THE DESIGN MISTAKES YOU’RE MAKING RIGHT NOW

THE DESIGN MISTAKES YOU’RE MAKING RIGHT NOW

Written by Jaymi Naciri

You just bought your new home, and you’re ready to put your personal stamp on it. Go get that paint brush and paint those kitchen cabinets neon yellow! It’s your home, right? What’s the problem?

For starters, making bold changes to your home without considering a few things, like… how they might affect resale value, your taste level, the taste level of other people who might want to buy your home some day, how hard it might be to paint over neon yellow, whether or not you are qualified to do a decent job painting your cabinets neon yellow (or any color for that matter)… may not be your best option, but it’s a good thing that there are London Industrial painters who can assist us in making better choices regarding our paint color.

You’re making mistakes in your home everyday, whether by changing the big things, not changing the small things, or just plain changing things wrong, according to Yahoo (via HGTV). They talked to “some of today’s hottest interior designers to count down” the top decorating mistakes found in American home design.

You can check out the full list here. We’ve included a few of our faves below, and also added a few of our own.

1. Toilet Rugs

“Toilet rugs are cut to fit around the toilet and sometimes have the carpet-like matching seat cover. Opt for a regular rectangular rug placed away from the base of the toilet instead,” said Yahoo.

We have to agree. And, we would add, this is especially important if you have boys. Just think about it.

2. Following Fads

It’s easy to fall in love with something and then never let it go. “From beanbag chairs to lava lamps, be careful of trends as it’s difficult to get rid of those items once the fad is gone, especially furniture,” said Yahoo. Decorate in a style you’ll really like for a long time such as getting a modern sleeper sofa. Have fun with it, but be ready to recycle it when it goes out of style.

Speaking of which.

3. Faux finishing

It’s over. Really. You should do something about that.

4. Outdated Accessories

One of the easiest and most economical updates for a house is updating cabinet hardware. If yours look like this…

it’s time.

“Don’t let your rooms feel dated by hanging on to older cabinets and especially hardware,” said Yahoo. “Make small changes like switching the hardware on your kitchen or bath cabinets for a big impact.”

5. Thinking You Can Do It All Yourself

They make contractors and plumbers and electricians for a reason. It’s because they are skilled at doing stuff the average person is not. We can’t all be Mr. Fix It.

That doesn’t mean you can’t fix a toilet or build a closet. But it may mean you should stay away from the kitchen sink and the electrical panel. And probably the HVAC system and the roof especially if your home requires roof replacement. Don’t be afraid to hire out and write a check. You can always count on Gator Electric and Communications for your electrical concerns.

It may actually save you money in the end. It will most certainly save you frustration.

That being said…

6. Not Thinking You Can Do Anything Yourself.

Just because the bookcase you bought at IKEA gave you fits and took two weeks to assemble doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of doing anything. There is pride in DIY… if you start small and take on a job you can finish, and do well.

If you’re a DIY virgin, ease in by painting a wall. You can always have it repainted. Or torn down, depending on how bad your paint job is. You can also check out this website, https://industrialpaintingcontractors.co.uk/, to get more ideas on the color you want done.

Additionally, if you have problems with your heating, make sure to contact experts who can provide boiler repair services.

7. Cable Cobwebs

The cords coming from your TV look like a spider web and you’re so used to it you don’t even notice anymore, right? Visitors to your home will, and this sloppy look is taking away from your chic style.

“Keep wires hidden at all times with these easy solutions” from Yahoo:

  1. 1. Use a staple gun to attach them to the back of furniture or along baseboards.
  2. 2. Find a cord cover that matches your wall color.
  3. 3. If the furniture isn’t a valuable antique, drill a hole in the back for the cords to go through.

If none of that is feasible, purchase a cord keeper for a couple bucks from IKEA, or repurpose the twisty-tie from your package of bread.

