Living • April 27, 2022

10 Steps to Get Your Home Clean and Ready for Spring

by Fort Collins

Warmer months are ahead, so now is the time to plan for spring cleaning and maintenance. A clean home offers a fresh start for the year, and a checklist of tasks guides your efforts towards efficiency. For many homeowners, spring cleaning can be a personal challenge. It can also be one accomplished with the help of the rest of the family or other residents. In some occasions, however, professional assistance may be advised, or even necessary. Regardless, regular home maintenance not only increases your home’s value, but it can also make your home more comfortable and enjoyable.

Indoors

Check Your Attic

Once summer arrives, it can be too hot in many regions to comfortably perform an inspection. Use late winter and early spring to ensure the following: there’s ample insulation (10 to 14 inches), there are no signs of mice or rats (droppings, strong odor, nests), there are no bugs (flying, crawling, or otherwise), and there are no signs of roof leaks (water stains, etc.).

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

Annual tune-ups on your heating/cooling equipment will reduce your energy bill and help ensure you can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Fix the Window Screens

It won’t be long before you’ll want to throw open the windows for fresh air, or relief on a warm afternoon. Take time now to ensure your window screens are ready for the challenge. Many traditional neighborhood hardware stores still offer re-screening services. Contractors also specialize in this service and are available for house calls.

Clean the Ceiling Fans

During the warm weather and the cold, ceiling fans can help moderate the temperature and better distribute the air. But your fans will be far more efficient if you give them a good cleaning a couple times each year. For fans mounted up to 10 feet in the air, you can use a ladder to access the tops of the fan blades. For those mounted on vaulted ceilings, use a long-handled duster.

Apply Weather Stripping

Many homeowners think of weather stripping as a cold-weather commodity, but it’s just as important during summer. To keep the cool air in and the hot air out, use any of the many filler materials available to seal gaps around windows, doors, exhaust fans, and any other point where you can see light peeking through.

Outdoors

Look for Damaged Roof Shingles

Use binoculars (with your feet safely planted on the ground) to scan for roof shingles that are curling, broken, or missing. If anything seems compromised, have a roofing company perform an inspection and provide a bid. If you or any members of your family are enterprising drone users, a camera-affixed drone can also be a useful aid in this reconnaissance effort.

Wash the Exterior

An easy way to extend the life of your exterior paint – and make your house look better than ever – is to give the siding a good washing. Use mostly water (to avoid harming any plants) and a stiff pole brush.

Search Out Rotten Wood

While you’re washing the exterior, keep an eye out for areas where there may be rot. Use a screwdriver to gently but firmly press on any siding or trim where you see black mold, missing paint, or exposed gray wood. If the area you’re probing feels mushy or bone-dry, contact a contractor to assess and stabilize the situation.

Clean the Gutters

All it takes is a handful of leaves to clog a gutter downspout and cause overflow and flooding. Hire a professional to give the gutters a thorough cleaning and you’ll avoid the very real dangers of working from a ladder. If you live in an area with lots of trees, consider getting quotes for some of the leaf-less gutter systems.

Prepare Your Lawn to Grow

The winter sets impediments for your lawn, and it takes preparation to help it shine. Rake away any dead grass and aerate the whole lawn to allow nutrients to access the roots. Reseed bare spots and apply a spring fertilizer to ensure your lawn has the fuel it needs to grow strong and beautiful.

Colorado Housing • April 22, 2022

Half A Month

by Fort Collins

There is half of a month of inventory on the market. In other words, at the current pace of sales, it would take just two weeks to sell all of the homes currently listed for sale along the Front Range.

By definition, a market is balanced when there is 4 to 6 months of inventory. Anything less than that is a seller’s market.

The current inventory levels give us confidence about the future of price growth along the Front Range.

While we expect the pace of price appreciation to slow, the low supply of properties insulates us against any sort of price decline.

Economics 101 • April 15, 2022

Interest-ing

by Fort Collins

The recent increase in mortgage rates has started some home buyers to look at programs that have fixed rates for 7 years or 10 years instead of 30 years.

If a buyer believes it is likely they will move or even refinance within this timeframe, these types of programs can be a good option.

The obvious benefit is a lower monthly payment compared to a 30-year program.

Another benefit, which most people underestimate, is the savings in interest.

