Year: 2018

Thinking of Renovating? 10 questions to ask a builderThinking of Renovating? 10 questions to ask a builder

December 11, 2018December 11, 2018| Carrie SummersThinking of Renovating? 10 questions to ask a builder| 0 Comment| 4:46 pm

If you are thinking of building or renovating a home, there are several things you need to think to consider. Sure everyone with a pickup truck and a dog in the back says there a builder in Colorado. But are they skilled? This is a question that has haunted me as well as several people.

So where do you begin? The first thing is to talk to all your friends, neighbors and even at the coffee shop. Get referrals. Once you’ve gotten your referral list together start meeting with the individual builders and ask lots of questions.

1. How long have they been in the business?

2. What homes have they done in the area so you can go see them?  Make sure and see at least 3 projects. Ask their previous clients, how much they charged? Were they easy to get ahold of and were there any problems?

3. Do they work alone or have a team? What is your time frame for completion of project?

4. Do they have the tools? If they have a small pickup with no tool bed or trailer, that is a red flag.

5. Will they guarantee their work?

6. Have they ever been in a dispute with an owner?

7. Are they insured?

8.  Do they belong to any building associations?

9.  Does the local building supply know them and recommend?

10. Do they have a website? Portfolio? Facebook page?  Check with Better Business Bureau and Google them.

I’ve been around Mancos for 29 years and have used many builders who are not qualified.  Yes, I’ve learned the hard way so call me and I’ll help you not have a stressful situation. 970-759-2540. MancosHomes.com

Should I sell in the Fall?Should I sell in the Fall?

September 4, 2018September 4, 2018| Carrie SummersShould I sell in the Fall?| 0 Comment| 2:19 pm

Should I sell my home in the Fall?  This is a question I’m asked frequently. Many people think that the best time to sell a house is in the Spring.  Here’s some things to consider.

1.  Less Competition- Usually the homes that were for sale in the Spring have sold, if they were priced right.  Simple supply and demand.  If there are fewer homes on the market, you will be getting more showings, which result in more offers  and ultimately top dollar for your home.

2.  Faster Transactions- Since appraisers and banks are not swamped, this means a quicker turn around on getting loans approved.

3.  Serious Buyers-  There are always buyers.  Your Realtor should be able to price your home right by doing a complete market analysis, and by having professional photography this will make your home stand out.  Don’t forget curb appeal and that first impression is very important.

I’d love to sit down with you and discuss the pros and cons.  If you are overwhelmed thinking about selling I can help.  I can orchestra cleaning and all the details to help you sell your home less stressful.

Fresh FruitFresh Fruit

July 14, 2018July 14, 2018| Carrie SummersFresh Fruit| 0 Comment| 12:51 am

 

One of the best things about summer is fresh fruit.  Even though we had very little snow over the winter, several apricot trees are loaded throughout Mancos.  Yum!  Also Oalthe Sweet Corn is now $8 for a $1!  Woo Hoo!  Don’t miss the Farmer’s Market on Thursdays next to my office from 4 to 7pm for your veggies and live music. Yes, I love living in Mancos.  If you are looking for a small town with a big heart come fall in love.  Just recently Mancos helped a family that was down on their luck to find a place to live, get it furnished and even do landscaping for them.

I’m here to help!  MancosHomes.com

Let Summer Begin!Let Summer Begin!

June 1, 2018June 1, 2018| Carrie SummersLet Summer Begin!| 0 Comment| 2:16 am

Schools out and time to plan!  Southwest Colorado offers an array of great things to do and see in the Summer.  Some of my favorites are of course riding my caballos more!  Long days allow me to ride before work and I still get to work by 8:30 am!

I also love hiking and trail running.  Some of my favorite trails are Sharkstooth and Chicken Creek.  I decided to take up mountain biking.  So far just gone on a couple of rides.  Man oh man, did my legs ache!  Phils World, located between Mancos and Cortez is awesome as well as Boggie Draw outside of Dolores.  Both offer single track with some challenging obstacles.

I love eating outside and watching La Plata TV.  That’s just staring at the mountains.  Never get tired of my view from my deck to just breathe.

Want to find a great place to fish, or a new hiking trail?  Just give me a call, I’m here to help you fall in love with the area.

