Keep it simple, but festive and welcoming

If your home is the market, I give you permission to simplify your holiday decorating. Buyers want to see your house, not your decorations, but they also want to see that you’re enjoying the season. Finding that balance can be a bit tricky, but here are a few tips:

First impressions

• Make sure the driveway and walks are shoveled and de-iced.
• With shorter daylight hours, be sure that outside lights are working for safety purposes.
• Set out a welcome mat for friendly, welcoming interest, but also to grab the snow, mud and dirt from winter boots.

Interior touches

• Make sure your house is properly heated. A warm house is a welcoming house.
• Turn on the fireplace for ambiance (safety tip: ask the showing agent to turn it off, or plan to return home immediately after the showing).
• Make sure you have an entry rug for snowy boots. Prop up a nice, framed note that says, "Kindly Remove Shoes and Boots."
• We usually suggest turning off any music for showings. Music that doesn’t fit buyers’ taste can detract from their overall impression of your home.

Holiday decorating

• Keep religious decorations to a minimum to allow prospective buyers to imagine continuing their own traditions in your home.
• Be sure your holiday decorations match well with your home’s overall look and feel.
• Resist humorous or silly decorations that might be off-putting to buyers (like that Santa Claus toilet seat cover or the Star Wars menorah you won in last year’s white elephant exchange)
• Tastefully trim the tree. Skip the joke ornaments or pink flamingo lights and opt for simple, solid colors.

Finally, while cookies won’t sell your house, they are a nice touch. Leave out a plate with a note that reads, “Thanks for taking the time to look at our home. Have a wonderful holiday season!" 

If you are looking for an experienced real estate agent to buy or sell a home in the Steamboat Springs area, contact us. 

Overthinking house-hunting can lead to unnecessary stress

Buying a home is a major life event, so it’s natural for some stress to accompany the process. However, there are some simple ways to minimize the stress and anxiety – and perhaps even enjoy the house-hunt along the way.

When you set out to buy a home, remember:

There is no perfect time to buy. Many people feel high levels of stress when trying to second-guess the market, interest rates, home prices and more. The best time to buy is when it’s the right time for you. Trust your real estate agent to walk you through the details of the current market.

There is no perfect house. You can search for years and never find a 100 percent perfect house. Use your dream home checklist as a guide, but don’t be so attached to it that you miss out on a great home. Keep an open mind, and you will be surprised at what incredible options are available to you.

Trust your instinct. As you start looking for a home, you will likely ask friends and family for their opinions on neighborhoods, home features or the home-buying process. It is just fine to ask for that input, but remember that you are the one who is going to live in this home. What works for your friends or family might not work for you. Trust your own gut when it comes to making a final decision.

Think lifestyle first, then investment. When buying a home that will be your primary residence, make sure you’re buying because you love the house, the neighborhood and the amenities that go with it. Yes, you want your home to be a good investment, but it also needs to be the right fit for your lifestyle.

Give yourself permission to stress out. Then breathe. You will have moments of high stress during the house-hunting and home-buying process. Most people do, and it’s ok. The key is to understand that this stress is part of the process. Waiting for a response on an offer, lender issues, signing the paperwork at closing and several other moments are common times for homebuyers to experience stress. Again, trust your real estate agent to walk you through each of those key moments and always remember to breathe.

We work to make the home-buying process as simple and as stress-free as possible for our clients. If you are looking for your first home or your next home in Steamboat Springs, contact us. 

Fun things to do – on the slopes and off

Steamboat Springs Ski Resort opens this weekend (a bit early, thanks to some fantastic snowfall). We are all looking forward to hitting the slopes, but that is not all Steamboat has to offer in the colder months. There are so many opportunities to enjoy the area’s stunning landscapes and get a good dose of fresh mountain air.

Check out these other fun activities around the area:

• Rent a snow bike. A booming craze, locals and visitors alike are renting snowbikes to explore mountain terrain. Book your rental and lesson through Steamboat Skibikes or Steamboat resort.
  
