Redlands Mesa Golf Course Community Development Opportunity

 

Grand Junction Reaches Unprecedented Growth!

https://milkeninstitute.org/reports/best-performing-cities-2020

Top Tips for Keeping Your Garage Neat and Organized

You can’t ignore your messy garage forever; and in fact, spring is an excellent time to clean and organize it. Here are our top tips for organizing your garage so it stays neat and tidy.

The garage ranks high along with the basement for spaces where families tend to dump things they don’t know what to do with.

It’s easy to store a box you never unpacked, some outdoor equipment or some unused paint in your garage and simply ignore the fact that it’s there when you pull in your car each night.

But the clutter becomes more difficult to ignore when, for example, you’re stuck clearing snow off your car or running out to your driveway during a downpour because you’ve filled your garage with too much stuff.

You can’t ignore your messy garage forever; and in fact, spring is an excellent time to clean and organize it. It’s not too hot, and you’ll probably need to get to items in your garage like lawn and garden equipment and your kids’ outdoor toys.

Here are our top tips for organizing your garage so it stays neat and tidy.

Clean and Sort Everything

If you actually do park your car in your garage, pull it out into the driveway or, better yet, park it on the street so you’ve got plenty of room to clean out your garage.

Unload everything first, even the boxes that haven’t been emptied since you moved in eight years ago. It might be helpful to lay a few tarps on the ground to protect your goods while you do this. Arranging specific piles of your stuff on tarps is also a helpful way to force yourself to keep a smaller number of items—keep only what you can fit in a given area.

Sort your goods into a few piles—what you want to keep, what you’d like to sell or donate, and what should be thrown out. Importantly, if you’re getting rid of paint, paint thinner, used motor oil or household chemicals, be sure to dispose of them properly.

After the space is organized, you’ll have plenty of room for a garage or yard sale to get rid of those unwanted items at a later date.

Figure Out How You’ll Organize Your Stuff

Garages typically house a unique mix of car-related items, tools, gardening equipment, bikes, kayaks, fishing gear, snow removal tools, beach items and more. It can be a challenge to figure out how exactly to store everything.

To give things their own place, you might want to consider a custom garage storage solution with options to store a wide range of items.

A design professional can create a plan that affords you enough space to add a workbench with drawers and cabinets for tool or hobby storage. For the gardener in your family, you could also add a potting area with a work surface.

During the cleaning phase, you should inventory any dangerous chemicals to see if they’re still usable. Then you can add locked cabinets to keep those dangerous chemicals and sharp tools safely away from curious kids.

The garage is a prime area for storing sports equipment like bikes and skis and gardening tools like a hose or rake, which can all be stored off the floor with wall racks. You can also add baskets for bulky things like balls, gloves, masks or pads.

Cabinets, both with swing-out and sliding doors (if space is tight when cars are parked), can house many other items you need to store like bottled water, things you buy in bulk or even outdoor furniture accessories.

Find a New Home for These Items

Consider a new home for some items which are best stored in areas other than your garage.

• Paint should be stored inside where the temperature remains somewhat consistent. Store it out of reach of children and pets in your basement or a closet.
• Propane tanks shouldn’t be stored in your garage; a spark could ignite the tank. Instead, store the tank upright and outside in a well-ventilated area away from any ignition source.
• Paper towels, plates, napkins, cardboard and other paper goods are better kept in your pantry if the packages are open. Storing them in your garage could attract bugs. They could also get damaged by moisture.
• Pet food also belongs inside; storing it in your garage could attract mice, rats, possums and other creatures you probably don’t want hanging out there.

While your initial garage organization effort may not be the most fun chore, you’ll be glad you tackled the clutter and created a better storage system later in the year. Rather than spending precious time searching for your kids’ bikes and skateboards, you’ll be able to easily find them and enjoy yourselves.

If you’re interested in learning more about organizing your garage, reach out to us for a free, in-home consultation.

https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/top-tips-for-keeping-your-garage-neat-and-organized/

5 Kitchen Update Trends

Whether you’re looking to invest in simple updates or a complete kitchen renovation, you can’t go wrong incorporating the latest design trends to enjoy now as well as boost your home’s value when it comes time to sell. If you’re not sure where to begin, check out our list below featuring on-trend elements we think will give you the most “bang for your buck.”

