Preferred Partners
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ARCHITECT/BUILDER
Rodwin Architecture
Scott Rodwin (303) 413-8556
929 Pearl St. Ste. 250, Boulder, CO 80302 RodwinArch.com
CUSTOM BUILDER
Wood Brothers Homes (303) 717-8207 www.woodbrothershomes.com
FLOORING
Family Carpet One (720) 378-8927 www.familycarpetonelongmont.com
FLOORING SERVICES
Carpet Direct NoCo (720) 818-1399 CarpetDirectNoCo.com
HANDYMAN/WOOD CRAFTSMAN
Omega Carpentry
Omega Perkins, Jr (915) 249-9020 nextdoor.com/pages/ omega-carpentry-brighton-co
HOME BUILDER
Koelbel & Company (303) 758-3500 koelbelco.com
HOME INSPECTION
Greenworks Inspections (855) 223-7599 greenworksinspections.com/ inspection-in-colorado/
Inspections Over Coffee
Bryan Zenner (720) 845-5282 InspectionsOverCoffee.com
PROFESSIONAL HOME PAINTING
That 1 Painter Boulder (303) 589-1882 www.That1Painter.com
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
All County Property Management (720) 428-2100 www.AllCountyBoulder.com
RADON MITIGATION
Mile High Radon Control (720) 220-4063 www.milehighradoncontrol.com
REAL ESTATE MEDIA
EstateSnap Modern Real Estate Media (303) 725-7316 www.estatesnap.org
TITLE INSURANCE
First American Title Insurance Company (303) 449-8442
4940 Pearl East Circle, Ste 104 Boulder, CO 80301 FirstAmColorado.com
WINDOW CLEANING
Shine (303) 554-9281
shine-windowcleaning.com/location/boulder/
WINDOW SERVICES
KV Windows (720) 535-9629 kvwindowsinc.com
Spring Curiosity Concert
Violla
PREMIERES IN NORTH BOULDER
Innovative Townhomes
Now Available For Sale
Thursday, January 23 marked the grand opening of Violla, North Boulder’s newest townhome and singlefamily home enclave from Koelbel Communities. About a hundred real estate professionals, future homebuyers and curious community members packed the Bellota restaurant on North Broadway to learn about Violla’s floor plans, timeline and pricing.
“The enthusiastic interest in Violla speaks to the quality of Koelbel homes, plus the community’s oneof-a-kind location tucked next to the Foothills and walkable to Boulder’s extensive trail system,” commented Dana Keller, Koelbel Vice President of Sales & Marketing.
Violla is located at Violet Avenue and Broadway, near the Shining Mountain Waldorf High School. The site is blocks from Wonderland Lake, Foothills Community Park and Boulder’s network of trails and open space. Residents will also be a short walk to the thriving NoBo Arts District, eclectic eateries and quirky shops. Lucky’s Market is less than a mile south. The Pearl Street Mall, University of Colorado campus and Chautauqua cultural events are a short drive or bike ride away.
“The kick-off event welcomed more than a few interested buyers and realtors,” said Kim Payes, Violla’s exclusive listing agent from The Agency. “Violla has a close-to-nature vibe and stunning architecture that appeal to both young professionals with active
lifestyles and mature buyers who want a convenience-close, low-maintenance home base. We’re even seeing families with multiple generations interested in Violla’s flexible floor plans.”
Variety of Livable Floor Plans
Boulder native Sopher Sparn Architects thoughtfully designed Violla for a fresh, timeless look that delivers outstanding livability and a rich appearance that blends seamlessly into North Boulder’s natural environment.
Violla will eventually encompass 17 townhomes and 20 single-family homes. The townhomes feature seven floor plans ranging from 1,960 to 2,246 square feet. All offer three bedrooms, one of which can be fashioned into a second primary suite, and up to three-
and-a-half baths, a third-story flex loft, fireplace and dedicated garage. Some plans include elevators, private treetop decks and fenced yards. The community also includes a shady pocket park where residents can gather and get to know one another.
“These are right-sized townhomes with top-of-the-line finishes, intelligent design features and lots of floor plan options,” continued Payes. “With only 17 units available, they will sell quickly.” Violla townhomes start at $1.6M.
