These five words RULE! These five things are most important to the majority of home buyers. If your home is lacking in any of these, decrease your price because your home will not sell quickly if you don't.
In this article I will list these five parts of your home and tell you the most important things most buyers are looking for in these areas. My aim is to help you know what you can do to your home to make it more desirable. Tomorrow I will list some additional things that most buyers of higher priced homes are looking for in these areas. In the Denver area, this would apply to homes over $400,000.
The Five Words in order of importance: Kitchen, Bathrooms, Hardwoods, Wired and Outside.
Kitchen
Since this is the most important room in the house, consider as many of these as is possible.
Islands are big! Buyers like the extra storage, additional counter space and seating area. With the kitchen becoming more of an entertaining or gathering area, islands create a perfect place for cooking while interacting with family or friends.
Stainless Steel appliances are very popular
Cheerful, not boring. Whites are popular for cabinets. Colored walls in yellows, golds, oranges and reds are the most popular although keeping the boldness down with a pale gold or yellow are more likely to please the most people.
Rustic woods, shaker styles, and cherry woods are all well received.
Metallics are gaining popularity for backsplashes and other accents.
Lighting is huge! Overhead, under cabinet, in cabinet, pendant and natural lighting. More is better. Light up your kitchen!
People love big pantries. If you don't have one and can find a way to create one without making your kitchen smaller, do it! Knocking out a wall to a laundry, closet or other room might be a way to create space for a pantry. If that cannot be done, a cabinetry type pantry is a good second choice, but make sure it matches other cabinets.
If you are going to be changing out your cabinets for new ones, keep in mind these popular cabinet features; moulding at the top, roll-out shelves, lazy susans, end panels, 42" heights on upper cabinets and staggered heights.
Hardwood is becoming more and more popular for kitchen flooring.
Upgrade that faucet with a newer design and one with pull-out sprayer.
Stainless Steel and composite granite sinks are the most popular.
Bathrooms
Lighting again is huge! Above and to the side is the best for vanity areas. Lighting over the tub is the most left out, but desirable. Use separate switches for different lighting fixtures so all lights do not need to be on each time one enters the bath.
Tile is a must, no linoleum. You can spruce up on tile by either bringing in a grout cleaning service or replacing the grout. If you will be putting in new tile, there are so many beautiful choices now. The look of stone is extremely popular. Plain white or off-white ceramic tile is not desirable.
Mildewed or dirty grout around the tile in the tub area is one of the surest ways to keep your house from selling. Once again, hire a grout cleaning service, re-grout, or replace grout and tile.
Bathroom cabinets take a beating. Replacing those worn-out ones with a popular new style or wood will help your bathroom values incredibly.
Likewise with faucets, shower heads and sinks.
Here are some bathroom additions that will add sale-ability to your home; tile additions on walls and backsplash, additional shower heads, stand alone shower, second vanity in master bath, additional lighting, additional storage-as in a linen closet or more cabinets.
Hardwoods
Hardwood throughout many areas of the home is a very strong trend Oak is okay, but something different is better. Hickory is one of the hardest and has lots of variations is color making it very interesting. Other woods gaining in popularity are walnut, distressed pine, Brazillian cherry, bamboo and eucalyptus. Walnut is a little softer than oak. Distressed pine is beautiful if you like that rustic look, but not everyone does and it is not a great floor when you have toddlers. Brazillian cherry, unlike regular American cherry, is the hardest of woods. Any cherry, including Brazillian, will turn darker from the exposure to sun. This creates lighter areas where furniture or rugs are located so that these items cannot be moved with refinishing the floor. Many people like the idea of using woods that replace themselves faster like bamboo and eucalyptus.
Most popular areas for hardwood; entry, hallway, breakfast area and kitchen.
However, more and more hardwoods throughout the living areas of kitchen, dining, family and living rooms is what my buyers are seeking.
