Why Having Your Own Agent Matters When Buying a New Construction Home

Why Having Your Own Agent Matters When Buying a New Construction Home Finding the right home is one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers today. Right now, the supply of homes for sale is still low. But there is a bright spot. Newly built homes make up a larger percent of the total homes available for sale than normal. That’s why, if you’re craving more options, it makes sense to see if a newly built home is right for you. But it’s important to remember the process of working with a builder is different than buying from a homeowner. And, while builders typically have sales agents on-site, having your own agent helps make sure you have proper representation throughout your homebuying journey. As Realtor.com says: “Keep in mind that the on-site agent you meet at a new-construction office works for the builder. So, as the homebuyer, it’s a smart idea to bring in your own agent, as well, to help you negotiate and stay protected in the transaction.” Here’s how having your own agent is key when you build or buy a new construction home. Agents Know the Local Area and Market It’s important to consider how the neighborhood and surrounding area may evolve before making your home purchase. Your agent is well-versed in the upcoming communities and developments that could influence your decision. One way a real estate agent can help is by reviewing the builder's site plan. For example, you’ll want to know if there are any plans to construct a highway or add a drainage ditch behind your prospective backyard. Knowledge of Construction Quality and Builder Reputation An agent also has expertise in the construction quality and reputation of different builders. They can give you insights into each one's track record, customer satisfaction, and construction practices. Armed with this information, you can choose a builder known for consistently delivering top-notch homes. Assistance with Customization and Upgrades The most obvious benefit of opting for new home construction is the opportunity to customize your home. Your agent will guide you through that process and share advice on the upgrades that are most likely to add long-term value to your home. Their expertise helps make sure you focus your budget on areas that will give you the greatest return on your investment later. Understanding Builder Negotiations and Contracts When it comes to working with builders, having a skilled negotiator on your side can make all the difference. Builder contracts can be complex. Your agent can help you navigate these contracts to make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions. Plus, agents are skilled negotiators who can advocate for you, potentially securing better deals, upgrades, or incentives throughout the process. As Realtor.com says: “A good buyer’s agent will be able to review any contracts before you sign on the dotted line, ensuring you aren’t unwittingly agreeing to terms that only benefit the builder.”  Bottom Line If you are interested in buying or building a new construction home, having a trusted agent by your side can make a big difference. If you'd like to start that conversation, let’s connect.

Escape to Country Living: A Private Haven in Berthoud, CO

Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of city life? Are you yearning for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature's beauty? Look no further than this incredible listing in the real estate industry - 4836 W County Road 4, Berthoud, CO 80513. Priced at $799,000, this property offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy all that country living offers on a 5-acre private haven. As you arrive at this tranquil location just west of Berthoud, you'll immediately be captivated by the breathtaking views of the foothills. The original owner lovingly cared for this home, which truly shows. This property is a gem with a beautiful main house and a rare in-law apartment. The main house features a great room with a cozy fireplace, ideal for gathering with loved ones. The bright and cheerful kitchen boasts ample counter space and storage, perfect for those who love to cook. An expansive eat-in area provides plenty of space for hosting memorable meals. Additionally, a large laundry room and pantry offer convenient storage solutions. The primary bedroom in the main house includes a 3/4 bath and is thoughtfully separated from the other bedroom, ensuring privacy. There is also a versatile study/office with access to the back deck, which can easily be transformed into a bedroom by adding a closet that was once removed. The in-law apartment is simply adorable! Upon entering, you'll find a welcoming foyer/sitting room that leads to a very open floor plan. The fully equipped kitchen, private bedroom, full bath, and stackable washer and dryer in a closet make this apartment a complete living space. Vinyl flooring throughout, large windows, and tasteful decor enhance the charm of this separate unit. This property also offers updated features, including new honeycomb window coverings with three layers for added insulation, an updated furnace in 2022, a clean air filter, a humidifier, and two water heaters. Dog doors in each house provide easy access to the outside pen. Outdoor entertaining is a breeze with multiple sitting areas, a covered pergola, and even a teepee with a flagstone patio inside for cooler evenings. Two storage sheds and a large crawl space allow for additional storage space. The rear patio is ready for your hot tub or sauna, with wiring already in place. Conveniently located just a 20-minute drive to Carter Lake and the nearby towns of Berthoud, Loveland, and Longmont, this property offers the best of both worlds - a peaceful retreat in nature with easy access to amenities. And if you're in the mood for a day trip, Boulder, Fort Collins, and Estes Park are all approximately 40 minutes away. For a more local experience, indulge in the nearby winery, just a two-minute drive away! Don't miss out on this rare find in the real estate market. Escape to country living and create lasting memories in this private haven. Schedule a viewing today and make 4836 W County Road 4 your slice of paradise. Presented by Danielle Gerian Realty