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

new bh4u logo

Boulder Colorado Communities

Boulder homes for sale

COZY, COLORFUL & COLLECTED: WHAT’S HOT AT HOME FOR 2014

COZY, COLORFUL & COLLECTED: WHAT’S HOT AT HOME FOR 2014

Written by Christina Kauffman

From the society to the runway, there are many factors that influence what’s “in” when it comes to Interior Design. In 2014 you can expect an overall collected look- mixing vintage with modern, masculine with feminine and natural elements with bold color and patterns. Here are a few of my favorite trends for the New Year!

In today’s society we are living longer which has allowed for a stronger relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, bringing forth a clean but collected look at home. Vintage, hand-me-down furnishings are modernized using bold color finishes and heirloom items are repurposed for functional use. Handmade crafts are making a comeback! Beautiful calligraphy art and cozy knitted throws will make you wish you had nifty craft skills like Grandma!

Due to today’s level of gender equality, men are spending more time at home and are now participating in design decisions. Therefore, we will see a more masculine influence in the upcoming years. The use of more strong and sturdy materials such as solid concrete in the kitchen and will become more popular.

This also means comfort will become the highest priority. Don’t panic ladies, that definitely does not mean big, bubbly recliners are back in style! Think of masculine design as a fine tailored suit, emulating both comfort and luxury.

Recently, on the runway a new Pantone color palate made it’s debut. Bold colors such as Yellow and Cobalt are trending for women next spring, and they will also become popular at home.

      
Whimsical accessories, vibrant art and patterned upholstery will sit against a neutral white background. Organic earth tones will also be used along with natural rounded elements like raw metal, wood and stone to keep interiors feeling classic. Color to watch – Pantone Freesia.

Trend For Thought…

Just because something is “in” doesn’t mean you have to like it. If you are intrigued by a new trend, adopt it. If it isn’t love at first sight, forget it.

Don’t be afraid to express yourself at home- if you fall in love with an emerald armchair that a nearby shopper claims is “so 2013”, get it anyway. Not everything in your home needs to match the Jones’. What’s most important is that you are inspired! The best and most comfortable homes reflect the personalities of those who live in them. So naturally, if your guests love you, they are sure to love what you’ve done with the place!

Boulder Luxury Homes

 

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

 

new bh4u logo

Boulder Colorado Communities

Boulder homes for sale

I JUST GOT AN OFFER ON MY HOME AND I’M SO MAD

I JUST GOT AN OFFER ON MY HOME AND I’M SO MAD

 

Don’t Get Mad, Get Even More For Your Home

First, you’re shocked. Then you get angry. “They offered WHAT?”

As you glare at your REALTORv, all you can think of is how insulted you are. How could buyers offer you so little for your home? Don’t they know what you paid for it? All you’ve put into to it? Don’t they know how much the house down the street sold for?

Before you throw the offer in the trash, take a deep breath, cool down, and get some perspective.

You want to sell your home.
You want to sell it fast.
You want what your home is worth.

Here’s the other side:

The buyer wants your home.
The buyer wants to pay a fair price.
The buyer has the same market data you do.

You and your buyer aren’t as far apart as you think. You just need to work through your differences.

Don’t get mad at the one person who made an offer on your home. Get mad at all the other buyers who walked through your home and didn’t make an offer.

Find out the negatives where your buyers are focused. Deferred maintenance or dated decor are expensive to correct. You didn’t want to put in the money; why should the buyer?

Look for where you can compromise. Are you willing to make the repairs and updates buyers want? If not, are you willing to lower the price? And if you don’t lower the price, can you afford to wait for another offer that may never come?

Think back to when you and your Realtor first discussed pricing for your home. She pointed out that buyers want as close to new as possible, didn’t she? Now you’re seeing your home through the buyer’s eyes and their offer.

The support for the buyer’s side is that others saw your home and didn’t like it well enough to make an offer. You have to accept that condition is a bigger factor than you thought it would be.

Think about how you’ll feel when you become the buyer. Would you pay full asking price for a home that needs work if there are others in better condition?

Set your pride aside and rework the numbers to something that’s fair to you and the buyers. When they see you’re making the effort, they’ll either improve their offer or accept your counteroffer.

Keep your eye on the prize – getting your home sold, not beating the buyer.