Today, for example, a buyer would have these options:

5.25% 30-year fixed
4.375% 10-year fixed
4.125% 7-year fixed

Over the first five years of the loan, the buyer would pay the following amounts in interest for each loan program for a $400,000 loan:

$101,126 for 30-year
$83,764 for 10-year
$78,831 for 7-year

So the savings in interest over the first five years compared to the 30-year program is:

$17,362 for 10-year
$22,295 for 7-year

For Buyers • April 12, 2022

Renting vs Buying: Which is better for you?

by Fort Collins

Deciding whether to rent or buy can be a difficult decision, but with the right analysis, you can determine which is best for you. Knowing whether it’s the right time to rent or buy depends on your buying power, what you’re looking for in a home, your local market conditions, your plans for you and your household, and the responsibilities you’re prepared to take on at your residence.

Renting vs. Buying: Which is Better for You?

Renting gives you greater flexibility to relocate, fewer home maintenance responsibilities, and can often be more the more affordable option, depending on where you live. The extra costs associated with owning a home—interest payments, taxes, repairs—may be too much for some renters to handle. Becoming a homeowner has its respective advantages. You’ll have stable monthly payments and greater freedom to customize your living space. Advocates of buying will contend that purchasing a home is an investment in equity, which can increase in value every year you live in the home, whereas if you rent a property, you’re essentially paying for someone else’s mortgage.

Ultimately, the right decision depends on your situation. If you don’t plan to be living in the same place for at least five years, renting might be more logical, as it allows you more flexibility when it comes time to move again. If you’re looking to settle down for the better part of a decade or longer and can afford to buy a home, becoming a homeowner may be the better option. Here are a few additional considerations to guide your renting-versus-buying decision making process.

What are the local real estate market conditions?

Investigate the local sales and rental markets. Industry groups put out reports every quarter stating the average national sales price for a home and the average monthly payment for a rental. These reports are typically based on an average of all the cities in the U.S. But what really matters is what the numbers show when you dig into them on a local level. When looking at these reports, you’ll see there are some cities that fall below that average, while others rise above it. When comparing housing costs, be sure to base your evaluation on what’s happening in your city and neighborhood, not the nationwide averages.

For a quarterly breakdown of local market conditions, explore our Market Updates page. With data analyzed by our Chief Economist Matthew Gardner, each report breaks down the latest figures in home sales, home prices, and days on market for regions throughout Windermere’s footprint. Gardner also provides his estimation of where each market sits on the buyer’s-market-to-seller’s-market spectrum.

What can you afford?

Making the jump from renter to homeowner is often a question of affordability. Your mortgage rate will depend on your financial strength, your credit score, and other factors, so make sure to talk to a loan officer before you start looking for a home. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will identify what you’re able to afford and helps strengthen your offer when the time comes.

To get an idea of what you can afford, use our free Home Monthly Payment Calculator by clicking the button below. With current rates based on national averages and customizable mortgage terms, you can experiment with different values to get an estimate of your monthly payment for any listing price. By using the Home Monthly Payment Calculator, you can make a well-informed estimation of whether it’s the right time to buy.

Will you need to make repairs to your new home?

Buying a fixer-upper may seem like a great way to get a deal on a house, but if the money you spend on the repairs is too great, your profit could be diminished when it comes time to sell. The same is true for remodeling and improvement projects. There are various renovation financing loans available to you that can help with the costs of home repairs, though extra consultations, inspections, and appraisals are often required in the process of securing these loans. Ultimately, if you can only afford a home that demands major improvements, and you don’t have the skills to do much of the work yourself, you may be better off renting.

Can you rent part of the house you’re buying?

If you buy a house with rental-capable space (extra bedroom, mother-in-law unit, etc.), you could use the rental income to pay off your mortgage faster and contribute more to your savings. But, of course, you need to be willing to share your home with a tenant and take on the responsibilities of being a landlord or working with a professional property manager to help you with those duties. Renting out a space in your home will also require you to purchase landlord insurance on top of your existing homeowners insurance policy.

Making Your Decision to Rent or Buy

At the end of the day, the decision is up to you. Based on the conditions laid out above, it simply may not be the right time for you to buy. Fortunately, when it comes to being a homeowner, it’s not now or never. A real estate agent will be your ultimate resource in gauging whether it’s the right time to buy and guiding you through the process toward homeownership.

Real Estate Market Update • April 8, 2022

Active Average

by Fort Collins

While we frequently research and discuss average prices for properties that sell, it is also interesting to look at the average prices for properties that are active on the market but not sold yet.

These are the average prices, by area, for properties currently listed for sale and not sold yet:

Metro Denver = $954,000
Larimer County = $878,000
Weld County = $880,000

If you are surprised that Weld County is higher than Larimer County, it’s important to note that there are several large acreage properties listed for sale in Weld County which are skewing the average.