Wired
Wired with Cat 5
Wired for cable
Wired for surround sound
Wired for outside speakers
Wired for multiple phone lines
Outside
All buyers want either a deck or patio, decks being most popular. Decks need to be in good shape. Trex decking or similar is most desirable. The larger the deck or patio, the better.
Most buyers with families want a large yard with quite a bit of grass. However, if you don't have a large one, don't fret. You may still be able to sell. Empty nesters often want a smaller yard with less grass.
Mainly make sure your yard is picture perfect which includes being well manicured and maintained. Some blooming flowers in the spring, summer and early fall will draw buyers even if they are only in pots.
Remember, the first impression you make on your potential buyer is when they pull up to the curb. The front of your home and yard should be very appealing. Money spent to fix-up the front of the house and the front yard is well spent. Ask your friends for suggestions or better yet, ask a stranger.
The condition of your front door tells buyers a lot about the condition of your home. It is another very important "first impression." Clean it, paint it and change the door knob if worn.
Sure turn-offs; trash of any kind, toys and sports equipment left in driveway or front yard, trash cans left out, untrimmed trees and bushes, weeds, half dead trees, grass or bushes, no bushes, trees or grass, front porches or patios used for storage, old worn-out lawn furniture, peeling paint, broken down cars, too many cars parked in front of house, oil on driveway, severely cracked or broken concrete on drive way or sidewalks.
During the month of June in Denver the housing market saw increases in both the average price and in the number of sold homes for the 5th month straight while "days on market" decreased. These are all good signs.
The average price has increase steadily from $213,330 in January to $258,434 in June. That is a 21% increase and indicates a reviving market.
The number of sold homes in January stood at 2469. That number has increased every month since to a current high in June of 4186. That is a 41% increase! Quite a bounce!
Other good signs are the under contract numbers which have also increased steadily since January when the number was 3831 to June which had 5664. Average "days on market" has decrease to 100 from a high of 107 in February.
More houses are selling, at higher prices and in less days. That is music to sellers ears.
Another bit of good news, the percentage of selling prices to original prices is up to 92%, a 2 point increase since January.
As we predicted the housing market is improving. The improvement is steady and some of it is just normal for this time of year. We are not out of the woods, yet. The job market being down is probably a damper on the housing market. However, the $8000 buyer tax credit is helping. Since we will have the tax credit around until November, that factor will continue to help home sales. How the job market improves or gets worse will also have an effect on them.
From 1937 to 1976 the land on which Highlands Ranch now sits was a large ranch owned by Lawrence Phipps, Jr. In 1979 it was purchased by Mission Viejo Company. Mission Viejo filed a plan with Douglas County call the Highlands Ranch Development Plan. It called for a broad range of housing types and sizes. The plan called for 61% of the land to be devoted to non-urban uses like open space and recreation, 31% for residential and 8% to business.
The first homes were built in 1981 and in September 1981 the first residents moved in. In 1997, J. F. Shea Co., parent company of Shea Homes, purchased Highlands Ranch. Since those first homes were built in 1981, Highlands Ranch, CO grew to approximately 93,352 residents in February of 2008. There are 28,997 homes and 3,289 apartments. Once the community is fully developed in 2020, there are expected to be 100,000 residents in approximately 36,700 homes.
Highlands Ranch is not an incorporated city and is under the jurisdiction of Douglas County. Due to the large planned population, the Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District was formed to provide services usually provided by city governments such as water, sewage, parks and trails, landscaping and maintenance. The board of HRMD is made up of seven directors who are elected by the residents. HRMD has established a partnership with the City of Littleton for fire protection and two fire stations are located in Highlands Ranch. The community has an enhanced 911 emergency phone system. Douglas County Sheriff's Department provides law enforcement in Highlands Ranch.
Also established was the Highlands Ranch Community Association which has a five member governing board and a community manager. They are charged with operating and maintaining the community four recreation centers, a portion of the Back Country Wilderness Area and provide architectural control, covenant enforcement, community events and recreation programs. Every homeowner in Highlands Ranch is a member and pays dues to the HRCA.
