Category: Blog

Understanding Hidden Costs: What it Cost to Buy and Own a Home

Understanding Hidden Costs: What it Cost to Buy and Own a Home

One of the biggest financial mistakes people make when buying a home for the first time is that they focus only on the property’s final price tag. Buyers should be aware that the final price of the house includes certain extra costs that need to be paid upfront or get rolled into the home loan.

Most of these costs are paid to third parties like realtors and attorneys. Before you buy a house, you must have an understanding of the additional costs so that the final price of the home does not come as a surprise to you.

We have examined a few hidden costs incurred by home buyers in detail. Most of them fall under closing costs, i.e. the last stage of home-buying (immediately before the keys are handed to the buyer).

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Homeowners’ Insurance

Estimated Cost: Average cost is $1173 nationwide ($1383 in Colorado), but it can be as high as $3500 depending on the type of house, location, weather, and building materials.

This is a property insurance that covers payments for damages to the house and its assets. You may have to buy the insurance before closing on the home and pay the first year’s premium to show that insurance is in place. After that, annual premiums can be escrowed into the mortgage payment.

Home insurance cost depends largely on where you live. Homeowners who live in states that are more prone to natural disasters tend to pay more in home insurance. Florida is the most expensive state where home buyers pay over $3500 in home insurance. Additionally, home insurance varies depending on the value and size of the house. Buyers of single family homes typically pay more home insurance than condominium and townhome buyers.

Mortgage Insurance

Estimated Cost: $1000 – $4500 per year

Ideally, buyers have to make a down payment of 20% of the price of the house. Those who make a payment of less than 20% are required to pay private mortgage insurance. The cost varies depending on the size of the down payment and the buyer’s credit score, but typically lands between .55% and 2.25% of the original amount of the loan each year. Mortgage insurance protects your bank (or lender) in case you default on your loan and the lender has to foreclose on your home. Remember, mortgage insurance protects the lender (not the home-buyer) in case the buyer fails to pay the loan amount. Foreclosures can cost lenders around $40,000 – $50,000 including lost interest, attorney’s fees, insurance payments and potential equity loss.

Closing Costs

Estimated Cost: 2 – 5% of home price 

Closing costs include a series of costs that buyers can get rolled into their mortgage and not necessarily pay upfront. They may also negotiate with the seller to cover some of these costs.

Here are the closing costs you can expect:

  • Appraisal Fee

Estimated Cost: $400 to $1000.

An appraisal ensures that a fair market value of the house is established for tax purposes. In other words, appraisal is a written justification of the price of a property determined by the comparable sales of other homes in the area. The bank (or lender) needs the appraisal to ensure the property you are buying is worth the amount you want to borrow.

  • Loan Origination Fee

Estimated Cost: 1% of the loan amount.

This is the fee home buyers pay for the initiation and completion of the home loan process. It includes underwriting, processing, and application fee and is paid to the lender. Lenders charge this fee to cover costs of organizing your documents, analyzing income, requesting information from employer, and authenticating your documents. The smaller the home loan, the more is the loan origination fee.

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  •  Inspection Fee: This includes building inspection, sewer inspection and pest inspection. Conducting these inspections is more important if you are buying an old house.

Estimated Cost: Depends on the size of the house.

  • Radon Test:  Radon testing is the only way to know whether your home has high levels of radon, a radioactive gas that can cause health complications over time.

Estimated Cost: $150

  • Home Inspection: According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, home inspections should include the examination of the following:
  1. Construction and structural flaws.
  2. Safety elements like fire alarms.
  3. Grounds, roofs, and exterior surfaces.
  4. Condition of attic.
  5. Interior plumbing and electrical system.
  6. Proper functioning of appliances.
  7. Heating and cooling systems.
  8. Condition of basement and garage.

Estimated Cost: $500+

  • Sewer Inspection: You many consider sewer inspection as an afterthought but it is one of the most important inspections home buyers should conduct. This stands true especially if you are buying a house that is more than 20 years old. The inspection will suggest whether the sewer line is clean or clogged, verify the material used in sewer construction, and the overall condition of the sewer.