These average active prices are all roughly 30% higher compared to a year ago and further emphasize the strong activity in the Front Range market.

For Sellers • April 7, 2022

Common Real Estate Contingencies

by Fort Collins

Contingencies help to spell out the specifics of a real estate transaction by dictating what must happen so the contract becomes legally binding. If certain conditions aren’t met, the applicable contingency gives the buyer and the seller the right to back out of the contract per their agreed-upon terms. When selling your home, a buyer may make their offer with contingencies attached. Here are some common contingencies you might see in a buyer’s offer and what they mean for you.

Common Real Estate Contingencies

Home Inspection Contingency

A home inspection contingency allows the buyer to have the home professionally inspected within a certain window of time. If the buyer finds outstanding repairs that need to be made, they can negotiate them into their offer. If the seller chooses not to make the repairs outlined in the buyer’s home inspection report, the buyer can cancel the contract.

As a seller, it’s important to be transparent in listing any issues with the home. This is why many sellers find a pre-listing inspection to be beneficial: it provides transparency about the home’s condition ahead of time and can help to streamline the buying process, which can be especially helpful when selling in competitive markets.

Financing Contingency

Also known as a “mortgage contingency,” a financing contingency gives the buyer a specified period of time to secure adequate financing to purchase the home. Even if a buyer is pre-approved for their mortgage, they may not be able to obtain the right loan for the home. If they are unable to finance the purchase, the buyer can back out of the contract and recover their earnest money, and the seller can re-list the home.

The seller won’t be on the hook if the buyer fails to cancel the contract. Even if the buyer is not able to secure financing by the agreed-upon date, they are still responsible for purchasing the home if they do not terminate the contract.

A man and a woman review their real estate contingency paperwork for the sale of their home.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: fizkes

Appraisal Contingency

An appraisal contingency states that the home must appraise for, at minimum, the sales price. It protects the buyer in that it allows them to walk away from the deal if the property’s appraised value is lower than the sales price, and typically guarantees that their earnest money will be returned. This can be an issue in certain markets where demand is driving prices up to numbers that appraisals don’t reflect. Depending on the agreement you make with the buyer, you may be able to lower the price of your home to the appraised amount and sell it at that price. When selling your home, remember that there is a difference between appraised value and market value. An appraiser’s value of a property is based on several factors using comparative market analyses, whereas market value is what buyers are willing to pay for a home.

Home Sale Contingency

If a contract includes a home sale contingency, it means that the buyer is tying their purchase of a home to the sale of their existing one. Though it is common for homeowners to buy and sell a house at the same time, attaching a home sale contingency to an offer does create some added variability in a real estate transaction that sellers should be aware of before accepting such an offer. This contingency allows buyers to sell their current home and use the proceeds to finance the purchase of their new one. Although you will have the right to cancel the contract if your buyer’s home is not sold within a specified time, you’re still waiting on them for the deal to go through, which means you could potentially miss out on other offers while you wait.

Title Contingency

Before the sale of a home goes final, a search will be performed to ensure that any liens or judgements made against the property have been resolved. A title contingency allows a buyer to raise any issues they may have with the title status of the property and stipulates that the seller must clear these issues up before the transfer of title can be complete. If an unpaid lien or unpaid taxes turn up in the home’s title search, this contingency also allows the buyer to back out of the deal and look for another home. A majority of sellers will pull a pre-title report to provide transparency for a smooth transaction.

These are just some of the contingencies you may encounter in a buyer’s offer. Work closely with your agent to understand the terms of these contingencies and how they impact the sale of your home as you go about finding the right buyer. For more information on the process of selling your home, read our blog post on common mistakes to avoid:

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Home

Real Estate Market Update • April 1, 2022

No Foolin’

by Fort Collins

This is not an April Fool’s joke.

Average prices in Metro Denver just exceeded $700,000 in Metro Denver. Larimer County isn’t far behind.

For the month of March, the average residential sales price in the 5-county Metro Area was $704,000. This does not include Boulder County.

Larimer County was $691,000 and we expect to see an average exceeding $700,000 in the very near future.

It’s also interesting to note the average price for properties currently listed for sale and not sold yet. In Larimer County it is $848,000 and in Metro Denver it is $1,100,000.

You might be asking, why have prices appreciated to this level? Quite simply, supply and demand.

