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Moving with Moe - Lakewood, Littleton Real Estate

How is Your Home’s Curb Appeal?

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Do you ever think about how many first impressions your home’s curb appeal has made?

Even if you aren’t trying to sell your house anytime soon, a tidy appearance shows that you are consistently maintaining & taking care of your home, which certainly pays off in the long run.

  This list can help you find areas that need to be freshened up from a curbside point of view!

(Click the Checklist to Download!)

Do you want a second opinion on your home’s curbside appeal?

Motenia would love to give you her perspective!

May Day Baskets

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May Day Flower Basket Tradition

~❀ Happy Month of May! ❀~

The tradition of May Day began as the month of April came to an end.
People would gather flowers, candy, goodies, and any other fun items to put in handmade baskets; then hang them on the doors of friends, neighbors, and loved ones on May 1st.
The tradition has since become less recognized, but can still be brought back as a fun way to engage kids in a Spring activity around your neighborhood!

Here’s how to Do It Yourself:

Smart Homes & Earth Day!

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In light of Earth Day this month as well as our continued improvements with technology & efficiency, here are some ideas on how to Go Green in your home with just a helpful gadget or two!

Areas where Smart Technology can be applied in your home:

*Lighting

*Blinds & Window Insulation

*Appliances

*Thermostat

*Electrical Outlets

*Sprinkler & Watering Systems

All of the options listed above have two things in common that go hand in hand; customization and automation.

With Smart Technology in your home, it is up to you to set your preferences and that’s it. From then on, the device is in control according to your specifications. You can manage your device or adjust your settings anytime and anywhere with the convenience of a downloaded app on your smartphone or tablet!

Did you know that the average price increase of a home that has smart home features, according to the National Association of Realtors, is FIVE percent?!

Almost all energy companies encourage the use of smart technology in your home for energy efficiency. Some energy companies even give rebates on certain devices or offer discounts for customers that purchase a new device (for example a smart thermostat)!

A little research and knowledge on this subject and the resources available can go a long way. Every conscious effort we make is appreciated by Mother Earth; whether you install multiple energy-saving aspects within your home or just opt for one upgrade, the results will not go unnoticed.

See for yourself- Let your smart devices be efficient for you & watch as you start saving your money, time, and energy!

If you aren’t entirely ready for an investment in technology,

Inquire with Moe about non-tech upgrades that can still be applied to your home today!

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.