Home Warranty Vs Home Insurance

When purchasing a new home, it’s important to do in-depth research on all facets of the homebuying process. One thing you’ll need to understand is how to best protect yourself and your investment if anything were to go wrong. Check out the information on home insurance versus home warranty below to educate yourself on your options.

Home Insurance

Homeowners insurance pays for any accidental damages and loss that are caused by fire, lightning strikes, windstorms, and hail, however, damage from earthquakes and floods is typically not covered. It also covers the replacement of personal property in case of theft or damage and liability if a person were to get injured in your home or on your property. According to American Home Shield, the average annual cost of a homeowner's insurance policy ranges between $300 and $1,000, and the bank usually asks you to obtain a policy before the mortgage is issued. Make sure to keep in mind that each type of coverage in the policy is subject to a limit and, in most cases, you will have to pay a deductible.

Home Warranty

A home warranty is designed to cover the cost of repairs and replacements of larger appliances and crucial systems in your home that may fail or break due to age and wear and tear. This includes but isn’t limited to HVAC, electrical, or plumbing components, kitchen appliances, and your washer and dryer. With a home warranty, you are required to pay premiums year-round, even if you do not use it, and it won’t cover damages if appliances were not maintained properly or if the damage is from a fire or other disaster.

The bottom-line difference with regards to warranty vs. insurance is that insurance covers unexpected events that lead to damage, while warranties cover events that are somewhat expected, such as the aging and ultimate breakdown of appliances and systems.

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4 Ways To Remove Scratches From Wood Floors

Dogs chase kids, pans drop, chairs scrape, and soon you must repair wood floors and erase scratches that make a mess of your red oak or Brazilian cherry. 

A professional floor refinisher will charge $1 to $4 per square foot to apply a new coat of finish. No worries. We’ve got inexpensive ways to remove wood scratches and repair deep gouges in a few easy steps.

#1 Use Crayons and Sharpie Pens to Hide Small Scratches

Take some artistic license to hide minor scratches in wood floors by rubbing on stain-matching crayons and Sharpie pens. Wax sticks, such as Minwax Stain Markers, are great scratch busters because they include stain and urethane, which protects the floor’s finish.

Don’t be afraid to mix a couple of colors together to get a good match. And don’t sweat if the color is a little off. Real hardwoods mix several hues and tones. So long as you cover the contrasting “white” scratches, color imperfections will match perfectly.

#2 Use Homemade Polish to Camouflage Scratches

Mix equal parts olive oil and vinegar, which work together to remove dirt, moisturize, and shine wood. Pour a little directly onto the scratch. Let the polish soak in for 24 hours, then wipe off. Repeat until the scratch disappears.

#3 Spot-Sand Deep Scratches

It takes time to repair wood gouges: Sand, fill, sand again, stain, and seal. Here are some tips to make the job go faster.

• Sand with fine-gauge steel wool or lightweight sandpaper.
• Always sand with the grain.
• Use wood filler, which takes stain better than wood putty.
• Use a plastic putty knife to avoid more scratches.
• Seal the area with polyurethane, or whatever product was used on the floor originally.
• Apply the polyurethane coat with a lambswool
  applicator, which avoids air bubbles in the finish.

#4 Use Wood Putty to Fill Gaps

Old floorboards can separate over time. Fill the gaps with colored wood putty. Or, if you have some leftover planks, rip a narrow band and glue it into the gap.

Remodeling A Home

Have you been dreaming of a remodeled home?  Is your kitchen outdated, your landscaping overgrown, or unusable basement space?  The first thing to consider is how you are going to finance it.  Here are the most common options to make your dreams become a reality.

CASH

Paying cash is the most straightforward option, just save enough money until you have enough for the expense.  This will limit spending outside your budget; however, it can also extend your timeline.

MORTGAGE REFINANCE

If you've been making payments on your home for a few years and your interest rate is higher than current market rates, you may be eligible for a mortgage refinance, reducing your payments and freeing up some of your money.

CASH OUT-REFINANCE

You can tap into your home equity and borrow up to 80% of your home's value to pay off your current mortgage plus take out more cash to cover the renovations.  This option is encouraged only when you are making improvements that will increase the value of your home, as it can add a lot of interest and fees.  

HOME EQUITY

Getting a home equity line of credit allows you to borrow money against the value of your home.  You receive up to 80% of the value of your home, minus the amount of your loan.

RETIREMENT FUNDS

Homeowners can consider pulling money from a 401k or IRA account, even though they aren't specifically meant to cover a home renovation.  This option might incur additional penalties or tax payments, but maybe worth it when making improvements that will benefit them financially in the long run.  

If remodeling is not what you want to do and buying a new home or a resale home is better for you then give me a call.  I'm happy to help you find the home that fits your lifestyle and dreams.

