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Friday Fun Facts – Thanksgiving Edition!
Fun and Fascinating Thanksgiving Facts
Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday in the United States, celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and a spirit of gratitude. While many know the basics of the tradition, there are some lesser-known facts about this cherished day that might surprise you.
1. The First Thanksgiving Wasn’t Just One Day
The first Thanksgiving in 1621, shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people, was a three-day feast. It included not just food but also games, singing, and other forms of entertainment. Surprisingly, turkey wasn’t the centerpiece—it’s more likely they dined on venison, seafood, and wildfowl.
2. It Wasn’t an Official Holiday for Over 200 Years
While Thanksgiving was celebrated sporadically in different states, it wasn’t until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday. He did so during the Civil War, hoping to unify the nation with a day of gratitude.
3. The Macy’s Parade Tradition Began in 1924
The famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City started in 1924, featuring live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo instead of the giant balloons we know today. The parade now draws millions of viewers in person and on television.
4. Americans Eat an Astounding Amount of Turkey
Each year, about 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving. If you lined up all the turkeys eaten, they would stretch across the United States!
5. The “Turkey Pardon” Tradition
Every year, the President of the United States ceremonially “pardons” a live turkey, sparing it from becoming dinner. This quirky tradition is believed to have started in the 1940s, though it became an annual event in the late 1980s.
6. It’s One of the Biggest Travel Days of the Year
Thanksgiving sees millions of Americans traveling to be with family and friends, making it one of the busiest times for air travel and road trips.
7. Football and Thanksgiving Go Hand in Hand
Thanksgiving football games date back to the late 1800s. The first NFL Thanksgiving game was played in 1920, and the Detroit Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving Day game every year since 1934 (except during World War II).
From its historical origins to modern-day traditions, Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude, family, and community. As you enjoy your turkey and pumpkin pie, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind this beloved holiday!
New Listings – October 2024
1906 Spring Bloom Drive | Windsor
Welcome to an unparalleled luxury retreat, nestled on a sprawling one-acre lot in the exclusive, Acadia at RainDance. This exquisite six-bedroom, five-bathroom estate redefines opulence with its meticulously crafted features and tailored finishes. Step into the magnificent great room, where a soaring 12-foot ceiling with beams creates an expansive atmosphere, centered around a custom-designed soft-lit fireplace that serves as both a visual masterpiece and a cozy gathering spot. The adjacent gourmet kitchen is equipped with state-of-the-art Dacor appliances, walnut and white oak cabinetry with quartz slab backsplash, 11-foot island adorned with quartz slab waterfall countertop, and stand-alone column refrigerator and freezer for a total of 48 of storage. The beverage counter and separate butler’s pantry, complete with a prep sink and drawer microwave, ensures effortless entertaining. The primary suite is a sanctuary of luxury, featuring a lavish eight foot walk-through shower, a striking 60-inch freestanding tub, and an artfully crafted custom tile wall connected to an extensive master closet. The impeccably designed mudroom features two expansive white oak lockers with a black leathered granite seat, and the custom cabinetry above offers additional storage. Descend to the finished basement, an entertainer’s paradise. The bar area features two stone wall wine racks and a custom-built wood waterfall bar table, perfect for hosting gatherings. RainDance offers several orchards, pumpkins patches and a real farm-table experience all while including a stunning golf course, pool, clubhouse, and several trails.
Jacqueline Feil | MLS#1020097
33250 County Road 53 | Gill
Welcome to 33250 County Road 53 which sits in the country on 3.66 acres. This 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom homestead has so much to offer. The main floor has an open-floor plan, updated kitchen with quartz countertops, new carpet on the main level, the master bathroom has been upgraded with new finishes and a luxury shower, custom blinds throughout the entire home, fresh paint throughout, and a new storm door. The basement includes a 2nd kitchen, all new carpet and luxury plank flooring, renovated laundry room and 4 new windows. Let’s talk about the amazing views of the Rocky Mountains, lots of room for your livestock, lean-tos and a large shop ( 55X30 ) for your big toys. The property has pipe fencing all around it and as well has a fenced yard. You will not want to miss out on this gem.
