Denver's a Top Relocation Destination!

Lucky number 7 for the Mile-High State.  Is it any wonder?  We've got a solid economy, year 'round amenities, and some AMAZING real estate professionals ready to match people to places.

Top 10 Moving Destinations in the US

Basement Update Ideas

With new construction on the rise throughout the Front Range, this is a great time to glean ideas from model homes.  Your basement has unlimited potential!

Yahoo.com offers some simple fixes for homeowners looking to make a change.  

Four Ways to Transform Your Unused Basement

A note on plant cuttings.

An interesting article from the Boulder Daily Camera...

"Double Your Houseplant Fun"

I've built my plant collection almost exclusively on cuttings from friends, family and a few top-secret locations that shan't be mentioned here...  It's not because I don't want to spend $5 on a potted pal; I truly cherish the history that comes from a cutting.

Every time I water one of my verdant adoptees, I think fondly on the path that it took to my home.

Would you take a cutting of, say, a plant that's patented?  Or one from another country?

Tips for Home Buyers

Embarking upon the purchase of a home –whether it’s your first or your fifth – is an exciting and often stressful time.  It’s a big deal no matter what your situation, and you want to get it right.  While every buyer’s circumstances are unique, there are a few universal factors that should always be taken into consideration.

Six Tips for Home Buyers 

1.      Write down your wants and needs.  Prioritize them, then talk about them.  More often than not, buyers tend to gloss over the motivating factors behind their move.  What starts out as “a big yard” might really mean “a great space for outdoor entertaining.”  Why do you want an open kitchen?  Do you entertain a lot?  Your home isn’t just a list of criteria; it’s a reflection, ideally, of your lifestyle.  So make sure you’re really clear on how you want to live, and keep that in mind as you preview properties.

2.       Identify your long- and short-term goals.  Thinking of starting a family?  Check out neighborhood schools and, for that matter, your neighborhood.  Are there nearby parks?  Community events?  Don’t be afraid to drive by a prospective home on a weekend and check out the activity.  If you see families, chat them up and ask what they love about the neighborhood.  If you’re stable in your professional life, chances are that you’re looking for a home within a reasonable commuting distance.  But if your career’s up in the air, you may want to consider holding off on the purchase until you’ve got a better outlook on your future work plans.

3.       Create a realistic home buying budget and garner prequalification from a reputable lender.  Too many prospective buyers learn the hard way that they can’t qualify for homes they fall in love with.  A preapproval can make the difference when sellers are fielding multiple offers, which is the current trend in marketplaces across the country.
 

4.       Do your due diligence.  Sure, you could save money and obtain a pared-down inspection, but the old adage “what you don’t know won’t kill you” isn’t necessarily true here.  I’ve known buyers who discovered post-closing that their lovely new homes housed asbestos, radon and termites, all issues that could have been identified with a thorough inspection.  Investing the money on a home that’s not yours may seem like a hassle, but if you’re serious about the property it’s an important step.

5.       Keep your eye on the prize.  It’s easy – too easy- to become sidetracked by your wants, needs and goals during the search for your home.  Small details can evolve into colossal melodramas when emotions get involved.  Go back to those lists and ask yourself how a given property measures up.  If it’s not right for you, keep looking.

6.       Find a great real estate agent.  Seems obvious, but time and again buyers and sellers find themselves working with agents that aren’t the right fit.  You need a professional who is committed to making your process as smooth and stress-free as possible, an individual whose primary focus isn’t garnering a commission, but making sure you get what you need.  Experience is important, but so is enthusiasm.  Don’t disregard the potential that a newer agent offers; he or she may go the extra mile to ensure that you’re thrilled with the process and spread the word among your friends and family members.