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Nationwide Open House Weekend April 20-21

2013-04-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

If you're in the market to purchase a home you won't have a better opportunity to preview prospective properties than the mecca of all open houses, Nationwide Open House Weekend April 20-21! In it's 4th year running, there will be homes upon homes from coast to coast ready for your viewing pleasure for this event.

Consider it like a community garage sale, but the homes themselves are for sale on a much larger scale! There's nothing we like more than efficiency so the ability to see as many homes of interest in one fell swoop goes down as a major win-win in our book.

There are a couple of ways to find the open houses, check with your local real estate companies many of them will have a list of upcoming open houses. There are a variety of websites that will show you open house information as well. We're big fans of Zillow who has a special search feature for open houses, you just hover over the Homes link and click on Open Houses, from there you can specify an area. Just remember that more and more homes will be added to these lists as the weekend approaches so keep checking.

Here's the list for Colorado- http://www.zillow.com/co/open-house/

A few words of wisdom, if you're serious about scouting a property for actual purchase, unlike the looky-loos, (and we all know there are plenty of looky-loos wanting to canvas what their neighbors are really up to behind closed doors or those wanting a legal sneak peek at how the 1% live) make sure to do your due diligence ahead of time and get, at a minimum, a pre-qualification letter from your mortgage lender (even better get pre-approved). That way you can evaluate the home comparing your needs/wants to what you can realistically afford according to your lender and be prepared to make a legitimate offer as soon as you can. Buyers that have done their homework ahead of time will be in a better position to get what they want as an offer from a party that is already pre-approved is highly attractive to the seller. Keep in mind that since this is such a big event there will be a lot of people eyeing your favorite property, if it meets your needs your best bet is to act expeditiously!

Of course all of this can be explained in further detail by your real estate agent, it is most definitely in your best interest to secure a broker to handle the purchase of real estate. There is a lot of red tape involved in buying/selling real estate and the stakes are high, a lot of money on the line. While plenty of folks think they can easily handle the process themselves and save a little bit of money I can assure you that there can be some major bumps in the road and it is easy to get in over your head.

For all of our Colorado friends needing assistance, call us to speak with our in-house associate broker, we're happy to help. And don't worry we aren't here to rope you into a deal, we didn't attend used car salesman training, it's not our style and we find it just as repulsive as you do.

So head on out there early, you wont find another opportunity to get this kind of inside info. Get your map together, do some research a-la Google of the addresses you like to get an idea of the property and it's condition, perhaps print out a sheet of each home you want to see, and once you get there ask questions! Get as much detail as you can. And for all of the looky-loos with no interest in the home at all, at least give some feedback to the realtor on what you saw, that would be the nice thing to do!

Fire Pits For Fall: A Non-Traditional Approach

2012-09-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

When you live in such a beautiful state it's a shame to pack in the patio gear in preparation for the cooler months to come. We are lucky to enjoy mild weather in Colorado throughout the majority of the year but those fall nights get pretty brisk. The best way to extend the outdoor enjoyment is to heat up your patio space. Firepits are easy to find, affordable, and easy to use but for our ambitious friends we're a fan of unique fire pieces that you don't see everyday. Try something verticle, or contemporary, a bowl instead of a built in square, a sunken pit, or even one that can be used to grill on!

Here are some of our favorite, non- traditional firepit ideas:

Handy Project Gadgets & Apps

2012-08-09T12:07:00.001-07:00

We're all for taking advantage of the latest gadgets and phone apps when it comes to simplifying anything from dinner recipes to space planning. Here's a list of some great phone gadgets and apps that will undoubtedly come in handy with your home projects.

iHandy Level
An app with a built in level for all of your precise picture hanging needs. Works vertically, horizontally, and even face down. Oh and it's a FREE app!

Handy Man DIY
No need to spend hours calculating for your projects. Just input room measurements and this will tell you exactly how much paint you'll need, how much flooring or trim to buy, etc. It will even incorporate a shopping list for you with cost estimates. And it'll save the info for future reference.

Task This
The ultimate to-do list and project managing app. Keep on track of your projects with calendars, shopping lists, deadlines, due date reminders, etc. Sync it to the online platform for even more task related planning.

Design Space Planning
This app is for the design lovers. It has practical applications, as in making sure a sofa will fit through the door opening before buying it, with the space planning features. But that is just the start, this app allows you to design entire room concepts, has built in color palettes, and allows for real life incorporation. Take a photo of a wall paper you find in an antique store and apply it instantly to your room design to see if it is a fit. A great resource brought to you by an interior designer.

Gardening Toolkit
For the greenthumbs out there. This awesome app is all you need to successfully plant and care for your own garden. It is location specific and offers tons of info on vegetables, herbs, and flowers. You can plan a variety of gardens, get advice on when and what to plant, general care tips, harvest tracking, etc.

Room Envy: Man Caves

2012-06-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Any guy would be lucky to call one of these dude spaces their own. Want to see some more check out Man Caves on the DIY Network where they chronicle the ultimate of man caves and even show you how to create your own.

"To the Bat Cave"... no literally-

Your own personal Sports Center, complete with rotating couch, so you can catch every single one of the games on all of the tv's!

Well who wouldn't want a hot rod in the middle of the living room...

A poker palace for a guys tournament night

Room Envy: Outdoor Pergola

2012-06-23T09:00:00.002-07:00

Double Function- deck on top

This one comes from the folks at DiyNetwork.com. A gorgeous display of 16 "not your average pergola" patio cover ideas. Think outside the box when it comes to designing your own outdoor retreat, there are a million different options even with something as basic as a pergola patio cover. Check out these for inspiration... some of our favorites, head over the the DIY Network to see more. And if you're feeling extra handy, here's a great basic intro to building a simple wood pergola.

Angled- Japanese style

Urban- incorporating the walls

Arched top outdoor room

When Extreme Weather Comes A Knocking! How to prepare yourself and your home

2012-06-07T11:21:00.001-07:00

Mother nature has a tendency to keep you on your toes. Here in the Denver area we're no strangers to bizarre weather. We see our fair share of wildfires, snow, wind, rain, hail, and tornadoes! With the unpredictable weather comes the homeowner's responsibility to deal with the fallout when these acts of nature wreak havoc. Below are several things you can do to be better prepared ahead of time for these types of situations and a plan of action for dealing with the aftermath thanks to our friends over at Travelers!

HAIL:
Hail is one of the number one causes of house damage in the US. Not surprising if you've ever witnessed a good downpour with golfball size air debris! If you have forewarning that you may be hit by one of these storms you can start out by protecting plants and flowers by covering them. Move vehicles into garages if possible. Bring anything breakable inside like flower pots, umbrellas, etc.

Staying safe in a hailstorm

If there is a hail storm in your area, make personal safety your first priority. Take shelter during the storm. Large hail can cause serious injuries.
Hail is often accompanied by strong winds and lightning, both of which pose their own dangers.
After the storm passes, keep in mind that windows may have been broken and high winds may have knocked down trees and power lines. Look for broken glass, sharp objects and live wires. Be sure to wear proper shoes and gloves when walking around your property.
If necessary, protect your property immediately against further damage and theft. Use plywood, tarps or other materials to cover broken windows or holes in roofs. Keep receipts for reimbursement of all expenses covered by your policy.

Understanding hail damage

Hail is frozen precipitation that forms in storm clouds when super-cooled water droplets freeze on contact with dust or dirt in the air. Hailstones can be as small as the tip of a pen or as large as a softball. The larger they are, the more damage they can do.
By understanding the signs of hail damage you can be better prepared to work with contractors and your claim professional after a storm.

FIRE:
House fires are not as uncommon as most people would tend to believe. Fire is a year round concern as it can arise from nearly anything. You have a variety of fire potential everywhere you turn outside of the kitchen stove- bbqs and outdoor grills, dryers, space heaters, outdoor patio heaters and tiki torches, camping fires, cigarettes, lightening, etc. Obviously there are ways to prevent most of these sources but accidents do happen.

Having clear knowledge of how to use a fire extinguisher is a good place to start. Making sure your smoke detectors are functioning properly and that your family has an emergency exit plan that has been PRACTICED! Cleaning dryer vents regularly. These are good places to start. But even the most prepared can be caught off guard, especially by a wildfire. Stay safe by heeding the following advice.

Before

Give your yard a good annual clean-up and maintenance. Prune tree limbs within 10 feet of your home, clear away dead plants or branches, and remove pine needles, leaves, and other debris from the yard, roof, and gutters. Use caution and be careful to stay away from overhead wires. If you are not comfortable doing this work yourself, hire a licensed contractor.
Prepare a family evacuation plan. Have more than one escape route and designate a place for family members to meet if they are in different locations when an evacuation order is given.
Make sure adult family members know how to shut off utilities and how to use fire extinguishers.
Prepare a survival kit.

During

Listen to the radio for important reports and evacuation information.
Remove lightweight and non-fire-resistant curtains from around windows.
Place combustible patio furniture in the house or garage. Move all flammable furniture away from windows to the center of the house.
Close windows and interior doors.
Connect a garden hose to the outside tap and place lawn sprinklers on the roof. Wet the roof and any shrubs within 15 feet of the house.
If you must evacuate:
- Shut off propane at the tank, or natural gas at the meter, and turn off all pilot lights.
- Turn on a light in each room of the house to increase the visibility of your home in heavy smoke.
- Wear protective clothing, including sturdy shoes, long pants and long-sleeved shirts, gloves, and a bandana or handkerchief.
- Advise a friend or family member outside the wildfire area that you are leaving and where you will be.

After

Stay tuned to the radio or television for updated information. If you had to evacuate, return home only after authorities advise it is safe to do so.
Check for hazards such as electrical shorts or gas or water leaks. Turn off any damaged utilities, and arrange for the electric or gas company to test, repair, and turn utilities back on.
Check the roof and attic for smoke, sparks, and embers.
Throw away items such as food or medicines that have been contaminated by smoke or fire.
Promptly report any loss to Travelers using the toll-free claim reporting number.

RAIN & FLOODING:
First thing about floods and the #1 thing you should do after reading this, CALL your insurance company and check your policy. Most standard homeowners policies do NOT include flood insurance!!! The average cost to mediate a flood is $48,000 according to the National Flood Insurance Program. The best advice is obviously to add flood insurance to your policy.

Before

Know your flood zone risk. Evaluate your flood risk.
Have your furnace, water heater and other permanent equipment elevated above the expected flood levels of your area.
Inspect sump pumps and drains regularly to ensure proper operation.
If you own a generator, have a licensed electrician provide a transfer switch to your sump pump so you can operate it in the event of flooding.
To help prevent sewage backup, have a licensed plumber install an interior or exterior backflow valve.
Keep sandbags on hand to help divert unusually high water away from your foundation.
In snowy climates, flag drains to avoid plowing snow on top of them.
Learn the flood alert signals of your community.
Collect emergency building materials if you live in a frequently flooded area. These include plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, nails, shovels and sandbags.
Plan and practice an evacuation route. Designate a place for family members to meet in the event they become separated.
Review with all family members how to shut off utilities in an emergency.
Plan a kit with important documents, including insurance documents, medications and critical items in the event you need to leave your home.

During

Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest storm information. If advised to evacuate, shut off all utilities and evacuate immediately.
Move to high ground, avoid rising waters and do not walk or drive through any floodwaters.
Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires.

After

Listen to the radio and do not return home until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
Be watchful of snakes that may have found their way into your home.
Throw away all food that has come in contact with floodwaters.
Remove standing water as quickly as possible, including from your basement. If your basement is flooded, pump out the water gradually. Remove about 1/3 per day to avoid structural damage.
Properly dry or remove soaked carpets, padding and upholstery within 24-48 hours after a flood to prevent mold growth. Discard anything that cannot be properly dried.
Wash and disinfect all areas that have been flooded. This includes walls, floors, closets, shelves, as well as heating and air-conditioning systems.
Do not energize electrical or electronic equipment that may have suffered water damage without first having a qualified electrician inspect and/or test it.
PROMPTLY call your insurance company to report any loss

And of course I will add in that you should hire a professional to address the damage done to your home. It may be tempting to just start ripping out wet carpet but there are a million facets that go into the proper remediation of a flood including mold prevention, not something to mess around with.

TORNADOES & CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE:
Safety is the number one priority with any type of major storm. There isn't a whole lot you can do about things like tornadoes but you can prepare your home ahead of time just in case and have a plan in place in the event that something does occur. Needless to say the damage a home sustains from a major 'act of God' like a tornado should by repaired by a reputable professional.

Before

Learn the warning signs and alert signals of your community.
Understand the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A watch means that tornadoes may develop, while a warning means that a tornado has been sighted and you should seek shelter immediately.
Prepare a survival kit.
Conduct drills with your family. Designate an area of your home as a shelter and practice what you would do should a tornado occur.
Move cars and other outdoor objects inside the garage.

During

At Home:
Seek shelter away from windows in the center of the room. Basements and storm cellars are the best havens, but if there is no basement, take cover in a bathroom, closet, or under a sturdy piece of furniture.
At work or school:
Go to the basement or an inside hallway at the lowest level. Keep away from large, open areas such as auditoriums, cafeterias and gymnasiums. Lie low and use your arms to protect the head and neck.
In a car:
Do not try to outrun the tornado. Stop the car, get out, and if there is no nearby facility in which to take shelter, lie in a low area such as a ditch.

After

Stay in your shelter until the storm is over.
Listen to the radio or television for the latest storm information.
Check for gas leaks or electrical system damage.
Watch for downed power lines when going outside.
Report damage to your insurance company

Multi- Generational Living, the newest trend in home construction

2012-06-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

While the idea of living literally in the same home as the in-laws may make the majority of people cringe, the concept of multi-generational living and housing arrangements is more than practical. Plenty of families enjoy the closeness and support brought by having family there at the drop of a hat and it's no new concept. However, what is new is that home developers are realizing that more and more families are choosing to live this way for practicality while riding out the shift in our economy. We're not talking shoving the grandparents into a spare bedroom and residing in a cramped living room and kitchen. These new home plans allow both families to live privately and independently while sharing common spaces when wanted or needed. They have truly thought of everything, like the desire for families to spend time together at gatherings by offering shared courtyards and backyard living areas perfectly laid out for summer bbq's. And the plan layouts range from guest suites and "mother-in-law apartments" to 2 house family "compounds". A very unique concept on a very old tradition and a great solution for families that need the extra help and support.

Be sure to watch the video footage of these beautiful homes and layouts here.

New homes feature family-friendly layouts for multiple generations
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- With America's aging population, children staying home longer and more extended families living together, some new homebuilders are changing the designs of their homes to meet those needs. They're new home developments designed with multi-generational families in mind.

With new twins the Fajardo family is growing quickly. In fact, Lea's parents will be moving in with them, so they need a house to accommodate them all. They found the perfect place in Chino in a new home development called Charleston at College Park.
"This was an ideal situation: them having their own area where they can do what they needed to do and yet still be close enough to help with the kids, with their grandkids," said Robert Fajardo.
Lennar Homes calls it a "home within a home." A first-of-its-kind in the U.S. geared for multi-generational families.
"The home within a home basically has its own front door, its own living area, its own kitchenette with a refrigerator, convection microwave oven for some light cooking, its own bathroom with a stacked washer-dryer, its own bedroom and access to a rear yard for its own patio," said Greg McGuff, Lennar Homes Division president.
Another developer, the New Home Company, is taking the next generation of homes a step further. At Lambert Ranch in Irvine there are three neighborhoods with three unique life space designs.
"You have your own private entrance from the exterior of the home, for private going in and going out," said Joan Marcus-Colvin, vice president of sales, the New Home Company.
And inside is a private bedroom, bath and service bar, yet it is connected to the main home.
Another design incorporates a large guest house connected to the main house that buyers Jason Vitaletti and Arman Afagh find perfect for their competing work schedules.

"I'm an emergency room physician and I work nights," said Afagh. "And so having a completely separate area where I could sleep during the daytime and he can go about doing his work from home."
And the third design features two homes next to each other creating a compound estate.
"This is the shared courtyard of our family compound, our generational estate," said Marcus-Colvin. "And this is where our two families can have their coffee in the morning."
And the homes are joined in the large backyard too for family gatherings.
"We found an incredible need for families that wanted to live together, meaning sister, husband, kids, brother, his wife and kids, and joining them," said Marcus-Colvin.
And homes like these make economic sense too.
"We always say it's two homes and one payment," said McGuff.
Both builders say sales so far have been excellent so expect more developers to follow.

Home Construction Industry Insight: A Recent Bolster In Business

2012-06-04T16:09:00.001-07:00

Industry professionals are happy to proclaim that they are busier than ever, seeing the largest spike in business in years. Consumer confidence in the housing industry, real estate, et al plays a large role and, according to the latest reports, it is justified. Mortgage rates are still at record lows and the real estate market is slowing climbing all around the board in all nine census divisions.

Just published over at MSNBC, Rise in new-home sales bolsters sense of housing revival
"When blended with Tuesday’s report from the National Association of Realtors that existing-home sales touched a two-year high in April, analysts say evidence of a modest real estate revival seems to be mounting. “Things are looking good,” said Pat Newport, an economist with IHS Global Insight. “These are still very low numbers by historical standards. But when combined with the NAR report, this tells us that something is going on. Prices are stabilizing after adjusting for inflation. “It’s hard to get a good picture of the housing market early in the year because (warming) weather can distort the numbers. But I think the picture emerging is a good one. The housing market is getting better,” Newport added. “We had a very good first quarter, and the numbers are telling us it was more than just good weather helping the market.”

All this spells for the housing industry, and therefore the housing construction industry, is good news. So if you're one of the many wondering what all of the construction work trucks are doing sitting all through your neighborhood, now you know why. It's as good a time as ever to jump on those home improvement projects. Although the industry seems to be rebounding, ever so slighty, contractors and professionals are still working on bare minimum contracts, so prices are definitely reasonable and often times lower than you may expect. Call a reputable local contractor and see what they have to say and see our tips on selecting the RIGHT contractor before you sign on the dotted line!

5280 At Work...

2012-06-04T09:58:00.001-07:00

project photos, a set on Flickr.

A little glimpse at what we do all day at 5280...

Spring Cleaning Checklist

2012-03-01T11:16:00.003-08:00

It's almost that time of year again, time to change the clocks and welcome the birds chirping, seeds sprouting, and rainshowers. If you live here in Colorado, well, we have a little while before rejoycing in the coming of summer, March is our snowiest month. Nonetheless, one can't help but get excited! So with the coming of Spring brings the usual spring cleaning. Here's a great checklist from Country Living to get your home in shape.

Set your clocks AHEAD an hour. Yay for Daylight Savings!
Check your smoke & carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries.
Start dusting. Top to bottom is most efficient.
Flip or rotate your mattresses.
Wash your pillows.
Deep clean the kitchen. Get rid of expired items, clean the fridge, organize!
Swap out heavy blankets for cooler weather linens.
Start an indoor herb garden!
Ventilate. Air everything out starting in the basement.
Start up your dehumidifier. (For those outside of DRY Colorado)
Clean the carpets. Rent a shampooer and get them good.
Wash your windows inside & out.
Prep your A/C unit/s. Clean filters, install properly.
Clean your patio or deck
Trim up your shrubbery
Put out planters and freshen soil
Prep your pool if you have one
Unpack garden hoses
Fertilize your yard
Sweep your stoops & replace door mats
Clean your shower curtains
Conquer built up clutter!

Frigid Temps, Warm Ups, and Bursting Pipes- what to do if it happens to you

2011-02-04T16:39:00.000-08:00

With the outrageously cold weather we've been experiencing here in Colorado and consecutive temps of -30 it's no surprise that pipes are starting to burst. No homeowner ever wants to deal with such a mess but sometimes it's inevitable. Here's a great article from the Chicago Tribune with tips on what to do if you find yourself as one of the victims of bursting pipes.

What to do about frozen pipes-

A quarter million American families a year have one or more rooms in their houses flooded and their lives disrupted each winter because of pipes that freeze and break, according to State Farm Fire and Casualty Co.
If a pipe freezes, act quickly but carefully to thaw the pipe before it bursts.

Using a blow dryer to heat a cold water pipe at the point of the freeze may melt a clog. Electric pipe wraps are an option. A space heater placed in front of an open vanity might thaw pipes under a sink.

Never use a torch or flame to try to melt an ice clog.

If water starts leaking from a pipe after it gets warmer, the pipe has burst from the pressure of expanding ice. You'll need to shut off the water to the broken pipe as quickly as possible to minimize water damage.

Study your water distribution system before an emergency happens so you don't waste time while your carpets are getting soaked.

Start by pinpointing the main valve that controls the flow of water through the main pipe that brings water into the house.

If you're on a public water system, the main shut-off valve will usually be inside the house on the wall closest to the street near the water meter. Some houses have meters outside on the wall near the street. If you have a well, the shut-off will be on the wall closest to the well.

Some houses built on a slab foundation rather than a basement or crawl space may have a main shut-off at the point where the water supply pipes come up through the slab.

It's a good idea to attach a tag to the valve identifying it as the main shut-off.

If you have to shut off the water to your house, turn the handle on the valve clockwise until it stops. Another way to remember the direction of the turn is to think of the way the top of the valve handle moves as you turn it: Right is tight, and left is loose.

Once you've identified the main valve, visually trace the course of the water supply pipes around your house looking for other shut-off valves. You may want to label the valves as you identify what they control.

Particularly important are the valves that control the water flow to outside hoses. As mentioned earlier, you'll use those valves to turn off the hose spigots in winter.

When a pipe bursts, shut off the nearest upstream water valve. If you can't find a valve close to the leak, shut off the main water valve.
The broken pipe will have to be soldered or replaced. You must be the judge of whether you're able to fix the pipe yourself or if you need to call a plumber.

When the break is fixed, make sure the area around the pipe gets plenty of air circulation so that nearby insulation and other building materials have a chance to dry.

Precautionary steps

It's possible to protect yourself from burst pipes if you take a few precautions. Even temperatures in the teens can freeze pipes if they are not adequately protected. Houses in colder climates are usually built to be safe from freezing pipes until temperatures sink below about 10 degrees, but in warmer climates where temperatures of 10 to 20 degrees are rare, the pipes often have less insulation and are more likely to freeze when a cold snap hits.

One of the first steps you should take to protect your pipes is to disconnect all outdoor hoses. If possible, shut off the supply to the outside tap then turn on the faucet to let any water already in the line drain out.

Pipes usually freeze where they are closest to outside walls. The most susceptible to freezing are those running through unheated areas such as crawl spaces or inside vanities on outside walls.

Once the water freezes in the pipe, the water flow will be cut off. If the blockage is not removed promptly, the ice can expand and split the pipe.

To prevent freezing, try to keep the pipes warm. Open vanities under sinks and raise the temperature in areas with exposed pipes by turning up your thermostat or using a space heater.

If pipes leading to a particular faucet often freeze, turn on the cold tap so water trickles continuously during extremely cold weather.

Insulating wraps for water pipes near outside walls can help, but a plumber may have to move pipes installed in areas that are too vulnerable to the cold.

If you leave your house for an extended time during the winter, don't turn your heating system all the way off. Set the thermostat at about 60 degrees and make sure all the storm windows are sealed tight to keep the heat in. Open the doors of all vanities so warm air circulates around the pipes under your sinks.

And as always, once you have the immediate leak under control it's time to bring in a professional. Don't try to repair any plumbing yourself. Call a 24 hour plumber or disaster company immediately. They will be able to minimize the damage done to your property and get things rolling to restore it back to it's original condition.

DIY Quiz - Should you really do it yourself or hire a professional?

2010-12-14T08:06:00.000-08:00

Great resource from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry -NARI.

Should you save money by doing the job yourself? Do-it-yourself (DIY) jobs are a popular trend in the home improvement industry; however, before you grab a hammer and start swinging, you should know that this is a trend with a few potential problems. Before you decide to do-it-yourself, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) recommends taking this DIY quiz:

Take the full quiz over at NARI and see if it's wise for you to tackle your home improvement project yourself or whether it's best to leave it to the professionals. Here's a peek at some of the questions you should ask yourself before deciding to do things like take a sledge hammer to your bathroom...

Yes or No:

Do you enjoy physical work?
Are you persistent and patient?
Do you have reliable work habits—meaning that once the project is started, will it get finished?
Do you have all the tools needed and, more importantly, the skills required to do the job?
What quality level do you need for this project? Are your skills at that level?
Do you have the time that will be required to complete the project? (Always double or triple the time estimated for a DIY project, unless you are highly skilled and familiar with that particular project.)
Will it matter if the project remains unfinished for a period of time?
Are you prepared to handle the kind of stress this project will create in your family relationships?
Do you know all of the steps involved in the project?
Have you gotten the installation instructions from the manufacturer to determine whether this is a project you still want to undertake? (Most manufacturers will send you installation instructions before purchase to determine whether the product will meet your needs.)

Color Match Phone App from Benjamin Moore

2010-12-13T17:58:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Ben Color Capture you can save yourself a headache when choosing the perfect color match for your home design projects. Whether you need to match an existing color on your walls or you want your living room to resemble a fresh picked melon in your fridge you can use this app to match the exact color for you from the 3,000 Benjamin Moore paint colors!

All you do is snap the photo, tap the screen on the color area you want to match, and voila it pulls up a full range of matching colors. You can even give the phone a little shake and it will show you complimentary colors! Oh and it'll show you where the closest BM location is.

You can thank me later... check out all the details here and pick up the app in your app store.

Room Envy: 2010 Home of the year

2010-12-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

Well this edition of Room Envy is actually more like Home Envy because I just want the whole thing! Found this gem in Mountain Living and I drool over it every time I see the pictures. This is truly my ideal home and it's here in Vail, Colorado.... It combines a very sleek and modern look with rustic and raw mountain finishes, the result is truly breathtaking.

5280 Lady

First Time Buyers: How to Shop for your First Home

2010-12-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

Great article over at AOL Real Estate on tips for buying your first home. There's more to think about than square footage when you're debating about moving into a home, especially in this market. Here's a good gameplan to follow.

It's tempting to just go out and start shopping. After all, that's the ultimate goal and the most fun part. But doing your homework first will pay off in less stress and more savings. If you're house-hunting, whether for tax reasons, more space or just for the chance to have your own washer and dryer, here are tips to get you started.

1. Know how much you can afford
This should be the first step in buying a house so you don't waste your time, or a real estate agent's, by looking at homes that you can't afford a mortgage on. The Fitzsimmonses visited a real estate broker who helped them determine how much of a loan they would qualify for, based on their income and credit. They also factored in property taxes, maintenance, utilities, insurance and possible homeowner-association dues. They totaled those expected costs and set up an experiment: After paying the rent on their apartment, they set aside money equaling the difference between their rent and the projected cost of homeownership. They did this for a few months so they could get used to making the payments. A loan calculator will help figure out how much a home loan will be.
2. How long will you stay in the home?
The longer you live in a home, the better the savings because you're spreading out the upfront costs of buying a house. They include a real estate agent's fee, closing costs, inspection fees and loan fees -- which can add up to 10 percent of the sale price, or approximately 18 months of rent.

3. Get a loan
Getting preapproved for a home loan helps make buying a home faster and easier, especially if there are multiple offers on a home. Your mortgage lender or broker should be able to give you an estimate, down to the penny, of how much money you'll need in closing costs. Then you'll know how much of your savings to set aside for a down payment, which will help determine how much your loan -- and the monthly mortgage -- will be. Putting down 20 percent will eliminate the need for mortgage insurance, although your lender or broker might be able to find loans at good rates that don't require 20 percent down. This is where it really pays to shop around for the best loan rate and terms.
4. Know the market
After determining where your finances stand, the fun part begins in finding out what you can afford and where you want to buy a house . Research neighborhoods that interest you and find out the median price of homes there. You can research homes on websites such as AOL Real Estate, Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia.com or others you trust. Finding homes similar to the kind you want, and in the same neighborhood, will give you an idea of how fair the price is when you are ready to buy;
5. Shop around
Every house buy requires sacrifices, and you won't get everything you want. There are many factors to consider, such as how much room you need. Does it have to be a single-family home or will a condo work? Is it near transportation, good schools, parks, shopping and your other essentials? Does the home have the amenities you want, such as a fireplace, dining room, backyard, pool or deck?

Find a real estate agent to represent you, or if you're brave and want to do it on your own, go out and shop on your own. Either way, stick to these five steps and you should be fine.

Buying a house, whether your first home or severl down the line, is one of the most stressful and expensive transactions you'll ever undertake. But if you do your homework and prepare for it with the above steps -- figuring out how much you can afford, how long you'll stay, getting a loan, studying the local market, and shopping for a house -- it should be a lot easier.

Re-Designing a Space? How to Create a Design Board

2010-12-06T09:12:00.000-08:00

One of the most important things you can do when thinking of re-designing a space is to create a Design Board. This will allow you to get all of your ideas in one place and make sure that all of the elements will be cohesive. The process is relatively simple and Ikea has created a nice article to walk you through the process. They also point out the difference between a design board and an inspiration board.

You have two options when creating your board, you can do a tangible board with real finish samples and fabrics or a virtual board which consists solely of pictures of the finish samples. Either way you choose will give you a good starting place to practice your design ideas before jumping in and throwing paint on the walls.

Some good things to include on your board

An overall picture of your ideal space, what is the feeling you want to achieve- sleek and clean, warm and cozy, organized and functional, etc.
Paint colors and samples. Also consider paint finishes such as faux, whitewashing, stippling, etc.
Architectural details like crown moulding or special trim work
Fabric swatches in both neutrals and accent colors
Lighting fixtures
Furniture and furniture placement
Accent pieces such as lamps, vases, plants, and other individual details
Finish samples such as tile, flooring material, wallpaper, etc.

10 Cities with Fast Growing Home Buyer Interest

2010-11-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

So a little bit of real estate info here thanks to CNBC

Florida seemed to sweep the list with several locations but taking the #1 spot was Fort Lauderdale with a nearly 100% increase in home sales over last year. Surprisingly, Beverly Hills took second place which is quite interesting given the economic recession. The average home sale price in the ritzy city is mere $1,350,000.

There were other unexpected cities that made the list. Detroit has seen a 39% increase in home buyer interest. Houston Texas and Mesa Arizona both have a growing interest and it's easy to see why when the average home prices are well below $130,000.

See if your city made the top 10 over at CNBC.

Easy tips for winterizing your home

2010-11-09T10:21:00.000-08:00

Check your furnace, make sure filters are fresh and clean. If you have an older furnace, consider having it inspected and tuned to make sure it is in proper working order and running as efficiently as possible. If it is more than 10 years old you may be wasting a lot of energy and money than it's worth, consider upgrading to a new furnace.

Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters allow rain and snow to pool up on your roof creating a chance for leaks. Also be sure that down spouts are properly attached and draining out and away from the home, preferably 10 feet away from the foundation.

Check attic insulation. If you can see the joists you need more insulation, add a layer to the existing insulation. Make sure to use NON paper backed insulation.

Clean your chimney. It's important to make sure the chimney is clean and free of debris before using it during the cool winter. You can hire a professional to sweep and inspect your chimney. Also make sure your chimney has a screened cap to keep unwanted items and animals out!

Replace batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Check for drafts and leaks by walking your home with a lit candle checking doors and windows. Replace old weatherstripping if needed and employ the use of door sweeps to keep cold air out.

Switch the direction of ceiling fans. Did you know that your ceiling fan runs two separate ways? Well they do! In the winter change the direction to clockwise allowing air to push downward into the room recirculating the hot air that rises to the ceiling.

Drain water lines. Make sure those sprinklers are blown out and outdoor spigots are turned off. Detach hoses and store them properly. This will keep water from freezing your pipes and creating costly repairs.

Turn down your water heater. Most household heaters are set to 140 degrees which is a lot higher than you really need, by lowering the temperature to 120 you can save 6-10% on heating costs!

Use a programmable thermostat. This will keep your home energy costs down by operating the heating consistently. It will allow you to decrease the temperature when no one is home and save on your heating bill.

Close off vents in un-used rooms. No sense in heating a room that no one is using!

Throw on a sweater and some slippers and enjoy Old Man Winter.

~5280 Lady

Home Gadget Fest: Gizmos and goodies for your home!

2010-10-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

A few of the latest and greatest gadgets for your home! Some for simplicity, some for convenience, and some just because they're cool, which ones will you add to your wish list?

Hidden flat screen tv's. Very 'Sherlock Homes' yet functional if you like a more tailored and sophisticated living space. Slide the art in place until you're ready for some tv time.

Toe kick vacuum. By far the most useful of new home gizmos, this 'vacuum' is mounted right underneath your cabinetry and instead of bending over to sweep up with a dustpan you just sweep the mess right into the vacuum space and it's picked up by your central vac.

Wall mounted garage door opener. For those garages that don't allow for a traditional garage door opener, there are no rails required, the unit simply mounts to the wall.

Electronic dog/cat doors. There are a variety of these on the market. Basically your pet wears a collar that contains either a magnetic or infrared device that unlocks the dog door allowing them in and keeping strays and unwanted animals out.

Fingerprint door locks. For extra security there are dozens of fingerprint door locks. Use them on your front door, garage door, or even an office to keep unwanted visitors out.

Automatic blinds and curtains. No need to mention the convenience of having remote controlled window shades but especially great for tall windows or skylights that are out of reach. What's even better is that you can get cordless electric blinds which have added security for small children that like to play with strings and cords.

-5280 Lady

Room Envy: Master Bedroom

2010-10-16T21:58:00.000-07:00

Whether you go with a classic, romantic, or modern design, the master bedroom should be a retreat. This is a place that you recharge and relax so take care when designing this space for yourself. Consider things like lighting both natural and artificial, paint color, window treatments, and furniture placement and keep them all conducive to sleeping.

Money Saver: Xeriscaping the alternative landscape

2010-09-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

Another money saving idea for you, Xeriscaping. Heard of it? Basically it's landscaping that is specifically designed to save water aka save money. But the other huge benefit is that it typically requires far less maintenance. It's very common here in the Denver area, we apparently coined the term back in 1978.

So what is it and what does it look like? Well it can be a complex process if you take it to the extreme. There's the plan and design that takes into account things like curb appeal, sun direction, etc. Then you've got different soils to choose from, compost being the best. Then we look at the irrigation system, regular sprinkler heads vs drip lines all tailored to the specific plants and evaporation. Now for the important part, the plants, turf, and mulch all of which have various options suited for optimal efficiency.

My thought of Xeriscaping was always a barren looking brown and dry yard. I figured you plant a bunch of cactus and cover everything in rock...not exactly my idea of a nice looking yard. I was completely surprised at the variety of plant and design options available that actually look good! So if your yard is needing an overhaul why not go with something that will save you money and time.

