Highlands Ranch Real Estate

Highlands Ranch Real Estate

If your looking for information on homes in Highlands Ranch your at the right place.  I specialize in listing highlands ranch real estate for sellers and purchasing highlands ranch homes for buyers.

Please vist our website: www.YourDenverHouse.com

 

Highlands Ranch is a planned community that includes 4 recreation centers, youth and adult sports programs, 2 skate parks, nature programs, libraries, 25 parks, 70 miles of trails, and 2,200 acres of open space. Development of Highlands Ranch began in 98. Highlands ranch resides in Douglas county Colorado, its a suburb of Denver situated about 15 miles south of Denver. Highlands Ranch has received many accolades including "Moneys list of Americas best places to live" and Forbes "Americas 25 p\best places to move". For more information on what Highlands Ranch has to offer, vist these sites:

http://highlandsranch.org

http://highlandsranch.com

http://hrcaonline.org

 

My goal is to provide you with a great real estate transaction whether you are buying a home in Highlands Ranch or selling a home in Highlands Ranch. I have extensive knowledge of the Denver real estate market. If you need help with your real estate transaction please contactme or click for a free market analysis of your home. Please visit the main site at YourDenverHouse.com to search active Denver MLSlistings including short sales, Hud Homes, and Foreclosures in all Denver neighborhoods at YourDenverHouse.com.  .

Should You Mortgage Your Home

Should You Mortgage Your Home

 

It used to be that you spent 50 years at a company and 50 years in your home, and when you retired, your home mortgage was (happily) paid off.  Times have changed. Certainly, few people spend their entire careers at one company, and now many retirees are shrugging off the conventional wisdom of paying off their homes at retirement.  Here are some points to consider if you are pondering using your savings to dispose of that mortgage on your Denver real estate:

 

·         Home Value: If you are one of the unhappy folks who are underwater (that is, the value of your home is less than what you owe on the mortgage), then paying off the mortgage will secure your credit from any possible foreclosure issues should you have cash flow problems later. But paying off that mortgage also depletes your savings substantially, leaving you less cushion if emergencies arise. Reverse mortgages (mortgages based on the equity in the home) are certainly an option for getting back at that cash later, but other investments may be more income-producing in the long run. 

 

·         Interest Rates: If you are one of the many people who have taken advantage of the historically low interest rates recently, your mortgage payment may not be the burden it used to be.  With your retirement income from pensions, 401Ks and social security, you may feel more comfortable holding onto your savings in a more liquid form rather than paying off the house. 

 

·         Tax Benefits: Mortgage interest continues to be tax deductible, so you may want to consider the tax ramifications for your situation. You can only deduct mortgage interest on two houses, so if you are a snow-bird commuting between several houses, ponder all the options.

 

·         Wanderlust: Paying off the mortgage on your Denver house for retirement makes more sense if you are planning on staying in that home for the duration. 

 

If you are considering selling your home or buying a new one, I can help.  I am a Denver Realtor specializing in listing Denver real estate for sellers and assisting Denver metro area buyers in your search for a home.  You can search all Denver MLS listings including short sales, Hud Homes, and Foreclosures in all Denver neighborhoods at YourDenverHouse.com. Give me a call today at 303-525-8721 or email me at Huffman@ccpre.com. 


Please see my profiles and reviews on Trulia & Zillow.


 

Thinking of Downsizing? Pros of Living In Smaller Homes in Denver

Thinking of Downsizing? Pros of Living In Smaller Homes in Denver

 There are many reasons to consider downsizing your Denver home.  Obviously, if the kids have left the nest, you’re recently widowed, divorced, or just have more house then you need, or want to clean and maintain, moving to a smaller home can simplify your life in many ways. But even if the size of your household has not changed, there are still benefits to living in a smaller house.

·         Maintenance will be easier. Take a lesson from monks: The more possessions you have, the more demands they make on you. It’s no different with your Denver house. It’s easier to clean 1,000 square feet than 3,000 square feet or more. The more plumbing you have, the more chances that something will go wrong with it. The bigger your roof, the more expensive it is to replace, and so on.