The Front Range has a healthy, growing economy plus an incredibly high quality of life. Meanwhile, standing inventory is low which results in upward pressure on prices.

New Listing • March 31, 2022

New Listings March 2022

by Fort Collins

1589 Bright Shore Lane, Severance, CO 80550

MLS# 959863

Listing Agent: Tammy Fisher

This charming home is only a short walk to the park! Kitchen complete with pantry and plenty of cabinetry, updated stainless steel appliances, and bar stool seating. Sliding glass door off of Family Room opens to extended patio! The Lower Level also Offers a 1/2 bath and laundry room. Upstairs you’ll find a large primary bedroom with walk in closet & full bath. Two additional bedrooms, a Full Bath upstairs. Entertain in the finished basement which offers a 4th bedroom/rec room. Store toys in the 3 car tandem garage and enjoy the morning sunrise or quiet evenings in the fully fenced backyard with a large shed. Walking Paths & Lake Nearby! This home will not last! Call (970) 218-3383 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

3956 Owl Creek Court, Loveland, CO 80538

MLS 959974

Listing Agent: Karla Laferriere

Welcome home to the desirable community of The Lakes at Centerra. 3956 Owl Creek Court, Loveland features 5 spacious bedrooms. The primary bedroom is located on the upper level with views of the mountains. The primary bathroom has a spa feel with a large soaking tub. The laundry room is conveniently located on the upper level as well as 3 secondary bedrooms. On the main level you’ll find an office/study as well as a great room that opens up to the extended outdoor living area with a large stamped concrete patio with a built in firepit. The finished basement features a large guest suite with a private bath and large walk-in closet and it’s own sitting area. There is a separate rec room in the basement as well. Call (970) 703-4112 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

2945 County Fair Lane, Fort Collins, CO 80528

MLS 960028

Listing Agent: Toni Klein

Prime location in Southeast Fort Collins! This maintenance free townhome in the Harvest Park neighborhood is situated within walking distance to schools, parks and walking trails. Easy access to dining, shopping and I-25. This stunning home has many UPDATES throughout that make it comfortable and modern. Immaculate bright and spacious with a floor to ceiling stone fireplace. House is pre-inspected and ready to go. Buyer is to verify all measurements. Call (970) 215-4525 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

1404 Caddoa Drive #9, Loveland, CO 80538

MLS 960029

Listing Agent: Meagan Griesel

This unique 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo in west Loveland is full of character at a price that can’t be beat. Well taken care of condo in the perfect location for easy access to walking/bike trails, lake Loveland, sculpture park, near shopping and downtown. Features a laundry area, that might have been another bathroom in the past. The condo unit also has a community laundry room. The home also has reserved parking and 2 included storage spaces. HOA fee includes all utilities except for Electric and Cable/Internet. Baseboard heat is hot water, not electric, and included in the HOA. Call (970) 691-0056 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

1000 Pica Run, Fort Collins, CO 80524

MLS 960322

Listing Agent: Jon Holsten

Fantastic 4 bedroom corner lot home in North Fort Collins‘ popular Greenbriar neighborhood! Your new home features a large kitchen with quartz countertops, wood floors, tons of storage and nearby dining space. Sprawling living room with plenty of natural light! On the upper level, you find three bedrooms, bath and the primary en-suite. On the lower level, you’ll be welcomed into the family room with built-in shelving, the fourth bedroom, another bathroom and laundry. Relax or entertain on the pergola covered back patio overlooking the fenced yard with mature trees and complete landscaping. All new interior paint and a newer roof. Two car garage and expanded driveway. Close to Greenbriar Park and Redwing Marsh Natural Area. A short jaunt to Old Town Fort Collins, shopping, restaurants and most any service you’ll need. A great home, and excellent value! Call (970) 237-2752 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

1037 Briarwood Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525

MLS 960424

Listing Agent: Paul Hunter

Ranch style home with updates throughout! Newer roof, sewer line, windows, HVAC, and yard/sprinkler system. Enjoy the wood floors and fireplace. Good sized kitchen, and wonderful private backyard. Currently leased through the end of May. Call (970) 673-7285 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

