Paint Colors

Paint Colors 

that Help You Sell Your House 

Paint your house. Almost every homeowner hears that piece of advice when they’re preparing to sell. After all, adding a fresh coat of paint is a fast — and inexpensive — way to spruce up a home for prospective buyers. 

But before you buy gallons of paint at the hardware store, it’s important to choose your colors wisely. According to a Zillow study, certain colors can help you sell your home — and for a bigger price tag — while others could leave you seeing red. 

How can painting help you sell your house?

When done effectively, a well-staged — and painted — home invites prospective buyers to imagine themselves living there. A fresh coat of paint covers the scrapes and marks that inevitably come from daily use, making a home appear fresh and new. Paint can also create a more open and inviting home. Using the same paint color in adjoining rooms gives the illusion of space. Likewise, darker colors can close off rooms, making them appear smaller. 

Neutral colors offer buyers a blank canvas — a place where they can move in and make themselves at home with their own furniture and style. Neutral doesn’t necessarily mean white. It ranges in hue from light to medium and warm to a cool tone. In Zillow’s analysis of more than 135,000 photos from residential listings sold between January 2010 and May 2018, they found specific colors associated with homes that sold for more or less than their Zestimate as compared to similar homes painted white.

Here’s a breakdown of what colors could put more money in your pocket when you list your home.

Paint Colors that Scientifically Sell for More

The color potential begins before a buyer ever steps inside a home. “Greige” exteriors — a mixture of gray and beige — sold for $1,526 more than homes painted white. At the same time, houses with a charcoal or black front door sold for $6,271 more.

While it may be tempting to bulk buy paint for your home’s interior, the Zillow study found that buyers may prefer variety from room to room. 

Kitchen

While the on-trend kitchen wall color varies from year to year — with pale yellows selling best in 2017 and light blues in 2018 — one constant has been in cabinet colors. Tuxedo cabinets gave sellers the most bang for their buck. By pairing light upper cabinets with dark lower cabinets and kitchen islands, homeowners saw an average of $1,547 more in their home sale. Try painting the top tier of cabinets white with a dark navy or black paint below the counter. Put a light color on your wall for more contrast and to give your room a welcome pop of color.

Bathroom

Buyers are looking for a relaxing oasis in their bathrooms. On average, Zillow found that homes with a gray-blue tint, frequently called periwinkle blue, sold for an average of $2,786 more than a white bathroom. Think of an early morning ocean view at a luxurious day spa for your bathroom walls.

Bedroom

When it comes to setting a tone for bedrooms, prospective buyers are looking for peace and serenity. Blue is a calming color, and homes with blue-tinted bedrooms sold for $1,856 more on average. Look for a matte soft cerulean blue accented by white baseboards or light natural wood to create the ultimate Zen setting that will send the homeowners off to a restful dreamworld.

Dining Room

We aren’t done with blues just yet. Zillow’s study found that blue dining rooms earned an average of more than $1,926 during a sale. This time, go for a more gray- or slate-blue color to make a clean and formal room for hosting dinner parties. A word of caution. If a blue dining room isn’t your style, avoid substituting a color with brown in it. Dining rooms with brown tints sold for $1,684 less than white rooms.

Living Room

Branch out in your living room with a light taupe color on your walls. Taupe living rooms netted an average of $2,793 more than white walls. Go for a warm tan with pink or peach undertones. If you want an accent, pick a darker, complementary shade.

How to Choose the Best Paint Colors for Your Home

Ultimately, when it comes to painting your home to sell, it’s best to leave personal preferences aside. While you may love your barn red kitchen, leaving it that color could cost you. Zillow found that red kitchens sold for $2,310 less than white kitchens on average. Likewise, yellow exteriors went for $3,408 less.

You should also avoid picking colors because they are this year’s hottest tone. While avocado might have been the height of sophistication in the 1950s and 1960s, by the 1980s, everything was mauve and teal. Going with a more neutral color palette will speak to more buyers and give your home a timeless, classic appeal. 