  
• Skin up the mountain. No, that’s not a typo. Also known as uphill skiing, skinning up the mountain involves adding removable “skins” to tele-skis and climbing up the mountain. The reward for the hour-long trek is the long ski down afterward. Check the resort’s website for its uphill access policy.
  
  
• Rabbit Ears Pass. Grab the kids and the dog for a day in the snow and sun on Rabbit Ears Pass. The trail is suitable for snowshoes or cross-country skis and offers gorgeous views of Yampa Valley and the Flat Tops.
  
  
• Cut your own Christmas tree. The National Forest Service offers Christmas tree permits each year on a first-come, first-served basis. Check with the office for current availability.

We love our beautiful Colorado mountain town all times of the year. No matter the season, there is always something wonderful to see and something fun to do here. We invite you to spend some time exploring the way the Steamboat locals do.

If you are looking for a new home or vacation home in Steamboat Springs, contact us. We would be happy to show you around our town and introduce you to the range of properties available. 

How to decide if upsizing is the next step for you

Your lifestyle and current family needs have a huge impact on the size of home you need (or want). While tiny homes seem to be one hot new trend, and while many people have chosen to downsize, choosing a home with a little more elbow room makes more sense for some buyers.

Before you take the plunge and buy a bigger home, think about these factors:

• Income. Has your income grown enough in the past several years to enable you to afford a bigger home and possibly bigger mortgage? Keep in mind that a larger home often costs more in terms of utilities and maintenance, so factor those costs into your decision.
• Location. Can you afford a larger home in your target neighborhood or a neighborhood that still meets all your lifestyle needs (school district, amenities, entertainment, transportation, etc.)?
• Current market value. In order to upsize, you will want to maximize the sales price for your current home. Talk to a realtor about what kind of asking price you can expect if you do list your home for sale
• Equity. If you have been in your current home for several years, you might have a substantial amount of equity. That can help offset the cost of buying your next, bigger home.
• Staying put. In some cases, staying in your current home might be an option. Perhaps you can add on or remodel to better suit your needs, but think about if you want to take on the cost, and investment of time and energy, of major renovations.

To talk through your home selling and buying options, contact us at our Steamboat Springs real estate office. We will put our decades of experience to work for you. 

These welcoming touches help ensure a successful open house

An open house is one way to attract a large number of potential buyers at one time. Take the time to make sure each visitor feels warmed and welcome the minute he or she walks through the door. The more at home they feel, the more likely they will be to want to make an offer.

Try these welcoming open house ideas:

• Create more space. Remove some items of furniture to increase the sense of spaciousness. Especially during a crowded open house, you don’t want potential buyers to leave with the impression that your home is cramped.
• Bake bread or cookies. Pleasant aromas enhance the homey feeling you want people to have while viewing your listing.
• Light a fire. Especially during the colder months, a fire in the fireplace invites people to settle in. It also highlights a sought-after feature: Many mountain homebuyers want a working fireplace.
• Clear the counters. In both the kitchen and bathrooms, remove any items from countertops that make them feel cluttered. Leave a basket of fruit or soft towels for a decorative touch, but remember that less is more.
• Store personal items. Take down family photos so that people can imagine their own family living there; not yours. In addition, lock away valuables like jewelry and computers.
• Set the stage. A beautifully set dining table helps people imagine their family dinners there. Fresh towels or shower curtains in the bathroom help your home to feel cleaner and neater, and flower arrangements in the main areas will help brighten those rooms.
• Let in the light. Open blinds and turn on lights throughout the home for a cheery, light feeling during the open house.

If you are thinking about selling your home in the Steamboat Springs area, contact us. We will put our nearly 30 years of experience to work for you.

Why home ownership makes sense

You have probably seen the headlines recently that more people are choosing to rent than buy, but if you qualify and can afford a home, there are many reasons why ownership makes a lot of sense.

