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.

More and more millennials are entering the homebuying market for the first time. In fact, studies suggest that millennials now account for one in three buyers. This number is also expected to rise in the next few years.

Millennials now represent the fastest-growing generation of consumers in the country. If you are looking to sell your home fast, it is a good idea to adapt your marketing strategy to millennials. Otherwise, your home may stay on the market for several months.

Here are some tips to make your home more attractive to millennial buyers.

Embrace technology

Millennials like to gather information online, and are considered to be the most competitive. They browse the internet for home listings before they decide to see the property in person. Many of them have already done their research about the neighborhood, the schools and establishments in the area before they even step foot in your home. If they do schedule for viewing, make sure that your home looks exactly as it is on your online listing.

Move-in ready

Millennials are busy individuals. They don’t have time to paint the walls, tackle repairs or remodelling projects.  They want to spend the free time they have with their family and friends. If you are selling your home to millennials, make sure it’s move-in ready.

Open floor plan

Millennials are a lively group. They love to entertain guests. As such, younger buyers are in search of homes with a large open space that is big enough to accommodate their guests. They are interested in houses with fewer walls and partitions.

Be responsive

Patience was long considered a virtue. Living in an age of modern technology, milllennials feel the pull of instant gratification.

When selling to millennials, you want to make sure that you respond to text messages and emails as quickly as possible. Many of them don’t have the patience to wait. They have high standards when it comes to customer service, so make responsiveness a priority.

Small and practical

Not too long ago, most people dream of having a big house with formal rooms, an oversized Jacuzzi and large basements. Today, however, younger buyers are interested in smaller homes. They live a busy lifestyle, so they want a house that is easy to clean and maintain. And since many of them have no solid plans for the future, most of them are looking for small, economic properties to escape to from the busy city.

Selling your home can be emotionally challenging, not to mention time-consuming. Strangers will come into your home, criticize the place that has become more than just a roof to your family, poke around your closets and cabinets and offer money that is less than what you think your home is worth.

If you haven’t done it before, it is easy to make a lot of mistakes. The good news is, these can be avoided, especially if you are armed with the right information. Read on and find out how to sell your home for the highest possible price without losing your mind.

Doing it alone

Real estate agents may command a hefty commission, but that doesn’t mean that you can end up getting more money in your pocket by doing it alone.

A good agent can help you set a competitive selling price for your home, interact with the potential buyers directly and negotiate home sales; thus, taking some of the high emotion out of the process.

Getting emotionally involved

Once you have decided to sell your home, it would be a good idea to think of yourself as a home seller rather than a homeowner. By doing so, it would be easier for you to distance yourself from the emotional aspects of selling the house.

Setting an unrealistic price

Yes, you have paid a significant amount of money for your house, but that does not necessarily mean that you can sell it for the same amount.

When you bought this house, you probably did a comparable market analysis to figure out a fair offering price. Potential buyers will also do the same thing for your home. If you want to sell your home fast, setting the right asking price is the key.

Hiding significant problems

You’re not supposed to hide any problems to potential buyers no matter how big or small it is. Anyway, these problems will be uncovered during the inspection, so there’s really no point hiding it.

Scheduling a pre-listing home inspection is a good idea as it can help you avoid costly surprises once the home is under contract.

Structural damage refers to any type of damage that affects the core integrity of the house. When you property has structural damage, it means the foundation is no longer capable of supporting your home. It may be at risk of failure or collapse.

Recognizing early warning signs that may point to foundation issues will help you keep small concerns from becoming bigger, more complicated problems.

Here are 4 signs that indicate possible structural damage to your home.

Sagging roof

Your roof line should be arrow straight. Go outside and look at your house from across the street. If you notice a curve or dip on the peak, this could be a sign that your house has a foundation problem.

A sagging roof is a sign of a serious problem that shouldn’t be ignored. Often, it is an indication that there is an issue with the roof structure. Check and inspect your roof and address problems immediately. This will help keep your roof in top shape and prevent water damage that may cause structural problem eventually.

