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4 Weeks Prior to Move
- Make a “Move” file folder to keep track of documentation and records of the moving process.
- Set up a calendar for your move to mark deadlines and reminders.
- Hold a garage sale to rid yourself of furniture, clothes and other items you’d prefer not to move.
- Contact a local charity to donate any unneeded furniture and items not sold in the garage sale.
- Collect boxes, tape, rope, wrapping/padding material and other moving supplies.
- Line up a moving company (or make reservations to rent a moving truck if you plan to move yourself).
- Gather doctors, dentists, other medical and school records.
- Put together (and keep accessible) all financial, tax, and employment documentation that you need during your loan process.
- Contact your insurance company to transfer your policies (life, auto, homeowners).
3 Weeks Prior to Move
- Set a cutoff date with your current utility providers (this can include telephone, gas, electric, water, garage, and cable).
- Establish a start date for utility services at your new home.
- Let friends and relatives know of your upcoming move.
- Donate canned goods and other non-perishable food items to a local charity to save the expense of moving them.
- Verify your Voter Registration information and make any necessary changes in light of your move.
- Register your new address with your subscriptions to newspapers, magazines, and association memberships.
- Complete a change of address card with your local post office.
- Research and keep record of tax deductions on moving expenses.
2 Weeks Prior to Move
- Transfer stocks, bonds, bank accounts, and contents of safety deposit boxes to a financial institution near your new home.
- Organize the clothes you will be moving; separate them into suitcases, keeping those you need readily available.
- Review the moving checklist so far, making sure you are still on track for the move.
1 Week Prior to Move
- Drain outdoor equipment: water from hoses, propane tanks from barbecue grills, and gas and oil from lawn mowers.
- Discard any aerosol, paint, oils, and all flammable and/or toxic chemicals.
- Label items you need to easily access and place them in a separate room or closet.
- Schedule a pest control company to service your home before moving — especially on new construction.
- Clean your refrigerator and let it air out at least 24 hours before moving.
Move Out Day
- RELAX
- Load items and boxes that you’ll need first last. (Those items packed last will be unloaded first.)
- Conduct a final walk through of your home once everything is out of the house; check cupboards, closets, behind doors, attics, stairwells, overhead in the garage, outside the home, and any storage sheds.
Move In Day
- Prepare your new home before the truck arrives; have it clean and be prepared to instruct where you’d like items placed.
- Take some time, sit back, and enjoy your new home!
Nancy Mikoda
Real Estate Consultant
Serving Denver Metro and Surrounding Areas
The average discount on homes that have sold in Denver this year in at a all time low. Currently, the metro Denver inventory is at a 23 year low while the number of active homes on the market is down over 30% since the same time last year. There is also a greatly reduced days on the market and homes are getting multiple offers.The number of homes sold went up a surprising 17.56%. Currently, there are about 7,000 homes on the market which is equal to about a one months supply of inventory.
This is important information for buyers to help them make better decisions when making offers to purchase homes. Gone are the days when you had a lot of homes to choose from and plenty of time to make a decision. Buyers need to be able to be one of the first to view a property when it comes on the market and also be prepared to make a strong offer the first time. They also need to be in a strong financial situation so that they can be competitive and not ask for a lot of financial concessions.
It is not easy for sellers either. Sellers can price their property competitively, get multiple offers and pick the strongest or even highest offer. The problem that may arise is that the banks appraisal may not be supportive of the higher offer as there are no comparable properties at that price point for the appraiser to use. Then the seller has to see if the buyer has the funds to pay over the appraised price or reduce the price to the appraised value. When home values move upwards quickly, the appraisals seems to drag behind the new market trends. This may make the selling process frustrating to both buyers and sellers until the market shows this trend is not just a temporary market adjustment.
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Do to the increasing popularity of the internet and social media, there are new and cost effective ways to advertize your rental. You can always go to sites like forrentbyowner.com, craigslist.com or postlets.com.
Another alternative is to put it up on Facebook and see if any of your friends know someone who will be interested. You can also try Tweeting it and see if you can get any response that way. Finally, there is always the good old sign in the yard or window, notice at the clubhouse, workout area or laundry. Try as many venues as possible in order to generate the most interest in your property.
If you want to use these venues, it always helps to have some flattering pictures of the property and the neighborhood amenities that surround it. Be sure to be attwentive to your e-mail or phone so that potential tenants can easily reach you.
One interesting strategy is to schedule showings of the property in 15 minute increments – thus showing others that you have some demand for the property. You should have plenty of applications on hand and charge an application fee to process them. You maybe able to get your bank or lender to help you with the FICO score and always be sure to check past rental references as well as employers to be sure you have qualified tenants.
Sometimes it looks like all the news about housing is more in a negative that a positive light. Check out the article below and you will see that there are some great reasons for buying this year.
