Thursday, January 24, 2019

Ceiling Fan

How to Buy the Right Ceiling Fan



Let’s put a fan in the living room. Sounds easy enough, right? Now all you have to do is figure out the size and the style and the color and the function and whether or not you need a downrod, and how long that should be. Phew. That’s A LOT.
Having just been through this process, we have tips to share that will help you understand what to look for. Our pain is your gain!

Size matters

A 36-inch fan isn’t likely going to do a great job of cooling your giant great room, and a 72-inch fan might look out of place in a tiny bedroom (not to mention the fact that it might feel like a wind tunnel in there). Getting the look—and function—right has a lot to do with buying the right size fan for your space.

Consider the lighting

Does your space have decent lighting elsewhere or are you depending on the ceiling fan to provide good lighting for the room? Before you spend many aggravating hours searching online for the “brightest LED ceiling fan,” followed by an equally aggravating trip to a big box store that shall go unnamed, let us give you a little insight: Most fans without multiple exposed lights now have integrated LEDs, which means the light is built in to the fan and is not changeable.
While this may be cost-effective and convenient—especially if you’d have to climb a ladder to change the light bulb—it’s not great if you’re looking for a brighter light than what is included in the box. If you want one of those snazzy modern-looking fans and you need a super bright light, you’ll probably need to MacGyver it or buy a fan without a light and then get a separate light kit without an integrated bulb. Good times ahead!

Match your style

Ceiling fans with integrated lights come in a variety of styles to match a variety of tastes. If you know you want modern, traditional, or transitional, by all means, Google it. If, in our case, you can’t find the function you want in your preferred style, you have to get a little more creative. Wayfair is a good place to look for brands and styles you may not find at Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Do the blades go in reverse?

One of the coolest (pardon the pun) features of many of today’s fans is the fact that you can run them in reverse, which forces rising hot air down and helps keep the room comfortable in winter. If this feature is important to you, make sure the fan you’re looking at has it, because not all do.

Do you need a downrod?

Downrods are necessary if you have tall ceilings. Ceilingfan.com has a great graphic that shows you how long or short your downrod should be depending on your room, but don’t forget to take your personal preferences into account. If you’re in a room that tends to run hot or faces west, maybe you want the fan installed a little lower so you can feel the air flow.

Read the reviews

While this was not so helpful in determining whether or not a light was bright enough (People have opinions, and, wow can they contradict each other!), it was helpful in weeding out some options that were wobbly when installed, didn’t come with a decent remote or any remote at all, or didn’t look like their picture in real life. You’re never going to find any product with a 100 percent approval rating nor will you agree with everything you read, but a “majority rules” type of deal is usually a pretty safe bet.

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, January 23, 2019

New Construction

7 Ways to Save Money on 

New Construction


 You can negotiate on the price of a resale home but the price is the price on a new construction home, right? Generally, that’s true. Builders don’t like to discount their homes. But, a price reduction isn’t the only way you can save when buying a brand-new home. Use these tips and tricks and you might be able to get a better deal than you thought possible.

Bring a real estate agent

New-home buyers—especially those who have never purchased a home before, let alone new construction—may not be aware that they can use a real estate agent for their purchase. Many new-home communities also offer a broker co-op to real estate agents. And using a Realtor is the best way to ensure that you are getting the best deal because he or she will negotiate on your behalf, finding out about any available concessions the builder is willing to make to sell you a home.

Builder upgrades

It costs the builder far less to upgrade your flooring or your countertops than it would cost you, so they are more likely to concede to a couple of these upgrades than they would be to discount the price of the house. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want; the worst they can say is, “No,” and you might be surprised at what they’re willing to throw in.

Personalized floorplan

New homes typically have options that give buyers some floorplan flexibility. While many of these options come at a higher cost, you may be able to get them for free depending on how motivated the builder is to sell. Want to turn a bedroom into a home office or a loft into an art studio? Ask away!

Lower interest rate

Builders who are looking to getting homes sold quickly, especially if they have standing inventory, may buy down the interest rate, thereby making the homes more affordable for buyers. This is often tied to using the builder’s in-house or preferred lender, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a choice to use another lender.
It pays to do your research; talking to multiple banks or lenders may yield you a better deal, even with the builder’s incentive. “Consider alternate sources to find a lender,” said The Balance. “Your own bank or credit union might offer you very attractive rates and terms, based on your banking history with that institution. Your agent may refer you to his or her private list of wholesale lenders.