 Home Selling Tips

 

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

 

new bh4u logo

Boulder Colorado Communities

Boulder homes for sale

TURN A PART OF YOUR HOUSE INTO A SPA

 

WHY IS THIS GOOD?

Investing in a house you live in is never a bad choice. What is a very smart move is having home renovations, turning your cellar or your attic, or if you have some other free space in your home, into a spa. This will provide relaxation for you and your whole family, but it will also increase the value of your house if you plan on selling it in the future. Another way to increase your home’s value is by investing in the best walk-in closet designs. A well-designed walk-in closet can make a big difference in how you and potential buyers view your home, as it can improve organization and provide a luxurious touch. This is something that just a few fortunate ones own in their homes, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be a billionaire, if you want to own one in your house. Decent incomes and savings can cover expenses like this, as there is a lot of equipment that will satisfy your domestic needs –it need not be of professional quality.

BASICS: PREPARING THE SPACE

Cleaning the space you intend to turn into your personal spa is inevitable, especially because hygiene is very important. Tiling the floor with smooth tiles will make it easier for cleaning and there are a lot of different options on tender, including many patterns and colors. If your floor is already tiled, this is one less expense for you. A parquet has its own advantages – you wouldn’t have to install floor heating underneath the floor surface because wood is much warmer. Just do the sanding and you are ready to move onto other things.

RELAX IN YOUR OWN SAUNA

Relaxation is why you do this, so make it a real deal by putting a sauna in.  Conventional saunas or infrared saunas – it is your choice. The difference between the two is that the first one is heating the air and the second one is heating the objects found in it. You can purchase one in various sizes, so it won’t be a problem finding the right place where to put it. Pick a corner where you want to install it and make sure that there is a window near that place or an air conditioning vent. Proper installations will avoid the mold on your walls and the ceiling. Half an hour spent in spa weekly can improve your health a lot and it is a solution, if you have respiration problems.

MORE ENJOYING AND MORE ACTIVITY

After you are finished with sweating in your sauna, you should make a short pause and head to the shower, or a hot tub. Hydrotherapy after a day of hard work is really pleasing to the whole body as well as your mind – it will take all the stress away. Adjust your hydro massagers according to your own needs over a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate, while you are chatting with your friends and family. Hot tubs are designed to handle more than one person at a time and hygiene is kept with various products. You are not going to change the water in your tub every time you get out. Instead just put a cleansing pill once you are finished and in a couple of hours it will be ready for further use.

Houses with enough free space can even comfortably hold an inside pool. Complete your spa day at home by taking a swim in your own pool. Sounds pretty good! Additional physical activity couldn’t possibly harm you. Keep in mind that this is not a regular swimming pool, so according to some spa standards, it shouldn’t be that deep, but it should be rather narrow and lengthy. Tile it with mosaic pool tiles and add a new dimension to your personal spa.

ALL THE SUNDRIES

Bathrobes, soft towels, fragrance oils and candles are a great finishing touch to a complete spa experience. Don’t forget peeling body lotions and hydrating creams that will give your body a glowing effect after all of these special treatments. If this doesn’t make you feel good, relaxed and satisfied, nothing will!

 
 
 
 
John Marcotte
The Marcotte Real Estate Group
www.boulderhomes4u.com
 
john@boulderhomes4u.com
 

10 U.S. CITIES TO REDUCE ENERGY WASTE WITH GREEN BUILDINGS: THE CITY ENERGY PROJECT

10 U.S. CITIES TO REDUCE ENERGY WASTE WITH GREEN BUILDINGS: THE CITY ENERGY PROJECT

10 U.S. cities are stepping up to reduce energy waste by promoting green building designs and energy-efficient practices.

Residential and commercial buildings are the single largest user of energy in the United States, consuming 40% of total energy use. Total energy use can soar to as high at 75% in major cities.

The City Energy Project is a joint project with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) to help “create healthier and more prosperous American cities by improving the energy efficiency of buildings.”  

Participating cites will work with the NRDC and the IMT to build energy-efficient buildings and upgrade existing ones.

