Boulder County Homes

Thank you SO much for the review! It was a pleasure working with you!

“Would You Rather?: Home Remodeling Edition.” Your two options? A full kitchen remodel or a full bathroom remodel.

Now for the fine print:
▪️ No, you can’t do a small remodel on both.
▪️ Yes, you have to pick one and only one (with no thought of remodeling the other for let’s say…five years?).
▪️ Yes, your budget is unlimited. Consider each to be the kitchen or bath remodel of your dreams!

Alright, what would YOU rather do — a kitchen or bath remodel? Share below!

This is everything when it comes to selling your home:

⌚ Timing.

Over the years, I've seen how the timing of the market can impact the sale of a home. It's like cooking a masterpiece, you have to gather all the right ingredients and wait for the perfect moment to bring everything together.

That “perfect moment” can totally depend on your personal situation. But for many, that often comes in late spring — specifically May — when sellers typically boost average sales prices.

All that to say, if you’re thinking about selling, now is a great time to pull together the best ingredients for a successful sale - prepping, staging, and showing. And don’t worry, as a local agent with years of experience, I can help! I promise when the timing is right, your home will be the main course everyone is talking about!

Thinking about selling your home? Let me know!

The Power of 3 says that items arranged in odd numbers are most pleasing to our brains and senses. Put it to the test with these tips:⁠
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🛏️ Group pillows in threes on your couches, beds, or entryway bench.⁠
🛋️ When selecting fabrics, choose three with distinct but complementary colors, textures, and patterns. Layer fabrics with similar colors. ⁠
🪴 Place tabletop items of various sizes in groups of three and create gallery walls with an odd number of frames.⁠
💡 When it comes to lighting, odd numbers always work best. For example, hang three pendant lights over a kitchen island or bar (five if the space allows).⁠
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What's your favorite home design tip? Comment below!⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you're still renting, it may be because the thought of buying a home seems pointless with the high cost of living and the competitive housing market.

I get it. There’s no way to sugarcoat it; the cost of living is high.

But what if buying, even now, could bring not only a sense of stability but also long-term financial security to your life?

Here’s the thing: Buying may not be right for you right now - but you owe it to yourself to at least explore your options and see real numbers before deciding.

If you want to sit down and talk it through, message me. I’ll be as real as I know how so you can do what’s right for you.

Things are picking up! 📈 We’re seeing more opportunities as more listings are coming onto the market, give me a call if you’re ready to make a move!

Waiting for interest rates to come down? The truth is: nobody knows when or if that will happen. So, how much could it cost you to wait? Read our March Newsletter to learn more!

🔗 8z.com/newsletters

As a homeowner, you have some serious benefits come tax time.

Don't miss out on these deductions 👇️

💸 First up - Mortgage interest. The interest on your mortgage is tax-deductible!

🏡 Second - Property taxes. Most homeowners are eligible to deduct the property taxes they pay on their homes.

🖥️ Third - Don't forget those home office expenses. If you have a home office, you can deduct a portion of your home's expenses, like utilities and insurance.

🛠️ Next up - Home improvements. Certain home improvements, like energy-efficient appliances or a new roof, may qualify for a tax credit.

🚛 Last - Moving for a new job? You can deduct some of your moving expenses, like hiring movers or renting a truck.

If you're not sure which deductions you qualify for 👉 Consult a tax professional or do some research to find out how to keep more money in your pocket!

Ok, real talk.

Can we not believe everything your neighbor or that online valuation tool says about what your house is worth in March 2023?

Sure, the median home sale price was up in 2022 over 2021, but this is a whole new year and a whole new market.

The only way to know for sure what your home is worth is by talking to a local agent who knows your neighborhood and can pull recent comps (keyword = recent) — and give you the real deal on where the market is this spring.

The sellers I’m working with right now love what they’re seeing, but the inflated numbers from your neighbor or the internet have got to go.

Message me if you’d like to see where your home comes in this month. In just a few minutes, I can run a report and send it your way.

Where are all my Type-A friends?

If you live for the feeling of being organized, I've compiled my 5 best pieces of advice for staying orderly during your home search:

1️⃣ Create a digital or physical folder for all of your important documents. This can include pre-approval letters, listings you're interested in, and any other important papers.

2️⃣ Keep track of your budget. Determine how much you can afford and stick to it – this will save you time, energy, and heartache in the long run. Trust me!