To choose the best neutral color to help your home sell, draw inspiration from your surroundings. If you live in the Southwest, sandy neutrals will pair well with your surroundings both on the interior and exterior walls. You might also consider checking other listings in your area. If you see homes with certain wall colors selling faster than others, you’ll have a good idea. To save yourself the research, you can also seek out the advice of an experienced agent who will tell you more about expectations in your local market.

It’s also important to remember that some Homeowners Associations have strict rules about color, particularly with exteriors. In some cases, you could be fined for painting outside of their requirements, which will also affect the bottom line. If you belong to an HOA, find out if they have suggestions on paint color.

Whatever you decide for paint color, know it can pay to do your research before you invest the time and elbow grease into your home.

 

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! 

SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY BEN MIZES, CLEVER CEO

October Maintenance Tips

October Maintenance Tips for 

Keeping Your Home Safe

Hello, October! Hello, falling leaves and cooler weather and pumpkin spice everything. We’re soooooo ready for you. And, just to prove it, we’re focusing on some home maintenance issues to keep your home looking and working great, but also to help keep your family safe.

Examine your outdoor lights 

Turn them all on and walk around the perimeter of the house. Replace any burned-out bulbs and make sure you don't have any broken lights. It might also be a good time to invest in some upgrades. Motion-sensor lights in the front and back of your home can help keep it safe from burglars, as can uplights in the yard. 

Attend to your dryer vent

When is the last time you had your dryer vent cleaned out? Never? Oh boy. You’re way overdue. If you think cleaning out the lint trap every time you do a load is enough, this may be sobering: “Every year, firefighters across the country respond to around 14,630 home fires caused by clothes dryers, according to the National Fire Protection Association,” said Consumer Reports. “One-third of these fires is caused by an accumulation of lint.”

Seal your outdoor surfaces

“Cold temperatures and snow can cause your paint to peel, leading to moisture intrusion and wood rot, Brian Osterried, a product manager at paint company PPG, said on Realtor.com. “Protect your exterior surfaces by applying a stain and sealant.” Taking this step can not only extend the life of your home but also help keep dangerous mold away.

Protect your outdoor furniture

Storing or covering your patio furniture will help extend its life. Protecting the finish could also help to keep your family safe. Metal finishes exposed to the elements could get rusty and cause injury. 

Check out your gutters and downspouts

Leaves and debris can collect here, creating a hazard. If water can’t drain properly, it could cause damage to the home. Be careful when you go to take a look, however. It would be slightly counterintuitive to injure yourself by falling off a ladder while you’re trying to take protective measures with your house. 

Safely store your lawnmower

After your last mow of the year, it’s time to put away the mower and edger. Before you do, however, make sure to take the proper safety precautions. “Unused gas left in a mower over the winter can get stale, gumming up the carburetor and inviting rust,” said This Old House. “First, add fuel stabilizer to the tank, then run the mower to distribute it through the system. Turn the mower off and allow the engine to cool, then siphon excess gas into a clean can. (You can put this gas in your car, provided it hasn't been mixed with oil.) Restart the mower and run it until it stops; repeat until the engine no longer starts and the fuel lines are empty.”

Test for Fire Safety

“Did you know that National Fire Prevention Week is in October? According to the National Fire Prevention Association, firefighters respond to an average of one house fire every 86 seconds, said improvenet. “It’s for this reason that National Fire Prevention Week serves as a good reminder to test your home fire prevention system. Check your smoke detector battery and test your fire extinguishers. Review your fire escape plan with your family. You might even consider adding a sprinkler system to your home. You can’t ever be too prepared!”

Safewise reminds us that an escape plan should include an exit strategy from the upper floors. “It’s important that everyone in your home has an additional exit in case of a fire, so install ladders for any second-story rooms,” they said.

Clean out the fireplace. 

A buildup of creosote in your fireplace can be dangerous, causing everything from breathing issues to disorientation or dizziness, to damage to vital organs in some cases. “If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you should have a professional chimney sweep annually inspect and remove creosote inside the chimney,” said Porch. “A professional can also inspect the outside of the chimney to make sure everything is in good working order.”

 

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! 

SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY JAYMI NACIRI

Safer at Home

 Want to Feel Safer at Home? 

 Follow These Tips

  We all love that taste of independence when we have the keys to our apartment. Having no one bossing you around or dealing with an annoying roommate can be quite exhilarating for many people. However, living alone isn’t always that grand- especially when it comes to your safety. 

If you aren’t feeling safe on the premises of your home, your fun experience can quickly turn into a nightmare. That is why you should never compromise on the safety precautions of your house, whenever you are deciding to live alone.

Make sure to look into the following tips to help you manage the security of your home and keep yourself safe from any future threats.

Increase the Brightness

Brightening up your home makes people feel safer and prevents burglars from intruding into your house.

It is mostly under cover of darkness that thieves prefer to rob a place-so the shade itself is what we should be careful about during the night. You can connect motion detectors with lights that are pretty inexpensive and work like a gem to spot out any incoming intruders. You can install these lights around your house, especially in the dark corners, so that you have an advantage of the extra layer of defense. 

You can also try out some apps or devices that put a timer on your home lights. You can have them on a timer, so it looks like you are always at home even when you aren’t or if you are feeling unsafe at your residence at night. 

Increase Home Security 

It is vital to install the best home security system in your house so that it can permanently take care of any lurking burglars and ease your anxiety at the same time. 

Check out the existing security system of your house, and if you still don’t feel safe with it, then you can add a new layer of protection with combined security systems to boost your safety precautions. Previously, security systems were expensive and difficult to use. But now they have become much more affordable and user-friendly. These security systems can monitor your house, detect any suspicious activity, and alert both you and the authorities as soon as possible. 

Devices such as doorbell cameras and motion detectors can be super helpful as well. They are some of the best accessories that can detect any activities of the criminal from the start. Plus, burglars usually tend to avoid approaching homes layered with these kinds of security systems. 

Get to Know Your Neighbors 

When you don’t know anyone in your surroundings, it is sure to put you on edge every time you are home alone. 

You can start by being friends with your neighbors. This way, you can evaluate the type of people they are and eliminate any fear you feel from their side. And that’s not all. You can also count on these people to offer some security for your home whether you are away or inside the house. 

Nosy neighbors can be your best extra layer of defense. If they know when you are at work and when you aren’t, they will have the right to interrogate anyone suspicious roaming around your house when you aren’t around.    

Check the Safety in Your House 

Evaluating the security of your home helps to eliminate any threats that endanger the safety of your home and yourself included.

You should do a thorough check of the safety of your home, preferably before you move into your new home. Since every house has its quirks, it can be helpful if you familiarize yourself with them. 

Check out to see if whether there are deadbolts added to every entrance. Investigate entry points such as your windows and look into how secure they are.  Assess the condition of your house and let your landlord know about any creaking doors or any continuous suspicious sounds so that they may look into it and fix the problem.

Be Smart with Your Keys 

One of the things that many home dwellers forget is that they aren’t the only ones that have the key to your house. People such as landlords or previous owners might also have the key, and that puts your safety and the security of your home at risk. 

Make sure that you change the locks of your house and that you are the only one with the key to your home. If you wish to make a spare key, don’t hide them under the rug or a pot plant. Give them to a close friend or a relative instead. 

There is also another factor most people don’t realize when they are standing outside their doorway. If you fumble with your house keys before entering your home, it can be seriously dangerous for you especially if you come home after work at night or live in a quiet town.

Criminals can take advantage of the darkness and rob you while you are searching which key you use to enter your home. Make sure that the house key is separated from others so that you can swiftly enter and lock your doors within a matter of seconds. 

Be Careful Online 

We know that you can’t help but keep posting stuff like anyone else- but you need to be careful about the things you put up online that can threaten your security. 

Posting your current location can be the biggest giveaway you can provide to potential criminals. They know when you aren’t at home, and that helps them to pick out the time when they can invade your home. 

Make sure that you don’t hint out to others online when you are going out, if you are living alone or when you plan to come back home etc. The more privacy you control, the safer you will be from any criminals approaching you.