P.S.  The picture is my son, several years back and makes Mama happy to see that smile!

 

 

 

Looking to buy?Looking to buy?

April 9, 2018April 9, 2018| Carrie SummersLooking to buy?| 0 Comment| 10:44 pm

Have you been looking at homes online and dreaming about a new home?  If you have started searching, you might be frustrated.  Buying a home is a very important decision and you want to make sure you are doing everything right.   Here are some tips.

  1.  Get prequalified for a loan-  I recommend talking to a few lenders and see what they offer.  First time home buyer, or veteran?  There are no down payment loans out there for you!  Once you are prequalified than you are ready to start the search.
  2.  Hire a Realtor who will become your trusted advisor.  They should know the area,  are easy to reach, and can work around your schedule. Get references, and google them.  Do they have a website,  and Facebook page? Get a list of their homes they have sold, and speak to their buyers.
  3. Your Realtor will search all listings on the internet, for sale by owners and will be able to help you narrow down your search.  They will be able to tell you if a home is over priced, the history of the home, and do comparisons.
  4.  If after searching for a home you just can’t find a suitable home, you might want to consider building.  Builders in Mancos are getting $125 a square foot, and a typical 5-10 acre lot will cost you around $50-90k.

Check me out on Zillow and ask about me at the coffee shop.  I’m here to help!

Tips For Selling Your HomeTips For Selling Your Home

March 23, 2018March 23, 2018| Carrie SummersTips For Selling Your Home| 0 Comment| 5:23 pm

Selling your home is a very important decision.  Here’s some tips to help it go smoothly.

1.  Interview Realtors.  Do your homework.  Google them, ask friends, check out their website.  Look at their reviews on Zillow.  Pick a Realtor who can become your trusted advisor.

2.  First Impressions are huge.  So declutter.  Make the cabinets and closets 1/2 empty.  Depersonalize your home. Wash windows, clean carpets, oil squeaky doors, and paint if needed.  Make the front porch inviting.

3. Take a big whiff.  Are there odors?  If so, try to eliminate them. Clean curtains, stains, and crack a window.

4.  Turn on all the lights for a showing and open up the curtains.

5.  Leave the house during showings.  The potential buyer wants to feel comfortable looking around and you want them to linger.  Have a snack for them and water.  Also have a sheet explaining all the features of your home.

Need to know what your home is worth?  We are here to help.  970-759-2540  MancosHomes.com

Thinking of Selling?Thinking of Selling?

February 28, 2018February 28, 2018| Carrie SummersThinking of Selling?| 0 Comment| 4:22 pm

Have you been thinking of selling?  Here are 4 signs that now is the right time.

  1. You can afford to move.  Sure, when you sell your home you will have money but do you have the money now to help you get top dollar for your home?   Tips to making your home look it’s best:
  • Paint is the #1 investment. Buyers love the clean look.
  • Curb appeal- Need to do some minor repairs?
  • Kitchen and Bathrooms- upgrade faucets and fixtures.
  • Declutter
  1. Your current home doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Do you need more space or is it time to downsize?  Do you like your neighborhood?  Have you been daydreaming of building or been looking at other homes?
  2. How’s the market?  Do you know if there are buyers looking for your type of home?  How long will your home be on the market till it sells? Did your neighbor’s home sell quickly?
  3. How much is your house worth? Do you have enough equity in your home that once you sell, you can buy another?

Selling your home is a big decision.  Want to know what your home is worth? Call me for a free market analysis.  I also have a seller’s guide to help make the transition smoother.  One thing I offer my clients is that I will help you get your place ready to sell by orchestrating handymen, cleaners and even provide the trailer.  I look forward to helping you.

Do you have a will?Do you have a will?

February 9, 2018February 9, 2018| Carrie SummersDo you have a will?| 0 Comment| 5:23 pm

A will is the last gift you will give to your family.  It’s a legal binding document that gives you control of what happens and what won’t happen to your estate.  You spell out exactly who will watch over your children, and your assets.  It is a gift since it will make the whole process of dying easier for your loved ones since they know your wishes.

There are software programs that can walk you thru it just as easy as Turbo Tax.  You can also go to a lawyer or just google it and you will find many options.  Make this a priority.