Violla’s 20 single-family homes will be just south of the townhome development. Available in three distinct designs ranging from 3,854 to 4,526 square feet, these homes will offer up to five bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths. All will include finished basements, indoor-outdoor living spaces and private yards. These Koelbel homes are expected to be available to claim later this year.
Respected Family Builder
With A 72-Year Legacy
Koelbel Communities is part of Koelbel and Company, Colorado’s oldest family-owned and operated
real estate developer with a sevendecade history of successful housing communities, commercial/retail projects and office complexes. The firm’s footprint spans the Front Range and Grand County, plus commercial projects throughout the region.
“Koelbel has long been a positive presence in Boulder County,” explained Keller. “We’re responsible for award-winning homes in Superior’s Montmere at Autrey Shores, several housing communities in Boulder proper, Louisville’s Centennial Valley
commercial corridor as well as other local ventures. We understand the Boulder market and cater to the area’s exceptional quality of life.”
Exclusively listed by Kim Payes 720.839.1038 kpayes@ koelbelco.com
BY JOSEPH COTTLE
PHOTOS BY JON DAVID ESTATESNAP.ORG
Ian Phillips FINDING A HOME
HOW THIS NEW YORK NATIVE TRADED IN THE BIG CITY LIFE
FOR LYONS, COLORADO with
A particular kind of person builds a life in smalltown Colorado, the little towns on the way to resort destinations or national parks. Those towns look quaint in the vacation seasons, and they welcome the car traffic that sometimes becomes foot traffic into their bars, shops, and little grocers. Not everyone is built to live in them twentyfour-seven, to become part of the community that makes it a home.
Unless you’re Ian Phillips.
Ian grew up in a small farm town on the edge of Adirondack State Park, closer to Canada than the Big Apple, and life up there didn’t look much different from rural life in Colorado. “When I first came to Lyons,” Ian remembers, “it reminded me of a small town in the Adirondacks called Old Forge. It started to feel like home the second I set foot here. I had no idea that so many of the traditional ideas I knew from home that defined a person are the same here, things like, Are you a good person? Are you kind to people? Do you help other people? I saw so much of that in Lyons, and that’s what made me want to stay.”
Before Lyons, Ian dreamed of a job in broadcast TV.
Back in New York, after graduating with a degree in broadcasting and television from SUNY Oswego the natural move was to head to New York City and start hustling to make the dream happen. He found work with NBC and went through the NBC Page Program. His favorite memory from this period of life is that he got to tour Sesame Street and climb into Oscar The Grouch’s trash can.
“It was an amazing experience,” Ian admits, “and I’m so glad I had that opportunity in my life. But as part of that, I also started to learn what my life would be like if I stayed working and living in New York City. Having your laundry stolen out of machines, getting stuck on broken-down subways for hours, and constantly fighting traffic gets old quick.” That world felt very forced and it just wasn’t what he wanted for the rest of his life.
Some people would be dismayed, realizing that their dream wasn’t actually a dream after all, but Ian was undeterred. He simply pivoted.
Ian recalls, “In the massive layoffs of 2008 that so many industries saw, I got laid off from NBC, and I ended up
walking into a brewery in New York City because I was a giant craft beer geek. And I thought, ‘Maybe I want to follow my passion and open up a brewery someday.’ So I started cleaning kegs and doing some manual labor at another brewery in the city, and that work ended up connecting me to a brewery here in Colorado at a beer fest, which is where I first heard of Lyons. After doing research it seemed like a place I could call home.”
After popping around through a few different bartending and construction jobs to make ends meet, he found a job at a popular bar in downtown Lyons where he was living, a little pizza pub called PB66. He became very active in the community, organizing many charity events, social gatherings, and parties through the bar, which made
people joke that he was the “unofficial mayor of Lyons” because he easily connected with so many people.
Little did he know he was building the network that would launch his real estate career. Fate, providence, or whatever you want to call it found Ian at the bar one day when a realtor friend who owned a small brokerage in Lyons sat down for a drink and mentioned he knew of a property that Ian might be interested in.