Suzanne Ekeler | MLS#1021189
6355 Ozark Ave | Loveland
This meticulously maintained 2 story home features a main level primary with 2 additional bedrooms on the upper level and another 2 in the basement. There are new countertops, hardwood floors and carpeting as well as light fixtures and ceiling fans. Vaulted ceilings, big windows and a view of the foothills make this home shine. Enjoy hosting family and friends in the open concept main level or head downstairs to take advantage of a spacious recreation room. Take advantage of the fully fenced back yard, elevated garden beds and patio. Conveniently located in north Loveland this is the right place to call home.
Maria Delotta | MLS#1021095
3107 Deering Lake Drive | Loveland
Welcome to your new home in the beautiful Lakes at Centerra neighborhood!! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is better than new and move-in ready. This spacious residence offers a bright and open floor plan, perfect for comfortable living and entertaining. The living room is filled with natural light, showcasing vaulted ceilings and large windows that create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The updated kitchen features quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample cabinet space, making it a chef’s dream for everyday meals and special gatherings. The primary suite is a peaceful retreat, complete with a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom with dual vanities, and a large walk-in shower. The 2 additional bedrooms provide versatility for family, guests, or a home office. The outdoor space is equally inviting, with a professionally xeriscaped back yard and a large patio perfect for outdoor dining, relaxation, gardening, entertaining and enjoying Colorado’s sunny days. Don’t miss the unfinished basement! It has an additional almost 1000 square feet and is roughed for another bathroom. The home is just a short walk to one of the 2 neighborhood parks and the dog park. With a neighborhood garden, fishing at the lake, the high plains environmental center, plenty of walking trails and conveniently located to I25, and shopping at Centerra this neighborhood has something for everyone! Don’t miss out on this one!!
Karla Laferriere | MLS#1020628
621 Wind River Court | Windsor
Welcome to 621 Wind River Court, a ranch-style home located on a Cul-de-sac, offering main floor living with 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and a 3-car garage. The open floor plan features vaulted ceilings, natural light, and a kitchen with granite countertops, wood floors, an island, eating area and pantry. The basement includes a large family room and storage. The backyard boasts beautiful landscaping, garden boxes, and an extended patio. Solar panels are paid off, lowering utility costs. Walking distance to Hollister Lake Elementary, Windsor Lake, and downtown. Call today for your private showing.
Suzanne Ekeler | MLS#1020369
1904 Winterberry Way | Fort Collins
Nestled in the vibrant heart of mid-town, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhome offers a perfect blend of convenience and charm. Just a stone’s throw from Rolland Moore Park and a short bike ride to CSU and Old Town via the scenic Spring Creek Trail, the location is unbeatable. Surrounded by mature trees and expansive green spaces, it provides a serene setting for residents. Step inside to a newly transformed interior that enhances its original charm, featuring new carpet and fresh paint throughout. The Dining Room can be transformed to a MAIN LEVEL OFFICE or a 4th BEDROOM depending on needs. The updated kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances and solid surface countertops, making it ideal for any home chef. Enjoy the outdoors with a fenced front courtyard and a cozy back deck accessible through sliding glass doors. The two-car garage offers ample storage. With a new water heater and AC system, this townhome is ready for you to move in and make it your own.
Alexis Foster | MLS#1020178
2233 Ridgecrest Road | Fort Collins
Nestled on a serene .68-acre lot, the home offers the ease of one-level living in a beautifully designed ranch-style home. This tranquil retreat features lush gardens, a small greenhouse for gardening enthusiasts, and thoughtfully designed outdoor living spaces. Imagine mornings on the newly laid paver patio listening to the sounds of a flowing fountain, evenings gathered around the designated firepit area, and afternoons unwinding in the relaxing sunroom that brings the beauty of the outdoors in. Inside, the updated kitchen invites culinary creativity, while the family room and living room each boasts a cozy fireplace, with a smaller wall fireplace adding a touch of warmth to the primary bedroom. With four bedrooms and no HOA restrictions, this property is truly a private haven where nature and modern living harmoniously blend. Seller is also offering a One Year Home Warranty.
