Listing Averages

While a lot of attention has been paid to increasing sales prices along the Front Range, it is also interesting to look at the average price of properties currently listed for sale.

Did you know, for instance, that the average list price of all the properties currently for sale in Metro Denver is $887,000. Meanwhile, the average closed sales price is $613,000.

In Larimer County it is $793,000 versus an average closed sales price of $601,000.

In Weld County it is $669,000 versus $488,000.

What is causing this? The high number of high-end properties currently for sale pulling up the average.

You might be surprised to hear the number of $1,000,000-plus listings active listings in our market looks like this:

  • Metro Denver = 527
  • Larimer County = 75
  • Weld County = 44

The post Listing Averages appeared first on Windermere Colorado REALTORS.

2 to 3

Along the Front Range we have gone from two weeks of inventory to three weeks.

For much of the Spring, there was only two weeks of inventory on the market in most areas. Meaning, it would only take 14 days to sell all of the homes currently for sale.

Now, because the pace of sales has slightly slowed down and there is a bit more inventory, there is roughly three weeks.

We can actually measure inventory in number of days based on the pace of sales in July so far:

  • Metro Denver = 23 Days
  • Larimer County = 22 Days
  • Weld County = 22 Days

This is obviously good news for buyers as they have better selection and slightly less competition.

The post 2 to 3 appeared first on Windermere Colorado REALTORS.

Windermere Foundation Evergreen Tailgate Party 2021

At Windermere, giving back to our communities is the cornerstone of who we are. Over the past 30 years, our owners, staff and agents have worked together to organize events, raise funds, and spread awareness about worthy causes to strengthen our communities and lend a hand to those in need.

Last week, our team in Evergreen hosted their first annual tailgate party to raise funds for the Rotary Wildfire Ready Campaign, a community-based project whose mission is to build wildfire awareness in mountain communities.

 

John Putt, Cindy Latham, Chuck Ridings

 

Wildfires pose a major threat to mountain communities due to the enormous volume of trees in the surrounding area. Archuleta County, Jefferson County, La Plata County and Montezuma County are just a few areas that face the threat of wildfires each year. Rotary Wildfire Ready helps residents assess their wildfire risk, learn how to harden their homes with fire resistant materials, and create an evacuation plan to keep their families safe.

 

The Rotary Wildfire Ready Truck

 

With the help of our sponsors (pictured below): Kate Higgins with BW Mortgage, Laura Roberts with Chicago Title of Colorado and Otterbox, we were able to raise $2,200 of which 100% of the proceeds were donated to the Rotary Wildfire Ready Campaign.

Yvette Putt, John Putt, Kailee Harvey, Dave Gorsuch

Kate Higgins, JT Putt, Dave Gorsuch, John Putt, Yvette Putt, Laura Roberts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here to donate to Rotary Wildfire Ready or to learn more about the organization. 

The post Windermere Foundation Evergreen Tailgate Party 2021 appeared first on Windermere Colorado REALTORS.

Double Up

Here’s an interesting stat based on the most recent U.S. Census.

(although you won’t be surprised to hear this)

Since 1990, Colorado’s rate of population growth is double the Nation’s rate of population growth.

Here are the numbers since 1990:

30.3% growth in the U.S.
62.3% growth in Colorado

So, the Nation grows at roughly 1% per year and Colorado grows at roughly 2% per year.

It appears Colorado is twice as popular as compared to the Nation as a whole.

(but you aren’t surprised to hear this)

The post Double Up appeared first on Windermere Colorado REALTORS.

7 Vintage Design Elements That Are Still Popular Today

Adding the right touch of vintage décor to your home is a matter of balance. It brings that decades-old, well-traveled quality that gives the spaces in your home a special character. A common concern with vintage décor is that it will make a home feel outdated. Fortunately, certain design elements and trends have stood the test of time.

We tend to think of vintage décor in terms of well-known objects, like shag carpets and Eames chairs, but it is so much more than that. Some of the most iconic design concepts of eras past continue to influence how we design our homes today. From features to furniture, here are just a few that have maintained their popularity with homeowners and interior designers alike.