Another realtor friend, Dan Sidall with Gateway Realty, helped Ian buy his first home and at the same time helped Ian start his real estate career.
“That first house was the perfect nightmare—anyone else would have bulldozed it. However, I knew I could make it into an awesome
home for myself, and the fact that it was on the river outside of Lyons really sold me. I knew it was my chance even if it was an insane amount of work; that’s what opportunity looks like sometimes.”
Ian got a rehab loan and documented the renovation on social media. He started to realize that he had more than a knack for this sort of thing. “It was an eye-opening experience for me, realizing that I actually knew a lot more about homes than I thought,” Ian says. “Lots of people connected with that story and were really engaged with it. And then Dan pitched me—‘You should get your license. You know, you’re just a natural.’
“Working with him is what made me realize that maybe I could get into real estate. You don’t have to be pushy or have an ego. He showed me that if you can be yourself, be honest, and work hard, folks will want to work with you.”
Ian got licensed and decided to dive in headfirst right as the COVID-19 lockdowns and regulations kicked in alongside a market that went a little bonkers. “You know, I think being a new agent at that time benefited me because I didn’t know what ‘normal’ was. That extremely intense market was all I knew, which set the bar for me. I knew if I could thrive in an intense environment like that—on the go, dealing with new regulations,
dealing with stress 24-7 from all aspects of life—if I could swim in that and not sink, then I could make it.”
Ian’s work ethic and rural way of doing business paid off. “Ending those first couple of years with a very long list of happy clients instilled confidence in the next round of people. They think, ‘Wow, this newer agent has great reviews from all of his clients They’re all saying he goes above and beyond, no matter what. He’s worried more about their welfare than his own convenience, time, or what’s easy. He truly cares.’”
What particularly sets Ian apart is that Lyons is his home, and he cares deeply about the people there. “I
hope people know that I care so much about honesty and integrity and whether people at the end of the day will say, ‘Wow, that guy really did look out for me no matter what.’ Even if it means that it will make my job ten times harder, I am more worried about taking on stress and burdens if it protects the people who put their trust in me to work for them. Working with Coldwell Banker of Boulder now gives me the tools and support that work best for my clients, and I’m really excited to see where this path takes me.”
Ian found his happiness and home in Lyons and wants to help all his clients find what they’re looking for too.
BY JOSEPH COTTLE
OBSESSED WITH Shining
Matt Arveson is an Eagle Scout and mountaineer who loves to go above and beyond for his customers
At a glance, it’s easy to think Matt Arveson is just a particularly peppy window washer, but that would be a mistake. If Matt or his team comes to your house or your business, first of all—there’s a lot more going on than just cleaning windows. Matt and his guys can’t help but clean just about anything they come across. Sure, the website says “window cleaning, pressure washing, gutter cleaning, and even holiday lighting,” but mostly, the Shine guys just love to help; it’s part of their DNA.
Matt explains, “That’s part of what we call the ‘Shine Show’ or the ‘Plus
SERVICE
One.’ I always tell the guys to look for something extra to do. I received a review that said our two technicians were cleaning the house and noticed a kiddie pool with dirty water. They refilled it with clean water because the homeowner was using it for her dog, and she said she loved that because they were paying attention to needs above and beyond their job. When I heard that, I was like, yes, they’re getting it right.”
Matt loves Boulder. It’s his home and he wants to be the best neighbor he can be. Matt says, “I believe in servant leadership, so I asked myself, ‘How
can I serve my community?’ And I thought ‘I could start a company that serves the community.’ I didn’t want to merely make a bunch of money; I wanted to serve.”
It’s easy to spot Matt or his guys—the bright red work van and their bright red shirts are a dead giveaway, but you might hear them whistling or laughing, too. Part of the Shine DNA is “having fun” and “positive energy,” (it’s right there on the website) and even in just a short conversation with Matt, it’s hard not to pick up his smiling outlook on life. The Shine DNA is a big
part of what drew him to opening the franchise in Boulder. “You need to align with Shine’s values to be a franchise owner, and while the ‘service’ part is a major attitude that I align with, the positive energy is the other value I love. I’ve always got a good mood or am at least trying to be positive.”
