Building Character – Balancing a Home’s Personality and Amenities

It’s sometimes said that the limitations of a house are what help make it a home. For many, however, it is a point of pride to accept only the finest in their new residence. How can you find the balance between cultivating a lived-in home with personality and quirks versus a house with cutting-edge amenities that improve quality of life? To get to the bottom of that, we gathered a list six keys to consider when selecting and developing the home of your dreams:

The neighborhood

Surprisingly, one of the biggest factors in choosing a new home isn’t the property itself, but rather the surrounding neighborhood. While new homes occasionally spring up in established communities, most are built in new developments. The settings are quite different, each with their own unique benefits.

Older neighborhoods often feature tree-lined streets; larger property lots; a wide array of architectural styles; easy walking access to mass transportation, restaurants and local shops; and more established relationships among neighbors.

New developments are better known for wider streets and quiet cul-de-sacs; controlled development; fewer aboveground utilities; more parks; and often newer public facilities (schools, libraries, pools, etc.). There are typically more children in newer communities, as well.

Consider your daily work commute, too. While not always true, older neighborhoods tend to be closer to major employment centers, mass transportation and multiple car routes (neighborhood arterials, highways and freeways).

Design and layout

If you like VictorianCraftsman or Cape Cod style homes, it used to be that you would have to buy an older home from the appropriate era. But with new-home builders now offering modern takes on those classic designs, that’s no longer the case. There are even modern log homes available.

Have you given much thought to your floor plans? If you have your heart set on a family room, an entertainment kitchen, a home office and walk-in closets, you’ll likely want to buy a newer home—or plan to do some heavy remodeling of an older home. Unless they’ve already been remodeled, most older homes feature more basic layouts.

If you have a specific home-décor style in mind, you’ll want to take that into consideration, as well. Professional designers say it’s best if the style and era of your furnishings match the style and era of your house. But if you are willing to adapt, then the options are wide open.

Materials and craftsmanship

Homes built before material and labor costs spiked in the late 1950s have a reputation for higher-grade lumber and old-world craftsmanship (hardwood floors, old-growth timber supports, ornate siding, artistic molding, etc.).

However, newer homes have the benefit of modern materials and more advanced building codes (copper or polyurethane plumbing, better insulation, double-pane windows, modern electrical wiring, earthquake/ windstorm supports, etc.).

Current condition

The condition of a home for sale is always a top consideration for any buyer. However, age is a factor here, as well. For example, if the exterior of a newer home needs repainting, it’s a relatively easy task to determine the cost.  But if it’s a home built before the 1970s, you have to also consider the fact that the underlying paint is most likely lead0based, and that the wood siding may have rot or other structural issues that need to be addressed before it can be recoated.

On the flip side, the mechanicals in older homes (lights, heating systems, sump pump, etc.) tend to be better built and last longer.

Outdoor space

One of the great things about older homes is that they usually come with mature trees and bushes already in place. Buyers of new homes may have to wait years for ornamental trees, fruit trees, roses, ferns, cacti and other long-term vegetation to fill in a yard, create shade, provide privacy, and develop into an inviting outdoor space. However, maybe you’re one of the many homeowners who prefer the wide-open, low-maintenance benefits of a lightly planted yard.

Car considerations

Like it or not, most of us are extremely dependent on our cars for daily transportation. And here again, you’ll find a big difference between newer and older homes. Newer homes almost always feature ample off-street parking: usually a two-car garage and a wide driveway. An older home, depending on just how old it is, may not offer a garage—and if it does, there’s often only enough space for one car. For people who don’t feel comfortable leaving their car on the street, this alone can be a determining factor.

Finalizing your decision

While the differences between older and newer homes are striking, there’s certainly no right or wrong answer. It is a matter of personal taste, and what is available in your desired area. To quickly determine which direction your taste trends, use the information above to make a list of your most desired features, then categorize those according to the type of house in which they’re most likely to be found. The results can often be telling.

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Charming Ranch With Upgrades

Featuring 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms And A Finished Basement!

Charming 3 bed 3 bath updated home located in High Plains Village awaits! The kitchen showcases gorgeous granite counter tops & stainless steel appliances, opening to the dining area & family room making the main level perfect for entertaining! The incredible finished basement boasts a nook perfect for crafts or an office, additional bed/bath & bonus room. Newer furnace, A/C & tank-less water heater recently installed. Situated on a beautifully landscaped lot, close to shops & restaurants.

For more information, please visit: http://windermerenoco.com/listing/76077555 or call Rondi duPont at (970) 460-3033.

 

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Superb 2-Story Condo In a Quiet Neighborhood

Featuring 2 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms And 2 Master Suites!