Interest rates remain low and this can really effect how much home you can purchase. If you qualified last year, check again with your lender and see what you can afford now. It may surprise you.
Inventory is tight but there are a lot of fix and flip homes for sale now. The great thing is that a lot of the foreclosed homes are off the market and the homes you will view now are in a lot better shape do to investors trying to sell inventory. Sellers also know they need to have their home in move in condition to compete with the other listings.
There are not as many buyers during cold, winter days so maybe you will find that people in the market now are not bidding up price. You can take your time and find the home that is right for you and your family.
Denver prices seem to have bottomed out a couple of years ago, but check with your neighborhood professional to see where you stand today. This maybe the perfect time for you to find that dream home.
5 Reasons to Buy a Home Now in Denver
You may be surprised at how many buyers are still out looking for homes. These buyers are serious and not just out for fun this time of year. A decorated home can really be a plus at this time of year.
- People who look for a home in the winter months aren’t just lookers. They need to purchase soon so during the Holidays tend to be more serious buyers.
- A lot of sellers take their homes off the market prior to the holidays so they don’t have the interruption of showings. Consequently, serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition means more money for you.
- Usually, after the Holidays, sellers put their homes back on the market. Since the supply of listings could increase in January, there may be less demand for your particular home. Less demand means less money for you.
- Usually during the holidays, your home is nicely decorated, adding to its appeal. Houses show better when decorated for the Holidays.
- This is a very emotional time of year and makes buyers think even more about how much a home means to them and their family. Buyers are more emotional during the Holidays, so they are more likely to pay your price.
- A lot of people save up or have to use their vacation time before the end of the year. This may mean that buyers have more time to look for a home during the Holidays during the weekday.
- Investors look at homes all year long. Some of them must buy before the end of the year for tax reasons.
- Changing jobs is a major reason for people to move. January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs and since transferees cannot typically wait until spring to buy, you must be on the market now to capture that market.
- Typically, if there is not much competition you can sell now for more money. We can provide for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year.
- You always have the right to change a showing time or day. You can still be on the market, but you have the option to restrict showings during the 6 or 7 days during the Holidays.
It happens every year: You vow to enjoy the holidays, spend quality time with your friends and family, and maybe even give back to your community. Then, little by little, your stress level increases. Family time becomes filled with anxiety. Holiday parties are another dreaded task on your to-do list. And all that shopping and entertaining causes worry over your budget.
 Holiday Stressors If you find yourself losing the holiday spirit this year, we recommend you stop, take a deep breath, and then follow these tips for getting back to your jolly self.
- Take a time-out. Even a quick spin around the neighborhood to breathe in the fresh air and admire holiday displays can boost your mood. Try to find at least a few minutes every day for yourself — whether it’s to enjoy a hot cup of tea, or listen music that is uplifting.
- Learn to say, “no.” If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s OK to skip a party or two. Or put off your volunteer work until the spring. Pick the events and efforts you truly want to be a part of, and let go of the guilt about sending your regrets to the others.
- Sweat out the stress. It’s easy to let exercise take a back burner during the holidays, but physical activity can work wonders on your outlook. Maybe you need a change in your workout routine or you can find some frinds to share the experience with.
- Grab a pal. Sometimes, a good chat with a friend is all you need to get back on track. Or, how about gathering a group for a relaxing at a movie, concert or just enjoying a cup of coffee together.
- Stay organized. Fight that frazzled feeling by keeping your calendar up-to-date, organizing your space, and planning ahead.
And remember, if you feel overwhelmed or depressed for more than a couple weeks, it might be something more than a case of holiday stress. Speak with your physician or call Mental Health, Behavioral Health, or Member Services in your area to ask about resources that can help y0u.
Here’s 5 quick, creative, and cheap ideas to decorate your home for Halloween. Halloween comes next week and here are a few tips to help you get your home ready in a jiffy:
 
Ideas for decorating for Halloween
1. Lighting change – Replace your home’s outdoor lights with orange light bulbs for a festive Halloween look. You can also buy some orange ot purple Halloween string lights to hang near or around your front door. Check out some of the local stores for creative lights like bats or cats to string up in the trees like you would do for the holiday season. Lights are also great around your windows or porch to let the children know you are ready for them.
2. Use old Halloween costumes by creating a few festive scarecrows by stuffing past year’s Halloween costumes with straw and prop up in your yard or pose in a chair. Stuff an old pillowcase with straw to create the head and draw a face with marker or paint. You can also use them inside windows to look as though they are peaking out and looking to frighten the trick and treaters!
3. Use pumpkins & gourds – If you are not up for the time and mess of pumpkin carving, buy an assortment of pumpkins and gourds and draw faces on them with markers or craft paint. It’s a great craft for young kids too. There is always multiple uses for these at Thanksgiving so add some straw bales and/or some cornstalks that can take you through the fall and Thanksgiving season.