Estimated Cost: $150

  • Pest Inspection: If the seller is not paying for pest inspection or if you doubt the quality of the inspection organised by the seller, it is a matter of due diligence on your part to conduct another pest inspection. Pest and termite inspections look for active pest activities in the house, past pest activities, signs of damage, and conditions that may make these activities more likely in the future.

Estimated Cost: $100 – $200

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  • Documentation Fee: When buying a house, you will need to hire a solicitor to prepare documents for you. While it is possible to do this on your own, first-time home buyers are recommended to get help from a solicitor for legal documentation. Preparing documents for taking out a loan and other paperwork requires a fee that may be covered by either the home buyer or the seller.

Estimated Cost: $50 – $60.

  • Homeowners’ Association (HOA) Transfer Fee: HOA transfer fee is charged in communities that are a part of homeowners’ association. When a house in such a community is sold to a new owner, the community charges a transfer fee that includes the cost of document preparation for property transfer and distribution of documents related to the community’s rules and regulations. The HOA fee may vary depending on the location and size of the house and amenities like club, pool, or gym.

Estimated Cost: $200-$500.

  • Property/Municipal Tax

Estimated Cost: 0.66% of the total price of the house, but may vary.

 Ideally, the seller pays the property taxes from the beginning of the real estate tax year until the date of closing. The buyer should pay the taxes after the closing date. If the vendor has already paid the property and municipal taxes for the time period during which the buyer will be the owner of the house, then he/she has to pay the amount back to the seller at closing. In case, the seller has not paid the taxes, the buyer can ask to adjust his/her allocated share at the time of closing.

  • Maintenance and Repair Costs

Estimated Cost: 3.6% – 4.5% of the purchase price of the house annually.

Apart from these, if you are buying an old house for the first time in Denver, for example, calculate the budget for home maintenance and repair costs too. From getting a fresh paint and fixing faulty faucets to mowing the lawn and replacing kitchen appliances, first-time home buyers in Denver can be caught off guard by several additional costs.

Conclusion

Your home will be one of the biggest purchases you will make in your lifetime. Knowing your financial options will make the process of home-buying easier. An understanding of these costs will help you finalize the purchase of your new house and prevent any unexpected costs later on. Consult an experienced real estate agent before you buy a house to understand the bifurcation of the costs home buyers usually incur. 

TJC Real Estate has been your neighborhood Realtor since 2005. Our wide range of expertise ranges from first time home buyers and real estate investors to property management and commercial real estate. Just have a few questions? Call us, we are happy to help!


Brought to you by Sondra Lockett-Cameron, Marketing Manager for TJC Real Estate and Management Services.

TJC Real Estate & Management Services • 303.324.6988 • info@tjcrealestate.com

Your Neighborhood Realtors® Since 2005

© 2020

Denver Aerotropolis: Porteos, The Industrial Development

Denver’s Aerotropolis

Northeast Denver. Northwest Aurora. Northeast Aurora. Denver’s Aerotropolis is blossoming with new home construction, new parks, new dining and shopping destinations.  In other words, this pocket of the metro area is creating new areas and opportunities for connection. Not only have the Denver International Airport, the Gaylord of the Rockies, new developments such as Painted Prairie, High Point and the Aurora Highlands given this booming area recognition, but now the long standing Porteos industrial park is making a name for itself as well.  

What is the Porteos Industrial Project?

It’s been over 4 years since A&C Properties have finished their first phase of the Porteos industrial project.  In that time frame, 600 acres were sold for industrial development and the price per sq ft has doubled. The Colorado Real Estate Journal describes Porteos as, “A business park that initially received little notice within the Denver industrial real estate community has proven itself worthy of national attention.”  

Located east of E-470 and north of I 70, Porteos, the industrial pioneer of northeast Aurora is a 1,287 acre commercial mixed use site. 