2527 Sunbury Lane, Fort Collins, CO 80524

MLS 960442

Listing Agent: Tammy Fisher

This Maple Hill charmer features fresh exterior paint in 2021, new roof in 2021, and all appliances included! The covered front porch welcomes you into the open concept living room with vaulted ceilings. Beautiful scroll cabinets with granite countertops in the kitchen. Excellent layout for entertaining. Lower level family room walks out on to large covered patio. Complete owner’s suite opens to spacious 28 x 14 foot deck, perfect for summer evenings with an unobstructed view of Longs Peak! Bedroom-level laundry room with washer/dryer. Use your vision in the unfinished basement. In-ground sprinklers and beautiful landscaping. New class 4 shingle roof in 2021. Enjoy the neighborhood trails, community pool, and all the amenities this wonderful location has to offer! Just minutes from Old Town with easy access to I-25. Call (970) 218-3383 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

330-332 Madison Avenue, Loveland, CO 80537

MLS 960438

Listing Agent: Meagan Griesel

Rare opportunity to own a live/work situation like this one. Almost a 1/2 acre within walking distance to downtown. The original home had a second floor added in the 70’s and features an attached 633 sqft garage and has been loved by the same owners for the past 40+ years. Behind the house there is a very large shop, garage that includes a full office that can be closed off from the shop, restroom has easy access to both sides. Beyond that is a connected pole barn/covered parking or storage plus an additional RV covered parking spot. There is a second entrance to the property on 4th st. For many years this has been used as a construction company – you would not be able to build what is here today. R3 zoning would open up possible multi-family uses too. Due to photo limit on MLS, to get full experience of the home and shop, we recommend viewing our 3D Matterport walkthrough tour or schedule your showing today! Call (970) 691-0056 with any questions or click here for more information.

204 N Jefferson Avenue, Loveland, CO 80537

MLS 960812

Listing Agent: Meagan Griesel

Adorable downtown Loveland bungalow located 2 blocks from The Foundry, restaurants, breweries, the rec center, library, and all the downtown festivities. Fully remodeled in 2017 – everything was replaced, down to the walls. Open and well lit – with Southern and West exposure. Could be a 4 bedroom or 3 bed and an office. Basement is an awesome family room, 2 non-conforming bedrooms that could be combined to make a large primary bedroom and a full bathroom. Fully fenced in yard with a newer garage (2017). Pre-inspected. Call (970) 691-0056 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

1869 Castle Hill Drive, Windsor, CO 80550

MLS 960945

Listing Agent: Tammy Fisher

Immaculate, beautifully maintained home located in the desirable Ridge at Harmony Road neighborhood. Step inside and you immediately feel and see that the home has been meticulously cared for and is turn key ready. Featuring 6 bedrooms + office, 4 baths, 4 car tandem garage and finished basement. The main floor has great natural light, tile entryway, wide plank engineered hard wood floor in kitchen, granite countertops and an open concept kitchen/living space. Upstairs offers a huge primary suite with a 5 piece bath, and two closets including a large walk in. Finished basement with 2 bedrooms , a full bath and a rec room. Outside you will find a covered patio, completed landscaping, an extended patio with pergola, 6ft white vinyl fencing, raised garden beds as well as plenty of privacy as you do not back up to any homes. A massive 4 car garage is big enough to hold all your toys! Convenient location just minutes from I-25, shopping, and dining. This home has been pre-inspected! Call (970) 218-3383 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

1871 Winamac Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80524

MLS 960996

Listing Agent: Anali Roath

Ideal location! This home is minutes from Old Town, minutes from the Poudre Trail and minutes from the highway! Tucked away from busy streets, this neighborhood is an oasis with green spaces throughout and farmland on 2 sides. The home has an open floor plan on the main, with a large kitchen and large island. Upstairs in the primary bedroom is a huge closet, great for storage and large bathroom with low entry shower. Out back, the patio and fully landscaped backyard offer views of the foothills and open space. Call (719) 310-9336 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

711 Tracey Parkway, Fort Collins, CO 80524

MLS 960928

Listing Agent: Rondi duPont

Cute affordable home in Fort Collins awaits! Looking for a home close to old town and easy access to I-25? This is it! This 2 bedroom 1 bathroom home is perfect for someone looking for one level living in a detached home with a 1 car garage as a bonus. The beautiful mature landscaping will certainly make you smile on a summer day! Located near the community park and neighboring walking trails. Don’t forget about the community pool! Call (970) 401-0123 to schedule your private showing or click here for more information.

