New Home Surge

Sales of new homes have jumped to their highest levels in 14 years.

 

The annualized rate of single-family new construction homes is now at 901,000 according to the new Census Bureau report.

 

This means that across the U.S., at the current pace of sales, there will be almost 1,000,000 new homes built and sold over the next 12 months.

 

This pace is 36% higher than one year ago and the highest it has been since the end of 2006.

 

Given the low inventory levels of previously-owned homes that most of the Country is experiencing, this uptick in new home activity is welcome news.

new home

At Windermere Real Estate we are taking Safer at Home and Social Distancing very seriously.  Our people are following our Safe Showings protocol, staying connected to their clients, and providing help wherever needed.

The post New Home Surge appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

Seven Lakes Ranch!

3644 Elkhead Ave Loveland, CO is a 4 bed, 3 bath Ranch single-family home in the highly desirable Seven Lakes Neighborhood. Access to, two private wakeless lakes for Kayaking and paddleboarding. Take a look at the open floor plan and hardwood floors throughout the entire main level. Kitchen features SS appliances and ample cabinet space. All appliances included! Master Suite is equipped with hardwood floors, a 5 piece bath and Walk-in Closet. Enjoy your evenings on the covered patio in the Backyard. Home is surrounded by nature, trails and walking paths. Contact Alexis Foster at (970) 310-6999 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/113631078

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Preparing for the School Year at Home

Virtual Learning

Image source: Shutterstock

For those whose children will be taking classes online or participating in remote learning this school year, keeping the following tips in mind will help create an at-home learning environment that prioritizes health and learning, while being able to adjust to this year’s unknowns.

A home cannot fully replace all that a formal school classroom has to offer. However, what it lacks in traditional classroom appeal it makes up for in comfort and familiarity. Prepping your home to take on this additional role will help set your child up for success during what will be a unique academic year for many.

Set the tone

One of the best ways to set your children up for success this school year is to get them excited. It is important to communicate that this school year, even with all its unknowns, is an exciting opportunity for new and creative ways to learn and grow. Helping your child understand the unique learning possibilities your home provides will get the school year off to an enthusiastic start.

Create a space 

Establishing a designated space for school at home is important for a child’s ability to focus and to associate a space with learning. How you create a classroom environment will depend on your home and your needs. If your child is most comfortable in their room, try incorporating their classroom setup there. Depending on your child’s age, it may help to have toys or familiar room objects nearby. However, if your child is distracted by their own room, it may be better to set up elsewhere to help them focus, such as a nook or office.

Allowing your child the freedom to make the space their own will help stimulate their imagination, which is vital to their learning and enjoyment of school.

Wherever the home classroom is, be sure that area has minimal distractions, maintains a strong internet connection, and is well-stocked with school supplies within reach at all times.

Back to school

To maintain a sense of normalcy, keep your family’s back-to-school traditions intact this year, such as picking out school supplies, back to school clothes shopping, and everyone’s favorite first day of school photo. These ceremonies of preparation for the school year will build excitement while bringing some familiarity to those final days of summer.

Establish a routine

Just as adults have discovered new routines to parallel the shift to remote work, children need a shift in their daily flow to mirror the change to remote learning. The rigor of their school schedule will determine how much flexibility you have in putting together a routine.

Stay active, incorporating movement breaks throughout the day to make up for the lack of physical activity. Plan out times away from their computer screens to differentiate between work and playtime.  It’s recommended that children move at least 60 minutes a day, so prioritize exercise and movement, going outside when possible. This change of scenery is a helpful intermission for children. It gives their eyes a rest from their screens and returns them to their learning space feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Granted, your ability to facilitate your child/children’s preparedness and monitor their continued learning is based on various factors like your work schedule and what resources your school district is providing for at-home learning. No matter your household’s situation, taking these factors into consideration where possible will help set your student(s) up for success.

The post Preparing for the School Year at Home appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

Preparing for the School Year at Home

Virtual Learning

Image source: Shutterstock

For those whose children will be taking classes online or participating in remote learning this school year, keeping the following tips in mind will help create an at-home learning environment that prioritizes health and learning, while being able to adjust to this year’s unknowns.

A home cannot fully replace all that a formal school classroom has to offer. However, what it lacks in traditional classroom appeal it makes up for in comfort and familiarity. Prepping your home to take on this additional role will help set your child up for success during what will be a unique academic year for many.

Set the tone

One of the best ways to set your children up for success this school year is to get them excited. It is important to communicate that this school year, even with all its unknowns, is an exciting opportunity for new and creative ways to learn and grow. Helping your child understand the unique learning possibilities your home provides will get the school year off to an enthusiastic start.

Create a space 

Establishing a designated space for school at home is important for a child’s ability to focus and to associate a space with learning. How you create a classroom environment will depend on your home and your needs. If your child is most comfortable in their room, try incorporating their classroom setup there. Depending on your child’s age, it may help to have toys or familiar room objects nearby. However, if your child is distracted by their own room, it may be better to set up elsewhere to help them focus, such as a nook or office.

Allowing your child the freedom to make the space their own will help stimulate their imagination, which is vital to their learning and enjoyment of school.

Wherever the home classroom is, be sure that area has minimal distractions, maintains a strong internet connection, and is well-stocked with school supplies within reach at all times.

