HOME SERVICES

Now that you’re retired, it’s time to conquer all those home improvement projects on your to-do list. Or maybe you’d like to start fresh and hire a Realtor to help you find your dream home.

Aging in Place......................................................27 Bath & Kitchen Remodeling..........................27 Building & Home Décor..................................27 Electrical................................................................27 Furniture................................................................27 Handyman.............................................................27 Home Staging......................................................27 Housing Resources...........................................27 Mortgages.............................................................27 Permanent Outdoor Lighting ......................27 Property Management....................................27 Real Estate ............................................................27 Real Estate: Seniors Real Estate Specialists ....................27 Repairs & Refinishing .......................................27 Reverse Mortgages...........................................28 Rooftop Installation..........................................28 Solar Energy.........................................................28 Tools & Equipment ...........................................28 Window Cleaning...............................................28 Window Coverings............................................28 Windows, Screens & Glass............................28

Tips to buying your perfect home

By Kimberly Blaker

Finding your perfect home is an exciting prospect. But there’s no greater stress than making the mistake of buying a home that you come to regret. These tips will help you prepare for the buying process.

1. MAKE A LIST OF YOUR OBJECTIVES

Think about the specific features you want in a home. Would you like a larger garage, finished basement, low- maintenance lawn or a walk-in shower? Make your list as detailed as possible.

Go through the list again and next to each item mark if it’s a must-have, prefer-to-have, or nice but not necessary. As you begin your search, you can always add to your list or amend it. When you find a home that wows you, look at your criteria to make sure the house or condo has all or most of your must-haves, or if your priorities have changed.

2. DETERMINE HOW MUCH YOU CAN AFFORD

First, prepare a budget and figure out how much you can comfortably spend each month on mortgage and interest payments, property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. Also, consider whether there’ll be a substantial difference in your monthly utilities. Include an allowance for home repairs and maintenance as well.

Second, get pre-qualified through your bank or a mortgage company, as a lender will ultimately determine the maximum you can afford. Don’t risk getting your hopes up on a particular home until you know how much a lender will loan you.

3. CHOOSE A REALTOR

Working with a real estate agent has multiple advantages. First, they have access to the MLS system, the database in which all regional homes listed by real estate agencies appear. Second, if you find a home and want to put in an offer, your buyer’s agent will write up and submit your offer for you.

When you meet with an agent, make sure he or she is a good fit and you feel comfortable. The agent should ask you plenty of questions about your list of must-haves and be available to show homes during your hours of availability.

4. HOME INSPECTION

Once your offer has been accepted, getting a home inspection is crucial. Do your homework before hiring an inspecIF YOU FIND A HOME AND WANT TO PUT IN AN OFFER, YOUR BUYER’S AGENT WILL WRITE UP AND SUBMIT YOUR OFFER FOR YOU.

tor. Ask about their qualifications and how long they’ve been in business. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau and read online reviews.

A knowledgeable, skilled inspector will look at every aspect of the home, including windows, foundation, attic, roof, plumbing and electrical components. Your inspector should alert you to all defects, big and small. He should also note any aging components that may require repair or replacement in the not-so-distant future.

5. LISTEN TO YOUR GUT

Regardless of what the bank says you can afford, you’re the best judge of what’s really within your budget. Remember, your financial well-being and lifestyle are on the line.

Don’t get impatient. Sometimes it takes a while to find the right home. Although you may never find a home that has everything you’ve ever dreamed of, make sure it meets enough of the right criteria.

When you do find the perfect home, don’t drag your feet! Otherwise, it might get snatched up before you act.

Finally, once you make an offer, try not to get your heart too set on the home until it’s been inspected. That way, if the report comes back with costly repairs, you’ll be able to make a wise decision on whether to proceed or back out. ■

A Little Help......................................................970-404-1923 Abode Hospice and Home Health, See ad page 45 .................................................970-541-0381 All About Home Care, LLC, See ad page 61..................................................970-773-1493 BrightStar Care................................................970-628-1241 HopeWest PACE, See ad page 59....................970-255-7223 Mobility Driven ................................................ 970-712-1435 Visiting Angels, See ad page 12...................... 970-254-8888

BATH & KITCHEN REMODELING

The Glass Guru, See ad page 30.....................970-438-4034

BUILDING & HOME DÉCOR

arc Thrift Stores.................................................................970-360-6616 Discover Goodwill Retail Center...................................970-243-1745 Habitat for Humanity ReStore .....................................970-255-9850 Heirlooms for Hospice ....................................................970-254-8556 Salvation Army Thrift Store ......................................... 970-424-5082 The Glass Guru, See ad page 30.....................970-438-4034

