Double Lumber

by Fort Collins

The price of lumber has doubled in three months.

Lumber is just one of several examples of skyrocketing materials costs which are impacting both home builders and home buyers.

The cost of lumber is now at a record-level $1000 per 1000 board feet.

These rising costs not only add to the sales price of a home but also add to the inventory shortage issue. Some large, publicly-traded home building companies are slowing production in hopes of building costs dropping over the next few months.

Many people expected lumber prices to drop, or at least level off, when the tariff on Canadian lumber changed in December.

However, because demand has been so high from both building and remodeling, lumber costs continue to climb.

Blog • Fort Collins Real Estate • Virtual Tours • February 18, 2021

Stunning Townhome!

by Fort Collins

This bright and immaculate, townhome-style condo, gives you everything that Fort Collins has to offer. 1221 E Prospect Rd B-3 is low maintenance and conveniently located by shopping, food, breweries, and Genesis health club, this home is perfect for the on-the-go buyer. Only steps away from Spring Creek Trail which takes you to nearby Edora Park. Pride of ownership can easily be seen by how meticulously cared for and upgraded this home is. No detail was spared with quartz kitchen countertops, maple hardwood floors and striking backsplash. Schedule soon, this won’t last! Contact Jared Foster at (970) 690-5707 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

https://windermerenoco.com/listing/126301079

Blog • Fort Collins Real Estate • Virtual Tours • February 18, 2021

Fort Collins Charmer!

by Fort Collins

Brick Miller Brothers Ranch style home in GREAT shape! 1048 Briarwood Rd Fort Collins, CO is host to a new roof, HVAC, radon system, sprinkler system, and sewer line make this home a worry-free investment or home to move into today! Wood floors under the carpet in the living room, and granite countertops in the updated kitchen make it a turnkey home. See broker comments for deadlines on offers. Come take a look today! Contact Paul Hunter at (970) 673-7285 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

https://windermerenoco.com/listing/126281751

Blog • Home Inprovement • Homeowner • February 17, 2021

DIY Remodeling vs Professional Remodeling

by Fort Collins

Deciding whether to DIY a remodeling project or leave it to a professional is a matter of weighing the risks and rewards, time, and budget. Before you start applying a new coat of paint or go about knocking down a wall, create a plan for your remodel to help you decide which projects you can handle, and which ones belong in the hands of a pro.

Create Your Remodeling Plan

Knowing your plans for your remodel will help to determine your timeline and budget, which will inform your DIY-vs-Pro decision-making. Set specific goals for each project so you’ll know when you’re getting off track but remain flexible in your planning to leave room for any unexpected hurdles that will inevitably pop up in the remodeling process. Your budget will also help you decide who should execute certain projects. For example, if you’re budgeting more for a kitchen remodel than any other project, that is a likely candidate for professional help.

If you’re having trouble deciding the best route to take with your remodeling projects, ask yourself the following questions:

What risks am I comfortable taking on?
How much time am I willing to dedicate to this project?
Does this project require a permit?
Do I have any experience with this kind of remodel?
Am I comfortable giving up control of this project?

DIY Remodeling Pros and Cons

Pros: Taking a DIY approach to remodeling projects pays dividends in many ways. Without having to pay labor costs, you stand to save significant money by tackling a project on your own. Going DIY also allows you to set your own schedule for the project. And of course, the sense of ownership and pride you will feel knowing you completed the project on your own is a priceless feeling for a homeowner.

Cons: DIY projects can be consequential. Mistakes at any point in the renovation process can lead to greater costs and sometimes, hiring a professional to fix the mistake. Unfortunately, this can result in the loss of significant time and money.

Professional Remodeling Pros and Cons

Pros: Professionals are inherently more experienced, bringing their specialization to the table on every home renovation project, so you can expect them to perform high-quality work that will increase the value of your home.

Cons: Getting professional quality work means paying for it. When budgeting, expect higher costs for any project you’re thinking of outsourcing to a pro. Bear in mind that, especially for large-scale renovation projects, your home will become a construction site. Accordingly, you may need a back-up plan, such as a temporary kitchen set-up or a short-term rental home .

DIY Remodeling vs Professional Remodeling: Around the House

The following list breaks down which projects are typical DIY candidates and which ones homeowners commonly opt for professional help to complete. However, the decision is ultimately up to you. If you have your heart on tackling a project on your own, gather your tools and make it happen!