Second, when Matt isn’t serving his city and teaching his team to serve the city, he’s probably on a mountain somewhere. Matt managed to climb
events more often than not, just being there to support his kids.
How does a guy like Matt get involved in a home and commercial cleaning service? He just decides to. Matt’s background is in software development and project management. He even hopped onto the founding team of a start-up for a few years, but he wanted something more independent, so he started looking for a franchise opportunity that would allow him a similar business opportunity with less risk.
“I looked at eight or nine different franchises and even though I have no background in window washing, it came down to the culture of the
fun. Some people like to hike, but Matt is peaks in winter just to descend down ski
company. I align with their values, to bring service, positive energy, and customer satisfaction. Those are the things I really wanted to do,” Matt says.
When you encounter Matt or his team, you will encounter people who are eager to serve and set themselves apart from other businesses by their passion for customer service.
You’re going to see more of Matt, his team, and Shine of Boulder. “I’m looking to grow,” he says. “I only have one truck right now with two technicians, but I’m looking to get another truck with more technicians.” The extra
manpower will help him schedule jobs within a few days instead of having to schedule them a week or two out, which “Is better service,” he says.
And that’s what Matt is all about, the best service with a smile.
Real Estate Mastery A Journey Toward
BY EMILY BOSSERT
Stay the Course: Why Your 2025 Business Plan Is Your Pathway to Success
Have you ever paused to wonder why some goals unfold for you effortlessly while others feel like they are always just beyond your grasp?
The answer lies in the quiet power of focus and consistency. A business plan is more than a strategic outline with tactics—it’s a declaration of your intentions, a reflection of your vision, and the foundation for shaping your year in a meaningful way. As we move through the first quarter of 2025, now is the perfect time to revisit your plan
and recommit to the discipline required to bring it to life.
The Power of a Plan
Your 2025 business plan is the blueprint for your aspirations. A thoughtfully crafted plan captures the essence of your goals and provides a pathway to achieve them with precision and purpose. Yet, as Brian Moran and Michael Lennington explain in The 12-Week Year, long-term annual goals can often feel like distant horizons, making it easy to lose momentum. Instead, they challenge us to reimagine time— working within focused 12-week cycles to cultivate urgency, clarity, and measurable progress.
A Lesson in Focus
I still remember the excitement I felt when creating my first business plan early in my real estate career. The goals I set inspired me, and the possibilities seemed limitless. But by March, the sparkle had faded, replaced by the demands of a busy life. My beautifully crafted plan became a forgotten pile of papers, tucked away in a drawer, far from the reality of my day-to-day work.
That year taught me a vital truth: a plan holds no power without intentional action.
The following year, after a few humbling lessons, I reimagined my approach. I chose to embrace shorter planning sprints and focused on achievable, incremental wins. By the end of that year, I had not only met my goals but exceeded them, experiencing meaningful growth both professionally and personally. I understood the power of a plan paired with intentional action.
The Power of Focus
Moran and Lennington’s The 12-Week Year highlights a simple and profound truth: focus is a key component of mastery. Staying dedicated and in motion with a strong business plan unlocks three critical elements for success—momentum, adaptability, and purposeful action. These pillars enable you to navigate challenges as they arise and keep your vision on course.
• Momentum: Turning Action into Progress: Momentum is born from consistent
effort. Each deliberate step you take builds upon the last, moving you closer to your goals. Challenges no longer feel like roadblocks or setbacks, but become opportunities to learn, grow, and refine your approach.
• Adaptability: Thriving in a Dynamic Market: The real estate landscape is ever-changing. A focused plan serves as your anchor, allowing you to respond to shifts with intention and pivot gracefully without losing sight of your vision.
• Purpose: Guiding Every Decision: At the core of your business plan lies your purpose—the “why” behind everything you do. It’s more than a list of tasks; it’s a reflection of your highest aspirations. When your actions align with your purpose, you bring clarity, intention, and impact to your work, ensuring that each effort drives meaningful progress.
What’s Next for You?