1867 Vista Plaza Street, Severance, CO 80550

MLS 961086

Listing Agent: Jon Holsten

Sprawling 5 bedroom ranch-style home in Severance’s Hidden Valley neighborhood! Featuring a beautiful kitchen with granite, stainless steel appliances, a pantry and plenty of storage, your new home also boasts a great room concept with combined dining and living space. You’ll find three bedrooms on the main level, including the beautiful primary suite with five-piece bath. The huge finished basement includes a rec room, two additional bedrooms, a bath, and storage. The new owner of this great home will likely want to invest in interior paint, some flooring, and landscaping improvements. The home is priced accordingly. With tons of space and the awesome location near schools and parks, this wonderful home is a terrific opportunity and excellent value. Call (970) 237-2752 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

645 W 10th Street, Loveland, CO 80537

MLS 961216

Listing Agent: Kyle Craft

Stunning 3 bed, 3 bath remodeled Victorian home in the heart of downtown Loveland. This home is full of character with crown molding, built-in bookshelves, and antique chandeliers. The updated bathrooms on the main level (complete with new counters, floors, and fixtures), plus the kitchen’s newer appliances and modern feel, bring this home into the 21st century. The main level has an abundance of natural light with an open concept living area, primary bedroom (with attached bathroom), plus main-level laundry. The upper level has a large family/bonus living room with 2 bedrooms and a half bath. Outside is a fully fenced, separated front/back yard with raised garden beds in the front and brick patio/fire pit area out back. This home even has a completely finished 117 sq ft “Remote Office” with power in the backyard. New roof (Class 4 Owens Corning) was installed 09/08/21. Seller is providing 1 year Home-Warranty by First American Home Warranty. Showings will start Friday 3/25. Call (719) 244-7613 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

1714 Hitch Wagon Drive, Loveland, CO 80537

MLS 961550

Listing Agent: Rondi duPont

This home has so much to offer! It starts with the amazing property and unobstructed views. The 4 bedroom 3 bathroom ranch home sits on a 1/2 acre surrounded by open space and fields. Imagine waking up in the morning and seeing elk, owls, fox and other wildlife wandering around in your yard. Or sitting on the front porch gazing at the mountains. Once in the home, the home has 2 gas fireplaces to relax by in the winter. In the summer, enjoy sitting on the screened in porch or by the firepit in the backyard. The finished basement has plenty of room to spread out for recreation or a workout room, along with a family room. Don’t forget the 3 car garage, separate office and dining rooms. This home will not disappoint! Call (970) 401-0123 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

2125 Angus Street, Mead, CO 80542

MLS 961346

Listing Agent: Rondi duPont

Move in Ready! Beautiful 5 bedroom 3 bathroom ranch home with a finished basement and 2 car garage. This home boasts vaulted ceiling in the living room and bedroom allowing light to flow in the windows. The back yard landscaping is complete with the full yard fenced. An additional storage shed stays with the home. Enjoy sitting on the back patio and gaze at the mountain views. No need to wait for a home to be built! Schedule your showing today! This home will not disappoint! Call (970) 401-0123 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

7101 Wildshore Drive, Timnath, CO 80537

MLS 961401

Listing Agent: Jacqueline Feil

Enjoy the exquisite craftsmanship! This 6 bed, 5 bath lakefront home is located in the highly sought-after WildWing community, on 3/4 of an acre backing to Timnath’s exclusive Reservoir. The 600 acre lake features motorized boating, paddle boarding, fishing, and swimming for residents only! Pull your boat right up to the homesite and grab lunch on the expansive back deck, while taking in the stunning water and mountain views. Cozy up in the main floor master with a five-piece luxury bath and private deck. Spend time laughing and making memories in the open, double height living room, or whip up your favorite meal in the in the gourmet kitchen. The newly finished basement features a full kitchen with modern farmhouse design and a large living space creating perfect in-law suit potential. Walkout to a covered patio space and enjoy the open space for games or entertaining, or a take a short walk to the shore and enjoy paddle boarding or boat access. Call (970) 402-7509 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

866 Rainbows End, Livermore, CO 80536

MLS 961266

Listing Agent: Paul Hunter

Some of the best views in Northern Colorado! A couple of different locations on the property where you could put a cabin or a home with 360 degree views of everything from plains, glaciers, Grey Rock, and sheer mountain sides. Solar on the property, as well as a greenhouse and sauna. One of the last unbuilt properties in the neighborhood. Electric near the boundary of the property, and while you have amazing privacy the access is still good for a mountain property! Call (970) 673-7285 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

11203 Colony Circle, Broomfield, CO 80021

MLS 961470

Listing Agent: Greg Rittner

This is a home you don’t miss out on! This fully updated 3 bed/2 bath, first floor condo is conveniently located near Hwy 36 & Wadsworth. Close to Boulder, Denver, and the 1st Bank Center. Open floor plan features new appliances, cabinets, and flooring throughout the entire unit. Two large bedrooms with a huge master bedroom and a 5 piece master bathroom. Third bedroom can be used as an office or study. Great for a first time home buyer or an investor looking for a great opportunity for a low maintenance unit. Call (970) 682-3050 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

