Saturday Reporter-Herald March 12, 2011 C1
Set the
Stage
Use the value of home staging to sell this spring JILL SCHUETT FOR THE REPORTER-HERALD
H
ome staging is the art of preparing a home for sale by showing off its best features with the goal of appealing to as many potential buyers as possible, thus increasing its chances for a quicker sale at the highest price. Simply put, home staging is an investment. In fact, a 2009 HomeGain national survey places home staging in the home improvement category citing an average cost of $300 to $400 to stage a home can increase a sales price by $1,500 to $2,000. That’s a 586 percent return on investment. Of those 1,000 Realtors surveyed by HomeGain across the country, 82 percent also agree on the positive impact of home staging, recommending it for their clients. With spring just around the corner, now is the time to put a home’s best features forward in preparing to sell by making the most of the home staging investment.
READY — SET — SELL Once a home is put on the market, the reality is, it becomes a product. Though homes hold precious memories, it is important to emotionally detach from a house once the decision has been made to sell. Sellers should be open to the idea of packing up collections and personal photos while looking forward to settling into a new home. Once a home owner is mentally ready to sell, it will also prepare them to effectively work with a Realtor and home stager. These professionals will be looking at the home with buyer’s eyes and making recommendations on what will best help it to sell. The more open a homeowner is to following these recommendations, the better I See STAGE/Page C4
www.homeandrealtyguide.com • Saturday, March 12, 2011 • Reporter-Herald
H&RE Real Estate Matters enough rent to cover expenses. Add a condo building that doesn’t want renters and you’re left with two options: a short sale or a strategic default. A short sale — a sale in which the price for the home does not net enough to pay all of the expenses of the sale and the amount market crashed and the con- owed the lender — only do has lost nearly 70 percent works if there are buyers of the value. lurking and if the bank is Her life has changed since ready to approve a huge loss the purchase: She married a on the mortgage. If you have military officer and had to any assets at all, the bank relocate. Her condo was may not even agree to the rented, but the rent doesn’t short sale unless you pledge cover expenses and the con- some or all of those assets. ILYCE GLINK do building is about to outBe prepared to be cleaned TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES law tenants. out financially. She, and thousands (perIn this case, there could recently heard from a haps millions) of readers are also be a taxable event. If reader who wrote that wondering what they can do you live in a home and it’s when she was younger, with investment property your primary residence and she bought a condo. Since that has lost most of its valit is sold short, the IRS won’t ue and doesn’t bring in then, the local real estate recognize the difference between what you owed on the loan and what you paid off as income (through 2013). For more information, call Glink’s radio show at But if the property is no longer your primary resi800-972-8255 on Sundays dence, and is rented out, the from 9 to 10 a.m., write to Real IRS may look at the amount Estate Matters Syndicate, P.O. the bank forgives as a gift, Box 366, Glencoe, IL 60022 or on which taxes must be paid. visit www.thinkglink.com. That difference is considered income to the homeowner because the lender accepted
Limited Options
Reader finds herself in dire situation with sale of condo
I
Real Estate Matters
Shutterstock photo less than the full amount owed. Ouch. Then there’s the option of a strategic default, where you purposefully allow the property to go back to the lender. Since you control the timing, a strategic default can make some financial sense. But in some states, if the money from the sale of the property is not sufficient to pay off the debt owed to the bank, or if there was a second loan or home equity line of credit on the property, the lender can come after you for the deficiency — that is, the difference between what the bank gets when it sells
the property and what the borrower owed. In other states, lenders don’t have the right to come after you for the deficiency if the home was your principal residence. In states where lenders can get a deficiency judgment, they might choose not to do it. Or they might get the judgment and then sell it to a collection agency, which will go after the borrowers for whatever they can get. As there have been millions of foreclosures in the last couple of years in states that allow deficiency judgments, there may be a huge
I See GLINK/Page C4
Inside this week’s Home & Real Estate Realtor of the Week
Real Estate Transactions
Carol O’Meara:
John Simmons, The Group, Inc. Real Estate
Listings from Front Range properties recently sold
Page C2
Director y
Page C3
OPEN HOUSE SAT & SUN 12-5 PM
Page C4
Page C3
FEATURED PROPERTIES - UP TO $199,999 OPEN HOUSE SAT 1-4 / ONLY $142,000
Mites in March spell trouble: how to deal with these troublesome pests
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 11-1PM
$200,000 - $299,999 OPEN 1 - 3 SATURDAY
OPEN HOUSE SAT & SUN 12-5 PM
1209 Eilene Place Loveland, CO 80537
4403 Elliot Place, Loveland
402 Longs Peak Ave, Berthoud
2457 Abeyta Ct., Loveland, CO 80538
3830 Higgins Street, Loveland
3 bedroom/1 bath handicap accessible home. New carpet, interior and exterior paint. Clean condition. Updated counters in the kitchen. Side by side refrigerator and range included. Nice cul-de- sac location. Foothills views! Close to shopping. Not a short sale or foreclosure.
FREE HELICOPTER RIDE AND DINNER FOR TWO* 3 BR, 2 BA, 2 car garage, ranch style home. Cathedral ceilings, tankless hot water heater. Home includes front yard landscaping including sprinkler system. Built green. $169,900 w/qualifying special financing or $181,400 without special financing. *with purchase & closing of home - Offer Expires 3/31/11
Fantastic brick ranch on corner lot in Berthoud. Wonderful mountain views. All new kitchen appliances, washer & dryer included. Close to elementary school. $159,000
Beautiful ranch Mediterranean style home, 3/3 almost 4000 sq. ft, golf course across the street and Lake Loveland within a short walk. Canvas gazebo, beautifully landscaped back yard. New windows and carpet, wood burning fireplace in family room, jetted luxury tub, vaulted ceilings, RV parking & more. $297,000
FREE HELICOPTER RIDE AND DINNER FOR TWO* 3 BR, 2 BA, 4 car garage, ranch style home with full unfinished basement. Granite countertops, wood floors, A/C, gas fireplace and 5 piece master bath. $279,617. *with purchase & closing of home - Offer Expires 3/31/11
Cliff Johnson Coldwell Banker 970-566-9716 cliff.johnson@coloradohomes.com http://www.coloradohomes.com/CliffJohnson
Rose Lawrence Cottage Realty 970-215-0515 www.teamcook.biz
Kurt Albers Century 21 Humpal, Inc. 970-231-1224 Kurt.Albers@century21.com
Sirmula Lansky Coldwell Banker (970) 691-0468 sirmulacb@aol.com www.coldwellbanker.com
Kevin Cook Cottage Realty 970-532-5900 www.teamcook.biz
$300,000 - $399,999
$200,000 - $299,999 OPEN HOUSE SAT. 12-2
MARIANA BUTTE $318,000. OPEN SUN. 1-4PM
PATIO HOME JUST COMPLETED • OPEN HOUSE 12 TO 4-THURS-MON
BUILDERS SHOW MODEL • OPEN HOUSE 12 TO 4 THURS-MON
STUNNING 4 BEDROOM HOME
3701 Foothills Dr.
4688 Twin Peaks Court
3405 Peruvian Torch Drive, Loveland
975 Prism Cactus Circle, Loveland
4305 Red Fox Place
Welcome home to this lovely Mariana Butte 2-story with oak floors, stainless appliances, and huge deck for summer entertaining! Enjoy golf, schools within walking distance & easy access to Hwy 34.
