Old Home vs New Construction

Why do some buyers prefer older homes while others prefer new construction?  Here are a list of ideas for determining whether to buy an older homes vs newer homes.

Older Homes

1. Established neighborhood
2. Established landscaping
3. Window treatment is already in place
4. More character
5. The cooling system is usually in place
6. School systems are already ranked
7. You could see settling or cracks due to poor quality construction - time shows the flaws
8. Usually no HOA or metro district is in place - less monthly cost
9. You may run into older wiring or plumbing
10. Maintenance is an ongoing thing from day one.
11. Most homes are unique
12. Lot sizes are usually bigger

Newer Homes

1. You are starting out with everything new
2. While everything is new there may be some additional expenses such as: window coverings, A/C units, landscaping (back or possibly both), fencing
3. More than likely there will be an HOA - added cost monthly and when you go to sell (transfer fees)
4. Everyone is new in the neighborhood so your chances of connecting with the neighbors are better than in an established one.  
5. Everything is to code or should be
6. Everyone in the neighborhood has the 3 - 5 floor plans (cookie cutter development)
7. Schools may not be established yet or ranked
8. Prices are usually lower at the start of the development.  Each construction phase will have an increase in price, so get in early.
9. You may purchase early in the subdivision development but then the builder stops building.  It could be years before the rest is finished
10. You will experience noise and construction mess during the building up of the neighborhood - dust and extra contractor vehicles.

While there is a home for everyone, not everyone's tastes and buying power are the same.  There is a house for everyone.  You just need to determine what you like.  Whether it is a new build or an existing home from 1920, HAVE AN INSPECTION done on the property.  I've seen cracked sewer lines in new construction.  Just because it's new doesn't mean it's better.  

Utilizing a REALTOR®   can help you make the right decision for you.

Your Real Estate Resource

Spend More Time in a Beautiful Kitchen - Kitchen Trends 2019

What better way to spend a snowy day, than in a beautiful kitchen and a home that you own and enjoy.  Oh sure, you can go out to eat and all of that, but when you have an amazing kitchen to cook in and family to share it with, why go out.  

According to Forbes the U.S. falls very close to the middle of the pack at 3 hours 27 minutes per day in the kitchen.  The majority of this work involves cooking and cleaning; overall, an average of 2 hours and 8 minutes per day are spent on meal preparation and clean up.  That doesn't leave us much time to eat and enjoy our food, family and friends.  Maybe you need an update?  Here are a few trends that are new for 2019.

Patterned Flooring

Patterned flooring is becoming a look for 2019.  Whether it is in the kitchen or bath, patterned floors can add so much character to a room.  You can add color, design, and an different feel to a room if your focal point is the flooring.  I would like to spend my time in this kitchen.  How about you? 

Another idea that is changing in the kitchen is:

Retro designs

Colored appliances and the retro look appliances are a hit right now.   Granted they are not like the real "ice boxes" of yesteryear but they have the look. 

Black and Gold 

Black and gold appliances with a matt finish are replacing the white kitchens of the last few years.  Stainless steel is also trending out.  A warmer feel to the kitchen is being designed to add a calmer "mood".

Remodel Costs

If you are thinking your kitchen needs an update then maybe a remodel might be in order. 

The cost to update your kitchen in Northern Colorado can be a little as $6,000 or as much or more than $27,000.  The benefits will out weigh the costs.  Your beautiful kitchen will be more enjoyable to be in and your return on investment can be as much as 80% depending on what you do. 

Your Northern Colorado Real Estate Resource 

TIPS FOR HIDING MESSES WHILE SELLING A HOME

An important part of the home-selling process is showing it to prospective buyers. Unfortunately, that means tidying up even more frequently than you normally would, so buyers can focus on the house’s features rather than your household items. While it may not be possible to keep your home completely mess-free when you have children, below are some tips for keeping the chaos to a minimum:

Under-bed storage

If there’s enough space under their beds, encourage kids to keep their rooms tidy with rolling plastic or rattan storage bins. Then, use an oversized comforter or quilt— or strategically placed blankets—to hide the bins from sight. Built-in storage. It may be impossible to keep things from leaving kids’ rooms and entering the living room. Utilize furniture with built-in storage, such as ottomans, or clear a drawer in the entertainment center specifically to tuck away any roaming toys, games and other items.

Baskets and Trunks

If you don’t have much built-in storage or discreet space to take advantage of, consider buying decorative trunks or baskets with lids that you can place around your home. Suitcases. If you need to store toys in the back of a closet, put them in suitcases that you can easily roll and move rather than bulky plastic bins. Suitcases are also a more discreet storage option than bins when buyers glance inside the closet to gauge how much space is available.

Donations 

While your kids may feel attached to every toy, stuffed animal or plaything they own, it might be time to downsize the collection. Suggest that they start a donation pile, so that their unused items can bring joy to other kids instead.

Margaret Herdt Broker/Owner CRS

970-672-6069

margaret@turnkeyrealtyco.com

Credit:  Certified Residential Specialists (CRS)

Loveland Colorado Is All Above Love

February is the love month and Loveland, CO is all about love. This year there are numerous ways to celebrate in the Sweatheart City of Loveland.

On February 8th and 9th the city will hold it's Sweatheart Festival.  The event will feature:

• Art Shows
• Palace of Sweats
• Beer garden
• Musical performances
• Fire Hoola-Hooper
• And lots of vendors and happenings

More Hearts Added Each Year 

Each year, the Chamber dedicates an average of three to five HeARTs, continuing a program started by the former nonprofit Engaging Loveland as a sculpture project, launched a decade ago on Feb. 16, 2008.  You can view the hearts at local businesses throughout Loveland.  Each is unique and has a different theme.

Valentine Remailing Program

Also the ‘Sweetheart City,’ has been doing the Valentine Re-Mailing Program for 73 years. Each year, the city and its volunteers lovingly hand stamp and re-mail valentines from all 50 states and more than 110 countries. Many of the ‘Sweetheart City’s’ residents are thrilled about the program, so much so that there is a waiting list of volunteers to stamp and re-mail valentines. Loveland’s Re-Mailing Program has grown to be the largest program of its kind.  If you plan on mailing a Valentine from Loveland there is a deadline so visit the website for details.

As you make your way around our city you will find the loving spirit of it's community.  If you want to live in the Sweetheart City please reach out to me.  I would be more than happy to show you around.  

Margaret Herdt, Broker/Owner 

970-672-6069