The following is a guest post from Patti Stern

Whether you’re looking to invest in simple updates or a complete kitchen renovation, you can’t go wrong incorporating the latest design trends to enjoy now as well as boost your home’s value when it comes time to sell. If you’re not sure where to begin, check out our list below featuring on-trend elements we think will give you the most “bang for your buck.”

Kitchen Renovations by PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating; Photo Credits: Steven Seymour and Jeff Kaufman

1. Cabinet Color. Replacing or repainting dark, dated cabinets is a priority in any kitchen update as cabinets are both an aesthetic and functional focal point which get noticed immediately by buyers. In the kitchens pictured above, we use bright white shaker cabinets which remain a current favorite to brighten the space and provide a clean, modern appeal. For the first kitchen pictured, we introduced on-trend navy blue for perimeter cabinets and a built-in pantry and coffee bar to add depth and contrast to the white subway tile backsplash, white Quartz counters, wood flooring and stainless-steel appliances.

Kitchen Renovation by PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating; Photo Credit: Steven Seymour

2. Custom Storage. According to a recent Houzz study, “a top functional priority, cited by 63 percent of renovators, was having a kitchen in which it’s easy to store and find items.” In the kitchen above, we chose a large island that functions as both a work area with extra storage below as well as a casual eating space with bar stools. The surrounding custom cabinetry and built-in storage units add to the room’s efficiency and enhance the clean lines and modern style.

Kitchen Renovation by PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating; Photo Credit: Steven Seymour

3. Quartz Countertops. The Houzz study also found that Quartz (used for the island and counters in our kitchen remodel above) was the most popular countertop material in 2018. It has become a growing alternative to granite and marble for its durability, versatility and custom appeal.

Kitchen Renovation by PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating; Photo Credit: Steven Seymour

4. Full-Tile Feature Walls. With the popularity of open first-floor layouts and kitchens with wall-free transitions, there is more of a need for a focal point. One of the trends we continue to see is beautiful feature walls with counter-to-ceiling tile either behind floating shelves or a range hood (as shown above). Whether choosing a shimmery glass finish or a bold geometric pattern, it’s a cost-effective way to add high-end style, texture and depth.

Image Credit: Houzz

5. Mixed Metals. Designers are now selecting a mix of metal finishes for faucets, hardware, lighting and appliances to add a new level of depth, sophisticated style and personality to a space. Be careful not to choose too many different finishes that compete with the surrounding colors and materials. Keep it simple with two metals that balance the room well. A primary finish such as a cool chrome or stainless steel should take up two-thirds of the fixtures then choose a warmer accent such as antique brass for the remaining third.

https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/5-kitchen-update-trends/

Commonly Asked Real Estate Questions

#AskPaul&Robin

What are closing costs?

Closing costs are expenses incurred by buyers and sellers in transferring ownership of a property.

What does FSBO mean?

FSBO stands for For Sale By Owner. A for sale by owner property usually indicates that the property is being sold without a real estate agent.

What is the difference between being prequalified and preapproved for a loan?

If you're prequalified it means that you POTENTIALLY could get a loan for the amount stated to you, assuming that all of the information you provide to the bank is accurate and true. This is not as strong as a preapproval.

If you're preapproved, it means that you have undergone the extensive financial background check, which includes looking at your credit history, previous tax returns and verifying your employment - and the lender is willing to give you a loan, basically meaning you're approved!

You will usually be provided an accurate figure which shows the maximum amount that you are approved for.  Most sellers prefer buyers that have been preapproved because they know that there will not be any problems with the purchase of their home.

What's the Difference between a "Listing Agent" and "Selling Agent"?

Listing Agents usually deal with sellers, and are the ones who will list a property for sale on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

Selling Agents (also Buyers Agents) deal with the homebuyers. They will sell the homes (which have been placed in the MLS) via the listing agents.

If you phone an agent from a magazine or newspaper ad, you are usually contacting the listing agent. These agents will place ads to show the seller that they are making an effort to sell their home. Also their advertising efforts can draw others who may decide to sell their homes.