The project is funded by former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s foundation and other charitable groups. NRDC estimates the proposed emission reductions would compare to removing over 1 million cars off the road and save home and business owners over $1 billion over a year.

Here is the list of the 10 City Energy Project cities and the mayors leading the way:

  1. Atlanta: Mayor Kasim Reed
  2. Boston: Mayor Martin J. Walsh
  3. Chicago: Mayor Rahm Emanuel
  4. Denver: Mayor Michael B. Hancock
  5. Houston: Mayor Annise Parker
  6. Kansas City, MO: Mayor Sly James
  7. Los Angeles: Mayor Eric Garcetti
  8. Orlando: Mayor Buddy Dyer
  9. Philadelphia: Mayor Michael A. Nutter
  10. Salt Lake City: Mayor Ralph Becker

Written by 

 

 

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

 

new bh4u logo

Boulder Colorado Communities

Boulder homes for sale

HOW TO LIST YOUR HOME IN 3 STEPS

HOW TO LIST YOUR HOME IN 3 STEPS

for sale sign

 

Written by 

The following will help you take the proper steps to having a “For Sale” sign in your yard.

1.    CALL YOUR LENDER

Call your lender and ask for your payoff amount.  They will give you the amount to satisfy your debt that includes the interest owed through the estimated date you plan to pay off the loan. Knowing an estimated pay off amount will be beneficial when pricing your home.

2.    CALL ME, YOUR REALTOR

Call your local Realtor and have them to prepare a Comparative Market Analysis for you.  The C.M.A allows you to see how homes comparable to yours are selling. Most C.M.A’s will have three sections, the “Active”, “Pending” and “Sold” section.

  • Active – The active part of the report will show you which comparable homes are currently on the market, their list price, how long they’ve been on the market and if there has been aprice reduction since each home has been on the market.
  • Pending – When a home is pending, all parties have agreed on the terms needed to sell a home and are now going through the process that leads to a closing. This part of the report will not disclose the final terms that were agreed upon by the buyer and seller, however it will show you what the sellers were asking when an agreement was made and how long the home was on the market until it turned to a pending status.
  • SOLD – The sold section will tell you how long a comparable property was on the market and what the final sales price was. All three parts of the CMA play an important role in how you should price your home however in my opinion, the SOLD section is the most important part of the report. The sold section shows you what the market is willing to pay for a home like yours.  There are exceptions and your Realtor will be able to pull additional reports if needed.

Once you know your pay out and have reviewed the C.M.A, I can then prepare a NET sheet for you. The NET sheet will allow you to have a snapshot of your closing cost and how much you may walk away with, after selling your home at the price you have decided on.

 3.    PREPARE YOUR HOME 

Now that you’ve met with me and decided on the right price for your home, it’s time to prepare your home for showing.

The easiest way to get your home ready is to remember the acronym R.U.D.E.

Repair  – Now is time to complete everything on your “Honey Do” list. If you want top dollar for your home it’s important to make your home move in ready. Fix and repair as much as possible, before the potential buyer discovers it. Repair items can cause you to get less for your home or even lose a sale.

Unclutter – Your home is lived in and probably very clean, however your home now needs to show like a model home; I know this task can be a challenge, especially if you have kids. If a buyer likes your home they will want to imagine it as their own. Remember less is more! You may even want to consider having a professional staging company, come in to assist you in this part of the process.

Depersonalize – Family pictures, awards, trophies, personalized artwork and mementos should be packed away.   Remember your home needs to show like a model not like the Smith family home that the potential buyers are visiting.

Exterior – First impressions are everything!  The first impression can literally turn a buyer off before they even walk through your doors or you can have really good curb appeal and get them really excited to see what’s next. Make sure your lawn is cut and while you’re at it, add a pop of color to your garden. Even a simple hanging basket filled with colorful blossoms could make a difference.

Now your home is ready to sell! Call me to put the “For Sale” sign in your yard quick!

Boulder listings 

 

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

 

new bh4u logo

Boulder Colorado Communities

Boulder homes for sale

LOCATION AND CONDITION ARE NOT WHAT SELLS A HOUSE!

