THE DO’S AND DON’T OF KITCHEN INTERIOR DESIGN

December 26, 2013 by

THE DO’S AND DON’T OF KITCHEN INTERIOR DESIGN

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 If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen then you might be interested to read some do’s and don’ts of kitchen interior design so that you don’t waste time and money in creating a kitchen that could have been an awful lot better.

 

  •   Do have at least one element that is fun or creative :

It’s all too easy to play everything safe and end up with a kitchen that looks fine but lacks any personality or spirit. The key here is not to be boring but to be a bit creative and add something that is a little quirky and interesting or that is you to a tee. For example if you’re renovating a kitchen in what was originally an old barn then why not do something like keeping the architecture of the horse stalls and adding a pot rack in the shape of a wagon wheel?

 

 

  •   Do use cabinetry to conceal some appliances :

Many a good kitchen interior design will feature splashes of stainless steel here and there, but too much and it starts to overpower the kitchen. Instead use built in cabinets that conceal those large expanses of stainless steel such as in the refrigerator. Your kitchen will look seamless and elegant.

 

 

  •  Do have countertop space around a wall oven :

It’s all well and good having a wall oven but if you don’t have countertop space adjacent to it or opposite where are you going to put the joint of beef when it comes out of the oven?

 

  •  Do purchase strong good looking cabinets :

When you think about the amount of times you open and close your kitchen cabinets doors and drawers it makes sense to invest in cabinets that have a high specification including soft close doors, concealed hinges and dovetail joints. A good finish and strong hinges are essential.

 

  •   Do make your small kitchen work  :

Don’t be put off by a small kitchen thinking that big is best. A well designed kitchen which utilizes the space and adds some thoughtful detail can be perfect for you. In a compact kitchen make the most of floor to ceiling cabinets and a handy island on castors which can be wheeled around to wherever you need it. With everything within reach you won’t have to walk so far during the course of the day.

 

  •   Do know when to stop :

Knowing when to stop can be a real challenge but by throwing everything at a kitchen it can end up looking messy, cluttered and overdone. Use a bit of restraint and invest in soft pale shades to match a mellow wood floor with possibly some vintage marble counters.

  •   Do take your cabinets right up to the ceiling :

Don’t stop short your kitchen cabinets a couple of feet short of the ceiling as this just attracts dust and leaves a wasted area of space which often gets unnecessary items placed there out of the way. Full height Tall cabinets give plenty of storage and if you use glass paned doors these will reflect the light and make your kitchen look bright and airy.

 

 

 

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.

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8 ECO TIPS TO CREATE YOUR GREEN BEDROOM OASIS

December 20, 2013 by

8 ECO TIPS TO CREATE YOUR GREEN BEDROOM OASIS

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Did you know we spend approximately 1/3 of our lives sleeping?The bedroom is supposed to be an oasis – a place of peace, safety, and happiness. But it can also be a potential source of toxins and chemicals.

Many options are available to green up your bedroom from adding plants to investing in an eco-friendly mattress. 

Protect your health and create your green bedroom oasis with these 8 eco tips:

  1. Indoor plants – Adding some hearty indoor plants is the simplest way to begin greening up your bedroom. Plants can help improve air quality and add a bit of Mother Nature’s beauty into your sustainable oasis.
  2. Eco Flooring – Eco-friendly flooring is cost-effective, durable, and devoid of harmful pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). Cork, bamboo, or natural fiber carpeting are fantastic green options for the bedroom.
  3. Eco Paints – A fresh coat of paint can liven up your bedroom, but most conventional house paints contain VOC’s. Choose green products verified for top performance, consistent environmental standards, and social awareness.
  4. Eco Mattress – Choosing your optimal green mattress takes time and a solid financial investment. Keep in mind that there is no regulated certification for “green” or “natural” mattresses. Look for mattresses free of polyurethane foam and contain no fire-retardants such as PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers). Choose materials such as organic cotton, pure grow wool, 100% natural latex, hemp, and steel innersprings. Support your mattress with a natural, untreated Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood box spring.
  5. Eco Bedding – Many bed linens are treated with formaldehyde to make them soft. High-thread count and wrinkle-free sheets are often treated with chemicals. Choose bed linens in fabrics like organic cotton and bamboo to cover your green mattress.
  6. Eco Lighting – Make the switch to LED lights. While LED lights are more expensive than traditional lighting, you get 50,000 to 100,000 uses. If you want a new bubble chandelier seus lighting, be sure to ask for led lights.
  7. Eco Scents – Eliminate chemical-scented candles, synthetic fragrances, air diffusers, and room sprays. Try bouquets of lavender and rosemary. Choose plant-based scents, 100% essential oils, non-aerosol citrus room spray, and soy-based candles.
  8. Energy-Efficient Windows – Keep it cool in the summer and cozy in the winter by installing energy-efficient windows and insulating window shades/curtains.

Create a healthy, green, clean, and sustainable bedroom oasis today for sweet dreams tonight!

**Note: From the Green Science Policy Institute – “Manufacturers can begin to make flame retardant-free furniture under the new regulation, TB117-2013, beginning January 2014. Although the new standard can be met without flame retardants, it does NOT ban their use. Look for the TB117-2013 label on products, and then verify with your retailer or manufacturer that products do not contain flame retardants.”**

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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.

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WHEN TO CONSIDER A SHORT SELL FOR YOUR HOME

December 19, 2013 by

 

WHEN TO CONSIDER A SHORT SELL FOR YOUR HOME

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Falling behind on a mortgage payment and fearing foreclosure is a stressful way to spend those precious few last months in a home. If there are no options for keeping a home, sometimes the best solution may be to consider a short sale.

One of the significant benefits of considering this route instead of foreclosure is that legal problems, such as a lawsuit filed against the homeowner by the bank may be avoided. Additionally, although a short sale does result in the loss of a home, the process often offers a less-stressful way to overcome a mortgage that can’t be paid.

WHEN TO CONSIDER A SHORT SALE

 The best time to consider a short sale is before the point of no return — nearing foreclosure and mortgage default. When a borrower realizes that the payments on the mortgage may soon become impossible, the idea of a short sale is an important consideration. Economic circumstances are the most common reason why a borrower might need to look into a short sale; however, issues like a move or a family problem that requires the borrower to relocate may influence the sales decision.

 A borrower must convince the lender that catching up on payments is a virtual impossibility before a short sale will be approved. It’s essential for homeowners who are late on payments or who will soon become unable to cover the mortgage work swiftly to determine whether a short sale is feasible.

 ISSUES THAT PREVENT SHORT SALE

 Before embarking on a potential short sale, a seller needs to understand that there are two issues that will prevent this type of sale from occurring. If a seller decides to pursue bankruptcy, a short sale is not possible because collection activity is halted with a bankruptcy filing. A short sale is considered collection activity.

 Secondly, a homeowner who has defaulted on a home loan will not be approved for a short sale. This means that a seller has a finite amount of time before a short sale because unfeasible. Activities involving short sales must commence before default has occurred.

 REASONS FOR LENDER AGREEMENT

 It may sound incredible that a lender would allow a homeowner to sell his property for a greatly reduced price and take a loss on the profits offered through a standard mortgage, but the time and expense of a foreclosure tends to eclipse that of a short sale.

 Lenders are inclined to avoid foreclosure activity since a foreclosure doesn’t just make a homeowner look bad. A foreclosure also makes a lender seem as though they don’t approve mortgages to borrowers who will be able to pay back the debt.

 OVERVIEW OF THE SHORT SALE PROCESS

 Requesting a short sale from a lender or bank is no guarantee that the sale will be approved. Preparing financial documents and letters before starting the process is essential. However, homeowners shouldn’t take too long to figure out whether a short sale is the best solution.

