How to Thrill Homebuyers

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Offered by: Scott and Lora Nordby, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Real Estate

As a home seller, you have a lot more control in pleasing buyers than you think. If you start the selling process by learning what buyers really want, you can prepare your home to come as close to their dreams as possible. Here’s what you can do to please buyers and get higher offers for your home.

Curb Appeal
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Your home should sell to the buyer from the curb.  That’s how important curb appeal is. Your buyer should be so impressed, so charmed, so delighted that they want to leap out of the car and run inside.

How do you create curb appeal? Show attention to detail. Your home has to be prettier, cleaner, and in better condition than its neighbors.

Start with sweeping the drive, walkway, and porch or entry of dirt and debris. Get rid of leggy bushes, wilted flowers, and broken tree limbs. Plant fresh flowers in the front garden or in containers at the entry.

Power-wash the exterior and hand-wash the windows. Touch up paint around the windows, if needed. Paint the front door a fresh, modern color. Replace the door hardware and porch sconces. The idea is that the home looks fresh.

Space
The number one reason why people buy homes is to have more room. Whether they’re moving from an apartment or moving up from the home they have, they want to have plenty of space to do the things they enjoy.

If you have a large home, you’re golden, but that doesn’t mean you’ve got it made. You can ruin a buyer’s first impression with too much clutter, so make sure to keep your home picked up so your buyer can see your home’s features clearly and easily.

What if you don’t have a lot of space? Plan to do some storing and staging. Rent a storage unit and put away all out-of-season clothes, toys, and home decorations and accessories. Clean off all tables and countertops so you have only the minimum of things your need to operate your home. Empty closets of anything that is “stored” and move it to the storage unit. The small expense you’ll pay in storage fees you’ll more than make back from your buyer’s offer.

Updates
There’s a reason why first-time buyers and singles tend to buy older homes –they’re more affordable than buying new. So unless your buyer is a building contractor, chances are they want a home that’s as updated as possible.

You may not be interested in putting in a new kitchen to sell your home, but you can do a few things to make buyers happy. Replace the most dated features – cabinet doors, countertops, and appliances.

Bathrooms are so personal that they can easily turn buyers off. Invest in new towels, bathmats, and a shower curtain. Throw out slimy soaps and limp-ragged bath sponges. Replace with liquid shower and bath products. You can take all the new stuff with you to the next home.

Painting is expected by buyers, but don’t repaint the same colors that you chose 10 years ago. Pick an updated neutral like a warm grey. Be sure to choose a color that will complement the architecture and flooring in your home.

Homebuyers aren’t expecting your home to be the same as a new home, but they do expect to see pride of ownership. The more tweaks, updates, and repairs you perform, the more confident your buyers will be that they’re choosing the right home.

If you are thinking of selling your current home and buying your next home, your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Real Estate Forever Agent can advise you on how to best prepare your home for sale. Visit BHHScore.com or call us at 303-905-8850 to talk with someone who is knowledgeable about real estate in your neighborhood.

Halloween Safety Tips

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Halloween Safety Tips courtesy of SafeKids.org

Walk Safely

  1. Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
  2. Put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
  3. Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
  4. Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
  5. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
  6. Watch for cars that are turning or backing up.
  7. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
  8. Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating.
  9. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, tell them to stick to familiar areas that are well-lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Costumes for a Safe Halloween

  1. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
  2. Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
  3. Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
  4. When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween

  1. Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.
  2. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
  3. Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
  4. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
  5. Get rid of any distractions – like your phone – in your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
  6. Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
  7. Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  8. Be especially alert for kids during those hours.
Happy Halloween from The Brighton Buzz

October Home To-Dos

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Offered by: City of Brighton Communications

Ahh, October – A great time for leaf peeping and pumpkin spice lattes. To add to your fall checklist, it’s also prime time to check your home for potential breakdowns before winter. Here are a few things to look out for:

  • Check for cracks in walkways to prevent a trip or fall. Small cracks can be fixed with epoxy. The City of Brighton recognizes that in some cases, such repairs can be costly to homeowners. Take advantage of Brighton’s 50/50 Sidewalk, Curb & Gutter Replacement Program and have the city pay for 50-percent of the replacement cost. Read more and sign up: www.brightonco.gov/5050program.
  • Clean and repair siding to prevent mildew. How? Bring out that pressure washer to clean it up. Use this time to also check for rotten areas and inspect caulking.
  • Inspect faucets for leaks in the kitchen and bathrooms. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a faucet that leaks at one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. How to check for a leak? Turn on the faucet, turn it off and then watch for dripping. Check out Brighton’s Water Conservation and Efficiency web page for tips on how teflon tape and replacing equipment with WaterSense products can help – www.brightonco.gov/waterconservationandefficiency. And don’t forget – Shut off exterior faucets and store hoses for the winter.
  • Cover or store outdoor furniture and grills. Doing so will protect them from the elements.
  • Change air filters. Try and do this regularly. According to the EPA, if a filter is dirty or overloaded, it won’t work well. The benefit? Lower energy bills and a longer-lasting HVAC system.
  • Check safety devices. Test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors (batteries may need to be replaced). Also, check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher.
  • Maintain your wood stove or fireplace. Make sure they are serviced before lighting the first fire of the season.
  • Service yard equipment. Change your oil and filter and install new blades if necessary.
  • Remove leaves before the first snow settles in. By removing leaves, not only will your grass be preserved, you’ll avoid having to reseed next spring to replace grass killed by snow mold. Doing so will also remove any wet hazards. Also – trim any dead tree limbs. Brighton has a free tree limb drop off site – Click here for details: www.brightonco.gov/treelimbdropoff .
  • Clean gutters after most of the leaves have fallen. Inspect for cracks and loose parts in need of repair.
City of Brighton

Medicare Annual Enrollment

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Offered by: Integrity Insurance – Lisa Asmussen

It’s the Annual Enrollment for Medicare starting in October with plans released on October 1 and enrollments start October 15 and end December 7.

Each year I help individuals with their options and to get enrolled in the coverage that meets their needs. Some wait until the last weeks. Don’t let that be you! You can call to set up an appointment for assistance with any of the following:

  • Medicare Parts A & B (turning 65/leaving employer coverage)
  • Part C (Medicare Advantage)
  • Medicare Supplements (Medigap)
  • Part D Rx coverage
  • Medicare Savings Program
  • Low-income Subsidy
  • Hearing, Vision and Dental Options
  • Other general Medicare Education

I Make House Calls – I will come to YOU at NO COST and explain all your options.

If you are on Medicaid & Medicare – With your permission, I can advocate for you to assist with any issues.

Prescription drug costs continue to be a challenge for many. I will host 2 virtual seminars to share tools and processes to find prescription drug savings. Use a QR code below to register or call to sign up.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Integrity Insurance

Celebrating 20 Years!

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Offered by: Melissa Rippy – Rippy Insurance Agency / Allstate

Cooler days are here again, YAHOO! I don’t know about you, but I’m excited for fall, the changing of colors and cooler temperatures after this hot summer we have had.

On October 4th, 2022, I will be celebrating my 20th year in the insurance industry. Eleven of those years were as a claims adjuster handling litigated files and the other nine years have flown by while starting my agency off the ground and from scratch back in 2013.

When we opened back on November 1st, we had zero customers. Over the next nine years, we have met many people in our community who have entrusted the Rippy Agency to help protect what matters most. You are the reason we are still here in the Brighton community and we wouldn’t be here without you so it’s time to celebrate!

We are having a client appreciation event on October 5th from 5 pm to 8 pm at Copper Rail Bar & Grill. This celebration is reserved for clients and business partners. We’ll have food, drinks and prizes from locally owned businesses.

You MUST RVSP to attend and join the festivities!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/410020220517

Allstate Rippy Insurance

Medicare Annual Enrollment starts Oct. 15th

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Offered by: Jennifer Bell – Bell Benefits, LLC

This is the BEST time of the year!! We start to see the leaves change colors, kids running around in fun and scary costumes AND Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)!!!

Starting October 15, you can make changes to your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or your Medicare Advantage Plan.  The changes you make during AEP, will go into effect on January 1, 2023.

2023 is bringing out some really cool benefits in the Medicare Advantage Plan world. Comparing the different benefits of the different plans is an excellent idea. Working with a broker (someone like me) will help you sort through all the different offerings.

Be aware, there is a lot of creative marketing out there. You’re going to see confusing commercials along with all sorts of mailers. If you ever get concerned that you’re missing out on benefits available, please talk to your personal insurance agent. If you do not have one, I am always happy to help you sort through your questions.

Insurance agents do not charge you to speak to them. We get compensated by the insurance companies. This makes it great for both you and I because we can have a conversation and not worry about how much it costs.

Please take this time to review your current coverage. If you would like some assistance, I’m always happy to help.

Just give me a call or a text: 720-626-6524

Jennifer Bell | Bell Benefits

Three Lessons from Cobra Kai

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Offered by: Colorado Karate Club

Having trained Karate for over four decades, I’m always interested in Martial Arts TV shows and movies. I enjoy watching some good fight scenes, but most of all, I like watching martial arts shows that underline the philosophy and thought behind the practice of the martial arts.

Shows like Kung-Fu with David Carridine in the 1970’s were a staple of my childhood, and Bruce Lee fighting it out with Chuck Norris in the Roman Colosseum in “The Way of the Dragon” was the most memorable fight scene I have ever seen on a screen.

Watching each season of Cobra Kai has been entertaining, and many people ask me what I think of the show. I wanted to offer three positive observations. Setting aside “details” such as everyone getting a black belt in record time or the excessive amount of Karate brawls, just to mention a couple, I think we can benefit from focusing on some of the good lessons we can gather from the show.

Not a Bad Guy – I was very happy to see a different side of the story of Johnny (the original “bad guy”). In my experience, most people are not evil. Yes, some folks can be angry, demanding, dishonest, and more, but there is much good in everyone if we just take the time to get to know and understand them. The bully at school, for example, may be seen as a bad guy/gal, but we probably miss their own story of frustration at home, neglect, disappointment, or bullying by others. A lesson from Cobra Kai is that we should be patient and try not to judge too quickly. That person who you think is evil, may even become your best friend and hero if given the chance.

Redemption –  There are also many examples of overcoming adversities, trying and failing, winning and losing, all the while continuing to move forward. Over the years I have encountered a few students who quit training because they failed a belt test, or because they did not do well at a tournament. Even worse, their parents allowed them to quit, reinforcing the idea that if you don’t do well at first, one should give up.  e majority of students however, are resilient and use any setback as a lesson to work harder and perform better each time. One of the main underlying themes of the show, I believe, is redemption, and how it is within everyone’s reach.

No Guarantees – Finally, I think that the series demonstrates a quote from Master Jasuhiro Konishi, who stated that “Karate aims to build character, improve human behavior, and cultivate modesty; it does not, however, guarantee it.” Just the fact that a person practices Karate or other martial arts, it does not make them good, respectful, or disciplined. Karate in fact fosters these traits, but it is up to the individual to take full advantage of their training. I think Cobra Kai demonstrates how Martial Arts can be a path for positive development, but also how we always have a choice in the matter.

I hope you also enjoy watching the series, but even more, maybe you’ll consider starting Karate Training. Whatever your age or current physical abilities, Karate is a great discipline for children and adults, and we’d love to see you on the mats.

Colorado Karate Club

A Healthy Start in Life

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Offered by: Mrs. Glover’s Goods

Having years of passion for health and wellness, it took having kids in 2016 to really inspire me to create and cultivate the business and community Mrs. Glover’s Goods has now become. I wanted to provide my family with the best opportunity at natural immunity, equipping them with the best products for their bodies.

I dedicated my time in researching ways to boost the immune system. I stumbled upon a little berry that has since become one of my best allies. By sharing my love for elderberry with my friends and family, I quickly saw how sharing something I was passionate about with others, needed to be shared with as many people as possible. That is when I launched Mrs. Glover’s Goods in 2019.

I am here to help give others the confidence to know that they are capable of supporting their own health and wellness with something as simple as a daily serving of elderberry. I am committed to making other people’s lives easier and helping them create healthy habits. I have carefully crafted delicious elderberry products to do just that. Products that are superior to others on the market today, a product that you can trust.