Emergency Exit Strategy 

Despite having a proper security system, there are still times when you feel uncertain about your safety. And whatever you do or act in the face of danger can determine your future safety, so having a backup plan is an essential part of your protection. 

For worst-case scenarios, you must create an emergency exit response strategy. Practice your fire escape strategies, the know-how to inform authorities and who to connect with in case of any emergencies.

When you have a backup plan set up in the back of your head, it can help you respond better to emergencies. Your anxiety will be kept at bay once you have a clear idea of what you can do to keep yourself safe against the odds. 

 

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! 

   SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY BARBARA RAYNOTT

Make Your House Worth Even More

Home Upgrades That Will 

Make Your House Worth Even 

More Moolah!

While some home upgrades are purely personal, like adding a wine cellar or a Christmas package wrapping room, others will actually help increase the value of your home. The right home upgrade can make all the difference in how much your home is worth. Check out below for some great ideas.

Replace the Windows

Poorly insulated, drafty, or cheap windows can bring down the value of a home like nothing else. Today's discerning homebuyers expect double or triple pane windows with elements like Argon gas, Low-E coatings, and all the other elements that make good-quality windows look good and function well. According to money.com, homeowners who replace the windows in their homes get a 73% return on investment when they end up selling their homes.

Replace the Roof

A damaged or faulty roof is one of the biggest reasons that homeowners have to hand over money to buyers during the buying process. Inspections frequently turn up issues with cracked shingles, holes, old tiles and all the other roof damage that can put your house at risk. A faulty roof not only makes the outside of the house look bad, but it also raises the risk for damage inside your house.

Do a Minor Bathroom Renovation

Bathroom renos can often take quite a bit of money. If you don't have a lot of money, you can still do a renovation that not only looks good but offers a great return on your investment. Doing something like replacing old, dingy tile or adding a new bathtub can completely change how the bathroom looks. If your tile floor has seen better days, consider replacing it with high-end vinyl flooring or adding a heating element. With small changes like these, you could see as much as a 100% return on your investment when you sell, making these moves a good choice.

Do a Little Kitchen Reno as Well

The same way that a small bathroom renovation can make a huge difference is the same way that a small kitchen renovation can make a huge difference. Like a bathroom, a full kitchen reno can cost well over $100,000, something that you may or may not have. If you have it, go for it. If you don't have it, you can still make small changes that will make a huge difference and how your kitchen is perceived by buyers. When we say "small kitchen renovation", we're talking about things like replacing the cabinet doors, replacing the apron on a farmhouse sink or redoing your countertops. One of the easiest things that you can do that will make it look like you have a brand new kitchen is to replace your sink and faucet. Simply upgrading those two elements can create a visual transformation that is a sight to behold. Small changes like these can result in a more than 80% return on investment, according to Nerdwallet.

Replace Your Front Door

There's nothing like a shabby, broken-down front door to negatively influence a potential buyer's opinion of your home. No matter how good the inside of your house looks, that shabby front door will always be the first impression. The buyer may even go so far as to assume that because the front door is shabby, the rest of the home is secretly shabby, even if it looks good! It's in your best interest to replace that front door as soon as you can. Buying a good front door will not only make your home look good, but it will give you as much as an 85% return on investment, according to Consumer Affairs.

By following the above home reno tips, you'll not only be enjoying the way your home looks. You'll also feel confident that you've increased the value of your home as well.

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! 

SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY VINCENT STOKES

Outdoor Kitchen

Selling Your Home Soon? 

Get That Outdoor Kitchen in Order!

Getting ready to list your home and looking for some a smart update to make before it hits the MLS? If your indoor kitchen is already nicely updated and shows well, an outdoor kitchen might be the answer. 

According to REALTOR magazine, outdoor kitchens continue to be a “major draw. The appeal of outdoor living continues to be important to homeowners, and the outdoor kitchen is at the center of that,” they said. “The latest American Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey shows that outdoor kitchens are among the most wanted kitchen features in new architectural projects.”

In fact, almost 50% of the architects who responded to the survey “reported the popularity of outdoor kitchens is still growing,” and not just in “warmer climates like Florida, Texas, and California—outdoor kitchens are also taking hold in colder areas like the Northeast.”