Common steps in the short sale process include the following:

LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION:

This notarized letter is required by the lender so that potential sales discussions may commence with buyers or real estate agents.

HARDSHIP LETTER:

This is a letter detailing why you can no longer make your mortgage payments, and it should be addressed to your lender. They need to see that a borrower’s financial situation makes repayment of the mortgage impossible. This means a borrower can’t have any assets or cash, such as savings and retirement accounts that may be sold to pay the mortgage.

CONSIDER A SHORT SALE FOR YOUR HOME

No homeowner wants to face the prospect of foreclosure, and a short sale that results in the loss of a home is just as emotionally challenging. However, undertaking a short sale may be the most expedient method for relieving an indebted homeowner of mortgage debt that cannot be paid. FULL ARTICLE

 

 

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.

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WHAT EVERY BUYER NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING A FIXER UPPER

December 17, 2013 by

WHAT EVERY BUYER NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING A FIXER UPPER

 

Buying a fixer-upper upper can be a great idea. You get a home in a great area at an affordable price with the potential of getting twice what you paid for it in value once you’ve finished a couple repairs. This of course is a best case scenario, but it is achievable. However, there are lots of things to think about before you take the plunge and invest your time, money and personal energies into a fixer-upper. Let’s start with a simple pro and con list to help you decide if you should purchase a fixer-upper.

pro

PROS OF PURCHASING A FIXER-UPPER:

  1. Get your dream home. All home buyers have a wish-list of things they want in a home – pool, granite kitchen counter tops, built in grill, location, bay window, etc. Experience Canadian properties like never before on HomesEh. Your ideal home is waiting. A sure way to get your perfect home is to put in the work and fulfill your own dream list. You might not be able to find the home you want within your price range that meets all of your wildest dreams, but you can find a home with the potential to do just that.
  2. Fixer-uppers are cheaper. Most home buyers purchase a fixer-upper because it’s a great deal financially. It’s in a great neighborhood, has more space or is just generally better than the other homes you’re able to afford.  Purchasing a fixer-upper is a great investment for a young couple or family because it allows you to save now on a down payment and monthly mortgage. A fixer-upper is an investment in your future because soon it will be the home you want with a higher resale value when you’re ready to sell.
  3. Great resale opportunities. Once you fix up your home, its value with increase. It may be below the average neighborhood price now but with a new kitchen, smart tech additions, fresh coat of paint and anything else you “fix-up”, your home gains resale value. Home owners spend a median of 9 years in their homes so you’ll have plenty of time to make the changes you need in order to love it and make yourself a profit once you’re ready to move on.

con

CONS OF PURCHASING A FIXER-UPPER:

  1. It can be expensive in the long run. Take the time before you buy the house to do the math and figure out if you will end out on top after all is said and done. Based on a thorough inspection of the house, add up all renovations that need to be completed in the home. Don’t forget, renovations include materials and labor costs – labor is often the most expensive part of the renovation process. If you need roof repairs, you can get the best roofing Tampa has ever seen here. If you will not be hiring professionals, consider what your time costs you.  Once you’ve assessed the amount you will spend on fixing up your home, subtract that from the estimated value of the home once it’s finished. You should deduct a little extra as well for complications that arise – there is always something that will surprise you. Whatever you end up with after that is what you should be willing to make as an offer on the home.
  2. Stress of living your life under construction. Taking on a fixer-upper is an investment and it will take time. Are you willing to live in a construction zone for 6 months or more? It can be stressful  to have the kitchen out of commission for a week while you repaint the cabinets and redo the counters so you have to be mentally prepared for the reality.
  3. Expensive mechanical/structural repairs. The best fixer-uppers are homes that need mostly cosmetic fixes which are less expensive and have the greatest impact on resale value. There are certain fixes that are more expensive than others and should be avoided if possible, not just in a fixer-upper but in any home you purchase. Not only are these renovations expensive, they’re “invisible” to the next buyer. That means once you fix them, they won’t increase the value of the home equal to the cost of the renovation job. Expensive fixes to look out for include:
    • Foundation Problems – Fixing cracks, slants and the like will cost you $10,000 or more. If your home inspection comes back with foundation problems, you might be best going with a more structurally sound and expensive home.
    • Water Damage – Water damage causes rot and mold over time and cannot be ignored in a home. Not only will you have to fix the cause of the water damage, you will also need to replace all damaged wood and materials in the home. It is difficult to estimate the cost but it will almost certainly be thousands of dollars to get everything squared away.
    • Sewer Line Problems – Tree roots, sagging over time or clogs can cause problems in a home’s sewer line that runs from the house to the city’s pipes. Slow drainage and backups could be a sign that the sewer line needs attention such as cleaning or repiping and it’s your job as the homeowner to fix this. A replacement sewer pipe can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000 – and that’s not including labor!

