The competition is getting tough out there.  Home buyers in Colorado are finding that they aren't the only ones getting back into the housing market today. Properties are receiving numerous bids at a time. "You need to go in with the highest and best offer and don't ask for anything you absolutely don't need." writes broker Chris Ann Cleveland of Virginia.  "Show you're serious with a good sized earnest money deposit and, finally, write a personal note."

REALTORS® are suggesting that their clients include a personal note with their bids to help get them noticed.  "It never hurts to put a bit of emotion into the offer with a personal note." Cleland advises. "It isn't going to replace great contract terms, but if all things are relatively equal, it may very well put your offer over the edge if you find yourself competing for a home."

Your REALTOR® has the expertise to help you make an offer that will get noticed!

Read more of "The Advantage of a Personal Note to Accompany your Offer"

Posted in Buyer Resources, Real Estate Trends

Metro Brokers agent, Jan Hepp-Struck of Hepp Realty is located in Brighton Colorado and can help you with residential or commercial real estate in the Northern Denver metro area.

Interviewer:  Hi I am Kathy Soltero with Metro Brokers TV.  Today in the studio we have Jan Hepp-Struck with Hepp Realty.  Thank you so much Jan for coming in and talking with us today. 

Jan:  Thank you.   

Interviewer:  Tell us about where you are located?  You are out in Brighton? 

Jan:  I am located in Brighton.  I founded Metro Brokers of Brighton in 1983 and began Hepp Realty LLC.  I joke with my friends, my peers and tell them that I am Metro Brokers.  I was elected as one of the first female members of Metro Brokers Inc. board and then I served as the first female president of the board in 1987 and the second in 1997 and I served on the board and as an officer and in committees for over 18 years consecutively. 

Interviewer:  Wow in the 80's that wasn't a great time... 

Jan:  80's and 90's yes. 

Interviewer:  Well and then it started to get better right. 

Jan:  Yes-yes-yes. 

Interviewer:  Okay.  So, is that as long as you have been in the industry that's when you got started and everything? 

Jan:  No I actually was originally licensed in 1977 and then I joined Metro Brokers in 1983. 

Interviewer:  Okay great wonderful.  Well being a president and that sort of thing, past president, that's awesome. 

Jan:  It is. It was a pleasure. 

Interviewer:  Tell me about you are so involved in your community.  Tell me about that? 

Jan:  It's been my pleasure to give back to my industry and to my community.  I have a resume two pages long itemizing all of that, I've recently been appointed by the Brighton City Council to serve on the Brighton Urban Renewal Authority, which is fascinating.  I am enjoying that. 

Interviewer:  Oh, my gosh.  So that's like all the expansion and kind of development that can go around in Brighton and that sort of thing. 

Jan:  Yes-yes. 

Interviewer:  That's wonderful that you have got all that input then. 

Jan:  Yes-yes. 

Interviewer:  What locations then do you actually focus on? 

Jan:  I focus in Brighton, that's my location, but, in addition to that all of Adam's County and Southern Weld, so I would be your contact for residential and commercial office, retail, industrial, farm, ranch and land real estate in Brighton, Henderson, Thornton, Fort Lupton, Northglenn, Lochbuie, Kingsburg, Hudson and the Tri-town areas, as far as on Firestone Fredrick and Dacono. 

Interviewer:  Wow so that really is a broad area. 

Jan:  It is a broad area full of communities that were smaller but, now they have grown. 

Interviewer:  Absolutely.  Your website says that you offer a 100 percent customer satisfaction.  Explain what that means? 

Jan:  Well our customer's satisfaction is our number 1 priority and we all focus on being in touch, in contact and taking care of all the responsibilities and duties at our end. 

Interviewer:  So tell me how can people get in contact with you Jan? 

Jan:  My cell phone is the best way to contact me, 303-520-4340 or the website HeppRealty.com, where they can view more information about me, my company and our listings. 

Interviewer:  Awesome.  Well thank you Jan very much for coming in and talking with us today. 

Jan:  Thank you. 

Interviewer:  You have been hearing from Jan Hepp Struck with Hepp Realty out in Brighton, Colorado and for more real estate related videos, like this one, be sure to tune in to metrobrokertv.com.