A Must-see, 4bdrm, 3ba, 3-car, 3479 sq ft open 2-story on a green belt cul-de-sac lot. Granite, newer flrs, Custom paint, Formal Living and Dinning, main flr Den, Bonus Loft + Great views.
Open floor plan, 3 bdrm/2 bath, hardwood floors, Hickory cabinets, Alder trim, slab granite island, walk-in pantry, 3-car tandem garage. Large composite deck w/unobstructed views. MLS#641702. $354,900
Custom 3 bdrm/2 bath ranch, open floor plan w/slab granite in kitchen, hardwood floors, alder cabinets & trim, designer tile, 3-car garage, composite deck w/amazing views. MUST SEE! MLS#613207. $389,750
Stop by to view this stunning 4 bedroom ranch-style home with open floorplan. More room in the finished basement and oversized garage, and the covered patio allows for luxurious outside living!
Mary Miller RE/MAX Advanced, Inc. 970-391-7513
Rick L. Kelleher Coldwell Banker Residential Brokeage 970-980-7218 ricklkelleher@msn.com
Venna Hillman ERA Herman Group/Glen Marketing 970-663-4522 venna@glencompanies.com www.DakotaGlen.com
Venna Hillman ERA Herman Group/Glen Marketing 970-663-4522 venna@glencompanies.com www.DakotaGlen.com
Mary Miller RE/MAX Advanced, Inc. 970-391-7513
$500,000+
LAND FOR SALE
OPEN HOUSE SAT. & SUN. 1-4 TRADES CONSIDERED
OPEN HOUSE-SUN: 1:00 TO 3:00 P.M.
CLOSE-IN ACREAGE!
SALES OFFICE OPEN SAT 1:30-4PM
New Custom Ranch - 288 Reservoir
7645 Bison Bluff St.
2446 Omni Ct.-Berthoud-$599,900
Warberg Farm at Chapman Reservoir
Walkout bsmt., open floor plan, panoramic views. In select group of lots. Pittington Ranch. Many upgrades. Must see. W. on Hwy 34, S. on CR 29 to 18E. 2.3 miles to Flat Iron Rd., right side of the road.
Scenic Setting - Space To Grow! This beautiful custom-built ranch w/4 bdrm, 3ba, fin. walk- out basement and upgrades galore. Panoramic mountain views. Over 4,000 sq.ft. on 2.66 acres. $618,000
Custom built 4254 sf 2-story on 2.8 acres w/4BD, 4BA, gourmet kitchen, fully finished bsmt & large master suite. Professionally landscaped, 3-car garage, workshop, & 2-stall horse barn w/ tack/hay storage!
OPEN Saturday 1:30-4PM 2+ Acre Lake front & horse lots starting at $225,000, water tap included. Surface rights, walk paths, parks, boat docks, fishing and peace garden.
Carolyn LaMaster Prudential Rocky Mountain, REALTORS 970-690-1596 c_j_lamaster@yahoo.com
Gary Maggi 970-692-2002 gary@berthoudrealestate.com www.berthoudrealestate.com
Visit our website at homeandrealtyguide.com
10-324927
John Mathey Premier Lifestyle (970) 613-4400 (970) 481-5512
Kurt Albers Century 21 Humpal, Inc. 970-231-1224 kurtd57@msn.com www.warbergfarmatchapmanreservoir.com
Online + Print = a Powerful Combination!
Saturday Reporter-Herald March 12, 2011 C2
H&RE Real Estate Transactions Home & Real Estate is produced every Saturday by the Loveland Reporter-Herald.
Real Estate Transactions are supplied by Prospects Unlimited Inc., 1151 Eagle Drive No. 467, Loveland, CO 80537, 970-667-1537.
• Russ Morgenstern from Bank America, 306 Dean Ct, Loveland, $108,000, home • James & Sarah Watson from Troy Butler, 3705 Ranch Rd, Loveland, $295,900, home • Robert Ware from Ad• Edward Guymon from vantage Bank, 341 Primrose Wells Fargo Bank, 820 CotDr, Loveland, $195,000, tonwood Dr, Loveland, home $162,000, home • Dylan Kirby from • Zachary Yearous from William Howe, 4775 Sunvalley Dr, Loveland, $181,000, Wells Fargo Bank, 2730 Granada Dr, Loveland, home $179,000, home • Derrick Groves from • David & Rachel Heman Kelly Kelley, 2540 Mary Beth from Canyon Falls InvestDr, Loveland, $200,000, ments LLC, 1621 Marilyn home • Robert Roth from Irene Ct, Loveland, $180,000, Mora, 1366 6th St Se, Love- home land, $155,000, home • Sean & Lynne Figg from
DISPLAY ADVERTISING 669-5050
Loveland
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 635-3650
OPEN HOUSE SAT 3/12 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM
1962 DOVE CREEK CIRCLE, LOVELAND
Berthoud
Johnstown
Windsor
Regional Snapshot for Loveland/Berthoud Residential
Mortgage rate update
IMMACULATE 3Bd/3Ba/2Car! 1618 Total Sq Ft! MOVE-IN READY! $172,700 MLS# 648829 Cher Smith/Coldwell Banker 303.809.9628
Estes Park
from Fed Home Loan Mtg Corp, 321 Alabaster Way, • Christopher & Margaret Johnstown, $173,000, home Daubin from Michele Hol• Dennis & Regina Kessler land, 1341 Glacier View Ln, from Mary Kness, 1233 N Estes Park, $310,000, County Road 3, Johnstown, home $310,000, home • Len LLC from • Travis Nottberg from Rohrbaugh Properties LLC, Oakwood Homes LLC, 3807 1051 Fall River Ct Unit 4, Beechwood Ln, Johnstown, • Scott & Jill Kilgore from Estes Park, $159,900, condo $221,600, home Fannie Mae, 3215 Timeless • Joshua Carpenter from Trl, Berthoud, $320,000, Baessler Constr Co Inc, 441 home • Nicholas & Katie Scaggs Expedition Ln, Johnstown, $185,500, home • Brenda Johnson from from Bk New York Mellon, Peakview Homes Inc, 205 339 Basswood Ave, JohnQuandary Ave, Berthoud, stown, $164,900, home $204,900, home • Amy Morrow from Fed • William & Rhonda AnHome Loan Mtg Corp, 130 • Eva Baca from Strathderson from Fossil Ridge Becker Cir, Johnstown, more Homes I Inc, 800 Ventures LLC, 5245 RockGateway Park Ln, Berthoud, $283,000, home ingham Ct, Windsor, $185,000, home • Jason & Deborah Marini $130,000, home
