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Community • Living • February 10, 2022

6 Can’t-Miss Activities to Do Outside in Colorado This Winter

by Heather Patel

As the weather gets colder in Colorado, many people find themselves cooped up inside. With shorter days and less sunlight, it can be hard to stay motivated and get outdoors. Winter is one of the best times to get outside and enjoy the beauty that Colorado has to offer. Here are some great, native-favorite activities to do outside in Colorado this winter with your family and friends that take you beyond the ski slopes.

If you already have your Colorado destination picked out, here is a list of great activities to do outside in three of the most popular travel destinations in Colorado.

 

photo credit: www.strawberryhotsprings.com

Hot Springs

Coloradans love their hot springs, and this beautiful state is home to the largest number of hot springs in the country. The best hot springs are located in the Rocky Mountains, and they make the perfect getaway during the long, cold winter.

Hot Sulphur Springs is located in—you guessed it—Hot Sulphur Springs, Colo., and offers private rooms for overnight stays. Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs boasts RV hookups and camping cabins, perfect for those looking for a family-friendly getaway. Glenwood Springs is the location of the hottest natural spring in the world and is loaded with fun water activities. You can even take a dive in their diving area or swim a few laps in their lap lane.

Many of the hot springs have restaurants and other amenities nearby, but there are also some that are remote enough to be a weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of a busy life.

 

Snowshoeing

If you are a wilderness enthusiast, snowshoeing is one of the best activities to do outside when you want to experience the true nature of Colorado.

The state has over 600 miles of maintained snowshoeing trails that offer a wide range of difficulty levels and diversity. If you are a newbie to snowshoeing, start out on a beginner trail such as Sprague Lake, which is a short, flat loop located near Estes Park. It offers beautiful views of the lake and is great for the whole family. More experienced snowshoers can check out The Loch via Glacier Gorge Trail, a 5.4 snowshoeing trail that is heavily trafficked and hosts breathtaking views of Alberta Falls as well as the frozen Loch Lake.

Before planning your snowshoeing adventure, make sure you find a reputable snowshoe rental shop near where you will be trekking. Dress warmly and consider bringing a pair of waterproof pants, gloves, thick socks, and a warm hat.

 

Snow Tubing

Colorado is home to some of the best snow tubing in the country. It is a great way to enjoy a day on the slopes and still have fun even if you cannot ski or snowboard. Coloradans can agree that this is one of the best activities to do outside in the winter.

You will find plenty of ski resorts with different slopes and trails for beginners and experts alike. Historic Fraser Tubing Hill is fun for the entire family and offers 60-90 minute tube rentals as well as group specials. Make your way up I-70 to Copper Mountain to discover a unique tubing hill full of turns and banks that will have you smiling and laughing with your family and friends from start to end before grabbing a hot chocolate and enjoying the beautiful Colorado scenery. Or head to the Frisco Adventure Park, just one mile north of Main Street in Frisco, Colo., to test your tubing skills on their multi-terrain tubing hill.

It is a good time to take advantage of this popular activity and get some good photos of your friends and family as they slide down the snow-covered hills of Colorado’s most popular destinations.

 

Ice Fishing

High country ice fishing is still a very popular sport in the Rocky Mountains. If you are itching to fish and want to enjoy the scenery in Colorado then try ice fishing.

There are several places to go ice fishing in Colorado, but the most popular is Shadow Mountain Lake. It is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, just 10 miles from downtown Denver. This lake is comprised of over 12,000 acres of water and houses four different species of fish that any fisherman would be proud to snap a picture with, some measuring up to 32-inches long!

The ice fishing season lasts from late November through March, so be sure to book your trip with a reputable ice fishing guide near the area who will get you your gear and make sure you stay safe if you are a beginner or if you are unfamiliar with the terrain in Colorado.

 

Ice Climbing

If you are an avid climber, ice climbing might be the best activity to do outside in Colorado that you can find. Ice climbing is a winter sport that is done on frozen waterfalls, rock cliffs, and manmade structures. This sport is done in the cold Colorado winter when the ice’s strength is strongest.

Climbing ice is not easy and it does take time to learn. However, if you are already an experienced climber, Ouray Ice Climbing Park is a great place to get the hang of this cold weather climbing activity. The man-made park is completely free to visit and is home to over 100 ice and rock/ice mixed climbs and a walking distance away from Ouray, Colo.

