Amazing and Rare Horse Property in Fort Collins!

10257 N County Rd 17 has many outbuildings, horse facilities, views, and a cute updated home. Horse features include 10 stalls, 8 loafing sheds, 15 auto waterers (in pastures & runs), outdoor arena, foaling stall, 1560 sq ft hay barn, turn-out traps & pasture. Outbuildings – 36′ x 45′ greenhouse with lights, 1500 sq ft pole barn/garage with 454 sq ft loft. Home has been updated over the years and features an office, patio off of the master, and a sun-room. Contact Meagan Griesel for your private showing at (970) 691-0056 for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/94767006

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Beautiful Two-Story Home in Longmont!

Amazing two story home at 1742 Sunlight Dr with a fully finished walkout basement! Basement features a full kitchen and it’s own washer and dryer. Vaulted ceilings in the master bedroom along with an open feel make this a grand feeling home. Updated kitchen with new appliances which opens in to a living room with a beautiful deck on which to enjoy the outdoors. Beautifully landscaped backyard that backs to a path leading directly to Alpine Elementary! Contact Paul Hunter for your private showing at (970) 673-7285 for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/94622657

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Beautiful Two-Story Home in Johnstown!

This beautiful home at 2415 White Wing Rd sits on a west facing large corner lot has a large gourmet eat in kitchen with double ovens, first floor office, formal dining and living room, and second floor loft with a pool table for entertaining. Enjoy the master bathroom with a built in fireplace by the tub! There are 2 furnaces, one in the basement and one on the 2nd floor to maximize heating and cooling. Contact Lindsey Crisanti for your private showing at (970) 420-4498 for more information or click the link below for more details.

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How to Get Started in Real Estate Investing

Posted in Buying by Kenady Swan 

Investing in real estate is one of the world’s most venerable pathways to building wealth. When properly managed, income from renting or real estate investment trusts can provide you with the financial security to plan out the rest of your life. The conclusion is easy to envision, but knowing where to begin can be overwhelming, particularly for anyone who has never previously owned a home.

At Windermere our goal is always to improve and support our communities, so we’ve put together a few key things to keep in mind as you enter the world of real estate investment.

Know the right type of investment for you

Investing in real estate needn’t commit you to being a landlord. A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is a low-maintenance way to get involved in real estate with next to none of the day-to-day monitoring required of direct property management. REITs are trusts that typically own multiple properties, and investors may purchase shares within the REIT. Typically, as the value of the property rises, so too do the values of your shares. If you’d like to dip a toe into real estate investing before diving in fully, a REIT is a great place to start.

Start with your own home

Owning the roof over your head is a basic step towards investing success. Even better, when you plan to live in the home you’re buying (rather than renting it out), you will likely benefit from lower mortgage rates and a cheaper down payment. The reasoning is straightforward – lenders see a loan to people purchasing the home they live in as an investment in people highly committed to the property.

Once you’ve owned your own house for a few years, you can look to purchase a new home to move into. By purchasing the new home with the intent to move in, you’ll be eligible to receive more favorable financing once again. After you’ve secured your new home, your first home is primed to be transformed into a rental property, and you can continue to see a return on your investment. If you’re seeking further support with buying a first, second, or third home, our website and our agents are full of information.

Cast a wide net

The best investment opportunity isn’t always going to be right underneath your nose. While there are logistical benefits to focusing locally with your investment, you may miss more profitable opportunities in another burgeoning market. Real estate is a long game, and patience tends to be rewarded. There’s no cause to rush a decision of this magnitude, so investigating other states and regions to find the property that best fits your situation is a process worth considering.

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Beautiful Victorian Ranch Style Home in Windsor!

This former builder’s home at 1417 Fairfield Ave has all the design features any buyer could want! As you enter this Victorian ranch home you notice maple wood floors with cherry wood inlay as a border. The open floor plan, beautiful woodwork, arches and cutouts give the home unique character. Relax by one of 3 fireplaces in winter or in the screened in patio in summer. Entertain your friends and family in the large finished basement which has a separate pool room and craft room. Contact Rondi duPont for your private showing at (970) 401-0123 for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/94501435

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Simple Steps for Maintaining Air Quality in Your Home

Posted in Living by Kenady Swan 

 

Most of us tend to think of air pollution as something that occurs outdoors where car exhaust and factory fumes proliferate, but there’s such a thing as indoor air pollution, too.  Since the 1950s, the number of synthetic chemicals used in products for the home has increased drastically, while at the same time, homes have become much tighter and better insulated. As a result, the EPA estimates that indoor pollutants today are anywhere from five to 70 times higher than pollutants in outside air.

Luckily, there are many ways to reduce indoor air pollution. We all know that buying organic and natural home materials and cleaning supplies can improve the air quality in our homes, but there are several other measures you can take as well.

 

How pollutants get into our homes

Potentially toxic ingredients are found in many materials throughout the home, and they leach out into the air as Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs. If you open a can of paint, you can probably smell those VOCs. The “new car smell” is another example of this. The smell seems to dissipate after a while, but VOCs can actually “off-gas” for a long time, even after a noticeable smell is gone.

We all know to use paint and glue in a well-ventilated room, but there are many other materials that don’t come with that warning. For instance, there are chemicals, such as formaldehyde, in the resin used to make most cabinets and plywood particle board. It’s also in wall paneling and closet shelves, and in certain wood finishes used on cabinets and furniture. The problems aren’t just with wood, either. Fabrics—everything from draperies to upholstery, bedding, and carpets—are a potent source of VOCs.