 

7 Vintage Design Elements That Are Still Popular Today

1. Built-Ins

The history of built-ins dates back to the Arts & Crafts movement of the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. In contrast to the Victorian period that preceded them, the Arts & Crafts designers looked to simplify home design by working features into the structure of the home itself. The clean aesthetic look of built ins, as well as their functionality and the storage they provide, have kept them relevant for decades.

2. Exposed Brick

Exposed brick has maintained its popularity through the years, sometimes used to compliment certain modern design trends, such as Industrial, a common design choice for open-concept, non-traditional living spaces such as lofts. Whether it’s stripping away a wall to reveal a chimney or using it as a backsplash for open shelving, exposed brick creates a vintage lived-in quality. Its natural pattern and textured surface work well as either a focal point or an accent piece in large and small spaces alike.

3. Crown Molding

With roots dating back to ancient Greece, crown molding is both decorative and functional. It provides a visual transition for the surfaces in a room by embellishing the space between the ceiling and wall. It can also be a decorative piece for architectural elements such as bookshelves, doorways, etc. Although crown molding is a small detail, it plays a significant role in tying a room together.

 

An empty living room with a chandelier, crown molding, and a hardwood floor.

Image Source: Getty Images

 

4. Marble Countertops

From ancient Rome to the European Renaissance, marble has been widely used throughout history in countless homes throughout the world. Heat resistant and easy to clean, marble countertops have become a staple of kitchens and bathrooms. Due to their large surface area and durability, they are often the centerpiece of kitchen renovation projects. Because marble is porous, it’s best to seal them at the time of installation to prevent damage.

5. Wicker Style Furniture

With origins tracing back thousands of years, wicker-woven furniture is still ubiquitous today. Made from the sturdy and flexible material rattan, wicker furniture is lightweight and weather resistant. It makes for the ideal outdoor patio chair or lounge seat, or the perfect rocker by the fireplace in the living room. A combination of functionality and beauty, wicker furniture’s popularity has showed no signs of slowing down.

 

A wicker chair holding a book, a hat, and a blanket.

Image Source: Getty Images

 

6. Checkerboard Tile

Checkerboard tile is a classic element of vintage design, often used on kitchen floors and in bathroom tile work. Designers have always found a way to incorporate this eye-catching black and white pattern into the latest trends. In the home, it can be applied on a large or small scale. If a whole kitchen floor is a bit much for your taste, incorporate it in smaller areas, such as a bathroom backsplash or a backdrop for your shelves.

7. Mid-Century Modern Furniture

The evidence of the Mid-Century Modern (MCM) movement’s relevance is all around us, but in the home, it lives on in its signature furniture pieces. MCM designers took the concepts of modern design—clean lines, minimalism, multi-functionality—and created sleek, interesting furniture pieces that blend into a room and make a statement simultaneously. Common items such as teak desks, Eames chairs, Tulip chairs, credenzas, and raised-legged dressers skyrocketed in popularity during the fifties and sixties. MCM has proven to be timeless, and to this day, its influence can be seen in homes everywhere.

 

A living room decorated with mid-century modern furniture.

Image Source: Getty Images

 

For more information on home design styles, check out our Interior Design page on our website.

The post 7 Vintage Design Elements That Are Still Popular Today appeared first on Windermere Colorado REALTORS.

How to Rent Out Your Vacation Home this Summer

A second home can be more than an escape from daily living, it can be a source of income. For those who own a vacation home, summer is full of opportunities to open your doors to renters while still enjoying the benefits of having your own personal getaway. This approach to home ownership can be a balancing act, but with the right preparation and know-how, you can turn your vacation property into an income-producing investment.