LOCATION AND CONDITION ARE NOT WHAT SELLS A HOUSE!

Written by 

I recently read a real estate article that claimed price was the only thing that matters in selling a home. The author later said,” You’ve heard the old saying – “Location, location, location: Then she said…”The real truth is “Location, condition, and price.”

Well, she got one of them right. There are 3 things that sell a home. Location is NOT one of them. Neither is the condition. Now, before you start yelling at your computer that I am an idiot… Please bear with me and I will show you I am right. And once you realize I am right, it will help you help your sellers get the maximum money for their home, in the least amount of time. And finally, I will show you how to get a needed price reduction.
So, let me repeat myself. There are THREE things that sell a house. Just three. Each of them equally important.
Yes, price is one of them. However, from here I will rebuff a few other things I have heard are selling factors.
Location: Location only helps or hinders the price you will get for the home. It’s not like you can tell your sellers, “Well, if we move the house to the Country Club, you can get a lot more!” The property is where it is. You cant move it. So the location affects the price, and that is all. Here is the proof location is irrelevent. If your new listing is right next to the freeway. And right next to the fire department. And a half mile from the refinery. I think we can all agree that it’s not a great location. We can also agree it won’t fetch as much money as the same house in a “great area”. However, it WILL sell. Lets use the ridiculous figure of ONE DOLLAR. Do you think you could get someone to buy that house, in that location for a buck? I’d say yes. In fact, you’d probably get multiple offers. How about $100? Or $1000? Keep going up. Eventually you will hit an asking price that the buyer pool is only a few people. THAT is the value. Your job as an agent is to know your market well enough to deduce the housing need in your area and figure out what the price will be. In THAT location.
The next misnomer is the condition. Actually, all the same rules for location apply to condition. Let’s say your new listing is right next to the freeway, right next to the fire department, a half mile from the refinery, needs a new roof, new kitchen, new baths and has $5000 in termite damage. Do you think you could sell it for a dollar? Of course you could! How about a $1000?
You get the idea. Again, it’s your job to figure out how much it will sell for.
So, can we throw out location and condition as one of the factors that sells a house? Can we just agree that location and condition get you more money or less money, but they are NOT what sells the house. Once you get a firm grasp on that concept, it will become easier for you to make your sellers understand that they can’t get as much for their home as they can in the Country Club. They can expect to get more money if they fix and paint and clean. But if they don’t, you’ll sell it in whatever condition it is in.
Ok. If it’s not location and condition, What DOES sell the house? What are the three things?
They are Price, Terms and Exposure. And it’s ONLY Price, Terms and Exposure.
Let me show you how and why that is the truth.
Terms are very important. Many agents never explore the possibility of terms offered by the seller. They can range from the seller carrying the 1st trust deed. Or carrying a small second. What about the Seller carrying a 10% second? 80-10-10s are still available. This can help a Buyer avoid PMI and drop their payment a few hundred dollars per month. In dropping that weight, they can afford to pay the Seller a few more dollars for the house, and the Seller gets a monthly income for a while. Plus, the Seller might avoid some capital gains tax by disbursing it over a few years. Something to think about. Meanwhile, there are LOTS of other terms that don’t include carrying a note. In a hot market you can ask for a rent back. Or a FREE rent back for several months. I even had a Seller make the buyers keep their dog! They couldn’t take the dog to the new house, and they wanted the dog to feel safe. The buyers agreed, and the sale went through. The Sellers could have gotten more money and dumped the dog. But they got a price they could live with, and the terms they wanted. So, it’s not always price. It’s price and terms.
 
