Thursday Oct. 27 2016
Pheasant Run subdivision is expanding
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onstruction is under way in Unit 3 of Pheasant Run subdivision, located just 1/4 mile east of Prince Street on Wilhite Road in Clovis. The homes in Pheasant Run start at 1,800 square feet. Students who live in this area attend Mesa Elementary School and W.D. Gattis Middle School as well as the Freshman Academy and Clovis High School. Pheasant Run is close to shopping, restaurants and schools, but far enough away to give you the feel of peaceful country living. Holly Stockstill, broker/ owner of Coldwell Banker Colonial Real Estate in Clovis, has 15 lots listed for Pheasant Run, with prices ranging from $39,900 to $46,000, one of them being a coveted corner lot. Bob Linn Homes has two houses nearing completion and listed for sale with Coldwell Banker Colonial Real Estate, but buyers can choose any home builder and floor plan to complete their dream home in this desirable subdivision. Bob Linn has included many features that home buyers are looking for in their new home, including top-ofthe-line spray foam insulation as well as an insulated garage to help keep your utility bills low. Porcelain tile on the floors create a look of elegance. The kitchens and baths feature granite countertops and are designed for the home chef. The gas stove and soft close cabinets and drawers are additional features that make a Bob Linn home a favorite among home buyers. The home at 1221 Broadway, also listed with Stockstill, is almost completed. This 4-bedroom, 2-bath features porcelain tile that resembles hard wood. The granite in the kitchen compliments the black stainless steel LG appliances that are included with the purchase. The gas stove has five burners and a grill top that can be added as needed. The refrigerator has a side-by-side top with ice
covered patio in the back that can be a great spot for family or entertaining friends and neighbors. According to Stockstill, this home includes a $5,000 landscaping allowance. If you would like to see the Bob Linn Homes that are under construction, or any other home listed for sale in Clovis and Portales, you can call Stockstill or any other agent at Coldwell Banker Colonial Real Estate at 575.769.1951 or stop by their office at 4201 N. Prince Street, Clovis, NM.
dispenser and a large bottom freezer. The spacious kitchen also includes a pantry and plenty of cabinets and counter space. The laundry room, just off the two-car garage, offers plenty of space and includes a counter top with cupboards below. There is plenty of
natural light and the windows throughout this home are all LowE. If you don’t need the 4th bedroom, it would make a lovely home office, library or den. The master suite features a large walk-in closet with shelves and plenty of room to move around. The master bath
has a beautiful tiled shower and a garden jetted tub along with a double sink vanity. With the large closets in the bedrooms plus the other closets in the home, you won’t run out of storage space. The large back yard is surrounded by a cinder block fence. There is a wonderful
Holly Stockstill Broker/Owner 575-791-9892
Colonial Real Estate 4201 N. Prince Clovis, NM (575) 769-1951
4201 N. Prince Clovis, NM 575-769-1951
Page 2D • Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016
Real Estate
Clovis News Journal
Conserve energy and save money this fall by weatherizing your home (BPT) – Cooler seasonal temperatures can have an impact on not only your home, but also your wallet. Along with adjusting your thermostat as the cooler weather embraces much of the country, weatherizing your home also has a direct impact on the amount of energy required to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. Follow these five easy DIY home weatherizing tips to increase your home’s energy efficiency and lower the utility bill each month.
Turn on the humidifier. Increasing the humidity in your home during the cooler months adds moisture to your living space. This raises the “heat index,” making 68 degrees feel more like 76 degrees. Be sure to maintain a relative humidity in the home between 20 to 40 percent. As the temperature outside drops, lower this percentage so condensation does not form on the windows. Seal the gaps. Areas such as windows, doors, attic hatches, vents and other seasonally-used
areas are prime sources for air leaks, which can cause energy bills to skyrocket. To help maintain a controlled climate inside the home and prevent air from leaking in or escaping, weatherize these areas of your home by using a temporary sealant. DAP Seal ‘N Peel is an all-season, removable weather-stripping sealant you can easily apply to seal holes, cracks and gaps where air can pass through. It’s also waterproof, low in odor and dries to a clear finish. And when spring comes
and you want to remove it, it peels away easily and cleanly, leaving behind no residue. Add extra insulation to all areas of your home. Adding insulation to your home reduces energy usage and increases comfort. If your home uses less than 12 inches of insulation, chances are heat is escaping. Add insulation in the attic to prevent warm air from escaping. Also consider adding insulation in crawl spaces, under floors and against basement walls to stop the transfer of cold through the house. Run your fan in the proper direction. There are layers of air in every living space that vary in degree of temperature. Because the warmest air is closest to the ceiling, running your ceiling fan in a clockwise direction in the winter months
pushes the warm air up against the ceiling and then down the walls. This recirculates warm air through the room without a cool breeze and offsets the workload of the HVAC, lowering heat costs by as much as 10 percent. Get a home energy audit. If you’ve completed the four tasks above and your energy bill is still unusually high, it might be time to request a home energy audit to pinpoint problem areas in your home. This will help identify the problem areas and help you make the necessary improvements for an efficient home. In fact, you could save 5 to 30 percent on your energy bill by repairing issues found in a home energy audit, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Bonus tip! Invest in
a programmable thermostat. Prevent working your heating equipment overtime by installing a programmable thermostat to automatically raise and lower the air temperature based on the time of day or if you’re away from home. By turning your thermostat back even eight degrees for eight hours a day, you can save as much as 10 percent on your annual heating costs. Why make your heating and cooling systems work harder than they have to each year? By taking steps to properly weatherize your home and increase its efficiency, you’re able to maintain a comfortable interior more easily, and save money in the meantime. To find the DAP Seal ‘N Peel and more DAP products to use in home DIY projects, visit www.dap.com.
