Creating a more pet-friendly palace
FAMILY FEATURES
As much as you love your pets and work hard to make them part of the family, they are also a big responsibility. Part of that responsibility includes setting up your home so it is equal parts stylish (for you) and functional (for Fido). Show furry friends a little love, beyond the walks and snuggles, by making your home pet-friendly.
Set up their space near an entry
Pet owners commonly desire a space to keep all their furry friends’ belongings and avoid clutter. Ensure convenience and cleanliness by establishing an area near the door where you can store leashes, collars, toys and more. Consider keeping a towel or two nearby for wiping paws (and snouts) after going outside. You can also keep your pets’ beds, food and water bowls in this space so it feels like their own little “home” when returning from a walk or going to sleep at night.
Consider stainresistant fabrics
From furniture to decor, avoiding fabrics that attract pet hair is a nobrainer for pet owners looking to escape a constant mess. Silk and velvet are virtual magnets for fur, while alternatives like leather offer more practical choices that are easy to clean and durable.
Install resilient flooring
Reduce your fear of zoomies causing damage to your floors by installing resilient flooring focused on reducing wear. A variety of floors take on some of the burden of pet ownership with built-in durability for the everyday and the unexpected. With options designed to bridge the gap between style and function, numerous water-resistant and waterproof floors give you and your pets room to live your best lives for years to come without wet shakes triggering worries. Plus, many resilient floors do not
flinch when it comes to addressing muddy paws, often only requiring the mud to be easily wiped away, without harsh cleaning products.
Decorate with pets in mind
Displaying Grandma’s fine china and your favorite sports memorabilia may not go together with pet ownership — that autographed baseball may look more like a chew toy than a treasured artifact. Instead, prioritize decor that is washable and sturdy so you can avoid coming home to a delicate family heirloom shattered on the floor.
Pet-proof the yard
If you plan on your pets being outside on their own, it is a good idea to carefully inspect your outdoor spaces before letting them roam. Look for gaps in the fence, identify potentially harmful plants, and ensure outdoor structures like grills and furniture are secure.
TOP 5 FACTORS
Things to think of when buying a dream home
ACCESSWIRE
Buying a dream home is an exciting milestone in anyone’s life, but it is also a decision that requires careful consideration. There are plenty of factors to weigh before making such a significant investment, including costs, location, and the home’s condition. Here are five key considerations for homebuyers to keep in mind when purchasing a home:
1. Location, location, location
Ultimately, choosing the right location can enhance a homebuyer’s quality of life. The home’s proximity to work and schools is one aspect to consider, and property value in the neighborhood is another.
“To get an idea of whether the location is ideal for their needs, homebuyers can consider factors such as distance to work, shopping, and transportation options,” said Hanna Grichanik, a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual’s Canale Financial Group. “They can also look into the neighborhood’s safety, community atmosphere, and future development plans (if available). Research local
property values and trends to get some relevant data about whether the property has held its value over time.”
2. Size and layout
Unless homebuyers are planning on extensive renovations or rebuilding a home, size and layout are key considerations when home shopping. The house should be accessible to everyone living in it, so a multiple-story home may not be a great option when one or more family members have mobility issues. Similarly, a play area may be an important consideration for new parents.
“Buyers should have a number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces in mind that will accommodate their family and lifestyle,” said Grichanik. “They should keep in mind any potential future plans, such as a growing family or aging in place, and choose a home that can adapt to evolving needs over time.”
3. Condition and maintenance
Carefully assessing the house’s condition can help buyers avoid
surprises and expenses down the road. A professional home inspector can check the property for any structural issues, safety concerns, or maintenance needs before the home purchase goes through.
Buyers should consider the age and condition of major appliances, parts of the house, and systems such as the roof, HVAC, plumbing and electrical. Even homes that look nearperfect from the outside may have issues that are out of sight, so it can help to budget for potential repairs.
4. Financial planning
Homebuying can often be one of the biggest purchases in one’s life,” said Grichanik. “Unanticipated fees, application costs, and other closing costs can quickly add up.”
This makes financial planning a crucial consideration for aspiring homeowners. A skilled financial advisor can help buyers make their homeownership dreams a reality by helping them manage finances and save for a down payment efficiently. For buyers
looking for an advisor, a friend or family member may be able to refer a trustworthy financial advisor, or homebuyers can type “financial advisor near me” into a search engine and begin looking for someone who is a good fit.