Oak Valley Homes LLC, 315 Carina Cir Unit 106, Loveland, $175,000, condo • Steven & Mary Bangs from Harold Stanley, 4910 Avon Ave, Loveland, $292,000, home
November
This week Last week Trend
Directions: From Taft: N. on 43rd then W. to Georgetown, S to Dove Creek, W. to property
OPEN HOUSE SAT 3/12 2:00 PM -4:00 PM 10-305372
30-year fixed
4.82%
4.88%
15-year fixed
Active Listings Previous Year Active Listings
903 882
834 842
855 941
4.08%
4.15%
Sold Listings
90
90
74
5/1 ARM
3.48%
3.62%
Median Sales Price Previous Year Median
$206,819 $194,900
$219,777 $245,000
$240,000 $195,000
131 127
130 128
130 133
Year to Date Listings Sold Previous Year YTD Listing Sold
1,250 1,205
1,340 1,297
74 57
Monthly Volume Previous Year Monthly Volume
$24,289,790 $22,476,776
$26,065,297 $26,273,366
$20,505,379 $13,173,437
Average Days on the Market Previous Year ADOM
For home and real estate advice, features and information, visit www.homeandrealtyguide.com
1308 WILLOWROCK DRIVE, LOVELAND TOTALLY REMODELED 5Bd/3Ba Brick Country Manor! Heated 3+ Car Garage PLUS Shop on 2.29 Acres! Horses OK!! 4-Stall Barn! Mtn & Lake VIEWS! $612,000 MLS#648824 Cher Smith/Coldwell Banker 303.809.9628 Directions: From Taft or Wilson to SW 14th past Boedecker Lake, W. to Willowrock, N. to property.
NEW NORTHERN COLORADO HOMES N
2 Enchantment Ridge
1
W
3
FROM THE $ $140’S* TO $ $350’S
E
$
$289,900
FREE HELICOPTER RIDE AND DINNER FOR TWO**
3,000 Buyer Credit $
S
January
December
$
NW Corner of Wilson & 43rd St.
9,
17
OPEN SAT & SUN 12-5
0
90
Models Open Daily 10am-6pm
• 5 piece baths / • 4 car garages • Privacy fencing / • Ranch / 2-Stories • Built Green / • Energy Star • Immediate Possession
1775 SF 4 Bd,3 Ba Tri-Level
E 11TH ST
970-456-4600
1/4 mi. So. of Hwy 34 on Boise Ave. - 1899 East 11th Street
www.newmidtownhomes.com
maggine tthe Imagine hee warmth of sunlit room rooms. ms BBecome ecom me a gourmet chef in a state of the art kitchen. Open floor plans, 3-4 bedrooms, 5 piece baths, 3-4 car garages. ( 12 models & 50 lots to choose from)
Sales Center 4355 Ridgway Drive, Loveland
**With purchase & closing of home - Offer Expires 3/31/11
4496 Hayler Avenue, Loveland 4403 Elliot Place, Loveland 10-325310
DENVER AVE
BOISE AVE
09-324947
HWY 34
1
OPEN SAT & SUN 1-5 PM STARTING IN THE MID $200’S
970-532-5900 (*w/ qualifying special financing)
GEORGETOWN
0
2 3
2,072 SF 3 Bd, 2 Ba Ranch
970-227-3893
TAFT
90
9,
16
25
Homes priced from the $150’s - $230’s
11-325313
43RD ST.
Open Houses This Weekend - www.thegroupinc.com JUST LISTED
100% FINANCING!
NEW HOMES!
FRIDAY - SUNDAY 1:00-4:00 680 Moonglow Drive, Windsor New Homes starting in $190,000s! Ranch & 2-story plans. Personalize your home from framing to finish! Front landscaping with sprinkler is included. Miles of bike trails, open space & parks. Call for your personalized showing today!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12:00-3:00
SUNDAY 12:00-2:00
FRIDAY - SUNDAY 1:00-4:00
SUNDAY 1:00-4:00
1849 Chesapeake Circle A, B, and C, Johnstown 2-3 beds, 2-3 car garage, main floor and 2 stories available. 3 units completed & 1 under construction. Maintenance-free townhomes w/open floor plans. Features many upgrades, central air, fireplace, tile entry, decorative light fixtures w/fans, walk-out basements, breakfast bar & more.
3275 Adelaide Place, Loveland Low-maintenance townhome w/ neighborhood trails & pool. Large master w/walk-in closet. Gas FP. Tile in kitchen & eating area. Features walk-in tub, 60-gallon water heater, patio, front porch & shop area in basement w/lots of shelves. 2nd bedroom and bath. Roomy 2 car garage.
255 Carina Circle #104, Loveland Granite counters, SS appl, wood flrs, vaulted ceilings, fireplace & full bsmts. They are going fast! HOA covers water, sewer, trash, exterior maintenance & insurance, landscape & snow removal, cable, clubhouse, pool & hot tub.
4162 Ash Court, Loveland 3bd, 2ba, 1640sf - LOCATION, LOCATION! End of cul-de-sac & backs to private open space! Open floor plan, newer furnace & A/C, deck, all new windows & garage door. RV parking. Immaculate and lovingly cared for! Pre-inspected & ready to go!
$160’s to $180’s
$175,000
$184,702
$190,000
MLS# 642720
MLS# 638177
MLS# 645344
MLS# 649456
Call John Simmons or Tracy Wilson
Call Nancy Walker
Call Georgena Arnett
Call Robert Jones
481-1250 or 567-0907
237-0585
481-9801
217-1954
NEW HOMES!
SUNDAY 2:30-4:30 2472 Anemonie Court, Loveland 4 bedroom, 3 bath contemporary ranch floor plan on a cul-de-sac. New carpet, tile entry, gas FP, sprinkler system & central air. Master w/ ¾ bath, walk-in closet & sliding door to patio. Basement features a bedroom w/private bath & room for additional storage. 2 car garage. Front porch & covered patio.
