Despite being the “slow season,” the housing market continues to remain strong. November became the sixth month of 2017 to post an increase in year-over-year home sales. This bucks the trend of home prices increasing and inventory declines, according to the RE/MAX National Housing Report. You can read the full report here.
If you’re thinking of buying or selling in 2018, give me a call. I’d be happy to help you assess our local market and put together a strategy for next year.
Thank you to all the Veteren’s who have served our country and to those who continue to do so. It is you who we honor with life long gratitude and admiration for your courage to fight for the Land of the Free. Happy Veterens Day!
Enjoy meal discounts at the following locations throughout the Metro Denver: Veterens Day Deals 2017
“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” ~ John F Kennedy~
From choosing the right paint to prepping your home’s exterior, we’ve got the best tips to make exterior painting a breeze.1. Consider Mother Nature
Plan ahead when painting. The time of year is key, so understand your local weather patterns. Select a dry time of year when there is little rain and lower humidity. Paint needs time to dry and will not adhere to surfaces that are not dry.
2. Quality Over Price
Better quality paint means you will paint fewer times over the years, and you’ll get better coverage when you do paint. Paint technology has improved dramatically in the past few years, with colors guaranteed to last longer than ever before. You may be tempted to skimp on paint to save money up front with a cheaper brand, but you’re bound to have trouble and eventually pay more in the long run.
3. Sand and Wash
Paint won’t adhere very well to dirty or rough surfaces, so be sure to clean the siding and trim thoroughly, allow to dry, and sand. Be sure to sand (or scrape as needed) any peeling paint to create a solid surface for the paint to adhere.
4. Paint Doesn’t Stick to Rotten Siding
Rotten wood and siding material are nearly worthless to paint, as they will do nothing but to continue to deteriorate. You have a couple of options. Replace the siding or wood trim with new components, or in the case of small areas, use a wood hardener and match with an exterior filler product, such as a wood filler. Be sure to prep and sand either one prior to painting.
5. Use Primer
The rule of thumb has always been to apply a good coat of primer, sand, then apply your color coats. This is still a good rule to follow, but new paint technologies have combined primer and paint into one product, which manufacturers assert will cut down on the number of coats you will have to apply. This newer paint is more expensive, but may be comparable to the purchase of separate primer and paint. Look at reviews of these newer paints, particular from folks that have used it in your area.
6. Combine Cans of Paint
Mixing multiple cans of the same color of paint into a larger container, such as a five-gallon bucket, will help ensure a uniform color is applied to your home’s exterior. This step, called boxing the paint, is a method the pros follow. This step is important if, for example, you initially bought a gallon or two of paint less than you needed and then picked up the extra gallons at a later time.
7. Paint From Top to Bottom
Starting at the top and working your way down while painting helps control streaks, as you will be working with gravity rather than against it. Drips are inevitable, but this method will allow you to feather out mishaps in the direction you are working.
8. Seal It Off
Properly close your paint containers with their lids after you finish for the day to keep the paint from drying out. Use a rubber mallet to lightly hammer the lid shut. You can also add a plastic wrap film over the opening to ensure a tight seal.
9. Add Grit
Painted porches (particularly steps) and other painted floors can become a bit too slick with a coat of paint alone, so add a little bit of fine sand to the paint to add traction. You can use play sand or additives that manufacturers have begun producing to provide this extra texture.
10. Prep The Landscape
It’s easy to forget how messy painting can be, so be sure to cover the ground, bushes and any other vegetation below the area you are painting. Also move or cover up any outdoor furniture, hoses, grills, etc. Use drop cloths and weigh them down on the corners or securely wrap them around the items you are protecting.
Every season can take a toll on your home’s exterior, but the summer heat can be particularly destructive. When the dog days of summer give way to the cool breeze of fall, be sure to take some time to give your property a once-over and make the necessary repairs as needed.
Here’s a handy checklist of items to review before winter’s frigid fingers grab hold of your home:
Clean your gutters and check spouting for clogs. Gutter debris can create tremendous problems if not cleaned regularly. Removing brambles, seeds and leaves from your spouting system in the fall ensures you won’t have to worry about ice dams and falling icicles over the winter. If possible, run a hose through your gutters and spouting to check the system’s integrity. Replace leaky areas or call a professional to make necessary repairs. This is also a great opportunity to consider having seamless gutters installed or replacing your spouting system if necessary. You might even want to consider putting gutter guards onto new or existing gutters to help debris from clogging them.
Clean your windows and repair gaps. Cleaning your windows is a great way to inspect them, as well. Make sure there are no window gaps where hot or cold air can escape, and make minor caulking repairs as needed. You may find repairing or sealing gaps simply isn’t enough. If that is the case, consider having replacement windows installed before it gets cold.
Protect your deck. Remove debris buildup on your deck, clean your deck boards thoroughly and apply a sealant stain after removing your deck furniture. Check for curling, loose joints and fittings, and inspect the deck’s overall stability. If your deck is off your second floor, have a professional inspect the reliability of the joists and posts underneath.
Check siding. Buckling siding, blistering paint or other surface anomalies can be indicative of bigger problems. They can also escape the casual glance, so inspect your siding thoroughly. Holes can mean insect infestations, fading can mean it’s time to upgrade, and mold or mildew can indicate water damage. If you need your siding repaired or replaced, don’t want until it’s too cold.
Inspect your roof and soffits. Inspecting your roof doesn’t just mean climbing up and taking a look. Go beyond a visual inspection, by checking your roof for soft spots and testing the integrity of the shingles. Loose shingles should be replaced, and soft spots should be scrutinized more closely. Curling or brittle shingles, shingles falling off, or stones in the gutter or downspouts are some other signs that your roof needs to be replaced. Check your soffits (the overhangs between your siding and roofline) for discoloration, which could mean you have a leak. Likewise, check your attic for any ceiling stains that might also spell trouble.
Add or replace weather-stripping on exterior doors. The weather seals around doors can disintegrate over time, leaving gaps that can expose you and your family to cold or hot air. This can result in higher utility bills and even allow insects an entryway into your home. Attaching new weather-stripping is a fast and efficient way to mitigate the problems created by worn-out weather seals.
Clean, prepare and store your awnings. Before retracting or removing your awnings for the season, brush off dust and debris, hose them down and clean them with a solution of soap an water using a soft-bristle brush. Allow your awnings to dry completely in the sunlight, then – if they are to be removed – store them in a dry area with plenty of ventilation. If they are retractable, remove the hanging valance, cover it and store it in a dry area.
Hose off and clean out your outdoor garbage bins. Animals and rodents have a strong sense of smell, and colder weather can create desperation among certain species. Mice, particularly, have a heightened sense of smell and a wide, varied diet. Cleaning your outdoor garbage bins and removing any temptations can ensure critters don’t set up camp nearby and cause problems in other areas of your home.
“Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved!”
We are “One nation” Happy Birthday America since 1776
