For people who love old houses and love working on them, a fixer upper can be a great way to get into a larger house. Since not everyone is in the market for a fixer upper, the odds of scoring a sweet deal are in your favor. 

But fair warning. You have to really know what you’re getting into. Otherwise, that Denver house could become your worst nightmare. 

If you are set on buying a property that is in need of a lot of TLC, then this blog post is for you. Here are 4 things you should do when buying a fixer upper. 

Consider the location 

Not all fixer uppers have the potential. Just because you spent thousands of dollars on repairs and home improvement projects, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get a good resale profit. 

Location is one of the most important things to consider when buying a Colorado property. After all, you can change everything about the home, but you can’t change it’s location. Seek out homes in desirable neighborhoods. Avoid those that are situated next to a school or on a busy intersection. 

Hire a qualified home inspector 

It is a given that a fixer upper will come with a long list of issues. But that doesn’t mean that you should skip the home inspection. 

A Colorado home inspection is an absolute must when investing on a fixer upper. This will not only help you determine the actual condition of the property; it will also help you plan a budget for all the necessary repairs found during the inspection. 

Determine the cost of renovations before you make an offer 

Repairs will cost you thousands and thousands of dollars. Now that you have an idea about the extent of work and repair that needs to be done, it’s time to talk with a contractor. 

Do a walk-through with a contractor and ask for a cost estimate. This way, you’ll have a good idea about how much you need to spend on repair. Make sure that you add an extra 10 to 20% to your estimate for unforeseen repair works. 

Be prepared to roll up your sleeves 

Doing repairs yourself will keep your cost down. The more you can do on your own, the more money you can save. 

We know you want to save money, but you should be more realistic about your abilities. If you have experience, then you’ll be able to tackle more tasks. If you’re an amateur, then stick to simple tasks such as painting, removing wallpaper, re-grouting tile, repairing leaky taps, patching a drywall etc. Some jobs are best left to the pros. 

The bathroom is one of the most important parts of the house. It is where you start and finish your day. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get much attention as much as the bedrooms, kitchen, and living room.

Has your bathroom worn out its welcome? Maybe it’s time to update it and bring it back to life.  There are telltale signs that it’s time for a bathroom makeover.

Here are 5 signs it’s time to remodel your bathroom.

Planning to sell your home 

If you’re considering selling your Colorado home, a bathroom renovation can benefit you in a number of ways. Not only will it increase the value of your home, it also makes your home more attractive to potential buyers.

Bathroom renovations can be expensive, but studies suggest that you can recoup about 58% of the cost in resale value. If you are on a tight budget, don’t worry. Simple updates like getting new fixtures, repainting the walls, cleaning the grout, and adding clean lines of caulk around the sink and tub can help transform your bathroom.

Outdated design 

Is your bathroom old and outdated? If so, a bathroom remodel is in order. Today, people are coming back to that white, timeless look. White, gray, and black palettes will lend an element of ageless beauty to your space. Installing new lighting fixtures, cabinets, mirrors, and towel holders are also a great way to improve the look and feel of your bathroom.

Poor lighting 

Of all the rooms in the house, bathrooms are given the least considerations when it comes to interior lighting. If you can barely see yourself in the mirror, this requires action.

Use lighting fixtures that provide 75-100 watts worth of illumination for the master and guest bathroom. Installing proper task lighting is also important as this is the light by which you can best see yourself.

Bathroom smells bad 

You walk into the bathroom and crinkle your nose as you smell a noxious sewer-like odor in your bathroom. This could be an indication that sewer gas is escaping from the drainage system. This is a prime indicator that you need to update your bathroom.

Adding better ventilation to a windowless bathroom, fixing that persistent leak that is building up mold, and replacing a toilet’s wax seal are all smart fixes to get rid of bathroom smells.

Lack of storage

Don’t have enough space to store everything you want? Your bathroom may be due for an update. Make use of the vertical space and under the sink for storage. Come up with creative ways fit everything in the cabinets and closets.

Just like a book, your home is judged based on how it looks on the outside. If you are putting your home up for sale, it is important to improve your home’s curb appeal. You want to make sure that the house is attractive and appealing enough that the buyers will want to see the inside of your home.

What is curb appeal? 

Curb appeal refers to the attractiveness of your Denver home from the street. This applies to the exterior of the house, as well as the driveway, outdoor fixtures, landscaping, and walkway. Oftentimes, it is seen as a reflection of how the owner takes care of the house.