If you are completely new to climbing or would like to try ice climbing for the first time, hire an instructor! Reputable instructors can get you geared up and on your way to scaling your next waterfall in a few lessons.

Outdoor Ice Skating

Colorado is full of awe-inspiring natural beauty; snow-capped mountain peaks, sprawling plains, and pristine lakes. When the temperatures drop, Coloradans take to their favorite frozen ponds and lakes for some good old-fashioned winter fun.

Ice skating is a fantastic winter activity, but most cities don’t have ice rinks. If you’re looking to get out and see some beautiful scenery, visit one of the many outdoor frozen lakes the state has to offer. Head up to Keystone and strap on some skates at Keystone Lake, North America’s largest outdoor ice rink maintained by a Zamboni. This incredible venue offers day and night skating with available skate rentals.

If you’re looking to go skating in a more scenic area, Colorado State Parks host multiple ponds and reservoirs that you can skate on while in the midst of some of the most beautiful scenery Colorado has to offer. Check out Eleven Mile State Park outside Lake George, Colo., for some incredible activities to do outside. Make sure you have your own skates for these, as no rentals will be available.

Colorado is home to so many incredible activities to do outside in the winter. Whether you want to try a classic favorite, like ice skating, or take on a brand new challenge with ice climbing, there is something outside that will please every member of the family. There is an adventure around every corner. Which new adventure will you choose to embark on next?

Considering moving to The Centennial State? LET’S CONNECT to learn more about Colorado and planning your move.

 

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Buyers • Homeownership • February 10, 2022

7 Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Home

by Heather Patel

Making the leap from renter to homeowner doesn’t happen overnight; it requires steady planning to put yourself in a good position to buy your first home. Prospective first-time home buyers can often feel like they’re waiting for a sign to indicate they’re ready to start making offers, when really, it’s a combination of factors. Here are seven signs that you’re ready to buy a home.

7 Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Home

  1. You Know Which Homes You Can Afford

To know whether you’re ready to buy, you need to identify your price range. If you’re unhappy with your pre-approval, or need more money for your desired location, there are ways you can increase your buying power. Once you know which homes you can afford, you can work with your agent to find the right home and prepare an offer.

  1. You Understand Your Local Market Conditions

The dynamics of the market in which you’re buying will play a role in determining whether you’re ready to buy. The local market conditions will dictate what kinds of offers you can expect to compete against, what tactics other buyers may employ, and whether the buyer or seller will have the leverage during negotiations. Therefore, it’s important to understand the difference between a buyer’s market and a seller’s market so you and your agent can strategize accordingly.

  1. You’re Comfortable with the Responsibilities of Being a Homeowner

Having a mortgage instead of paying rent isn’t the only difference between owning a home and renting. You’ll be responsible for maintaining the property, making repairs, and completing remodeling projects. That doesn’t always mean you can’t predict a future need. The best way to prepare for unexpected projects on any home is to get a home inspection before you buy so that you know every inch of the property and can start to save for larger expenses that might come down the road.

  1. You Have Funds Available for Home Buying Costs

The costs of buying a home are more than just your down payment and monthly mortgage. Before you move into your new home, you’ll have to pay closing costs, moving expenses, and appraisal and inspection fees, to name a few. Property taxes can sometimes be part of the mortgage and depending on the time of year may need to be paid before you move in. Once you’re settled, homeowners insurance will enter the fold. If you can afford these costs, it’s a sign that you are ready to buy.

  1. You’re Making Progress on Your Debt

Having zero debt is not a realistic expectation for every first-time home buyer. But, if you have a plan in place for paying off your outstanding debt and can show evidence of the progress you’re making, it will strengthen your buying credibility. Lenders will factor this into their assessment of your financial health during the pre-approval process.

  1. You Have a Strategy for the Down Payment

It is true that lenders view a twenty percent down payment as favorable and won’t require you to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI), but it’s not game over if you can’t make a lump sum payment of that size. With a lower-than-twenty percent down payment, you may incur higher interest and fees over the life of the loan, which could put a greater strain on your finances long-term than waiting until you can pay more principal down. Whichever route you choose, make sure you have a solid plan in place to repay your loan.

