In Colorado, winter is the least popular time to sell a house. People are busy with holiday gatherings, the property looks dreary, and not to mention the freezing temperatures. It’s a challenging season and most people think it’s a bad time to sell, but the data tells a completely different story.

If you’re ready to sell your Colorado house, then you don’t have to wait. Winter is actually a good time to sell. Don’t believe us? Here are 3 reasons why you should consider putting a for sale sign in your front yard this winter.

Less competition

Spring is the most popular time of the year to sell a house. Most sellers even put off selling until spring. That’s understandable given that selling in the cold, harsh weather can be a bit of a challenge. But come to think of it, if most people are putting off selling their homes, then that means there will be less inventory.

Less inventory means less competition. That means, buyers who are serious about buying a house will have less options this time of the year. Don’t be afraid to sell your house in winter. Just make sure it’s in pristine condition and it’s priced appropriately, and we can guarantee that your house will capture the attention of potential buyers.

Winter brings out serious buyers

From chilly winds to freezing temps to snow and icy roads, the winter weather presents some serious challenges for house hunters. Let’s not forget about the holiday festivities. Just because it’s cold outside or people are busy, it doesn’t mean that there is no demand for houses at this time of the year. 

More often than not, winter homebuyers are looking to move into a new Colorado house before spring rolls around. They don’t have time to look around. If someone requests to see your house, that means your home is on their shortlist. Plus, they’ll have to be serious enough to buy a house to go out and endure the subzero temperatures.

You have your real estate agent’s attention

As mentioned above, inventory is low during the winter months. The number of buyers looking at properties are not that high either. That means, real estate agents will only be working with a number of clients.

If you decide to sell your house in winter, you’ll have your agents full and undivided attention. Your agent can make different and potentially more accurate plans to market your home.

While mold can grow any time of the year, it is in winter when mold tends to become even more of an issue.

Mold is a homeowner’s nightmare. Not only is it unsightly, it can also pose a threat to your home and family’s health. Once it starts to grow, it is difficult to get rid of. That said, you need to take some preventive measures to prevent them from growing in the first place.

Use these tips to prevent mold and mildew growth in your house during the winter months.

Keep all surfaces clean and dry

Condensation and dampness becomes increasingly common in winter. Many of you probably notice some water droplets on the windows or mirrors. This may not seem like a big deal. But if left unchecked, it may encourage mold growth. Dry window surfaces regularly to keep condensation from accumulating. This can also prevent it from becoming potential focus points for mold growth.

Bathroom carry the most moisture in the home. As we all know, mold requires moisture to grow. Keep an eye out on moisture in the bathroom and keep all surfaces clean and dry. 

Use exhaust fans

Taking hot showers and cooking can provide your home with plenty of moisture. Since you can’t open the windows during the cold winter months, having an exhaust fan can be of great help. Turn on the exhaust fan every time you cook or bathe. Leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes after cooking or showering to vent out excess moisture. 

Keep humidity levels below 40%

As the temperature drops, so does the humidity level. Winter air is dry and can dry out your skin and mucous membrane. Often, humidifiers are used to combat dryness and add water vapor into the indoor air. Although beneficial, humidifiers can create extra moisture and provide the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria.                    

The ideal humidity level for your home is somewhere between 30 to 50%. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity level inside your home. Keep humidity levels below 40% to prevent mold growth.

Once the air temperature drops below freezing, pipes in unheated spaces may freeze. Standing water left in the pipes will freeze and expand, causing the pipes to burst and flood your home. Damage from frozen or burst pipes can cost thousands of dollars in water damage to your home.

Prepare your plumbing in advance to avoid a costly disaster this winter season.

Insulate pipes

Pipes in unheated spaces such as the garage, attic, and basement are more prone to freezing and bursting. Luckily, preventing freezing pipes can be as easy as installing fiberglass or foam insulation.

Pipe insulation will not prevent your pipes from freezing, it can also improve the life and performance of your plumbing.  

If your home’s plumbing system is not properly insulated, have it wrapped with insulation to keep the pipes warm.

Disconnect water hoses outside your home

As mentioned above, water inside the pipes may freeze and expand during a cold snap. As such, winterizing your outdoor garden hose is a wise move. 

Most exterior faucets have a separate shutoff valve. Locate the shut-off valve and turn it off. Go outside and open the faucet. Drain any water out of the pipe. Let the water run until it is fully drained. Drain the hose entirely of water and store it inside the house.