Now that you’ve weighed the pros and cons and have made an informed decision, here are a few more important tips to remember when you purchase a fixer-upper

Who pays for repairs when buying a fixer-upper? The buyer is not necessarily responsible for paying for all repairs on the home. The seller, the seller’s agent, or your buyer’s agent may agree to pay for some necessary fixes or any of the parties may agree to some sort of split. Don’t be afraid to negotiate on repairs, most importantly a CO2 detector and other health or safety concerns. It is imperative for these types of repairs to be done before you move in and they are commonly paid for by the seller or their agent.

Proactively communicate with your mortgage lender during the process. It is important to ensure the financing on your purchase before putting money into renovating it. Securing a home loan is an important step in the home buying process and can be trickier if you’re buying a fixer-upper. There are special programs to help however like a Federal Housing Administration 203(k) loan. Figuring out what loans you are eligible for is a vital step in this process so do your research.

Include an inspection clause in your purchase contract. An inspection is a standard part of any real estate contract and it’s even more important when you’re buying a fixer-upper. The inspection should assure you that the home is a good investment – structurally sound, pest free and safe. If the results of the inspection reveal the need for pricey structural repairs, then you will be able to back out of the deal because of your inspection clause. Just because a home is a “fixer-upper” doesn’t mean it’s condemned. The best type of fixer-upper is one that needs mostly cosmetic improvements.

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.

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Boulder’s Best Burgers

December 16, 2013 by

Boulder’s Best Burgers

Mountain Sun Date Night Burger

We cover a lot of vegetarian and vegan options here on Your Boulder, but what about those of us who just want a nice, delicious, juicy burger? You know … cooked to perfection (rare or well-done, whatever your perfect looks like, I won’t judge) with toppings that make you drool just thinking about it?

Boulder’s has many burger joints that will fill your craving for meat on a bun. Here are just a few of the favorites from around town:

Reuben’s Burger Bistro

We’ve extolled the virtues of this burger joint before, but it’s worth it to point them out again. The burgers here are roll your eyes into the back of your head good and the cycling-themed names are always fun to throw around the table when deciding what to order. They burgers are forget-your-table-manners good. Plus, having them served on a pretzel bun makes them even more delicious. On top of that,Reuben’s serves up a fantastic selection of Belgian beer, so you can get the fanciest possible combination of a burger and a beer.

Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery

Once again, another fantastic place in Boulder to snag a burger and a craft beer. These beers are even made onsite! Fans of the Mountain Sun burgers say that Date Night Burger or the Junk Burger are the way to go (though, if you’re feel like a fiesta, the pollo asado burrito is equally amazing). If you’ve got friends that are meat averse, the Mountain Sun offers plenty of vegetarian options to keep them happy while you scarf down your burger.