5. Resale potential
Even buyers looking for their “forever home” may want to consider its resale potential. Circumstances can change, and homeowners may eventually want to downsize, move to another city or state, or look for another home that requires less maintenance and upkeep. While there are no guarantees, it can help to visit the price history of the home and research the resale potential of similar homes in the neighborhood.
The bottom line
Buying a house is one of the most significant financial decisions that most people will make. In addition to these tips, buyers can consider speaking to other homeowners to get advice for a more seamless homebuying experience.
DESIGN TIPS
Make your home more cozy
METRO SERVICES
The meaning of the term “cozy” varies as it pertains to home decor. For some, cozy may mean intimate spaces with lots of quilts and throws. For others, cozy could indicate bright and airy spaces enhanced by plenty of fresh foliage.
Regardless of how they define cozy, homeowners typically want their homes to be inviting and comfortable. With that in mind, the following are some ways to impart a cozy vibe to any living space.
Make use of a fireplace
Flames lapping wood (or faux wood in the event of gaspowered fireplaces) can put anyone in a tranquil state of mind. Fireplaces add instant ambiance and make great places for people to congregate and engage in conversation. During warmer months when the fire is not blazing, decorative candles can be lit to mimic the same feel.
Add texture in the design
Texture can be anything from a raised pattern on wallpaper to a knotty area rug or a mosaic piece of artwork. A home with texture tends to create cozier impressions than one with all sleek and smooth surfaces.
Enjoy a soft rug
Although many design experts say hardwood floors or laminate options are easier for allergies and keeping a home clean, a soft rug underfoot can be welcoming. Rather than wall-towall carpeting, place area rugs in spots that can use some cozying up, such as beneath beds and even under the dining table.
Light candles
The warm, flickering light of candles adds cozy vibes in spades. Candles can be used throughout a home to create
instant atmosphere. Exercise caution with candles and fully extinguish them before retiring for the evening.
Update bedding for the season
Crisp and light cotton and linen are cozy materials when the weather is warm. When the temperature starts to dip, flannel or jersey bedding makes a bed that much more inviting.
Invest in lots of pillows
Pillows can instantly make a spot more cozy, whether it is the living room sofa or an outdoor lounging nook. Look for materials that are durable for the space in which they are being used.
Think about warm lighting
The transition from incandescent light bulbs to halogen and LED is beneficial from an environmental standpoint. However, LEDs illuminate with a more stark, blue light that can seem clinical in home spaces. Look for bulbs where the “temperature” can be customized. The more the color spectrum leans toward warm light, the more cozy a space will feel. This can be enhanced by putting some lights on dimmer switches and toning down the brightness as needed.
Install a bookshelf
Even for those who are strict devotees of e-readers, a shelf full of actual books interspersed with some well-placed knickknacks can make a room feel cozier. Books add texture, the feel of hallowed halls and libraries, and visual appeal.
Making a home more cozy does not have to be complicated. A few easy modifications can improve interior spaces.
Watch parties are wildly popular. Whether it is a gathering for the big game or a group of friends anxious to see the latest episode of a favorite television show, watch parties have become a fun way to enjoy special events with family and friends.
Many bars and restaurants have recognized the popularity of watch parties and looked to capitalize on the trend, particularly for sporting events. Watch parties can make for a fun night out, but homeowners can do much to make their own living room a goto spot for the next big game or series finale.
Expand seating space, if necessary
Of course, guests for the big game or movie night will need a place to sit. Homeowners
who love to host can determine their ideal gathering size and then work to ensure their entertaining space has enough seats to accommodate everyone. Multifunctional furniture can help if space is limited. For example, some stools that are typically used as footrests can be repurposed as seats when guests arrive, and an upholstered coffee table can provide an additional space for guests to sit. Another option is to work with a contractor to add a built-in window seat or bench beneath a picture window.
Convert an existing space into an open floor plan
A 2023 survey from Rocket Homes found that more than half of individuals surveyed preferred open layouts to traditional layouts. Open layouts can make living
spaces feel more airy and less claustrophobic, and such designs also make it easy to accommodate more guests. Homeowners can speak with a local contractor to determine ways to convert living spaces into open floor plans.