Here are just a few reasons to buy vs. rent:

• Stable costs. Unlike rent, most mortgage payments stay the same over the years. While a landlord can raise your rent each year, or more, a mortgage allows you the predictability of a fixed payment. (Be sure to talk to your realtor and lender about selecting the right mortgage for you.)
• Equity. While rent money is a sunk cost that benefits the landlord, each mortgage payment you make on your own home allows you to build equity in it.
•  Freedom and lifestyle. When you own your home, you have much more freedom to decorate, renovate and customize your home to suit your lifestyle. While you might need to seek HOA approval on some projects, you will have much more flexibility in a home you own than in a rented one.
• Potential appreciation. As you build equity and invest in upgrades to your home, you reap the benefits of both as you live there and enjoy the home. In addition, you have the potential for making money on your investment should you decide to sell at some point. Appreciation is not guaranteed, but it is a good possibility for many homes.
•  Community. Owning a home means you are more rooted in your community. Homeowners tend to settle in, get to know neighbors well and establish connections that can last for years. Rental communities tend to be more transient, and it can be more difficult to maintain that sense of community.

To learn more about owning a home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, contact us today. We would love to help you find your perfect home in our treasured community.

What to consider when looking at purchasing a condominium

Many first-timers come to us dreaming of their idea of the perfect mountain property: A little cabin by the river on a parcel of land – for a low price, of course. While properties like that are sometimes available, they are not always easy to come by and not always cheap. However, the mountain lifestyle buyers seek can be achieved in other ways, and condominiums are one great option. 

To determine if a condo is right for you, consider these factors. 

• Affordability. Condos often allow you to live in a prime neighborhood at a lower cost. 
• Amenities. Many condos have attractive features like community pools, spas and fitness centers.
• Low-maintenance. Especially if you are considering a mountain area like Steamboat Springs for a vacation home, it can be nice to know that someone else will handle common area and building maintenance in your absence.
• Security. Some condos offer added security measures, such as keyed entry and security guards.
• Lifestyle. Many condos are located near prime dining and entertainment options, as well as ski resort or hiking/biking trail access. So, while the property’s outdoor space might be limited, its location can give you easy access to the outdoor lifestyle you seek.
• Additional fees. As you consider the overall cost of purchasing a condo, remember to factor in the cost of HOA fees and other monthly expenses. 
• Regulations. Before purchasing a condo, be sure you fully understand the property’s rules and regulations. Some places prohibit pets or grills, for example.
• Resale value. Discuss the potential resale value of the condo with your realtor. Value can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, including the current market, neighborhood and more.

To learn more about the condominium properties available in the Steamboat Springs area, or listing your condo for sale, contact us. We will put our nearly 30 years of experience to work for you. 

Identifying your must-haves vs. your nice-to-haves

As you begin the house-hunting process, it is helpful to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for in your new home. Take some time to create a list of items you must have in a new property, as well as additional items that would be nice to have.

As you look at homes, your list might change due to budget constraints, what is available on the market – or you might simply change your mind about what is most important to you. Use this checklist to get started. Try to keep your “must have” list small – about five items or so – because too large a list will greatly limit the number of properties that will fit the bill. Everything else can be added to your nice-to-have list.

What to consider when searching for your ideal home:

Size

·         How many square feet do you want/need?

·         How many bedrooms and bathrooms?

·         How large of a yard do you want? (Consider your lifestyle as well as upkeep)

·         Do you need space for your pets, both indoors and out?

Location

·         Do you prefer to be close to neighbors or more secluded?

·         Do you want to be in a family-oriented community?

·         Consider the nearby schools, if you have school-aged children

·         Is access to public transportation important?

·         Do you want to be close to activities like hiking, neighborhood pools, community centers?

Style

·         One story? Two-story? Walk-out basement?

·         Traditional, modern or something in-between?

·         Are you willing to do renovations, or do you want move-in ready?

·         What age of home meets both your style and maintenance preferences?