The problem with outdoor kitchens is they can get pricey. “Outdoor kitchens are known for being expensive,” said HGTV. “Factor in durable, weather-resistant materials, quality appliances and electrical and plumbing installation, and you may feel like you're tackling a full kitchen renovation.”

There are ways to keep costs down, though. Figuring out the secret sauce so you spend just the right amount to attract interest and get good return on your investment instead of overspending is key. 

Watch for sales

You may think it’s a poor time to add an outdoor kitchen because we’re heading toward the end of the summer, but it’s actually a great time to buy a grill. “To get a deep discount on a gas grill or charcoal grill, the best time to buy is in September and the Fall,” said The Spruce Eats. “You have to wait until the summer grilling season is truly over and stores are eager to get all remaining grills out the door.”

While you’re at it, look for deals on patio furniture and things like fire pits, too. Staging your outdoor area is a good way to help buyers picture themselves living there, and the bonus is you get to take your new stuff with you!

Stay away from custom

Custom built-ins can make your costs skyrocket. “First, consider purchasing a pre-made outdoor grill island or bar-style structure,” said HGTV. “This can help to eliminate what can be costly custom improvements like concrete countertops and stone bases. It's also a great solution for homeowners who would like to take the grilling station with them for a future home.”

Search, search, search

Don’t limit yourself to big box stores when looking for materials. “Look to reuse-it centers and salvage yards for inexpensive outdoor kitchen cabinets, countertops, building supplies, apartment-size appliances, and other materials you can upcycle to flush out your budget-friendly outdoor kitchen,” said Better Homes and Gardens. 

DIY that sucker

If you’re a little bit handy, or just good at following directions, you can create an amazing grill island that looks like a custom job. “If you have a space for it, this DIY grill island is the perfect outdoor kitchen,” said DIY & Crafts. “You can have this one built in a weekend, if you have a few friends that will help with the heavy work. It can be covered in stone when it’s finished, which gives it a wonderful appearance or you could cover it in brick or another material. This is a pretty simple one to build and is sure to save you a bundle over having one professionally built.”

Be smart about adding water and power to your island

"Running gas lines, electricity and water to an outdoor island is fairly expensive," said DIY Network. “If you're on a tight budget, you might want to consider using propane bottles to fuel your grill."

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! 

SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY JAYMI NACIRI

What’s More Important: A Large 

Floor Plan or the Right Layout?

More. More. More. That’s what we want in life, and certainly in a home. Right? We’re conditioned to reach for the stars, and, in the real estate world, that means going for the biggest home you can. But is bigger always better?

Yes, Price-per-square-foot is an important factor in determining the value of a home. But it’s not the only one. 

“The reason why the price per square foot method is a poor method to determine market value is because every home is different,” said Coldwell Banker-Seaside Realty. “While homes are similar in terms of square footage, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, and location, there are so many factors that aren’t taken into consideration when using the price per square foot valuation method. Condition, upgrades, is there a garage, screen porch, elevator, etc.”

These tips will help you see past the square footage to find the home that works best for your needs and your budget.

Don’t get hung up on a number

Unless your real estate agent has been specific about a certain size home—perhaps homes under 2,500 square feet take three times longer to sell than larger homes in your market, for instance—getting a number stuck in your head may not make sense. An 1,800-square-foot new construction home may feel larger than a 2,300-square-foot home that was built 50 years ago because the floor plan is open and airy, and it might end up being the better buy. 

But make sure there’s room to grow

You do want to look carefully at the space the home offers, however. It’s easy to get seduced by a well-staged home, and, especially by a model that’s been all decked out. If you have young kids or are growing your family, you’ll want to make sure you’re not already maxing out the space. 

It’s also important, especially in model homes, to take a good look at the furniture they have used. It may seem like living spaces or bedrooms are larger than they actually are because the furniture is sparse or undersized. Don’t be afraid to get out that measuring tape.

Does the floor plan work for your lifestyle?

