A very

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

from my home

to yours!

Thankful for Our Veterans

As we have exercised our freedom to vote this week, we honor those who sacrificed to protect that freedom.  As always, the City of Loveland will have a series of events on Sunday, November 11, to show our appreciation for our military.:

• Bell Ringing - 4 a.m. throughout Loveland
• Breakfast - 6-9 a.m. at the Associated Veterans of Loveland, 305 N. Cleveland Ave.
• Veterans Day Parade - 11:11 a.m., starts at 4th St and Railroad Ave, heads west of 4th to Garfield, up Garfield, then west on 12th to the Dwayne Webster Veterans Park.
• Dwayne Webster Park Program - will follow the parade with the posting of the colors by Loveland JROTC, national anthem by Mountain View High School Band, guest speaker Master Sergeant Brian Ivers with the Marine Corps Reserves, reading of deceased names and rifle salute.
• Lunch at the Associated Veterans Office - 1 p.m. or shortly after.

To all of our veterans, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks!

Whether you're buying, selling or just considering your options,

Let's Talk

970-215-1776

Storage Space

Does anyone have enough storage?  Prospective homebuyers want to make sure they gain storage with the purchase of their new home, and are very suspicious of cramped or cluttered closets.

Hint:  If you’re planning to sell your home, downsize your clutter and organize your treasures. Give-away, throw-away and put-away everything you can. Your home will show beautifully and you will feel—much better!  And when moving day comes, your work’s half done.

Whether you're buying, selling, or just considering your options,

Let's Talk

970.215.1776

Words that Sell

For many years, I've been expressing these ideas when I write "remarks" for my new listings.  What fun to have a professional agree with me!  Click and read ...

WSJ Article: "A Motivated Seller by Any Other Name ..."

Whether you're buying, selling, or just considering your options,

Let's Talk

970.215.1776

Fixing Up to Sell

Before the sign goes up and your home hits the internet, get out your paintbrush and cleaning supplies! A clean home—in good repair—has a great chance of bringing you the price you want. As an experienced realtor, I’ve noticed that:

• Fresh paint in neutral colors adds appeal.
• Bold or dated wallpaper and décor may turn away a prospect.
• Needed repairs are worth the effort!
• Sparkling windows, kitchens and bathrooms invite good offers.
• Pet hair and odors will send ‘em running.

If I list your home, we’ll talk through some simple changes that should help your home sell quickly—at the price we’ve chosen. 

Whether you're buying, selling or just considering your options,

Let's Talk

970.215.1776

Duck Race 2012

Last weekend’s Rotary Duck Race was a huge success!  With right at 7,000 ducks sold, the entire community got involved in promoting literacy in our schools.  Last year’s race brought in $30,000, and it looks like this year’s will be slightly more than that, after all the bills are paid.

I’ve been a member of Rotary for a long time and always find it a thrill to be involved in the Duck Race/Literacy project.  By the end of November, every 3^rd grader in Loveland will have a student dictionary placed in their hands.  These are given to EVERY 3^rd grader … whether in public, private, charter or home schools.  As a Rotarian, it is a highlight of my year to hand out the dictionaries and see the look of appreciation in the eyes of those young kids.

Thanks to all who made this year’s Duck Race a success!  It is truly a gift that keeps on giving.

Attention Seniors

The other day I was visiting with some co-workers and someone commented on the fact that I have a lot of closings with folks in their “golden” years.  As I thought about it, I realized that was very true.  One of the reasons for handling a large number of “senior” transactions is my own age and my longevity in Loveland real estate.

Some clients at these closings were moving from single family homes with yard work and maintenance to condos with no maintenance – some moved to Good Samaritan patio homes and some felt they should choose assisted living.  These moves had sad moments, but, for the most part, the process was very pleasant and moved smoothly.  For me much of the pleasure came from getting to know these past clients/friends at another level.  I am very proud of how well it all went and also impressed by the caliber of people in this age group: Their word is their bond.  They follow through.  They are realists with a good sense of humor.

If you or a family member or friend is nearing this decision, I encourage you to call me.  Many times the process has starts and stops along the way.  There are many details to consider – so many angles.  Having been intimately involved with my own Mother making these decisions, I know it is not easy but must be done. 

I am eager to work with and help others nearing this decision.

Let’s Talk

970.215.1776

Rubber Bands

I like rubber bands.  I use them in many different ways -- some conventional, some not.

Here at Coldwell Banker, my broker friends take turns asking for serious real estate advice for their transactions and teasing me about the old-fashioned "tools" I use.  This item from yesterday's Wall Street Journal (7-26-2012) was just too good to keep to myself.  Believe me, they each have a copy.

The paint can trick was new to me!

I give full credit to the WSJ and hope I don't go to jail for passing it on ...

Enjoy.

Wild Fires

A few weeks ago, it seemed that all of Colorado was on fire.  Many, many homes were destroyed.  The people of Colorado have rallied to support and encourage those who lost everything.  It is a wonderful thing to be part of such a caring community!

Several people have asked me how the fires will affect real estate.  The answer is, it’s too soon to know.  Displaced families will be making tough decisions on rebuilding, buying or renting.  Those whose homes were damaged but not destroyed will also be considering their options.  The recovery effort will continue for a long time, but real estate may or may not see any big changes.

Our thoughts are with those who have been directly affected by the fire.  Their journey on the road to recovery has only just begun.