Discover Elegance and Practical Living at 153 Montezuma St, Brighton

Are you searching for a home that perfectly combines elegance with practicality? Look no further than 153 Montezuma St in Brighton, CO. This stunning two-story gem is beautifully designed and conveniently located near local amenities. With a listing price of $597,000, this home offers a delightful blend of comfort and style. As you enter the front door, you'll be greeted by a grand foyer with a soaring vaulted ceiling and a radiant skylight. The entrance sets the stage for the warm and inviting atmosphere that awaits you inside. You'll find a serene sitting room to the left of the foyer, perfect for a home office or a quiet reading nook. On the right, the dining room seamlessly transitions into a cozy living space with a gas fireplace and expansive windows that let in plenty of natural light. The heart of this home is the gourmet kitchen, featuring exquisite cabinetry, granite countertops, and a suite of stainless steel appliances, including a double oven that will delight any home chef. The kitchen nook with bay windows provides a casual dining area, while bar-style seating invites conversation. Step outside from the kitchen to a large covered patio, where you can relax and enjoy the tranquility of the well-manicured fenced yard. Upstairs, a versatile loft space offers endless possibilities and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. The primary bedroom is a tranquil retreat with a recessed ceiling, a spa-like en-suite bath, and a spacious walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and the convenience of an upstairs laundry complete the second floor. The finished basement adds even more space to this already generous home. With a spacious great room and a bar, this area is perfect for entertainment or could serve as a fourth bedroom. A practical 3/4 bath is also located in the basement. The location of this home is unbeatable. Pennock Elementary School and the verdant Pheasant Ridge Park are just a block away, providing convenience and outdoor enjoyment for the whole family. Retail outlets, restaurants, and grocery stores are also nearby, making errands or dining out evenings effortless. To top it all off, the home features a 3-car attached garage, providing ample space for vehicles and storage. Don't miss the opportunity to make 153 Montezuma St your dream home. It's more than just a house; it's a home that offers everything you could wish for. Come and fall in love with all it has to offer! A virtual tour is available for your convenience. Discover Elegance and Practical Living at 153 Montezuma St, Brighton

Will a Silver Tsunami Change the 2024 Housing Market?

Will a Silver Tsunami Change the 2024 Housing Market? Have you ever heard the term “Silver Tsunami” and wondered what it's all about? If so, that might be because there’s been lot of talk about it online recently. Let's dive into what it is and why it won't drastically impact the housing market. What Does Silver Tsunami Mean? A recent article from HousingWire calls it: “. . . a colloquialism referring to aging Americans changing their housing arrangements to accommodate aging . . .” The thought is that as baby boomers grow older, a significant number will start downsizing their homes. Considering how large that generation is, if these moves happened in a big wave, it would affect the housing market by causing a significant uptick in the number of larger homes for sale. That influx of homes coming onto the market would impact the balance of supply and demand and more. The concept makes sense in theory, but will it happen? And if so, when? Why It Won’t Have a Huge Impact on the Housing Market in 2024 Experts say, so far, a silver tsunami hasn’t happened – and it probably won't anytime soon. According to that same article from HousingWire: “. . . the silver tsunami’s transformative potential for the U.S. housing market has not yet materialized in any meaningful way, and few expect it to anytime soon.” Here’s just one reason why. Many baby boomers don’t want to move. Data from the AARP shows over half of the surveyed adults ages 65 and up plan to stay put and age in place in their current home rather than move (see chart below):   Clearly, not every baby boomer is planning to sell or move – and even those who do won’t do it all at once. Instead, it will be more gradual, happening slowly over time. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says: “Demographics are never a tsunami. The baby boomer generation is almost two decades of births. That means they're going to take about two decades to work their way through.” Bottom Line If you’re worried about a Silver Tsunami shaking up the housing market, don’t be. Any impact from baby boomers moving will be gradual over many years. Fleming sums it up best:   “Demographic trends, they don't tsunami. They trickle.”