This property features a unique and fantastic two master suite floor plan! This home has updated fixtures and flooring. Both bedrooms enjoy a walk-in closet and full bath. Large living room and kitchen, back patio, and at the end of a cul-de-sac making this a quiet location. Currently rented through June of 2018.

For more information, please visit: http://windermerenoco.com/listing/76058736 or call Paul Hunter at (970) 460-3033.

 

 

 

 

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Alluring Ranch With Mountain Views

Featuring 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms And A Lovely Landscaped Yard!

If move-in ready is what you are looking for, then look no further. This beautiful ranch style home shows pride of ownership throughout. Open floor plan with all of the bedrooms on the main floor. Newer appliances, new lifetime warranty Core-tec flooring and light tubes for energy efficient lighting. Beautifully landscaped yard with front/ back sprinklers and a custom deck with a sun shade to enjoy your expansive mountain views. This home won’t last long, so call for your personal showing today!

For more information, please visit: http://windermerenoco.com/listing/75684778. You may also contact either Jennifer Cuningham or Sarah Schilz at (970) 460-3033.

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Custom-Built Farmhouse With A Barn

Featuring 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms And 9 Acres!

Fabulous country living with a custom-built farm house included! From raising animals to growing your dream garden, this 9 acre property presents endless possibilities. The sprawling 5 bedroom home features an open design, vaulted ceilings and an open kitchen with walk-in pantry. The walk-out basement includes a wet bar and 2-sided fireplace. Enjoy the mountains, plains and pasture from the large deck. Acreage includes large fenced pasture, loafing shed, barn with stalls and a 40 x 60 steel building.

For more information, please visit: http://windermerenoco.com/listing/75506653 or call Jon Holsten at (970) 460-3033.

 

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3-Story Condo With Mountain Views

Featuring 2 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Bathrooms And Lots Of Upgrades!

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to own this awesome 2 bed/ 2.5 bath, end unit town-home in Coal Creek Village. Less than 1.5 miles from Old Town Lafayette. On the main floor you will find: hardwood floors throughout, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and upgraded light fixtures. From the master bedroom you can’t miss the great views of the mountains. This home also features an energy efficient furnace and a tank-less water heater. This one won’t last; schedule your showing today!

For more information, please visit: http://windermerenoco.com/listing/75153054 or call Greg Rittner at (970) 460-3033.

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Alluring Ranch With Designer Finishes

Featuring 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms And An Open Floor Plan!

Look no further! Custom ranch with an open floor plan in the popular Water Valley development. Enjoy the Colorado lifestyle on your over-sized covered patio with built-in gas grill and even a dual-sided fireplace. Large master with 5-piece bath and walk-in closet. Comfortable main floor living, open to kitchen with lots of storage and counter space. Full, unfinished basement for future expansion. Bring your golf cart and enjoy the Water Valley lifestyle!

For more information, please visit: http://windermerenoco.com/listing/74845848 or call Wendy Roberts at (970) 460-3033.

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Abundant 2-Story With Finished Basement

Featuring 4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms And A Loft!

Move-in ready 2-story with finished basement in a great southeast Fort Collins location. This 4 bedroom/ 4 bathroom home features a spacious eat-in kitchen, family room with custom stone fireplace and formal living/ dining areas. Rec room in basement with additional fireplace. Enjoy the outdoor patio with pergola and built-in fire pit. New exterior paint and new carpet. Walking distance to bike trail system and easy access to freeway, schools and shopping.

For more information, please visit: http://windermerenoco.com/listing/74602641 or call Kelly Swift at (970) 460-3033.

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Abundant 2-Story With Finished Basement

Featuring 4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms And A Loft!

Move-in ready 2-story with finished basement in a great southeast Fort Collins location. This 4 bedroom/ 4 bathroom home features a spacious eat-in kitchen, family room with custom stone fireplace and formal living/ dining areas. Rec room in basement with additional fireplace. Enjoy the outdoor patio with pergola and built-in fire pit. New exterior paint and new carpet. Walking distance to bike trail system and easy access to freeway, schools and shopping.

For more information, please visit: http://windermerenoco.com/listing/74602641 or call Kelly Swift at (970) 460-3033.

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Remarkable Farmhouse With Incredible Views

Featuring 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms And 3 Fireplaces!

Fabulous farmhouse on 2 acres in beautiful Waverly, just minutes from Fort Collins. With gorgeous views of the Foothills and snow-capped mountains, this property is country living at its best! The 4-bed home boasts a wide-open floor plan with 3 fireplaces and a kitchen with plenty of storage/ counter space. Large 5-piece master suite with dual-sided fireplace and private balcony. Outbuildings include a 2-car garage, wood shop, a bee house and 32 x 16 pole barn. Chicken coops to round out the farm experience!

For more information, please visit http://windermerenoco.com/listing/74601023 or call Jon Holsten at (970) 460-3033.

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