Saturday, May 23, 2020

Memorial Day Amidst COVID19

Memorial Day may be a bit different this year as COVID19 has hampered our ability for large gatherings in parks, our lakes, and with families/friends.  Although it is a strange year, we can still honor our Military is the following ways:

American Flag

Our flag has taken on many changes since 1976.  But all in all, it still represented the American Dream of freedom for all.  The thirteen stripes represent the thirteen British Colonies that declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain and became the first states in the U.S. 

The 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states of the United States of America.

Without that military personnel that has fought for our freedom and proudly gave their lives for us, we could not be as bonded as a nation under God, with liberty, and justice for all.

Fly our flag proudly for our vet's!!  

Visit Cemetary/Memorials Virtually

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.  Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials.  People place flags, flowers, potted plants to honor their loved ones.  Many Veterans Clubs place individual flags on graves of the vet's.  

Each national cemetery will still conduct a wreath-laying ceremony along with a moment of silence and the playing of Taps, which will be live-streamed on the National Cemetery Administration's Facebook page.

Camp/BBQ/Vacation

Memorial Day is the official start of the summer season.  This year may have changed many families' plans for travel or vacation during the pandemic, but the spirit of summer is still alive and well in America.  People are getting so creative during this COVID19 virus.  In Loveland, CO there is a gathering (in your car of course) with 5 comedians on 11th Street downtown.  Families are going to the Drive-In Movie.  Cocktail hour on Zoom with friends.  Even churches are having virtual events. 

Whatever it takes to have a sense of community. We will prevail and our veterans have much to do with our pride in America  

Thank you veterans and their families for allowing us the privilege of being the Greatest Country in the World.  

Monday, May 18, 2020

Patio Homes - Are They For You

If you are among the 73,000 Baby Boomers, you may be considering downsizing your home or moving closer to your children.  One of the home options you have is a Patio Home.  


What Is A Patio Home

The definition of a patio home can vary greatly, but generally, a patio home is a smaller, single-family home with a small yard and lot.  (oh dear that could be most new construction nowadays).  It's a "cluster" of homes in a community. with the same architecture/style.  Some have a clubhouse, gym, walking paths, social events, but not all.

Loveland Patio Communities

Today Loveland CO has 11 patio homes for sale ranging from $307k - $556k.  Most of them have a Home Owners Association that takes care of lawn maintenance, snow removal, common areas such as parks, trees, and beautification of those areas.  Some cover exterior maintenance. 

Why Would I Want To Buy A Patio Home

  • You don't enjoy yard work
  • You don't want to shovel snow in the winter
  • You want to travel - usually, the neighbors watch out for one another
  • Easy to clean because they are smaller in size
  • Since you are so close to the neighbors, generally you get to know them
  • Most aren't high-end homes so they are cost-effective
  • Some take care of exterior maintenance of the home
  • Some are age restrictive 

Why Would You Avoid a Patio Home

  • You prefer to have a little space from your neighbors
  • You don't like the way the exterior yards are maintained
  • You don't like the rules of the HOA
  • You would rather hire someone to take care of a problem right away instead of wait for the HOA to approve cutting down a tree for instance.  
  • You might not care for the restrictions ie exterior paint restriction, landscape restrictions, remodel restrictions
  • If you are not a conforming person, this might not be a suitable fit

Generally, patio homes are a great way to downsize. 


Monday, May 4, 2020

Certified Residential Specialist - Why Not Use The Best

A Certified Residential Specialist® (CRS) is a REALTOR® who has earned certification from the Residential Real Estate Council by completing advanced training and by meeting significant experience requirements. Working with a CRS will make a real difference in the purchase or sale of your home since they have been trained to help save you time and money.

CRSs have professional experience and advanced training to ensure successful, worry-free real estate transactions.



Experience

Certified Residential Specialists® are REALTORS® that have completed a significant number of real estate transactions and have met requirements for advanced training and education. That means that CRSs are experienced professionals who have a proven track record of successful sales and transactions.

Ethics

As REALTORS®, CRSs abide by a strict Code of Ethics and maintain membership within the National Association of REALTORS®. Negotiation Skills As a home buyer or a seller, you face many risks along the way— financial risks, legal risks, even the risk that a home purchase will fall through. A CRS is trained to minimize those risks and negotiate on your behalf to give you peace of mind throughout your transaction.

Negotiation Skills

As a home buyer or a seller, you face many risks along the way— financial risks, legal risks, even the risk that a home purchase will fall through. A CRS is trained to minimize those risks and negotiate on your behalf to give you peace of mind throughout your transaction.

Contact a CRS Today!

Discover how working with me, a Certified Residential Specialist®, can help make your home buying or selling experience a success.


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