Posted in Buyer Resources, Real Estate Trends, Real Estate Market Conditions

If you own a home, you have to have Homeowners Insurance. "Homeowners insurance is one of the most expensive things we buy and hope we never use." says Angela Colley on MoneyTalks News.com.

The typical premium costs anywhere from $800 to $1400 but there are a few things you can do to lower your cost on homeowners insurance.

"While you're forced to pay homeowners insurance, you don't have to pay top dollar." Money Talks News founder Stacy Johnson says.  Here are some tips to lower your annual premium.

Raise Your Deductible:  Raising your deductible to, let's say, $1,000 could slash your premium by 10 to 30 percent, but make sure you have your emergency fund set up to pay it, if lightning strikes

Install Weather Resistant Upgrades to your Home:  Insurance companies will give discounts if your home is better protected against the elements, such as a stronger roof in areas of high wind. Before spending the extra money, however, check with your insurance company to see if you will get a discount.

Install Security Features:  "Burglary victims (in all structures, including homes) lost an estimated $4.6 billion to property damage and theft, according to the FBI and smoking causes 23,000 fires every year." says Colley.

"Your insurance provider may offer discounts if you install safety features. For example, the Insurance Information Institute reports that you can save at least 5 percent by installing a security alarm, a deadbolt lock, or a fire extinguisher. Upgrade to a more advanced security feature - like a security alarm that automatically dials the police - and you could save up to 20 percent."

Review your Policy and Insurance Riders: Make sure you are covering everything you need and not more.  For instance, do you have a rider covering your Aunt's fur that she gave you and you no longer have?  Review your policy with your agent.

Ask for Discounts:  There are many discounts your insurer can offer you including multi-policy, senior citizen, nonsmoker, being claim-free and being married.  Check with your agent. And don't be afraid to shop the policy around. Compare rates with other insurers.

Don't insure your lot:  "This may sound obvious," says Colley, "but if you paid $200,000 for your house, you don't need to have $200,000 worth of coverage, because part of the purchase price included the lot your house sits on. That's not going to burn down or gets stolen."

Make a Complete Inventory:  Since you are paying to insure all your stuff, make sure you have a complete inventory of what that is.  Create a video of all your possessions to prove you had what you say you had.

Colley says if you don't follow any other advice, at least do this: "Take your cell phone or other camera and walk around your house taking video of everything you have. Open drawers and closets. Go to the attic and basement - get it all. Then send that video to a far-away friend. If disaster strikes, that will be the smartest hour you ever spent."

Running a Home Based Business? Make sure your insurance provider knows this!  "For example, if the UPS driver trips on your front porch while delivering a business-related package and sues, the expense may not be covered by your homeowners policy." says Colley.  "When in doubt, ask."

See the full story and video at MoneyTalksNews.   

Posted in Real Estate Trends

You have found the perfect place to rent, the neighborhood is perfect, the place is perfect and the rent is well within your price range.  Before you rush to sign the lease,though, read everything carefully and know what you are getting into. Christina Aragon from Rent.com offers 9 Things You Should Know Before Signing a Lease.

1.    You Can Negotiate:  If the appliances are dated or the carpet is bad you can always try to negotiate upgrades or a reduction in rent.  "But here's the trick," says Aragon. "If you plan to negotiate, be polite and professional. The way you conduct yourself during a property visit and in phone conversations is a reflection of you as a tenant. Never bluff or strong-arm -- it could end up backfiring and even prevent you from landing the pad of your dreams."

2.    Sign it and it's Done. The lease, as written is a legal document.  So make sure this is the right place for you and that the lease includes everything you have agreed upon.

3.    Damage Deposit:  Go through the place thoroughly and write down any pre-existing damage on the lease because ultimately, after a year, that conversation you had about it might just slip the landlord's mind and you will be responsible for fixing it. "Documenting these kinds of damages protects you from losing your security deposit or being charged damage fees when you move out." Says Aragon.

4.    What Does the Rent Cover?  Your rent may cover more (or less) than you think, says Aragon.  Make sure you know if your rent includes utilities, parking, cable, internet, trash, etc. "Don't assume anything is included in your rent," says Aragon. "Some landlords require tenants to set up and pay for all these things on their own. Before signing a lease, ask your landlord or management company exactly what is -- and isn't -- included in the monthly rent rate, so you're clear about how moving there will affect your monthly budget and lifestyle."