JUST LISTED
SUNDAY 1:00-4:00
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 1:00-3:00
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12:00-5:00
2366 Forsythia Court, Loveland Immaculate 3bd/3ba home in wonderful SW Loveland! Wood flrs, fireplace, office w/ French doors, vaulted ceilings, rec room, oversized master bath. Freshly painted inside/out. STUNNING GAZEBO! CUL-DE-SAC. Directions: Taft to 1st, West to Luanne, South to Forsytha.
1541 Dryland Street, Loveland Ranch style home in Taft Farms built by Keirns Construction. Great floor plan w/full master bath. 3bds. RV parking, oversized garage. This beautiful home is completed and ready for occupancy. Come out today and see what great things Keirns Construction has to offer! Other floor plans & lots to choose from.
7407 Pimlico Drive, Windsor Brand new 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 car garage on 8000 sq ft open space lot. 2549 finished sq. ft. Granite kitchen, hardwood floors, lots of extras. $314,000. Ask about our great builder incentives! Other plans available starting at $235,000.
$197,000
$211,000
$225,000
$308,500
$314,000
MLS# 640714
MLS# 648941
MLS# 649664
MLS# 641473
MLS# 640727
Call Jim Watson
Call Nancy Walker
Call Lori Moffat
Call Stephanie Kirkland
Call Kristen Specketer
218-7733
679-8084
290-8097
219-5219
237-0585
PRICE REDUCED
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 1:00-3:00 104 Birdie Drive, Milliken Ranch w/garden level bsmt. Main level features mstr w/walkout to deck, bdrm, office, great rm w/ FP & entertainment center, kitchen & formal dining. Lower level w/family rm, 2 bdrms, 5pc bath, 2nd laundry, mini kitchen w/wet bar & entertainment area. 3 car garage & landscaped lot w/fruit trees. Blocks from Mad Russian golf course!
TUESDAY - SUNDAY 1:00-4:00 4630 Tarragon Drive, Loveland NEW PATIO HOME MODEL IN THOMPSON CROSSING. Choice of 6 ranch plans, 3-car garage options, garden level lots, views, low HOA dues. Convenient location, yet tucked away. Enjoy the million $ sculpture walk, trail & easy access to I-25. Low maintenance living at its best!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 1:00-4:00
SUNDAY 1:00-3:00
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 1:00-3:00
4743 Sorrel Lane, Loveland AVAILABLE NOW! Ranch plan backs to 100 ft of greenbelt space with evergreen trees. This 2 bdrm home with main flr study is built with 2x6 walls, 92% eff furnace & features granite kitchen counters, SS gas range, walkin pantry, 5 pc mstr bath, 3 car gar, covered patio & more!
1987 Seadrift Drive, Windsor Beautiful ranch style in Water Valley South. Upgrades throughout; cherry cabinets, slab granite counters, wood floors, huge kitchen island & SS appliances. Partially finished basement with room for future expansion. Covered patio w/private access from master, fenced yard & finished 3 car garage w/drive-thru 3rd bay.
7711 Windsong Road, Windsor Unobstructed mtn views on your private 2.74 acre lot. Heated 34x26 outbuilding w/hot water to store toys or RV & a 3 car oversized garage. Custom cherry cabinets, hardwood floors, 2 offices, eat-in kitchen, formal dining, Italian marble entry, custom staircase. Large deck w/ built-in BBQ. Private deck off master.
$319,500
$339,000
MLS# 638455
$365,000
$460,000
$520,000
MLS# 645384
MLS# 640372
MLS# 648496
MLS# 648089
Call Rich Gardiner
Call Kathy Albertz
Call Valerie Schlageter
Call Leslie Moen
Call Mark Moran
217-3464
371-7966
218-1891
227-0964
970-690-6011
Saturday Reporter-Herald March 12, 2011 C3
Realtor
750 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland
of the Week
669-1234
John Simmons
Each office independently owned & operated
view more properties at:
www.HomesInColorado.com
PARTNER, THE GROUP, INC. Location: 5401 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland Contact: 970-481-1250, jsimmons@thegroupinc.com or www.jsimmonsrealestate.com Designations, Affiliations & Accolades: Fluent in both English and Spanish, Member of the Loveland/Berthoud Board of Realtors, Member of the Fort Collins Board of Realtors, Member of the Colorado Association of Realtors, Member of the National Association of Realtors, Member of the Homebuilder’s Association of Northern Colorado. Quality Service Certified, EcoBroker Certified, Certified Negotiation Expert, CDPE Certified Distressed Property Expert.
J
ohn Simmons joined The Group, Inc. in 2006 and has proved to be one of the best Realtors in the nation. He is deeply involved in the community and enjoys helping others. Because of his exceptional services, Simmons has been awarded Rookie of the Year 2007, Best in the Business 2008, 2009, and 2010, Top 40 business professionals under 40 2009, Best of Loveland 2010, Platinum Service 2010, Top 250 in the Nation 2010. Simmons served the country for six years as an Airborne Ranger in the US Army, spent seven years as a general manager and director for Johnny Carinos, and is now enjoying serving others in Real Estate. He is married to Ana and has one son named Evan who is three years old. John proudly serves all of Northern Colorado — Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Greeley & surrounding areas and specializes in residential (resale and new construction) plus relocation.
‘Going out of town? Don’t miss your local news.
www.reporterherald.com/e-edition w
OPEN SUNDAY 12–2 p.m. 1829 10th St. SW, Loveland
OPEN SAT 2 p.m. SHARP www.4550Pika.com
OPEN SUNDAY 1-4 p.m. 2115 Kennedy Ave, Loveland
NO HOA! Lots of RV space on concrete. 4 bed, 2 bath, Huge backyard, Hot Tub on deck included, Oversized Insulated garage with extra storage & workbench. 10x14 shed also! New carpet in the living room.
Lovely home in Mariana Butte. Views of the foothills! Main floor master has large walk-in closet & 5-piece bathroom. Vaulted ceilings, gas log fireplace, main floor laundry, and full |finished basement.
Beautiful updated 3 bedroom Ranch home on 1/4 acre lot w/Mtn Views, backs to Open Space & Loveland Rec Trail. Spacious Master Bedroom, Sunroom, Open floor plan, beautiful remodel. MUST SEE!
$225,000 | MLS #646559
$285,000 | MLS #645551
$225000 | MLS #648327
Call Lanette Spotanski
The Garnand Group
Call Lori Lindholm
LanetteSpotanski@remax.net
www.LivingInLoveland.com
lorilindholm@remax.net
213-3603
217-4112
Call Davenee: 231-2404
2103 Arron Drive, Loveland
3070 Tabernash Drive, Loveland
www.4997ValleyOak.com
HUGE LOT!!! Derby Hill ranch with full fin. bsmt. Needs some updating, but has tons of potential! Hot tub, potting shed, oversized 2 car garage, mature landscaping, enclosed porch, craft room & much more!