Rondi duPont | MLS#1019715
2502 Owens Ave 102 | Fort Collins
Welcome to this beautifully maintained main floor 2 bed, 2 bath condo in the highly sought-after Timbers subdivision! Featuring a bright open floor plan, a cozy fireplace, new flooring, fresh paint throughout, and a new furnace installed in 2023, this home is move-in ready. Enjoy your own private patio, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. You’ll appreciate the convenience of a detached 1-car garage and easy access to local shops, dining, and more. Located in an excellent school district, this community also offers fantastic amenities, including a clubhouse, pool, and fitness center. Don’t miss out on this gem!
Philip Cooper | MLS#1019911
8012 N Louden Crossing Court | Windsor
Gorgeous 1/2 acre oasis with amazing outdoor features and indoor tranquility. Don’t miss the 16 x 9 gazebo, fire pit, mature trees and a lovely patio area. Enjoy this expansive ranch-style home with an open floor plan, main level office, huge eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, large laundry room, soaring ceilings & a beautiful fireplace in the family room. But wait, there’s more! The finished basement has a wet bar, rec room to entertain in, 2 more bedrooms and a beautiful bathroom. This entire package is on a Cul-de-sac in a great location, close to Windsor, Fort Collins, Timnath & Loveland. This great opportunity won’t last & has NO Metro Tax!
Katie Robinson | MLS#1019873
5145 Corbett Dr | Fort Collins
This beautiful south Fort Collins Townhome located in the highly coveted Harvest Park Community is a prime location with lots of amenities. Close to Twin Silo Park, this 2 bedroom 3 bath with an unfinished basement allows for room to grow. All kitchen appliances new as of 2020 including refrigerator, electric range/oven ( convection capable) , microwave and dishwasher. New roof, exterior paint and AC 2020. HOA fee covers access to the pool, clubhouse, weight room, water and sewer.
Lindsey Crisanti | MLS#1020283
311 E. Chestnut Street | Windsor
RARE opportunity to own this charming brick duplex located in the heart of Windsor. This nicely renovated property features two spacious units, each offering a comfortable living space with an open floor plan. The exterior has classic brick detailing, providing both durability and timeless appeal. Inside, each unit boasts ample windows that fill the living areas with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The kitchens are equipped with modern appliances, ample cabinetry, and convenient dining spaces, perfect for entertaining family and friends. Each unit includes two generously sized bedrooms, one with a full ensuite and a second full bathroom, ensuring plenty of privacy and space for residents. Each unit also has a full unfinished basement with bathroom rough in for future expansion. The duplex is situated on a well-sized lot, each unit offering a private fenced backyard that is ideal for outdoor gatherings or peaceful relaxation. Its prime location allows for easy access to local amenities, parks, and schools, making it an excellent choice for families or investors. With its blend of classic charm and modern convenience, this brick duplex in Windsor is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to invest in a thriving community.
Shari Moran | MLS#1021221
3912 Alcazar Drive | Castle Rock
This charming three-bedroom, three-bathroom home is nestled in the highly sought-after Meadows neighborhood, offering both comfort and convenience. It features an updated kitchen with a newer electric range and all appliances included, making it move-in ready. Inside, you’ll find brand new luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring throughout, adding a modern touch that’s easy to maintain. With two spacious living rooms, there’s ample space for relaxation and entertaining, accommodating a variety of needs. The Grange an expansive clubhouse just few minutes away, offers a wide array of amenities for all ages including a pool with a slide and indoor activities. Enjoy one of several parks and play areas in neighborhood only a few short blocks away. Visit www.meadowscastlerock.com to see all that the clubhouse offers.
Jacqueline Feil | MLS#1021336
925 Dove Hill Road | La Salle
Welcome to 925 Dove Hill Rd, a remarkable 3 bed, 3 bath home with 3,454 sq. ft. of spacious, elegant living. This home features an open floor plan, ideal for entertaining and everyday living, with a cozy fireplace adding warmth and ambiance. The main floor master suite offers a private, convenient retreat. Step outside to a beautiful deck where you can sit back and enjoy the breathtaking views and peace and quiet. With a 65% finished walkout basement that opens to serene open space, this home provides both tranquility and additional living potential. Don’t miss your chance to make it yours!