5.    Decorating:  Make sure you get any major changes approved by the landlord, preferably, before you sign.  This includes changing the wall color and adding other "improvements" that the landlord might consider "damage to the property". Not complying in advance could result in fines or possibly, eviction.

6.    Pets:  Don't think you can sneak in "Fluffy".  If you have pets, make sure they are allowed and pay the extra charges if there are any.  

7.    Lease Renewal Clause:  Your lease might include a lease renewal clause meant to protect a renter from leaving if they don't want to.  The landlord is required to give you notice that the lease will be up and you have the right to renew. If your lease doesn't have one, you can ask your landlord to add it.

8.    Lease Termination:  "Read (don't skim) the lease-termination section of your rental agreement so you understand what will happen if you need (or want) to move before your lease expires," advises Aragon. "Find out how much notice you will need to give if you decide not to renew your lease. You could lose your security deposit or be held legally responsible for the remaining months' rent; even if you are forced to relocate or you lose your job."

9.    Make Sure It's All Written Down:  "If it's not in writing, it's not binding." says Aragon.  "Your landlord may seem like a real stand-up guy, but don't assume his handshake means anything. Protect yourself by making sure everything's all spelled out in your lease. And if there's any language that you don't understand or feel uncomfortable with, ask questions, talk it over and even request that it be simplified before you sign it."

Once you've made sure everything is perfect with the lease, you can move into your perfect place in the perfect neighborhood and throw the perfect party to show it off to all your friends!!

Read the full article at TheNest.com.

photo credit: Rob Warde

Posted in Real Estate Trends

Spring has come early to most of the country and everyone is going outside to inspect the toll winter has taken on their homes and landscape.

Paul Bianchina of Inman News offers 10 Home Maintenance Tips for Spring

1.    Roof:  Check the roof (or hire someone to do it) for missing or loose shingles. Look at the flue vents, the chimney and look for any debris that might have built up.  Also pay attention to trees that might be over the roof, this might be a good time to do some trimming before a big storm sends a limb onto your roof.

If you do see damage, remember that your homeowners insurance might cover it.

2.    Gutters and Downspouts:  While you're up there, check for water stains and loose gutters.  Clean leaves and debris so they are ready for that first spring rain.

3.    Fences and Gates:  Take a tour of the yard and maybe ask your neighbor if you can inspect your fence from their side.  "Fence posts are especially susceptible to groundwater saturation, and will loosen up and tilt if the soil around them gets soaked too deeply. Check fence posts in various areas by wiggling them to see how solidly embedded they are." says Bianchina. "If any are loose, wait until the surrounding soil has dried out, then excavate around the bottom of the posts and pour additional concrete to stabilize them. Replace any posts that have rotted."

4.    Clean Up the Yard:  Inspect your trees for winter damage and hire a professional to take care of it.  Prune back bushes and plants and clean up dead leaves, pine needles, small limbs, etc.

5.    Fans and Air Conditioners:  You can hire a professional to do this or do-it-yourself.  Check air conditioners and attic fans for any signs of leaking and clean out dust and debris and change filters if necessary.  (Make sure you turn off the power when you do this!)

6.    Sprinkler System:  In most areas, you need to turn-on your sprinkler system and then run each station to check for leaks and broken heads.  Make sure you adjust any heads that aren't spraying correctly to conserve water.

7.    Outdoor Faucets, etc.:  After the danger of freezing is over, remove outdoor faucet covers and any vent blocks to the crawl space.  Also make sure you inspect the crawl space each spring and summer for water drainage problems.

8.    Yard Tools:  These are your tools, so it's good to prepare them for summer work.  "Replace broken or damaged handles, and clean and condition metal parts." Says Bianchina. "Tighten fittings and fasteners, sharpen cutting tools and mower blades, and service engines and belts in lawn mowers and other power equipment."

9.    Furnace Filters:  This is a good time to replace your furnace filters.  They are dirty and clogged after a long winter.

10.  Smoke Detectors.  You should always check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year.  So, if you forgot to do it when we switched to Daylight Savings Time, replace the batteries and test it now.

Spring cleaning doesn't only apply to the inside of your house.  Use these tips to get the outside ready for spring too!

Read the full article at Inman news.

photo credit: Steve-h

Posted in Real Estate Trends