205 E. Thunderbird Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525

MLS 961320

Listing Agent: Brandon Bidwell

Green Energy Powered property in Mid Town Fort Collins! This home has a Geothermal Heat Pump an Energy Efficient Gas Furnace with an Air Purifying System and a New Ecobee Thermostat that’s user friendly, simple and can easily set temps on site or through an app on your phone! The attic has been professionally sealed and insulated to maximize energy efficiency. Plenty of room for all your toys with an Oversized Garage, Heated Workshop, fenced in concrete parking for a boat, trailer or RV and storage shed with electrical power. Other features include New Flooring throughout the main level, Central Vac system, New Driveway, New Electrical Panel (200 Amp), New Vinyl Fence, New Insulated Garage Door, Water Filtration System, Radon Mitigation, Covered Patio, Composite Deck with gas plumbed firepit and BBQ grill. All of this conveniently located just minutes from Old Town, CSU, Shopping and Restaurants. The list could go on, you really need to just come check this place out for yourself. Call (970) 215-1573 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

100 N. 50th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634

MLS 961644

Listing Agent: Angie Clauser

Don’t miss this lovely home with no HOA or Metro Tax in West Greeley. is a 4 bed/4 bath home has a main level laundry and a full finished basement that includes a large entertainment space, bedroom and full bathroom. It also has a newer roof, newer stainless steel appliances and flooring. The back yard has an extended patio to entertain and enjoy those summer BBQ’s. This desirable neighborhood is close to Coyote Run Park, shopping, restaurants, schools and amenities. The home has been pre-inspected. Call (970) 590-9860 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

2912 68th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634

MLS 961881

Listing Agent: Ben Barnhart

Beautiful & better-than-new 2-story in desirable St. Michael’s subdivision. 2912 68th Avenue, Greeley is surrounded by walking paths and close to the recently completed UC Health hospital. Discover the custom-built ins and quality finishes throughout this open and bright manicured 2019 home. The premium cabinets, granite counters, full subway tile backsplash, stainless appliances, abundant storage, & bar seating make this sunny kitchen stand out. Featuring engineered hardwood floors, smart thermostat, tankless water heater, A/C & a large covered patio, you will be comfortable whether you are lounging in the vaulted great room- or outdoors overlooking the fully landscaped yard with fire pit. The main floor study can be used as a fourth bedroom, & the main floor laundry & powder room are neatly tucked away from the entry and living spaces. You will love the huge master bedroom with 2 large closets & gorgeous ensuite bathroom. Use your imagination to complete the unfinished basement, including a roughed-in bathroom! Call (970) 534-5440 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

1319 Tarryton Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525

MLS 961843

Listing Agent: Anali Roath

Charm and warmth await you in this gorgeously updated 2 story home. The functional layout allows you space to live, relax, and entertain. A large front porch greets you when you walk up to the home, perfect for sipping coffee in the mornings. The updated kitchen features butcher block counters and tile backsplash. The main level features a large, open family room and dining area with a beautiful fireplace and wood floors. The living room and formal dining room add extra space for everyone. On the second floor, you’ll find all 4 bedrooms. The primary bedroom features a large closet and fully renovated bathroom with custom barn doors. In the basement you’ll find even more living space with a rec room and bonus room that can be used as an office or whatever space you may need for hobbies or storage. Call (719) 310-9336 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

1220 102nd Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634

MLS 961657

Listing Agent: Alexis Foster

Welcome to your new home! This beautiful 3-bedroom ranch home with a full unfinished basement for future expansion. Covered Front Porch. Solid Surface Flooring throughout the main level. The living room boasts a gas fireplace and vaulted ceilings letting in lots of natural light. You will love the ample kitchen storage with granite countertops and all appliances included. Outside you can relax in the evenings on your large backyard deck and enjoy all the mature landscaping and garden boxes. Conveniently located for an easy commute and part of the Windsor School District. No Metro District. Set up your showings today! Call (970) 310-6999 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