  1. Your Life Aligns with Buying a Home

Buying a home means you’ll be putting down roots, so it’s important that you and your household are ready to establish yourselves in one area before you buy. There’s financial logic behind this line of thinking, as well; in general, the longer you stay in one home, the more equity you’ll build. Career and income stability also play a role in determining whether you’re ready to buy. Landing a job with long-term prospects may be just the thing you need to green-light your decision to buy your first home.

 

To learn more about buying your first home, LET’S CONNECT!

 

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Housing Inventory

by Heather Patel

Many of our clients wonder if the current pace of price growth can continue.  Some even ask if prices will decline this year.

Based on researching the Case-Shiller Home Price index and the National Association of Realtors home inventory data, there must be at least 6 months of inventory in a market for prices to have any chance of declining. We wrapped up 2021 with about 2 weeks of inventory in both Larimer County and Weld County. This marks a 45%-46% decrease in inventory as compared to December 2020.

The dwindling supply and the rising prices have led to a lot of questions about the future of the housing market. Is there a market crash on the horizon? Is there a housing bubble that’s about the burst? The answer is no. Although it is unlikely that the market can continue at this pace indefinitely, all signs point to a healthy housing market in 2022.

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Standing Low

by Heather Patel

The standing inventory of residential properties currently for sale is staggeringly low.

The number of active properties for sale is almost 90% below the average for this time of year.

In Metro Denver, there are 1,144 residential properties for sale today.

In Larimer County, there are 136 and in Weld County there are 174.

Current inventory along the Front Range is essentially half of what it was one year ago.

The low standing inventory bolsters our belief that nothing resembling a decline in housing prices is on the horizon.  The low supply will continue to put upward pressure on prices.

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Should I Remodel or Sell My Home As Is?

by Heather Patel

Homeowners who are preparing to sell are often faced with a dilemma about whether to remodel or sell their home in its current state. Each approach has its respective advantages and disadvantages. If you decide to remodel your home, it will likely sell for more; but the increased selling price will come at the cost of financing the remodeling projects. If you decide to sell without remodeling, you won’t spend as much money putting your home on the market, but the concern is whether you’re leaving money on the table.

 

Should I Remodel or Sell My Home As Is?

To answer this question, it’s important to understand the factors that could influence your decision and to work closely with your agent throughout the process.

 

Cost Analysis: Home Remodel vs. Selling Your Home As Is

Home Remodel

When you remodel your home before selling, you’re basically making a commitment to spend money to make money. So, it’s important to consider the kind of ROI you can expect from different remodeling projects and how much money you’re willing to spend. Start by discussing these questions with your agent. They can provide you with information on what kinds of remodels other sellers in your area are making and the returns they’re seeing as a result of those upgrades. This will help you determine the price of your home once your remodel is complete.

Then, there’s the question of whether you can complete you remodeling projects DIY or if you’ll need to hire a contractor. If hiring a contractor seems expensive, know that those costs come with the assurance that they will perform quality work and that they have the skill required to complete highly technical projects.

According to the Remodeling 2021 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com1), on average, homeowners paid roughly $24,000 for a midrange bathroom remodel and about $26,000 for a minor kitchen remodel nationwide, with a 60.1% and 72.2% ROI respectively. This data shows that, for these projects, you can recoup a chunk of your costs, but they may not be the most cost-effective for you. A more budget-friendly approach to upgrading these spaces may look like repainting your kitchen cabinets, swapping out your old kitchen backsplash for a new one, refinishing your bathroom tub, or installing a new showerhead. Other high-ROI remodeling projects may allow you to get more bang for your buck, such as a garage door replacement or installing stone veneer. To appeal to sustainable-minded buyers, consider these 5 Green Upgrades that Increase Your Home Value.

 

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Source: stevecoleimages

 

Selling Your Home As Is

Deciding not to remodel your home will come with its own pros and cons. By selling as is, you may sell your home for less, but you also won’t incur the cost and headache of dealing with a remodel. And since you’ve decided to sell, you won’t be able to enjoy the fruits of the remodel, anyway. If you sell your home without remodeling, you may forego the ability to pay down the costs of buying a new home with the extra money you would have made from making those upgrades.

 

Market Conditions: Home Remodel vs. Selling Your Home As Is

Local market conditions may influence your decision of whether to remodel before selling your home. If you live in a seller’s market, there will be high competition amongst buyers due to a lack of inventory. You may want to capitalize on the status of the market by selling before investing time in a remodel since prices are being driven up, anyway. If you take this approach, you’ll want to strategize with your agent, since your home may lack certain features that buyers can find in comparable listings. In a seller’s market, it is still important to make necessary repairs and to stage your home.