The Sink

This place has been a staple on The Hill since before most of the residents of Boulder were even born. Of course, it’s had its share of different owners, but right now, it one of the great places to get a burger just off campus. If you want a classic burger that dates back to when Robert Redford worked at The Sink (true story), get the Sink Burger. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Drakes Haus

Two words: Merlot Burger. These aren’t your average, run of the mill burgers. They aren’t even they average size! Drakes Haus burgers are slightly smaller than an average sized burger, but slightly bigger than a slider. They have an offer for two burgers for $8 and when you see the offerings that they have, you’ll be ever so thankful for the ability to eat two burger choices.

West End Tavern

This place has been around for about 25 years and it’s had its ups and downs. Right now, however, is a definite up. This place not only has delicious, mouthwatering burgers, but a rooftop patio that’s just wonderful on a sunny spring, summer or fall (or winter, knowing Colorado weather) day. The West End is a good place to grab a bite before a night out on the town, or just sit and hang out with friends all night long.

 

 

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.

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Centro: A Boulder Gem and Delicious Destination

December 12, 2013 by

 

Centro: A Boulder Gem and Delicious Destination

By  www.YourBoulder.com

Centro Boulder

Where can you go for brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks and feel completely at the heart of the downtown Boulder scene? Where is it not too stuffy, but buttoned up enough to avoid the riff raff of dive bars with bad food? My vote is Centro.

Centro is the quintessential night-out in Boulder jump-off. They’re truly hit the sweet spot in bringing tasty latin food together with memorable cocktails. They’re also extremely popular, so if you want a seat on the patio, inside or anywhere, for that matter, get there early. No, not 5:30PM early. More like, make up an excuse to your boss on why you need to leave work at 4:30PM kind of early.

It’s always a gamble if you and your friends are going to get a seat at Centro, especially for happy hour. This is truly a testament to how good they are and how consistent they are with providing an enjoyable ambiance. The happy hour menu is affordable and easy to order from, with the shrimp tacos being a favorite.

Centro Boulder Scenery

The beer and wine specials are standard for Boulder, but what you absolutely must try are Centro’s Margaritas. All are made with mezcal or 100% agave tequila and come in varieties that range from sweet to savory to spicy as hell. The “Hot Rosser” comes highly recommended which is made with Zapopan tequila, lemon juice, orange juice, strawberry puree and spicy fresno chiles.

Sometimes getting a seat at Boulder’s busiest restaurants is a pain, but more often than not, it’s a cherished accomplishment when you manage to get seated at Centro. The food rarely disappoints and you’re not rushed out once you do sit down and start imbibing. Use good sense and strategy in getting to Centro early and you won’t be disappointed.

Photo Credits: James Moreau

Centro Latin Kitchen
950 Pearl Street
Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 442-7771

Hours

Brunch (Sat/Sun) 9:30AM-3PM
Lunch (M-F) 11:30AM-3PM
Dinner (daily) 4PM
Happy Hour (all day Mon / T-Sun 3PM-6PM)

 

 

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 CO homes for sale

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UNDERSTANDING REAL ESTATE TERMINOLOGY

December 11, 2013 by

UNDERSTANDING REAL ESTATE TERMINOLOGY

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 Credit Rating. Your credit standing can determine whether you are eligible for a loan as well as the amount of loan a lender is willing to extend to you. It can also affect the interest rate on your loan. Order your credit report annually for free from the three credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian) to find out your credit rating and check for any errors or points of dispute.

Mortgage. A mortgage is quite simply a home loan. This loan is extended by a bank, credit union, or other lender and can carry a fixed or adjustable rate. Some loans, like FHA (Federal Housing Administration) and VA (Veterans Affairs) are backed by the government.  Theoretically, the note is the loan and the mortgage is what secures the loan with the property.

Pre-Approval. It’s a good idea to be pre-approved for a mortgage when you start your search for a new home. Pre-approval differs from pre-qualification, which is merely an informed estimate of your borrowing power based on minimal financial documentation. Pre-approval actually involves running your finances and credit through the mortgage application process to determine the type and amount of mortgage you can expect.