716 Vermilion Peak Court, Windsor, CO 80550

MLS 961844

Listing Agent: Jon Holsten

Gorgeous five-bedroom ranch-style home on open space in Windsor’s popular Winter Farm community. From the moment you walk into this Bridgewater-built home, you will find a great floor plan with exquisite taste top to bottom. From the gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, stainless appliances, double ovens, pantry to the wide-open great room with wood floors, high ceiling and stone encased fireplace, this home is fantastic! On the main level, you will find three bedrooms, including the sprawling primary suite with large walk-in closet. Step down to the beautiful freshly-finished basement with large rec room, two additional bedrooms, bath with with walk-in shower and storage. Three-car garage! Close to the community pond, town park and all the great perks Windsor has to offer! A terrific home and great value! Call (970) 237-2752 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

3100 Birmingham Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80526

MLS 961886

Listing Agent: Jon Holsten

IMMACULATE 3 bedroom home in popular Rossborough! From the wide-open floor plan, to the classy updates throughout, this home is absolutely gorgeous. The main level features a great room concept where you’ll find new vinyl plank throughout. The beautiful kitchen boasts granite countertops, an island, tons of storage, and updated lighting, while the sprawling dining and living areas along with additional flex space provide plenty of elbow room! Upstairs, you’ll discover all three bedrooms, including the primary room with large walk-in closet and private outdoor balcony! Relax or entertain in the huge back yard with large trees, stamped concrete slab and covered patio. Property backs to a quiet ditch and private acreage. Enclosed dog run and storage shed! Detached two-car garage. A short jaunt to the foothills, Spring Canyon Park and all this community has to offer! Call (970) 237-2752 to schedule your private tour or click here for more information.

Real Estate Statistics • March 25, 2022

Rate Perspective

by Fort Collins

Given the recent increase in mortgage interest rates, we think a little perspective is in order.

The average 30-year rate for the last 40+ years is 7.5%
Rates are now back within the range where they were between April 2018 and February 2019
Between January 2000 and December 2009, the high was 8.15% and the low was 5.05%
Between January 1990 and December 1999, rates never went below 6.25%

Bottom line, while the increase in rates is challenging for active buyers, rates are still incredibly low historically speaking.

For Sellers • March 23, 2022

How to Prepare for an Open House

by Fort Collins

To successfully sell your home, you need to attract buyers. This is why open houses are an integral part of the selling process: they allow buyers to experience the property for themselves and envision what life will look like in their new home. To prepare for an open house, you’ll need to work closely with your agent. They can advise you on what buyers in your area are looking for to increase your chances of selling your home.

How to Prepare for an Open House

The earlier you can begin prepping your home for an open house, the better, since getting it in prime showing condition will take time. Start by decluttering and organizing room by room. To truly get your home sparkling clean, you can’t miss those hard-to-reach areas like the baseboards, under your furniture, and your appliances.

To best position your home to sell, consider hiring a professional stager. A well-staged home helps it appeal to the widest possible array of potential buyers, not only for in-person showings, but in online photos as well. Professional staging is equal parts science and art. Stagers are experts in depersonalizing a home while maintaining its stylistic qualities to give buyers the opportunity to imagine the space for their own use. It isn’t just about psychology, though. Staging is a high-ROI expenditure that can add real value to your home.

It may feel counterintuitive, but your absence can be your greatest asset in making your open houses successful. Buyers will often feel uneasy in the presence of the seller as they tour, which will limit their ability to envision their own lives in the home and get excited about the prospect of ownership. Accordingly, you may need to arrange for temporary accommodations during the times your home is being shown. It’s helpful to solidify these plans several weeks in advance to avoid an eleventh-hour scramble.

A graphic for Windermere’s Open House playlist on Spotify.

Put buyers in a feel-good mood with Windermere’s “Open House” playlist on Spotify. Click the image above to listen.

Working with Your Agent

Your agent will be your greatest asset in preparing for open houses. They are experts in understanding how to effectively market your home and how the local market conditions will impact their marketing plan. Once you know it’s time to sell, they’ll analyze data to accurately price the property and keep it competitive in the current market. They’ll also work with you to schedule open houses at the times when buyers are maximally available and actively searching for listings.

Your agent will also help you to stay safe while selling your home. The reality of open houses is that you’re opening your doors to an influx of unfamiliar faces, and it’s worth it to take a few safety precautions beforehand. Perform a thorough walkthrough of your home with your agent to make sure all valuable belongings, medications, family heirlooms, and other important items have been properly secured and/or removed. Once you’ve given your home a clean sweep, discuss your process for screening potential buyers.

For more resources on preparing to sell your home, our Home Selling Guide has everything you need: selling tips, moving checklists, our Home Worth Calculator, and info on how an agent can help.

Seller Essentials – Home Selling Guide