Here are what customers are saying about Mrs. Glover’s Goods:

“I love this stuff. I use it daily and have it as part of my morning ritual for self care. It’s got the good stuff without the additives you find in ones at the grocery store. Since regularly using it, I have noticed stronger immune defense against those sick around me. Plus being a portable bottle makes it easy to travel with. I highly recommend.”
— AMELIA SNYDER 06/23/2022

“Amazing customer service, and fast delivery! Hands down the best tasting and cleanest elderberry syrup on the market. We’re on our 3rd jar and my toddler still asks for some every day!”
— EMMA SANDLIN 04/08/2022

Don’t overlook importance of cash

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Offered by: Tim Roberts – Edward Jones

If you’re an investor, you no doubt pay a great deal of attention to your stocks, bonds and mutual funds. But you shouldn’t forget another key element of your financial strategy: cash.

Cash is part of any financial strategy and investment portfolio, but how much have you thought about the different uses of cash, and how much you really need? Consider these four key purposes:

  • Unexpected expenses and emergencies – If you face an interruption in employment, you need an extensive home repair or you encounter an unplanned medical expense, you may need access to cash. If you’re not retired, it’s a good idea to have three to six months of living expenses in cash, possibly supplemented by access to a line of credit. If you’re already retired, keeping up to three months of living expenses in cash, possibly supplemented by a credit line, is a good rule of thumb.
  • Specific short-term savings goals – You may have some goals you want to meet within the next year or two, such as a wedding, a vacation or the purchase of a new car. And since you have a little more time to meet these needs than you would for an emergency, you might consider using a money market account or a short-term certificate of deposit (CD), in addition to your other savings vehicles.
  • Everyday spending – You’ll always need cash to provide for your day-to-day spending needs, such as your mortgage, other debts, groceries, utilities, entertainment and so on. If you haven’t already done so, you might want to create a budget, which could help highlight areas in which you can reduce spending to free up funds for investing in longterm goals. If you’re still working, keeping one to two months’ worth of living expenses in a liquid account may be sufficient, but if you’re retired, you may need up to 12 months of living expenses, which you can adjust to accommodate outside sources, such as Social Security or a pension.
  • Source of investment – You can look at cash as an investment source in two different ways. First, cash can be considered its own distinct asset class, and because it typically behaves differently from other asset classes, it can provide some diversification to a portfolio containing stocks and bonds. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses.) And second, the cash in your portfolio could be used as part of a systematic investing strategy in which you put set amounts of money at regular intervals into investment vehicles that are appropriate for your goals and risk tolerance.

Clearly, cash is an important part of planning for the future, but there can be too much of a good thing. While cash may seem like a perpetual safe harbor from the stormy investment seas, it is not without risk. If you hold too much cash, you could underfund your longer-term investments— the ones with the growth potential you need to reach some of your most important goals, such as a comfortable retirement.

Put your cash to work. By using it wisely, you can add a valuable element to your financial picture.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC

What You Need to Know When Buying a New-Construction Home – Part 2

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Offered by: Jan Hepp-Struck, Hepp Realty

In last month’s article I covered the base-level, or starter-home, type of new construction. But if you are blessed to be in the market for a home at a higher price-point then you may well be looking for something more along the lines of a semi-custom build.

While this level does have a starting point with base floor plans and amenities already included, the quality is higher than a starter home, and the available upgrade and customization options are going to be far greater! It’s also possible that the lot size is going to be larger, and your neighbors won’t be quite as closely packed in. You might say it’s the sweet spot for those who want options, but also don’t have the ability or time to go fully custom.

At this level of new construction, you can realistically expect larger rooms, more natural surfaces like wood or stone as opposed to MDF and Formica or vinyl laminates. Other perks like ceiling fans and nicer electrical and plumbing fixtures will be more common, as well as more storage areas or built-ins, and larger garage spaces. It’s also very likely that better quality, and larger and/or more decorative style windows will be factored into the home options, or that they will be among the list of possible upgrades if not.

As with the starter-level, there is a base price, and any additions or changes add to the total purchase price. If you are looking at a new semi-custom build, it’s still wise to be working with an experienced realtor who can help you strategically, so you don’t end up spending more than you need or want to.

For proven expertise in establishing your home value and/or searching for a new or existing home, please call Jan at (303) 520-4340.

Hepp Realty