HOA fee and taxes

High HOA fees and/or taxes like Mello-Roos can be a deterrent to buying in certain communities or areas. Builders have been known to cover these taxes and fees for a certain period of time to attract buyers.

Move-in ready home

Oftentimes, builders move forward on the construction of homes before the lots have been purchased. Buying one of these newly-built homes can benefit homebuyers in many ways.
Eliminates the construction wait—This may not necessarily translate to a discount for everyone, although it could for those who have construction delays that create the need for temporary housing or material issues that pump up costs. The best part is simply being able to move right in to a home that’s brand-new!
No need to choose all the features and finishes—If you’re the type who can’t imagine having to make so many decisions, this may be a great option for you.
Upgrades included—Move-in ready homes often include upgrade like nice flooring and countertops. These homes are also more likely to be discounted because builders need to get standing inventory off their books.

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

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Modern Living Room

10 Tips For a More Modern Living Room





1. Paint
We say it so much because it's true: nothing transforms a room easier, more completely, and more affordably than a fresh new paint color. In a small space, use an airy modern color like Revere Pewterfrom Benjamin Moore. See more hot paint colors here.
2. Swap out those accessories
A simple update of a few knickknacks around the room can breathe new life into a space. It's also a good place to try out new trends, since accessories tend to be some of the least expensive items in your space and are easy to move around - and move out when you tire of them.
3. Go seasonal
It's easy to keep your home up to date all year long by going with seasonal décor. In your living room, introduce some beach chic for summer with a bowl full of shells and a sand-colored rug or a unique DIY vignette.
In the fall, bring in autumnal colors with candles and throw pillows; for winter, a ruddy throw and some holiday-inspired décor can grace your mantle. In the spring, citrus colors reign.
4. Don't sweep it under the rug
Whether your rug is dingy and dirty, super outdated, or just plain blah, a new one can liven up a space with little effort and little cost.
For as little as $100-200 (try IKEA, Target, World Market, or Costco), you can transform the look of the room, introduce a new color, and take a boring room and make it more colorful and interesting.
5. Ditch the dusty frames
If your sofa table looks like a picture frame display at a home goods store, it's time to pare it down. Pick a few key faves or create a gallery wall to free up space on flat surfaces for more updated arrangements of cherished treasures, accessories, and fresh flowers.
6. Paper it
It wasn't all that long ago that we were covering every surface in wallpaper (we still have nightmares of a velvet flocked hallway!). Over the last few years, it's seen an insurgence, and today's patterns and textures offer a great opportunity to make an impact. If you're afraid of taking the leap, do one key wall or a small space.
Still timid? Try a product like Target's Devine Wallpaper, which is repositional, so when you're over it, you just peel it off and toss it.
7. Hang some drapes
Not only will they inject some style into the room, but they'll also help diffuse light and keep a room cooler depending on the material you choose.
8. Throw a pillow at it
Pillows are the other easy fix we like to harp on. They're easy to find and easy on the budget, they allow you to layer multiple colors, patterns, and textures, and you can change them out on a whim. Plus, the right pillows can help a nice couch like nicer or deflect attention away from a tired one (we're lookin' at you, big brown sectional in a certain living room).
9. Light it up
A dim room can be romantic, yes, but for those times when you actually want to see, good lighting is key. If you already have an overhead fixture, you can bounce light around the room with table lamps and wall sconces.
Not keen to deal with wiring to hang something on the wall? Try a battery-operated sconce like this LED version from Home Depot.
10. Rearrange it
Sometimes, freshening up your space is as easy as moving stuff around. You may be surprised how much better your room can look with a new furniture arrangement. The keys are creating balance in the space and setting up areas for conversation. Get some more tips here