Real Estate
Clovis News Journal
Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016 • Page 3D
Fast fixes to boost curb appeal for a quick home sale
(BPT) – It takes just seven seconds to form a first impression after meeting someone new. The same psychology applies to the first impression people get when shopping for a new home. Within seconds of arrival, home buyers are forming positive and negative opinions about the property. This is invaluable to home sellers. If you want to sell your home fast and for a premium price, you can’t afford botching the first impression. Fortunately, revamping the facade doesn’t have to cost a small fortune. In just one weekend you can boost your curb appeal with a few simple updates. Enhance the garage door A garage door accounts for up to 40 percent of a house’s facade. Often ignored, a bland or ugly garage door is a turnoff to home buyers. However, there’s no need to buy a costly new one. Instead, upgrade your current door with simulated window overlays and decorative handles and hinges from Coach House Accents for upscale appeal at a fraction of the cost. Start by adding a fresh coat of paint to the garage door. Then to get a custom carriage house appearance, add the window panels made from lightweight, durable automotive-grade plastic resin. Finish with hinges
and handles that mimic high-end forged metal. Coach House Accents can be purchased online at www.coachhouseaccents. com, www.amazon.com and at select Lowe’s stores nationwide. Update the entryway The entryway is the focal point of the front of the home. Start by clearing clutter and cleaning stairways. A new coat of paint on the stairs and door is essential. You might also consider investing in a
new door handle and other hardware to modernize the space. In addition to keeping the area clean, add attractive elements to the entryway. A potted plant or two offers a welcoming touch that reflects seasonal style. Toss worn welcome mats for fresh, new options. If you have space, a comfortable chair paints an inviting picture for potential home buyers. Liven up the landscape Sprucing up the yard
goes beyond pulling weeds. Start by trimming hedges and trees to create a tidy appearance. If you don’t have much greenery, adding flowers and other plants can have a dramatic visual impact. Finally, a new layer of mulch will help your landscape features pop and makes any property look instantly fresh again. In addition to clearing brush and updating plants, enhance outdoor spaces with thoughtful use of landscape lighting. Pathway lights on walkways, accent
lights in planters, and garden lights around the porch make a space more stylish and useful. Plus, when home buyers view the property in the evening, beautiful lighting will impress them the moment they pull in the driveway. Impressive curb appeal doesn’t have to cost a small fortune. From garage door enhancements to landscape lighting, these quick fixes can capture the attention of buyers and hopefully even start a bidding war.
Page 4D • Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016
Real Estate
Clovis News Journal
Helping first-time home buyers get from ‘I can’t’ to ‘I can’
(BPT) – Finally! The economy is improving, interest rates are low and many consumers now find themselves in a great position financially to become a first-time homeowner. There’s a small problem though for some locations around the country – the booming real estate market is resulting in rising home prices and increased competition for the most desirable properties. The S&P/Case-Shiller national home-price index recently estimated that 2016 prices are within four percent of the peak in 2006. In some areas, low inventories around the country are making the situation even more challenging. These conditions are introducing first-time buyers to common challenges and frustrations while searching for their dream home. “Don’t get discouraged,” says Travis Peace, executive director of mortgage at USAA Bank. “Buying a home requires some fortitude and the process intimidates many -not just those doing it for the first time.” As a result, Peace says it’s easy to concentrate too much on home buying “can’ts” rather than “candos,” and he offers this advice on how to overcome some common barriers. “I Can’t” No. 1: I can’t figure out the home-buying process. Peace notes that it’s essential to do research and to be equipped with basic
information, but also be willing to ask for help when needed. For example, an experienced real estate agent can keep a buyer apprised of everything from area sales trends to the latest changes in state and federal laws that could impact a mortgage application. “This is where experienced, licensed professionals can help,” Peace says. “Real estate agents can be an advocate for the buyer throughout the entire process.” In addition, free tools like USAA’s Real Estate Rewards Network can connect buyers with an agent and even provide rewards
based on the sale price of the home. “I Can’t” No. 2: I can’t find the perfect home for my family. Finding the perfect home may not be realistic, but shoppers can find the right home. Personal situations will dictate buyers’ ability to wait for a home in a particular neighborhood or design style to come on the market, but not everything has to be left to chance. Peace says the key is to set realistic expectations and not fixate on negatives that can be changed. “Whether it’s the number of bedrooms or distance to
work or school, it’s alright to have some non-negotiables. However, buyers should be willing to be flexible on things that can be relatively easy to change, like paint colors or landscaping.” “I Can’t” No. 3: I can’t afford a 20 percent down payment. Putting 20 percent down on a home has become more of a guideline than a rule. Today, not being able to put 20 percent down does not mean buying a home is out of reach. Peace notes that depending on a buyer’s financial situation, there may be a responsible way to get