Why should I use a real estate agent?

A real estate agent is more than just a sales person.  A real estate agent may act on your behalf, providing you with advice and guidance when buying or selling a home. Due to the constant changing of the market, the information available on listings is not always 100% accurate.  There are times when you need the most current information about what has sold or is for sale, and the only way to get that is with a real estate agent.

How Safe is the Neighborhood?

No one wants to live in a dangerous city, but your real estate agent can’t help you with this question. Due to the Fair Housing Act, a real estate agent cannot answer questions regarding crime statistics. Before starting your house hunt, research crime data for the cities and neighborhoods you are considering.

If you have other questions regarding real estate, please comment below!

We will be filming a LIVE Q&A THIS THURSDAY (2/14/19) @ 12pm MT. on our Facebook Page! Click Here For The Link!

We would love for you to tune in and ask your questions!

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are happy to help you!

Robin 970-270-8601 or robin.levine@gjhomes.com

Paul Zurek 970-778-7753 or paul.zurek@gjhomes.com 

https://www.lakeontariorealty.com/default.asp.f-faq

January 2019 Market Update

1031- Planning Ahead for a Successful Exchange

1031- Planning Ahead for a 

Successful Exchange

A successful IRC §1031 exchange transaction requires planning, expertise and support. Investment Property Exchange Services, Inc. (IPX1031) assists our clients by explaining the various types of exchanges, discussing the options that may minimize or eliminate any negative tax impact, providing exchange documents, and safeguarding the exchange funds. Laying the proper groundwork before entering into an exchange will avoid unnecessary obstacles and lead to a smooth transaction.

STEP 1. Contact IPX1031. In advance of the closing date, as soon as escrow is opened, or after entering into the purchase and sale agreement, advise us of your intent to do an exchange. IPX1031 will prepare the appropriate Exchange Agreement, Assignments, and other documents that must be executed prior to closing on the Relinquished Property being sold.

STEP 2. Instruct your real estate agent or attorney to include an “Exchange Cooperation Clause” in the purchase and sale agreement.

Sample Exchange Cooperation Clauses

Relinquished Property Sale Contract:
“Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, Buyer hereby acknowledges that it is the intent of Seller to effect an IRC §1031 tax deferred exchange, which will not delay the closing or cause additional expense to Buyer. Seller’s rights under this agreement may be assigned to Investment Property Exchange Services, Inc. (IPX1031), as Qualified Intermediary, for the purpose of completing such an exchange. Buyer agrees to cooperate with Seller and IPX1031 in a manner necessary to complete the exchange.”

Replacement Property Purchase Contract:

“Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, Seller hereby acknowledges that it is the intent of Buyer to effect an IRC §1031 tax deferred exchange, which will not delay the closing or cause additional expense to Seller. Buyer’s rights under this agreement may be assigned to Investment Property Exchange Services, Inc. (IPX1031), as Qualified Intermediary, for the purpose of completing such an exchange. Seller agrees to cooperate with Buyer and IPX1031 in a manner necessary to complete the exchange.”

STEP 3.  IPX1031 encourages you to engage your legal and tax advisors to counsel you throughout the exchange and the underlying real estate transactions. An exchange is a complex legal and tax transaction. IPX1031 can make the exchange process smooth, but we cannot provide you with tax or legal advice. Consult your tax advisor before starting your exchange if you used your Relinquished Property at any time for personal use (primary residence, vacation home, or used by friends/family), or you plan some personal use for the Replacement Property.

STEP 4.   Tell IPX1031 if you plan to 1) use Exchange Funds to make improvements to the Replacement Property, or 2) acquire the Replacement Property before you sell your Relinquished Property. Unlike a typical forward exchange, this type of exchange requires a different form of Exchange Agreement under which we must set up a title-holding entity to acquire the Replacement Property.

STEP 5.  Start searching for acceptable Replacement Property immediately to insure that you can meet the strict time frame for the 45-day Identification Period.

https://www.ipx1031.com/know-what-i-should-do-to-plan-ahead-for-a-successful-exchanged/?inf_contact_key=5df857579ae3ea6b34bcd01a7f6c2b41d18a532c4142cb79caf2b269de1401fa