3️⃣ Make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves. This will help you prioritize what's important to you in a home. Use a shareable document or list if you’re buying with a significant other so you stay on the same page

4️⃣ Keep track of the homes you've seen. Create a spreadsheet or use a note-taking app to jot down the pros and cons of each home. This will come in handy when all the home features start to blur together

5️⃣ This step is super important. Take lots of pictures! You'll want to remember the details of each home, so pictures will be key.

Implement these tips, and you'll be on your way to finding your perfect home. Happy hunting!

Did you know that Spring is peak home buying season, with 40% of purchases happening between March and June?!

If you’re buying a home this Spring, it’s time to put on your game face and get ready to compete. Here are a few tips to help you win the bidding war and secure your dream home...

✅ Be ready to act fast.
In a hot market, homes don’t last long. Be prepared to act quickly and make an offer as soon as you find the perfect home. *Ahem* this means getting pre-approval from a lender before starting your search.

✅ Be prepared to make a strong offer.
In a competitive market, you may need to make an offer above the asking price to stand out. Be prepared to move fast and make a strong offer to secure your dream home. Don’t worry, I have a few more tricks up my sleeves to help your offer stand out!

✅ Be flexible.
Be open to different neighborhoods, home styles, and move-in dates. The more flexible you are, the more options you’ll have. Pro tip: Create a wants vs. needs list before you start searching.

I love helping clients come out on top of a bidding war and lock down their dream home. The sooner we can start preparing for your purchase the better, send me a message and let’s get started!

Alright, it’s time to talk staging…

So often, sellers don’t even try to stage their homes because they feel like it’s too much work, they don’t know how, or they don’t want to hire a professional.

If this is you, these DIY staging tips will truly help you overcome your staging paralysis, impress buyers, and land you top dollar for your home.

Clear out the excess furniture. Put it in your attic, rent a storage unit, or donate it to a local thrift store. But please, please, please, pair down the knick-knacks, poufs, ottomans, side tables, and plant stands. When if feels empty to you, you’re almost done.
Bare walls, windows, and countertops are your friends. Get rid of family photos and window coverings, and clear your countertops. There should be nothing (and I mean nothing) on them - no coffee maker, no candles, no fruit bowl. Nothing. (Same goes for your fridge door, too.)
Clean, clean, clean. Floors, closets, window sills. If there ever was a time for a deep clean, this is it. If you’re short on time, consider hiring a company that specializes in cleaning services for buyers and sellers.

I'm curious, have you had success with DIY staging? What’s your best tip? Share in the comments.

Gentle reminder today that curb appeal makes all the difference when selling your home.

You know the curb appeal trifecta: mulch, seasonal color, and a pressure-sprayed driveway. But you're gonna need to add these three if you want to level up your outdoor game:

💡 Illuminate walkways. Would-be buyers are sure to do a nighttime drive-by (trust me, they will). Ambient outdoor lighting will have them oohing and ahhing. (Quick tip: Solar lights make this a cinch.)
✨ Update porch lights. Replace crooked, outdated, or rusty porch lights with something fresh and modern. Your local home improvement store and a couple of hours are all you need.
🛋️ Add seating with outdoor throw pillows. Everyone dreams of a breezy afternoon in the yard, sipping a cold glass of lemonade. Add seating to give buyers an exact place to do just that.

Time to get to it! And, of course, save this post for later, or reach out if you want to talk about what’s happening in your neighborhood market this February!

A bit of a slow start to 2023, but believe me - things will ramp up as we head into spring! Now is a great time to make a move before the seasonal frenzy - give me a call!

Did you know you can actually buy your new home and move in before selling your current home? Would you believe you can also do this using an all-cash offer? Read our February Newsletter to learn more! 8z.com/newsletters

Here’s what I’m NOT going to do this spring — let you overpay for a new home. 👇️

I know, I know. You’ve come to terms with the higher interest rates and home prices. But those? Those are completely out of your control. What’s in your control? The price tag you’re willing to pay.

So here’s what we can do. When you find your next home, and you’re ready to put in an offer, let’s talk about an appraisal contingency. Here’s how works:

An appraisal contingency allows buyers to back out of a deal or renegotiate the purchase price if the home's appraisal value comes in lower than the purchase price. It’s a simple way to safeguard your hard-earned cash during the buying process — and ensure you're not overpaying. ✅

So if you’re thinking of buying but don’t want to get in over your head, don’t worry. I’ll do everything in my power not to let that happen.