Invest in your internet
Whereas cable television used to be the go-to option when watching sports, movies and television at home, streaming platforms have now taken over, as many, including Peacock, Amazon Prime and Netflix, are now even broadcasting National Football League games. Homeowners who want to host watch parties must invest in high-speed internet and perhaps even a new router to ensure games and shows are not interrupted by the dreaded spinning wheel or issues that can arise if internet speeds are slow. If necessary, relocate the router to the living room to reduce the risk of streaming interruptions.
Reconsider your lighting scheme
If movie nights or television shows dominate your watch party schedule, some recessed
lighting in the living room can reduce glare and reflections on the screen once a movie or show begins. Recessed lighting above a mounted television can illuminate the screen so everyone can see it but will not appear in the screen and adversely affect what viewers can see.
Consider upgrading your television and sound
It goes without saying that a television is wildly important when hosting a watch party. The experts at Best Buy note that 8K resolution is the highest resolution available in the television market. Such devices provide an extraordinary viewing experience, but they also can stretch homeowners’ budgets. A 4K television will not cost nearly as much, and these devices also provide superior image quality. When a new television is paired with a premium soundbar, viewers can settle in for a memorable game day or movie night experience.
Homeowners can embrace various strategies to make watch parties an extraordinary experience for themselves and their guests.
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The homes of Village at Tamarac, Woodland Park not so tiny
SPONSORED FEATURE
If you haven’t heard of the newest community in Woodland Park, come see The Village at Tamarac and its homes. Conveniently located on Tamarac Parkway just past the North Post Office, police station and Woodland Fitness Center, the community has 53 home sites in a village-like setting. Each home offers 500 square feet of living space and an additional 500 square feet of conditioned storage space below. So, whether you are looking for a starter home, a second home, or are downsizing, there is a home design to fit your needs.
A unique feature of Village at Tamarac is that the buyer owns the home, the foundation, and the permanent utility connection to natural gas, and city water and sewer. There is a monthly lease amount paid by the owner for their little piece of heaven. The owners
do not pay property tax on the land; only the home is taxed. Every home includes a side yard for your furry friend, and that space can be fully fenced for a nominal fee. Right now, there is one home left at $192,900, with new homes arriving in the low $200’s, and duplex homes with single car garage offered at $249,000. That’s right, you can still buy a new home for less than most existing homes on the market today!
All homes are built to the Universal Building Code in an enclosed and controlled environment. There are many custom features included in every home, and several floorplans include front and optional back covered decks to choose from. Call Michael Harper Real Estate or the listing agents — Mike Sperry at 719-649-8296, or Jerry Smith at 719-963-1565 — for additional information and a tour.
PLANET GRANITE, INC.
Reliable design from skilled craftsmen for stone countertops in your new home
SPONSORED FEATURE
Planet Granite, Inc. is Colorado’s number one native countertop fabricator of choice, celebrating 26 years in business.
The largest fabricator in Colorado Springs, Planet Granite is staffed with reliable experts in the industry. This is your one-stop shop, known for its expertise, to select material and have it fabricated and installed based on custom design.
With thousands of on-site natural stone and engineered quartz slabs at the Planet Granite stone gallery, clients can handselect materials, ranging from granite to marble, soapstone, dolomite, travertine and quartz, and sinks for countertops. Be sure to check out our in-stock selection of Colorado White Marble!
Planet Granite offers free custom measures for estimates and has a full design team available to assist you in achieving your designs in stone. You can count on Planet Granite for all residential, designer, builder and commercial clientele countertop and sink projects. Stop by 3020 N. Stone Ave. or visit www.planetgraniterocks.com to select your piece of the rock.
SPONSORED FEATURE
The West has long been a source of dreams and a sparkfire for imagination. A picture of rugged adventure and outdoor connection — with sunrise backdrops of jaw-dropping scenery, or nighttime campfires under blankets of sparkling stars. The friendliness of the West is born of its confidence, the fairness of the West is a matter of mutual understanding, and the poetry of the West is wordless — because words can’t match its beauty.
With 5-acre homesites in a gorgeous Black Forest setting, Winsome is a new community offering easy access to everything you need, as well as lots of land around you for everything you love.
The freedom you feel with this much breathing room is a wonder in itself. Add to that gorgeous vistas, with a sky full of diamond-like stars at night, and you’ll know why this place is so special.
SPONSORED FEATURE
There’s a reason American Furniture Galleries is Colorado’s oldest, most trusted furniture and mattress company in Colorado; they provide name brand furniture of exceptional quality and longevity!
The knowledgeable home furnishing consultants who comprise the AFG team are committed to helping clients create the ideal atmosphere for their home — offering living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, home entertainment, home accents, office and outdoor furniture and mattresses that showcase one’s individual style. You can trust their expertise to tailor the best interior design plan for your home, from furniture to colors and fabrics. They are ready, willing and able to customize the best selections for your home.
High-end manufacturers at AFG that can help you design a
retreat that reflects your lifestyle include Bassett, Bernhardt, Century, Durham, Hancock & Moore, Lexington, Natuzzi Leather, Stressless and more.
Visit AmericanFurniture.com or come by the showroom today!
Once is Good. Twice is Better. Three Times, Amazing. Four Times, Incredible. Five Times? A Classic.
The votes are in, and our thanks goes out to all who helped name Classic Homes 2024’s Best Home Builder (17 years running), Best Production Builder (5 years running), Best Custom Builder, Best Home Developer (8 years running) and Flying Horse as 2024’s Best New Home Development (9 years running).
It’s our pleasure to serve the community, and our honor to be recognized by the friends and neighbors we’ve made along the way.
Once is Good. Twice is Better. Three Times, Amazing. Four Times, Incredible. Five Times? A Classic.
The votes are in, and our thanks goes out to all who helped name Classic Homes 2024’s Best Home Builder (17 years running), Best Production Builder (5 years running), Best Custom Builder, Best Home Developer (8 years running) and Flying Horse as 2024’s Best New Home Development (9 years running).
It’s our pleasure to serve the community, and our honor to be recognized by the friends and neighbors we’ve made along the way.
CLASSIC HOMES A legacy of quality homebuilding and land development
SPONSORED FEATURE
Classic Homes has been building a strong reputation as a quality homebuilder and land developer in El Paso County for more than 35 years. The locally owned company, led by Doug Stimple, George Lenz and Jeff Smith, has created dozens of thriving residential neighborhoods and new home communities throughout the region.
As early as 2004, Classic Homes was named “Best Large Company with a Promising Future” by local business voters, a testament to their commitment to excellence. Today, as before, Classic Homes continues to earn customer loyalty and industry recognition on both local and national levels.
This year alone, Classic Homes received several accolades,
including Best Home Builder, Best Home Developer, Best Custom Builder and Best Production Builder by readers of The Gazette and the Colorado Springs Business Journal. Additionally, Classic’s Flying Horse Community was voted the Best New Home Community. While awards are appreciated, Classic Homes prioritizes setting realistic expectations and ensuring quality, value and customer satisfaction in every home and community they build. Classic Homes recognizes that the purchase of a new home often signifies a significant milestone for families and is dedicated to assisting customers throughout the homebuilding experience.
Currently, Classic Homes currently builds in 10 communities across Colorado Springs and Monument, offering six distinct home collections with square footage ranging from 1,300 square feet to over 6,100 square feet. As part of the exceptional homebuilding experience, customers have the opportunity to personalize the interior design of their home with professional guidance from Classic’s in-house team of professional design specialists at the Classic Homes Design Studio. The company has a brand-new home collection in design, called the Preamble Collection, comprised of homes ranging from 456 square feet to
792 square feet. This collection will debut this summer in Greenways at Sand Creek. Classic Homes continuously evaluates home designs, included features and new products, many of which result from customer input and internal research and development.
Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading to a larger one or downsizing, Classic Homes is there to support you every step of the way. Visit www.ClassicHomes.com to learn more about Classic Homes’ communities, floorplans and new homes available for quick movein. Classic’s online New Home Specialists are also available seven days a week at 719-888-3445 to answer questions.
BUDGET BLINDS
32 Years of style and expert service
New homeowners in the Pikes Peak region in search of the perfect window treatments need look no further than locally owned Budget Blinds of Greater Colorado Springs! We specialize in highquality, custom window coverings that will enhance the beauty and functionality of your home.
At Budget Blinds, we understand that your windows are more than just openings to the world — they are a reflection of your personal style and a vital part of your home’s overall aesthetic. That’s why we offer a vast selection of blinds, shades, shutters and draperies to suit every taste and budget. Whether you prefer sleek and modern, timeless and traditional or something in between, we have the perfect window coverings to complement your home’s interior. Voted Best of the Springs by our customers six years running, a commitment to consistent excellence is what sets Budget Blinds apart. Our team of expert
designers will work closely with you to understand your vision and provide personalized recommendations. We bring our showroom directly to your door, allowing you to see our wide range of samples in the comfort of your own home. You can trust that your window treatments will be a perfect fit for your windows. Our window coverings elevate the style of your home and offer practical benefits, too! Our energy-efficient options reduce heat transfer, lower energy bills and create a more comfortable living environment. We also offer motorized blinds and smart home integration, allowing you to effortlessly control your window treatments with the touch of a button or a simple voice command. Experience the Budget Blinds difference and transform your new home today! Call 719-895-4675 to schedule your free in-home consultation. Let us help you find the perfect window treatments.
SPONSORED FEATURE
Modern modular Your guide to Medicare, long-term care insurance
You’ve probably heard about the Mid-Mod (mid century modern) trend, but what about the ModMod (modern and modular) one?
Just as styles aren’t one-sizefits-all, furniture isn’t either! Modern styles that fit perfectly in your unique space can be tricky to find. Modular furniture is an excellent design option that allows you to choose the number of seats in your sofa, individualize the configuration, and add functional extras.
WOLF RANCH
By assembling your sofa one element at a time, you can create a sectional that’s the perfect size and shape for the room you’ve got. And, if in a few months, or even years, you want to reconfigure, add or adjust, you can always purchase additional pieces. You can build the perfect Mod-Mod sectional for your home at AFW, where a friendly no-pressure sales staff will help you make the best choice for you!
SPONSORED FEATURE
Have a Medicare question? Graberg Insurance Solutions has the answer! They work to take the confusion out of Medicare, helping you compare plans and make switching plans easier. Licensed Sales Representative Kathleen Graberg specializes in Medicare Parts C&D, Advantage Plans and Supplements, along with life insurance and annuity policies. The end goal: ensuring you have the right protection for your personal — and family — needs.
“Once people realize how much Medicare has to offer, many people are happy to turn 65!,” said Graberg.
Medicare, a federal health program for people 65 years and older, and others with a disability, offers many options and price plans. Let Graberg Insurance Solutions lead the way in securing your benefits your way.
Kathleen Graberg
For more information, call 719-460-7580, TTY or email kgraberginsurance@gmail.com.
The best of Colorado living
SPONSORED FEATURE
Voted by Gazette readers as one of the best neighborhoods in Colorado Springs, Wolf Ranch is a vibrant new housing community that places value on a Colorado quality of life. The community has been intentionally developed into a neighborhood that weaves everyday life with Rocky Mountain sunshine.
Residents can spend quality time with family and neighbors in Wolf Ranch’s parks, open spaces and trails, and at community events and concerts. Located within Academy School District 20, one of the top-rated school districts in Colorado Springs, elementary, middle, and high schools are nearby. After school, there are numerous playgrounds to explore, as well as a 6-acre water park featuring a pool, splash park, and a clubhouse.
Wolf Ranch offers a wide range of homes and styles. Each luxury
model home was designed with the needs of families, with a focus on natural light, comfortable living spaces and energy efficiency.
Use the Wolf Ranch hub to find a dream home that fits your lifestyle and goals, or select a model home by one of the following builders: Classic Homes, JM Weston Homes, Vanguard Homes, Covington Homes, Creekstone Homes, David Weekley Homes, Toll Brothers, Challenger, and Level 1.
Wolf Ranch-hosted familyfriendly events encourage healthy, active living for youth and adults throughout the year. This includes an annual fall festival, summer concert series, family movie night, and more. Thanks to the community’s residents and its convenient location, Wolf Ranch is one of the best places to live in Colorado Springs.
Visit wolf-ranch.com.