  • 2 miles from Denver International Airport main terminal,  and the Westin hotel and the light rail station
  • Close to 3 interchanges at E-470 / 56th & 64th and Peña blvd
  • 3 miles from the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Conference Center

Walmart, Costco, Ryder and Karchar Move In

Once thought to be out of the way and too far from I-70 for commercial entities to pay attention, Porteos has recently attracted some big box companies.  Walmart, Costco, Ryder and Karchar have all acquired big plots of land to build distribution centers. With the amount of visitors that will be attracted to the area, there are now talks of adding retail and hospitality venues.

Along with these globally known names, JAG Logistics has already made a home at Porteos. According to their website, “Encompassing approximately 250 acres of commercial and industrial zoned land, JAG Logistics Center at DEN is developed, owned and managed by J.A. Green (JAG), a family owned and operated business since 1941, with extensive expertise in airport adjacent development.  JAG is committed to developing real estate solutions for companies not only connected to logistics or airfreight, but any company seeking high quality, column-free space proximate to a major transportation hub.”

Call TJC Commercial for Porteos Land Availability

Interested in looking at industrial commercial space?  Contact Erica Stegner, TJC Commercial Real Estate Broker.  TJC is a full service real estate firm with decades of expertise in residential and commercial real estate and property management services.  For more information on Denver’s Aerotropolis, visit www.DenverAerotropolisRealEstate.com.

Exploring Denver’s Aerotropolis: Painted Prairie Neighborhood

Build a New Home in Painted Prairie!

Painted Prairie is on the move!  A new residential and commercial subdivision in Denver’s Aerotropolis region, Painted Prairie is expected to house 3200 homes from these builders: KB Home, David Weekley Homes, McStain Neighborhoods, Meritage Homes and Epic Homes.  Looking to build a new home? There will be something for everyone with single family and paired homes ranging from 1150 sq. ft. to 2700 sq. ft. and starting in the low $300’s. So far, David Weekley and KB Homes are open for business and selling lots, with the rest of the home builders to join in shortly.

Views of the Plains and Mountains from Painted Prairie.

Views of the Plains and the Mountains from Painted Prairie

Where is Painted Prairie?

North of Green Valley Ranch, east of High Point and west of the Aurora Highlands, this new neighborhood will sprawl from Dunkirk Road to Piccadilly Road and 56th Avenue to 64th Avenue in the far Northwest corner of Aurora. 

What does Painted Prairie Offer?

The views are spectacular!! The snow capped purple mountains, Downtown Denver, the wispy edges of the grass plains….you truly feel connected to what it means to live in Colorado. Within the neighborhood, plenty of open space, community gardens and 2 vast parks have been planned. One of the parks that is near completion is 22 acres and includes trails, a huge playground, and a pavilion with seating, perfect for watching the sun rise and set!

Views of Downtown Denver from Painted Prairie.

Views of Downtown Denver from Painted Prairie

Now….City Lane.  The 55 acre urban commerce development that will complete this neighborhood and bring its residents together.  From local eateries and farmer’s markets to shared work spaces and wellness options, slotted to shoot up across from the Gaylord of the Rockies, it will be a destination location for all around.

The Gaylord of the Rockies is located in the Painted Prairie neighborhood.

Gaylord of the Rockies

Buy. Sell. Rent. Invest. Build.

Feel inspired to move, upgrade or purchase a rental?  TJC can help you buy, sell, rent and invest. Having a seasoned realtor on your side to help you through all the steps of any real estate transaction is priceless.  Did you know that when you build a new home, there is no out of pocket expenses for you to have a realtor help you through the paperwork, design center, inspections, walk-throughs and closing?  We also offer no obligation tours of Aerotropolis, investor ROI discussions, and CMAs for your current home. To learn more, contact TJC Real Estate and Management Services today!  