Have other hangups about buying? Message me - I'd love to talk more!

You know that feeling of pure satisfaction and relief when you finally clean out that cluttered junk drawer? Imagine experiencing that same feeling throughout your entire home.

In case you didn’t know, there’s a serious connection between a clear mind and clear space. Simplifying your space with a minimalist approach can lead to a clear mind and increased productivity.

Here are a few quick tips to get started:
⚪ Get rid of items you haven't used in the last year
⚪ Organize what's left into clear categories
⚪ Keep only the essentials within easy reach

Got any other tips to decluttering your home? Share in the comments!

Buying and selling at the same time. It’s not for the faint of heart, but my clients do it all the time. And in the end, they’re all smiles!

So today, I’m sharing my top tips for maintaining your sanity if you’re staring down both sides of a real estate transaction.

1️⃣ Involve an agent in the early stages of buying and selling.
2️⃣ Consider options for temporary housing. While the stars may align and you may not need them, a plan for where you’ll go in between selling and buying will smooth the rough edges of the process.
3️⃣ Get “paperwork ready” to buy and “house ready” to sell. Before you’re up to your eyeballs in showings on either side, get pre-approved and make any necessary repairs to your home. You don’t want to be scrambling on either.
4️⃣ Say yes to seeing “just listed” homes. If your search has stalled, be willing to drop everything when your agent calls with a new listing. The sooner you can put eyes on a home, the sooner you’ll be out of limbo.
5️⃣ Trade dollars for a quick closing. It may be worth a buyer’s home warranty to get a 30-day closing. Empower your agent to negotiate a quick closing so you can step into your forever home as soon as your home closes.

Selling and buying is a big deal, but that’s why I’m here. Save this one for later!

Checking Zillow every day isn’t the only way to stay on top of the newest homes hitting the market!

Let me set you up on a search so you can receive an email the second a home that fits your criteria goes live. Just DM me what you're looking for, and I'll take care of the rest!

Q: What’s the true cost of selling a home? ⁠
A: Roughly 10-12% of the sale price.⁠
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Here’s a DETAILED breakdown (with 2022 data):⁠
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💸 Agent commissions: 5-6% of the sale price, split between the two agents. ⁠
💸 Attorney fees, transfer taxes, and other administrative costs: 1% of the sale price⁠
💸 Home repairs and inspection requests: $100-10,000. The most common repair on a home inspection report? Sticky doors that need adjusting. The second? Leaky faucets and shower heads. ⁠
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Optional expenses:⁠
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🚚 Moving: The average cost of a local move with a two-person team is $1,400. A cross-country move will set you back $2,200-5,700. Save on moving by grabbing a few friends and DIY.⁠
🪴 Interior staging and exterior landscaping: 18% of sellers’ agents said staging increased a home’s value between 6-10%. Staging and landscaping will run 2% of the sale price, making both worthy of your time and money.⁠
💰️ Seller concessions: To sweeten the deal, you may help a buyer with inspection fees, processing fees, or other costs. Usually, no more than 2% of the sale price. ⁠
🏡 Home warranty: Some sellers offer buyers a warranty to cover the home leading up to closing, so the buyer knows they’re not facing repair costs as soon as they sign. A home warranty costs $300-500.⁠
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One mistake I see from sellers? Pouring money into the wrong improvements before getting an agent involved.⁠
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If you’re thinking of selling, don’t wait to get an agent’s eyes on your home — it’ll focus your efforts and help you get every dollar out of your home. Want help? DM me today!⁠⁠⁠⁠

What you need to know before buying (that no one ever tells you):⁠
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1️⃣ Buy the house you can afford, not the maximum the mortgage lender thinks you can afford.⁠
2️⃣ Don’t dismiss school districts - even if you don’t have kids. Buying in a sought-after district will come in genius at resell.⁠
3️⃣ It’s okay if you don’t have a 20% down payment. Just talk with a reputable lender ASAP to see which loans are right for you. ⁠
4️⃣ Don’t be afraid to walk. Title issues, an overwhelming inspection, or a nagging hunch that won’t quit? You’re the buyer. You’re in charge. And you can walk at any point. ⁠
5️⃣ Buying is costlier than renting. You’ll be your own landlord now, so you’ve got to factor repair costs, utilities, and furniture into your budget. Another reason to revisit number one above. ⁠
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Tag a friend who needs to see this, or save this post for later.⁠⁠⁠⁠

In the final month of 2022, we saw median sale prices take a slight jump, and I’d anticipate that to continue as we head further into the new year! The real estate market is cyclical, and December usually is the lowest point of the year when it comes to market activity.

