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.

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 

The Seniors Who Don't Want To Die

I recently went on a road trip with my husband.  It occurred to me, after visiting Mesa Verde National Park, that seniors don't want to die.  There were seniors with their grandchildren, seniors traveling with friends, seniors laughing, and some were traveling with other couples. There were a lot of them at each spot we went to.  They don't want to work themselves to death anymore but enjoy their surroundings with others or partners.  They were friendly, adventurous, and had zest in their step.  They might not be up all night but they were definitely active.

Senior life has it's advantages since everything is not centered around making money and working.  It's a time to strategize what's next.  You worked hard all your life.  Now what? Downsize from your large home?  Get into the best shape of your life? Volunteer? Travel? Relax? Do it all?

https://www.du.edu/specpro/otherprograms/senioraudit/

As more baby boomers retire, the real estate industry, as well as other industries, have been gearing toward this group of people's desire to enjoy life.  There are senior tours, clubs, cruises, card and game groups, volunteering seniors, senior activities, foodies, and those that want to
learn something new, etc.  What a passion this segment of life has for life.  "The seniors that don't want to die".

If you look into the Loveland CO senior housing area, there is 55+ living at Lakeshore at Centerra,

Affinity at Loveland, West Lake Village, Victoria Mannor, and patio homes in and around Loveland like Radiant Dr and in Marianna Butte.  These homes offer a community where you don't take care of maintenance or minimal amounts, activities are offered, social gatherings, gyms, etc.  With this type of housing, seniors are able to leave their homes without worry for an extended time.  Neighbors watch out for each other, the lawn care people mow the law, the watering is on a timer, the kids are gone and you are left to enjoy yourself until YOU decide to go home.  If you want more information on downsizing or patio homes, call me.

It's amazing to me the power this age group has influenced our society every ten years of their life. The baby boomers have changed the way we buy, the way we socialize, the way we eat, the way we spend our days.  And now, they don't want to lay down and die but be active, social, and a major contributor to their families, friends, and communities.

If you need something done - ask a senior.  They have the time and are willing to help.  They don't want to lay around and let life pass them by.

The Time Burden of a Probate Executor

The Executor of an estate has 75% of the work to do in a probate situation.  It's a huge time burden for those individuals who have this responsibility.  In addition to a job and your own family, the first thing an executor/attorney will do is file a petition to probate.  That's the easy part.  Here is a timeline on the process.

Step in Process Duration

Prepare and File Petition Probate	1-2 months
A court hearing on the petition for probate	2-3 months
The following are issued. letter of administration, order for probate, duties, and liabilities, issue bond (if ordered)&** letters testamentary **	2-4 months(if not contested)
Notice to Creditors	2-4 months
Notice to Department of Health Services Inventory & Appraisement	4-8 months
Pay state and Federal Taxes ( if necessary)	6-12 months
Allow or Reject Creditor Claims
Possible Preliminary Distributions
Notice to Department of Health Services (if deceased received medical)
Notice to Franchise Tax Board (if the heir is out of state)
A claim of Exemption (if assets transfer to a minor)	6-15 months
Receive Final Tax Letter from state and Federal (if appropriate)	6-18 months
File Petition for Final Distribution and Accounting	8-16 months
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution and Accounting
Order Approving Final Distribution and Accounting
Distribution  of Assets to Heirs	9-17 months
Final Discharge Order (indicates close of probate case)	9-18 months
Final Distribution of Funds	9-18 months

In addition to the process above, if there are assets (property) to sell, then the home needs
* cleaned out
* personal property needs to be sold, auctioned or donated
* repairs need to be made
* the lawn needs to be kept up
* locksmith to rekey the property
* different insurance needs to be purchased if the home is vacant
* interview realtors
* review offers
* make any repairs the buyer may want to be done, if applicable

* transfer the deed to the new buyer

* figure out what to do with the proceeds

All these things and more can be expected of an Executor.  Other than an Attorney, your most valued resource will be a real estate team that is trained and experienced in probate and inherited property sales.  Your time is valuable and do you have the resources that my team does?  You need a probate resource!

Go to my website for additional information that our team can do for you:
www.turnkeyrealtyco.com/probate
Or contact me at 970-672-6069 for help

Why Create Powers of Attorney Documents

Why should a person create a power of attorney? 