The good news about VOCs is that they do dissipate with time. For that reason, the highest levels of VOCs are usually found in new homes or remodels. If you are concerned about VOCs, there are several products you can buy that are either low- or no-VOC. You can also have your home professionally tested.

 

How to reduce VOCs in your home

Make smart choices in building materials. 

  • For floors, use tile or solid wood—hardwood, bamboo, or cork – instead of composites.
  • Instead of using pressed particle board or indoor plywood, choose solid wood or outdoor-quality plywood that uses a less toxic form of formaldehyde.
  • Choose low-VOC or VOC-free paints and finishes.

Purify the air that’s there. 

  • Make sure your rooms have adequate ventilation, and air out newly renovated or refurnished areas for at least a week, if possible.
  • Clean ductwork and furnace filters regularly.
  • Install air cleaners if needed.
  • Use only environmentally responsible cleaning chemicals.
  • Plants can help clean the air: good nonpoisonous options include bamboo palm, lady palm, parlor palm, and moth orchids.
  • Air out freshly dry-cleaned clothes or choose a “green” cleaner.

Fight the carpet demons.

  • Choose “Green Label” carpeting or a natural fiber such as wool or sisal.
  • Use nails instead of glue to secure carpet.
  • Install carpet LAST after completing painting projects, wall coverings, and other high-VOC processes.
  • Air out newly carpeted areas before using.
  • Use a HEPA vacuum or a central vac system that vents outdoors.

Prevent Mold. 

  • Clean up water leaks fast.
  • Use dehumidifiers, if necessary, to keep humidity below 60 percent.
  • Don’t carpet rooms that stay damp.
  • Insulate pipes, crawl spaces, and windows to eliminate condensation.
  • Kill mold before it gets a grip with one-half cup of bleach per gallon of water.

 

We hope this information is helpful. If you would like to learn more about VOCs and indoor air quality, please visit http://www.epa.gov/iaq/.

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Beautifully Updated Home in Fort Collins!

2121 Bock Street is just 5 minutes to Old Town this home is an entertainers delight with custom modern landscaping, open floor plan, granite counters and island, full tile back splash, stainless steel appliances, gas stove with canopy hood, built-in microwave and walkin pantry. Plank floors on the main level, large master with an over-sized shower and walk-in closet, built in bench/cubbies in the mud room, and tankless H2O. Contact Kyle Basnar for your private showing at (970) 481-5689 for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/94488177

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Windermere Foundation: Celebrating 30 Years of Giving

Posted in Windermere Foundation by Shelley Rossi 

 

 

Giving back has always been a big part of who we are at Windermere. In the early days of our company, it was pretty simple; we would see a need and help any way we could. But as we grew, we realized we could accomplish much more if we had a common purpose. That’s how the Windermere Foundation was born.

A big idea

We started with an idea that would give every Windermere agent the ability to make a difference. Housing is our business, so helping homeless families seemed like a natural fit. We later expanded that to include low-income families, with an emphasis on helping children.

Every time a home is sold

For the past 30 years, a portion of every Windermere agent’s commission has been donated to the Windermere Foundation. Having 100% participation gives us a common purpose and sends a powerful message about our commitment to the community.

Who we help

Last year alone we provided funding to more than 500 organizations throughout the Western U.S. Homeless shelters, food banks, schools, hospitals, community centers, parks; the list goes on. The main thing that they all have in common is a deep devotion to helping our neighbors in need.

How we help

Our agents have proven time and time again how committed they are to making their communities a better place to live. Their generosity funds backpacks full of food so school kids don’t go hungry on the weekends. They help keep families in their homes by covering housing costs. And their donations make sure the homeless are getting their most basic needs met, and the dignity that goes with it.

Thank you

If at any point during the past 30 years you’ve bought or sold a home using a Windermere agent, you are a part of the Windermere Foundation too, and you’ve helped make a positive difference in your community. And for that, we thank you on behalf of everyone at Windermere.

If you would like to learn more about the Windermere Foundation, please visit windermerefoundation.com.

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Chugging Along

 

The real estate market keeps chugging along.

Here’s news from the Mortgage Banker’s Association…

Last week, applications to purchase a home hit their highest level since April 2010. This is clearly a sign that the spring selling season is starting off in full swing.

You may remember that the reason why April 2010 was so active is because of the Home Buyer Tax Credit that was in effect. In order to get a special income tax incentive, buyers had to go under contract in April 2010 and close by June 30, 2010.

Today, purchase applications are at their highest level in 9 years and are up 14% over last year. Interest rates are roughly 0.5% lower than 6 months ago and roughly 3.0% below their long-term average.

Let the Spring Selling Season begin!

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Immaculately Maintained Home in Longmont!

Welcome home to 1242 Sumner Street in Longmont! This sunny and inviting home is less than a block from Loomiller Park and lake and is just a couple blocks to Longmont United Hospital. Enjoy the great picture window in the bright and open living room or have family and friends over to grill on the patio in the back yard. Hardwood floors in the hallways and bedrooms and with 4 bedrooms there’s space for everyone. Immaculately maintained, low maintenance brick, and mature trees this home is sure to please. 1 year warranty included. Contact Sarah Schilz or Jennifer Cuningham for your private showing at (970) 817-0906 or (970) 646-1921 for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/94404730

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