Makes your online listing standout

A huge percentage of Colorado buyers begin their search online. Instead of driving to your home, they would scroll through photos in your online listing. Many of them may never visit your home if they do not like what they see online.

A clean exterior, well-maintained shrubbery and a manicured lawn are all important if you want your home to standout in a crowded market.

Make a great first impression

First impressions are incredibly important, especially if you’re selling. Most sellers would spend a lot of time cleaning, staging and improving the inside of the house. Unfortunately, some of them tend to ignore the exterior. No matter how beautiful your Colorado house looks on the inside, buyers might not be interested to walk through your front door if the exterior is unkempt.

If the house looks messy on the outside, a buyer’s opinion may already be made before they enter the house. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Faster sale 

Potential buyers will decide whether or not to buy the Denver house based on first impressions. You’ll be able to attract more buyers and sell your house faster if you take time on making sure that your house’s exterior is as meticulous as the interior.

Perceived value 

Every seller wants to sell their home for top dollar. In order to do that, you want to spend ample time preparing and improving the outside of your home. Believe it or not, curb appeal can increase your home’s value by up 5 to 11%. 

Most people have a checklist when packing their bags before a vacation. They do this because they want to make sure that they don’t leave anything important behind. But as a Denver homeowner, it makes sense to have a checklist of the things you should do before leaving for vacation.

Vacation is a time for rest and relaxation. The last thing you want is to be worrying about the safety of your home.

Whether you’ll be gone for the weekend or a month-long getaway, these quick, simple tasks will help ensure peace of mind and prevent coming home to a disaster.

Prevent water damage

A water leak could be catastrophic if no one is around to deal with it. That said, we suggest turning off the main water supply, especially if you’ll be gone for an extended period of time. This will prevent possible water damage from leaky pipes.

You can rest easy knowing that your home is safe, in order, and ready for your return.

Keep your house looking occupied

A dark, empty house is an open invitation to burglars. Since your Denver home will be unoccupied for a few days to a few weeks, make sure that you leave the house looking like it’s lived in so it wouldn’t be a target for burglars.

Put lights on a time to give the impression that someone is home. You can also use motion detector lights to illuminate any intruders.

Remove your spare key

If you have a spare key, leaving it under a fake rock, the doormat or somewhere outside the house is definitely not a good idea. Instead of leaving it in your usual hiding spot, it would be best to give it to a friend or a neighbor you trust.

Unplug

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, leaving the appliances plugged in, even when not turned on, are still using power. This contributes to 10% of household energy use. Plus, leaving them plugged in increases the risk of fire.

Unplug all appliances such as coffee maker, toaster, microwave, television, and other electrical devices. Not only will it help you save money, it also reduces the risk of house fire.

If you have devices like CCTV or security systems that depend on internet to transmit information, then it is best to leave your wifi on.

There is something inherently appealing about a brand new house. You don’t have to worry about repairs. You get to choose the appliances, wall colors, countertops, and furnitures. You have the freedom design and decorate it exactly the way you want it. However, buyers who are caught up in the excitement of buying a brand new Denver home tend to think that everything will work perfectly because it’s brand new. That’s not always the case.

There is no such thing as a perfect house

While there are a lot of advantages to buying a newly built house, it can also be plagued with a number of issues. Why? Because there is no such thing as a perfect house.

A house is made up of thousands of pieces. Every single piece of this house is assembled by a group of people, who may commit some mistakes during the construction process.  You can’t always assume that everything is perfect just because it’s new.

New Denver, Colorado homes can be as problematic as older homes. The roof may leak, the heating and air conditioning system could need adjustment, outlets and switches may not work. A lot of other unpleasant things may occur. Unfortunately, most homeowners become aware of these issues after moving in to their new home. That’s kind of a bummer.

Of course, no one wants to deal with expensive and time-consuming repairs after spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a newly built property. The problem is that most Denver home buyers do even not bother to have their homes inspected, thinking that it is great shape. This is a big mistake.

As a home buyer, you want to make sure that the property you’ll be investing on is structurally sound and free of health risks. As such, it is important to hire a home inspector before buying a house.

Hire a home inspector

Home inspectors can help you pinpoint any issues that could potentially lead to costly repairs. They will also get a good understanding of the overall condition of the property. Not only will it help avoid some expensive surprises down the road, you’ll also feel more certain about your purchase.