Highlands Ranch is a very unique community that is well run, beautiful, has lots of exciting things to do and has been the model for other similar communities around the country.
Interested in knowing more about Highlands Ranch or in possibly relocated here? I will be glad to help you. Just call 720-884-6040 or email barbara@kennarealestate.com.
Recently we Highlands Ranch and DouglasCounty received our Spring/Summer issue of “Access, The Magazine for Douglas County Libraries.”While browsing its contents I found these pieces of information about our wonderful Douglas County Libraries.
In 2008:
178,867 people attended library programs and events.
7,126,027 items were checked out.
There were 1,868,010 visits to Douglas County Libraries.
Highlands Ranch will soon be home to a new historic park, Fly’n B Park.This park will encompass 37 acres that were once part of the 140 acre cattle ranch of Johnny Bowen which he called “the best little cattle ranch in Colorado.”
The area which is in the northeastern corner of Highlands Ranch off Plaza Dr., is currently being transformed.The park will have a theme of water, its history, imprortance and benefit.HighlineCanal, dating back to the 19th century, travels through what will be the park and there are numerous ponds in the area.
The first phase of the park is underway.It includes the renovation of the Plews House, built in 1906.This historic home will be the center of activities and a focal point for the park.Other parts of this first phase include parking facilities, trails, a bridge over HighlineCanal, play features and a park shelter with a pier at one of the ponds.
I am excited about this new historical park.It sounds like it will be a great spot for relaxation.You can learn more by visiting www.highlandsranch.org and clicking on the Parks link where you will find a project file.
Large 4 bedroom home on a corner lot in Firelight. Close by to Southridge Rec. Center.
Many Great Features: 4 beds / 3 baths (all 4 bedrooms upstairs) Den/office in main floor with french doors Balcony off master bedroom Large tiered deck in the back with views of greenbelt Approx. 2965 finished square feet Open full basement 3 car-garage (see picture) Built in 2003 Hardwoods Upgraded cabinets Formal Living and Dining Rooms Great Entrance with curved staircase Warm colors Vaulted ceiling Sprinkler Refrigerator Stainless appliances Breakfast area Deck AC Fireplace
Douglas County School District One of the best elementary schools in Highlands Ranch, Heritage! Mountain Ridge Middle School and Mountain Vista High School
I have written before about the abundance of wildlife in this cool place we call Highlands Ranch. I have also written before about how important it is to be cautious in sharing this cool place with those animals.
On that note, we had an unusual visitor in Highlands Ranch this week, a young female bear. I can't ever remember hearing a report of a bear actually in the heart of Highlands Ranch. I have only heard of bear sightings in the areas much more open to the south of Highlands Ranch. This young lady was definitely in the heart of Highlands Ranch in the Dad Clark Park!
That's too close for comfort! You see that park sits behind the houses across from my son's house! Thank goodness the bear was spotted quickly and my grandsons' school, Heritage Elementary, which is just across the street from Dad Clark Park, was put on lock down. The Douglas County Sheriff's Department placed reverse 911 calls to the area residents, Highlands Ranch Community Association sent out an emergency email to all residents on their email list and the school sent emails to all parents. The Division of Wildlife came in to observe the bear which finally went back into the wilder unpopulated area. Had she not left, the Division of Wildlife would have tranquilized her and removed her to the wild.
No one was ever in danger because the bear apparently stayed in the open space areas. This time of year bears are hungry and looking for food. Hopefully, since she found none, she will not be back. She was apparently only about 300 pounds and was thought to be of the age that she is on her own for the first time. (I don't care if she was just 300 pounds, I'm glad I didn't run into her).
There are a tremendous number of acres dedicated large open spaces in Highlands Ranch. It is quite easy for deer and other wildlife to subsist in these areas. The bear probably does not stay in the area, but followed the open space areas from the south back country, crossing maybe only one to three streets to get to Dad Clark Park which is in an open space.
