Kendra Adams's Blog

Insurance and the Tornado, Windsor, Colorado

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:44:40 -0700

This weekend I was able to visit with several of my homeowners that lost their homes in the tornado and how things were going for them. Now keep in mind these people lost about everything and my guess is that they are still in some shock. However the news is uplifting. They are all pleased with the way they are being serviced by their insurance. They have all been relocated or at least have found a place. They have money in their pockets and new beds, bedding, some clothing and food. They are putting things together piece by piece.

One young lady told me she had to get rid of all her children's toys. The insurance said that the amount of debris and flying insulations, asbestos and etc made the items unsafe. The same was true for her towels, clothing, furniture and anything that was left open. Since in her case they lost a complete story to their home that was virtually everything. For now they are borrowing some furniture and are making due. They will continue to get replacement money as they go through the process. I did ask about a time frame and she told me for now there was none. They plan on buying furniture once their home is repaired.

Another couple shared that they have to do very little. The insurance company is going through their items for them. Letting them know what is salvageable and what is not. They are packing up what they can keep and delivering it to them. He and his wife both had very specific book collections which were both lost and are irreplaceable however, the family china hutch can be repaired. Again, they have what they need and are doing well. They will take up their hobby of collecting books again and start a new adventure. Isn't human spirit great!

Homes Clean Up After Windsor Colorado Tornado

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:40:42 -0700

The clean up here has been inspiring and amazing. What a place to call home! My daughter Hannah and I went out the other day and just started to clean where needed, the next thing we knew we were joined by other volunteers. It was an amazing experience. We over filled a 20 yard dumpster in 30 minutes! A great experience. Once it was full we all walked to another area and started again.

As to the lives of the victims is still stressful. There is need for men's and children clothing (Women always seem to have clothing to share). Diapers, formula, toys and the like are still needed as well. The biggest task in this area is getting the farmers back in the fields. Before this can happen the fields need to be walked shoulder to shoulder and the debris picked up. Many groups are going out daily to get this done.

Insurance and FEMA papers are in the works as well. So far those affected seem to be happy with the process. They are securing rentals (now in shortage) and gathering the pieces together. Many have to wait to see what kind of damage was done to the frame of the home. From what I am understanding many homes will be taken to 2 X 4 stage and evaluated by a structural engineer. Once that report is received they will determine the next step.

Pictures:

Clean Up Continues for Windsor Colorado Home Owners

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Sun, 25 May 2008 22:46:09 -0700

Day by day, hour by hour we take great leaps towards getting our community back. Again today those affected by the devastation of the tornado in Windsor Colorado and those who are wanting to help meet and clean. The streets are passable and the debris is leaving the yards. Roofs are covered, windows are boarded up and electricity is coming back. The best news I can share it that spirits are still high and all sharing the same goal.

Look for pictures in the future days.

Windsor Colorado Housing Clean up

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Sun, 25 May 2008 08:52:06 -0700

Wow, what an amazing day. Yesterday was the first day homeowners that were hit hard by the tornado in Windsor, Colorado were able to get to their homes and assess the damage. Once they had time to see what their home was like it was time to call in the community to help; and help Windsor did! From noon until 6:00 at night (curfew still in place) we worked. We cleaned yards, found boxes, loaded boxes, covered what we could, secured homes and moved people. You see the pictures on television but they are just that, it isn't until you are there with the debris, your friends and family that you understand the magnitude. It will be months and possibly years before our community is whole again. As Windsor recovers I will share the path so maybe if this happens in your town or city you will be better prepared.

Looking for answers about what follows a natural disaster! Help Please

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Sun, 25 May 2008 08:41:47 -0700

Yesterday my family and I spent the day helping families who have been displaced by the tornado in Windsor Colorado. Now I am looking to my professional network to help answer many questions. If you can help I would love to hear from you.

Are the homes that are fixed and not condemned hurt at resale?
What if you disagree with the assessment of your home. Can a homeowner bring in an engineer and dispute the insurance adjusters opinion?
Any idea on time frame for repairs? 102 homes are destroyed and the remainder are to be repaired?
How does the disaster affect the market place for those homes already listed?
How much say does a homeowner have on choosing the contractor?
Does anyone know the standard proceedure for working with the insurance company?

I know this just the beginning of questions but these are the basic ones I was hit with yesterday as I cleaned up the area. Please feel free to share as much as you know. This is all new ground for us here in Windsor.