Features

·         Do you want land, or would a condo with on-site amenities fit your lifestyle best?

·         Do you want a fireplace? Pool? Big windows for a lot of light?

·         What about storage space and on-site laundry?

·         Hardwood floors or soft carpet? (Keep in mind that you can redecorate if these preferred items are missing)

·         Do you want a patio or deck? A place with a mountain or river view?

Other

·         Think carefully about your own lifestyle. If you are an avid mountain biker with three dogs, you will need a different type of home than someone with no pets who prefers to stay indoors.

·         Talk to your real estate agent about your list. He or she can point out additional items that you might not have considered and can help you identify which items are achievable on your budget and in your market.

Remember that it can be worthwhile to view properties that don’t match your checklist perfectly. Many homes can be remodeled to fit your needs, or you might find that the benefits of a property – such as a great view or an ideal neighborhood – far outweigh the features it might lack.

When you are ready to begin shopping for your perfect home in Steamboat Springs, contact us. We would be happy to introduce you to some beautiful neighborhoods and great properties in this area. 

Show off your home’s assets with these simple steps

You don’t always need to invest a lot of time or money to get your home ready for sale. Sometimes, a few simple fixes are all it takes to show your home’s potential and beauty to buyers. Start with these tips for staging your home:

·         Improve the curb appeal. As potential buyers walk up to your home, you want them to have a great impression immediately. Keep the grass cut, trees trimmed and walkways shoveled. Add containers of flowers or other simple decorations as a finishing touch.

·         Polish and clean. Walk around your home’s exterior and interior and try to see them from a stranger’s perspective. Clean and tidy anything that is looking a little worn or shabby, such as dull doorknobs, grimy light fixtures or dusty baseboards.

·         Freshen up. Over the years, you have become accustomed to your home’s distinct aroma, but visitors will notice any unpleasant odors right away. When you are selling your home, it’s a good time to have carpets and drapes cleaned. Open the windows to allow fresh air in and move any pet bedding or litter boxes out of main areas.

·         Let it in the light. Wash windows to allow the maximum amount of light to pour in. Add brighter lightbulbs to lamps and fixtures to wake up dark areas in the home.

·         Less is more. Now is the time to pack away your collections and personal items. A few key pieces of furniture and some simple accessories help a buyer see the potential in each room without being distracted by stacks of magazines or shelves of figurines.

Do you want to sell your Steamboat Springs home quickly? Contact us to learn more about our real estate expertise in this market. 

Visit these great places to enjoy Steamboat in all its glory this fall

Strawberry Park Hot Springs
As cooler weather settles in, these steamy hot springs beckon. Soothe your body and soul as you soak in the natural mineral springs and enjoy the peaceful, wooded setting. The springs are open all year, and children and teens are welcome during daylight hours (18+ welcome after sunset and throughout the evening).

Yampa River Botanic Park
Open dawn to dusk until the end of October, this park is a peaceful retreat for plant and nature lovers. With free admission, you are invited to come back as often as you’d like.

Tread of Pioneers Museum
Learn more about the history of Steamboat Springs at the newly expanded Tread of Pioneers Museum. From agriculture to skiing to Native American history, the museum offers visitors and locals alike a step back in time.

Rotary Park Boardwalk and Yampa Core Trail
The Rotary Park Boardwalk offers a handicap-accessible raised loop of trails perfect for an afternoon outside along the river and in Steamboat’s wetland area. The boardwalk is part of a larger trail system called the Yampa Core Trail, which offers seven miles of trail along the Yampa River and through town, complete with stunning mountain views.

Haymaker Golf Course
A perfect combination of golf and stunning views of Yampa Valley, this public golf course is a must-see. The “championship-caliber” course was designed by Keith Foster and offers both a user-friendly, but challenging, experience to golfers of all levels.

These are just a few of the many reasons we love our home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. If you are thinking about making our beautiful town your home as well, contact us. We’d love to show you around.