Philip Cooper | MLS#1021465
2456 Crown View Drive | Fort Collins
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 3-bath home that blends modern amenities with classic charm. It is located in a serene and well-established neighborhood with amazing foothills views and NO METRO TAX. Step inside to discover a bright and inviting living area, with large windows that flood the home with natural light and cozy up to the warm and inviting fireplace. The gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample cabinet space, making it perfect for cooking and entertaining. The primary suite provides a private retreat and a walk-in closet with ensuite bathroom featuring a luxurious soaking tub and separate shower. The bedrooms are generously sized and versatile, offering plenty of space. The upstairs also provides a spacious loft that has multiple uses. Enjoy outdoor living on the back patio, perfect for dining and relaxation. All your toys will fit in the 3-car tandem garage. You’ll enjoy easy access to nearby parks, walking trails, shopping, and nearby attractions including Horsetooth Reservoir, Spring Canyon Park, and CSU.
Angie Clauser | MLS#1021544
2417 W Elizabeth Street | Fort Collins
Welcome to this charming home located on West Elizabeth St. Built in 1966, this home shows true pride of ownership with numerous updates and a warm, inviting atmosphere. This home offers comfortable living spaces with 2 generous sized bedrooms, plenty of closet storage and one nicely updated bathroom. NEW roof and gutters were just installed. Customize the flex room in the primary bedroom to suit your needs….walk-in closet, quiet reading, nursery, ensuite…no limit to its potential! The yard provides a lovely space for outdoor activities, gardening, grilling, or simply enjoying the Colorado weather. Situated in a convenient location, this home offers easy access to local amenities, parks, University and the vibrant community that Fort Collins has to offer. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this delightful home yours!
Shari Moran | MLS#1021582
Our Commitment to Change: A Message to Our Community
Matthew Gardner’s 2020 Real Estate Forecast
It’s that time of year when Windermere’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner dusts off his crystal ball and peers into the future to give us his predictions for the 2020 economy and housing market.
Windermere Living Fall Issue
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the fall issue of Windermere Living! Are you a foodie who loves to travel? Inside this issue is an article about interesting destinations where you can enjoy edible, immersive experiences like making your own coffee on the Kona coast of Hawaii, or diving for clams in Cabo and cooking them with an executive chef.
If you’ve ever undergone a major home remodel, you know all too well how important it is to partner with the right architect. We explore that topic in this issue, along with some pro tips on how to match yourself up with the perfect architect for your project, a process that isn’t that different from dating.
Last but not least, there are more than 70 pages filled with homes for sale throughout the Western U.S. Whether you’re in the market for a country farmhouse or a high-rise condo, there’s a little something for everyone.
This is just a sampling of what you’ll find in this issue of Windermere Living; we hope you enjoy it!
Mortgage Rate Forecast
Geopolitical uncertainty is causing mortgage rates to drop. Windermere Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner, explains why this is and what you can expect to see mortgage rates do in the coming year.
Over the past few months we’ve seen a fairly significant drop in mortgage rates that has been essentially driven by geopolitical uncertainty – mainly caused by the trade war with China and ongoing discussions over tariffs with Mexico.
Now, mortgage rates are based on yields on 10-Year treasuries, and the interest rate on bonds tends to drop during times of economic uncertainty. When this occurs, mortgage rates also drop.
My current forecast model predicts that average 30-year mortgage rates will end 2019 at around 4.4%, and by the end of 2020 I expect to see the average 30-year rate just modestly higher at 4.6%.
Windermere Launches “All in, for you” Branding Campaign
Posted in Windermere by Shelley Rossi
Windermere Real Estate has officially launched a new branding campaign on the heels of the company’s brand refresh that was completed in 2018. The “All in, for you” campaign is the next step in bringing the refreshed Windermere brand to life by amplifying the company’s unique “why”.
Told, in part, through stories generated by actual Windermere agents, the “All in, for you” campaign sets out to illustrate Windermere’s unique culture, and what has drawn both agents and clients to it for nearly 50 years.