Douglas County Housing Authority (DCHP) has developed a mediation service that is available to Douglas County Residents at no cost. The Douglas County Public Trustee;s Office cooperated in establishing this program. The purpose is to decrease the number of foreclosures in Douglas County by providing borrowers with tools and resources to use during the foreclosure process. Through the program DCHP will educate borrowers about their rights as consumers and also will act as a mediator between lenders and borrowers.
The program goals are to prevent mortgage defaults, assist home mortgage lenders and borrowers in working out mortgage defaults, and resolve foreclosure actions that are either initiated or threatened by lenders.
All borrowers' homes must be located in Douglas County. For more information please contact Travis Andereson at 303-784-7856 or write to: Douglas County Housing Partnership, Foreclosure Mediation Program, 9350 Heritage Hills Circle, Lone Tree, Colorado 80124.
About 7 or 8 miles down C-470 from my house is a wonderful little reservoir named Chatfield. In the summer it's a great place for summer activities like swimming, boating, picnicking, camping and fishing. It was created as a flood control measure on the South Platte River and the water height varies extremely depending on the amount of precipitation or drought the area is currently experiencing.
I recently began to learn much more about the Chatfield Basin in which this reservoir is located. It is an expansive area that takes in part of Highlands Ranch, the area along both sides of Santa Fe (Highway 85) from north of C-470 to south of Sedalia, part of Pike National Forest, Roxbourough State Park which I recently wrote about, beautiful Waterton Canyon, Deer Creek Canyon Park, Cherokee Ranch, Hildebrand Ranch Park, South Valley Park, Daniel's Park, Back Country of Highlands Ranch, South Platte Park, Dupont Park, Sharptail Ridge Park, Chatfield State Park and Nelson Open Space.
I've learned the Basin has many things to see. Denver Botanical Gardens at Chatfield has hundreds of acres of grassland, riparian forest of Cottonwood and boxelder and ten acres of wetlands. Visitors can checkout self guided Discovery Packs to help them through the Gardens and the Hildebrande Ranch which is nearby. I've learned there is an Audubon Center and its wetlands ecosystem that is home to 25 species of mammals and more than 350 species of birds. I've learned that there are so many trails to hike and open space to see that it would take months of hiking to see it all.
What I already knew was that Cherokee Ranch with its Castle and Daniel's Park sitting atop a ridge that overlooks Chatfield Basin and has a view of the mountains from Pike's Peak to Long's Peak were really cool places to visit. I did not know that they were considered part of the Basin.
Chatfield Basin is an ecological crossroads. This basin that holds the South Platte from where it emerges from the foothills and Plum Creek which is the only naturally flowing, undimmed stream of its size remaining on the Front Range from Colorado Springs to Ft. Collins. Chatfield Basin straddles 3 ecelogical regions; Southern Rockies Ecosystem, desert-like Southwater Tablelands Ecosystem and Western High Plains Ecosystem. These 3 ecosystems combine to make the area one of the richest for flora and fauna in the entire state. Large open spaces and dramatic scenery including the granite walled Waterton Canyon, the foothills and the red rock formations of Roxborough make Chatfield a popular place.
Chatfield Basin is a treasure of natural wonders. On a single day in the summer you can see more kinds of butterflies than almost anywhere in the U.S.-over 100 kinds! The Basin's unique habitats create a home for rare and imperiled plants. Each year hundreds of birds raise their young in Chatfield Basin. Four areas have been designated Important Bird Areas by the National Audubon Society. It is a great spectacle to watch over 4000 birds of prey follow the nearby Dakota Hogback on their travels. There are many rare species found here, also. The peregrine falcon, bald eagle, plains sharptailed grouse are three of these. Considered even vulnerable globally are four species of minnows, one mammal and at least ten species of butterflies.
Now it's your turn. Come visit the Chatfield Basin and see what you can learn!
