Why would I want to be a homeowner?

There has been a lot of tough news coming out this week about the real estate market and overall economy in general. Everywhere you look you see dismal statistics and talk about things like depreciation, record housing inventory levels, foreclosures, shadow inventory, and many experts questioning if buying a house is still a good investment.

Unfortunately, the recent real estate boom (and resulting bust) has skewed our perception about what owning a home really means. Sure - we would all love it if we could continue to experience huge appreciation and growing equity just by paying our mortgage each month. But what about the less tangible benefits of homeownership?

An August 2010 report by the National Association of Realtors discussed the Social Benefits of Housing. Some of the findings include statistics that show that family units in houses with homeowners (versus houses with renters) experience:

- A higher rate of teens staying in school
- A lower rate of teen pregnancy
- Higher educational achievement (and higher earnings as a result)
- Higher civic participation in the local community

Of course there is an even more personal side to our homes. In our homes we build our lives with our partners, raise our children, play with our pets. We celebrate holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and all those major life milestones. We cook, garden, entertain, decorate, and relax. Our homes are our sanctuary - the place we can go to feel safety, security, and unconditional love. We make memories in those little moments of our everyday lives: in the meals and laundry and homework.

So maybe you aren't going to experience double-digit appreciation on your home in the future. Maybe you won't be able to refinance and take out a new loan that is 105% of the value to buy a shiny new car or take a a European vacation. But that doesn't mean that we should all give up on homeownership. Let's not forget all the other benefits that we experience as homeowners every single day.

Jennifer Fly

Colorado Landmark, Realtors
303-443-3377
jenniferfly@coloradolandmark.com
Twitter: @jenflycolorado

10 Home Maintenance Tips for Spring

Spring has sprung in Boulder! The sun is shining and the flowers are blooming. Is your home ready for the heat of the summer?

After months of freezing temperatures, bitter wind, and snow that hung around a lot longer than we are all used to, chances are that your home could use a little attention.

Here are some tips to keep your home in top shape as we move in to the warm, beautiful Colorado months.

1. Replace the filters in your furnace, humidifier, and air purifiers

2. Clean gutters and downspouts and make sure they are draining properly away from the house

3. Have your fireplace cleaned and chimney swept and inspected by a licensed professional

4. Consider having your ducts cleaned, this will improve the air quality in your home and make your furnace and A/C run more efficiently

5. Check your roof for any damage that may have occurred over the winter and repair/replace any shingles as needed

6. Have a qualified heating and cooling professional service your air conditioner or evaporative cooler

7. Inspect and seal cracks in your concrete or asphalt driveways

8. Check and clean the clothes dryer vent and stove hood

9. Check all windows and doors, make sure they open and close properly and well-sealed.

10. Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Taking these steps now will ensure that your home is ready for the coming summer months, and will eliminate the need for costly repairs and maintenance in the future.

If you have any questions, real estate related or otherwise, please feel free to contact a Colorado Landmark, Realtors professional. We are here to help!

Jennifer Fly

Colorado Landmark, Realtors

(303) 443-3377

http://www.coloradolandmark.com/

jenniferfly@coloradolandmark.com

Twitter: @jenflycolorado

Spring Home Maintenance Tips for Owners and Sellers

Whether you are trying to sell your current home, or take good care of the one you have, here are a few good spring time maintenance tips.

• 
  Clean and lubricate hinges, locks, and moving parts in window and door hardware once a year to maintain ease of use. In Colorado sometimes these get stuck if doors and windows aren't open much in the winter. This is a safety issue as well as a convenience issue - you want to be able to get out of the house in an emergency.

• 
  Test the auto-reverse function on your garage door, as well as the balance. Familiarize yourself with the door's release mechanism in case of emergency or power failure. Kids will be playing outside more now that the weather is better so keep them safe in and around your garage.

• 
  Cut grass no shorter than 3 inches, and never more than 1/3 of the blade. Mow in the morning or evening. Deep watering, in the morning, is better for your grass than frequent, shallow watering. In our hot Colorado summers watering in the morning will save water too as it won't evaporate as much as it will if you water during peak sun hours.

Pam Metzger

Director of Relocation and Business Development

303-302-8839

pam@coloradolandmark.com

Twitter = pmcolorado