·         Life is easier in a small home. Small homes tend to be only one story. It’s nice to not have to climb the stairs every day. You may even find a one-story home that has no stairs to negotiate outside, making it wheelchair-accessible.

·         Small homes are cheaper to heat and cool. Energy prices increase all the time and always will. While it’s important to have good insulation and tight windows, all things being equal, the smaller your square footage, the lower your utility bills.

·         Insurance will be cheaper. The size of your home is one of the main factors determining how much your home insurance costs.

·         Taxes will be lower. Again, property taxes are based partly on the square footage of your home.

 

While you may not be ready to move into a tiny home, it’s worth considering the benefits of living in a smaller home. If you want to explore the possibilities, I am a Denver Realtor specializing  in helping Denver metro area buyers and listing Denver real estate for sellers. You can search all Denver MLS listings.  Call me directly at 303-525-8721 or email me at Huffman@ccpre.com 

Please see my reviews and profile on both Trulia & Zillow 

Remodeling Your Denver House

 

You decided the orange shag carpet, country kitchen, and felt wallpaper have to go, now what?  Remodeling your Denver house requires planning and budgeting whether it’s a small project like adding a bay window or a big project like adding a new bathroom, here are a few items you should consider before making the decision to remodel:

 

·         Budget for success – However much you think the renovation might cost, realize that it will likely cost more. Keep that in mind when considering whether you can truly afford to make the changes.

·         Put your money toward your priorities – If you live to travel, and you spend very little time in your [city] home, is the best use of your funds really a renovation? Think about the return on investment as it applies to your happiness. 

·         Remodeling only goes so far – If you want to rip out the kitchen and both bathrooms and add three bedrooms, what you may really want is another house. Both remodeling a home and buying a new home require a financial commitment. To help you decide whether you should remodel or move, recognize your goals. Do you prefer to stay where you are because you love your current neighborhood and the easy commute to work? Or would you rather move to a new area?

·         Understand the upheaval – Depending on the extent of the renovation, areas of your home may be out of commission and uninhabitable for stretches of time. If you renovate your kitchen, for instance, cooking is off limits or severely constrained for some time. Can you handle the mess? 

·         Now and the future – When you are looking at your budget, consider how secure your current income is.  For instance, if the contract for your position is up in a few months, make sure that renewal is likely before setting your remodeling budget.

·         Invest wisely – If you are planning on staying in your house over the long-term, and want to make it more comfortable, then renovation can make sense. If you are planning on selling the house, consider whether the changes you want to make will increase the value and be worth the headaches that will come with all the work. 

 

If you’d like more information about renovations that can increase the value of your Denver house, give me a call today at 303-525-8721 or email me at huffman@ccpre.com .  I am a Denver Realtor specializing in listing Denver real estate for sellers and assisting Denver metro area buyers in your search for a home.  You can search all Denver MLS listings including short sales, Hud Homes, and Foreclosures in all Denver neighborhoods at YourDenverHouse.com.

Please see my reviews and profile on both Trulia & Zillow 

Sell Your Home Quickly; Help Your Denver Realtor Market Your Home

 

Nobody knows your home, neighbors, schools, and overall neighborhood better than you do.  No one! Denver neighborhoods are very diverse, instruct your real estate agent on the distinguishing features of your home and neighborhood. Give your agent:
 

·         A schedule of your home’s maintenance – Provide a list of your home’s maintenance schedule including when you did landscaping, pest control, window washing and furnace inspections. This helps potential buyers feel good about the upkeep and maintenance of the property.

·         A history of renovations and upgrades – Buyers want to know what is original to the home and what you’ve added on. Put together a folder that contains the renovations you’ve made, why you chose to do them, any building permits you obtained and the contractors you used.

·         A map of the area marked with schools, parks and points of interest – Think about the different lifestyles of the people who might purchase your home and try to appeal to multiple types.

