Enjoy a smoother move with these tips

Moving an entire household, whether it’s a one-bedroom apartment or a large two-story home, is no simple undertaking. I know very few people who actually enjoy the packing process (although there are a few who take joy in it), but there are ways to take the stress out of packing:

Start early

As soon as you know you plan to move, make a list of what needs to be done. Give yourself enough time to work through the list a little at a time so it doesn’t feel so overwhelming.

Sort through your belongings

Tackle the junk drawers, garage and storage closets first – all the places where you keep things that you may or may not need or want in your new home. Then move to more commonly used items in your bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen. Sort everything into four groups:

• Keep – Hold onto items you use regularly, even if you don’t use them every day. Think about your lifestyle in your new home and what you will need or want there. Think critically about which furniture items to keep, in addition to smaller things.
• Sell – Anything that is in good, usable shape, but that you no longer want or need, is a great candidate for the Sell pile. List things on garage sale sites or hold a garage sale at your home. Why not make a few dollars to help offset the cost of moving?
• Donate – Again, this pile should include items in good and usable shape: No tattered clothes or broken appliances, for example. If you can’t sell some things from the Sell pile, donate them.
• Toss – Use this pile as a last resort, but old papers and magazines can be shredded and/or recycled, for example. Toss or recycle whatever can’t be easily donated.

Pack strategically

Grouping like items together will help the unpacking process go faster in your new home. Label everything according to destination room and use (e.g. kids’ toys, kitchen cookware, basement games, etc.)

When choosing boxes, think small for heavy items, but big for lighter items. A big box of pillows is much easier to lift than a big box of books.

Work with movers

Hiring movers can make the whole process much faster, but talk to your moving company about the level of prep work they will do and how much it will cost. Will they pack, or will you? Also find out which items, such as plants, they won’t move.

Move anything valuable or especially sentimental yourself to save yourself the heartache of lost or broken items.

If you are planning a move to or from Steamboat Springs, contact us. We will put our nearly 30 years of experience to work for you in your home buying or selling adventure. 

Make Steamboat your second home

If you need a break from work and a change of scenery, we invite you to visit Steamboat Springs for a long weekend.

For Denver metro residents, Steamboat is the perfect break from the July heat and a great place to relax and unwind. For people visiting from out-of-state, it offers a small western town setting with a Colorado mountain lifestyle. 

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Here are just a few high points you can enjoy during your visit: 

Hot springs

As our town's name implies, Steamboat is home to several hot springs:

Check out Old Town Hot Springs with the whole family, where kids and adults alike will enjoy the water slides and hot springs pool. While there, take a BodyPump, spin or yoga class, or any one of the water fitness classes. Unwind with a massage. 

Strawberry Park Hot Springs offers a more rustic experience. Soak in the springs while surrounded by trees and stunning mountain views. Ages 18 and older only after dark. 

Outdoor recreation

It goes without saying that Steamboat Springs is the ultimate outdoor playground all year long. If you visit in the this summer or fall, these options might interest you: 

Spend a relaxing day on the river with a guided fly-fishing trip. Steamboat Flyfisher and Bucking Rainbow Outfitters are among the local shops offering guided fishing trips. 

Join fellow wildlife enthusiasts at the annual Yampa Valley Crane Festival, Sept. 10-14. Flocks of Sandhill Cranes stop in Steamboat Springs to rest prior to flying south for the winter, and you can observe these beautiful birds in their habitat during the festival. 

Dining 

Stop at Bistro C.V. to enjoy its seasonal, new Rocky Mountain menu offerings, including olive-brined quail, chicken-chorizo pot pie local wagyu beef. 

Laundry Kitchen and Cocktails features rustic and comfort small or large plates, including smoked trout, pork cheeks and buffalo sirloin. 

Art and entertainment

The Steamboat Summer Concert Series has three admission-free concerts left in its lineup: Hot Rize on July 16, Robert Randolph and the Family Band on July 30, and Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers August 7. 

There are too many great art galleries and unique shops on main street to mention them all, so set aside time to stroll, shop, grab coffee and people-watch in downtown Steamboat. 

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Once you have spent a little time in Steamboat, we guarantee you will want to come back again and again. So, if your schedule allows, we'd love to show you some vacation home options that could give you a second home in beautiful Steamboat.

If you are planning a visit to Steamboat and would like to take a morning or afternoon to view some properties, contact us using the form below. 

How to prepare for your house hunt

You have probably heard radio ads recently about record-low mortgage interest rates (according to Bankrate, current rates for 15-year fixed loans are as low as 2.85 percent), and that can be a compelling reason to search for a new home in 2016. In addition, there tend to be more listings available during the summer, so you have a better chance of finding the home that fits your needs.

