Category: Selling a home

Thinking about selling?Thinking about selling?

Selling a home, especially in a place like SW Colorado where the market buzzes with diverse properties and landscapes, can feel overwhelming. You need a realtor who understands the unique charm and value of your property, someone who goes beyond just putting it on a listing and truly markets it to the right audience. That’s where Colorado Ranch and Home Realty comes in, led by the experienced and passionate Carrie Summers.

Local Expertise, Personalized Touch

From their glowing Google reviews, it’s clear that Carrie and her team at Colorado Ranch and Home Realty prioritize building genuine connections with their clients. As someone who’s lived in the Mancos Valley for over 32 years, Carrie boasts a deep understanding of the local market and its nuances. This translates to strategic pricing, targeted marketing, and expert negotiation for your biggest asset.

Reviews Highlight Key Strengths

Many Google reviewers emphasize Carrie’s attentiveness and responsiveness, qualities crucial for navigating the sometimes stressful selling process. One reviewer mentions she “always felt informed and involved every step of the way,” while another lauds her ability to “explain complex situations clearly and patiently.” This personalized approach ensures you feel confident and empowered throughout the journey. Her team will make sure that first impression is a great one. They provide clean up, and handle estate sales if needed.

Marketing Magic for Your Colorado Haven

Colorado Ranch and Home Realty goes beyond traditional listing methods. Leveraging social media sets them apart. Follow them on YouTube, Facebook, X (Twitter)and Instagram. The website ColoradoRanchandHome.com has a wealth of information on living in SW Colorado and attracts buyers from all over the United States.

Negotiating for Top Dollar

Selling your home isn’t just about finding a buyer – it’s about getting the best possible price. Google reviews highlight Carrie’s strong negotiation skills, ensuring you get the value your property deserves. One reviewer shares, “Carrie fought hard to get me the price I wanted,” while another commends her ability to “navigate complex negotiations smoothly and successfully.”

Beyond the Sale: Support that Lasts

The journey doesn’t end with the sale. Google reviews praise Colorado Ranch and Home Realty’s continued support even after closing. Clients mention assistance with “moving” and “helpful recommendations” for post-sale matters. This commitment to your wellbeing goes above and beyond the typical realtor experience.

Ready to Sell Your Colorado Dream?

If you’re looking for a realtor who understands the magic of SW Colorado and prioritizes your needs, look no further than Colorado Ranch and Home Realty. With Carrie Summers’ expertise, personalized approach, and proven track record, you can rest assured your home will find the perfect buyer, and you’ll achieve your selling goals with peace of mind. Call Carrie at 970-759-2540

How to Increase Curb AppealHow to Increase Curb Appeal

1. Replace Old Hardware – Replace the entry door hardware, outdoor light fixtures, and mailbox. Choose hardware that contrasts the exterior paint colors. 

2. Paint The Front Door – Make a statement with the front door. Paint it a bright color or install a custom wood door. Add a wreath or other door decoration for an added eye catcher. 

3. Add Porch Seating – Invite guests to pull up and stay awhile with cozy porch furniture. Rocking chairs or a bench are both great options. 

4. Install Outdoor Lighting – Light the walkway to your home with outdoor solar lighting. Hang porch string lights as well. 

5. Refresh Plant Beds – Remove old leaves, plant fresh flowers, and remove weeds. Use stones or concrete blocks to edge the planter. 

6. Install A New Gate – a charming and attractive new gate can welcome visitors into your yard. 

7. Renew Paint – Refresh the exterior paint, and replace any old or rotting siding. 

8. Upgrade House Numbers – Do you have worn house numbers? Replacing them is a cheap and quick fix, taking no more than 30 minutes. 

Homeowners Insurance – The BasicsHomeowners Insurance – The Basics

Homeowners insurance policies pay to repair or replace your home and belongings should they be damaged in an unexpected event, such as an accident, fire, storm or other disaster.

How Much Coverage Do You Need?

Start with the coverage limit. Consider the cost of completely rebuilding your home and replacing all the belongings inside it.

Your lender may require you to carry a certain amount of homeowners insurance — often equal to or greater than the amount of your mortgage. At this stage, you should also consider whether you’d like to insure your belongings according to their actual cash value or replacement value.

Understand What is Covered

It typically covers damage from fire, windstorm, hail, water damage (excluding flooding), riots, explosion, as well as other sudden and unexpected losses., i.e. theft, and the extra cost of living elsewhere while your home is repaired or rebuilt. Make sure you understand the policy so that you are able to cover the cost of repairs/ belongings replacement.

Shop Around

Not all insurance policies or companies are the same so it’s important to make sure you are comparing apples to apples.  With home prices soaring, be sure your insurance covers what your home is worth now, not when you bought the home.

For more tips give Carrie Summers with Colorado Ranch & Home Realty a call 970-759-2540.

Thinking of Selling? Staging your home is crucial!Thinking of Selling? Staging your home is crucial!

Thinking of selling?  Staging your home to look it’s best, can get you top dollar!

Home staging is decorating with purpose to highlight your home’s best assets and help buyers imagine themselves moving in and living there.