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Brought to you by Sondra Lockett-Cameron, Marketing Manager for TJC Real Estate and Management Services

TJC Real Estate & Management Services • 303.324.6988 • info@tjcrealestate.com

Your Neighborhood Realtors® Since 2005 

© 2020

Exploring Denver’s Aerotropolis: High Point Neighborhood

High Point is located East of Tower Road and 64th Avenue, lies the next neighborhood of NE Denver/NW Aurora, better known as Aerotropolis Denver or The DIA (Denver International Airport) Metropolitan District.  High Point is a 1,500 acre planned community with 10 million sq ft of commercial space and an expected 2000 residential homes.

Connected by 200 acres of parks & open space and 13 miles of trails, smaller communities of homes built by Century and DR Horton are available starting at the low $300k’s.  High Point is well on it’s way and is a great addition to the already established Green Valley Ranch neighborhood. Minutes from DIA, Gaylord of the Rockies and Panasonic, High Point is also within an easy commute of Downtown Denver, the Anschutz Medical Campus and Buckley Air Force Base.  

Looking for a move?  Dreaming to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city, but still want to stay connected?  Let us give you a tour of Aerotropolis Denver! We will happily show you High Point, Painted Prairie and Aurora Highlands. 

Stay tuned for regular updates!  

Brought to you by Sondra Lockett-Cameron, Marketing Manager for TJC Real Estate and Management Services

TJC Real Estate & Management Services • 303.324.6988 • info@tjcrealestate.com

Your Neighborhood Realtors® Since 2005 

© 2019

Giving Back. It’s Worth Reading.

I love to read. I have always loved to read. When I was a little girl growing up in Indiana, I hid in the closet and the bathroom (sitting on the toilet with my pants up) so I could read. I read Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden and the Bobbsey Twins. My elementary school had 1 classroom that had been turned into the school library. I was an almost daily visitor. I read biographies of famous explorers and famous Americans. I read many biographies of saints (as I went the St. Therese Catholic School). I would guess that I read nearly every book in that school library and many of them more than once.

Then I moved on to the Waynedale Public Library. More books, more choices, more to read. I had a period of reading historical romance. I actually learned a lot about history and a fair amount about the birds and the bees.

I read some classics in high school. I even read the Little Prince in French. After college when I had more disposal income, I purchased books. I still love to own books. Shortly after I moved to Colorado in September of ’98, some friends and I started a book club. I have been with this same book club for more than 18 years. 6 other ladies and myself meet each month and we read everything…Fiction, Non-Fiction, Mysteries, Self-Help, Classics.

Of course, I was an avid reader to my 2 kids. We loved reading Go Dog Go and Fancy Nancy, Magic Treehouse and the Rainbow Fairies. My son went through a reptile period for so long that I BEGGED his elementary school librarian to stop sending books home about snakes and lizards! I have to admit that when it came to the young adult books, they were so such fun to read when my kids hit middle school: the Harry Potter series (which I have read at least a half dozen times), Percy Jackson, The Hunger Games series, the Divergent Series, The Fault in Our Stars.

I like to read ‘real’ books. I like to read on my Kindle. I read on my phone using the kindle app. I read the newspaper and magazines. I LOVE to read.

About 5 ½ years ago, I decided to find a volunteer organization that allowed me to share my love of reading with others. I joined Reading Partners (www.ReadingPartners.org) as a tutor in Denver, Colorado. Once per week (or twice a week this year twice), I tutor a child for about an hour in reading. I read to her (from Karen 5 years ago to Elizabeth today) and then she reads to me. Reading Partners uses a prescribed curriculum to work on concepts like sight words, fluency, sequence of events, inferences, vocabulary, describing characters, and on and on. I try to pass on my love of reading with each child I have tutored. It’s a gift worth giving.