Cracks on the wall

New homes tend to move or settle somewhat. That means, hairline cracks on the wall are rarely worth worrying about. But if you notice that the cracks get bigger over time, it could be indicative of a serious problem that should be addressed as soon as possible.

The floor is sloping

When a level floor develops a slant, it’s a sign that something has shifted in the structure of your home. The problem is that a slight slope in the floor isn’t easy to spot - unless you spill a glass of water and the liquid runs to the same spot or you drop a marble and it rolls to one side of the floor.

The door and windows stick or won’t close

If your door used to close easily but now sticks or won’t close, it could be a sign that your foundation is settling. This is common in older properties and is usually caused by distortion.

Termites

Despite their size, termites can eat away at ceiling joists, wall studs or support beams, wreaking havoc on your home’s foundation. A house that is suffering from termite infestation can become unlivable. If you find termite exit holes, call the exterminator right away.

During the cold Colorado winter months, most people spend the majority of their time indoors to stay out of the cold. As the weather starts to warm, it’s time to rediscover the outside world and check those areas of your home that need maintenance.

Maintaining a happy and healthy home goes beyond just cleaning and vacuuming. Here are 4 maintenance tips to keep your Denver Colorado home humming for spring.

Check outside faucets

Subzero temperatures can cause water inside the pipes to expand, which results in a massive pipe burst. Once the weather starts warming up, the water thaws and begins to move again. The longer water is allowed to flow, the more you can expect to pay for repairs. As such, it is important to check your outdoor faucets and deal with the problem immediately.

Check the gutters

A debris-clogged gutter can lead to water damage, foundation issues, and extensive roofing damage. The problem is that most homeowners do not give their gutters much thought, unless there’s a problem with them. That’s why it’s important to keep your gutters clean.

Clean your gutters to keep them working like they should. Also, make sure that the downspouts are clear and free from debris and draining away from the foundation. Don’t forget to check for loose or leaky gutters.

Inspect your roof

Winter can take a toll on your Denver home’s roof. Spring is an excellent time to inspect your roof to ensure that it is in top condition.

Get up close and personal with your roof using a ladder. Do you notice gaps in the shingles, loose shingles, wear and tear around the pipes or loose materials? If so, then you should address the problem in the soonest possible time. If left unaddressed, you may find yourself facing water damage. Your roof is your first line of defense against water damage. You want to make sure your it is equipped to handle the elements.

Keep allergens away

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, 8% of Americans experience seasonal allergies. With the changing of seasons comes an increased output of pollen from weeds, grass, trees, and the specter of allergic rhinitis.

Don’t wait for spring allergies to happen. Keep allergens at bay by starting your spring cleaning early. Clean and dust every surface of the house. Wash the curtains. Vacuum the floors. Don’t forget to change your air filters.

As tempting as it may be the let the spring breeze in, keep the windows closed to keep pollen out. This will create a safe retreat during the peak pollen season. Change your clothes once you get home. Pollen sticks to fabric, so you may end up spreading them throughout the house.

Water damage is a serious issue that will worsen with time. The longer you wait, the more damage the property will endure. It can also lead to more serious consequences. A short response time is critical when water damage occurs.

Here are a few important reasons why you should take fast action when facing water damage.

Prevent further damage

When your home is suffering from water damage, the structural integrity of your home is in danger. Time is of the essence. You need to act fast. Not only will the water weaken the structural integrity of your home, it can also make your home unlivable. A timely response will limit the damage done to your home; thus, preventing you from spending a huge sum of money on repairs.

Prevent mold growth

It only takes 24 to 48 hours for your situation to go from bad to worse. Water damage creates wet, moist environments, which provides an ideal environment for mold to grow. If not dealt with immediately, mold may start growing in your home. As you probably know, exposure to mold can cause health hazards.

The last thing you want is to have a mold problem. It is important to remove standing water as quickly as possible, clean the affected areas and dry it out completely to eliminate the potential for mold growth.