4. Give masks new life – Use masks from Halloweens past as decorations for your front door or entryway windows. Back-light them to make them extra spooky. Old sheets can be stuffed and made into ghosts or you can use smaller white garbage bags and stuff the head, put a string around the neck and hang them from a leafless tree!
5. Light your walkway – Use clean, gallon milk jugs to create ghost lights by using a black marker to draw a ghost face on each jug. Fill each jug about halfway with white Christmas lights, which can be strung between the jugs. You can also use the luminaries for Christmas and change up the lights to orange and purple to give them a different effect and using them for another season of fun.
Remember to keep everything well lit and safe going up to your doorway especially with groups of children so they do not stumble or fall. Give the walkway and the door landing as much opoen space as possible. Let your imagination go and remember what you enjoyed as a kid!
It is that time of year again. Maybe the snow and chilly weather caught you by surprise, so see what you can do to help prevent any unexpected repair bills. Here are some ideas from my inspector at Amerispec. See if any of these are ones you might have overlooked. A little time spent now can save you a lot of money if a pipe freezes or you forget to blowout your sprinkler system.
 Home Check List Yard:
- Rake and compost leaves
- Seed and feed your lawn
- Winterize your sprinkler system
- Mulch flowerbeds
- Drain outside faucets and cover them when appropriate
- Drain and store hoses
Roof:
- Trim limbs and vegetation away from roof
- Inspect roof and roof vents for any needed repairs
- Replace any loose or damaged shingles
- Clean gutters and downspouts
Foundation and Exterior Masonry:
- Clean fireplaces and chimneys
- Check chimney mortar for any deterioration
- Make sure downspouts and grading all direct water away from the house
Doors and Windows:
- Inspect caulking and paint for damage and repair as needed
- Oil door hinges and garage door moving parts
- Make sure all storm windows are securely in position
Heating and Cooling:
- Arrange for annual inspection and cleaning of heating systems
- Rinse off A/C compressor/condensing coil unit to remove debris and dirt
- Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat
- Change the furnace filter (when needed)
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Check and clean humidifier
Plumbing and Interior:
- Inspect and repair any damaged caulking in tubs, showers, sinks, toilets and backsplashes
- Check pressure relief valves on water heaters
- Inspect refrigerant lines for missing or damaged insulation
- During wet weather, check ceiling and around all doors and windows for unwanted moisture
- Check attic ventilation
- Make sure dryer vent is clean
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You have probably heard that sales of home this summer were a little slow. Here is the reason why. There was a lot of activity in the spring because of the incentive plans the government was offering. This caused a lot of buyers to buy early rather than waiting until the summer months when sales are usually strong.
Consequently, there are a lot of great homes on the market. Showing are up as we head into fall and a lot of people are starting to take advantage of this great buying opportunity. Here are some reasons to consider buying right now:
1. Your mortgage payment as a percentage of your household income is lower than it has been since the last decade.
2. Interest rates are still at an all time low which allows you to have either a lower mortgage payment or buy more house for your money.
3. It looks like are housing market has hit its low mark in many of Metro Denvers’ neighborhoods and there has an even been a steady in prices in some areas of the city.
4. Loans are available for buyers who are well qualified. A visit with your lender will help to get you started on your search. There are even some counties with special programs for those who meet income requirements and already live in the area they want to buy in.
1. Wrong Price. If you want to sell your home faster, price it right in the beginning. Overpriced homes appeal to fewer people and can even scare them away. Most neighborhoods have more homes to sell than buyers so they choose the best priced homes first.
2. Over Improving. It is important to keep your home in good repair and to replace mechanical systems as they age. Installing granite counter tops and a completely new kitchen cabinets will get some money back and help it sell faster. But be sure you are not way out of the market with your improvement budget as that will not be something you can add onto your price of the home – you will only get a percentage of that back.
3. As-is Condition. These homes to do not sell as well as a home that has been staged, cleaned and put in its best light for a buyer. As-is homes usually sell to investors or people who have money to fix a property and they want to get the home for as little as possible. By putting some new paint, cleaning the carpet, de-cluttering and staging your home, you can get a lot better price than those in poorer condition.
4. Dark or Dreary Home. A clean, bright home is what most buyers are looking for. Neutral colors and fresh paint can do wonders for a tired looking room. Painting and replacing older flooring can give you the most value for your money when you are looking to spruce up your home to sell.
5. No Curb Appeal. A buyers first impression is when he drives in front of your home. If you can’t get them in the front door, you have no opportunity to sell them on the other great features your home has inside. Put a colorful planter, paint the front door and tidy up the lawn are just a few low cost ideas which enhance the buyers interest to see your home.
6. Depersonalizing and De-cluttering. Buyers need to envision themselves living in your home so give them the opportunity to do that by removing personal photos and other things that may distracted the buyers.
Contact mikoda@q.com for more information on buying or selling.
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