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Group of school kids reading for education

The statistics around reading and our nation’s children are alarming. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only about 1/3 of America’s 4th graders can read proficiently. Once students start to fall behind in reading, they tend to fall faster and further behind their peers every year. The ability to read on grade level by the end of 3rd grade is critical. Fourth grade academic standards assume students have already learned to read and therefore require them to “read to learn” (Center for Public Education 2015). Students who have not learned to read by 4th grade are 4 times more likely to drop out of school and this risk is even great for low-income children. Nationally, about 67% of all children and 80% of low-income children do not reach this critical milestone.

Ready to share your love of reading? Reading Partners Colorado just finished their After the Bell campaign, although you can always donate (https://readingpartners.org/donate/). They are always looking for volunteers (I already committed for next year). Please consider donating or volunteering. And remember to read! Read to learn. Read for enjoyment. Read to teach a child or an adult. Read to your child or your niece or nephew or grandchild. Give someone the gift of reading!


Brought to you by Kari Cummings, Real Estate Director/Owner of TJC Real Estate and Management Services.

TJC Real Estate & Management Services • 303.324.6988 • info@tjcrealestate.com

Your Neighborhood Realtors® Since 2005

© 2019

Cover Your Asset

Here’s a look at the typical timeline of the average American resident:  Phase 1. Graduate college. Get first REAL job. Buy first house. Adopt a dog.  Get married. Have first child. Realize that the first ‘home sweet home’ is just too small.  End of phase 1. Now, phase 2 may not be as typical as phase 1, but it’s a great route to follow:  Buy new home. Decide to build retirement portfolio. Keep first home as a rental property.

If you were able to follow phase 2 as listed above or are deciding at a later phase in your life to acquire rental properties, make sure you have your asset covered.  I sat down with my Property Manager and our long-time Maintenance Professional to devise a check-list of opportunities to maintain your/our long-term investments. Some people may have an obsession with recreating the 1986 blockbuster Money Pit, but that is not in our list of recommendations.

So what should you look out for to make sure your home is tip top?  First and foremost, if you are purchasing a home as an investment, listen to the home inspector carefully and follow his/her list of recommendations.  Moving forward, here are our top 22 items to keep in mind:

  • Keep water out – make sure caulk is not failing anywhere water exists (interior and exterior)
  • Have HVAC system serviced yearly
  • Have the sewer cleaned out yearly on older homes (especially with clay piping)
  • Have tankless water heaters serviced annually
  • Running toilets should have all rubber parts replaced
  • Ensure sump pump is working properly
  • Ensure all doors and windows seal properly to keep the weather out
  • Change air filter frequently (consider providing this service to tenants if it is hard to access)
  • Ensure spring hinges are working properly on door between the garage and the house
  • Replace weather stripping that is wearing
  • Seal granite countertops
  • Refinish hardwood floors when the finish is visibly wearing
  • Replace washer hoses (especially rubber) when needed
  • Ensure CO detectors, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are working and not expired
  • Re-seal grout in showers
  • Trim trees and bushes away from the home
  • Don’t forget about the outside
    • Touch-up/paint your home
    • Replace rotted wood
    • Make sure everything is caulked and sealed
    • Ensure drainage/grading is pushing water away from your home
    • Stain fence/real wood deck when it no longer repels water (typically every other year)
    • Have roof inspected after wind/hail storms
    • Have gutters cleaned yearly (where mature landscaping exists)
    • Lubricate all moving parts on garage doors yearly
    • Ensure garage door seals to keep water out

“We spend thousands of dollars on a depreciating asset (car) and take it for regular oil chang-es, check-ups, and take it to the car wash every time it gets dirty, but we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a home and don’t do anything to it.”  – Bob, handyman

It is a best practice to make sure everything in your home is functioning properly. Don’t forget higher quality products typically last longer!


Brought to you by Sondra Lockett-Cameron, Marketing Manager for TJC Real Estate and Management Services. 

TJC Real Estate & Management Services • 303.324.6988 • info@tjcrealestate.com

Your Neighborhood Realtors® Since 2005

© 2019

DESIGN TRENDS: Is it TIME to Paint the Exterior of your Home?