Live in your hobby... the Airpark Residence

2010-09-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

In case you own an airplane that you need to house you don't need to bother renting a hangar... just pull up your ~~runway~~ driveway and park it! This is one of the most innovative designs I've seen in the architectural world in a while and it's right here in our backyard in Colorado.

The Airpark Residence belongs to a spinal surgeon from Boulder, she's (yes I said SHE, go girl!) a pilot and decided that she wanted to live and breathe airplanes, her ultimate hobby. So she did what anyone would do... naturally, she built her very own residence on Cessna Drive at the Erie municipal airport complete with her own runway and airplane hanger!

The home is quite beautiful... take a peek... talk about integrating your hobby into your life!

See more pics and read the full article over at Colorado Homes and Lifestyles!

Room Envy: Patio edition

2010-09-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

With summer coming to an end it's time to get ready for Fall and in Colorado that means a lot of opportunities to enjoy your patio. The moderate temperatures and cool breezes make it a perfect time to head outside without the scorching summer sun and before the chilly winter arrives.

Get financing for your home & renovation: FHA 203k Loan

2010-08-31T18:55:00.000-07:00

Purchasing a home in need of renovation can seem like a daunting task for a lot of reasons. One of which is the idea of financing the renovation costs. It's hard enough these days to qualify for the mortgage alone but tack on an additional loan to renovate and it can appear impossible. Well there's no need to worry about that anymore! The latest thing to hit the mortgage world is called a 203k loan which allows you to incorporate the cost of renovation straight into your mortgage, one loan, one payment, one process. It's actually been around for a while but now more and more homeowners are being informed of this loan.

It's amazing that it's taken this long to come up with a 203k loan. To give you all of the details I'll leave it to an article from MortgageLoan.com because they sum it up very simply. I can also testify that the loan is legitimate, we have gone through the process on the contracting end for a handful of projects using it. On our end it is quite the pain, the paperwork for the contractor is beyond complex and over the top to say the least, but in the end it's a win win situation. The homeowner is able to get into the house and do the renovations they desire and we stay busy with work in a less than ideal economy.

Alright, the loan details...

Foreclosed properties can offer some great bargains, but they often require a fair amount of repairs to make them livable. Fortunately, there's an FHA program - the 203(k) loan - that enables home buyers to roll the purchase price and estimated cost of repairs into a single mortgage right up front.

The FHA 203(k) mortgage can cover repairs, improvements or both on a residential property. Unlike traditional financing, which typically requires separate loans to purchase the property, finance repairs and refinance everything into a long-term mortgage when the work is done, the 203(k) program allows everything to be financed through a single transaction.

Find a property, prepare an estimate
To qualify, a homebuyer needs to identify a property they wish to purchase, then come up with an estimate of the cost of the work that needs to be done. For this reason, the program can't be used for homes purchased at a foreclosure auction - you won't be able to fully inspect the property and come up with a reliable estimate beforehand. But it can be used to purchase an REO (real estate-owned) foreclosed property that's being offered on the market - a real estate agent who specializes in REO sales can be helpful here.

There are a variety of service that provide local listings of foreclosed properties available for sale, including the online listings of properties reclaimed by the four major government-affiliated agencies that insure mortgages - Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - the FHA's parent agency.

A 203(k) is not limited to the purchase of foreclosed properties - it can be used for the purchase of any single-family home that needs repairs or that the buyer wishes to improve.

Loan based on improved value of property
Once a sales price has been agreed to and an estimate prepared of the cost of the repairs or improvements, an appraisal will often be required. Usually, an appraisal of the property's value after repairs or improvements are completed is all that is needed, but sometimes an appraisal of the as-is value will be required as well. In the case of HUD-owned properties, an appraisal may not be necessary - the agency's own listing of the market value, along with an estimate of needed improvements, is often adequate.
The loan is usually set to cover the appraised value plus the cost of the improvements, or 110 percent of the predicted appraised value of the rehabilitated property. In the case of older homes, a 10-20 percent contingency fee must often be included in the estimate of repairs.

Can cover home expansion
The rehabilitation work can be fairly extensive. These may involve adding extra rooms, converting a multi-unit building to a single-family home, or a single-family property to multiple units. Luxury items may not be covered in the improvements, but the work may include certain amenities such as the addition of a patio or deck.

Buyers can do some or all of the work themselves, but must be able to show they are qualified to do so. Self-contracting can also drag out the application process - using a licensed contractor will make things go much more quickly, though the homebuyer can still do some of the work once the contractor has prepared the estimate.

Streamline option for minor upgrades
For properties which need only minor work, the FHA offers a variation called a 203(k) Streamline, which provides loans of $5,000-$35,000. These can include painting, window replacement, basement refinishing, floor replacement or other improvements for which plans, consultants or engineers are not generally required.

Room Envy: Wine Cellar edition

2010-08-31T08:23:00.000-07:00

Bring on the VINO! Whether you're looking for function or design or both the options are endless with wine cellars... like accessing it through a trap door in the floor like this one...