Shoot me a message if you’d like to learn more about your local market!

After a red-hot couple of years in the housing market, will 2023 bring us back to normal activity? Will home prices drop? Will the market crash? Read our January Newsletter to learn more! 👇

🔗 8z.com/newsletters 🔗

Interest rates, simplified. ✅

An interest rate is the “price” a lender charges a borrower for a loan. Just like a pair of jeans at your favorite store, every loan has a price tag. That price tag is the interest rate. But instead of dollars and cents, the price of borrowing a sum of money is a percentage of the total amount borrowed.

Interest rates rise and fall daily based on loan type (rates are typically lower for shorter-term loans), what the Feds are doing (the U.S. central bank), and, yes, inflation.

Want to run the numbers to see what you could afford this January, or have other questions about buying or selling? DM me! I'd love to hear from you.

Who doesn’t love a good timeline? And this one? It’s just for all you homebuyers.

1️⃣ Find a trusted real estate agent: 1-2 weeks
2️⃣ Get a pre-approval letter: 1-2 weeks
3️⃣ Come up with your non-negotiables list: 5 minutes to 3-5 days
4️⃣ Tour homes: 1 week - 4 months
5️⃣ Make an offer and negotiate the deal: 3-5 days
6️⃣ Get your loan approved and have an appraisal and inspection: 1-2 months
7️⃣ Close on your home: 1 day

On the quick end of things buying a home could be your reality in as little as 10 weeks. I’m ready if you are — DM me and let’s get started!

Hiring an agent to sell your home is a big decision. And here’s the thing. It’s way more than finding someone who lives in your town. It’s about clarity, control, and confidence.

When looking for an agent, don’t overlook one or more of these red flags before making your final decision:

🚩 They have little to no online presence.
🚩 They seem unfamiliar with your neighborhood.
🚩 When you meet face to face, they’re constantly checking their Apple watch, and you’re never quite sure if they’re listening.
🚩 It takes several attempts — on YOUR end — to reach them or get your questions answered.
🚩 Your gut tells you they’re just not it.

Hiring the wrong agent to sell your home is like waking up on Christmas morning with coal in your stocking — ugh! So save this post for later, or tag someone you know who’s thinking about selling.

Fill in the blank: "I want to sell my home, but ____________"

If you're considering selling your home this year, but aren't sure if it's the right move, this post is for you!

1️⃣ Do you have a good amount of equity in your home?
2️⃣ Is your next home available and/or affordable?
3️⃣ Are you emotionally ready to sell your home?
4️⃣ Are you wanting to downsize or upsize your home?
5️⃣ Can you make a profit by selling?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, 2023 may be the perfect time to sell. Every home and homeowner has their own unique story. Before deciding to sell — or deciding to wait — talk with your real estate agent.

Are you tired of drinking eggnog? HEARD! 🥂 Shake things up this holiday season and try one of these festive refreshments instead! Follow these 3 recipes and be sure to dazzle ALL of your holiday guests!

Step aside, eggnog. There are new holiday bevies on the menu!

Enjoy! And if you give it a try, come back and let us know what you think in the comments.

Are you trying to sift all the info and figure out what’s REALLY going on in the real estate market?

🛑 Stop already. I got you covered. Remember…

✅ A BUYER’S MARKET is when there are more homes available than buyers looking.
✅ A SELLER’S MARKET is when there are more buyers looking than homes available.

In general, it’s a seller’s market if inventory is adequate for 5 months (or less) worth of sales. If you have 5 to 7 months of inventory, you have a balanced market, and anytime you have more than seven months’ worth of inventory, you’re in a buyer’s market.

👉 In most areas of Colorado, there are less than 2.5 months of inventory!

If you want to talk more about what’s happening in your area this winter, send me a DM. No matter the market, I’m here to help you reach your real estate goals.