How to tackle painting the exterior of your home…

As the weather turns nicer, the home renovation spark starts to fire up. Painting the exterior of your home can make a big impact, and preserve the exterior of your home, protecting it from the elements of Mother Nature.

What colors?

This is the hardest part – picking the colors. It is important to remember these are colors to balance with your neighbors exteriors, your outside environment and to carry through the style of your home. First take a look at the color of your roof shingles and if you have any brick or stone to coordinate with your paint colors. You should also confirm any restrictions your neighborhood may have and if you have an HOA, you may need to consult with them as well. Now head to your local paint store and start with their exterior paint brochure recommendations. They will have schemes put together for you and you can draw inspiration from those to start. Gray and neutral colors are trending, but navy blue and white are also popular. If you want to accent with a bright color, the front door and shutters are a great way to add a pop of color to go along with a neutral scheme.

Most paint schemes will have 3 colors: body, trim and accent. Pick a couple colors to get samples of, and if the weather allows, put the paint right on the body of your house in a big area up to 3 feet x 3 feet, so you can really get a feel for the color. Paint the sample in a couple different spots on your house so you can look at the color in different lights and at different times of the day. If your unsure about painting directly on your exterior, you can always do some poster board samples, and tape the samples up on your home.

Should the exterior paint match the architectural style of my home?

Another factor in determining a paint color is the style of house you own. If you own a ”painted lady” (as shown below) or victorian house, you can play up the architectural details and have a little more fun with color. We are seeing a trend of exterior brick being painted as well. Many red brick homes are going light or even white, making a big transformation.

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Farmhouse style calls for a very neutral color scheme with accents of fun on the front door or shutters. Art and Craft style homes can also have some interesting details as well. If you have a covered porch, the ceiling of the porch can also coordinate with the front door or trim.

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Who should I use to paint my home?

A good experienced local paint company will give you a free estimate, explain their process, and various warranties they offer. A local favorite is, VIVAX, a Colorado company that offers several various warranties from 6, 9 to 14 years. They will come back and do free touch ups, big or small, every year if requested, included with your warranty.

How long will it take?

Length of time for a painting project depends on a few factors: weather, size of your house and if you are covering a darker color with a lighter color, etc. Expect 7 full days from start to finish, but again this could stretch longer depending on other factors.

Take your time with big decisions such as painting your home, as you need to enjoy coming home for a long time.


Brought to you by Meg Sebastian Evans, Owner of Meg Sebastian Interior Design.


Hosted by…

TJC Real Estate and Management Services • 303-324-6988 • info@tjcrealestate.com

Your Neighborhood Realtors® since 2005

© 2019

Design Trends: What’s Hot for 2019

There were many trends for 2018 that were fun and interesting, but as we begin Spring in 2019, some new trends are on the horizon. Here’s a quick photo tour of what you can expect to see more of in the coming year!

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Tropical Plants are in for 2019. Succulents are taking a back seat to the bigger leafed and bolder tropical plants. Some varieties include: Banana plants, fiddle tree ficus, and snake plant.

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Floral Wallpaper and Murals are still trending for 2019. Now with removable wallpaper and murals, all kinds of fun can be had to accent a wall or do a whole room!

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Update your Cabinets with a fresh coat of paint continues to trend with various shades of muted gray, blues and greens.

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Speaking of Green, teal blue/sea green is also a hot color for 2019.

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Geometric Shapes are still showing up all over, in tile, textiles, lighting, rugs, and wallpaper.

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And if hard edge geometric shapes are not your thing, Curvy Furniture is very in and showing up in many furniture outlets. The softer sophisticated edges are easy on the eyes.

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Hygge (pronounced hoo gaa) in the Home , is a style that uses natural elements and conveys being cozy and content. It is clutter free, simple and a calm comfortable environment.

Stay tuned for more Design Trends 2019!


Brought to you by Meg Sebastian Evans, Owner of Meg Sebastian Interior Design.


