7 Ideas for Creating a Beautiful Yard

1. Remodel Your Patio

The best patios are durable and long-lasting. If your patio requires repair, a remodel can play a significant role in creating the beautiful backyard you envision. Think about how your patio will be used before choosing materials. For example, if you plan on using it as a dining area, an uneven material like cobblestone may not be the best choice. Design your new patio pattern, including gaps between pavers for loose materials, before getting started.

 

2. Upgrade Your Deck

Decks can often be the focal point of a backyard. A few upgrades can easily transform the look and feel of the space. If you are building a new deck, take your local climate into account when deciding on materials. To upgrade your existing deck, create a seating area using chairs or a bench and decorate the area with plants to make it feel more welcoming. Pergolas and patio umbrellas will help to keep the area shady and cool while adding some color to the space. If you are rebuilding, consider building in seating during construction.

 

3. Start a Vegetable Garden

Gardens don’t just pop up in your backyard overnight, they take time to grow. Start by building your garden beds, aligning them north to south for maximum sunlight. Choose an area of your backyard where your veggies will have direct access to sunlight, without being blocked by shade from trees and shrubs. Research your local climate to determine which vegetables you should grow and what kind of yield you can expect. To protect your garden from weeds, insert a barrier in the bottom of the beds.

 

4. Edge Your Walkways

Nothing catches the eye in the garden like clean, crisp edging. Edging comes in a variety of materials, from plastic to more durable options like aluminum or steel. Before you install the edging, use a lawn edger or spade to make the cuts and shape the pattern. Tap the edging it into the ground with a mallet to solidify it into the ground and to protect it from animals.

 

5. Add Landscape Lighting

A beautiful backyard deserves to be enjoyed around the clock. Landscaping lighting can extend those days spent in the yard well into the nighttime. There is an array of landscaping lighting options to choose from, including spotlights, floodlights, in-ground lighting, outdoor post lights, and more. Choose the one that best highlights the features of your yard.

 

6. Install a Fire Pit

Fire pits help to tie a backyard together. The style of your fire pit should match other features in your backyard to bring cohesiveness to the space. Traditional fire pits are usually accompanied by circular seating, while more modern options like fire troughs provide a centerpiece to take in surrounding views. Wood fire pits provide a classic, crackling environment, gas pits burn cleaner than wood and come with an on-off switch, while gel-powered fire pits create a smaller frame and are typically used for accent lighting.

 

7. Add Garden Containers

Garden containers of all shapes and sizes can be very useful in the yard, especially for homeowners with limited garden space. By adding pots, wooden boxes, or bowls to your yard, you’ll provide a flexible home for a variety of plant life. Just make sure each container has proper drainage holes. If not, you’ll need to make the holes yourself, or you can opt for self-watering pots.

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Upgraded Two-Story!

709 La Cruz Dr Fort Collins, CO is beautifully maintained and upgraded. The entire home is well lit with natural sunlight and is very comfortable. Brand new, oversized Anderson sliding glass door opens to a massive patio with great outdoor lighting for night gatherings. Dog run on the side of the home and garden beds in the back of this large yard. The garage is 4-car, one spot is tandem, features a 8ft and a 9ft door, and 220 electrical. Three bedrooms, laundry room, and 2 bathrooms upstairs – the primary bedroom is generously sized. In boundaries of the new middle/high school at Prospect. Showings start on Friday 4/16 at noon. Contact Meagan Griesel at (970) 691-0056 for your private showing for more information or click the link below for more details.

http://windermerenoco.com/listing/130848965

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Taft Canyon Beauty!