So, are you really ready to make that leap and buy your first home, upgrade to a bigger home, or even downsize to fit your new lifestyle? Ask yourself these questions to determine if you are ready to buy a new home:

What can I afford?

Shoot for a home valued at two or three times your gross income, but be sure to factor in your current living expenses, homeowners insurance, maintenance and other costs – in addition to the mortgage – when determining how much home you can afford.

What do I need in a home?

Make a list of your must-haves. Keep this list short so you don’t limit your search to much – about four or five key items (location, lifestyle, number of bedrooms, etc.) will help you narrow down neighborhoods.

What would be nice to have?

Make a separate list of features that would be nice, but not necessary (items like a pool, fireplace, three-car garage, acreage, etc.), but understand that you might not be able to find everything on your want list.

How much do I need for a down payment?

Which mortgage fits my needs and qualifications? Determine how much you will need to put down on a home in order to qualify for a mortgage and secure a mortgage that fits your budget.

Is my credit in good shape?

Check out these tips from Bloomberg on how to improve your credit score, if it’s not.

Doing a little bit of prep work prior to searching for a home can save you time and even financial heartache in the long-run. Knowing what you can afford and what you need and want in a home goes a long way toward ensuring that you make the right decision.

If you are thinking about a mountain home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, contact us using the form below. We will put our local expertise and nearly 30 years of experience to work for you. 

Steamboat Springs climate is mild and easy

Welcome to the first week of summer. It's time for lemonade on the porch and lots of time spent outside with family and friends. 

Play outside

Here in Steamboat Springs, summer only adds to our year-round outdoor lifestyle. The days warm up, but the nights stay pleasantly cool. At a time when other locations are posting temps in the high 90s or even 100+, Steamboat feels pleasantly warm. It is the ideal time to get outside for a hike, fish along the Yampa River or even just linger with friends over lunch on an outdoor patio.  

At this writing, the local temperature is 78 degrees with 31 percent humidity. Tonight, it will cool off to 50 degrees –perfect sleeping weather. We'll maintain similar temperatures for most of the summer (although July and August averages trend slightly higher to the low 80s). Compare that to Phoenix's 100 degrees or Nashville's 96 degrees: I think we have the better deal here today. 

In Steamboat Springs, it is possible to spend long hours outdoors in the summer without feeling as if you're about to melt. Our dry climate makes even warm days pleasant and enjoyable.

It's one of the secrets that locals and Colorado transplants know about our state and our town: Our climate is pretty amazing. Even when the temperatures drop in the fall and the snow returns, we're outside playing. If you crave the outdoors, time in nature or the adrenaline rush of outdoor sports, Steamboat is your perfect home base. 

Grow something

This time of year is a great time to think about gardening in Steamboat as well. While our growing season is shorter than some, due to our elevation and beautiful mountain locale, it is possible to grow beautiful flowers and vegetables here. You can extend the season by using small greenhouses or planting in containers that can be moved indoors. 

You can plan your planting schedule using the Farmer's Almanac calendar for our zone, and experts at our local garden centers can help you navigate Steamboat Springs gardening. 

Our climate is just one of many reasons to live in Steamboat Springs. To learn more about our community and buying real estate in Steamboat, contact us using the form below. 

Is vacation ownership right for you?

Here in Steamboat Springs, our real estate market is incredibly diverse. Our community boasts everything from multi-million-dollar estates to studio condos to cozy cabins in the woods.

Some of our residents live and work here year-round, while others stay for only part of the year. Still others want to own a piece of paradise, but only reside here a few weeks or months each year. For those folks, they can choose to rent a home or condo during their stay, or they can choose to buy a home that can be used as their vacation home base.

If you choose to buy a vacation property in Steamboat Springs or anywhere else, there are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• Long-term investment. While real estate carries no guarantees, owning property in a popular resort area can make long-term financial sense. You can often sell the property for a nice return.
• Rental income. In a resort area, vacation rentals are in high demand. Your property can make money for you when you are not enjoying it yourself.
• Personal enjoyment. Owning a vacation property means you have a home away from home in one of your favorite places. You can decorate it and fill it with your favorite things.

Cons

• Up-front cost. Purchasing a second home, or vacation home, can be costly in the beginning. Down payments, mortgages, the cost to renovate and/or furnish the home can add up. (Keep in mind that renting out the property later can help you recoup some or all of these costs.)
• Maintenance. All homes comes with some level of required maintenance, and that can be difficult to manage if you are not on-site. Working with a reputable property management company can help alleviate this stress, but be sure to factor in maintenance and management costs when making your purchase decision.