The following parks and places of interest have educational programs and/or guided or self-guided tours available for the public
If you don't live here in south metro Denver, but are interested in possibly relocating here, I will be glad to help you with any information I can about the area. My website is a wealth of information on relocation including area info, moving helps, economy, schools, communities and free market updates. You can also request my Relocation Package. I'd love to help you!
The Denver Housing market is improving monthly just as it usually does this time of the year. March saw improvements over the last two months in the average list price, median list price, number of houses active, under contract and sold, days on the market and sold price as a percentage of original listing price. Most of these areas, however, are still not performing as well as last year at this time. The exception being days on the market which showed improvement at 106 days in March compared to 110 days a year ago and 107 last month.
Single Family (Res. & Condo)
March 2009
Feb-09
Mar-08
Active
20,628
2,84
-19.16
Under Contract
4,826
15.37
-17.84
Sold
3,206
29.07
-13.56
Average DOM
106
-0.93
-4.37
Average Sold Price
$232,395
6.6
-8.51
Residential
Active
15,584
2.34
-20.12
Under Contract
3,907
16.56
-17.75
Sold
2,590
28.98
-12.23
Average DOM
106
-0.93
-2.75
Average Sold Price
$251,583
6.19
-8.41
Condominium
Active
5,044
4.41
-16.03
Under Contract
919
10.59
-18.24
Sold
616
29.41
-18.73
Average DOM
106
-2.75
-10.17
The low interest rates and the $8000 first time homebuyer credit are helping to improve the market. The question is how much? According to HUD, refinancing activity is up 88% and purchase activity is up about 20%. Many consumers just are not able to buy or refinance at this time either due to one of the following:
Many have credit scores too low
Many do not have the 20% down payment
Many don't qualify because they owe more than their homes are worth
Many don't have jobs and, therefore, don't qualify
The recovery will be slow because of these deterrents.
Inventory is still very low. This means, when a home goes on the market that is priced right, there are more people interested in buying it. We are seeing some bidding wars, not only on bank owned properties, but also on homes that are in great shape and priced right.
Single Family Detached Homes in the price range $200,000 to $299.999 are the hottest selling market today. Attached Single Family Homes are seeing most activity in the
$110,000 to $149.999 range, but the $150,000 to $299,999 range is not far behind. As I search for single family detached homes for my customers, I am finding many more listings in the over $275,000 price. The under $275,000 market has less available inventory and, therefore, prices are holding more steady.
Foreclosures have hurt the market. We certainly have not seen the end of the foreclosures. They do seem to be slowing down and news reports have indicated that the numbers are down. Mortgage companies are working with customers and trying to save mortgages that they can. Modifications are being made and this might be helping the foreclosures to decrease.
Unemployment is going to be the biggest constraint on the housing market for the remainder of the year. There is better news recently in this area, also. The large lay-offs from companies in Colorado have been down in the last 2 months. This is seen as a good sign.
Advise to sellers:
Pricing your home correctly is extremely important. Otherwise it can be on the market for a while and that always hurts. Find a realtor who really knows the market and then listen to what they tell you about pricing your home. Take a look at this article about pricing your home.
To get the best price in your area, your home needs to be the best. Take the time and spend the money to make it the best. Not only do most buyers not want to have to do the work themselves after buying, but seeing your maintenance, painting or carpeting needs, but they usually wonder what else might your home need that they can't see. Here are some previous blogs that might help you to get your home ready for sale.
Don't wait for potential buyers to ask, offer in your listing to pay some closing costs for the buyer. This will attract more offers. Just be sure to allow for this when you price the home.
Advise to buyers:
Get pre-approved. Mortgage companies are getting very picky and you want to know for sure you will be approved and for how much. Your seller wants to know, too. They do not want to waste time taking their home off the market for a contract that will not go through.
I am ready to help you with your home purchase or with selling your home. Please give me a call, today, and let me answer any questions you have about buying or selling. I am committed to your best interests.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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