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.

Moving Out Of The Area? Realtors are Great Resources

Real estate agents are a great resource if you planning on buying a home or selling a home. But, did you know that when you move out of the area, they also can be a valuable resource?    I, like other agents, are continually seeking continuing education.  During conferences, webinars, virtual learning events, I am networking with other agents around the world.

Why Is This Important To You

As a Certified Residential Specialist, Buffini and Company agent, an Independent Broker Group agent, and many other certifications and groups that I belong to, I have access to the best of the best agents.  These agents come from all walks of life and locations.

It is important to me, and to you, to refer you to an agent I know is ethical, is the right fit for you, and who is knowledgeable about the area that you are moving to.

Why Not Just Call Anyone

When you decide to move, you will have a lot of other things to think about.  Moving companies, schools, new jobs, what location should I buy-in, where can I stay temporarily, etc.  Why leave it to chance.  The most important decision you make is for your family.  The agents I recommend for you can be a great wealth of information such as Dr's, Vet, church, good places to eat or places to explore.  You could get an agent who is new to the business.  Everyone needs to start somewhere but when you are moving to a location you are not familiar with, I'm not sure this is a good choice.

I am not just real estate agents but a good resource and wealth of knowledge about the market.

When To DIY and When To Get Help

Homeowners can see expenses add up quickly. From home improvement projects to ticky-tack repairs, people are looking to avoid additional costs for their home. But what projects make sense to take care of on your own, and which ones need professional assistance? Here are some examples that will help guide your plans and know which projects to DIY and when to get help!

DIY Projects 

Clogged pipes

You can often fix these with plungers or commercial drain cleaning products.

Broken toilet handle

If your toilet doesn’t flush, remove the tank lid and see if the chain is detached from the lever.

HVAC maintenance

You can easily change your system’s filter yourself. 

Blown fuse

Simply throwing the switch in your circuit breaker could get your power back on.

New light switches

It’s fairly easy to replace a switch. Just make sure you turn off the circuit breaker before touching any electrical outlet. home improvement 101 When to DIY and when to hire help Trained Professional Required

Trained Professional Required

Major electrical work

Anything involving wiring can be extremely dangerous and should be left to a licensed electrician. ÄExtensive plumbing replacement— Replacing any fixtures can cause extensive flooding if not done properly.

VAC installation

Since these are some of the more expensive pieces of equipment in your home, don’t try installing units yourself, as it may void the warranty.

Remodeling Projects

Don't start knocking down or building new walls without discussing the idea with a maintenance or remodeling professional.

Do it yourself or Hire a Professional?  You have to make that call depending on your confidence.  I have many resources if you are in need of a plumber, electrician, or remodel contractor.  Feel free to reach out to me for a professional.  Or a move-in ready homes or new construction homes.  Please reach out to me for any help.  970-672-6069  Margaret Herdt at Turn Key Realtyhttps://www.turnkeyrealtyco.com/.

Homeownership! shelter, stability, wealth, and pride

Homeownership is not just a roof over your head! It represents shelter, stability, wealth, and pride! For decades, homeownership has been an important part of the American Dream!  It is the biggest investment you will make in your life.  But, it's also the most rewarding and exciting.

Times are uncertain right now but statistically, there are reasons you are better off as a homeowner vs a renter.  

Non-Financial Benefits

1. Educational Achievement: Homeownership has a positive impact on academic achievement, including reading and math performance in children 3-12 years old.
2. Civic Participation: “Owning a home means owning a part of the neighborhood.” Homeowners have a stronger connection to their neighborhood and are more committed to volunteer.
3. Health Benefits: Adjusting for a range of demographic, socioeconomic and housing-related characteristics, homeowners have a substantial health advantage over renters.
4. Public Assistance: The reports show 47% of homeowners use their home equity credit lines to help pay other debts, diminishing their need for public assistance.
5. Property Maintenance and Improvement: A well-maintained home not only generates benefits through consumption and safety, but a high-quality structure also raises mental health.
6. Pride of Ownership: This place is unique.  It's “yours.” You can customize it according to your likes and personality.

In addition to financial benefits, homeownership also brings significant social benefits. These not only pertain to the family, but extend to the communities, the state, and the country!

Financial Reasons - Buying a home is an investment in your future!