Immaculate town home featuring two bedrooms, 2.5 baths, loft, fireplace, 5 piece master bathroom, Sunsetter awning, oversized garage, community pool & clubhouse.
Lovely Boyd Lake home with rights to put a dock In Boyd lake! Open kitchen with 2 ovens, island & cooktop; gas log fireplace in great room, finished walkout basement and formal living & dining rooms.
$189,900 | MLS #640992
$198,000 MLS #618313
$550,000 | MLS #647550
Call Julie Stinson
Call Julie Stinson
Call Nanci Garnand
julies@rmfa.com
julies@rmfa.com
www.LivingInLoveland.com
622-1809
622-1809
622-1846 | 227-1327
PRICE REDUCED 1170 Crabapple Dr, Loveland
www.474Arrowhead.com, Loveland
www.1925Park.com, Loveland
5 BR/3 BA, 2 1/2 car gar. Ranch Style home. Finished Basement includes huge Rec Room. N. Loveland neighborhood w/ community pool. Open floor plan, 5 pc Master Bath, Upgraded appliances, Sprinkler & A/C.
Must see ranch style home in Mariana Butte, upgraded with many features! Tile & wood floors throughout, upgraded lighting, newer paint & finished garden level basement w/ 2 bedrooms, full bath & rec room.
5 bed/4 bath, close to park & bike trails. Spacious master suite & 5-piece bath with heated tile floors. Huge Trex deck is ideal for entertaining. Upgraded lighting throughout home, newer exterior paint & no HOA fees.
$300,000 | MLS #646835
$312,500 | MLS #649394
$289,995 MLS #646067
Call Franci Wunderlich
Call David Powell
Call David Powell
YourHouseInColorado.com
davidpowell@remax.net
davidpowell@remax.net
667-1828
481-5015
481-5015
10-322142
10-325277
saturday PRICE $142,000
LOCATION
ADDRESS
SW LOVELAND
1209 EILENE PLACE
NW LOVELAND
43RD & WILSON AVENUE THE COTTAGES AT ENCHANTMENT RIDGE
$140’S -$220’S
HRS
sunday OFFICE
PHONE
PRICE
LOCATION
ADDRESS
OFFICE
PHONE
From the $140’s*
NW LOVELAND
43RD & WILSON AVE THE COTTAGES AT 12-5 ENCHANTMENT RIDGE
HRS
THE COTTAGE REALTY
970-532-5900
$140’S -$220’S
SE LOVELAND
BOISE VILLAGE NORTH, ¼ MILE SOUTH OF HWY 34 ON N. BOISE AVENUE, 1899 10-6 E. 11TH
MIDTOWN HOMES
970-456-4600
1-4
COLDWELL BANKER
970-566-9716
12-5
THE COTTAGE REALTY
970-532-5900
SE LOVELAND
BOISE VILLAGE NORTH, ¼ MILE SOUTH OF HWY 34 ON N. BOISE AVENUE, 1899 10-6 E. 11TH
MIDTOWN HOMES
970-456-4600
$160’S $180’S
JOHNSTOWN / MILLIKEN
1849 CHESAPEAKE CIRCLE A, B, AND C 12-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-481-1250
$160’S $180’S
JOHNSTOWN / MILLIKEN
1849 CHESAPEAKE CIRCLE A, B, AND C 12-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-481-1250
$169,900*
NW LOVELAND
4403 ELLIOT PLACE
12-5
THE COTTAGE REALTY
970-532-5900
$169,900*
NW LOVELAND
4403 ELLIOT PLACE
THE COTTAGE REALTY
970-532-5900
$175,000
NE LOVELAND
3275 ADELAIDE PLACE
12-2
THE GROUP, INC.
970-237-0585
$184,702
SE LOVELAND
255 CARINA CIRCLE #104
1-4
THE GROUP, INC.
970-481-9801
COLDWELL BANKER
303-809-9628
$190,000
NW LOVELAND
4162 ASH COURT
1-4
THE GROUP, INC.
970-217-1954
From the $140’s*
1962 DOVE CREEK CIRCLE
12-5
$172,700
NW LOVELAND
11-1
$184,702
SE LOVELAND
255 CARINA CIRCLE #104
1-4
THE GROUP, INC.
970-481-9801
$197,000
WINDSOR
680 MOONGLOW DRIVE
1-4
THE GROUP, INC.
970-219-5219
$197,000
WINDSOR
680 MOONGLOW DRIVE
1-4
THE GROUP, INC.
970-219-5219
$211,000
SW LOVELAND
2472 ANEMONIE COURT
2:30-4:30
THE GROUP, INC.
970-237-0585
$197,500
NE LOVELAND
805 58TH
2-4
WESTERN PLAINS REALTY
970-685-2992
$225,000
SW LOVELAND
2366 FORSYTHIA COURT
1-4
THE GROUP, INC.
970-218-7733
$225,000
SW LOVELAND
1829 10TH STREET SW
12-2
RE/MAX ALLIANCE
970-213-3603
$232,000
NW LOVELAND
4496 HAYLER AVENUE
12-5
THE COTTAGE REALTY
970-532-5900
$225,000
NW LOVELAND
2115 KENNEDY AVENUE
1-4
RE/MAX ALLIANCE
970-217-4112
THE COTTAGE REALTY
970-532-5900
970-532-5900
$279,617
NW LOVELAND
3830 HIGGINS STREET
12-5
$285,000
SW LOVELAND
4550 PIKA DRIVE
2PM SHARP RE/MAX ALLIANCE
970-622-1846
$297,000
NW LOVELAND
2457 ABEYTA COURT
1-3
COLDWELL BANKER
970-691-0468 970-532-5900
$232,000
NW LOVELAND
4496 HAYLER AVENUE
12-5
THE COTTAGE REALTY
$249,900
NE LOVELAND
2217 HOFFMAN DRIVE
12-3
PREMIER REAL ESTATE
970-388-0736
$279,617
NW LOVELAND
3830 HIGGINS STREET
12-5
THE COTTAGE REALTY
970-532-5900
$298,664
NW LOVELAND
4355 RIDGWAY DRIVE
1-4
THE COTTAGE REALTY
970-532-5900
$298,664
NW LOVELAND
4355 RIDGWAY DRIVE
1-4
THE COTTAGE REALTY
$308,500
NW LOVELAND
1541 DRYLAND STREET
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-679-8084
$308,500
NW LOVELAND
1541 DRYLAND STREET
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-679-8084
$314,000
WINDSOR
7407 PIMLICO DRIVE
12-5
THE GROUP, INC.
