While the dream of owning a house has been set aside during the recession, most Americans say that buying a house is still in their life plan. But before you finally decide to make an offer, you might want to ask yourself a handful of questions. While the answers to these questions might make you rethink your bid or scare you off, you can be sure that you are making the right decision.

Why do you want to buy a house?

Determining the reason why you want to buy a Denver house is important before you go out and start looking at options. What purpose shall it serve? Are you planning to live in it or rent it out? This is important as it will help you determine the house size and the type of loan structure you’ll need based on your plans.

How confident are you about your future income?

Before you start dreaming about white picket fences and granite countertops, make sure that you have a steady source of income. If you are thinking about quitting your job or there are murmurs of layoffs in your company, where will you get your monthly mortgage payment?

How confident are you that you will want to stay?

One of the most important factors that you have to consider when deciding between buying versus renting is how long you are planning to stay in that Colorado house. Mind you, it takes about 5 to 7 years just to break even the cost of buying, owning and selling a Colorado house. So, if you’re not confident that you can stay put for that long, you might want to re-consider your plans.

How is your credit score?

Your credit score is one of the most important things you should consider if you are planning to buy a Denver house. If you have a low credit score, you might have a tough time getting a loan. And if you do, there’s a great chance that you’ll be required to pay a higher interest rate and a higher down payment.

So, if you are planning to buy a Colorado house in the near future, now is the right time to pay off some of your debt and raise your credit score.

In nearly all cases, it is the buyer who orders and pays for a home inspection. As a seller, you may be thinking, what’s the point of having a pre-listing inspection if the buyer will want their own inspection anyway? 

Here are 4 benefits of doing a pre-listing inspection. 

Prepare your home for sale

With a pre-listing inspection completed, you’ll know ahead of time what exactly is wrong and what needs to be fixed prior to putting your Colorado home on the market. You’ll have enough time to decide what to fix, who to hire to make repairs, and when it should be completed. 

Pre-listing inspections will not only help you cut cost and save time. It can also help you update your home and market it for the best return on investment. 

Get your ideal asking price 

Typically, a Denver home inspection is done shortly after the seller accepts the buyer’s offer. But if you wait for the buyer to discover some issues in your home, then they will likely negotiate for a lower price or ask you to have it repaired before closing. 

By completing an inspection prior to listing your Colorado property, you can deal with problems ahead of time and use the clean bill of health to justify a slightly higher asking price. 

Faster, smoother selling process

If you are the type of person who hates surprises, then we urge you get a pre-listing inspection. Not only will it eliminate surprises, it will also reduce the negotiation process. 

Since you already took the time to address the issues, there won’t be much left for buyers to negotiate on. Both parties will benefit from a smoother, faster selling process. 

Increase prospective buyers’ confidence 

No one wants to buy a house with a lot of hidden issues. Having a pre-listing inspection is a great way to show potential buyers that your Colorado home is in good condition and that you have nothing to hide. 

Home buyers are naturally skeptic about the condition of the house. Handing them an inspection report that details the condition of your home can help overcome skepticism and eliminate much of the doubt about your home. Buyers will be more comfortable making an offer, knowing that the house is in good condition. 

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.

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.

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.