“We’re lucky to have a brand with such a rich legacy, but we have to continue to innovate and press forward,” said Windermere president, OB Jacobi. “The brand refresh that we did last year was part one of Windermere’s brand story; part two is about bringing our stories to life and showing our clients how we’re ‘all in’, for them.”
Development of the “All in, for you” campaign was led by Windermere Vice President of Marketing, Julie Dey, and Portland, OR-based global design firm, Ziba Design, whose clients include companies, such as FedEx, P&G, Adidas, REI, and Intel. Ziba started the year-long process by conducting interviews and holding focus groups with Windermere agents, franchise owners, and staff. They also interviewed past buyers and sellers to better understand the experience of working with a Windermere agent.
“We needed to speak directly with consumers to understand what people want, where real estate is headed, and the differentiated value that Windermere agents provide,” said Rob Wees, Creative Director at Ziba, adding, “Real estate is an infrequent, emotional, and complicated process. And every experience is so different.”
“In an era of technology and convenience, we wanted to show the public the real value of working with a Windermere agent—one that shows how compassion, expertise, advocacy and an over-commitment to service can help people through an incredibly important moment in their lives,” said Wees.
Components of the “All in, for you” campaign include TV, print, digital marketing, out-of-home advertising, and partnerships with key media companies to create unique content opportunities. To kick-off the campaign, TV ads will begin running March 21 in the Seattle market.
“While some real estate companies are telling what is essentially a technology story about ones and zeroes, our story is more about connecting humans with their dreams. And it’s a story we can’t wait to tell,” said Dey.
Spring in your step: smart ways to get rid of the clutter and update your décor
Posted in Living by Tara Sharp
Our bulbs went full bloom at my house a few weeks ago, which prompted the awakening of spring fever: mostly the urge to air out the house and get rid of clutter (again, didn’t we just do this?). In my desire to purge, I have been trying to find the best ways to get rid of things; to sell some items in order to reinvest in updated accessories, to support local charities, and just get rid of the junk in the most environmentally-friendly way possible. I am not as methodical as I’d like to be, but I am already seeing a difference with the reduced clutter. Here are some of my tips and favorite resources:
Office
Are you a piler or a stasher? We create stacks in our household, which we have to go through weekly, then move to our respective offices, where they wait (indeterminate lengths of time) to get filed. One of my first steps in clearing out the junk was to deal with the piles of paper. I shredded anything that should be shredded and recycled and filed the rest. If you are supremely organized, I suggest taking this time to note what bills you actually get paper invoices for, and move towards electronic billing. Also, if you haven’t already, take a moment to stop your junk mail, saving yourself a step in the filing process and reducing some paper use.
I finally went through the stack of magazines piling up next to the bed, tearing out any recipes, articles and ideas I wanted to reference later, and throwing the rest away. If you are looking for an electronic alternative to the magazine clutter, read your magazines online and save your favorite articles with a social bookmarking tool such as delicious.com to easily search your saved files with your own key words.
If there is a bookcase in our house, it will be filled so, instead of investing in ANOTHER bookshelf, I decided to make space for all the books I will likely buy this year by getting rid of books I probably won’t read. We will be reselling some books to amazon.com while others will either go to the local used bookstore for store credit or be donated to a local charity.
You can also gain a lot of space by going through your media. If you still have DVDs and CDs, inventory them and decide if you can move to a digital archive. It may take some time, but downloading and backing up your media could make you more organized in the long run and eliminate unnecessary clutter. Get rid of the disks once these have been backed up, reclaiming that shelf space.
As more and more of our lives are kept in digital files, it is important to take precautions to protect our files as well as the hardware that stores them. If you store important documents, family photos, media, or other items on your hard drive, make sure you have a backup plan. Learn more about digital storageoptions so if anything happens to your hardware you don’t lose everything.