De-personalize the space

The biggest objective of home staging is to help the prospective buyers visualize the space as their own. Start by removing any personal photos, making sure to take down things hanging on your fridge as well as framed photos on walls and surfaces. Most of the closets need to be ½ empty.

Get rid of clutter

Clutter takes up space, and space is what sells. Make your home look bigger and more desirable by getting down to just the basics. You don’t have to permanently remove things, but you should pack them up and get them out of the house. This includes un-seasonal clothes, most of your decor, papers, games, and anything else that you don’t use on a daily basis. Buyers will be opening your closest to look at their storage potential, so take your time there, removing as many miscellaneous items as you can.

Clean!

A clean home suggests to buyers that the current owners took good care of the property. Clean everything from the baseboards, to the corners of your ceilings, and everything in between. Clean the inside of your refrigerator, and make sure you dust your blinds.

Patch and repair

Take a magic eraser to any scuffs on the walls. Keep an eye out for areas that could use a little TLC, then spackle and caulk as necessary. You might need to do paint touch ups too.

Let in that light!

Brighten up by letting as much light shine in the house as possible. Open the blinks on all of the windows, which will also make the rooms seem bigger.

Freshen Up

A few potted plants can do wonders on making your home feel inviting. Space plants out strategically so they don’t overwhelm any one area. Another way to freshen up your home is to get rid of odors. Pets, kids, last night’s dinner, a damp bathroom, and many other conditions can make your home smell. An easy way to remove a home of odors is to bake cinnamon-coated apples, or cookies in the oven, or burning vanilla-scented candles. It’s best to avoid air fresheners as they can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in sensitive people. Lastly, don’t forget to take out the trash!  In the summer, crack a window for fresh air!

 

We are here to help make the selling process effortless!  MancosHomes.com

Tax Tips for Homeowners!Tax Tips for Homeowners!

Hi!  Working on your taxes?  Here’s some great tips for homeowners.

You can get some federal tax breaks for owning a home IF itemizing deductions on your 2021 tax return.
But that’s a bigger “if” than it used to be.
Although tax deductions for homeowners can add up to thousands of dollars, claiming them is worth the trouble only if all your itemized deductions exceed the IRS standard deduction.
The standard deduction for the 2021 tax year is:
  • $25,100 for married couples filing jointly
  • $12,550 for single filers 
  • $18,800 for heads of households
So what’s deductible?
1. Mortgage Interest
2. Home Office Expenses
3. Mortgage Insurance
4. Property Taxes
5. Home Improvements that are medically necessary: ramps, larger doorways, and handrails.
If you have questions, I am here to help and have several great CPA’s to assist you!

Happy Solstice!Happy Solstice!

What a glorious morning sunrise!  Yesterday and today it’s a bluebird day with it being around 43 degrees.  On Thursday we will be getting about 8 inches of snow for Christmas!  Homes are still flying off the market!  If you are looking to sell, now is the time!  Interest rates are low for buyers, and I’ve got plenty who are looking for new homes!

Protect Your HomeProtect Your Home

“For people living in wildfire-prone areas here in Colorado, mitigation is a proven method to reduce the risk to your home and property,” said Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. “Now is the time to take what steps you can, before we get any further into this summer’s wildfire season.” 

The Storm Prediction Center issued the first extreme fire danger warning for Western Colorado and Eastern Utah in 15 years. Unfortunately, this serves as a reminder that we are now in the height of wildfire season in Colorado and the West.

Tips for wildfire mitigation

  • Clear a safety zone around your home and remove trees, leaves, brush and pine needles. Create a zone of at least 100 feet, but know that 200 – 500 feet is often recommended. Also remove overhanging tree branches near your home.
  • Be sure propane or fuel tanks are at least 30 feet away from all structures.
  • Keep the smoke detectors and fire extinguishers inside your home working properly.
  • If you do not have access to a community water system or water hydrant, get a water storage tank. Make sure your garden hoses reach all areas of the property, and keep them visible and in accessible areas.
  • Be sure your entrance road is accessible. Inaccessible roads can prevent fire-fighting equipment from reaching your home quickly. The street address should be easily visible from the entrance to the property so emergency responders are not delayed.
  • Use fire-resistant materials in the structure of your home, especially the roof, which is most vulnerable
  • Do not store firewood on your deck or porch.

We have a couple of great companies that can help you be proactive.  Give Carrie Summers a call 970-759-2540. We are here to help!

Should I Renovate Before I Sell?Should I Renovate Before I Sell?

Thinking about selling and unsure if you should renovate?  Will it make your home more appealing to buyers?  Will you recoup the cost?  Renovations might not be for important in the current market.

Homes are currently flying off the market if priced right.  Multiple offers and above asking price is the norm.  Due to the high demand, spending time and money on renovations might not be smart.

Cleaning up the property is still key, and decluttering.  However some repairs might not be necessary.

In today’s market, many buyers are willing to take on home improvement projects, thus they can transform the home to their needs and tastes.

Contact me for how to get top dollar for your home, without doing major repairs.