Appraisal. Performed by a professional, an appraisal is an assessment of the value of the property you wish to purchase.

Title. The title is a legal document verifying ownership of a property and is important for proving that there are no liens against it at the time of sale.

Contingencies. A contingency is a condition written into the contract for a home purchase and is meant to protect the buyer during the sale. Common contingencies include securing financing for the home, a satisfactory home inspection, and the sale of a buyer’s current home prior to the purchase of the new property.

Down Payment. A down payment is the amount of cash paid up front to finance a new home. The rest of the home purchase is paid by a mortgage loan. While loan options vary, conventional wisdom suggests that the buyer provide a down payment of 20% of the price of the home.

Amortization. This is the schedule to pay off a mortgage loan over a certain amount of time (often 15 or 30 years) via monthly insallments.

Closing Costs. These fees, due at closing, are one-time costs associated with a home purchase. They can include payment for inspections and appraisals, attorney’s and recording fees, and title service costs. They might also include taxes and pre-paid homeowner’s insurance. Closing costs may be paid by the buyer or the seller or be divided between both parties.

Earnest Money. This is the money included along with an offer letter to show a seller that a buyer is serious, or “earnest,” about the purchase or good faith deposit.

Escrow Account. When extending financing, a lender sets up an escrow account for a buyer to pay “extra” above the amount of the loan principal and interest. This financial cushion is used to pay homeowner’s insurance and property taxes.

Points. Also referred to as “discount points,” these costs are paid at closing on certain types of loans. Points represent a percentage of the loan paid up front in exchange for a lower mortgage interest rate.

 

www.RealtyTimes.com

 

Boulder homes for sale

 

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.

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WHAT TO KNOW WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

December 10, 2013 by

WHAT TO KNOW WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

520_14th_st05

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Whether you are a first-time seller or a seasoned expert, selling your home can be a daunting task. Here are five tips to follow as you prepare to sell your home.

Get Your Home Inspected

When preparing to sell your home, getting a home inspection is important. Home inspections can uncover costly problems that may devalue your property, causing you to lose out on money. If you know about these problems before you sell, you won’t encounter any surprises during closing, and you can decide which repairs to make before putting your home on the market.

Upgrade

Nowadays, buyers want move-in-ready homes. Or they want as close to move-in-ready as they can get. Making a few upgrades before listing your home puts you ahead of the competition. So go ahead. Install hardwood floors or new carpet. Upgrade to stainless steel appliances or add some curb appeal to the outside. Buyers want upgrades, and they will be happy when they find them in your home.

Know the Market

When getting ready to sell your house, make sure you know the market. A licensed Realtor is your greatest tool in this case. He or she can research current market trends and comparably priced homes in the area, which helps you list your home at the correct price.

Price Your Home Fairly and Realistically

Once you have seen comparably priced homes in your area, you can decide on a list price. Be realistic when pricing your home. Don’t over-price your home, but don’t list it too low either.

Stage

Once your home is on the market, it is important to keep it looking presentable. Staging is a great way to help yourhome sell. You can hire a professional or do it yourself.

Have any tips for home sellers you would like to share? Leave me a comment.

Boulder Real Estate

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

Search all Boulder homes for sale 

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4 HOME PPROJECTS FOR BEATING CABIN FEVER

December 9, 2013 by

4 HOME PPROJECTS FOR BEATING CABIN FEVER

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 1. Install a programmable thermostat:

This task can be a bit daunting but will be worth the effort in the long run.  This device will help your heating system run more efficiently by automatically adjusting your home’s temperature. Using a programmable thermostat also reduces your energy bills by keeping your heating system from overworking itself unnecessarily.

 2. Replace interior doors:

Interior doors are often hollow and boring. Replace them with some more interesting pieces to add character to your home and keep yourself busy. This is a task that is relatively easy and inexpensive making it a great project to complete over the weekend.