Kitchen

Professional: Any large-scale structural changes, new gas lines, or new plumbing projects should be handled by a professional.
DIY: Simpler kitchen projects like a backsplash or faucet replacement and any cabinet finishing tasks are perfect DIY candidates.

Bathroom

Professional: Plumbing installation, running electricity, or any projects involving an expansion or alteration to your bathroom structure.
DIY: If your bathroom is simply in need of some new tile work, basic medicine cabinet restoration, or minor flooring improvements, roll up your sleeves and DIY.

Backyard

Professional: Consider hiring a professional for any significant outdoor projects like concrete builds, in-ground pools, and technical deck work.
DIY: Common backyard DIY projects include building a garden tool shed, building a fence, and refinishing a deck.

General

Professional: It is best to hire pros for new roofing, any foundation work, and extensive demolition projects. For asbestos and drywall finishing, it’s easiest, and safest, to go with the pros.
DIY: Any interior painting projects, basic electrical work, or simple trim and door upgrades.

If you’re planning on going through a remodel while you live at home, read this first. For more information on how certain renovations may impact the value of your home, talk to your Windermere agent.

Blog • Loveland Real Estate • Virtual Tours • February 17, 2021

Old Town Charmer!

by Fort Collins

Old Town charm abounds with this 1950’s Bungalow located at 1310 Garfield Ave! Quaint finishes, original hardwood floors, arched doorways, double pane windows, updated bathrooms, upgraded electric and plumbing, furnace and AC in 2017. This home has 1,872 finished sq ft, 2 bedrooms and full bath on main level, basement with large family room, plus a bonus room for office/flex room, 1 non-conforming BR and 3/4 bath. Large covered patio, spacious yard, backyard sprinkler system. One car detached garage with power. Street parking in front. Walk to Dwayne Webster Park, Lake Loveland and the downtown nightlife! Contact Tammy Fisher at (970) 218-3383 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

https://windermerenoco.com/listing/126317368

Blog • Fort Collins Real Estate • Virtual Tours • February 17, 2021

Rare Investment Property!

by Fort Collins

GRANDFATHERED AIR BNB AND STR LICENSE. 1601 Westview Avenue is an investment opportunity/income property one block from City Park & near CSU. Live upstairs and rent Air BNB or rent both for income. Location does NOT get better for this home or this opportunity. Main + Upper levels boast a fabulous kitchen, separate dining room, large sunroom, beamed living room with wood-burning FP & 2 bedrooms/1 baths. Lower level = turn-key 2 bedroom/1 bath air bnb with coded kitchenette and large hangout space. With pullout, sleeps 6. All of this on a large cul-de-sac lot with mature trees, garden area, large deck, flagstone patio and storage shed. Attract FOCO relocations, CSU visits, Ski Trips, Brewery Tours, etc. Lower level=$100/night and upper level=$120/night conservatively. Contact Karen Catt at (970) 699-2857 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

https://windermerenoco.com/listing/126246747

Blog • For Buyers • Fun Facts • Homes for Sale • February 12, 2021

Yes is the Answer

by Fort Collins

It turns out that ‘yes’ is the answer to the most common questions we hear right now about the market…

Do you think more properties will come on the market this Spring? Yes, the normal pattern in our market is for new listings to be 40% to 70% higher in April versus January. The peak month for new listings is typically June.

Do you think buyer demand will grow even more as time goes on? Yes, for two main reasons. Buyer activity, just like listing activity, increases significantly in the Spring and Summer. Plus, we expect the economy to open up even more as the COVID vaccine gets rolled out over the course of the year.

Do you think interest rates will go up? Yes, all of the trusted forecasters and economists expect rates to be slightly higher by the end of the year. Our own Chief Economist sees rates at 3.07% by year-end.

Do you think prices will keep rising? Yes, because of the simple economic forces of supply and demand. Supply is at historic lows. The number of properties for sale today is roughly 80% below the average. Demand is being fueled not only by the low-interest rates, but also a rebounding local job market that is poised to rebound even more. Plus, the new work-from-home dynamic positions the Front Range as a sought after place to live.