Renting Out Your Vacation Home in Summer

Splitting the use of your vacation home with renters can oftentimes result in quick turnaround times between visits, so it’s important to avoid falling behind on your task list to keep each transition and visit as smooth as possible. To help with this process, consider hiring professional cleaners to ensure the home is presentable, clean, and fresh for each guest’s stay. Listing your property on short-term rental sites like AirBnB and VRBO help increase your property’s visibility and can be a useful tool for managing the rental process, especially if you’re having a difficult time attracting renters.

If you’ll be staying at your vacation home between renters, be sure to schedule those dates ahead of time so you can block them off from visitors. A mix-up in scheduling only creates added stress and will negatively impact your guests’ experience, and potentially the online reviews.

 

Pricing Your Vacation Rental

Get the best return on your investment by offering a competitive rate, including on popular weekends. It’s common for homeowners to increase prices for popular summer dates like the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekend. These are the times when people are flocking to vacation getaways and your prices should reflect the increase in demand. Because competition among renters is high during summer, making your home stand out amongst other properties in your area is a worthy investment. Boosting the curb appeal, replacing appliances, upgrading linens, installing high-speed Wi-Fi, and providing a workspace are all ways you can give your vacation home a competitive advantage.

 

Personalize Your Vacation Rental

As a host, it’s a good idea to add personal touches to improve your guests’ experience and make them feel at home. Add décor and treats tailored to your guests’ stay, especially if they’re celebrating a special occasion or life event. Little details like adding a personalized note, flowers, and treats from local hot spots will help make their experience one they won’t soon forget.

 

A beach house living room with colorful decorations.

Image Source: Getty Images

 

Before Renting Out Your Vacation Home

The regulations of the short-term rental market vary by location. Before you rent out your vacation home this summer, understand the rules in your area. For instance, if you belong to a homeowners association, they may have by-laws in place that restrict your ability to rent your property.

Review your homeowners insurance policy to understand whether you are covered while guests are staying in your home. It is likely that you will need to obtain a landlord insurance policy to cover your property while it’s being rented. While some companies offer it as a rider policy that can be added onto your existing homeowners insurance, obtaining a separate policy may be required for adequate coverage. A typical landlord insurance policy will cover property damage, liability, and rental income loss. When shopping around for landlord insurance, find the policy that best fits the needs of your property.

The post How to Rent Out Your Vacation Home this Summer appeared first on Windermere Colorado REALTORS.

The Impact of Staging Your Home

For more than 20 years, the benefits of staging a home have been well documented. Numerous studies show that staging helps sell a home faster and for a higher price. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 88 percent of home buyers start their search online, forming impressions within three seconds of viewing a listing. When a home is well staged, it photographs well and makes the kind of the first impression that encourages buyers to take the next step.

Studies also indicate that buyers decide if they’re interested within the first 30 seconds of entering a home. Not only does home staging help to remove potential red flags that can turn buyers off, but it also helps them begin to imagine living there. Homes that are professionally staged look more “move-in ready” and that makes them far more appealing to potential buyers.

According to the Village Voice, staged homes sell in one-third less time than non-staged homes. Staged homes can also command higher prices than non-staged homes. Data compiled by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development indicate that staged homes sell for approximately 17 percent more than non-staged homes.

A measurable difference in time and money

In a study conducted by the Real Estate Staging Association in 2007, a group of vacant homes that had remained unsold for an average of 131 days were taken off the market, staged, and relisted. The newly staged properties sold, on average, in just 42 days, – which is approximately 68 percent less time on the market.

The study was repeated in 2011, in a more challenging market, and the numbers were even more dramatic. Vacant homes that were previously on the market for an average of 156 days as unstaged properties, when listed again as staged properties, sold after an average of 42 days—an average of 73 percent less time on the market.

Small investments, big potential returns

Staging is a powerful advantage when selling your home, but that’s not the only reason to do it. Staging uncovers problems that need to be addressed, repairs that need to be made, and upgrades that should be undertaken. For a relatively small investment of time and money, you can reap big returns. Staged properties are more inviting, and that inspires the kind of peace-of-mind that gets buyers to sign on the dotted line. In the age of social media, a well-staged home is a home that stands out, gets shared, and sticks in people’s minds.

