Empty Nesters: Remodel or Sell?

Empty Nesters

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 touch with a Windermere Real Estate broker to discuss the best option for you.

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Great Townhome in Fort Collins!

Provincetowne Townhome Style Condo at 6714 Rose Creek Way Unit 3. This home showcases Two Master Suites each including their own full bathroom and walk-in closet. Other features include an open layout and central A/C. The HOA includes water, sewer, trash, hazard insurance and snow removal. Conveniently located right down the street from Water’s Way Park with access to Benson Lake & walk/bike trails to Boyd Lake. IMPORTANT: This is an INCOME RESTRICTED UNIT, buyers must qualify with the City of Fort Collins before viewing. Contact Brandon Bidwell at (970) 215-1573 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/112921006

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How to Improve Your Curb Appeal

Image Source: Canva

When it comes time to sell your home, first impressions are crucial. Improving your curb appeal helps to make the most of a buyer’s first glance and sets the stage for their interest in purchasing your home. The following projects are simple and inexpensive ways to enhance both your home’s first impression and its value.

Landscaping

  • Lawn: A healthy, well-tended lawn goes a long way towards improving your curb appeal. Clean up all weeds, leaves and debris, and consistently water your lawn to give it that fresh green look. If you live in an arid climate, consider grass alternatives like artificial turf for the best lawn aesthetic.
  • Plant colorfully: Adding color variety to your front yard will grab buyers’ attention. Align smaller plants, like groundcover and flowers, neatly within your flower beds, aiming for symmetry when possible. Use larger plants and trees to frame in your entryway or walkup. If your front yard doesn’t have flower beds, try adding hanging planters or window boxes.
  • Lighting: Landscaping lighting boosts your curb appeal during nighttime, accentuates your shrubbery, and adds a welcoming touch for visitors as potential buyers, lighting the way to your door.

Image Source: Canva

Porch

Front porches set the stage for all your home has to offer. Improvements here will play a significant role in how comfortable potential buyers feel about the property and how inspired they are to explore the inside of the house.

  • Door: Your front door is an opportunity to make a tasteful statement. Look at bold color choices that are within or slightly stretch your home’s exterior color palette. Take time to prepare the surface for a fresh coat of paint to make the color pop as much as possible. Try stylish doorknob options that accentuate the aesthetic to give your door some added flair.
  • House numbers: New and stylish house numbers are an easy, eye-catching touch to the look of your porch. Look for styles that match with your exterior color palette and any exterior lighting fixtures.
  • Go for comfort: Incorporating classic front porch elements like a porch swing, sitting bench, and other outdoor furniture gives a welcoming aura to the front of your home and creates a sense of comfort for prospective buyers.
  • Shutters: Windows are the gateway to the inside of your home. Shutters of delicate fabric will bring elegance to your front porch, while wooden shutters deliver a solid, cozy vibe.

Other

These miscellaneous projects will add the finishing touches to your home’s curb appeal and get it in prime selling condition.

  • Quick maintenance: Small chores and minor fixes like cleaning gutters, repairing chipped paint, and cleaning windows are important for buyers with a detailed eye.
  • Staining: Instead of replacing fences or garage doors, look into applying a fresh stain. This brings a refreshed look and is much cheaper than a full renovation or replacement.
  • Power wash: Power washing your walkways and driveways makes a significant difference in curb appeal. If buying a power washer is outside your budget, explore rental options from the big-name hardware stores.

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Fossil Lake Beauty!

Home Sweet Home! 5762 Round Rock Ct Fort Collins, CO has a wonderful, bright, open floor plan nestled on a cul de sac in desirable Fossil Lake. Meticulously maintained by original owners, this home is absolutely pristine and move-in ready. Gorgeous custom touches and convenient built-ins throughout. Updated eat-in kitchen with island opens to 2-story family room w/ gas fireplace. Home features five bedrooms plus main floor study and separate dining room. The fully finished basement expands the living space w/ family room, flex room, storage area and kitchenette. Enjoy Colorado evenings on the large Trex deck in the professionally landscaped private backyard w/ gas fire pit. The neighborhood has a pool, clubhouse and easy access to Twin Silos Park, PSD schools, shopping and restaurants. New roof, water heaters, AC, furnace, appliances, carpet, blinds, paint. Contact Kelly Swift at (970) 310-4876 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/113120085

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Fossil Lake Beauty!