Exposure. Lets say you have the hottest listing in town. Everyone wants this home! It’s priced super cheap. Motivated Seller! All the good stuff. But here is a question…. How quickly will it sell if no one knows its for sale? Yes, that sounds stupid. Of course you will tell people. But when you are trying to sell a tough listing, or any listing really, you need to expose the property to a large buyer pool, so the property can get as much interest as possible. So we advertise promote and expose the property to the market.
The final segment is how you can make this all work for you. (And ultimately for your Sellers) No one likes to take a listing that sits and sits and doesn’t sell. After an appropriate amount of time, you sit down with the Seller and go over the 3 things… Again, you MUST believe in the 3 things or this will not work. First, explain to the Seller the 3 things. Price, Terms and Exposure and the role they play. Once you have explained all 3 things, go back and discuss terms. Verify they cannot offer any special terms. Next, show them ALL the things you’ve done to expose the property. For Sale Sign. Open Houses. MLS. Broker Tour. Internet ads. Craigs List… What ever you have done. And get them to agree that the world knows your house is for sale. Once you have covered those 2 points, remind them there are ONLY 3 things that sell a house. They can’t do any special terms? No. And the world knows your house is for sale. Yes.
So the only thing left is… AND YOU LET THEM SAY…. Price.
At this point in the conversation one of two things will happen. 1) They will begin to tell you some great feature of their home. Or how the neighbors told them they could get more money. Or this area has the best schools. Or SOMETHING. This only means they did not absorb what you said about the 3 things, or they don’t believe you did enough to expose it.. Start over. They MUST believe there are only 3 things. If you don’t get a price reduction, the Seller convinced YOU that you were wrong.
2) The other thing that will happen after your explanation is the Seller will see your logic. They will see that you have done all you can to sell the house at the asking price, and will make the smart move and lower the price!

 

 

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

 

new bh4u logo

Boulder Colorado Communities

Boulder homes for sale

MOVING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

MOVING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Written by 

Are you happy and excited about selling your home? Or are you dreading the sorting, packing and other chores?

Your attitude is contagious to little children. If you look at moving as an exciting adventure full of fun, new possibilities, then you’re halfway to getting your children on board for the ride.

Most children don’t like the changes associated with moving, so it’s your job to get them looking forward to it. The younger the child, the less able they are to “see into the future” as you do. They tend to focus on missing friends and family.

Acknowledge and empathize with the loss they feel and show them how to balance their feelings with what they have to gain.

1. Communicate with your child patiently and frequently. Let your children know, step by step, what is happening and what is likely to happen next. Tell them what the move means to the family — how important it is that Mommy got a big promotion or that Daddy is opening a new office for his company and putting people to work.

2. List all the advantages there are for the child in the move. For example, will the family be closer to Grandma, or another favorite person? Will they be closer to the ocean, a park or other favorite place? If you promise they’ll be able to see old friendsand family frequently, be sure to keep your promise. Children are like elephants – they never forget.

3. Show your kids as many pictures of their new home, neighborhood and city as possible. When you show your child their room, make a game of it. Draw a room plan and let your child draw and cut out images of furniture and toys to move around.

4. Introduce your child to the new community online. Draw a map or print one out and show how close Mommy and Daddy work, where schools are, where Aunt Bea lives, and other points of interest to help them orient themselves in their new surroundings.

5. Be ready for those “What about me?” questions. If your child is in scouts, little league, or other organizations, contact those associations for referrals in your new neighborhood or city. Knowing they won’t have to give up favorite hobbies or sports goes a long way toward helping children adjust.

6. Let your child participate. Make a fun activity out of researching services you’ll need online, like finding a veterinarian for your dog. Older children can find blogs online about their new school.

7. Keep your child occupied by letting them plan what to pack and what to take in the car or plane on the way to their new home. Pack a box or two of their special things and make sure it arrives at your new home before you and the kids arrive so they won’t have to wait for their favorite things until everything’s unpacked.

8. Encourage them to take the time to exchange good-byes with friends and loved ones and get addresses, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers to stay in touch. If they’re old enough to write, let them start making notes about the moving experience so they can put their thoughts into letters later.

9. Try to stick to normal routines as much as possible. Let your children know that, although they will soon live in a new house, the rules of the household will still be the same. Bedtime is still at 9 p.m., and homework must still be completed before TV or video games.

10. Make sure they know that although Mom and Dad are a little busier and distracted with the move, they love their children very much and are giving the entire household a new opportunity to grow. Your preparations will go a long way in reassuring your children that their needs are being considered, even while big changes are happening around them.