1. Appreciation: On average, home prices are appreciating annually at a rate of 3.6%. This helps to create a safety net.
2. Forced Savings: Your mortgage is like a forced savings plan! With each payment, you are reducing the principal of your loan.
3. Home Equity: Homeownership builds equity every single month. You can later use that equity to start a business, send your children to college, etc.
4. Net Worth: A homeowners’ net worth is 44x greater than renters! This gives you the financial freedom to invest.  
5. Stability: Rent prices are projected to increase by 2.3% in 2020! A fixed mortgage payment allows you to save for future projects and guard against inflation. According to the National Association of Realtors, after 6 years, you will be putting money in your pocket vs renting.  
6. Tax Benefits: The government has created tax benefits to encourage customers to purchase. (Talk to your CPA to see which benefits apply to you).

Statisticians/economists at the National Association of Realtors research these facts daily and have for centuries.  Don't put off having shelter, stability, wealth, and pride of ownership.  You deserve that to yourself.  

Patio Home In Secure Neighborhood

Patio homes in secure neighborhoods are hard to come by in Colorado.  The sought after neighborhood of Four Seasons, in Fort Collins, is the perfect location for you or mom, and this one is for sale!! 

Mature trees adorn the neighborhood making for a warm inviting entrance.  It is a community in a community where your neighbors look out for each other.  Some of the owners have a monthly social gathering and visit often. 

900 Arbor Ave #6, Fort Collins, CO  $388,500

900 Arbor Ave #6, Fort Collins, CO  80526

The home features include:

• main floor master bedroom
• main floor laundry
• a newly remodeled kitchen
• a second bedroom on the main level for guests or an office
• a fully finished basement with recreation room, 3/4 bath, and a third bedroom
• newly poured fenced-in patio for your animals and privacy
• newly poured and driveway with rebar
• roof if 2 years old
• newer stainless steel appliances - even washer/dryer
• exterior paint is 2 years old
• Central air

The living room has vaulted ceilings and a door that leads to the patio.  Warm your bones with the cozy gas fireplace that can heat the room up in a hurry.  

The kitchen is a galley kitchen with enough room for a small table.  You can enjoy the south windows and watch the birds while you have your morning coffee.  The pantry has added pull-outs which make it easier to get to those foods that are in the back.   There is an additional pantry area for larger items such as mixer, paper items, etc.

What better way to spend your day than in this new kitchen.  It has new flooring, sink, faucet, back-splash, counters, lighting, and appliances. 

If you are interested in a showing, please call Margaret at 970-672-6069 - Turn Key Realty
margaret@turnkeyrealtyco.com

https://cutt.ly/Swdswqc

Your Senior Resource

10 Reasons To Move To Loveland CO

I get the same response about every time I'm asked where I'm from.  Loveland, Colorado. "Oh, I'd love to live in Colorado".  So why is there such a draw to this area?  Why should you move to Loveland CO?

1. The Rocky Mountains

With views as beautiful as the Rocky Mountains, who wouldn't want to live here.  Every season is as gorgeous as the last one.  From snow-capped mountains to springtime wildflowers, the Colorado Rockies are a breathtaking sight.  The majestic pink skies and cotton candy clouds are a magnificent image. Amazing as it seems, there is a view for anyone who opens their eyes.

2. The Sweetheart City

Since we are known for Love, why not send your sweetheart a Valentine from our city?  Every February you can have your Valentine sent to the Chamber of Commerce, stamped with the official Valentine stamp for the year, and remailed to your sweetheart.  What better way to share your love than with a special Valentine!

3. Big Thompson River & Area Lakes

The Big Thompson River provides excellent fishing opportunities.  If you are a novice fisherman or a beginner, you can catch trout, walleye, bass, or other fish from this river.  Loveland also is the backdrop for a lot of lakes.  In fact, Lake Loveland, Boyd Lake, and Carter Lake are just a few lakes that have public access.  If fishing isn't your forte, paddleboarding, boating, jet skiing, and swimming are other options.  Carter Lake is also home to sailboating enthusiasts. There are a lot more lakes but many are private lakes.  

4. The Public Arts Program

Loveland, CO has 475 pieces of art in its public arts collection.  The arts collection consists primarily of sculptures; however, the collection also includes murals and other flatwork.  Over 150 pieces of the city's sculptures can be found in Loveland's Benson Sculpture Garden.  This "public treasure" draws tens of thousands of visits each year.

5. Hiking/Biking

Loveland is host to 26 miles of bike and hiking trails.   The Recreation Trail System consists of paved trail nearly encircling Loveland and connecting to other regional trails, including Long View Trail and Colorado Front Range Trail.  Take a ride and enjoy the view!!