Blog • horse property • Virtual Tours • Windsor Real Estate • February 11, 2021

Spacious Horse Property!

by Fort Collins

The search for your dream home has ended! Bring your horses to this beautiful home on 2.5 acres, on a quiet cul-de-sac, with plenty of room to grow. 937 Clydesdale Lane in Windsor has five bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 fireplaces, with 3790 spacious sq. ft. This elegant estate also includes ample RV/boat parking, room for entertaining on the back deck and patio and mountain views. Utility shed and fire pit. Relax on the front porch and enjoy the view! This home has been pre-inspected for your peace of mind! Radon Mitigation system, roof replaced in 2019, new siding in 2019, 50 gal hot water heater in 2018. This home has it all! Excludes Mineral Rights. Showings to begin on February 11, 2021. Contact Tammy Fisher at (970) 218-3383 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

https://windermerenoco.com/listing/125141058

Blog • Living • February 10, 2021

10 Tips for Valentine’s Day at Home

by Fort Collins

Valentine’s Day is a time for exchanging gifts, indulging your sweet tooth, and spending time with your significant other. Of all the places you and your Valentine could be, where better to spend the day, than in the place you love most: home sweet home. Let this list of ideas inspire your day at home with the one you love.

Tips for Valentine’s Day at Home

Breakfast in bed: Kick off your Valentine’s Day by preparing breakfast in bed. Surprise your Valentine by waking up early to get a jumpstart on decadent breakfast classics like pancakes, an omelet, or frittata, or keep it simple with donuts and coffee.

Create an at-home spa: Couples massages are a fitting indulgence for Valentine’s Day. Fortunately, you can create the same experience at home. Set the mood by lighting candles and putting on some relaxing music. Take turns applying facial masks and giving each other massages to put you both in a state of relaxation.

Scavenger hunt: Combine the thrill of adventure and your memories as a couple with a scavenger hunt around the house. Create clues tied to memories of your relationship and hide them room-by-room, letting the answer to each clue lead to the next. Get creative and plan something special for discovering the final clue!

What’s for dinner? Spending this special day at home gives you and your Valentine countless options for dinner. If you feel like keeping the kitchen quiet, order in your favorite meal. Otherwise, your culinary team of two can try your hand at a Valentine’s Day staple—fondue. For the full fondue experience, go for three courses: a broth fondue to open the palette; a cheese fondue to pair with bread, sliced meats, and charcuterie; and a chocolate fondue with fruit and pound cake bites to top it all off.

Plan a game night: Add some fun to your Valentine’s Day itinerary by setting aside time to play games. A game will help you and your Valentine relax and have a laugh between the food, drinks, and chocolate. Grab a deck of cards for classic two-player games like Go Fish, Crazy Eights, War, and Rummy. Add in a game of truth or dare or charades to kick your game night into high gear.

Paint and sip: Keep the creative juices flowing this Valentine’s Day at home with a paint-and-sip activity. It’s simple: pick out your favorite wine, set up two easels, and choose a reference image to paint. For some extra laughs, face each other and paint one another’s portrait.

Dance the night away: Make dancing an integral part of your day at home with your Valentine. Whether slow jams or ballroom classics are more your style, pick out a playlist and turn your living room into a dancefloor.

Save room for dessert: Be sure to save room for the tastiest part of Valentine’s Day—dessert. Whether you put on the aprons and make dessert together or pick something up from your favorite bakery or chocolatier, no Valentine’s Day would be complete without it. Red Velvet Cake, dark chocolates, cheesecake, and brownies are just some of the can’t-miss classics for you and your partner to enjoy after dinner.

Cuddle up for a movie: At the end of your busy day together, cuddle up, settle in, and turn on a movie. Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion for a romantic drama or rom-com.

Look to the future: Valentine’s Day is also a time to reflect on the love in your household and where you are headed in the future. What plans or changes lie ahead? How does your home fit with the changes you see coming?

From all of us at Windermere, we wish you and your Valentine a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Blog • Severance Real Estate • Virtual Tours • February 10, 2021

Upgraded Beauty!

by Fort Collins

1565 Monterey Valley Parkway in Severance is move-in ready and full of upgrades! This ranch style home has so much charm, you will not be disappointed! Enjoy sitting in the open living room with vaulted ceilings or cooking in the spacious kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The finished basement boasts extra elbow room and a wet bar to get away and relax. Don’t forget about the large fenced lot with raised garden beds to play in during the summer or simply put your feet up on the extended patio! Don’t miss this home! One year home warranty provided with sale of home. Contact Rondi duPont at (970) 401-0123 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

https://windermerenoco.com/listing/124497647