Features that may increase the value of your home

Here in Colorado, we are known for our love of certain things- dogs and beer being two things at the top of the list!

When it comes to selling in Colorado, there are certain features that could help increase the value of your home. In fact, many of them are pet related. In a study done by Zillow, they found that pet showers can increase the sale price of a home by 19 percent in Denver, while dog or cat doors can increase the sale price of a home by 5 percent.

Home theaters are also an important feature for home buyers in Colorado. According to Zillow, those can increase the sale price of a home by 17 percent.

Other top features across the nation include professional appliances or chef quality kitchens. According to Zillow’s analysis, steam showers and professional appliances earned homes 29 percent above their expected values.

Zillow says millennials are also looking for homes with free standing tubs, pizza ovens and wine cellars. The study also found that homes with open shelving in the kitchen and subway tile sold faster than expected.


What’s happening near you

☆ If you haven’t already heard, today is Opening Day for the Colorado Rockies! The Rockies will play the Dodgers today, Friday, April 5th at 2:10 pm in Denver. For a full rundown on what to expect at the stadium, visit thedenverchannel.com. They cover everything you need to know about digital tickets, parking, uniform changes and FOOD options! There are 11 new choices, including Smashburger and Frozen Rose slushes.

☆ Nordstrom Rack opened a new store on April 4th at The Orchard Town Center in Westminster. You can find them at 14530 Delaware Street
Westminster, CO 80023 or online at nordstromrack.com.

☆ The Arvada Kite Festival is this Sunday, April 7 from 10 am – 3 pm at the Stenger Soccer Complex. This free event has something for the whole family- kite flying, music, food, kid’s activities, retail booths and more. Parking is free, but families are encouraged to bike or walk to the event. Gates open at 9:45 a.m. No animals allowed. arvadafestivals.com

☆ Head to Boulder for the annual Tulip Fairy and Elf Festival on April 7 from 1 – 5 pm at the Pearl Street Mall. This free event features the Tulip Fairy fluttering about, and little ones are encouraged to dress in fairy and elf outfits, wings and all. Fairy-friendly activities include live music, face painting and more. Enjoy the more than 15,000 blooming tulips. New this year: Join prAna on the Courthouse Lawn at 3 p.m. for a free kids’ yoga class. tulipfairyfestival.com

☆ Ben & Jerry’s free scoop day is Tuesday, April 9th, from noon until 9 pm. New flavors being introduced include Bob Marley’s One Love, Glampfire Trail Mix, Pecan Resist and more. Limit one cone per customer. There are four participating shops in Colorado: Boulder (1203 Pearl St.); Denver (2339 E. Evans Ave.); Fort Collins (1 Old Town Square); and Lone Tree (in Park Meadows Mall, 8515 Park Meadows Center Drive).benjerry.com/scoop-shops/free-cone-day

Positive Affirmations

Positive affirmations are positive phrases or statements used to challenge negative thoughts. You might choose to use positive affirmations to motivate yourself, encourage positive change in your life or boost your self-esteem. If you frequently find yourself getting caught up in negative self-talk, positive affirmations can be used to combat these unhealthy patterns. When used as a daily practice, you could expect results in these different ways:

☆ Motivate yourself– When you are speaking truths about yourself, you are more likely to move in that direction. “I am hardworking” will motivate you to be hard working much more than telling yourself “you are so lazy”. What you think directly influences how you feel and how you behave. So if you think you’re a failure, you’ll feel like a failure. Then, you’ll act like a failure, which reinforces your belief that you must be a failure.

☆ Improve our overall quality of life– Studies have shown that people that practice positive affirmations are happier, more optimistic, and have a clearer perspective on life. Working to keep yourself in a constant state of gratitude means you don’t sweat the small stuff.

☆ Could help you live longer- Recent research indicates that optimistic people tend to have better cardiovascular health.

Here are some great affirmations to help you get started-

Positive affirmations are not only for adults. Teaching your kids how to practice daily affirmations can be incredibly beneficial for them as well. It can be empowering for them to learn that they have a say in their thoughts.

Are you up for the challenge? Commit to saying positive affirmations to yourself for the next week and see if you can tell a difference in your thoughts and overall attitude!