Gorgeous 5-bedroom home on a cul-de-sac and huge lot in the highly coveted Taft Canyon neighborhood! 2305 Nottingham Ct is nestled along the foothills in Southwest Fort Collins, your new home features a spacious kitchen with wood floors, granite countertops, stainless appliances and plenty of storage. This home, with classy character, also boasts a separate dining room, a separate living room with vaulted ceilings, and a sprawling family room with a wood-burning fireplace. Three large bedrooms on the upper level, including a beautiful master suite with a luxury bath and walk-in closet. Large, finished walk-out basement with rec room, bath and two more bedrooms. Entertain or relax on the massive canopy-covered deck overlooking the sprawling tree-filled back yard with garden beds and a zip-line! New paint inside and out! Super close to Horsetooth Reservoir, bike trails and most any outdoor recreation activity! Truly… an amazing home! 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/130578168

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Taft Canyon Beauty!

Gorgeous 5-bedroom home on a cul-de-sac and huge lot in the highly coveted Taft Canyon neighborhood! 2305 Nottingham Ct is nestled along the foothills in Southwest Fort Collins, your new home features a spacious kitchen with wood floors, granite countertops, stainless appliances and plenty of storage. This home, with classy character, also boasts a separate dining room, a separate living room with vaulted ceilings, and a sprawling family room with a wood-burning fireplace. Three large bedrooms on the upper level, including a beautiful master suite with a luxury bath and walk-in closet. Large, finished walk-out basement with rec room, bath and two more bedrooms. Entertain or relax on the massive canopy-covered deck overlooking the sprawling tree-filled back yard with garden beds and a zip-line! New paint inside and out! Super close to Horsetooth Reservoir, bike trails and most any outdoor recreation activity! Truly… an amazing home! 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/130578168

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7 Costly Mistakes in the Selling Process

Sellers dream of a flawlessly executed home sale where everything goes smoothly, and they end up with a satisfied buyer. To achieve this ideal end goal, it’s important to be aware of the mistakes along the way that could potentially derail the sale. Mistakes in the selling process come in all sizes, but some can be more costly than others.

 

1. Incorrect Pricing

Simply put, sellers want to get the most value for their home. Inaccurately priced homes create complications in the selling process and can be costly. Overpriced homes are unable to compete with other homes in a more expensive bracket, reducing its appeal to buyers. The longer a home stays on the market, the more likely the seller will have to lower the price, and this could result in a final asking price that is well below what the home is worth. Underpricing can be used as a strategy to generate added interest among buyers and thereby drive up the home’s market value, but it requires that a bidding war take place among buyers.

 

2. Underestimating Selling Costs

There are many costs associated with selling a home that can easily pile up if not planned for. Commission fees take up a significant portion of selling costs, typically between five to six percent of the sale price. Sellers must budget for home inspections, making repairs, and staging the home to get it market-ready. During closing, sellers need to prepare for various costs including sales tax, attorney fees, and any fees related to the transfer of the title, and more. Not accounting for any of these costs can come as an unpleasant surprise.

 

3. Selling When Underwater

It may be tempting to think of selling a home solely as a revenue-generating event. However, if a seller still owes more on their mortgage than what their home is worth, or if the property has gone down in value, they still may not make enough money on the sale to pay off the mortgage. Any homeowner who finds themselves underwater on their mortgage should consider building more equity before they sell.

 

4. Selling FSBO

Selling a home “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) presents sellers with the opportunity to save on commission fees but is a complex and risky process that can easily lead to serious costs. Not only does selling FSBO mean that the seller will incur all costs an agent would have taken on to market the home, but they are accepting added liability as well. If any mistake occurs during the offer process, negotiations, or closing, the seller finds themselves without the representation of an experienced professional. This leaves a great opportunity for costly mistakes that could potentially jeopardize the sale.

 

5. Failing to Disclose Repairs

If a seller fails to disclose any outstanding repairs and issues inherent in the home, they will likely come to light during the buyer’s inspection and can create a very costly situation for the seller. These losses can be avoided by being transparent about what repairs are needed ahead of time. Sellers can also opt to conduct a pre-listing inspection, which can be especially helpful in competitive markets. Disclosure rules vary by state.