Buying a vacation property comes with specific requirements and considerations. Working with a skilled real estate agent who has experience with vacation properties can make the process much simpler.

If you are interested in vacation property in Steamboat Springs, contact us. We will put our nearly 30 years of experience to work for you.

Come home to your ideal community

One of the first steps in the house-hunting process is narrowing down where you want to live. You have likely already identified your target city or town (if you haven’t, we of course recommend living in Steamboat Springs), but choosing just the right neighborhood can be a bit more tricky.

There is no single ideal neighborhood, because each person and each family has a different set of needs and wants. Consider the following factors when deciding on your ideal area:

• Commute time. If you are relocating for a job, it often makes sense to live near your office or choose a neighborhood with access to public transit. Consider how long you would like your commute to be and then identify neighborhoods within that range that also fit your budget.
• Proximity to people. Do you want to be around a close-knit community of people, or are you craving space and tranquility? A condo community with scheduled activities might be one person’s ideal, but acreage in the woods with few neighbors might be another’s. Your real estate agent can help point you in the right direction.
• Nearby activities. If it’s lifestyle you’re after, which is the case for many people who move to Steamboat Springs, access to nearby recreation can make or break a neighborhood. Ski lifts just outside your door or waterfront access to the river for fly-fishing can be the deciding factor between two prospective homes.
• Neighborhood culture. To get a better feel for an area, drive or walk through at different times of day. Are kids out playing? Do you see residents out talking to each other? Get a feel for the neighborhood’s unique personality and then decide if it is a good fit for yours.
• Safety. A sense of safety and security is important to all of us, but certain safety features can rank higher in importance for some buyers. Gated communities, on-site security, regularly maintained and clear walkways and entryways can be especially attractive if safety is a top priority.

To learn more about living in Steamboat Springs and to find the right Steamboat neighborhood for you, contact us using the form below. We know the area inside and out, and we would be happy to help you find your dream home. 

Consider cost vs. value before remodeling to sell

Memorial Day weekend often marks a shift in the neighborhood. People get outside more, and it’s often the time that people start major projects – both indoors and out. Roofers, landscapers, house-painters and contractors all look forward to increased business this time of year.

Some of those projects are underway because homeowners are hoping to prepare their home for sale. Remodeling can add value and increase your home’s appeal to buyers, but it pays to know which projects are worth the investment and which ones are better left for the homebuyer to do later.

Remodeling magazine maintains annual data for 30 common home remodeling projects, which can be a helpful tool when deciding whether your planned project is worth your time and money.

Which home upgrades pay off and which don’t? We took a look at the data for the Mountain region in the magazine’s report, focusing on midrange projects:

• Attic insulation: Sellers recouped 95.6 percent of the cost of adding insultation (average price $1,248). We know that proper insulation is extra important in our mountain town, so this project might be a good idea for Steamboat home sellers.
  
  
• Minor kitchen update: The cost recouped is about 78.2 percent for remodels that include updating cabinet facades, replacing flooring and updating laminate counters. The recouped cost for more involved (and expensive) kitchen remodels goes down to 64.6 percent. So, maybe scale back your planned kitchen project.
  
  
• Deck addition: We love our decks here in Steamboat and they are an attractive feature for most buyers. Adding a wood deck (69.4 percent) will give you more ROI as a seller than adding a composite deck (58.9 percent), but keep in mind that buyers will be looking for decks that weather well in our climate.
  
  
• Curb appeal: If you are looking for ways to improve your home’s outward appearance, consider a front-door replacement (79.5 percent return) or adding stone veneer in place of some siding (80.1 percent return). New roofing has a lower return (66.9 percent), but it’s one item that will be flagged in the home inspection, so it’s worth considering. 

View the full list and average cost vs. return here, and then plan accordingly as you consider potential home remodeling before selling your home. Your real estate agent can also offer advice on which items can help your home sell faster.

If you are buying or selling a home in Steamboat Springs, contact us. We will put our nearly 30 years of experience to work for you.

The slopes are closed, but there is still so much to enjoy

Steamboat Springs is world-renowned for our snow, winter sports and Olympians, but warmer weather brings a whole new life to our western mountain town. The hills pop with color as wildflowers begin to bloom, and you will see locals and visitors alike exploring the town, and the hills and rivers, during spring and summer months. 

