Archive for January, 2011
Clocktower at Highlands Ranch January 2011 update
Dirt is starting to turn over at Clocktower at Highlands Ranch, as the builder, Cardel has started 3 townhome buildings and finally started digging the basement/garage for the first condo building.
Digging the basement and garage for Clocktower
The condo building is located at the corner of Bristle Pine, and Lucent Blvd, and this building will be 4 levels, along with underground parking.
Having fun like using Tonka Trucks to move dirt
Some interior features will include:
- Slab granite counters
- 42″ maple cabinets
- Air conditioning
- 6 appliances (stove, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer and dryer
- Window blinds
- and more features yet to come.
Townhome update:
Building 16: is all sold out
Building 15: all 4 units are available
Building 12: 1 unit sold, 2 on hold and 1 is still available
Building 10: 5 of the 6 units are still available
Take a look at our previous blogs about Clocktower at Highlands Ranch, or email me at mcgmhg@earthlink.net. You can always call 303-888-2488 and order a copy of our report on how to buy a new home in Highlands Ranch.
Top 5 Home Improvements for Highlands Ranch Homeowners in 2011
Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Improving Your Home in Highlands Ranch
This time last year, you were probably filled with inspiration. Excitement was in the air because you were finally going to take on all of those household projects that you’ve been wanting and needing to do.
But,if you were like a lot of homeowners, 2010 came and went rather uneventfully in terms of house projects. Maybe you ended up being busier than you thought you would be or maybe with the economy bottoming out, those projects just didn’t seem feasible. Now it’s 365days later, and your home looks exactly the same as it did last year. In other words, the “resolution” you made about improving your home fell apart. Aside from basic maintenance, nothing got done.
The good news is things are looking up and it’s a brand new year! To help get you moving in the right direction, here’s a list of the Top 5 New Year’s resolutions for improving your home, which take into account everything from the time and cost involved to the overall “bang for your buck” these improvements will provide.
1. Two Words: “Paint”and “Paint.” Nothing improves the overall look of a home quite like afresh coat of paint. This is true for both the outside and the inside of your home. For the outside, consider hiring professionals. This is the best way to ensure that the job is done quickly and correctly. When it comes to the inside of your home, there’s nothing wrong with doing it yourself. Once again, tackle one room at a time, and don’t move on until you’re happy. Remember, you can always paint over a color that looked better in the store than it does on your walls. For homeowners who are thinking of selling, stick to neutral colors when painting to help broaden the house’s appeal and make it easier to sell.
2. Curb Appeal. Step outside your home and walk to the middle of the street. Take a good look at your home. Be as objective as you can, and ask yourself how does it look? Is the lawn in need of a manicure? Could the yard use a little more foliage? Are the front door and the garage door beaten up or in need of paint? Assess which elements need a face lift,and then make it happen. You’ll have a smile on your face every time you pull up the driveway, and your neighbors will also love you for it.
3. Time to Update? Frequently homes that were built in the ’70s and’80s seem more like they’re from the 1770s or 1880s. The reason is that digital newer-built homes come with niceties like dimmer switches for the lighting, crown molding, display thermostats, smoke detectors in every room, and the list goes on. Look around your home and determine where it may be reflecting its age. And, if you’re feeling a little ambitious and you have acoustic ceilings (also known as “popcorn” ceilings), consider getting rid of them. It’s a messy project,but it will improve the look and feel of your home.
4. Get Floored. Are your floors in need of a new look? There are more flooring options available now than ever before. Whether you’re partial to carpet, hardwood, or tile, there are choices that will fit any budget. The best part is that a new floor, regardless of type, will not only improve the look of your home, it will also increase the value. It may even be a good idea to talk to me to see what options are adding the most value to homes in your area. If your floors are relatively new but look a little drab, you may want to have them professionally cleaned. Either way, this is a great project to complete during warmer months.
5. Go with the Flow. Plumbing is very important to both homeowners and homebuyers. Is the hot water hot enough? Do the showers have the perfect pressure? Does the toilet run longer than it should? Some of these issues can be solved with a trip to the hardware store, while others will require a plumber. The important thing is that you start paying attention to these “minor” issues and work to get them resolved.
Plus…here’s a bonus tip you can do in just a few minutes and without any supplies!