Back to school

To maintain a sense of normalcy, keep your family’s back-to-school traditions intact this year, such as picking out school supplies, back to school clothes shopping, and everyone’s favorite first day of school photo. These ceremonies of preparation for the school year will build excitement while bringing some familiarity to those final days of summer.

Establish a routine

Just as adults have discovered new routines to parallel the shift to remote work, children need a shift in their daily flow to mirror the change to remote learning. The rigor of their school schedule will determine how much flexibility you have in putting together a routine.

Stay active, incorporating movement breaks throughout the day to make up for the lack of physical activity. Plan out times away from their computer screens to differentiate between work and playtime.  It’s recommended that children move at least 60 minutes a day, so prioritize exercise and movement, going outside when possible. This change of scenery is a helpful intermission for children. It gives their eyes a rest from their screens and returns them to their learning space feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Granted, your ability to facilitate your child/children’s preparedness and monitor their continued learning is based on various factors like your work schedule and what resources your school district is providing for at-home learning. No matter your household’s situation, taking these factors into consideration where possible will help set your student(s) up for success.

The post Preparing for the School Year at Home appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

Backbone Meadows Beauty!

Breathtaking home in exclusive Backbone Meadows! 2241 Half Hitch Ct in Loveland, CO is a beautiful custom home with a walk-out on the lower level including a studio apartment with a private entrance all nestled on 2+ acres with views from every window! The front has views of Devil’s Backbone and the back has views of Long’s Peak and the front range. A very private location at the end of a Cul-de-sac. Home is loaded with energy-saving features such as 2 Geothermal units to heat & cool your home while heating water at the same time! Gorgeous deck and lower back patio with firepit to entertain! Steps away from a private trail to Devils Backbone Open Space. Backbone Meadows HOA owns shares of Louden Ditch Water (ditch just west of property) that provides irrigation water for your property. Oversize garage and property have room for an outbuilding. Impressive 278 sq. ft. vault with Fort Knox combination lock door perfect for protecting your valuables. Contact Katie Robinson at (970) 430-9630 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/113476823

The post Backbone Meadows Beauty! appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

Backbone Meadows Beauty!

Breathtaking home in exclusive Backbone Meadows! 2241 Half Hitch Ct in Loveland, CO is a beautiful custom home with a walk-out on the lower level including a studio apartment with a private entrance all nestled on 2+ acres with views from every window! The front has views of Devil’s Backbone and the back has views of Long’s Peak and the front range. A very private location at the end of a Cul-de-sac. Home is loaded with energy-saving features such as 2 Geothermal units to heat & cool your home while heating water at the same time! Gorgeous deck and lower back patio with firepit to entertain! Steps away from a private trail to Devils Backbone Open Space. Backbone Meadows HOA owns shares of Louden Ditch Water (ditch just west of property) that provides irrigation water for your property. Oversize garage and property have room for an outbuilding. Impressive 278 sq. ft. vault with Fort Knox combination lock door perfect for protecting your valuables. Contact Katie Robinson at (970) 430-9630 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/113476823

The post Backbone Meadows Beauty! appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

Charming Ranch Style Home!

Great opportunity in a quiet and mature neighborhood in south Fort Collins. 4330 Warbler Dr is a 3 bedroom, 1 bath home with RV parking, 1 car garage, fenced yard ready for your landscaping touches, redwood deck, storage shed, large bedrooms and NO HOA! Close to Lopez Elementary, Front Range Community College, Troutman Park, the MAX transit, restaurants and shopping. This home has been pre-inspected for your peace of mind. Contact Tammy Fisher at (970) 218-3383 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/113462565

The post Charming Ranch Style Home! appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

Price Report

The Federal Housing Finance Authority just released their most recent quarterly report which tracks home price appreciation in the top 100 metropolitan areas in the U.S. plus appreciation in individual states.

 

Some significant findings from the report:

 

House prices have risen for 36 consecutive quarters, or since September 2011.

 

House prices rose in all 50 states and the District of Columbia between the second quarters of 2019 and 2020.

 

The top five areas for annual appreciation were:

1) Idaho 10.8%

2) Arizona 9.1%

3) Washington 8.6%

4) Utah 8.1%

5) New Mexico 7.7%.

 

Idaho has been the leading state for the last 7 quarters.

 

Colorado showed annual appreciation of 4.4%.

 

The areas showing the lowest annual appreciation were:

1) West Virginia 1.1%

2) North Dakota 1.1%

3) District of Columbia 1.4%

4) Illinois 2.5%

5) Alaska 2.6%.

 

House prices rose in 99 of the top 100 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. over the last four quarters.

 

Annual price increases were greatest in Honolulu, HI, where prices increased by 11.7%.

 

Prices were weakest in San Francisco, where they decreased by 0.3%.

Plane

At Windermere Real Estate we are taking Safer at Home and Social Distancing very seriously.  Our people are following our Safe Showings protocol, staying connected to their clients, and providing help wherever needed.

The post Price Report appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

Buying with Your Pets in Mind!

Buying for your Pet!

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 recent 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.

The post Buying with Your Pets in Mind! appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

Buying with Your Pets in Mind!

Buying for your Pet!

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 recent 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.

The post Buying with Your Pets in Mind! appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.