The failure of an individual to create powers of attorney documents can render them helpless if and when they lose their ability to make decisions for themselves. In such cases, courts may appoint others to take control of the incapacitated individual's life, and the selected parties may not be who the affected individual wants in charge of their affairs. An Estate Planning Attorney can give a concerned individual more information about how to include powers of attorney in their estate plans.

What Are Powers of Attorney?

Power of Attorneys are the estate planning devices that individuals can use to give others the rights to take control of their affairs. When a person becomes incapacitated powers of attorney documents kick in and allow others to make health care decisions, financial choices, and take other action on their behalf. A power of attorney is in effect only as long as the principal is alive and it can only be enacted by a principal who is mentally competent. 

What Can A Power Of Attorney Do?

The Three Main Rolls of a Power of Attorney

• Making medical decisions on behalf of the principal
• Handling financial and legal matters on behalf of the principal
• Making decisions on behalf of someone who has lost their mental capacity

A power of attorney, while still a critical tool for managing the estate and affairs of incapacitated loved ones, has also evolved into a useful mechanism that allows individuals to grant authority to professionals with specialized skills, who can represent them in business, real estate, legal, and financial arenas that require specific knowledge the individual might not have. This allows people to level the playing field when it comes to dealing with larger institutions that have paid professional staff dedicated to acting on their behalf.

Most individuals don't like to think about it as something that may happen before they reach old age. The sense that death is something that only afflicts the elderly is a falsity, and young individuals may hurt their wealth if they do not make plans for how such assets will be managed when they are no longer able to do so on their own.

The best plan is to be pro-active.  Make it a priority to contact an attorney to help you with your future.  This could be a matter of doing it your way or having someone else make decisions for you.  

If you need help finding an attorney, please call me.  I have several I have worked with that I trust with my family matters.  Contact me at 970-672-6069 or margaret@turnkeyrealtyco.com

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

________________________________________________________________________________

Storage Business For Sale

The Storage Business for sale is located in the city limits of Berthoud, CO. It has 246 storage units and 200 RV spaces. There is plenty of room for expansion with two additional vacant lots for a total of 8.53 acres. The property is zoned light industrial. M1 (6.1 acres) . The two additional lots are zoned N1 (industrial) . It has gated 24 hour access and onsite managers.

Price is: $3,900,000 for 6.1 acres - Storage BusinessTwo lots Priced at $600,000 (2.43 acres)Total Price = $4,500,000

Owner carry available

For more information:

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. 

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

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.   

 

Loveland Library - Inform, Enrich, and Inspire

You can do or find anything you can imagine at the Loveland Library located at 300 N Adams Ave in Loveland, CO.  The Loveland Public Library is a dynamic, evolving organization, dedicated to providing our community members equal access to the space, information, and resources they need. They are a medium-sized library serving a community of 70,000, tucked in the Front Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. They completed a LEED Gold-certified renovation and expansion in 2012, with special focus on cutting-edge technologies and education resources. The mission of the Loveland Public Library is to inform, enrich, and inspire, thereby engaging and strengthening the community.

COMPUTER LAB
47 computers make up the computer lab.  All you need to do is scan your library card to reserve a computer.  There is a 2 hour time limit and is free.  Printers are available for a fee

Computer Classes are held on a regular basis and can be taken in person or online.  They offer classes on Wordpress, Excel, computer basics, Gmail 101, and many other classes.  

DOWNLOADABLES
The library has many resources to download movies, books, courses, and even the New York Times.  Why pay for this entertainment or information if you don't have to.  The resources available to you are so vast that you will never get bored.

EVENTS
The events are vast at the Loveland Public Library.  Children events are a big draw for the library.  Preschool story time, Robokids, and the Library Play group are just a few of the children events held weekly or monthly.

For the adults the library offers a Knitting group, book groups, Geneology help, a Mahjong Group, and other events.  This bi-monthly calendar will help you determine what is going on and when.

BUSINESS HELP
If you want to learn about small business loans, Colorado Small business resources, or even National Small business resources, the library and it's staff are more than happy to help you with your search.  With your library card you can go to Lynda.com.  It's a leading online learning platform and helps anyone learn about business, software, technology, and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals.