Pet-Friendly Real Estate

How to select a Real Estate Agent

Start by asking for referrals from family, friends and co-workers and talk to several agents before choosing one. Make a list of 5 or 10 agents and interview them.

Some things you'll want to find out:

Experience
We all have to start somewhere, but someone who has been in the business for at least two years will have experience that a new agent just won't have. You want your Realtor be a source of knowledge and information, not to use your transaction as a learning session. (Ed & Lynda have been licensed Real Estate Brokers in Colorado since 1997 and each have the highest level of licensing available). Find out how long they have been an agent and ask for a list of recent clients.

Commitment
The real estate industry by nature attracts a number of part time people. Semi-retired, people looking to supplement their family income or people who only want to work seasonally are in the business, and some of them are probably quite good at their jobs. However, when you're making one of the largest financial decisions of your life, don't you want to work with someone who works at their profession full time? Be sure the candidate is a full-time Realtor. Remember, you're hiring a professional!

Education
In many states getting a license to sell real estate requires a minimal commitment of time and a short exam, so becoming a licensed real estate agent isn't overly difficult. There are, however, a number of professional certifications and designations that require a commitment of time and money to earn. Ed & Lynda have earned GRI (Graduate, Real Estate Institute) CRS (Certified Residential Specialist). They are also members of RLI (Real Estate Land Institute) the National Association of Realtors, Colorado Association of Realtors, and South Denver Metro Denver Association of Realtors. Ask about designations and make sure the agent is a Realtor - a member of the Association of Realtors who must adhere to the set of ethical standards.
Continuing education is crucial in the industry as new technologies, laws and procedures change often.

Personal rapport
Is the agent someone you are comfortable talking with, or do they give you the impression they are doing you a favor by talking to you?
You need to be able to communicate with your agent. Are they easily understood, or speak in industry jargon? If they can't or won't communicate during an initial meeting, the situation is not likely to improve as they transaction gets more complicated.
Do they share your interests? If you are a pet-person, you want someone who is pet-friendly!

Lastly, go with your "gut". Buying or selling a house is often stressful and emotional. You need to feel comfortable that the agent you choose can sooth the way and be there for you.

For more information on buying and selling homes visit our website at Pet-Friendly.com.

Preparing to find your new home

Most of us have our “wish list” of things we want in a home. The reality is, you need to be ready to make some comprises. Somehow, it seems no matter what price range you are in, after looking a few homes you’ll say something like, “Gee, I’d really like THIS home if it were on THAT lot!”

We like to help you to prepare for the home-hunting journey, so here are some questions to ask yourself (and share with your Realtor) before you start looking for a new home. They will help you focus on your needs and save you time and energy by looking at homes that meet your criteria:

1. Where do you want to live?
   1. Close to family or as far away as possible?
   2. Consider schools if you have children
   3. Consider proximity to parks, trail, and recreation for family including the furry variety! (see "tips for buying with pets" on our website) We are, after all the original "Pet-Friendly" Realtors!
   4. If you have horses, you'll need acreage. Find out about this process - click here.
   5. Entertainment, shopping
2. How long do you think you’ll live in this house?
   Think about the size of the home (and room for expansion) if you plan on having a family and staying put for awhile. If you might consider relocation in two or three years, think strongly about resale value.
3. What don’t you like about where you are now?
   Some of the most valuable feedback we can have as Realtors when looking at homes for you is what you don’t like! Let’s not waste time on Victorian homes if you are really into contemporary!
4. What is you lifestyle?
   Do you work from home, where you’ll need quiet office space? Is a home without a garage a deal-breaker? Do you love to garden, or do you hate yard work?

And the “biggie” –

5. How much home can you afford?
   This is the really critical question, and the one you start with before anything else.Check with a good mortgage person to find out about monthly payments (including Homeowner’s Association dues) and loan options and make sure you are comfortable with entire deal.

Lastly, make sure your list is flexible. There will always be trade-offs in features of homes.

We look forward to helping you through the maze! It’s a wonderful journey and we honored to help buyers find their newest “dream home”.

Home Repair Costs

These estimates are courtesy of Safe & Sound Home Inspection:

Heating:
Clean, service, and heat exchanger test:     $200 -       $300
Replace gas forced air furnace:                   $2,000 - $4,000
Replace boiler (radiant hydronic heat)        $5,000 - $7,000

Cooling:
Replace air conditioning:                          $2,000 - $3,500
Replace evaporative cooler:                      $1,500 - $2,500

Roof: remove old roof & install new         1500 sq ft main floor
Asphalt shingle                                       $3,000 to $5,000
Laminated asphalt shingle                       $6,000 to $9,000
Wood shake                                           $8,000 to $11,000
Concrete tile                                          $9,000 to $12,000

Electrical:
Replace Electrical Panel                          $1,500 to $2,500
Install GFCI-style outlet                              $50  to   $75
Correct ungrounded receptacle                   $50   to   $75
Rewire reverse polarity outlet                    $15   to   $15
Add bathroom vent fan                            $250   to   $350
Electrician rate - $65 trip fee plus $80 per hour

Plumbing:
Replace 40 gallon water heater (gas)            $700 to $900
Add water heater catch pan                         $100 to $150
Add pump and drain pipe to existing sump   $400 to $500
Replace existing sump pump                        $275 to $325
Install pressure regulating valve                   $200 to $300
Re-seat a loose toilet                                   $100 to $150
Fix a leaking faucet                                     $75  to $100
Fix hot/cold reverse in bathroom                 $100 to $250
(does not include repair to wall cuts)
Replace garbage disposal                            $175 to $400
Plumber rate - $65 trip fee plus $90 per hour

