Backyard Inspiration

Is it time for a backyard upgrade? Here are a few things to consider adding to your yard to give it that special inviting touch.

  1. String Lights- these commercial grade lights are made to withstand all weather conditions so they can last you year-round. The warm glow not only lights up the space in the dark but provides a warm comfortable feeling to the space.
Source: Jenna Sue Design
Source: Ashleybrookedesigns.com

2. Fire pit- there are several different types of fire pits: natural gas, wood burning or propane. Choosing the one that is best for you depends on your needs. Propane fire pits work great on a deck or patio and are easily refilled at a gas station when they run out. Wood burning fire pits are best for bigger yards and for those who crave more of a rustic, campfire feel. Natural gas will add a permanent fire pit to your yard, but require a gas line to be installed.

Source: At Lucys House
Source: Nogayla

3. Patio plants- keep the flow to your outdoor space by adding greenery to your sitting area. Potted plants, hanging plants from a pergola or climbing vines on a fence are all great ways to incorporate more plant life to your patio.

Source: Thekissingbooth.com
Source: loveandrenovations.com

4. Texture- adding a rug, throws and pillows to your outdoor sitting area really help make your patio feel cozy and warm and like an extension of your home.

Source: Chaylorandmads.com
Source: rainandpine.com

5. Outdoor kitchen- enjoy cooking outside with a built-in kitchen. A bar is a unique addition to the backyard and adds extra seating for more guests.

Source: justdestinymag.com
Source: buildwithrise.com

When Will Denver Home Prices Cool Off?

According to a just-issued study completed by CoreLogic, Denver has seen housing costs rise the third quickest throughout a 15 year span, out of 20 major cities surveyed. While metro home prices are expected to keep rising over the course of 2021, the rate of increase is expected to slow down considerably from the current record-setting pace. The average price of a detached home in Denver is $674,990 (April 2021), an increase of more than $40,000 from last month and more than $100,000 above the same period a year ago.

Here’s a CoreLogic graphic highlighting the combined HPI percent change for the Denver and eight other major metropolitan areas. Denver’s year-over-year percent change is the third-fastest among those listed, behind Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale and San Diego-Carlsbad.

Click here to read the Westword’s interview with Selma Hepp from CoreLogic in which she explains the cause for the rise in housing costs, if & when we can expect the Denver market to peak, and why there is only a 1.9 year-over-year percentage change expected for the market through February 2021.

Find the Denver Metro Association of Realtors (DMAR) April Market Trends Report here. Here are a few interesting facts found in Market Insights:

  • Colorado is home to low property taxes. According to a study, the two counties with the lowest rates were both found in our state: Jefferson County (0.55 percent) and Arapahoe County (0.57 percent.)
  • Builders are struggling with the cost of building materials ranked as the number one problem by the National Association of Home Builders and availability of building materials ranked second. Local contractors are telling clients to order appliances a year in advance to make sure they arrive on time.
  • The Wall Street Journal notes that there are more real estate professionals than homes for sale in the U.S.- a feat that has only occured once before in December 2019. In January, the National Associaton of Realtors had 1.45 million members, a 4.8 percent increase compared to a year earlier.
  • Rates ticked up to 3.18 percent as of April 1st, a mere 0.25 percent lower than they were a year ago, 1.5 percent lower than a decade ago, 3.75 lower than two decades ago and 15 percent lower than four decades ago.

Let’s Give Back Together

Since my Giving Back Campaign began in 2013 my annual goal has been to donate $10,000 to charities of my client’s choice. In 2020 alone we donated over $19,000 to 24 different charities! This is one of my favorite parts of my job- getting to learn about new-to-me charities through my clients, or sometimes allowing them the opportunity to give back for the first time. It’s a pleasure to continue to working with them even after leaving the closing table.

To learn more about me and how I can help you with your Real Estate needs, visit my website here.