Safety issues

Within 24 to 48 hours after discovering a water issue in your home, Category 1 (clean water) will turn to Category 2 (Grey water). Since bacteria are often present in category 2 water, this may cause discomfort or sickness to your family.

In addition, you are at great risk of electrocution when there is standing water in your home. This is especially true when the water has reached any electrical outlets or appliances. For your own safety, please turn off the power source to your home.

When you find yourself in a flood situation, there are a lot of things you can do to bring back order into your home. Contacting a reliable water damage restoration company like AdvantaClean is a good first step.

Your water heater is one of those important household appliances you rely on the most, especially during the chilly winter months. Unfortunately, most people do not give their water heaters much thought until something goes wrong. Just like any other piece of equipment, it needs your attention occasionally to save energy and prolong its life.

When harsh winter weather arrives, you want to make sure your water heater is working efficiently. With these maintenance tips, you can increase your water heater’s efficiency and longevity, saving the hassle and expense of a premature replacement.

Insulate your water heater tank

A water heater tank that is warm to the touch needs additional insulation. Go ahead and touch your tank. Insulating your water heater tank is an easy and inexpensive way to improve the energy efficiency and extend the life of your water heater. It can improve its efficiency by up to 40% and reduce standby heat loss by 25-45%.

Install a heavy insulation blanket if your water heater is located in an unconditioned space such as the attic, garage or basement. Don’t forget to insulate your pipes as well.

Flush the tank

Over time, sediment and sludge can collect and settle at the bottom of your water heater. This will prevent your water heater from running efficiently and may even rack up your energy bills.

Flushing out these deposits will ensure that your water is in top shape and prevent malfunctions. The frequency with which to flush a water heater depends on the amount of water used and the size of the tank.

Check for leaks and drips

Water heater leak is something you shouldn’t ignore. If you do not act fast, it can morph into a major flooding disaster that can cause significant damage to your property.

Look for signs of a water heater leak. If you notice a pool of water beneath the tank, a leak inside the tank could be the culprit. Sometimes, a water leak can be hard to determine, especially if the leak is slow. Let your senses guide you. Turn off external sources of sounds, stand beside your water heater, and listen for the sounds of water rushing or dripping. Follow the sound and search for visual signs of a leak. If you hear water, but no apparent signs of a leak, there may be a break inside the tank.

A pre-listing inspection is done before the house is listed on the market. Some sellers think it’s an unnecessary expense. After all, the buyer will have to get an inspection later on. So, why bother?

There are a few ways that a pre-listing inspection can benefit home sellers. Here are some of them.

Ensures a smoother, more efficient transaction

Selling a house can be stressful. Not knowing if there is something wrong with the house can add to your stress. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t like surprises, then we highly recommend that you have the house inspected before selling.

Getting ahead of the game and understanding your home’s condition is a big boon to your peace of mind. Your inspector will provide you with a thorough report that may help avoid the unpleasant surprises a home inspection may bring to light later on.

There will be less issues for your agent and the buyer’s agent to hash through, and prevent you from becoming entangled in long negotiations. 

Allows seller to make repairs before listing the house

Majority of home buyers are looking for a house that is in pristine, move-in ready condition. They aren’t keen on tackling repairs or renovations after moving in on their new house. By getting a pre-listing inspection, you’ll have a good idea about the overall condition on the house.

You have the option to make repairs before listing the house. Not only will it improve your chances of selling, it can also help you sell for top dollar. Since you have enough time to make repairs, you can still shop around and get the best deals from contractors; thus, helping you save a lot of money in the process.

Helps the seller and agent to price the house more accurately

If you want to sell your house fast, it is important to price it appropriately. The problem is that, most sellers have an inflated view of what their home is worth.

In order to price your home right, you need to look at the selling price of similar houses in the area. Also, you should consider the condition of your home. A pre-listing inspection will help you get a clear picture about the state of your house. This will make pricing the home accurately much easier.