What’s more, the investment in staging can bring a higher price. According to the National Association of REALTORS, the average staging investment is between one percent and three percent of the home’s asking price, and typically generates a return of eight to ten percent.

In short, less time on the market and higher selling prices make the small cost of staging your home a wise investment.

Interested in learning more? Contact your real estate agent for information about the value of staging and referrals for professional home stagers.

The post The Impact of Staging Your Home appeared first on Windermere Colorado REALTORS.

Windermere Celebrates 37 Years of Community Service Day

Every year in June, Windermere offices close for business in order to participate in Community Service Day. An annual tradition since 1984, our agents, staff, and franchise owners spend the day volunteering in their communities completing a variety of neighborhood improvement projects. Here are a few highlights from this year’s Community Service Day from around our network.

 

Windermere Rowland Realty – California

The Windermere Pinole and Diablo Realty offices joined together and volunteered for the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Counties, working in their warehouse to bag produce for a food giveaway. After reaching out to their clients and peers, agents were able to gather $2,850 in donations for the food bank, an amount that will allow them to provide 5,700 meals to the local community.

 

A group of people bag produce in a warehouse.

Pictured: Scott Tuffnell, Denise Ramirez, Mike Rowland, Renee Rowland, Diane Cockrell, Mona Logasa, Dave Nardi, Ellen Osmundson, Jim Georgantes, Tina Rowland, Jacob Cardinale, Nicolars Ramirez, Luis Ramirez-Agudelo

 

A group of people hold up a check in a warehouse.

Pictured: Scott Tuffnell, Denise Ramirez, Mike Rowland, Renee Rowland, Diane Cockrell, Mona Logasa, Dave Nardi, Ellen Osmundson, Jim Georgantes, Tina Rowland, Jacob Cardinale, Nicolars Ramirez, Luis Ramirez-Agudelo

 

Windermere Fort Collins & Windsor – Colorado 

For CSD 2021, Windermere Fort Collins partnered with ChildSafe Colorado, an organization that provides therapy for victims of childhood abuse and seeks to “break the cycle and heal the trauma resulting from childhood abuse and neglect with specialized treatment, education, and community outreach.”

Windermere agents and staff completed a variety of indoor and outdoor projects including painting, planting flowers, landscaping, as well as supply collection and organization. In addition to their hands-on work, Fort Collins also set up an online portal for clients, friends, family, and community members to support their work through online donations to ChildSafe.

 

Two women and a boy work in the garden.

Pictured: Heather Patel, her son, and Jill Pino

 

The Windermere office in Windsor, Colorado partnered with the Weld RE-4 School District to host a school supply drive to provide supplies for children in low-income households for the 2021–2022 school year. In addition to the in-person event, they also had over fifteen local businesses volunteer by hosting a drop box in the weeks leading up to the event. Twenty-five boxes were donated by a local moving company, Johnson Moving & Storage. On the day of the supply drive, the boxes were filled with donations.

 

A group of women handle drop box donations.

Pictured: Suzanne Ekeler, Tammy Fisher, Angie Hoskins, Kelsey Vandemark, Angie Clauser, Karla Laferriere, and Anali Roath

 

Windermere Sandy Real Estate – Oregon

The Windermere Sandy Real Estate office organizes blood drives every year, so when it came time for this year’s Community Service Day, they knew exactly where to turn: The American Red Cross. With the help of Windermere agents, Red Cross volunteers set up in Windermere Sandy’s conference room, getting folks registered for the drive and handing out t-shirts. The Windermere Sandy staff greeted donors on the way in and during the afternoon, reception was handled by Windermere owners Alan and Therese Fleischman.

 

A white American Red Cross truck parked in a parking lot.

A white American Red Cross truck parked in a parking lot.

 

Windermere Real Estate Utah 

In communities throughout the state of Utah, Windermere agents were out in force for Community Service Day. The office in Layton, UT weeded and maintained playground areas and outdoor spaces at the Safe Harbor Crisis Center. Agents joined together to lay bark and install solar lights along the walkways on the property. The organization was also presented with a $5,000 check from the office’s Windermere Foundation funds.