6. Microbrews

Loveland on tap consists of various brews from Sours to IPA's to Porters and Stouts.  Strawberry beer, chocolate beer, lemon etc.  Different tastes for different folks with 388 breweries in the state of Colorado and 50 new pending licenses as of January 2019.  Entertainment, greenhouses, warehouses, and eclectic decor enhance the experience of the local brews.   A new delicious brew to try each day of the week.  

Living in Loveland is home to all of the above but it's also home to (7.) wonderful schools, (8.)robust higher education opportunities, (9.)a variety of restaurants, and (10.)community events on a regular basis.  

If you are interested in moving to Loveland or Northern Colorado, contact me, Margaret Herdt, Turn Key Realty for all of your real estate needs.

Basement Remodel - What's Your Return

Basement Conversion to Living Area

I have sellers ask me all the time what they should improve.  Recently, I had a gentleman in Greeley, Colorado ask if he should finish his basement and will it be worth the expense.  According to the National Association of Realtor® Research Department, this is what they found.

Consumers’ Viewpoint After Completing the Project: 

• The top reason for doing the project: to add features/improve livability - 57 percent.
• Second most common reason: moved into the home and want to customize - 16 percent.
• Most important result: better functionality and livability - 52 percent.
• Eighty-one percent said they have a greater desire to be home since completing the project, 65 percent have an increased sense of enjoyment when they are at home, and 77 percent have a major sense of accomplishment when they think of the project.
• Joy Score: 9.5 B

Seven percent of REALTORS® have suggested sellers convert a basement to a living area before attempting to sell, but only two percent said the project most recently helped cinch a deal for them, resulting in a closed sale.

Cost Recovery:

• NARI Remodelers’ cost estimate: $40,000.
• REALTORS®’ estimated cost recovered: $25,000.
• Percent of value recovered from the project: 63 percent.

So, as you can see it is more than likely not going to make the home sell faster but will give more enjoyment to the new buyer.  While you recover some of the costs it's not 100%

If you are interested in remodeling, I have contractors who are capable of finishing a basement.  Call me at 970-672-6069  Margaret Herdt Turn Key Realty 

5 Things You Need To Know To Sell Your Probate Acquired Property!

Selling a Probate Acquired property has many challenges that are different from your normal real estate sale. here are 5 things you need to know to sell a home you have acquired in a probate/estate

1. vacant homes

Homes that are vacant for more than 30 days are not covered by standard homeowner policies.  This is a major issue and one that most Personal Representative or real estate agents are not aware of.  Since most families have 80% of their assets in their home, an uninsured tragedy could be devastating emotionally and financially.  Although a Vacant Home Policy is more expensive than a traditional home policy, isn't it worth it to have the asset covered?  We are able to help you find an insurance agent that can solve this problem with a Vacant House policy – month to month.  

2. CLEAN OUT

Many Heirs and Personal Representatives live out of the area. When there is real estate in the estate, the family usually come and take the family heirlooms but are left with an entire home full of contents that they have no idea what to do with. We call this “Probate Quicksand”.  this is one of the biggest challenges when selling a probate home.  Our clean out crews will dispose of the rest – if that is the families wishes. If necessary we have contractors and handyman services to fix up any needed items, pressure wash and clean the home up in order to get the maximum dollars in the sale. Since we are a Probate Resource we can handle most necessary home challenges. It could take weeks/months to find a responsible crew to do this work.  With an out of town Personal Representative, this could take even longer. Many of the people we help never even leave their home and we never meet them. they can stay home and tend to their family and jobs while we do the work.

3. KEEP PROPERTY MAINTAINED

Now you have two homes or three homes or ???  Homes deteriorate when not occupied, so the sooner you decide what to do with this asset the better.  How will you get the yard work done and keep up with maintenance?  We have people who can assist you in maintaining the home.  We are just a call away.

4. OPTIONS FOR THE SALE

You have three options for selling the property.  A. You can sell to a flipper/wholesaler for 70 cents on the dollar. The advantages to this are they buy it "as is".  We have investors who are interested in these type homes.   B. Place it on the open market for market value.  This is usually done by a licensed realtor.  In our current Colorado market, this process usually takes 30-45 days. If repairs are needed, we have a vast group of individuals who can make these necessary repairs.  We have had over 20 yrs selling real estate assets and can help you with this process. or  C. Sell it yourself.  Typically this takes a lot of time that most Personal Representatives don't have.  D.  What if the remaining spouse needs to be removed from the home to a safer environment.  We have a team of people that we can refer you to for help with this matter too.  