Windows
Fix fogged / broken window (4'X3')                $250  to   $300
New vinyl window (4'X3')                               $300   to   $500
New vinyl sliding door (6' wide)                  $1,000 to  $1,500

Flooring:                                                         per sq ft
Replace carpeting (synthetic with pad)           $3.00   to   $7.00
New wood floor (oak plank)                            $9.00   to  $13.00 
Refinish wood floor                                      $1.50    to   $3.00   
New tile (ceramic=low, marble=high)             $7.50    to   $20.00
Vinyl sheet or tile                                         $3.00 to 5.00

Attic Insulation:

Add insulation (per sq ft)                              $0.50 to 3.00
Add insulation to 1500 sq ft attic                   $750 to $1,500

Crawlspace moisture management
Vapor barrier and clean crawlspace                 $1.00 to 3.00
- price varies greatly on scope                        per sq ft

Radon
Measurement with electronic device               $125 to $175
Fix a home - average home $1200                 $800  to $$2,500

Paint
Interior room - clean and 2 coats 12'X14'           $175 to $300
Exterior - spray paint varies greatly by house   $2,000 to $4,500

Exterior                                                             per sq ft
Concrete driveway, sidewalk, patio                     $5   to  $8   
Level concrete "mudjack"                                   $2   to  $3
Wood deck - demolish & install                          $15   to  $25
Wood deck - demolish & install new 12'X24'      $4,000 to $7,000

Fence
6-foot cedar - demolish & install - per linear foot     $25  to $35
Replace post - wood in concrete - $300 first post then $150 each
New gate (3 foot)                                                  $140 to $300

Gutter
Remove and install aluminum - per linear foot           $6.00
1500 sq ft house (=175 linear feet)                          $1,500

For more information, visit our website at www.Pet-Friendly.com

Outdoor Living Room

Happy New Year!

Time to start thinking about how to improve your home for comfort and re-sale!

This is a trend we are starting to see more and more of, especially in our insect-free, outdoor lifestyle in Colorado: the outdoor living area. The idea is to expand the "patio" area to make it an area to enjoy outdoors.

Choose an area that can be covered (enclosed in inclimate weather, if you like). These areas usually include an outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Also nice is a kitchen area with built-ins such as gas barbeque, refrigerator, sink and countertop, and a cozy eating area.

These additions can be done by the do-it-yourself person, but some installations (gas, electric) may be best left to the pros.

We find that buyers who are looking for their new home are impressed by the addition of outdoor living areas and find them very inviting and unique.

What nifty ideas do you have to add personality to your home?

For more information about preparing your home to sell, visit our website www.Pet-Friendly.com.

Easy Home Updates

There are lots of ways to update your home and make it more appealing to buyers (it's also nice for you to enjoy!). You don't have to have a major renovation. Sometimes small, cosmetic touches give you a big-bang-for-the-buck.

Inspired by a recent article by Rory Evans in "Parade" - here are 5 ideas:

1. A new tile backsplash in the kitchen can update an outdated kitchen. There are many materials now available: ceramic, stainless steel, glass, tumbled marble to name a few. Countertops also make a big overall impact and with many of the new laminates available, it's easy to keep the cost down and have a new, updated look.
     Ease Factor: Tile work is not for a beginner, but if you are handy, try a small area first. Or, hire it done.
     Cost: up to $30 per square foot for tumbled marble.

2. A glass shower door in a small scale bathroom can make the room look larger than using a shower curtain. The upkeep is not that difficult if you use a squeegee or wipe it down after use.
    Ease Factor: Let a professional do the installation.
    Cost: About $500 for an in-frame door to more than $1,000 for a custom-cut frameless version.

3. Outdoor "rooms" have become very popular. We see this more and more in our market (Denver) where the culture is very outdoors-y to begin with. It is one of the most cost-effective ways of increasing your living space. Consider turning part of your deck or patio into an open-air kitchen. Aside from a barbecue grill and maybe a small refrigerator, the rest of the outdoor "kitchen" can be as simple as a work area made of untreated wood that you build and paint yourself. You can add an outdoor fireplace for great ambiance.
    Ease Factor: For skilled homeowners, a few weekends should do the job. Be sure to get professional help for electrical, gas connections.
    Cost Factor: From a few hundred dollars, for a counter area next to the grill to - the sky's the limit!

4. Lighting is an oft over-looked dimension of a room that can make a huge impact for a relatively small amount of money, especially in a small room. Adding a dimmer switch in a living or dining room sets mood and tone. Typical upgrades include dimmers, track lighting and recessed incandescent or halogen bulbs. If your budget allows, upgrading chandeliers and lighting packages throughout the home can make a BIG overall impact.
    Ease Factor: Dimmer switches are relatively simple, but you'll need an electrician for recessed lighting.
    Cost: From $10 for a dimmer to $100 and up for a track-lighting kit.

5. One of the biggest turn-ons for buyers is lots of storage. One of the biggest turn-offs is small, over-stuffed, cluttered closets. While spacious closets are now a standard in new homes, older homes might require an update. Customizing your closets can almost double the usable storage space. Standard systems provide creative solutions for sorting and storing - two-tiered hanging rods, shoe display racks, adjustable -height shelving and wire mesh drawers. You can enlist the services of a specialty company or go it alone with a do-it-yourself kit from a home-improvement store.
    Ease Factor: Handy? The kits take about one afternoon. For a total makeover, call in the pros.
    Cost: From $100 for a do-it-yourself kit to $1000 for the services of a closet company.

Source: Parade Magazine, story by Rory Evans

For "cost vs. value" information on remodeling, visit www.Pet-Friendly.com