A house is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. As such, it is best to hire the most thorough, licensed inspector you can find. Go online and try to find the best home inspector in your area. Read reviews to give you an idea how they work. Or better yet, ask your family and friends for recommendations.

The wave of millennial homebuyers is coming. Numbering around 80 million, they now represent the most active generational group when it comes to home buyers.

Let’s take a look at some of the features millennials are looking for when buying a house.

Energy efficient appliances

Energy efficiency is among the characteristics homebuyers are increasingly looking for in a home. Millennials are particularly concerned about their impact on the environment more than other generations. Many of them are also  budget-conscious, so they are looking for ways to reduce their monthly utility bills. Some are even willing to pay 3% more for an energy efficient home.

Hardwood floors

Not too long ago, buyers find Denver homes with carpet more desirable. After all, it makes their Colorado home a bit warmer during the winter and they feel more comfortable. Today’s homebuyers, however, find homes with hardwood floors ideal. In fact, survey reveals that buyers are willing to pay an additional $2,000 for this feature.

The good news is that wood flooring can last for several decades up to a century with proper care and maintenance.

Exterior lighting

According to the National Association of Home Builders, exterior lighting is one of the most sought out outdoor features in a home - with about 90% of buyers including this on their list of must have features.

Illuminating a well-manicured lawn will significantly increase your property’s curb appeal; hence, making a good impression on potential buyers. It’s also an easy and inexpensive way of adding security to your home.

Security system

Safety and security is one of the most important features buyers look into when shopping for a Denver, Colorado home. Naturally, they want to make sure that the neighborhood they’re moving into is safe. In addition, they also want to keep their Colorado home, family and belongings protected.

A house with a security system will give them the peace of mind, knowing that they are safe from intruders and burglars.

Selling your Denver Colorado home takes more than just planting a for sale sign on the front lawn. Any family member friend or colleague who has sold their Colorado house before would tell you that it’s not easy. It requires a lot of work, patience and plenty of know-how.  

Selling a house, especially if you haven’t done it before, can be an inconvenience and create stress and anxiety.

Here are 4 things you need to know selling your house.

Price it right

When selling your house, the price can be one of its most attractive and unattractive features. If you want to get the most attention from potential buyers when it first hits the market, then you must pick the absolute right price tag based on how much your house is worth.

Go too high and you risk turning off buyers. Of course, you can always lower the price later on, but you’re going to lose the freshness of the home’s appeal after two weeks of showing.

Review comparables of recently sold homes to get the price right. If you are working with a real estate agent, he/she can provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which will help you determine the current market value of a property.

Timing is key when selling your house

Conventional wisdom tells us that spring and summer months are your best options for listing your home for sale. After all, this is the busiest time of the year for the Denver real estate market - school is out and families are looking to move to their new house before the school year starts.

While it’s true that most home sales happen in spring and summer, you also need to factor in your own family’s needs. The best time to sell is when you are ready for it.

Find a good real estate agent

With so much information readily available online, some sellers decide to just sell their house on their own. Plus, forgoing the agent means you can pocket that 6% commission. Sounds like a great idea, right? Not necessarily.

Real estate agents take on several roles during the home selling process - marketer, stager, analyst, negotiator, copywriter etc. They’ll help you set the selling price, market your home, handle volumes of paperwork, negotiate with them, and show your home to potential buyers. Do yourself a favor and hire a good Denver Colorado real estate agent.

Staging

If you want to sell your house fast and for top dollar, then make sure that it looks the part.

Potential buyers aren’t just looking for a house to live in. Rather, they are looking for a place where they can create meaningful memories with their loved ones. This is where staging comes in handy.

Staging involves re-arranging the furnitures and decorating the house to make sure it looks its best. Spruce up the yard, repaint the walls, accessorize, and get the house sparkling clean.

If you are preparing to sell your Denver Colorado home, you might want to increase your home’s curb appeal and make a good first impression on potential buyers. A lot of Colorado home buyers are making initial drive-bys before they schedule a showing. No one will want to see what’s inside unless they find your home appealing.

Enhancing your home’s curb appeal will give it that nice and finished look that will make people stop and stare. It will also make your house easier to sell.

Here are 5 easy ways to get your home’s exterior looking great. The good thing is, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Dress up the front door

A front door that pops can give a plain exterior a big dose of personality. Make a statement by giving your front door a blast of color and updating your door’s handle and dead-bolt set. This is not only a great visual update, it can also be considered as a practical improvement.