Garage/ Basement
Whenever I go to the hardware store, I must suffer from temporary memory loss; what else would explain the multiples we acquire? This year we are doing an audit. If we have enough stuff to justify it, we will do a garage sale, but most likely we will sell what we can on craigslist or eBay and give away the rest on freecycle.org. These are all great options for ridding yourself of unwanted, outdated and duplicate items. We also have a pile of electronics to get rid of: an old microwave, tv, toaster oven, printers, juicer, etc. We don’t want to dump these if they can be recycled. We are looking into e-cycle options in our area, including local Windermere offices holding e-cycle events regularly, which also benefit the Foundation.
The same rules apply to our excess storage.
As you de-clutter and reorganize, make updates to your home inventory list. Spring is a great time to make sure your list of household items is up-to-date for insurance purposes. It is also a good time to check on your major appliances to determine if your furnace/water tank/septic or other major systems need to be serviced.
Closets
As the seasons change, it is a good idea to go through your clothes in order to renew and refresh your wardrobe. If you have items that can be updated with a few alterations, make a plan to spend some time with your tailor. Otherwise, look critically at the clothes you have. If you didn’t wear it in the last year and it cannot be altered to work with the rest of your wardrobe, consider donating it to Goodwill or your preferred charity. Throw any soiled or damaged clothes away. Spring is also a great time to get rid of any old linens and towels that have seen better days.
Furniture
You will likely be surprised by how light your load is once you have really gotten into the de-cluttering process. If you have furniture you don’t use or that doesn’t fit with your décor, consider your options. You may be able to repurpose your furniture for more efficient use, such as a console table as a landing strip next to the door, an armoire for playroom storage, or even old doors as a headboard. Or you may breathe new life into your furniture by painting or re-staining. If you can’t repurpose, why not recycle? You can donate your furniture, sell it on craigslist or give it away on freecycle.org. Getting rid of excess furniture can revitalize a room almost as much as buying new furniture.
Spring Forward
Once you have cleared the clutter and made way for a fresh perspective, figure out what will help keep the clutter at bay, and add design elements that inspire you. Decorative baskets keep magazines in order; decorative vases with flowers add natural elements help keep the indoors fresh; and new lighting or a new paint color can brighten up a room in an instant. Subtle updates in your rooms can make all the difference once the clutter is gone.
What are your tips for preparing for spring? What are your favorite spring rituals, once the cleaning is done?
Moving on up!
Posted in Buying by Tara Sharp
Moving is stressful, whether it is across town or cross-country. Once you have closed on your house, the reality of packing, moving, and setting up a new home can become overwhelming. While no list can make a move “stress-free”, planning ahead and staying organized can help make your move a little smoother. Here is our list of tips:
Getting started:
· Once you know your prospective move date set up a quick timeline to make sure you can get all the important tasks done and ready in time for your move.
· Consider how much stuff you have by doing a home inventory. This can help you decide whether you need to hire movers to help you or if you will be managing your move on your own. Many moving companies supply inventory lists to help you assess the size of truck you will need. You can use your list as double duty for insurance purposes later.
· As soon as you decide how you will be moving, make your reservations. In general, moving companies and truck rental services are over-booked at the beginning and very end of the month. If you are planning on hiring a moving company, contact a few in your area for a price quote. To find companies ask your real estate agent, family, or friends, and consult online reviews. It is also a good idea to request a quote and compare companies.
Preparing for your move:
· Moving is a great opportunity to get rid of clutter, junk, or outdated items. Set aside some time to sort through your closets, storage spaces, files, drawers, and more. Go through cluttered areas and organize items by “keepers”, “give-aways” and “garbage”. You will have less to pack and an opportunity to update after you move. Contact a local nonprofit organization for your donations; some will arrange to pick up larger donations like furniture. If you have items of value, eBay or craigslist are good options.
· Changing your address is one of the more tedious tasks in the moving process. You will need to change your address with the United States Post Office. You can find the online form here: https://moversguide.usps.com/icoa/icoa-main-flow.do?execution=e1s1.
· You will also need to change your address with each account you have. Here is a list to get your started:
· Employers
· Bank(s)
· Utilities (Electric, Water/Sewage, Oil/Gas)
· Cable/ Telephone
· Cell phone service
· Credit Cards
· Magazine subscriptions
· Insurance companies (auto, home/renters, health, dental, vision, etc.)