Agents from the Park City office worked with local organization EATS Park City to package seeds and provide interview clips of stories relating to food and local culinary traditions. EATS Park City is dedicated to empowering and growing healthy communities with fun, food, and nutrition advocacy. Windermere Utah also made a $5,000 donation to the organization.

 

Windermere Real Estate Ellensburg – Washington

The agents and staff at Windermere Real Estate Ellensburg held a canned food drive, collecting donations at their office and dropping off grocery bags at three-hundred homes in the area for people to add non-perishable food items. They made the round on the final day of the drive, collecting 1,387 pounds of food for the Fish Community Food Bank. After they dropped off the donations, the Ellensburg team went to two different gardens owned by the food bank and spent the day weeding, cleaning up, and planting new foods.

 

A group of people posing for a photo in a garden.

Pictured: Caitlin Wable, Sally Vietzke, Danielle LaHaie, Erich Cross, Jennifer Savage, John Gardner, Cara Marrs, Genevieve Gillman, Casey Mills, Taylor Hull, Misti Sandnes

The post Windermere Celebrates 37 Years of Community Service Day appeared first on Windermere Colorado REALTORS.

Fourth of July in Northern Colorado

Fourth of July weekend is here are we can’t wait for the festivities to begin! If you’re working on finalizing your plans for the weekend, take a look at a few of the events that are taking place in our own backyard. Whether you spend your time out and about or relaxing at home, we wish you a Happy Independence Day!

Greeley Stampede

The 99th annual Greeley Stampede will be running through this holiday weekend! This non-profit hosts multiple events including a PRCA rodeo series, American bull fighting, demolition derby, concerts, art galleries, and more! Located at Island Grove Regional Park, this event includes carnival activities, food vendors, small businesses and activities for the kids!

 

Hot Air Balloon Release

Early birds, this one is for you! Fort Collins will be hosting a hot air balloon release at Twin Silo, Soft Gold and Edora Parks (weather permitting). Launch will begin at 6:00am and the balloons will remain afloat for several hours.

 

Fourth of July 5K

Calling all runners! Both Fort Collins and Loveland have organized 5K races to help us celebrate this Fourth of July. Fort Collins is hosting it’s 22nd annual “FireKracker 5K” at Sheldon Lake in City Park, scheduled to begin at 7:25a. Loveland’s 5K will take place at Loveland Fairgrounds Park. Happy racing!

 

Old-Fashioned Fourth of July

Music, fun, and games, OH MY! This year, in lieu of a parade, the City of Fort Collins is teaming up with the Avery House to host an “Old-Fashioned Fourth of July” party from 10:00a to 2:00p on July 4th. Don your red, white and blue and head downtown to kick off your holiday weekend! Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

 

Wellington Parade and Festival

Photo by Brian Graves

Wellington has organized a full day of holiday events to celebrate Independence Day! Join in the fun from 10:00a to 11:00a for a parade which will begin on Cleveland Avenue (between 1st Street and 5th Street). Can’t make it out? No worries! A festival from 11:00a-6:00p will be hosted at Wellington Community Park leading up to fireworks scheduled to begin at 9:40p.

 

Fireworks

Photo by Kimmie Randall

Larimer County and the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland are teaming up to put on our annual fireworks show this year. Plus, information on festivities in Windsor, Timnath, and Wellington are included. Click here to check out what time fireworks will kick off as well as the activities offered at each location!

The post Fourth of July in Northern Colorado appeared first on Windermere Colorado REALTORS.

Inventory Uptick

We are noticing a trend that is very good news for buyers.

Inventory has been increasing over the last month which means that buyers now have more properties to consider.

Just in the last week, the number of homes for sale has increased:

13% in Larimer County

12% in Weld County

11% in Metro Denver

If you are a buyer who has been waiting for home properties to look at, now is the time!

The post Inventory Uptick appeared first on Windermere Colorado REALTORS.