Get the power washer out

Stand at the end of the driveway and try to view the home as a potential buyer would. If you don’t like what you’re seeing, then it’s time to get the power washer out.

Give the exterior of your house a good cleaning. Also, use the power washer to clean the porch, decks, driveways, walkways and the siding.

Add a layer of mulch

Adding a fresh layer of mulch is said to be one of the cheapest ways to improve the look of your yard. This is because mulch helps cover up a multitude of sins. Plus, it makes the area look freshly landscaped.

Trim branches

If you still haven’t done so, go ahead and trim them back now. You want potential buyers to get a clear look at your house when they drive by. So, make sure that low-hanging tree branches are not blocking the view of your home.

Plant in containers

Container gardens can add a welcoming feel to your home. Buy some colorful pots and fill them with vibrant flowers. You can place them on the flowers beds or even on the front porch.

It's officially hail season! That means time for roof repairs and inspections. Your roof is the most important part of your home. It protects your family, your home and your personal belongings from all the weather elements. That said, you want to make sure that the current condition of your roof is above par.

If it has been a while since you had your roof inspected, you might want to schedule an inspection from a qualified inspector today.

Listed below are some of the biggest benefits of having a professional roof inspection.

Peace of mind

A roof inspection is a great way to learn more about the current state of your roof. By making sure that it is in top shape, you can be confident knowing that it can withstand rain, snow, hail and other outside elements. It is recommended to have your roof inspected by a professional every 1 to 2 years.

Professional guidance

There is no better way to ensure that your roof will provide your home the protection it needs and will last longer than to have it checked and inspected periodically.  

Hiring a professional ensures you get the inspection done right. They have the knowledge, skills and experience to spot all areas that need repair. If you decide to forgo professional inspection and do it on your own, you may miss potential problems especially if you’re not familiar with the early signs of damage.

Extend the life of your roof

Getting a roof replacement is expensive, with the price ranging from $7,000 – 20,000.  Regular inspections will help extend the life of your roof while keeping your home and your family protected.

Your roof carries a lot of responsibilities. The best way to keep your home and family safe is with a professional home inspection. Remember, proper attention and maintenance is the key to a long-lasting roof.

Avoid costly and unplanned repair

Professional inspectors can spot damage and help determine minor problems that can become major issues in the future. Some would argue that you don’t need a professional to find large leaks, but some forms of water damage are impossible to detect by untrained eyes. If left unchecked, these problems can pose a threat to your roof’s integrity.

The ability to find the problems early gives you the opportunity to  address the issues in a timely manner. It prevents you from paying thousands of dollars on repair or replacing the entire roof. Plus, it protects your home  from water damage.

It’s officially Spring! That means, it’s allergy season once again. Allergies may not be devastating, but they are definitely a nuisance. If you or any member of your family is having a tough time dealing with allergies, especially during the spring, you might want to take some steps to remove irritants from your home.

This mini guide can help you reduce allergens around the house and take steps to reduce the sneezes and wheezes for the entire family.

Clean the air

According to the EPA, indoor air is 70% more polluted than the outdoor air. That’s alarming considering that most of us spend a decent amount of time inside our homes. How do we keep the indoor air clean and fresh? Changing your HVAC air filters would be a great place to start.

Air conditioner and furnace filters are your first line of defense against dust, mold, pet dander, and indoor pollen. They filter out dust and other irritants that would otherwise circulate throughout the house.

Mind your mattress

If you are allergic to dust, then we suggest that you cover your pillows sand mattress with zip-on dust mite proof covers to protect your sleeping area. Wash pillow cases, blankets and sheets in hot water at least once a week. Also, avoid putting stuff under the bed as clutter attracts dust bunnies.

Implement a no shoes policy

Encourage family members and guests to slip off their shoes at the door to keep pollen and dusts from entering your home. This will prevent you from spreading allergens throughout the house.

Provide exterior and interior doormats to trap shoe muck. Don’t forget to provide indoors slippers for your guests so they don’t have to roam around the house barefooted.

Get rid of wall-to-wall carpeting

Just about every type of allergen accumulates in the carpet, and walking on carpet fibers release these allergens into the air. Tile and hardwood floors are preferable. If getting rid of the carpet is not an option, be sure to vacuum it weekly. Use a vacuum with HEPA filter.

Stick to a regular cleaning schedule

Keeping pet dander, pollen and dust at bay is a continuous process. So be sure to dust and vacuum the house at least once a week. Wear a mask and gloves when cleaning and vacuuming.