In a buyer’s market, there are more homes on the market than active buyers. If you live in a buyer’s market, you may be more inclined to remodel your home before selling to help it stand out amongst the competition.

 

Timing: Home Remodel vs. Selling Your Home As Is

Don’t forget that there is a third option: to wait. For all the number crunching and market analysis, it simply may not be the right time to sell your home. Knowing that you’ll sell your home at some point in the future—but not right now—will allow you to plan your remodeling projects with more time on your hands which could make it more financially feasible to complete them.

For more information on how you can prepare to sell your home, LET’S CONNECT!

 

  1. “© 2021 Hanley Wood, Complete data from the Remodeling 2021 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.”
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2022 Forecast

by Heather Patel

Yesterday we held the annual Real Estate Market Forecast with our Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner.

To get the recording of the full presentation, please reach out.

Here are some of the big takeaways from Matthew:

  • The national economy is very strong and the rate of inflation is expected to slow during 2022
  • There are many millions more open jobs available versus the number of unemployed people looking for work
  • Mortgage interest rates are expected to reach 3.85% by the end of the year
  • Home price appreciation along the Front Range will again be in the double-digits this year due to high demand, low supply and low interest rates
  • Home price appreciation is not expected to sustain the current pace over the next few years, but no price declines are expected
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Community • Living • Windermere Real Estate • January 30, 2022

Windermere is on Spotify!

by Heather Patel

Americans spend about 32 hours a week listening to music, and for Millennials that number is even higher. Since so many activities connected to our homes are enhanced by music, we want to fuel the joy and memories of those experiences through home-inspired playlists on our very own Spotify channel.

Check out Windermere’s new Spotify channel where you can find playlists for every aspect of what it means to be home. Cleaning house? Check. Hosting a dinner party? Check. Chilling on the front porch? We have tunes for that too, and more. We invite you to follow, share, and enjoy!

Start following the Windermere Spotify channel today!

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Buyers & Sellers • Colorado Housing • January 27, 2022

Empty Nesters: Remodel or Sell?

by Heather Patel

Your kids have moved out and now you’re living in a big house with way more space than you need. You have two choices – remodel your existing home or move. Here are some things to consider about each option.

Choice No. 1: Remodel your existing home to better fit your current needs.

  • Remodeling gives you lots of options, but some choices can reduce the value of your home. You can combine two bedrooms into a master suite or change another bedroom into a spa area. But reducing the number of bedrooms can dramatically decrease the value of your house when you go to sell, making it much less desirable to a typical buyer with a family.
  • The ROI on remodeling is generally poor. You should remodel because it’s something that makes your home more appealing for you, not because you want to increase the value of your home. According to a recent study, on average you’ll recoup just 64 percent of a remodeling project’s investment when you go to sell.
  • Remodeling is stressful. Living in a construction zone is no fun, and an extensive remodel may mean that you have to move out of your home for a while. Staying on budget is also challenging. Remodels often end up taking much more time and much more money than homeowners expect.

Choice No. 2: Sell your existing home and buy your empty nest dream home.

  • You can downsize to a single-level residence and upsize your lifestyle. Many people planning for their later years prefer a home that is all on one level and has less square footage. But downsizing doesn’t mean scrimping. You may be able to funnel the proceeds of the sale of your existing home into a great view or high-end amenities.
  • A “lock-and-leave” home offers more freedom. As your time becomes more flexible, you may want to travel more. Or maybe you’d like to spend winters in a sunnier climate. You may want to trade your existing home for the security and low maintenance of condominium living.
  • There has never been a better time to sell. Our area is one of the top in the country for sellers to get the greatest return on investment. Real estate is cyclical, so the current boom is bound to moderate at some point. If you’re thinking about selling, take advantage of this strong seller’s market and do it now.

Bottom Line

If your current home no longer works for you, consider looking at homes that would meet your lifestyle needs before taking on the cost and hassle of remodeling. Get in contact to discuss the best option for you.

 

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Buyers • Colorado Housing • January 25, 2022

Buying with Your Pets in Mind!

by Heather Patel

Image source: Canva

For many of us, pets play a central role in our home life, so taking into account what is best for them when buying a home is important for both their happiness and that of your entire household.