Keep the heat on

Energy bills rise during the winter. Some people turn the thermostat down in the hopes of saving energy. Saving energy is good. But before you go crazy with turning the thermostat really low, you also have to think about your pipes.

Turning the heat too low increases the risk of frozen and ruptured pipes. Be sure to keep the heat on and set the thermostat to no lower than 55 degrees. This should provide enough heat to keep the pipes warm and prevent water inside from freezing. 

It is also a good idea to leave the cabinet doors under the kitchen sink open, so the air can warm the pipes.

Know where your home’s main water valve is

In case of a major incident such a frozen pipe that has burst, you need to shut off water supply to your entire home. Everyone in your home should know where the main shutoff valve is located, and how to turn it off in case of emergency. This is the best protection against a catastrophic water damage.

Your Denver, Colorado house is one of your biggest assets. When it comes time to sell your house, you want to make sure that you get the most money out of it. Often, sellers jack up the selling price, thinking their house is special. After all, they spent several years and have created lots of memories in that house. But in a slow market, it is not uncommon for Colorado sellers to reduce their asking price.

If you are selling your house and you’re thinking about a price reduction, then this blog post is for you. How do you know when it’s time to reduce the asking price for your home? Read on and we’ll tell you more about it.

You’re selling in a buyer’s market

A buyer’s market is a market with lots of inventories. When the inventory is high, the demand falls. In a buyer’s market, buyers have the upper-hand. Given that there are lots of houses to choose from, they would take their time looking at houses until they find the one that suits their taste and their budget.

In order to attract multiple offers, you’ll have to price your home competitively. If you’re motivated to sell and you want to do it fast, then you need to consider the current market value of similar homes in your area. That means, selling your house at a lower price than you initially expect.

If you’re not in a hurry to sell, it might be best to just take the house off the market and continue living in your home until the market rebounds.

You’re not receiving offers

Haven’t received a single purchase offer since you put your house on the market? That can be frustrating, I know. But before you decide to reduce your asking price, you need to determine the reason why you can’t close the deal.

Walk around the house and look at the house from a buyer’s perspective. Does it look nice from the outside? Is it in good shape? Now, take a look at your online listing. Does it include high quality photos? Do the pictures show the best features of your house? If not, then you may want to improve on these aspects and see how it goes.

How about your selling price? We understand that you want to get the most out of your property. But in order to sell it, you need to price it right. Overpricing is the worst mistake a home seller can make. If you’re not willing to reduce your selling price, then you’ll set yourself up for disappointment. Getting a home inspection will also give the seller an idea of how to price the home. If the home is in dyer repair, the price will be lower than expected. 

Water damage is a Colorado homeowner’s worse nightmare.  Whether it comes from a leaky pipe, malfunctioning appliance, burst pipe or a devastating storm, just the thought of water flooding your home is enough to make a homeowner shudder. Luckily, it can be prevented.

Use these tips to minimize the risk of flooding or water damage to your Denver Colorado home this winter.

Prevent frozen pipes

Frozen pipes are no fun. They can cost thousands of dollars in damage, not to mention the risk of mold and microbial growth. 

Pipes in crawl spaces, attics and outside walls are vulnerable to freezing and bursting during the winter months. Water freezes and expands when the temperatures dip below freezing. Since the pipes are rigid, they are likely to burst when there’s too much expansion.

Insulate the pipes that are exposed to cold air. Make sure all the pipes, including the corners and elbows are protected. Also, keep the faucet open during extreme cold weather to release pressure moving down the pipe. This can help reduce the risk of bursting due to frozen pipes. If you are going on vacation, and the weather is very cold outside, we recommend that you leave the heat on in your home.

Check your water heater

Water heaters have an average lifespan of about 8 to 12 years. But if not properly cared for, sediments can build up inside the tank and corrode. Eventually, this may cause your water heater to leak or overflow.

A leaking water heater can cause massive damage. To prevent this from happening, check your water heater periodically for pooling water on the stand it rests on or on the top of the tank. Also, check for moisture surrounding the plumbing connections.

Clean gutters

Cleaning gutters is an easy job to put off. What people fail to realize is that this simple task can actually prevent future water damage.

Your gutter works by directing water away from your home’s foundation. But if there’s a build up of debris in your gutter, it might not be able to do its job properly. As a result, water may spill through the roof, into your foundation and down to your basement.