5. OPTIONS FOR THE PROCEEDS

After the sale of the assets, the proceeds need to be divided amongst the heirs.  If there are positive proceeds left then it's time to decide what to do with that money.  Will you invest in an investment property to generate further income?  Will you invest the money in stocks, bonds, etc?  A financial planner might be an option.  We have a list of financial planners we work with that can help with this.  Or, if you plan on buying real estate then we can assist you in what type of property to purchase.  It might be a residential property, commercial entity, luxury home, second home, vacation home, townhome, etc.  We have been involved in all of these type transactions and have been selling real estate for 20 years.  

FREE SERVICE So as you can see we have a lot of people on our team that can help you.  Why go it alone?  With so many options at our fingertips and our service is FREE, why do it yourself. 

CALL US TODAY AND LET’S GET STARTED  OR CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT WE DO

www.turnkeyrealtyco/com/probate       970-672-6069     margaret@turnkeyrealtyco.com

Documents You Should Fill Out Before You Die

Estate planning is the process of establishing a framework to manage your assets upon death, disability or incapacity. It involves creating documents that outline your wishes. While estate planning is not a pleasant task, it is critical that you implement it before you need it.

Here are seven critical documents necessary to cover the aspects of a well-devised estate plan.

1. Last Will & Testament

The fundamental purpose of a will is to outline who will receive your assets upon your death. Another important purpose of a will is to specify guardianship for your minor children. A guardian is one who takes legal responsibility for the care of your minor or incapacitated children after you are gone. It is important to understand that a will does not become effective until the date of death. So it does not provide any benefits during your lifetime. A will can be changed at any time (assuming you are not mentally incapacitated). It can be amended by using a codicil or revoked by writing a new will. A will can also create a trust upon your death. If your estate is large enough you may also need to incorporate federal estate tax planning into your documents.

2. Trust

A trust is a legal instrument that provides ongoing management for your assets. It can be inter vivos (also known as a Living Trust, which exists during your lifetime) or Testamentary (one that is created by your will upon your death). It is a good idea to leave assets in trust if the beneficiaries are minors, incapacitated, or if they are simply not fiscally responsible. The trust document names a trustee who has the responsibility of managing the assets in the trust and determines when and how much of the trust assets to distribute (subject to the terms you have written in the trust). You may want to name a trustee while your child is under a certain age, say 25 or 30. Then, once your child reaches that specific age, they can either act as their own trustee, or the trust can terminate and distribute all of the assets to your child outright.

3. Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney allows you to empower someone else to act on your behalf for legal and financial decisions. It can be a Durable Power of Attorney, which becomes effective immediately, or a Springing Power of Attorney, which becomes effective upon a stipulated event, typically when you are disabled or mentally incompetent. It is critical that you completely trust the person to whom you provide this power, as he or she can legally act on your behalf.

4. Healthcare Power of Attorney

A Healthcare Power of Attorney (also known as a Medical Power of Attorney) gives a trusted individual the authority to make decisions about your medical treatment should you be unable to do so on your own. No financial authority is granted in this document, only medical power. So you could provide one person the Durable Power of Attorney and another person the Healthcare Power of Attorney if you desire.

5. Living Will

While the Healthcare Power of Attorney authorizes another to make medical decisions on your behalf, a Living Will (also known as a Directive to Physicians) sets out your predetermined wishes regarding end-of-life care should you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious. Essentially it takes the decision to withhold life out of the hands of your medical providers and the ones you love so that they are not burdened by it and so that you can be assured your wishes are respected.

6. HIPAA Release

One of the important provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is the obligation that medical records be kept confidential. While this is definitely an important requirement, it can have severe unintended consequences. Without the legal authority to share medical records, your family may not be able to obtain important information regarding your medical condition and treatment if you were to become incapacitated. A HIPAA release allows your medical providers to share and discuss your medical situation with whomever you specify in the document.

7. Letter of Intent

A Letter of Intent is a simple, non-binding personal letter to the ones you love expressing your desires and special requests. It may include information regarding burial or cremation, or a specific bequest of collectibles or personal items. While it does not typically have legal authority, it can help to clear up confusion regarding your personal preferences.