 3. Replace lighting fixtures:

Install new ceiling fans to dramatically change the look of any space. Install or replace wall sconces in the halls. Make the switch to energy efficient light bulbs. Take a trip to your local hardware store and pick out some new fixtures. It’ll keep you busy and it’s fun! While you’re there, be sure to check out the Stylish LED tape lights options. They’ll add a modern and elegant touch to your lighting upgrades.

 4. De-clutter:

This is the least expensive and one of the most rewarding home improvements you can make. You can often make your home look like an entirely new space just by getting rid of clutter. Maximize storage in your smaller spaces with these tips. De-cluttering is also a great family activity. Rewarding them with a special dinner or game night after is a great way to make this task seem a lot less like a chore.

Be sure to check out our Tips and How To’s category for simple and budget friendly home improvements. RealtyTimes.com

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

Search all Boulder homes for sale 

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HOW TO CALCULATE A HOME’S SQUARE FOOTAGE

December 8, 2013 by

 

HOW TO CALCULATE A HOME’S SQUARE FOOTAGE

Written by Henry Savage

Question:Is there a standard formula to calculate a home’s square footage? I have seen different publications with different square footage for the same house. For example, the county land records will say a house has 3,000 square feet, but a sales brochure will say the same house has 3,500 square feet. Are finished basements allowed in a calculation? What about hallways? I don’t know what or who to believe. It seems misleading.

Answer:You have asked a very good question. I doubt if anyone is purposely trying to mislead the public, but it’s true that not everyone in the real estate business calculates square footage the same way. In fact, it may be different from one geographic area to the next. I’m from the Washington, DC area, so I’ll share with you what I know about how it’s done here.

The square footage listed in the city and county records for condominium units are typically not questioned. These numbers are taken from the original condominium documents and are generally accurate. Unlike detached homes, square footage is less likely to change on a condominium as a result of additions and improvements.

Most real estate appraisers measure the exterior of the home to calculate the gross living area. For example, a two-story home that measures 25 feet by 25 feet would have 625 square feet on each floor, so the appraiser would say the house contains 1,250 square feet. Since he is measuring from the exterior, the calculation includes hallways, stairwells, closets and wall space.

The appraiser will also consider the size of the basement and determine how much of the basement has been finished as living area. Instead of totaling the square footage of a basement’s living area, he will make value adjustments based on other comparable homes. For example, a home with a full finished basement that includes a den, bathroom and bedroom might be credited $15,000 or $20,000 in value compared to a similar house with an unfinished basement. A well-maintained and waterproofed basement by Basement Waterproofing Systems can positively impact the home’s value.

In some cases, even if the lowest level is completely above grade, an appraiser may treat it as a basement. Consider an attached townhouse that has a lower level used as a garage and a den or mud room. An appraiser might consider such a room as a basement.

It gets more complicated. What if the house in our example has a vaulted ceiling in the family room with a second story balcony? This would clearly result in the second floor having less than 625 square feet of actual floor area. Most appraisers won’t subtract the space left out of the second floor to make room for the vaulted ceilings. Why? Because such a floor plan often enhances the market value of the home because it’s a popular feature to have. Remember that an appraiser’s job is to determine the market value of the home. The total size of the living area is only part of the equation. Imagine a 3,000 square foot house that contains 20 small rooms each consisting of 150 square feet. Such a build out would not be very popular for a typical family.

Many real estate agents and builders will include all finished “walkable” areas when totaling the square feet of a house. It’s certainly not misleading. A lot of prospective home buyers would want to know the total living area, regardless of whether some of it is below grade.

The bottom line? Calculating the square footage of a home is more of opinion than exact science. If you’re interested in buying a particular house and want to know the size expressed in square feet, my advice would be to make an appointment to visit the home and bring your tape measure, pen, paper and calculator. 

Courtesy of RealtyTimes.com

 

Boulder CO homes

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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