Selling a house is not an easy task. The freezing temps, snow, and the fact that everybody is busy preparing for the holidays make selling a house even more difficult during the Colorado winter. This is why a lot of sellers choose to wait until spring before putting their home on the market.

If you are ready to sell your house, you don’t have to wait. Here are 4 tips for selling your home in winter.

Make the most of your entrance

Winter can be dark and dreary, but that doesn’t mean that your home should look old and boring.

Spice up your home by painting your front door with a bold color. This will boost curb appeal and make your home more inviting. Evergreen plants can also liven up a drab landscape.

If you live in areas where snow falls, it is important that you clear your walkways and driveway of snow and ice. You want to make sure that potential buyers can make it to your front door without an accident.

Get the temperature right

No one likes hanging out in a chilly house. Pump up that thermostat. You want the temperature to be comfortable enough and to give potential buyers a reason to linger.

Now is not the time worry about your utility bill.

Let natural light in

Dark and cramped spaces are a big turnoff for potential homebuyers. After all, no one wants to walk into their new home and feel like they are trapped in a dungeon. Make sure your home has plenty of natural light.

Maximize natural light in your home by opening your curtains and blinds during the day. It can make your house so much brighter instantaneously. It is also a good idea to examine your windows. Any dirt or cloudiness on your panes will deflect light. If you wish to let more natural light in, get scrubbing.

Get into the festive spirit

Aim for tasteful decorations such as a nice wreath on the front door, a pinecone centerpiece, and silver glass ornaments. When adding holiday decorations, pay attention to the color scheme. Skip the red and green garland if your living rooms has a clean, all-white color scheme. Rather, opt for white candles and a white tree to complement your palette.

One last pro-tip; you want to keep neutrality throughout, so you better leave the life-sized nativity scene in storage.

Winter is on its way. For many of us, that means heavy jackets, freezing temps, and snow. It’s time to start getting your Colorado home prepared for the winter months ahead.

Here’s a list of projects you should consider completing before Old Man Winter bears down on your area.

Seal cracks and holes around doors and windows

Any holes or cracks around the doors and windows let lots of cold air in and allow heated air to escape. If left unaddressed, this can cause your heating bill to skyrocket.

Seal the air leaks around your doors and windows to keep cold air from entering your house. Foam weather stripping can help eliminate those air leaks. Rope caulk can effectively seal larger gaps.

Inspect your roof

Your roof essentially protects your entire household. You want to make sure it is in good repair before the temperatures dip.

Visually inspect your roof. One of the easiest ways to spot roof leaks is through your attic. Go to the attic on a sunny day and turn the lights off. Look for small specs of light coming through the shutters. Also, look for streaked or water-stained areas on the beams or roof trusses. If you spot any of these, it is best to call in a professional and have it repaired.

Minor roof damage can lead to leaks and an assortment of problems eventually. Get your roof fixed before the weather turns bad.

Clean the gutter

It is not uncommon for gutters to accumulate leaves and other debris. Clogged gutters can spell trouble for your home. They can allow snow and melting ice to seep into your roof or flood your home’s foundation. This is why it is important to clean and flush out your gutters at least twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.  

Most people dread getting on the roof to clean the gutters. Keeping your gutters clean is a must to keep them performing properly and protect your roof, walls, and foundation from damage.

Schedule heating maintenance

During the winter, the furnace becomes your most important appliance. It helps keep you and your family warm and toasty despite the frigid weather. That said, you want to make sure that your heating system is up to snuff and ready to roll before winter weather strikes.

Schedule your annual HVAC maintenance to ensure your furnace operates optimally in winter.

During the HVAC inspection, your professional technician will check all parts of the furnace, make repairs and make sure that the system is clean and in good repair. If you put it off until winter, you might have to wait for a long time because a lot of homeowners are also in need of their services.

Unless you have already bought your forever home, the time will come when you will need to sell your Denver home. When that time comes, you want to make sure that you get the most money out of your Colorado property. After all, it is your biggest asset.

Use these tips to sell your Colorado home quickly and for the highest price possible.

Improve curb appeal

Curb appeal is how your house looks from across the street. If you are looking to sell your house, then you need to make a good first impression. Improving your home’s curb appeal will not only attract potential buyers, it will also increase the value of your property.

