Would you be happier if your outdoor space was remodeled with a fireplace, a swimming pool, or a new wood deck? In the 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, the National Association of REALTORS® found that nearly all homeowners reported increased happiness with their completed outdoor projects – 9.7 out of a possible “Joy Score” of 10.

Using Census data for the average-sized U.S. home – 2,500 sq. ft., built after 1978, and situated on a 14,000 sq. ft. lot – NAR collaborated with the National Association of Landscape Professionals to learn the results of 11 landscaping projects, plus their costs, estimated return on investment for homeowners, and homeowner happiness.

Among the outdoor projects included were: fire feature ($9,000), in-ground pool addition ($90,000), irrigation system installation ($6,000), landscape lighting ($6,800), landscape maintenance ($4,800), new patio ($10,500), new wood deck ($16,900), outdoor kitchen ($15,000), overall landscape upgrade ($9,000), tree care ($2,875) and standard lawn care service ($415).

Interestingly, homeowner happiness was not tied to the highest cost recovery. Homeowners reported the highest Joy Scores for in-ground pool additions (10), landscape lighting (10), and new patios (9.9). Standard lawn care service, the least expensive of the 11 projects, had the highest cost recovery (217%), followed by landscape maintenance (104%), an overall landscape upgrade (100%) and an outdoor kitchen (100%).

Consumers remodel to add features, improve livability, upgrade worn-out materials, or simply to make a change. Another benefit to outdoor remodeling is curb appeal, which is important to homebuyers, says 97% of NAR members.

The pandemic that began in 2020 was life-changing in all aspects, including the importance of home.   As we all began stayinghome to work remotely, we began to appreciate what a difference more space could make. Before long, the hottest housing market ever emerged as households sought larger homes with more creature comforts.

Getting into a bigger better home became the rage during the pandemic. And it continues to be a priority. From First-TIme Home Buyers to clients seeking to upgrade their space or be closer to friends and family.

 

Here's The Inside Scoop on how to Buy a House in a Crazy Market.

What worked in yesteryear may not be so successful today. The advice of well meaning relatives back home could well be out of touch with the on the ground reality of our market. When it comes down to how to buy a house in this market, you need the best strategy and support of a knowledgeable real estate agent. You need to be completely prepared with your financing. And you need to understand the nuances of what is going on right now so you get your dream home.  Article continues at: https://boulderrealestatenews.com/how-to-buy-a-house-in-this-market/

From rooftop gardens to planned community developments, neighborhood farming is having a moment. Agrihoods, or urban farms, have growing appeal, pardon the pun, for foodies who want farm-fresh produce no matter where they live. The beauty of the concept is that it combines the best of urban and rural lifestyles.

The benefits for individuals, communities and city planners are numerous. By coming together, residents of an apartment building, a neighborhood, or a town can grow free or low-cost food in containers, raised backyard beds, or in designated community gardens. Agrihoods promote healthy outdoor activity, improved health and sustainable land use. They help foster new friendships and a stronger sense of community. Community gardens teach both children and adults skills they can use for a lifetime.

While many agrihoods are started by local non-profit organizations and community volunteers, you can organize your own co-op by contacting neighbors, family and friends and choosing the best gardening opportunity for all. Once the food is harvested, it’s easy to split evenly among the participants.

Architects, builders and developers are paying attention to the trend and they report that existing single-family homes in agrihoods have a resale value as much as 28 percent higher than comparable houses in traditional suburban neighborhoods. For many developers, golf courses are expensive to design and maintain while agrihoods can be developed at one fifth of the cost. Some are large enough to employ farm managers who do the actual farming and manage livestock, in case you don’t have a green thumb.

"Honey, stop the car and let's double check our credit scores from FICO and VantageScore, the two most prominent U.S. credit scoring companies.  This could be the house we've been looking for.

Big beautiful lot with so much potential on a quiet Cul-de-sac walking distance to Broomfield Heights Middle School.

Step into Serenity on a south-facing lot. A fantastic floorplan boasts a kitchen/ nook/ family room. The family room btw offers  vaulted ceilings. There is also a main floor study with glass French doors and wane boarding.

All the bedrooms are upstairs. Glance out any window and you will feel cocooned amidst a lush tapestry of mature trees and verdant greenery. Plenty of privacy, including light filtering Hunter Douglas Duette shades (some of which are Top Down/Bottom Up and most of which are just 1 year old). Freshly painted inside and out.

The kitchen with new epoxy style counter tops  and overall offers plenty of prep space and excellent storage along with stainless steel appliances.

Main floor guest half bath! One year old Front Loading LG Washer and Dryer at Owner's Entrance. Unfinished basement with "covid-era Zoom wall" (see photos). The counters are new in the kitchen and master bathroom.

A serene and well-established neighborhood, provides a peaceful and inviting atmosphere for residents. Streets and yards are lined with mature trees and the community exudes a sense of tranquility. Middle schoolers can handily walk to Boulder Valley School District Broomfield Heights Middle School; the High School is an easy walking distance as well. The home is nestled at the end of a private Cul-de-sac and complemented by the added convenience of dedicated RV parking.

Unleash the full potential of this property with a little effort in the ample backyard. You'll find this prime lot boasts a good sized shed, a huge RV parking space (gated) and a chicken coop plus a really big patio just off your family room. Fruit and deciduous trees! There are two pear trees that bear fruit as well as one apple and two crab apple trees. Easy access to shopping, dining, Hwy 287 or Hwy 36. Nearby you'll find open space trails ready to take you places.  See all the photos on my blog page!