Bonus Tip: Clear the Clutter. Clutter may seem harmless, but it can have a bigger impact than you might think. For starters, it’s a distraction that frequently keeps us from focusing on bigger projects. It also makes a home look messy and reduces valuable space. And for anyone who’s thinking about putting their home on the market, it’s a known fact that homes with less clutter will sell faster.
So here’s what you do, anytime you find that you have a little bit of free time, pick a small part of your house – or even your garage or shed – to focus on. Maybe it’s an entire room or maybe it’s just the entertainment center that’s cluttered with CDs and DVDs.
Remember, you don’t just want to straighten the clutter, you want to clear it out– and that means getting rid of all those things that you no longer use. You can even earn some money for your efforts by holding a garage sale, selling on Craigslist or donating the items to charity. Just be sure to get a receipt so that you can include your donation on your tax return.
Regardless of which projects are on your to-do list for 2011, make a plan of attack and then tackle them one at a time. And don’t forget to take some before and after photos for your scrapbook or to possibly show me in the future if you decide to put your house on the market.
For basic answers, give me a call at 303-888-2488 or email me at mcgmhg@earthlink.net for up to date information on todays real estate.
Verona at Highlands Ranch has 3 townhome floor plans to choose
Verona at Highlands Ranch has 3 townhome floor plans to choose from at their new home community of low maintenance living for the 55 + active adults. This development is a concept living community. This will be a Tuscan townhome style condominiums nestled along the Highline Canal, with its miles of trails and access to dozens of parks. This is the perfect place for bike riding, jogging, or strolling along at sunset.
Picture yourself taking daily walks along the canal
The Capello floor plan is the smallest with 1411 square feet on the main level, and 948 square feet finished in the walkout basement, for a total of 2359 square feet finished. There will also be another 468 square feet of unfinished space in the basement.
The Albero floor plan is on the end with 1559 square feet on the main level, and 1168 square feet finished in the walkout basement, for a total of 2725 square feet finished. There will also be another 396 square feet of unfinished space in the basement.
The Barone floor plan is the 2 story floor plan with 1998 square feet on the upper levels, and 859 square feet finished in the walkout basement, for a total of 2857 square feet finished. There will also be another 175 square feet of unfinished space in the basement.
Base prices start at $408,000, and along with the many standard features, can be customized to your liking. A few of the standard features are:
- Slab granite kitchen counters
- Brushed nickel hardware
- Wrought iron balusters
- Cat5 wiring
- 8 foot panel doors
- Tankless Rinnai hot water system
- Air conditioning
- 9 foot tray ceilings in the lower level
To save money it is best to have a real estate broker on your side as your buyers agent. Call me at 303-888-2488, or email me at mcgmhg@earthlink.net. On my website we have a great report on the Top 20 items to watch for in a NEW HOME.
December 2010 Real Estate Market Statistics for Highlands Ranch
Just provided from Metrolist are the December 2010 sales statistics for Highlands Ranch. At the end of my blog you can print out the graphics for Highlands Ranch, but some figures that stand out for residential are as follows:
- # of closed sales in the December went up 13%
- Average days on the market went up 26% to 114
- # of new listings went up 9% to 170
- Average price sold went down 10% to $347,665
For condominiums, some interesting facts are:
- # of closed sales went up 80% to 27
- Average days on the market went up 38% to 122
- Average price sold stayed about the same at $274834
You can print out the December Highlands Ranch December 2010 MLS statistics or call me at 303-888-2488, or email me at mcgmhg@earthlink.net. My website at www.garardrealestate.com has more statistics for the full year of 2010, along with more helpful resources to buy and sell in Highlands Ranch.
Grand Opening for the models of Spaces at The Ranch is January 22, 2011
The models are shaping up nicely at Spaces at The Ranch by Shea Homes, and they just announced that the grand opening will be January 22, 2011. They advertise that this is the first new-home concept of its kind, and will be available to view all finished from 10am to 6pm. Hello future.
Main model entrance of the 4 model homes at Spaces at The Ranch
westerly model, plan 3001 Spaces at The Ranch
We always recommend having a real estate broker as your advocate when purchasing a brand new home. Call me at 303-888-2488, or email at mcgmhg@earthlink.net to set up a time to discuss your needs.
When purchasing a brand new home it is wise to have our Top 20 items to watch for in a NEW HOME things to watch out for.
Model 3006 plan with a flat backyard
View o model 3004 plan with a garden level basement