into your new home without putting 20 percent down. Government-sponsored loan programs from the Federal Housing Authority, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac provide loan options that require down payments as low as three percent. Veterans Affairs (VA) loans don’t require any down payment. While those programs are often great options for consumers who qualify, Peace notes that buyers should keep an eye on their potential total monthly payment. “Some of these loans include fees and private mortgage insurance (PMI) that could significantly impact your overall cost,” Peace says. Even private lenders are offering more competitive loan options. For example, USAA Bank’s Conventional 97 loan allows borrowers to acquire a mortgage with only three percent down and the bank pays the PMI costs. Scott McEniry, a USAA member, recently moved into his new home with the help of the Conventional 97 loan. “It felt like a lifeline had been thrown to me as suddenly a house purchase was within reach again,” McEniry says. Whether a house-hunting novice or seasoned expert, Peace underscores that being informed, getting the right help and having a healthy dose of determination are the best ways to turn a dream home into a reality.
Real Estate
Clovis News Journal
Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016 • Page 5D
6 simple ways to freshen your home inside and out
(BPT) – Looking for some easy ways to breathe new life into your home? Whether it’s the air inside or the decor itself, freshening things up can make your home look and feel more welcoming at any time of year. You don’t need a lot of time or money to reinvigorate your home; just a few simple and affordable, yet high-impact DIY projects will do the trick. Here are a few projects you can easily accomplish in a single weekend: • Paint an accent wall, trim or ceiling. Decorators often say painting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to freshen your home’s appearance. You don’t have to redo an entire room in order to leverage the freshening power of paint. Simply painting a single accent wall for a pop of color, using paint to create graphic wall art, or repainting the trim or ceiling will create a whole new look. If you’re looking for inspiration or simple solutions to help seamlessly transform your space, Dutch Boy Paint offers unique project ideas and easyto-follow how-tos that will make the process a breeze. Choosing the right
paint for the job can also ensure the painting project is a breeze, from start to finish. Dutch Boy Refresh paint + primer with Arm & Hammer odor Eliminating Technology, eliminates the need for a separate primer. It saves time since you don’t have to take that extra step of priming first. Plus, it’s great for reducing common household odors. Refresh paint is a perfect choice for laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms and even kids rooms. It gives you added assurance that your home will smell fresh and clean. • Don’t forget about your furry family members. You may love your pets, but the truth is they can contribute to a stuffy atmosphere in your home. Wash pet bedding, litter boxes and cloth toys regularly. Contain pet clutter by placing your pup’s or kitty’s toys in a pretty basket where he or she can reach them. • Add some indoor greens. Plants not only make a room look bright and homey, their ability to filter carbon dioxide and other airborne pollutants can help make your home smell fresher, too. • Give your kitchen some TLC. Like most, you probably spend
a lot of time in your kitchen. However, you don’t need to do a complete makeover to give your kitchen a fresh look. Start by decluttering countertops and dropping some lemon rinds down the garbage disposal. Next, replace dated cabinet hardware with new handles, knobs and pulls. Adding in a faucet in a contemporary finish will go a long way too; as a focal point of the kitchen, it will help tie everything together in a subtle way. • Upgrade your entryway. The front door is one of the first things visitors notice. If yours is old, worn and outdated, replacing it with a new one can be an easy, cost-effective way to improve the appearance of your home’s exterior. Even if your door is in good shape, painting it a bright, appealing color can make your home’s facade look fresher and more inviting. Be sure to use a paint formulated for doors, such as Dutch Boy Cabinet, Door & Trim paint. Add decorative lighting fixtures like sconces or a hanging light, dress up front steps with potted flowers and wash sidelights and windows around the entry. • Some sources of stuffiness may surprise
you. That old shower curtain not only makes your bathroom look shabby, it can detract from the air quality in the room as mildew builds up over time. Replace old shower curtains with something bright and appealing, and be sure to clean the grate on the bathroom
vent fan. Stuffiness hides in the laundry room, too. Cleaning dryer vents and the washing machine regularly, and keeping laundry items and accessories organized can help make even a small laundry area feel fresh. Freshening around the home doesn’t have
to be a seasonal project. With a few simple steps, you can create a new look and feel in and around your home at any time of year. For more on these products and inspiration for your next paint project, visit www.dutchboy.com
Page 6D • Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016
Real Estate
Clovis News Journal