Home Sweet Home! 5762 Round Rock Ct Fort Collins, CO has a wonderful, bright, open floor plan nestled on a cul de sac in desirable Fossil Lake. Meticulously maintained by original owners, this home is absolutely pristine and move-in ready. Gorgeous custom touches and convenient built-ins throughout. Updated eat-in kitchen with island opens to 2-story family room w/ gas fireplace. Home features five bedrooms plus main floor study and separate dining room. The fully finished basement expands the living space w/ family room, flex room, storage area and kitchenette. Enjoy Colorado evenings on the large Trex deck in the professionally landscaped private backyard w/ gas fire pit. The neighborhood has a pool, clubhouse and easy access to Twin Silos Park, PSD schools, shopping and restaurants. New roof, water heaters, AC, furnace, appliances, carpet, blinds, paint. Contact Kelly Swift at (970) 310-4876 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/113120085

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Charming Brick Beauty!

Amazing brick ranch home on .23 acres with NO HOA awaits! You will love the way 2325 Farisita Dr Loveland, CO flows from room to room! The home has been freshly painted with beautiful grey and white colors throughout and new LVP flooring installed on the main level. 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms are on the main level. The basement boasts a large family room and an additional bedroom and bathroom. The home was built in 1973 and has an incredible amount of built in storage on both levels of the home. Finally, imagine sitting in the sunroom at the back of the home enjoying an abundant amount of sunlight while watching your pets play in the fenced in back yard. The above-ground pool is an optional inclusion. Seller will remove it if the Buyer does not want it. Contact Rondi duPont at (970) 401-0123 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/112964016

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At Least List

Periodically we track a stat which we find to be quite interesting.

 

It answers this question – how many properties are selling for at least list price (asking price or higher)?

 

This stat tells us how active the market is and helps our buyers to realize that, in some cases, they will be in a competitive situation.

 

When we look at single-family home sales so far this month, this is what we find:

  • 57% of properties in Larimer County sell for at least list price
  • 62% of properties in Weld County sell for at least list price

So, in well over half of the transactions, buyers need to offer list price or higher to acquire the property.

 

The data gets even more interesting when this information is broken out by price range.

 

To no one’s surprise, the percentage increases for properties priced under $400,000:

  • 81% in Larimer County
  • 70% in Weld County

We find that for properties over $400,000 the percentages still tell a story of a very active market:

  • 47% in Larimer County
  • 56% in Weld County

Bottom line, in most locations and price ranges we see a strong sellers’ market where buyers need to be prepared to make a strong offer and to also compete.

tug of war

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.

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Spacious Townhome!

3133 Swallow Bend is a fabulous 3 bedroom townhome with walk-out basement in popular midtown Fort Collins! Boasting over 2,000 finished square feet, this meticulous home abutting green space features a sprawling living room with fireplace, roomy kitchen with wood floors and plenty of cabinet/counter space. Enjoy 2 bedrooms on the main level, including the large master. Fantastic guest suite in the basement with separate secured entrance, bedroom, plenty of living space, and full size eat-in kitchenette. Relax or entertain on the secluded covered patio amidst large trees and mature landscape in a fully fenced back yard. TWO-car garage! Just steps from the community pool and tennis courts. A beautiful home and great value!

Contact Jon Holsten at (970)237-2752 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/112991824

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4 Acres in Berthoud!

Incredibly unique rural property 528 E County Road 2 in Larimer County side of Berthoud. Water rights included in the sale, and the wells irrigate the landscaping. This home has multigenerational living with a master suite on one side and a separate living area on the other side with handicapped access and a kitchen (with no stove). Extra living area is handicap accessible. Detached garage, shop, and additional building that could be used for storage or an office space. 4 acres of currently farmed grass hay, mature and beautiful landscaping with trees, grass, and a large patio. Stainless appliances and 2 ovens for those that like to cook. Tankless water heater and new roof as well. Come see this home today! Contact Paul Hunter at (970) 673-7285 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/112955014

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Great Investment Property!

525 S Elm St is a raised ranch-style duplex in Keenesburg means cash flow for the right investor! Each side features a 2 bed/2 bath unit, with a spacious main level boasting an eat-in kitchen and living room. Head downstairs to both bedrooms, a bath and laundry. Attached one car garage for each unit. One unit is currently rented on a month-to-month lease. The other is vacant. Rare and Fantastic opportunity! See also 60 W Nelson Avenue in Keenesburg, which is another duplex listed by the same Seller. Double the opportunity! Contact Jon Holsten at (970)237-2752 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/112917751

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