Hosted by…

TJC Real Estate and Management Services • 303-324-6988 • info@tjcrealestate.com

Your Neighborhood Realtors® since 2005

© 2019

Increase your Cash Flow. Invest in a Rental Property

Landlord. Landlady. Lessor. Owner.  These are the common names to label the main point of contact for a rental property.  The rental market in Denver and surrounding areas is tight! Now is the perfect time to add one of these titles to your repertoire. 

What must you know to understand why investing in a rental property is such a great idea?  Well, here is a fresh and condensed look at the market trends that shouldn’t bore you too much:

  • For TJC Real Estate and Management Services, the current average time a home sits on the rental market is only 10 days, compared to 22 days this time last year.
  • The national rent average has increased 3.7% to $1362.  Denver has increased 10.6%. Central Park (formerly Stapleton), a premier NE Denver neighborhood where TJC Real Estate and Management has a majority of our inventory, currently has an average rent of $2175.
  • According to Zillow, there are currently more renters and less homeowners.  In 2006, the amount of homeowners peaked at 69%, but has since decreased to 64%.  Of all renters, 53% are renters because they are unable to afford to buy a home and 26% choose to rent as a lifestyle choice.

Still looking for the perfect sign?  Maybe you would rather have your investments work for you rather than the other way around?  Read on…. Like any investment, buying a rental property or converting your current home into a rental, may seem like a leap of faith.  In this market, given the low interest rates and record high rental rates, it is the perfect way to diversify your investments. 

Rental properties are versatile; you can have them for short-term or long-term investments.  Either way, one way to take the guess work and hassle out of being a landlord is to hire a reputable property management company.  Going this route allows you to instantly hand over the stress, hassle and many challenges of owning investment property:

  • Time on market and/or vacancy
  • Rent pool and advertising reach
  • Screen prospective tenants
  • Getting prime rent
  • Having a professional lease
  • Legal services and possible evictions
  • Handling tenant challenges and maintenance requests
  • On-going property upkeep
  • Collecting rents and security deposits
  • Returning security deposits upon assessing possible damages
  • Accounting/Taxes

So how do you start?  If you will be purchasing a home to rent, you will want to meet with your mortgage broker to see what you will qualify for.  Once you get a good idea of your budget, your best bet is to meet with a Realtor that is well-versed in acquiring investment properties.  Remember that not all Realtors are created equal. Having an agent that has a successful background and great knowledge in this corner of the industry is a must.

Next… Location, location, location!  A Realtor can assist you in knowing which neighborhoods will be the best return on your investment.  This is just as important when buying an investment property as it is when purchasing a home to occupy for you and your family. 

When you finally find a place to purchase, you will want to assess what it will take to get the property ready.  No one wants to be a slumlord (this is the name you don’t want to add to your repertoire) and the better shape the home is in, the higher rent you will be able to get.  Taking care of the property ahead of time will help to eliminate and/or lessen hassles you will have with the new tenants.  

A property management company will be able to assist you with the balance of being rent ready without eating too much into the bottom line. 

If you live or are looking to invest in the Denver area, contact TJC Real Estate and Management Services at 303-324-6988 for a complimentary consultation.  We are unique in the industry since we are a one stop shop for real estate investors. TJC can help with the acquisition, property management, and asset management. Our goal is to create a long-term relationship that helps your asset(s) grow, as well as, provide stable, long-term ROI. We are happy to assist you on your journey to become a real estate entrepreneur!

***Like most investments, there are no guaranties in investing in real estate. There are a variety of factors involved in the success of your investment and TJC Real Estate & Property Management does not guaranty that you will have a positive cash flow, a positive return on investment, or that your asset will appreciate. Any real estate investment is made solely at the investors risk without any guaranteed results.***

Brought to you by Sondra Lockett-Cameron, Marketing Coordinator for TJC Real Estate and Management Services.

TJC Real Estate & Management Services • 303.324.6988 • info@tjcrealestate.com

Your Neighborhood Realtors® Since 2005

© 2019

What is Staging and Why Should You Stage Your Home?