970-290-8097
$314,000
WINDSOR
7407 PIMLICO DRIVE
12-5
THE GROUP, INC.
970-290-8097
$319,500
JOHNSTOWN / MILLIKEN
104 BIRDIE DRIVE
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-227-0964
$318,000
SW LOVELAND
4688 TWIN PEAKS COURT
1-4
COLDWELL BANKER
970-980-7218
¼ MILE WEST OF WILSON ON 14TH STREET SW/HWY 402 TO THE DAKOTA GLEN SUBDIVISION
$319,500
104 BIRDIE DRIVE
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-227-0964
SW LOVELAND
12-4
JOHNSTOWN / MILLIKEN
$323,400
SW LOVELAND
¼ MILE WEST OF WILSON ON 14TH ST SW/HWY 402 TO THE DAKOTA GLEN SUBDIVISION
12-4
GLEN MARKETING
970-663-4522
$339,000
SE LOVELAND
4630 TARRAGON DRIVE
1-4
THE GROUP, INC.
970-690-6011
$365,000
SE LOVELAND
4743 SORREL LANE
1-4
THE GROUP, INC.
970-217-3464
$389,750
SW LOVELAND
975 PRISM CACTUS CIRCLE
12-4
GLEN MARKETING
970-663-4522
$460,000
WINDSOR
1987 SEADRIFT DRIVE
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-371-7966
$520,000
WINDSOR
7711 WINDSONG ROAD
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-218-1891
$895,000
SW LOVELAND
288 RESERVOIR DRIVE
1-4
PREMIER LIFESTYLE
970-481-5512
$323,400
GLEN MARKETING
970-663-4522
$339,000
SE LOVELAND
4630 TARRAGON DRIVE
1-4
THE GROUP, INC.
970-690-6011
$365,000
SE LOVELAND
4743 SORREL LANE
1-4
THE GROUP, INC.
970-217-3464
$389,750
SW LOVELAND
975 PRISM CACTUS CIRCLE
12-4
GLEN MARKETING
970-663-4522
$520,000
WINDSOR
7711 WINDSONG ROAD
1-3
THE GROUP, INC.
970-218-1891
$612,000
SW LOVELAND
1308 WILLOWROCK DRIVE
2-4
COLDWELL BANKER
303-809-9628
$895,000
SW LOVELAND
288 RESERVOIR DRIVE
1-4
PREMIER LIFESTYLE
970-481-5512
To add a listing or speak to an advertising representative, call the Reporter-Herald at 669-5050
For details about these open houses, see the ads in this section. For additional open house listings, please check the “Real Estate Classifieds” section of this publication. This guide is brought to you by the Daily Reporter-Herald, local real estate agents and area builders.
WWW.HOMEANDREALTYGUIDE.COM •CLICK ON
OPEN HOUSE MAPS
Saturday Reporter-Herald March 12, 2011 C4
H&RE Front Range Gardening
Mites in March spell trouble How to deal with these garden and home pests CAROL O'MEARA CSU EXTENSION, BOULDER COUNTY
W
ith perennials waking and buds swelling, we feel the call to get outside and reconnect with the earth. Each warm weekend we linger longer in the yard, reveling in the emergence of bulbs and blossoms. Yet, just as we feel the season’s change, so do others in the landscape. They’re out there now, getting busy and quietly enacting plans to take over more territory in your yard. March is the mitiest month, not because it comes in like a lion, but because it heralds the climax of the smallest nuisances in the yard: Grass mites. And between feeding on the lawn and entering our homes, they’ve launched a campaign of annoyance. Perhaps the most startling natural phenomenon that happens to many of us in the Front Range is the annual migration of clover mites into our homes. Moving by the hundreds, the tiny, bright orange arachnids clamber walls and slides in around windows. The first appearance doesn’t raise more than an eyebrow, as one or two crawl across the desk. But then two becomes 10 and slowly that number creeps upward, until the warm day
the peak of feeding for the winter. dawns when the mass moves indoors, teeming along the windowsill and During warm winters, such as what streaming to the floor. we’ve had, mite populations explode. Normally, I’m not given to fearHatched in October, mite numbers mongering, especially about bugs increase into winter. As they feed, and arachnids. Clover mites won’t rasping off the leaf surface and suckcart off the cat for a luau on the ing up tender, interior cells, the damdeck. But they leave a red-orange age appears as small yellow speckles smear once squished, and like a on the grass blades. As feeding intenchalk outline around the carcass, sifies, the grass becomes straw colreminds me of the crawler each time ored and eventually dies, leaving I see it on paper, book, or curtain. large patches that don’t green up in Creepy. spring. Balmy winter temperatures Outside, clover mites feed on turf sets mite metabolisms into overdrive, grass or other plants. They’re unreand by this time of year, populations markable in the landscape; they don’t can reach several thousand per damage a lot of the lawn. But when square foot. lawns are nestled up against the This damage is often misshouse, the trouble starts, so plan diagnosed as winterkill or desiccayour landscape to leave a barrier betion. If you’ve had mite damaged tween plants and walls. lawn, take a quick look to see if Within, controlling these mites is they’ve returned. Check the base of fairly simple. Simply place a quarter the plant for congregations of them inch wide line of powder along the during the day. window-sill from side to side, being If you see them, irrigate the lawn certain that the powder touches the to raise humidity or check with a side walls. This barrier, according to local lawn care company for stronger Dr. Whitney Cranshaw, state entotreatments. Snow cover doesn’t put mologist and professor at Colorado a stop to their feeding, since it proState University, is enough to stop vides protection, but as it melts, them in their tracks. Any powder the moisture helps drive off the works, such as baby powder, corn mites. starch, or baking powder. As the mites crawl into it, they’re rapidly incapacitated and dry out. When the powder has gotten Carol O’Meara is with filled with mites it will turn a light CSU Extension in orange color, a sure sign that it’s Boulder County. time to vacuum it up and apply a Contact her at fresh barrier. Continue this until 303-678-6238 or May, after the mites are actively comeara@co entering homes. .boulder.co.us. As you’re battling mites in the home, keep an eye on the lawn, since more damaging mites are at Front Range Gardening
To place an ad, call 970-635-3650 or go to www.ReporterHerald.com/classifieds and place your ad any time of the day or night. Fax: 970-635-3677…email: classifieds@reporter-herald.com
Apartments/ Garages/Storage Houses 4080 Office Space 4100 Condos/ Unfurnished 4030 Spaces 4070 3 BDRM 923 E. 8th, $825 Townhouses 5040 1244 N. Lincoln/Lvld. 1 CAR GARAGE- $75/mo. LUXURIOUS UPSCALE Great for storage. APARTMENTS rmpm.com. 970-669-0842 STUDIO, 1, 2, & 3 BEDROOMS- Pool, hot tub, 24 hr. fitness center, STORAGE 20 x 40 business center, coffee with 14´ overhead door. shop, salon, pizza & deli. $325/mo. Call (970)481-5899 OPEN HOUSE, Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat. 10am-5pm.