You don’t need to spend a huge sum of money to catapault the appeal of your home. Simple, inexpensive makeovers such as washing and repainting your home’s exterior can make your house sparkle. Plus, it can add greater value to the asking price.

Price it right

Sometimes, sellers are tempted to jack up the price of their house in the hopes of getting the most money out of their property. However, this strategy may backfire.

Majority of homebuyers have been looking for the perfect house for months. Often, they are most interested in new listings. You can expect more viewings and receive more offers during the first 2 weeks of listing, provided that the property is priced competitively. If it is significantly more expensive than similar properties, prospective buyers may lose interest and your house may linger on the market longer than expected. Nobody wants a house that rots on the market.

If you want to sell your house quickly and for top dollar, you need to price your based on the estimated market value. Keep an eye on similar properties nearby to make sure your pricing is similar.

Get the house in tip-top condition

Most buyers are looking for their dream home. They are looking for a house that doesn’t just look good, but is in good, move-in condition as well.

Before putting your house on the market, it is imperative that you focus on some home improvement projects. Tackle some issues such as plumbing problems, leaky roof, chipping paint, and a dingy floor. You want to make sure that your house is in pristine condition before selling.

Preparing your home for sale is one of best things you can do to maximize its value and make it more competitive on the market.

The roof is an important component of your Denver home. Despite the important role the roof plays, Colorado homeowners do not pay attention to their roofs. If your roof were to grab your attention, it means you have a leak or it may be in bad shape.

Despite regular maintenance and taking proper care of your Denver roof, there will come a time when you will need to replace your roof or perform some serious repairs. Roof replacement or repairs can be a costly ordeal, but it’s an important part of maintaining and owning a home.

Several warning signs herald the end of a roof’s life. Here are some of them.

Aged roof

The average roof will typically last for about 20 to 25 years. If your roof is over 20 years of age, then it may be time to consider roof replacement. Even if the roof still looks good from the ground, it is likely that there is a problem.

Sagging roof

A sagging roof can mean several things. It may be supporting too much weight, it may not have been installed properly or it could be weak and deteriorating. No matter what the reason is, this is a clear sign that your roof needs replacement. Ignoring this sign will not only lead to costly repairs, it may also put the safety of your family at risk.

Damaged flashing

Flashing is a layer of sheet metal, which prevents the passage of water in your roof. If you discover a wet stain or a wet insulation in the attic, this is a clear indication that the roof might not be in good shape.

Missing or loose shingles

Shingles must all be intact in order for them to protect your home completely. When shingles become loose or fall off, your roof won’t be able to do a great job of protecting your home. Missing shingles allow snow or rain to enter your home; thus, causing damage to the property. Don’t wait for this to happen. Replace loose or missing shingles as soon as possible to prevent damage.

Routine maintenance is important for your Denver home’s upkeep and well-being. However, majority of the defects Denver home inspectors finds are due to lack of preventive maintenance and neglect. Since your Colorado home is your biggest asset, it needs to be carefully looked after.

Regardless of whether you’re planning to put your home for sale or not, there are a lot of things you can do to keep your home in top shape. Read on as we give you some tips to make sure your Denver CO home stays in good condition for the years to come.

Inspect exterior

Inspect your home’s exterior for water damage, leaks, loose pieces and cracks. Keep your home in top shape by properly filling leaks and cracks or replacing rotted siding or trim.

Nothing makes a house look unwelcoming and dilapidated as peeling paint. Give your exterior walls a fresh coat of paint. Your house always looks clean and tiny when it’s newly painted.

Give your house a deep clean

Keep things clean by giving the whole house a proper deep clean. Allot one day for this task and get your entire family working. Dust every nook and cranny, clean the windows, scrub the floor, de-clutter etc. Don’t let dust, dirt and grime build up over the years.

Change out air filters

For homes with smaller families and without pets, it may not be necessary to change your air filters every month. This may be done every 2 to 3 months. If you have pets at home or if you smoke, be sure to inspect it every month and change whenever necessary.

Clean the gutters

Cleaning the gutters is a small task that can prevent big problems. Clean out leaves and debris that may have collected in them. This should be done twice a year to prevent damage to your home’s roof and exterior. Flush the gutters and downspouts with a garden hose after you’ve cleared the muck.

Check the roof

Have a roofing professional inspect your roof at least once a year. This way, they can identify sections that need repair and address the issues immediately.