Keep us in your thought and prayers. Today is day four of the recovery!

A Tornado Went Through My Hometown!

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:54:07 -0700

Yesterday was a bitter day. I received a call from my 20 year old son (Ryan) that a tornado had just ripped through the lumber yard where he working this summer and most of the north east corner of town was destroyed. Of course I am at work at RE/MAX Alliance in Loaveland only 20 miles away but way too far when you have another child home alone. I was on one off ramp for over 20 minutes alone. During this time there is no cell service available. Fortunately for my family is all together and fine however our community did not fare as well.

My hometown is Windsor, Colorado. All three of my children have graduated from Windsor High School (the last one just a week ago). We have lost much. We are a small community of approximately 16,500. We have lost over 100 homes but our spirit is high. To the best of my knowledge right now four of my customers are now homeless. You see these events on television but you never really get it until it is your community. There will be a lot of work and clean up but we will be there for our neighbors.

We are fortunate to have had only one fatality, there were many injuries though. My son Ryan was one of the fortunate ones. He was loading a train car with lumber when the storm started. His crew took shelter under an over hang then saw debris in the air. All he remembers is hearing TORNADO and running for one of the buildings in the yard. He was the last one in the building before glass started flying. They all ran to the basement. The building was at least 50% destroyed and the building next door calasped. Once he recovered he said "it really does sound like a frieght train."

It is always amazing the wonderful things that do happen when disaster happens. I was amazed when the high school students sent text messages to each other with a meeting point to gather for a clean up crew. They all showed up with gloves, shovels, hammers etc... and ready to work. When we went to the towns recreation center many others were there with the same plan. Unfortunately it is not yet safe to go into the areas as there are still natural gas leaks and more severe weather due this evening. We are not giving up we will be back in the morning.

Keep Windsor Colorado and all the displaced homeowners in your prayers.

Why not provide feedback?

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:30:14 -0700

After showing properties I make it a priority to get my feedback to the listing Realtor. Now I will be honest, upon returning to my office I will first take care of my buyers and sellers. Once that is accomplished and all urgent items are addressed I find time to let other agents know how the showings went with my buyer. Sometimes it is just as simple as filling out the survey sheet through email. Sometimes it requires a personal email and others need a telephone call. When my feedback is not wonderful I try to call the listing agent and discuss my findings and suggestions. Many times I know they have already addressed the "white elephant and/or 600 pound gorilla" but we all have different experiences and maybe we each can learn something. Now am I being unrealistic in wanting showing feedback for my listings as well? Do you give feedback on a regular basis?

Net Sheets

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Wed, 14 May 2008 22:56:12 -0700

As a standard practice I take a net sheet with me when presenting offers. Since I also do a net sheet at the time I take the listing we already have a pretty good idea where the loans are and the financial goals of the seller. The major changes are usually closing costs or points the buyer is asking for, home warranty or other considerations. Having previously seen the net sheet sellers are ready for the discussion.

Style of Homes that Sold in Windsor Colorado

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 22:42:27 -0700

I was curious about what style of homes are selling in comparison to others last year. So I decided to run the numbers. I only ran homes that sold last year in Windsor in Weld County. What I found is this: 54% of the homes that sold were Ranch style, 4% were Bi-Levels, 6% Multi Level and 36% were 2 Story homes.

We already know that Ranch homes are more expensive do to the building costs. We also know that anyone can buy a ranch home, due to the lack of stairs and accessibility. Multi level homes and 2 stories still appeal to many people, if we were to add them as one group they would make up 42% to the total market. Bi-levels unfortunately come in as the least desireable, due impart by the amount of bi-levels available. Bi-levels do have a part in the market place due to the cost affective way they are built, home buyers can get a lot of finished square footage for the dollar.

So what does this information mean to the consumer? When purchasing a home keep in mind the amount of time you plan on staying in the home. If you plan on selling the home in a few years you may want to pick a floor plan that sales easily. The more you customize a home the harder it may be to sell.

Absorption Rate for Windsor Homes Priced Between $100,000 and $150,000

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 22:21:12 -0700

The absorption rates vary per price point. When considering putting your home on the market it is one tool that is used in determining price. Price points that have an absorption rate of longer than 5 to 6 months is considered a buyers market. Does this mean that there is a lot of negotiating for homes priced in those having a longer absorption rate? No, not really. As mentioned earlier it is a tool to use when pricing a home. It is also important to know the competition! As said an absorption rate is just one tool. With that being said, the current absorption rate in Windsor Colorado for homes priced between $100,00 and $150,000 is currently 8.9 months.