Moving To Another State Checklist

Are you moving to another state and don't know where to start?  Here is a checklist that might help:

1.  Find a Realtor
Contact a local realtor  (or me) to help you find an agent in your new location.  By doing this, your referring agent will:

• Find an agent to suit your personality
• Find an agent who is ethical, knowledgeable, and experienced 
• Find an agent who knows the area
• Find an agent who specializes in the niche you are interested in ie: patio homes, neighborhood, seniors, condo's, first time home buyer, etc

2.  Secure Your Living Arrangements

You should never move without having a home to go to first.  If you can't visit the state you are moving to, do so online and with your realtor.  It's very important you thoroughly research the cost of living, the safety and culture of the neighborhood as well as realistic expectations.

3.  Contact Utility Companies

Contact your service providers early, and let them know you want to transfer your utilities to a new address.  Schedule a date, preferably the day after you move in, for installation or activation.

Having internet, TV, and a security system will greatly help you ease into your new environment.

4.  Change Your Mailing Address - Before You Move

You'll want to change your address with the Post Office before you leave, so your financial records and important documents aren't being delivered to your old address.

• Immediately start forwarding your mail if no one is at your new address
• You can rent a P.O. Box in your new location

5.  Pack the Essentials

With the high cost of moving, it's best to save money by packing items you know are essential and valuable to you.  When packing, remember to:

• Label boxes by room instead of listing what is inside 
• Create a video for your inventory
• Clean out the refrigerator
• Pack important documents and identification cards to keep with you

6.  Moving Day

You will need some cash and essentials for moving day.  

When you move everything into your new house, you might need a little time to unwind before you start unpacking.  Therefore, having a day's worth of essential items in an overnight back will benefit you.

7.  Establish Residency for Legal Reasons

Once you've moved in, you'll need to establish legal domicile for tax and voting purposes.  Every state has different rules and requirements for residency, but most states ask that you live in the state for at least 6 months.   Other things you'll be expected to have to establish residency are:

• A real street address, not a P.O. Box
• Relinquished residency in your previous state
• Bank account in the new state
• Important documents transferred to the new address
• Taxes paid in the new state

8.  Update Your Driver's License and Vehicle Registration

We all know how much of a hassle the Motor Vehicle Agency can be. To avoid long lines, schedule a time on or around your move date.

Bring necessary documents to apply for a new state driver's license, such as your current license, proof of residency, and social security card.  Certain states have different requirements so check local DMV's website for more information.

In addition to transferring your license, you must also update your vehicle's title, registration, and license plates.  Once transferring the appropriate documents for your vehicle, you must also have it inspected in your new state.  Finally, check that your auto insurance is registered in your new state.

There is so much to do when you move.  I hope this helped you and if you need a good Realtor in the area you are moving to, please reach out to me.  I'm happy to help you and be your Real Estate Resource.

Cherries & The Colorado Cherry Company

Loveland was once known for having a huge cherry industry.  In 1918 Loveland had 1200 acres of cherry trees that were harvested annually. By 1945 the acres had grown to over 10,000.  Although the cherry industry is not as predominant as it was a half-century ago, locals still celebrate with a Cherry Festival at the end of June or the first part of July.

The Cherry Festival brings locals and visitors to the downtown area of Loveland.  The festival is located by the Loveland Museum at  503 N Lincoln Ave.  This annual event continues to delight all who attend.  Cherry pie and ice cream are served.  Local musicians entertain all that attend.  Vendor booths showcase local art, handmade soaps, jewelry, clothing, teas, CBD oils, and you can watch the Cherry Pie Contest. (It gets a bit messy(

A historical presentation is given commemorating all the farmers who grew, picked, and produced the cherries.  A local historian tells about the industry and how it evolved.

By the 1950s there were 154,679 cherry trees in the area and they produced 27,248,500 bushels of cherries.

Did the growth of Colorado terminate this huge industry?  This is one theory.  Others think it was a disease or that the Michigan cherry trucks were able to sell their product at a less expensive price.  Whatever it was, the Cherry Pie Festival each year is a way to celebrate our heritage and enjoy the local music, art, and vendors.  Oh, and did I say enjoy the cherry pie and ice cream!!!

If you are hungry for a cherry pie and don't want to wait until next year to participate in the festivities, you can always go to the Colorado Cherry Company.  It's located on West Hwy 34.  The Colorado Cherry Company makes fresh cherry pie each day.

If you want more information about the Colorado Cherry Company click here.