 

6. Neglecting to Stage Your Home

Home staging is a critical element for getting the most value for a home and selling it quickly. By neglecting to stage, sellers are opening the door for lowered offers and reduced sale prices. The staging process is also the perfect time for sellers to inspect their home for any minor or cosmetic repairs that can be addressed quickly.

 

7. Not Choosing the Best Offer

Naturally, the highest offer received on a home may seem like the most enticing. But just because an offer may be higher than another doesn’t mean it’s the best one. It’s critical for sellers to communicate with their agent about the full terms of the offer to understand its contingencies, how it affects their bottom line, and how those components align with their needs and preferences.

 

If you’d like more information on selling your home and how to avoid costly mistakes, an experienced Windermere agent is ready to help. Click here to connect with an agent today.

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Quaint Drake Property!

Mountain living at its best! 325 Waltonia Road is a quaint 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom cabin in Drake has so much to offer and more. Picture sitting on the newly refinished deck enjoying your coffee and the sounds of breeze whistling through the trees as the sun comes up or cozying up on the couch with the fireplace going, watching your favorite movie! The open living space flows from the kitchen, into and living space and finally into the bedroom. The loft is a bonus area for additional sleeping space if needed. The home includes a storage shed to keep all your additional supplies onsite. This cabin is being sold furnished including dishes, pots and pans, cleaning supplies etc! It is truly move in ready! All you need to do is come and enjoy all the wildlife and serenity the home has to offer. 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/130500297

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Woodland Park Estates!

3220 Yellowstone Circle is a gorgeous 3-bedroom home in the wildly popular Woodland Park Estates! Featuring a beautiful kitchen with granite countertops, stainless appliances, upgraded cabinets and plenty of storage, your new home in Southeast Fort Collins includes a formal living room, and separate family room with a classy gas fireplace. All three bedrooms are on the upper level and include an amazing master suite with separate sitting area, three-sided fireplace and five-piece master bath with a walk-in closet. Large unfinished basement for future expansion. Relax or entertain under the lighted pergola on the spacious deck overlooking the private, fully landscaped back yard. Two-car garage. Nearby community pool and common play area! An absolute charmer and an amazing 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/130432292

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Village East Beauty!

422 Stonebrook Drive is a fantastic 4-bedroom home on a green belt in Windsor’s popular Village East neighborhood! Featuring a huge eat-in kitchen with a vaulted ceiling and plenty of storage, you’ll also find separate living and family rooms. The upper level boasts three bedrooms, including a sprawling master suite with 5-piece bath and large walk-in closet. A fourth bedroom (possible office) is tucked away on a lower level. Unfinished basement for future expansion. The large, fully landscaped yard with a patio is perfect for relaxing and entertaining. This great home, and great value is just around the corner from all the wonderful Windsor community has to offer! 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/130047842

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Village East Beauty!

422 Stonebrook Drive is a fantastic 4-bedroom home on a green belt in Windsor’s popular Village East neighborhood! Featuring a huge eat-in kitchen with a vaulted ceiling and plenty of storage, you’ll also find separate living and family rooms. The upper level boasts three bedrooms, including a sprawling master suite with 5-piece bath and large walk-in closet. A fourth bedroom (possible office) is tucked away on a lower level. Unfinished basement for future expansion. The large, fully landscaped yard with a patio is perfect for relaxing and entertaining. This great home, and great value is just around the corner from all the wonderful Windsor community has to offer! 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/130047842

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Wellington Charmer!

Immaculate AND affordable! 3711 Garfield Ave is a rare 2-bedroom charmer in Old Town Wellington features several classy updates to include an almost-new kitchen, freshly remodeled bath, brand new flooring, new recessed lighting, newer roof, windows, humidifier and interior/exterior paint. Large, fenced back yard with raised garden bed and a double gate for drive-in storage. Detached one-car garage. Close to downtown Wellington and just minutes from Old Town Fort Collins. NO HOA! 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/130059389

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