Small Acerage in Eaton, Just 15 minutes from Fort Collins or Greeley

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:08:16 -0700

That's right this little farm is conveniently located to Fort Collins and Greeley! This unique property is zoned AG and allows large animals. Set and ready to go you get 2200 sq. ft. of finished home, newly landscaped backyard, a tack room or office (with own heating unit) 2 lean-to's (one new) and so much more. Take a virtual tour: http://www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=1247821&prt=10003

Hosting RE/MAX World Long Drive Regional Event

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:07:35 -0700

I am considering jumping on board and trying to host a Long Drive Event. I would like to hear from anyone who has done this and what there take on the event is and whether they thought is was worth while. I love events like this but I am not sure how timely this is and whether it could be more than I have available. If you or someone you know has participated I would love to hear from them. It looks awesome, maybe too good to be true.

Thanks in advance for your information.

Kendra

Pelican Fest Memorial Day Weekend

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:53:46 -0700

More fun than usual in Water Valley. Pelican Fest features:

2 Peson Scramble Golf Tournament
Live Music
Hot Air Balloonist
5K Race
Family Fun 1 Mile Run
Inflatable Playground for Kids
Petting Zoo
Riverboat Rides
Water Ski and Wake Board Competitions

Mark Memorial Day weekend to attend the PelicanFest, locdated on the eas side of Lake Water Valleiy in Water Valley South.

Not Familiar with Water Valley, take a look at the attached Slide Show.

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:38:02 -0700

Water Valley is a unique subdivision centrally located between Fort Collins, Loveland and Greeley, Colorado. Many in the community split commutes by living in Windsor, Water Valley is resort stlye living out your doors you will find walking/biking paths, five lakes for no-wake boating, fishing, swimming and lounging on the sandy beaches.

Home of Pelican Lakes Golf and Country Club which features a 27 whole golf course, private swimming pool, health club, banquet facility and so much more. Take the time to view the attached slide show. Enjoy.

http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/23771/548270/548270.swf

Have you heard about the new FHA limits in Weld County?

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 23:04:45 -0700

Listen up! FHA recently released the new purchase limit for Weld County. I was shocked! Get this the new purchase limit is...$417,000. That right you can qualify for an FHA loan for a home upto $417,000. That is no jumbo loan!

Don't forget that FHA offers many opportunities and can be a great place to start when looking of financing to purchase a home. It is also recommended that you get more than one opinion on loan programs and make sure you compare good faith estimates.

Great 4 bedroom home, Wonderful open lot, Colorado Living at it's Best

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 22:15:25 -0700

Take Take time to visit this wonderful home in Water Valley. Perfectly maintained, pride in ownership shows. Want a preview?

Windsor is centrally located to Fort Collins, Loveland and Greeley. Currently a town of approximately 17,000 and growing. The amazing part of this community is all the amemities that are available. Just minutes from The Ranch & the Budwieser Event Center, Promonade Shops at Centerra featuring many name brand stores, outlet shops and plenty of dining choices. Love the mountains? Windsor is just minutes of off Hwy 34 which leads directly to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Awesome Water Valley Patio Home, 2 bedrooom. 2 bathrooms, great location.

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 22:06:38 -0700

Water Valley Paito Home located on Beacon Way. Perfectly located across from walking trail. You will love all of the amenities Water Valley has to offer. Virtual Tour: http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?u=109709 Looking for a neighborhood with a lot to offer? Consider Water Valley: walking/biking trails, 5 lakes featuring sandy beaches, no-wake boating, fun in the sun and swimming too.

Looking for golf? Located in a golf course community you may want to become a member of Pelican Lakes Golf and Country Club. Featuring 27 holes of challenging golf, swimming pool, dining, health club to name a few of the options. Great home, ideal location.

Windsor Colorado Homes $275,000 to $330,000

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 21:49:27 -0700

I recently ran numbers for homes priced between $275,000 and $330,000 in Windsor. The current absorption rate in this price point is 18 months; this is considered a Buyers Market.

What that means to Sellers is to be prepared to price your home appropriate and make sure you know the competition. It also means you need to stage your home. Be prepared to pack up, minimalize and show off your home not your family or tastes.

RE/MAX Convention?