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

Monday, January 14, 2019

Painting Your Home

Clever Tips 

to Make Painting Your Home Easier



Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform a space. But it can also be a hassle, what with all that taping and prepping and cleaning up. These clever tips can make it easier. Fun, even. (That might be a stretch.)
Wrap it up
One of the most painful tasks associated with the painting is having to clean up at the end of the day. If you hate cleaning your brushes, this tip is for you. The best way to preserve your brush if you're done for the day (or the time being) but not done with the job, is to wrap it in plastic wrap and throw it in the freezer overnight. But, it does require about 15 minutes of thawing out the following day before you can begin again. We found that putting the brush in a Ziploc bag and making it as airtight as possible does a fine job of keeping the brush pliable for the next day, and you can just pick it up and go without the wait.
Line it
Paint tray liners are helpful in extending the life of your paint tray and minimizing clean up, but if you don't want to spend the money, head to your kitchen, instead. Aluminum foil or plastic wrap wrapped around your paint tray will keep it clean.

removeandreplace.com
Keep that foil handy
Reader's Digest notes that aluminum foil is also great when painting a door. "When you're painting a door, aluminum foil is great for wrapping doorknobs to keep paint off them. Overlap the foil onto the door when you wrap the knob, then run a sharp utility knife around the base of the knob to trim the foil. That way you can paint right up to the edge of the knob. In addition to wrapping knobs on the doors that you'll paint, wrap all the doorknobs that are along the route to where you will clean your hands and brushes."
Dust those walls
Prepping is key to a successful paint job, but if you're doing a quick cleanup of your walls before painting, you may not want to spray cleaner on them for fear that the paint won't adhere well. Use a Swiffer duster instead. Dust will cling to it and you'll have a clean surface to paint on.  A dryer sheet is another good option for getting the dust off your surfaces - especially baseboards - before you begin.
Take out the smell
If you're using a VOC paint, any odor should be minor. But if you want to ensure the smell is pleasant, add some vanilla. "To neutralize the strong smell of any type of paint, add one tablespoon of vanilla extract (a natural deodorizer) per gallon. It won't affect the color of the paint," said HGTV.

FaithTap
Use a quality paintbrush
You can spend about $1 on a paint brush or you can spend the equivalent of a good lunch, and the difference will be obvious when the cheaper version leaves brush marks and bristles on your wall. Get a decent brush for a better finish, and choose an angled version for cutting in. The better the brush (and paint!), the better the chance you can do without all that pesky taping.
Buy the right amount of paint from the start
"Oh, I just need one gallon," said everyone, everywhere. But how much do you really need? Knowing ahead of time will keep you from having to make a return trip to the store, and help ensure your color is consistent. Color matching is better than ever at paint stores and places like Home Depot and Lowe's. But there still might be a slight variation in the color if you have to go back to purchase more paint. Measure your space and you won't have to worry about it.
"The general rule is one gallon for every 350 square feet of surface area," said Real Simple. "All you have to do is measure walls roughly, then go to Sherwin-Williams.com and type the dimensions into the easy online paint calculator. This tool will also ask for measurements of windows, doors, and trim so it can come up with a more precise total. Whatever the number, buy an extra quart for touch-ups."
Wipe it up
Have a few drips to clean up on tile or wood floors? An alcohol wipe or wet rag will do the trick. Or, grab a cleansing facial wipe that contains alcohol. You'd be surprised how well these work.
Add a rubber band
Wrap one around your paint can so you have an easy way to wipe your paint brush and avoid drips.
Combat humidity
"Humidity means drips and slow drying, so avoid painting on a rainy day," said DIY Network. "If you must paint when it's humid, take your time - and take advantage of slow-drying paint to correct your errors before moving on to the next coat."
You can reduce the amount of humidity in your home by flipping on your air-conditioning as well as any vent and exhaust fans you have in the home, in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas.
Put some holes in it
"When you pour the paint, it can go everywhere," said The Bold Abode. "It drips all over the sides and then dries hard as a rock on the edges. When that happens, not even King Kong himself could pound that lid down hard enough to close it securely." Hammering a few holes in the lip of the paint can will help the paint drain back down into the can.
Get creative with plastic bags
For awkward spaces where a drop cloth might not be the right choice, heed this tip from Family Handyman and raid your plastic bag stash. It'll keep your stuff drip-free and won't cost a thing.