Below are just a few more reasons to love living in Steamboat Springs. Set aside time in your summer schedule to enjoy these summer activities in Steamboat: 

• Mountain biking. If you miss the adrenaline rush of hurtling down the mountain on skis or a board, then mountain biking might be just your speed (whether you ride slow or fast). It's a great way to enjoy the beautiful trails and scenery of the Steamboat area while burning off a little steam. Start here to find the right trail for your next biking adventure. 
• River rafting. From scenic float trips to faster-paced, advanced runs, rafting is a great way to get outside in the summer and gain a different perspective on your surroundings. Check out just a few upcoming Steamboat raft trips here.
• Parks and trails. You don't have to leave town to enjoy the outdoors. The Yampa Core River Trail connects the town of Steamboat Springs to the river and nearby parks, including the six-acre Yamps River Botanic Park, which is home to 40 gardens and several sculptures. 
• Waterfalls and wildlife. Steamboat's many nearby hiking trails offer a variety of experiences and opportunities to view local wildlife. Try one of these favorite Steamboat trails this summer. If you do encounter wildlife, be respectful: Don't feed or disturb wild animals, and stay a safe distance away. 
• Fishing. Fly fishing along the Yampa River can be one of the most peaceful and relaxing experiences anywhere. Visit one of our local fly shops or outfitters to buy your fishing license and gear, or book a guided fly-fishing trip, and try your hand at this sport that is part art and part science. 
• Pro Rodeo. Starting June 17, Steamboat Springs hosts Pro Rodeo events every Friday and Saturday night. Enjoy an authentic western BBQ dinner while you take in the show. View the schedule here. 
• Art. Summer evenings offer a perfect opportunity to explore Steamboat's incredible art galleries, and the Art in the Park (July 9-10, 2016) and Colorado All Arts Festival (Aug. 15-21, 2016) events offer even more artistic and sensory experiences. 

Steamboat Springs offers a rich lifestyle, from outdoor recreation to arts and history. Learn more about living in our beautiful Colorado mountain town by contacting us. We have nearly 30 years of experience in real estate and can help you find your dream Steamboat home. 

Show off your home’s best assets

It is May, and homebuyers are out in force. With the school year wrapping up, many buyers are looking to move over the summer break, so now is a great time to show them why your home is their perfect future home. As potential buyers drive through your neighborhood, you want your home to call out to them. Curb appeal can make a big difference in whether someone chooses to schedule a viewing of your home for sale.

Here are a few ways to add to your home’s curb appeal for the summer:

• Add life. Add flowers and colorful plant to your porch, walkways, front windows and decks. Live plants make a home feel, well, more livable.
• Front and center. Add a new doormat and front door decoration. Fresh, clean decorations around your front door invite people to come inside.
• Tend the yard. Mow the lawn, trim edges and weed flower beds. When you’re done, be sure to place the lawnmower and other implements out of sight.
• Spruce up balconies. If you don’t have a yard, highlight any outdoor space you do have. Scrub balcony railings and light fixtures and add a new chair and table to show how the space can be used.
• Replace old items. Give your home’s exterior subtle new life with new house numbers, a new mailbox or a fresh coat of paint on shutters.
• Clean up yard clutter. Stash kids’ outdoor toys, bikes and other items to give the impression of space in the yard and patio areas.
• Let in light. Wash windows and clean window treatments. Even from the outside, well-dressed windows can help give the impression that your home feels light and airy inside.

If you would like to learn more about how to market your home in Steamboat Springs, contact us. We will put our nearly 30 years of experience to work for you.

What your inspection should cover

One of the final steps when purchasing a home is the home inspection. While the inspection will run you a few hundred dollars, it is money well spent that can help identify serious issues or give you more peace of mind for signing the final papers.

Here are the main items your home inspection will cover:

• Roof. The inspector will look for any signs of loose or missing shingles, weak spots, missing flashing or other roof issues. 
• Exterior. He or she will check the condition of siding, brick, porches, decks, driveways and, importantly, the foundation.  
• Insulation. Inadequate insulation will be noted.
• Interior. The inspector will check for loose drywall, cracks in the ceiling or walls, leaks in the basement or crawl space, a shifting floor in the garage and other structural issues. 
• Furnace, air conditioner and water heater. Your report will include details about the type of heating and cooling, the age and condition of each system. It will sometimes include an energy efficiency rating as well.  
• Electrical. Your inspector will indicate the type of wiring, condition of the system and number of outlets in each room. 
• Plumbing. He or she will look for good water pressure, as well as signs of leaks or other issues. 
• Code issues. Any areas that are not up to current code will be noted. In some cases, you may be able to ask the seller to address code issues.

The home inspection gives you a final opportunity to back out of a home purchase, should it uncover any major issues. It also gives you the chance to ask the seller to make any final repairs or code updates to the home prior to the closing. While a home inspection is not legally required, we highly recommend including this step in your home-buying process.

To learn more about buying a home in Steamboat Springs, contact us using the form below. We will put our nearly 30 years of experience to work for you.