There may be lots of space to work with, but is it usable? A formal living room and dining room can add significant square footage, but if your family is more likely to gather around the kitchen island or breakfast nook for meals, and in the family room to watch movies, these spaces may just be wasted. A smaller floor plan that is more open may end up working better for you. 

Pay close attention, also, to things like master bedroom retreats. Spaces like these do add square footage, obviously. And, they can also appeal to that part of you that dreams of relaxing at the end of the day with a book and a glass of wine. But, in reality, it will probably end up being a big, expensive place to pile up clean laundry. 

Carefully examine floor plan configurations when looking at new construction; Some builder options are better than others. One particular floor plan in a new community in Texas has had people talking. The builder of the 2,250-square-foot model offered a split garage, with two garage bays on one side and a one-car garage on the other. Buyers could then option the one-car garage as a bonus space. 

Most of the buyers of this particular model chose the bonus space. However, because of the configuration of the home, this space can only be accessed through the master and master bathroom. It might work as a nursery, but when the child is older, it’s not all that convenient to have their bedroom in a location that can only be reached if you walk through the master and the master bath. Some owners have turned the space into a home office space or a retreat, and many have, again, a big, expensive space to fold their laundry. 

Most important: Despite the fact that the homes with the bonus space have more square footage, sales prices have been comparable to the same model that has the third garage bay. In this case, having a three-car garage is often preferable to a weird bonus space with limited usage.

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! 

SOURCE: REALTY TIMES / WRITTEN BY JAYMI NACIRI

Floor Plan

Tips on Designing 

Your Own Floor Plan

Building a new home can become a great source of stress if you haven't done thorough planning. In addition to choosing finishes, you will need to determine the best layout for you and your family. It's also important to consider any custom electronic options you want. Finally, your security is key.

Keep Things Easy

While simple living is all the rage, you may not be interested in minimalist design. However, it is important for busy adults to design their homes in a way that keeps things easy.

Do you enjoy outdoor activities such as working on your own lawn or in your own garden? Make sure the entrance you'll use the most after these activities is easy to access and that you have a place to dump your muddy shoes. If you have or are planning to have young children, make sure that the first stop in from the garage or the bus has a durable floor that's easy to clean.

Focus on Flow

As soon as you step into your very own home, you'll likely start shedding things. It may be a briefcase or work boots. You'll also want to de-stress as you move into your home.

Design choices may include an easy-to-access closet with cubbies and chargers for electronics. If you're planning a custom home sound or lighting system, create a spot for those controllers.

For those who like to entertain, it's critical to have plenty of kitchen space for people to gather. An open floor plan is a wonderful way to invite guests into the heart of your home. Plan for an island or a peninsula if you'd like your guests to gather in this crucial workspace.

A Word on Security

Security cameras aren't just for your front door anymore. If you're away from home for long periods of time, or will have children home alone before you get home from work, the ability to check in on your kids and make sure the interior of your home is secure and safe is crucial. Plans for these tools will need to be made before the walls go up.

Natural Light for a Healthy Brain

The placement of windows and skylights can go a long way to making your home both happy and healthy. Natural light is critical to good brain health and quality sleep.

If nearby houses are closer than you would like, consider putting in frosted or textured windows to allow for natural light without the view. Also, skylights that allow venting are a great way to bring in both sunshine and fresh air.

Not a morning person? Plan your sleeping space away from the rising sun, or avoid a lot of east facing windows. You can enjoy plenty of light with south-facing windows and still sleep in!

Build In Some Decadence

Everyone needs a little pampering. As with keeping things easy, it's different for every one of us. If you need surround sound in the laundry room, plan this while the walls are open. For those who've always wanted a giant tub, now is the time to treat yourself.

Let this spill into your yard. If your spouse loves to grill, consider building a deck with plenty of space and wiring for a smoker or pellet grill. Few of us can get every luxury we've ever wanted in our homes, but with proper planning you can get at least one feature you've always wanted.

Home design is a lot of fun but also puts a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of the buyer. Work with a designer or architect that is willing to put in the time discussing the things you need and the items you really want.

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! 

SOURCE: REALTY TIMES /  WRITTEN BY CAROL EVENSON