 

 

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

Boulder homes for sale

 

new bh4u logo

 

Boulder CO communities

Boulder Neighborhood Guide: Four Mile Creek

Boulder Neighborhood Guide: Four Mile Creek

fourmilecreek

Tucked away in the northeast part of town, Boulder’s Four Mile Creek is a quiet neighborhood featuring larger homes, modern construction and easy access to the Diagonal Highway. (It’s also an actual stream that flows through Four Mile Canyon so don’t get too confused.) The neighborhood isn’t that far from the hustle of Boulder but with the many cul-de-sacs and few through-streets, it offers a feeling of community that’s lacking in other parts of town. With the large lots and gorgeous landscaping, Four Mile Creek is a great place for Boulder-loving families needing more space.

History: Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of history to be had in the Four Mile Creek neighborhood. Houses were constructed in the mid-90’s, which, despite what your younger friend might think, was not that long ago. The entire area has only existed as a developed neighborhood for about 20 years. For this reason, the neighborhood has a newer feeling. What it lacks in maturity, it makes up for in charm.

Housing: This neighborhood consists mainly of single family homes, although a few condos and townhomes are for rent in the very near proximity. Houses in Four Mile Creek offer contemporary design and expansive layouts, with many lots backing up to Open Space. The median sales price for homes in Four Mile Creek was $725,000, with many going well over the million dollar mark.

Restaurants & Shopping: There aren’t an abundance of retail or food choices in Four Mile Creek proper but there are options galore nearby in North Boulder. Just a short jaunt down the Diagonal Highway, Four Mile residents will find many restaurants in Niwot and Longmont. Additionally, Four Mile Creek is minutes away from 28th Street and all the shopping opportunities along the 29th Street Mall.

soccerfields2

Family & Fitness: There are a wealth of outdoor options available at your doorstep if you live in Four Mile Creek. Three parks (North Palo, East Palo and Palo Central) are within walking distance, thePleasant View Sports Complex features soccer field after soccer field and the Four Mile Creek Greenway connects you to 28th Street, making for a wonderful bike or hike into town. And let’s not forget that the Boulder Reservoir and Walden Ponds are both located just a short drive from this neighborhood.

Schools: Crest View or Columbine Elementary, Centennial Middle, Boulder High.

Quirks: None that I’ve discovered as of yet — but give it time!

Major street boundaries: Jay Road on the north, 47th on the east, 30th on the west and open space bordering the south.

Four Mile Creek is a family-friendly choice for those who are willing to pay for the comfort and convenience of living in a newer home, in the midst of a younger neighborhood, with easy access to the commuting of the Diagonal Highway.

 

 

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

 

Search for homes for sale in Four Mile Creek

 

new bh4u logo

HOW TO BUY IN A SELLER’S MARKET

HOW TO BUY IN A SELLER’S MARKET

Written by 

Make your must-have and wish list realistic, beginning with price. Be prepared for compromises – a bigger home vs a longer commute, or a smaller home in a preferred school district.

In a seller’s market, homes sell quickly, so the homes you find online or by driving the neighborhood may already be under contract or sold before you even get the chance to see them.

Homes in the best condition will sell for top dollar. Consider homes in need of cosmetic updates or repairs. The average home purchased in 2013 was about 20 years old, up from 11 years old at the height of the housing boom. You may be able to buy at a discount, make the updates you want, and bring your home to neighborhood standards – a quick route to building equity.

Don’t get caught up in the buying frenzy. If you need to make a full price offer or get in a bidding war, stay within your budget. Don’t let yourself become house-poor; your house payment including principal, interest, taxes and insurance should be no more than about 28% of your gross monthly income. That’s the conforming loan standard and it’s a good guideline for homebuyers to help them buy safely within their means.

Plan to stay in your new home at least five years. To buy and sell a home at break-even or with a profit, means you must be able to pay back typical closing costs, approximately 14 percent of the buy side and sell side transactions combined.

Search for homes in Boulder County

 

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

 

new bh4u logo