ELECTRICAL

Buzz Electric.....................................................970-414-2899

FURNITURE

arc Thrift Stores.................................................................970-360-6616 Discover Goodwill Retail Center...................................970-243-1745 Habitat for Humanity ReStore .....................................970-255-9850 Heirlooms for Hospice ....................................................970-254-8556

HANDYMAN

Handyman Project (minor home repair), Mesa County RSVP...........................................................970-243-9839

HOME STAGING

Lifestyle Living Real Estate, See ad page 28 ................................................. 970-712-1977

HOUSING RESOURCES

Almost Home/Roommate Exchange, Grand Valley Catholic Outreach ..................................970-241-3658 Grand Junction Housing Authority, See ad page 49 ................................................ 970-245-0388 Housing Resources Main Office, See ad page 62 .................................................970-241-2871 Housing Counseling & Education Center..... 970-975-1164 Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program.........970-773-9748 Property Management .................................970-773-9741 Self-Help Housing ....................................... 970-250-0655 Weatherization Assistance Program ...........970-773-9742

MORTGAGES

Cornerstone Home Lending, See ad page 24 ................................................ 970-623-7045

PERMANENT OUTDOOR LIGHTING

RoofTek Rocky Mountain, See ad page 24.... 970-549-6756

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

ABC Property Management, See ad page 29 .................................................970-263-7250

REAL ESTATE

Associated Brokers & Consultants, Inc., See ad page 29 .................................................970-263-7250 Betsy Smith, Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties .........970-201-9100 Lifestyle Living Real Estate, See ad page 28 ................................................. 970-712-1977 Niki Yenter Przystup, SRES.............................970-250-3147

Dave Woodward, CRS

United Country Real Colorado Properties Selling seniors lifestyle properties www.ColoradoWesternRealEstate.com

Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .970-261-3850

REAL ESTATE: SENIORS REAL ESTATE SPECIALISTS

HOME SERVICES

Julie Adams, SRES

Lifestyle Living Real Estate Providing seniors the resources to sell, buy or relocate 750 Main St., Unit 107 . . . . . . . . . . 970-712-1977

Maureen Wixom, SRES, CPRES

Bray Real Estate Senior and Probate Specialist Let me help you “right size” your home maureen@brayandco.com . . . . . 970-208-5624 Michelle Young, SRES, Bray Real Estate, See ad page 23 .................................................970-261-4722

Niki Yenter-Przystup, SRES

VCK Group Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties Seniors Real Estate Specialist® Value, Compassion and Knowledge for You! nikisoldmyhome@gmail.com . . .970-250-3147

REPAIRS & REFINISHING

We are here to serve you!

Cornerstone Home Lending, See ad page 24 ................................................ 970-623-7045

ROOFTOP INSTALLATION

RoofTek Rocky Mountain, See ad page 24.... 970-549-6756

SOLAR ENERGY

RoofTek Rocky Mountain, See ad page 24.... 970-549-6756 Solar with Laurie..............................................360-878-1058

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

All Seasons Rental Sales & Service.................970-241-4368

WINDOW CLEANING

There are a lot of moving parts in action when selling or buying a home. I am a fulltime REALTOR® with the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation and Home Staging Consultant.

As your Senior Real Estate Specialist I can: ● Consult with you on your options ● Provide resources to sell, buy, or relocate ● Provide assistance with preparing your home for sale

BEFORE

FREE Home Staging Consultation Included!

AFTER

We’ve worked with many real estate agents, and working with Julie has been the best experience. Her attention to detail, knowledge, professionalism, honesty, and work ethic are outstanding. In addition to these qualities, she’s extremely friendly and easy to work with. We highly recommend her! ~ Migdalia

Julie Adams

Owner/Broker, SRES 970-712-1977

750 Main St., Unit 107 Grand Junction CO 81501 lifestylelivingrealestate.com

Scene Clearly Window Cleaning ..................... 970-242-1264

WINDOW COVERINGS

Ambassador Blind & Shutter

Come visit us at our new showroom for all your window covering needs. www.ambassadorblindnshutter.com

1048 Independent Ave., GJ . . . . 970-523-4566

WINDOWS, SCREENS & GLASS

The Glass Guru, See ad page 30.....................970-438-4034

Affordable,Easy Living

The Premier Patio Home Community

■ Unique Exteriors ■ Quality in Building ■ Single Story Living ■ High-Speed

Internet ■ Smart Home

Features ■ Energy Efficient

New Construction Homes Starting in the Low $400K’s

Wendi Gechter 970.216.5912

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