Your neighborhood

When looking for homes that are well suited to both you and your furry companion, consider the area surrounding the home. If your pet is an indoor/outdoor animal, it’s important to examine the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood. If your pet spends time outside, a busy neighborhood could be dangerous, and depending on the level of traffic, he or she may need to be on a leash at all times.

How conducive is the neighborhood for taking your pet on walks? If you frequently walk your pet, look for neighborhoods with sidewalks. If your pet enjoys being off-leash, consider prioritizing homes with green belts, parks, trails, or designated off-leash areas nearby. It’s also a good idea to identify where the local emergency pet centers and veterinarian clinics are to insure there is sufficient medical care for your pet in proximity to where you live.

Your House

  • Size: Is the house big enough? Depending on the type of pet, or breed of animal, space may be the most important factor in picking a pet-friendly home. If you are moving into a bigger space than you were in previously, understand your pet will likely take to the additional room differently. On the flip side, if you are downsizing, be mindful of how it might impact your pet.
  • Yard: If you have a pet that spends time outside, it’s important to pay particular attention to the yard. Is it large enough? Does it have a secure fence? Is there easy access between the home and the yard?
  • Flooring: Pet-friendly flooring can be tough. Surfaces that can be repaired or refinished when scratched are typically the best options for homes with pets. Sealing additional layers will build up the resistance to damage from paws, claws, and general pet wear and tear.
  • Carpet: Cats are notorious for clawing and scratching at carpet, and dogs are infamous for bringing the outdoors in with them. Consider carpeting of a lesser quality in the area where your pets spend most of the time, or search for carpets that are stain-resistant and easy to clean.
  • Stairs: Older pets and multileveled homes are at odds. Consider the age of your pet and how active you expect them to be so that you don’t find yourself in a position where you’re having to carry your pet between floors.

HOA?

When looking at a home, ask whether or not it is a part of a Homeowners Association and what restrictions may apply to the property. For instance, certain HOA developments limit the number and/or type of pets per household.

Most pet owners take the needs of their pets seriously. In fact, in a Realtor.com survey, 75 percent of the respondents said they would not accept an otherwise perfect home if it didn’t meet the needs of their pet. When it comes down to it, prioritizing your pet when buying a home not only insures your pet’s well-being, but that of your household, as well.

 

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Wildfire Preparation and Evacuation Tips

by Heather Patel

As wildfires rage throughout the West Coast, many homeowners are being evacuated from their homes, while others stand by for information as the spread continues. The following tips are meant to inform your household’s wildfire evacuation protocol, whatever your evacuation timeline may be.

 Immediate evacuation

Evacuation orders come from local law enforcement agencies, but if you have not received an official evacuation notice and feel threatened by wildfires in your area, do not hesitate to leave. Take only essential vehicles on the road, this will minimize traffic and reduce the chance of gridlock when evacuating the area. Keep the windows rolled up to avoid inhaling smoke and tune into local radio for updates as you head toward safer ground. And remember your masks!

 What to bring 

The Six P’s

  • People and pets
  • Phones and personal computer
    • Chargers, any additional computer hardware
  • Papers and important documents
    • Birth certificates, passports, insurance, legal documents
  • Prescriptions
    • Medication, eyeglasses, contacts
  • Pictures and irreplaceable keepsakes
  • Payment (credit & debit cards, bank cards, cash)

Go bag

  • Face masks or coverings
  • Extra clothing
  • First aid kit
  • Toiletries
  • Tools
  • Flashlight
  • Batteries
  • Sanitation supplies
  • Copies of important documents
  • Three-day supply of food and water

Evacuation Preparation 

If you live in an area that is not being evacuated, there are steps you can take now to prepare your home and family, if and when the time comes.

  • Create a “defensible space”
    • Clear your home’s surroundings of brush and vegetation
  • Turn off sprinklers and main gas lines
  • Clean out roof and gutters
  • Move furniture away from windows toward the center of the room
  • Remove flammable household items
  • Prepare your emergency kit
    • Include useful items listed above in “Go bag”

For additional information on protecting yourself from smoke while addressing COVID-19 health concerns, Click Here. Be sure to check your local news and emergency alert radio stations and social media profiles for the most up-to-date information and helpful resources.

Wildfires are unpredictable. Knowing what to do both in preparation for and during an emergency evacuation will have your household prepared in the event that a wildfire spreads to your area, neighborhood, or home.

 

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