Apartments/ Furnished 4010 ALL BILLS PAID!!! 1 BDRM/studio, furnished or unfurnished. Downtown Loveland. $500-$625/mo. Call 970-391-0834
Apartments/ Unfurnished 4030
IMMEDIATE ● Move-In Special ● One Month FREE plus $1289 on our 2 bedroom Vermeer floor plan
$625- 2306 S. Colorado #D. 2 bdrm, 1.5 ba 4-plex, W/D hkups, quiet. 720-936-1854.
Commercial Industrial 4040
Condos/ Townhouses 4050 2 bdrm, 1.5 ba, 2 stry, Very Nice, by park, hdwd Pet? N/S. $775. Lvld. 970-227-7026
1 BDRM Executive Spacious, well-appointed loft in Downtown Loveland 2 BDRM, 2147 Grays Peak with optional single-car ga- $925. upstairs, balc, 1 car rage. This beautiful 1100 sq rmpm.com. 970-669-0842 ft apartment is newly renovated. $950 per month. No smoking or pets. Call 970-980-6801 for application. Condo, 2 bdrm, 2.5 ba, hookups, H20, sewer, trash 1 CUTE STUDIO. $375/mo. pd, garage, pool, clubhouse acces $750/mo. 3660 25th In canyon, river access Street #1104 Greeley, CO. rmpm.com. 970-669-0842 Faith Property 970-377-1626 2 BDRM, 2 full ba, W/D, new carpet, balcony, $830/ mo inc utils, 1043 Eagle Dr Lvld. 970-667-7000x106 2 BDRM, 332 Terri$615/mo. Patio, Big rooms rmpm.com. 970-669-0842
Foothills Apts 2 Bdrm Apartment Homes ● Includes Washer & Dryer ● Park-Like Setting ● Garages Available
1913 W. 15th St. 970-669-7850 - Sorry no pets
A GOOD BUY to say good-bye Sell your stuff quickly in the Classifieds. It’s the #1 source of information for autos, homes, jobs, household merchandise, pets, services and so much more.
Call
303-776-7440 or 970-635-3650
4080
325 E. 5th St., Loveland. 1-888-822-9346
”0“ UTILS! 1 or 2 room studios, vintage apts. Onsite mgmt. W/D, WiFi, DirTV $335-$630 970-219-6353 6000 SF Retail/Warehouse on Hwy 287. Overhead door. 1 BATH- Studio, 4012 W. 970-593-2401 or 970-227-7447. Eisenhower. $425 Utils incl. rmpm.com. 970-669-0842 1 BDRM APT- Lvlnd new paint/flooring, W/D hkup, no smoke/pets utils pd. $595/mo. 970-669-2645
Houses
Duplexes
4060
2 BDRM, 1402 Capulin- $850 SPACIOUS! Tri-level rmpm.com. 970-669-0842 2 BDRM, 1506 E. 16th $605. Big rooms, avail 4/1 Call rmpm.com 669-0842 2 BDRM, 3526 Butternut $595. Nice, patio, 2-story rmpm.com. 970-669-0842 LARGE 3 Bdrm w/gar $725 No pets/smokers, water & mowing paid, send app letter & ref to PO Box 272121 Ft. Collins 80527.
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertised in this paper is subject to the federal and state Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” The newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. 2 BDRM, 1040 Cleveland $850. Pets nego, sunroom rmpm.com. 970-669-0842
Pets neg, unfin yd, Av 5/1 rmpm.com. 970-669-0842
500 sq. ft. Util incl. $500/mo. 580-795-4636
3 BDRM- 925 Lincoln $1025, Remod kit, Classic! rmpm.com. 970-669-0842
Office Space ✭ Ft Collins/ Loveland Airport. Approx 600 sqft, $500/mo. Call for details. 970-498-0260
4 Bdrm- 2090 Luvesta $3295 Custom home on 3 acres. Call rmpm.com 669-0842
Roommates Wanted 4120
1 FURN bdrm, priv ba Livestock OK. 522 E. Hwy 60, Lvld. 3 bdrm, 2 ba, & 1 furn bdrm, shared ba Share kitch & dining rm, trees. $1200/mo 970-669-9099 N/S, N/P. $425/mo inc util Loveland Custom Home in + $425 sec dep. 970-214-6340 b r a n d n e w s u b d v . NEWER HOME 1 bdrm, Oversized dbl gar, 2400 sf, 1 ba, share gar, W/D, landscaped/sprklr, A/C, cbl/internet. $550/mo. utils short wlk to shops, schools, nego. (970)402-2131 restaruants, trails, parks & green space . 2 bdrm, 2 ba, ranch. No smoke. $1,250/ mo +$1,250 dep 970-377-3315 OWN your own home for what you pay in Rent! Lowest rates, $0 - $1000 Down Free Prequalification. Western Plains Realty Ken or Tammy 970-663-5008
✔✔✔✔ To ensure you receive the best response to your advertisement, please check your ad the first day of publication. We regret we cannot be responsible for more than one day´s incorrect insertion. Billing inquiries can be initiated within 30 days of ad expiration.