The Health Benefits of a Garden

Reap the health benefits of gardening—here are 10 tips for growing your horticultural skills

Beyond the visual appeal of lush plants and flowers, gardening can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. The physical exercise and calories burned lead to healthy weight and blood pressure levels, while the calm interactions with greenery can positively affect your mood and mental health. You may be thinking, “My house plants never make it, how can I possibly keep flora alive outdoors?” Fear not, as keeping a garden-fresh and healthy is not as hard as you might think. Consider these 10 tips for beginner green thumbs and you’ll be on the right path to becoming a successful horticulturist.

Your Horticultural Skills 

1.  Find the right spot. Make sure to choose a plot of land that’s within eyesight. The more you see of your garden, the more likely you’ll spend time caring for it.

2.  Account for sunlight. Before planting, observe how sunlight plays through your yard. Misjudging time in the sun for your plants is a common error by amateur gardeners. If you’re planning on planting fruits or vegetables, most of these need at least six hours of sunlight a day.

3.  Know your water source. It’s important to have easily accessible watering capabilities for your garden. Make sure your garden is close to your hose, so you don’t have to make multiple trips when watering. To tell if your plants need water, simply push your finger down about one inch into the soil. If it’s dry, your plants need a drink.

4.  Soil is key. One of the best ways to help your garden grow is to have nutrient-rich and well-drained soil. Add six to eight inches of this infused soil on top of whatever dirt is already in your backyard. Don’t hesitate to ask for help at your local gardening store before making a purchase.

5.  Pots are still an option. You don’t necessarily need a bed of soil to start a garden. If you live in a more urban setting, consider setting up some pots or containers on your deck, balcony, or rooftop. It’s a great way for those without a lot of space to experience the joy of plant care.

6.  What to plant? Based on your climate, sun exposure, and other potential growing conditions, choosing the right kind of plants is extremely important when starting a garden. Do your homework and learn what common garden plants will need to thrive.

7.  Know your zone. The USDA has divided the country into 13 different plant hardiness zones, based on a location’s minimum winter temperature. Last updated in 2012, a map is available to see what plants survive best in which locations. You can access the map and more information at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

8.  Frost is a killer. Plan your gardening season around the last and first frost of the year in your area. The Old Farmer’s Almanac has kept track of this information since 1792, and it can be accessed at almanac.com/ gardening/frost dates. Planting too early can spell disaster for young sprouts, and not planning for fall or winter weather can result in cold-damage. STOP AND
SMELL THE ROSES

9.  Adding mulch. Applying a layer of 2- to 3-inch-deep mulch around your plants accomplish two things: One, it helps reduce moisture loss through evaporation, meaning you’ll have to water less; and two, it will prevent weeds from growing near the base of your plants by blocking out sunlight.

10.  Plants may get hungry. In addition to quality soil, you may want to consider boosting your garden’s growth by giving them plant food. Like other living things, make sure not to overfeed, as this can be detrimental to your plants’ health. But when applied correctly, extra nutrition can help keep your plants healthy for longer.

And, if you don't want to grow your own vegetables, there is always the Loveland Farmers Market.  It's every Sunday.

55+ Communities in Loveland, CO

A 55+ community is a cluster of homes designed to accommodate individuals age 55 and older.  The homes in Loveland that cater to older homeowners and their needs vary in floor plans, community events, and amenities.  Most of these homes are single level living homes and are smaller in size.

Benefits of Living in a 55+ Home

• Sense of Community - easier to make friends
• Maintenance-Free Living - no yard work or snow removal or possibly all exterior maintenance
• Less Worry if You Travel - neighbors watch out for one another
• Safety and Security - some are gated, well-lit common areas
• No Need To Go Far to Visit With Peers - many social gatherings and events
• Support From Neighbors 
• Activities To Keep Active - shuffleboard, game night, movie night, trips, classes, coffee groups
• Better Health - less stress, more active
• Smaller Homes To Care For - most are one level living

Happy Ever After

If you think that a 55+ community is like a nursing home, then think again.  Today's 55+ communities may be age-restricted, but the joy you will get from being a part of the active community will have you asking yourself, "Why did I wait so long to move here?"   Endless opportunities for socialization and relaxation in the beautiful setting of Loveland, Colorado.

Five 55+ Communities in Loveland, CO

1. Seven Lakes - 280 resale homes - clubhouse
2. Boise Village - close to walking trails
3. Country Lake Villa - 25 resale homes - lakefront - gated
4. Mirasol Senior Living  Community - 52 homes - event center, coffee bistro
5. Lakeshore at Centerra - 280 condos -  pool, exercise area, multi-purpose room 

If you are wondering if downsizing is possible and 55+ communities are for you, let me help you explore the possibility.  And, if you aren't ready for that type of community, we can explore patio homes.  There are endless opportunities to have a smaller home with less maintenance and help you have the lifestyle you want.

Another blog that you might like:  Patio Homes - Are They For You