·         A list of great local establishments – When you’re new to a neighborhood, you never know where to go for good food or affordable dry cleaning. Make buyers feel immediately at home by putting together a list of your favorite local vendors and restaurants.

·         A description of the neighborhood — and make it positive – Highlight how often HOA meetings are held, what cul-de-sac the children play in and which neighbors usually host the annual block party. Reading positive information on the neighborhood will help a buyer build an affinity for your home.

By providing these documents, you’ll help your Denver realtor create an identity for your home that will hopefully have an emotional impact on buyers and quickly make them feel at home.

 
I am a Denver Realtor specializing in listing Denver real estate for sellers.  I’ll show you my proven marketing plan that gets homes sold fast. Please click for free market analysis, call me direct at 303-525-8721 or email me at Huffman@ccpre.com  . 

Please see my reviews and profile on both Trulia & Zillow

Property Evaluation: Valuing Your Denver Home

Property Evaluation: Valuing Your Denver Home

When you are pondering the value of your Denver home, you may want to evaluate your property from a few different angles to get a good feel for its worth. 

·    Value: As the credit card commercials imply, the cost of something isn’t necessarily the same as its value (which can be “priceless”). Value takes into account how individual buyers might use a property. For instance, the home being in a good school district is probably more valuable to a family with children than to a bachelor. On the other hand, accessibility to nightlife is most likely more valuable to the bachelor than to a family with children. You may value the wide lush lawn of your Denver home while other people see that asset as a detriment, because that lawn always needs mowing. 

·    Cost: The cost of the house for the sellers is the price paid for the home plus improvements made during their tenure. Remember, the sellers’ cost is unlikely to be the same as the fair market value. Not all changes to a home necessarily add to its fair market value; in fact, quirky renovations can make properties more difficult to sell. 

·    Fair market value: The fair market value of a property is determined, in part, by looking at similar properties sold in the area in the last six months. This Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) considers items such as number of bedrooms and baths and the neighborhood in which it’s located. A basic CMA may not factor in everything that goes into setting a price for the property. For example, if your home is in significantly better condition than comparable properties or has a spectacular view, those factors will most likely increase your home’s fair market value.

If you’d like a Comparative Market Analysis for your home, including all the special factors that set your home apart from other homes in your neighborhood, give me a call today at 303-525-8721 or email me at huffman@ccpre.com .  My goal is to provide you with a great real estate transaction whether you are buying a home in Denver or selling a home in Denver or the surrounding area. I have extensive knowledge of the Denver real estate market. If you need help with your real estate transaction please contact me. Please visit the main site at YourDenverHouse.com to search active Denver MLS listings.

Please see my reviews and profile on both Trulia & Zillow

5 Denver Real Estate Remodeling Investments That Pay Off

Remodeling and updating Denver real estate makes a lot of sense in today’s market. Even if you’re planning on staying in your home for years to come, don’t make the mistake of spending your home improvement dollars unwisely. You never know when something like illness, unemployment or a job opportunity in another city may force you to sell.

You don’t want to sink a lot of money into expensive upgrades or additions that you won’t recoup when it’s time to sell. So here are five tips to make sure your investment makes good financial sense.

1.       Keep pace with the neighbors, but don’t pass them. Any expert on Denver real estate will tell you that it’s hard to get the maximum value out of a home when it’s the nicest one in the neighborhood.

2.       Remodel instead of adding on. Before you spend the cash on an expensive addition, consider reconfiguring your current space to suit your needs. Removing walls can open up and modernize the look and feel of your home without the huge price tag.

3.       Don’t overlook maintenance and repairs. Replacing appliances, redoing a roof or changing out old windows can be very attractive to smart buyers — and will save you from surprises when it comes time for an inspection.

4.       Be smart with technology upgrades. That theater room you’ve always wanted may seem like a no-brainer. However, technology changes so quickly; make sure you’re not spending big bucks on equipment that will quickly be out of date.