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:02:04 -0800

This will be my first visit to convention. Any suggestions, what should I not miss? I am looking to make this as positive an experience as possible. Suggestions welcome.

Subdivisions In Distress and Vandalized any Suggestions?

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:43:59 -0800

I was showing property for the last couple of days and at one point the buyers had the search narrowed to one subdivision that they loved. We viewed all the homes in the subdivision that met their needs and found that two had either been vandalized or someone had tried to break in. Now my buyers are scratching that subdivision and moving on.

When giving feedback to other agents I suggested that the HOA hire security to watch the subdivision. If all the homeowners took a small assessment it would cut down on the cost. This particular subdivision has many empty homes, both private owners and bank owned.

I would be interested in hearing other ideas.

Coffee Shop REALTOR

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 15:58:21 -0800

I was revisiting my contacts list and tracking my most recent entries and guess what, many came from the coffee shop. My home town is a "bedroom community" and many of us work throughout the region. I have made it part of my weekly habit to visit three different coffee shops. A lot of the time I will be setting showing appointments, answering email and even making contact calls while I am there. I am a Realtor at work. I am always delighted when a patron stops and asks my opinion of the local market or has a real estate related question.

Last week two gentlemen stopped me, we talked about the market and discussed one of their real estate dreams for the future. When I was ready to leave one gentleman stopped me again and said "You seem pretty smart and you know the market, may I have your card?" Of course I gave him my card, actually we traded cards! Yep another new contact.

Last year I picked up several listings and buyers this way and love it!

It works for me, you may want to give it try as well.

What is an absorption rate and what does it mean when listing my home?

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:05:57 -0800

Absorption Rate

The absorption rate calculation is based upon houses matching the followin criteria:

Area/Neighborhood______________________

Style of House _________________________

Age of House __________________________

Size of House __________________________

Price Range ____________________________

Other__________________________________

Using the above information, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) reports that there were ____________ houses sold in the last ___________months. Dividing the number of sales by the number of months, tells us how many homes (meeting the above criteria) the market is absorbing each month, ie, the monthly absorption rate.

_______________________ / ____________________ = _____________________

Number of Sales Number of months Sales per month

Months of Inventory

Using the above information (absorption rate), we can now determine the months of inventory there is on the market for those houses.

The MLS reports that there are __________houses currently for sale that meet the criteria. Dividing the number of active listings by the number of sales per month tells us how many months it will take to sell the current inventory.

______________________ / _________________________ = _______________________

# of Listings # of Sales per Month Number of Months Needed to Deplete Inventory

The absorption rate along with the average days on the market helps us determine how to price a home. Seller's will want to resist the urge to price their home at the top of the market. Pricing a home too high can cost a seller a lot more in the long run. Don't forget the seller is typically paying interest during the listing period, the exception are those who own the home outright. If a seller pays interest for an additional 3 months plus takes a price decrease in the listing period they are losing money at a rapid pace. Used correctly the absorption rate can also help Seller's understand that adding the "negotiating buffer" can also be costly. Pricing the home right is the most important job of listing a home.

Little Country Farm in Eaton, Just Minutes from FTC, Greeley & Windsor

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:57:24 -0800

2.2 Acres zoned AG, allows for large animals! Perfectly set up to house multiple animals with corral, panels for seperation, tack room or office, 2 loafing sheds, plus a great home. This 3 bedroom home offers ample stoarage with large closets in each room. There is an additional great room as you come in off the garage too. All of the appliances stay which include: Range/oven, dishwasher, Refrigerator, Clothes Washer and Clothes Dryer.

Take a tour https://www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T960240

Water Valley Home 4 Bedrooms and 3 Baths

Kendra Adams (RE/MAX Alliance) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:48:46 -0800

125 Rock Bridge Ct., Windsor Co $320,000.00

This is a great home located in wonderful Water Valley. The home sits towards the end of the cul-de-sac and has been well maintained. As you enter the home you walk into the open Livingroom and Dining room. From there you see the bright family room and open kitchen. There is also a main floor study, half bathroom and utility room. Walk into the kitchen and you will get a peep of the fabulous backyard. The yard is fenced with vinyl split rail, lovely mature landscaping and a fantastic deck for social gatherings. Upstairs the master bedroom offers magnificent mountain views, a 5 piece bathroom and walk-in closet. There are also 3 large additional bedrooms, a loft and a shared bathroom.