Estate planning can be complex and the laws vary widely by state. This article is general in nature and is not meant to provide legal advice. I recommend that you engage the services of an estate planning attorney to discuss your wishes and prepare the appropriate documents.

Six 5k Walks around Loveland CO This Spring/Summer

There are lots of different walking events in and around Loveland CO this spring and summer. Here are six runs that are coming soon.

If you are a beginning runner, going from zero to 5k, you will need about two months to prepare.  Here are some tips to help you get off the couch and onto the trails.

• Start out by walking/running three times a week
• Alternate between walking and running for about 30 minutes, decreasing the time you walk each week.
• Every week, transition one of your 30-minute run/walks into a three-mile walk, until you're doing three miles three times a week
• Gradually increase the mileage of one-run a week until you are doing five miles once a week.

Here are six 5k runs for you to check out and register for.  What better way to get in shape and contribute to a cause.  

_________________________________________________________________________________

April 20

Loveland Classic

Supports:  Early Childhood Education

Visit website:  Loveland Classic 

_________________________________________________________________________________

May 11

CerusRuk (obstacle + race)

Supports:  Roberta's Legacy - breast cancer 

Visit website: CerusRuk

_________________________________________________________________________________

June 2

Crazy Leggs 10k Run

Supports:  Devils Backbone Run

Visit website:  Crazy Legs Run

_________________________________________________________________________________

June 15

Sierra's Race

Supports:  Meningitis

Visit website:  Sierra's Race

_________________________________________________________________________________

July 4

Loveland Liberty 5k

Supports:  Life for the Innocent

Visit Website:  Loveland Liberty

_________________________________________________________________________________

August 9

Valley 5000

Supports:  House of Neighborly Service

Visit Website:  Valley 5000

_________________________________________________________________________________

Your Real Estate Resource Market Review for March 2019

Northern Colorado Market Report March 2019

As a service to you, I am providing March's real estate market statistics for Northern Colorado. This information has been compiled by IRES which is the multiple listing service (MLS) that serves Northern Colorado, counties Larimer and Weld. As 2019 progresses, I will provide you with monthly updates of these market statistics.

This linked Monthly Market Report will illustrate March's..

• Home Sale Activity
• Average Sold Prices
• Listing Inventory
• Average Days on Market
•  Housing Activity by Price Range

________________________________________________________________________________

Walkable Neighborhoods

Loveland CO Public Transporation route

More American's prefer living in a walkable, mixed use neighborhoods with easy access to amenities according to a Community Preference Study done by the  NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. More than half (56%) of respondents said they preferred living in a walkable neighborhood over one that requires more driving between work, home, and recreation.  When considering a home purchase, 77% of respondents say they would look for locations with abundant sidewalks, while 50% say they would rather see improvements to public transit systems than initiatives to build new roads. 

While space is important to many home buyers, some say theyare willing to sacrifice more square footage if it means less driving. Nearly three out of five home buyers say they would choose a smaller home if it's location promised commute time of less than 20 minutes.

Walking can play a significant role in your health, your quality of life, and your enjoyment of the outdoors in Loveland, Colorado. 

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

Loveland, CO Walking Trails

Colorado is known for it's healthy people.  One of the great benefits we have in Loveland, is all of the walking trails and bike trails.  What better way to improve your health and see the sites of Loveland than by walking.  You can walk by a lake, look at beautiful homes, walk by parks, or enjoy the peace and quite of the foothills. 

Walking Trail Map

Most subdivisions in Loveland have a walking trail nearby or at least within a short drive.  22 miles of trails border the city.  One of my favorite is the trail by Horseshoe Lake and Boyd Lake.  It's so beautiful to look at the lake. You will also meet bikers and others walkers who will greet you with a smile.

There are many other paths around town that are not on this major route. They are smaller and pass through the subdivisions or parks.

Major Walking map of Loveland

Maps are available to pick up at numerous locations around the city, including the Loveland Visitor's Center, Boyd Lake State Park, Chilson Recreation Center, various bicycle shops, or at the Parks & Recreation administrative office (500 E. Third St., Suite 200). 

If you are interested in more information about the different kinds of trails and locations, go to the City of Loveland.

Move To Loveland

It's a great place to live.  Not only is it beautiful, but if you are looking for a healthy place to live or relocate to, reach out to me at 970-672-6069.  Turn Key Realty will help you buy the perfect real estate to stay happy and healthy.