5.       Avoid over-personalization. A humidity-controlled wine cellar or a completely outfitted home library may make sense in high-end neighborhoods. However, if you’re in a more modest neighborhood, don’t spend a lot of money on features unlikely to appeal to buyers in your price range.

Don’t get carried away with remodeling fantasies. Make smart decisions that pay off when it comes time to sell your home in Denver.

My goal is to provide you with a great real estate transaction whether you are buying a home in Denver or selling a home in Denver or the surrounding area. I have extensive knowledge of the Denver real estate market. If you need help with your real estate transaction please contact me or click for a free market anaylsis of your home. Please visit the main site at YourDenverHouse.com to search active Denver MLSlistings.

Please see my reviews and profile on both Trulia & Zillow

How to Help Your Denver Real Estate Agent Market Your Home

Who knows your home and your neighborhood better than you do? No one! So help your Denver real estate agent market your property by providing him or her detailed information about your home and your neighborhood. Give your agent:

·         A schedule of your home’s maintenance – Provide a list of your home’s maintenance schedule including when you did landscaping, pest control, window washing and furnace inspections. This helps potential buyers feel good about the upkeep and maintenance of the property.

·        A history of renovations and upgrades – Buyers want to know what is original to the home and what you’ve added on. Put together a folder that contains the renovations you’ve made, why you chose to do them, any building permits you obtained and the contractors you used.

·        A map of the area marked with schools, parks and points of interest – Think about the different lifestyles of the people who might purchase your home and try to appeal to multiple types.

·        A list of great local establishments – When you’re new to a neighborhood, you never know where to go for good food or affordable dry cleaning. Make buyers feel immediately at home by putting together a list of your favorite local vendors and restaurants.

·        A description of the neighborhood — and make it positive – Highlight how often HOA meetings are held, what cul-de-sac the children play in and which neighbors usually host the annual block party. Reading positive information on the neighborhood will help a buyer build an affinity for your home.

By providing these documents, you’ll help your Denver real estate agent create an identity for your home that will hopefully have an emotional impact on buyers and quickly make them feel at home.

If you’re looking for a Denver real estate agent to market and sell your home, please click for free market analysis, call me direct at 303-525-8721 or email me at Huffman@ccpre.com . I’ll show you my proven marketing plan that gets homes sold fast.  Read my other blog on preparing your home for sale.  Don't forget to check our website YourDenverHouse.com.

Please see my reviews and profile on both Trulia & Zillow

Autumn Curb Appeal for Your Denver Real Estate, Not Just For the Rich and Famous

It’s easy to make your Denver real estate look great in the spring and summer, but autumn lawn care and curb appeal is just as important. By taking the following steps, your property will be just as appealing to prospective buyers during the fall and winter as it would be during spring and summer:

1.     Rake and dispose of leaves and pine needles. A yard that needs leaf removal can cost a seller. Leaving a mess of leaves that need to be raked can make a buyer think the house needs work, whether it does or does not.

2.     Consider planting ornamental kale and cabbage in containers. Ornamental varieties from the cabbage family will add color and withstand the chills of winter.

3.      Clean out the gutters. Clean, leaf-free gutters tell potential buyers that you’ve kept up with the maintenance on your Denver real estate.

4.      Keep decks and patios in good repair. Treat the wood, wash down the deck, repair any loose boards or hand rails. Spray-wash any moss or algae that might be growing due to wet weather.

5.      Add adequate lighting. Many prospective buyers meet their Denver real estate agent after work for home tours. It is helpful to install solar walkway lights to illuminate paths and the driveway.  Also turn on outside lights and consider adding a few temporary spot lights to focus on the home’s architecture or landscaping.

6.      Set out your patio or garden furniture during fall and winter months. Keep them clean and inviting. The buyer will look at the back deck or patio and quickly see it is a place to be enjoyed.

7.      Make the front door the focal point. Hang a large wreath that showcases the striking colors of autumn like browns, golds, oranges and reds. Buy one or make your own with dried or fresh autumn leaves, berries and pine cones.