Mobile Homes/ Spaces 4090
2 BDRM 9441 WCR 18E $1095, pets neg, fncd, 1800´s ✭ 2 BEDROOM HOMES ✭ $575 to $650 + dep. home. rmpm.com. 669-0842 W. Hwy 34. Pets on appr Se Habla Espanol (970)685-8573 3 BDRM, 2354 SW 10th Upstairs, Avl 5/1, Clean! rmpm.com. 970-669-0842 IT PAYS TO BUY! $1000.00 Cash Rebate If purchase Feb. 3 BDRM, 2 BA, 1923 SF Easy Credit Low Down ranch, 3 car gar, in Starting under $699 Berthoud, No pets or smokThat includes Lot Rent! ers. $1450/mo (970)667-7908 970-420-8488 3 BDRM, 2 BA, fncd bkyd, I WILL MOVE YOUR 2 car gar, A/C, new carpet, MOBILE HOME FREE full unfin bsmt, N/S, pets LOT RENT nego. 2559 Silverton, Lvld. STARTING @ $199 $1020/mo, Barb 303-717-5719 250+Communities to choose from 3 BDRM, 2 BA Ranch, frpl, Offer expires 3/31/2011 hkups, 2 car gar, mstr 970-420-8488 bath. $1050/mo + dep. 2475 15th St SW. Faith Property 970-377-1626
Lg 2 bdrm, near hosp, W/D hkup, gar. Also avail 2 &3 3 BDRM, 2 ba, Tri-level, bdrm apts. 970-308-7387 frpl, gar, 766 21st St SW, $1250/mo Faith Property 970-377-1626 Taking up a new sport? 3 BDRM, 3737 S. Garfield, Sell your used sports $1595. VIEWS! Pets nego equipment with a Call rmpm.com 669-0842 classified ad! 635-3650
Rooms For Rent
ON THE COURSE, 3 bdrm, 3 ba, new everything, on Vista. $249,900 970-215-8212
Loveland
5110
2628 HARTSEL CT. MLS #648330 $259,900, 4 bed, 4 ba brick ranch, 3340 sqft, oversized 3 car gar w/ RV Bay. Call Rob 970-203-1101 At Home Real Estate Co 4 CAR GAR, new 3 bdrm, 2 ba ranch, 5 pc mstr, granite, A/C, frpl, wood floors, backs to greenbelt. $279,617 Cottage Realty 970-532-5900
4130
Fully furnished large rooms in Lvld. Laundry, A/C, cable, all util. incl. $325/mo. (970)227-1585 Effiency Apartment, all utils inc, fully furnished. $450, Avail immed. 970-227-1585
A picture is worth a thousand words Try a classified picture ad! Call for details
970-635-3650
Retail Space 4135 LARGE Retail Space & offices starting at $150. Utils Included. 970-613-1477
Wanted To Rent
4170
For Sale By Owner $490K. Beautiful Bonnell West, 6456 Wild Plum Dr, 4 bdrm, 3 ba, 1 acre. Open Sun 1-4 970-461-5775
Responsible older male needs small farmhouse/apt to rent w/space for 2 mini. donkeys. 303-746-7028
OPEN HOUSE Saturday & Sunday 2-4 5924 MOSSYCUP CT FSBO- 4 bdrm, 2 bath, Oversize heated 2 car gar on 1/2 acre. Sunroom, hot tub, 2 wood burning frplc. $199,900 (970)667-6590
Saturday 2-4pm
Berthoud
5020
BANK OWNED2-story, 3 bdrm, 4 bath, 2878 SF Fin. C/A new int paint/carpet. $239,900. Re/Max Alliance, Wanda Quaid, 970-481-3033
805 58th - Loveland $197,500. 4 bdrm, 3 bath remodel Western Plains RE www.westernplainsre.com
Mobile/ Manufactured Business 5026 Homes/ Opportunities Spaces 5130 Unique & Fun ✭ Profitable soda fountain, est 1921. 1993 BERTHOUD mobil home, rent to own. 2 bdrm, $130K Lyons 303-709-6162 1 ba. (970)215-1819
Shutterstock photo
STAGE From Page C1
the result in getting the house sold quickly for the best, highest price.
A JUMP ON THE COMPETITION With spring fast approaching, more homes will be coming onto the market. A seller can increase the chances of their home showing better than the competition by calling on a professional stager for help. A homeowner living in the house while on the market can benefit from a stager’s knowledge and experience in applying interior re-design principles (using what the homeowner already has) to enhance an overall space. Stagers will also make recommendations on paint colors, décor, space-saving furniture arrangements and even identifying any cleaning, repairs, organization or de-cluttering that may be needed. In addition, a home stager is trained to find solutions to any problem areas in the home and turn them into positive features. Décor can also sometimes be supplied by the home stager. A vacant home on the market may need updated furniture and accessories brought in to transform empty spaces into warm and inviting spaces. Main areas of focus generally include living rooms, family rooms, kitchens, dining rooms and master bedrooms.
SITTING PRETTY Once a home is showing its best, sellers should make
the most of staging dollars spent by getting photos of the staged home placed on the MLS right away by their Realtor. Since the National Association of Realtors states that nearly 85 percent of potential buyers start their search on the internet, it is crucial for them to see that a home is neat, inviting and well organized with a polished, pulled together look. That way, the chances of potential buyers setting an appointment for a showing is greater, producing favorable results faster. Further, every attempt should be made to keep the home looking as the stager left it — sometimes proving to be a challenge for families living in the house while on the market. That’s why some home stagers will include a no-cost follow up visit a month or so down the road to ensure the home is still showing its best. By preparing mentally to sell and getting a jump on the competition this spring by investing in home staging, a homeowner will likely see how more interested buyers translates into a quicker sale and more money back into their pocket. Jill is a Home Staging Expert (HSE) certified stager and redesign specialist serving the Northern Colorado area. For questions or more information, email Jill Schuett of Applause Home Staging, LLC jill.applause @comcast.net, or go to www.applausehomestaging .com
GLINK From Page C1
number of upcoming cases where banks go after their former borrowers for these deficiencies. Collection agencies are already knocking on former (and unsuspecting) homeowners’ doors. If you are able to sell your home in a short sale, you can try to negotiate with the lender to waive any right to go after you for the deficiency. However, I have heard from a number of attorneys that lenders have been reluctant to agree to waive their rights to go after the borrowers for any amount that may be owed the banks. If you can do a short sale, it’s probably a better (though certainly longer and more frustrating) move than letting the property go into foreclosure. Frequently, lenders get less money in a foreclosure sale than you would get in a short sale, so you’d think it would make more sense for the lender to agree to a short sale. But if, for whatever reason, the lender won’t agree to the short sale, your options may be limited. It’s also interesting to note that some condo associations have decided not to allow their owners to rent units even if there aren’t any willing buyers. While it is better to have owner-occupied units than rental units, I think it’s far worse to have vacant units with owners who won’t or can’t pay their share of the condominium expenses. That just puts a bigger burden on all of the other owners of the property. In many cases, condo associations are better off allowing more unit owners to rent properties if that will stabilize cash flow and allow the property to be properly maintained. When you live in a condo building or townhome development, walking away from the unit will not be a popular choice with your neighbors or others who believe you have a duty and an obligation to continue to make your payments, no matter what. That said, there are also condo unit boards that have had trouble with tenants, including bad renters, high turnover and additional costs associated with that high rate of turnover. But for some homeowners who simply can’t afford to carry their vacant properties, it may be their only choice. If you decide to go in this direction, consult with a real estate attorney first, to make sure you understand your legal options and what consequences you may face. And, when it comes to homeowner associations, they will have to make a determination about which way they want to go during these uncertain times.