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Moving with Moe - Lakewood, Littleton Real Estate

Property Tax Assessments

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If you have recently received a letter in the mail from the Assessors Office about your 2018 Home Taxes and have any questions or concerns, Motenia would love to talk to you!

Moe has experience with negotiating tax reductions, further explanation of the mortgage company monthly escrow process, questions about insurance claims in relation to an increase in your taxes, as well as general assessment knowledge in regards to your latest evaluation.

Click Here for an informative video on your latest Home Tax Assessment

Contact Motenia today for any further questions or help on this!

 

First-Time Home Buyer Savings Accounts

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New to the state of Colorado, potential home buyers can set up a First-Time Home Buyer Savings Account (FHSA).  Any Coloradan with money currently invested is able to reserve it as an FHSA towards their first purchase of a home in the future. Whether it be a mutual fund, CD, stocks or bonds, money markets, insurance, or just a savings account; you are now able to file a form with your taxes in order to preserve the money in the chosen account free of state tax, capital gain, and interest.

The only catch is you must be a first time home buyer. If you have purchased commercial property or land that does not count as the sale of residential space, nor does inheritance.

You can deposit up to a total of $50,000 in principal, and from there the account may grow in value up to $150,000. There is no time limit on how long the account can exist, however there is an annual contribution cap of $14,000 or $28,000 if filing jointly. The FHSA is valid only for the first time purchase of a home in the state of Colorado. If the FHSA money does not go towards an eligible cost, you will have to pay each year of taxes plus a 5% penalty on the amount of money you accumulated.

When the time comes, one may use the FHSA funds to pay for anything considered an “eligible cost” related to closing a home. These “eligible costs” include closing costs, inspections, lender fees, and anything included on the settlement statement. The funds can be dedicated to another person, such as a niece or nephew, child or grandchild, or even a friend. They must use it for an eligible cost and qualify as a first time home buyer. After the money is used, you file an additional form to the Department of Revenue that states the funds were used towards an eligible cost.

This is an amazing opportunity for the upcoming generation whom the majority will soon qualify as first time home buyers starting with the new and useful FHSA investment resource at their disposal.

Happy New Year – Denver Housing Market Report

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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 Our County’s Heroes

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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~Veterans-Day-2014-thank-you-quotes-400x300

Key Points to Painting Your Home Exterior

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1420710818262From 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.