I specialize in listing Denver real estate for sellers. If you need assistance listing your home for sale, contact me directly at 303-525-8721 or email me at Huffman@ccpre.com.  Denver metro area buyers can search all Denver MLS listings at the YourDenverHouse.com website.

Please see my reviews and profile on both Trulia & Zillow

 

4 Things Buyers Dislike in Denver Homes for Sale

You’ve decided to put your house on the market, you’ve removed all unnecessary furniture and you’ve cleaned it from top to bottom. Even though you have a good start, maintaining a clean household may not be enough; you also have to cater to fussy buyers. By updating just a few features, you’ll immediately increase your property’s appeal to buyers looking at Denver homes for sale.

Selling a house is stressful enough without having to worry about every detail and anticipating what buyers are looking for. So, we’ve saved you some trouble by listing what buyers are definitely NOT looking for. Make these relatively easy changes and picky purchasers will have less to complain about when it comes to your property.

1.       Neglected landscaping ­– The front yard of your home is the first thing buyers see, so make sure it’s eye-catching, tidy and inviting. A yard looking like a graveyard (unless it’s Halloween decorations) might make potential buyers drive right on by.

2.       Popcorn ceilings – Not only do most buyers find these unattractive, but they also know that popcorn ceilings are impossible to clean and difficult to paint. Additionally, Denver homes for sale that were built before the mid-1970s could contain asbestos in popcorn ceilings. Have popcorn ceilings tested for asbestos, and if all is clear, you might want to invest in a contractor to smooth them out.

3.       Crazy paint colors - Paint any room that is red, teal or another out-of-the-ordinary color a nice beige or off-white.

4.       Brass fixtures – If your doorknobs and cabinet pulls are all brass, buyers may zero in on that as a negative feature that they’ll have to update. Eliminate a potentially bad focal point by easily and inexpensively replacing the fixtures yourself.

 

Don’t get discouraged when it comes to fixing up your house. Update these common sources of buyer complaints, and you’ll be well on your way to measuring up to or even surpassing other Denver homes for sale.  For more tips see my blog; preparing a home for sale.

 

I specialize in listing Denver real estate for sellers and assisting Denver metro area buyers in your search for a home.  You can search all Denver MLS listings at the YourDenverHouse.com website. Contact me directly at 303-525-8721 or email me at Huffman@ccpre.com and I will assist you.

Please see my reviews and profile on both Trulia & Zillow

 

 

Should You Downsize Your Denver Home?

There are many reasons to consider downsizing your Denver home. Obviously, if the kids have left the nest, or you’re recently widowed or divorced, moving to a smaller home can simplify your life in many ways. But even if the size of your household has not changed, there are still benefits to living in a smaller house.

·         Maintenance will be easier. Take a lesson from monks: The more possessions you have, the more demands they make on you. It’s no different with your Denver house. It’s easier to clean 1,000 square feet than 3,000 square feet or more. The more plumbing you have, the more chances that something will go wrong with it. The bigger your roof, the more expensive it is to replace, and so on.

·         It’s easier to age in a small home. Small homes tend to be only one story. As we get older (and we all are), it’s nice to not have to climb the stairs every day. You may even find a one-story home that has no stairs to negotiate outside, making it wheelchair-accessible.

·         Small homes are cheaper to heat and cool. Energy prices increase all the time and always will. While it’s important to have good insulation and tight windows, all things being equal, the smaller your square footage, the lower your utility bills.

·         Insurance will be cheaper. The size of your home is one of the main factors determining how much your home insurance costs.

·         Taxes will be lower. Again, property taxes are based partly on the square footage of your [city] home.

While you may not be ready to move into a tiny home, it’s worth considering the benefits of living in a smaller home. If you want to explore the possibilities, I specialize in helping Denver metro area buyers and listingDenver real estate for sellers. You can search all Denver MLS listings or contact me directly and I will assist you.  Call me directly at 303-525-8721 or email me at Huffman@ccpre.com . 

Please see my reviews and profile on both Trulia & Zillow