Staging is the process of getting your home ready to sell. It is not decorating, but making your home appeal to many different buyers by showing its positive attributes. Many realtors are recommending that clients stage their home. The Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) studied 1,081 homes. The un-staged homes spent an average of 184 Days on the Market. After staging, these homes sold, on average, in 41 days. Homes that were staged prior to going on the market, sold in approximately 23 days. Here are some more quick facts:

The cost of staging is always less than your first price reduction, which is typically 1 to 5% of the asking price according to RESA.
Keeping you home immaculate and show home ready is not easy. Homes that are staged prior to listing spend 90% less time on the market according to association data.
Buyers tend to ask for fewer concessions when making an offer on a staged home.
Time to get started? Keep reading to find some great staging tips on getting your home market ready!

Depersonalize
Take a look around your home and pack up specific collections (glasses, travel items, mementos). Clear out most of the Curio cabinet or the top of console tables or kitchen cabinets. Personal family photos should be taken down, at least the current ones. Sometimes historical or family portraits can be left up, but only if they don’t have your family name or location on them. For example, you could leave a nice black and white photo of Gramma, but it is harder if people recognize your family and children, as they may live in the neighborhood, etc. You want to have a blank slate so to speak, so folks can imagine living in your home. It can be difficult to let go of your home, but you can take your memories with you and you want to get the most value for your home in the least amount of time on the market.

Declutter
Clean out the closets, and anything that feels crammed full. Pack it up or, better yet, donate it to Goodwill. Think it’s worth something? Have a garage sale. But take time to do this because once you get started, it is very cathartic. And get the whole family involved.  Have the kids make a pile and help them understand what is happening and why it is important. When people walk through the home, they will open drawers and closets, so make it appear there is plenty of space. You don’t have to completely empty closets or drawers, just make them neat and functional.

Clean and Deodorize
There’s a saying in the industry, “If you can smell it, you can’t sell it!”

If you own a pet, you must steam clean your carpets and make sure all pet odors have been removed. If you can’t tell if your house has an odor because you are used it to, your realtor will tell you and recommend a solution. As much as we love our furry friends, some folks are sensitive to smells etc.  Also, if your carpet has buckles or ripples, it is often just that it needs to be re-stretched which is usually a quick fix.

Paint
You may love your purple bedroom or orange kitchen, but most buyers will not. You have to remember that you are appealing to the masses. You can decorate your next home the way you want, but it is highly recommended to paint over bold colors in at least the kitchen, dining, living room and master bedrooms. These rooms will be the most important rooms photographed for your realtor and his marketing materials.  I recommend a light gray or even a warm white tone, see some color choices at the end of this post. Look up at your ceiling as well, signs of water damage or a sagging dry wall seam can alarm buyers. Check in with you realtor for recommendations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before Staging                                                          After Staging

Accessorize
What a difference a fresh lampshade or a couple of new throw pillows can make! Even some different wattage light bulbs can help a space. Many retailers have great accessories at low prices. Bedding should look clean and fresh, get rid of the tattered or dog fur covered comforter. You can often find a bed in a bag for a song! Think muted tones or a light pattern for bedding. Artwork is very personal as well. You may want to swap out some bold colors or religious themed pieces for some neutral colors, so no buyer gets stuck on something as they walk through. If you have an expensive or fragile piece of artwork or something that is very meaningful to you, it is best to put this away or transfer off sight as well. If you need a lot of help or want your home professionally staged, these items can be brought in for a rental and staging fee.

Rearrange
Your stager will be happy to rearrange and even eliminate some of your furniture depending on a room to make it feel more open and highlight a fireplace or view out a window. Often, we end up with too much furniture in a room and by simply moving one or two items, you can change the feel of a space. You want your buyer to move freely throughout your home and highlight the best features.


Brought to you by Meg Sebastian Evans, Owner of Meg Sebastian Interior Design.

MegSebastianInteriorDesign.com • 303.842.7077

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