· Pharmacy
· Other personal services
Let the packing begin:
· Before you start packing, it may help to visualize where everything you have will go. Perhaps furniture will fit better in a different room? Consider the floor plan of your new home and figure out what will go where. This will aid in packing and labeling as you box everything up.
· Use a tool like floorplanner.com to plan where furniture and items will go.
· When it comes to packing you have some options. You can work with a service that provides reusable boxes for moving or you can reuse or purchase cardboard boxes. Make sure you have enough boxes, packing tape, dark markers, and packing paper.
· Pack rooms according to your floor plan. Label boxes with contents and room. This will make it easier to unpack your home, knowing where everything is going.
· Real Simple magazine has some great tips on packing for your move.
· If you have to disassemble any of your furniture, make sure you keep all the parts and directions together.
· Make sure you set aside your necessities for the day you move. Being tired and unable to take a shower or make your bed can be hard at the end of a long moving day. Here are some ideas of what you may like to pack in your “day-of-move” boxes.
· Clean linens for the beds, pillows and blankets
· Clean towels
· Shower curtain, liner and hooks
· Toiletries, hand soap, tooth brush, etc.
· Disposable utensils, cups, napkins, etc
· Rolls of toilet paper
· Snacks and water
· Change of clothes
· Tools for reassembling furniture, installing hardware, and hanging photos
Making your move
· Come up with a game plan with your family, so everyone has a role and a part to play
· Once the house is empty, do a once over on your old place to make sure it is clean for the next owners/occupants. Here is a useful checklist for cleaning.
Warming your new home
· Once you have settled into your new home, warm it up by inviting friends and family over to celebrate. Here is a great infographic about housewarming traditions and symbolism.
· Announce your move to far-away friends and family through moving announcements to make sure you stay on the holiday card mailing list.
Do you have any other tips or advice for achieving a smooth move?
Top 3 Reasons Short Sales Fail
Posted in Selling by Richard Eastern
Short sales are complicated. With all the variables that need to be juggled, it’s easy to make mistakes that end up derailing a transaction. Here are the most common reasons that short sales fail.
1) Failure to understand and justify market value.
Setting a price for a short sale is the delicate art of balancing what a buyer will pay and what the lender will approve. It’s important to understand how the lender values a property. The bank will commonly hire an appraiser or BPO broker to set a value after you submit an offer. If you have set the price too low, the lender will not approve the offer. Everyone loses. The buyer has been given an unrealistic expectation of what they should pay, so usually is not willing or able to offer much more. More importantly, your client’s clock is ticking. They have a certain deadline to do a short sale and avoid foreclosure, and you have squandered valuable time on a deal that was never going to go through. (If you think the value the bank set is unreasonable, this Ask the Expert article explains how to dispute lender valuations.)
2) Not knowing the specific lender’s short sale process.
On average, the bank’s short sale negotiator has over 1,000 short sale transactions that they are processing at any given time. And each lender’s process is different. If you don’t follow the lender’s specific process or there is an error in the paperwork or you’re missing a form, it all comes to a halt. Your file gets set aside until the issues can be resolved. And unless you call, it can be weeks before you are even aware that there is a problem. (We have a dedicated staff that follows up with lenders daily to make sure the process is moving forward.)The short sale transaction that closes, and closes quickly, is the one where everything is done right the first time.
3) No system to monitor the short sale process.
Because a short sale has so many more variables than a traditional real estate transaction, one of the most important jobs the listing broker has is making sure everyone involved has all the information they need to make their part of the deal happen. We have a private password-protected online system that lets all parties see what’s happening with a transaction at any time – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This helps everyone involved track deadlines and ensure that no details fall through the cracks. It’s also important for you to build a team of professionals who are highly experienced in short sales. For example, we work with title and escrow agents who understand the additional documentation and complex issues that are specifically related to short sales.
Richard is a Windermere broker in Bellevue, WA and co-founder of Washington Property Solutions, a short sales negotiating company. Since 2003 he has helped more than 700 homeowners sell their homes. A Bellevue native and a University of Washington grad, Richard is an avid sports fan and a devoted Little League and basketball coach. You can learn more about Richard here or at www.washortsales.com.