familyhandyman.com




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

Monday, January 7, 2019

Home Appliances

How To Score A Deal On Home Appliances







Who doesn't dream of a kitchen full of shiny, new appliances. Raise your hand if you want a new refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, microwave - and, hey, let's throw in a washer and dryer, too - but don't want to pay top dollar for them. The expense is definitely a bummer when it comes to buying new, but you don't have to go broke to get what you want. Use a few tips and tricks to get a great deal.
Buy at the right time
You can't go a week without seeing some kind of sale on appliances at one of the big box stores. But if you haven't been researching for a while, you might not know when a deal is really a deal. Turns out, there are certain times of the year when you can get a better value on appliances.
"When it comes to landing bargains on major appliances, timing is everything. And the best time to buy home appliances is when stores need you more than you need a new home appliance," said Houselogic. "September, October, and January when manufacturers roll out new home appliance models, and retailers are eager to move last year's inventory. (Refrigerators are the exception. New models come out in the spring.)"
Also note these times: The last days of the month, "when stores are desperate to meet quotas and are more likely to dicker over prices; and certain holidays, like "Labor Day, Memorial Day, President's Day, Black Thursday (Friday, Saturday) - when stores take advantage of your day off and slash prices."

Bosch
Ask about price matching
This is a service provided by many stores, and one that many of use fail to take advantage of. Retailers like Sears, Best Buy, Lowe's and Home Depot will match the price for similar items - embrace the challenging of matching up identical product numbers. If it's off by one number or letter, it's a no-go. Even better is Home Depot offering 10 percent off competitor prices. "Best Buy also matches online prices with competitors like Amazon," they said.
Check outlet stores
Best Buy and Sears have outlet stores where discounted merchandise is available, and Designer Home Surplus is the official outlet for Elite Appliance, offering appliances at discounted prices. You can get a great deal on a refurbished or open-box item at these stores. If you're not stuck on something brand-new or that's never been used or even looked at, this might be a great option for you.
Scratch and Dent
The idea of a "scratch and dent" product may sound rather unattractive, but it's actually a great way to get a brand-new appliance that might have a little blemish at a big savings. Google the term and see what comes up in your local market. We did and found Oliver Dyers Appliance, which has a "14,000 square foot scratch and dent warehouse packed full of savings," including "FIVE TRUCKLOADS of near-perfect stainless steel French-door refrigerators with savings of 50% or more," and a dare: "We'll give you an extra $100 off if you can find the imperfection!"
Many of these items have a small scratch or dent in a place you can't even see - like on the side, which won't show once the appliance is installed.
Shop Pre-Owned
Who says your appliances have to be new? You'd be surprised how many ideal items are out there being rehomed by people who just renovated their kitchen and got rid of a perfectly good refrigerator or bought a new home and gutted everything even though it was all brand new because they hadn't picked it out themselves. Their loss is your gain.
The obvious place to start these days is Craigslist. "Craigslist is one of the best sources for finding local private sellers who are looking to quickly offload equipment they no longer need," said Remodelista. "DIY remodelers Ada Egloff and Rick Banister bought their Viking range from a Craigslist seller near them for $500."
Ebay is another good option; be sure to search locally since you probably don't want to pay to have a front-loading washer shipped across the country from a private seller. Have you joined Nextdoor yet? You might be surprised what your neighbors are getting rid of, and because you're buying within your local community, there's an added sense of security.
There are a number of great spots for pre-owned luxury appliances, but they tend to be tied to local markets (Green Demolitions in New Jersey, Earthwise Architectural Salvage in Seattle). Check in your local area.
Some appliance repair shops may also have inventory to sell. North Dallas Appliance Repair buys and sells "a good selection of gently used refrigerators, washers, dryers, and cooking products" and specifies that they only deal with appliances in excellent condition - we don't buy junk."

Pinterest
Consider what you really need
It's easy to walk into the appliance section of Best Buy and be seduced by the $4,000 French door refrigerator-freezer with the mood lighting and the ability to make - not just water - but sparkling water(!) from the door. But, let's be serious. Do you really need all that?
In our household, no one but the dogs ever drank from the water in the door—because, apparently, they don't think it "tastes funny." So, when it was time for a new refrigerator, we saved several hundreds of dollars by going without the in-door water and ice. Problem solved, money saved.


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 TIMNES / WRITTEN BY JAYMI NACIRI