity and prosperity to your life.”

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera can grow inside, where it will filter formaldehyde, if it has enough indirect sunlight. But, it also makes a pretty addition to your garden. No matter where you grow it, aloe vera has healing properties. The gel inside the leaves contains most of the bioactive compounds in the plant, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants,” said Medical News Today. The antioxidants in aloe vera “can help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, accelerate the healing of burns, reduce dental plaque, help treat canker sores, reduce constipation” and may even lower blood sugar levels.

Garlic

The idea of being able to grow and use your own garlic is attractive in and of itself. They also look attractive, with pretty flowers bursting from the top. But perhaps the greatest benefit to growing garlic in your yard is what it does for other plants. “The most popular allium for keeping aphids off roses, garlic repels Japanese beetles and spider mites, too,” said This Old House.

Mint

Mint spreads quickly and has multiple uses in your kitchen. Plus, it “deters ants, fleas, aphids, cabbage moths, even rodents – plus it attracts earthworms, which help condition soil,” said This Old House.

Marigold

Marigolds are just one of a number of outdoor plants that can help keep mosquitoes away. “Marigolds, an easy-to-grow annual flower, emit a smell that deters mosquitoes. Grow them in pots and place them near your patio or entrance to your home to keep bugs out,” said Garden Design. “Not only can they keep away mosquitoes, but they also dissuade aphids, thrips, whiteflies, Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms.” Other mosquito-deterring plants include lavender, citronella grass, catnip, and rosemary; rosemary can also “encourage inner peace, promote positivity, and ease depression and anxiety,” said MyDomaine.

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.

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Paul Ross  970-217-3245

RESIDENT REALTY

SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY JAYMI NACIRI