Chuck Barry   |   
cbarry3993@gmail.com   |   720-296-6217
http://www.chuckbarry.com

Remodel Your Kitchen
and Bath on a Budget.

Two of the most popular rooms for home makeovers are the kitchen and bath. However, these can be pricey ventures. A minor kitchen remodel can hover around $22,000, while a bathroom can be around $16,000. Here are some alternatives that will give you a fresh, modern look without breaking the bank:

• Refinishing or re-facing the fronts of cabinets and replacing knobs and drawer pulls can give cabinets a fresh new look
• A cost-effective approach to countertops might include solid surface materials such as granite, Silestone® or ceramic tiles
• A fresh coat of wall paint in modern hues is also a sure bet
• Consider replacing sinks as well as fixtures in brushed nickel chrome or stainless steel
• Under-cabinet or track lighting can create a contemporary look
• Replace that old shower curtain with contemporary glass doors
• A new mirror/medicine cabinet can also make a real difference

You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to add pizzazz to your kitchen or bath. Just changing a few elements can make a significant statement to you and potential buyers down the road.

Six questions to help gain insight on a prospective home.

When buying a home, you have to consider factors such as the home’s layout, condition and more. The seller must disclose the property’s condition that may alert you to issues such as mold, defective water heater or leaky roof. Here are six questions you should pose to the seller for additional insight before you make your final decision:

1. Why is the seller selling the house?
2. How much did the seller pay for the home?
3. What does the seller like most and least about the property?
4. Has the seller had any problems with the home in the past?
5. Are there any nuisances such as barking dogs, airplane traffic or planned changes to the community?
6. How are the public schools in the area?

Knowing all you can about a prospective home will help you make a more informed decision as well as make an appropriate offer. Your real estate professional can be a great resource in helping you get your key questions answered and give you advice on how to evaluate your findings.

Creating a home inventory
is a good idea.

Homeowners insurance can help provide financial help in case something happens to your property or its contents. Should it happen, having a current home inventory can make it much easier when filing an insurance claim.

Start with a sheet a paper for each room in the house. Go around the room and list every item. Don’t forget the attic, basement or other storage places.

For each item, record the following:

• The original cost
• Purchase date
• Replacement cost
• Model number, brand name, where purchased
• A general description

It’s also important to take photos or video of each room for visual documentation. It is also a good idea to arrange valuable collections, silver, jewelry, etc. and take close up photos. Make sure you update your home inventory photos and list at least once a year.

Packing Tips to Get You Moving

Packing. It’s one of those dreaded but necessary chores of moving. Not only is it time consuming, but it sheds light on how much we really have accumulated since the last move. Believe it or not, packing can be a manageable task if you start early and have a plan:

• Allow at least six weeks to provide enough time without becoming overwhelmed.
• Commit to packing at least a few boxes each day - not too many to wear you out but at least something to make a little progress every day
• Use small boxes for small, heavy items, medium-size for bulkier, not so heavy items and larger boxes for very bulky lightweight items
• Wardrobe boxes are specially designed to transport clothing on hangers
• Don’t forget marking pens, packing filler, bubble wrap, strong 2-inch wide packing tape and lots of newspaper
• Pack one room at a time and clearly mark each box for contents and the room it will go in
• Write “Open First” on boxes you want to access as soon as you arrive. These might have coffee mugs, plates and flatware or towels and toiletries.
• Avoid damage from leakage by packing your liquids (including medicine) in leak proof containers such as zippered plastic bags

For more pointers on packing, talk with your moving company representative or your real estate professional.