Revisit, Refine, and Recommit
Your Business Plan
By committing to these principles, you transform focus from a simple concept into a powerful strategy that elevates your business and the value you create.
Bringing the 12Week Year to Life
The beauty of the 12-week framework lies in its simplicity. By narrowing your focus to a defined period, you create clarity, urgency, and a sense of accomplishment.
• Define Your Priorities: Identify 3-4 high-impact goals for the next 12 weeks.
• Design a Strategic Path: Outline the daily and weekly actions that will move you closer to those goals.
• Track and Refine: Regularly evaluate your progress, celebrating wins and adjusting your approach as needed.
Set aside focused time this week to review your 2025 business plan. Dust it off—literally, if needed—and evaluate it with fresh eyes. Ask yourself: Does it still align with your goals? Are there areas that need adjustment or greater clarity?
Create a 12-Week Map
Transform your plan into a focused 12-week sprint. Let this be a season of intentionality, where every action you take is purposeful and every result measurable.
Pause, Reflect, and Recommit Dedicate time each week to assess your progress. Celebrate your wins—both big and small—and use those moments of achievement to refine your approach and sustain momentum. And remember: you can recommit as often as you need to. Every day offers a fresh start, and you always have the power to begin again.
A Final Reflection
One of my favorite quotes from The 12-Week Year is:
“The barrier standing between you and the life you are capable of living is a lack of consistent execution. Effective execution will set you free. It is the path to accomplish the things you desire.”
As you navigate this year, stay the course, trust the process, and remember: the small, consistent actions you take today will lay the foundation for the extraordinary results you’ll celebrate tomorrow.
A heartfelt thank you to Brian Moran and Michael Lennington, authors of The 12-Week Year, for providing a framework that has transformed the way I work and reminded me that with intention and clarity, I have the power to achieve more than I ever imagined.
Emily Bossert
BUSINESS COACH 720 470 3198
Emily.Bossert@ milehimodern.com milehimodern.com
BY DR. FELICIA SANTELLI
Au Revoir
‘Old Man Winter’
MMarch still brings long, dark, cold, dreary nights; and short, cloudy, misty, days. Driving roads filled with ‘brown snow’, is a constant reminder that winter is still here! We, in CO are fortunate, the sun shines often! But, in many states, the sun is not visible for days!
So, it’s no wonder many find themselves ‘depressed’, stuck indoors, weary, with low enthusiasm and just feeling ‘blah’.
If you’re anything like me, by March, you start to feel like you’ve had enough of the cold weather, and you want spring. But in the meantime, let’s find joy in the remains of ‘old man winter’.
Scientific evidence suggests that feeling joy may have major benefits to our health. Joy may even increase life expectancy by helping relieve stress, boosting our immune system and reducing pain.
When we feel joy, we release two types of neurotransmitters in the brain: dopamine and serotonin. These are tiny chemical “messenger” cells that transmit positive signals between neurons (nerves) and other parts of the body. These neurotransmitters are responsible for how we process feelings, from blood flow to digestion.
If you’re feeling low, activities like walking in nature, playing with a pet, kissing a loved one, or even enjoying a good lunch, can help these neurotransmitters do their job to raise your mood.
Another reason to love winter is that it gives us time for deep reflection and restoration. Outside of the holidays, winter typically forces us to slow down our hectic schedules. Because winter is a dormant phase of our lives, we can allow stillness to aid our introspection.
I hear people say: “I hate winter”. Some think snow is charming and romantic. Others don’t like shoveling and trudging through it, and the mess it creates for the commute. They complain about the bitter cold that penetrates to the bone.
So, if you haven’t noticed, there are many of us who just don’t like winter. And yet if you just take time to observe… there is beauty, tremendous, awe-inspiring, breathtaking beauty. The frozen, misty branches with fog in the distance reminds me of London and the Sherlock Holmes movies, eerie and mysterious.
Notice some landscapes and roads lined with homes, white fences, and tall pine trees blanketed by snow resembling
something you see in “Hallmark’ movies. There is a certain beauty and peace that only comes with winter. Winter may be a harder, harsher time of year, but it is necessary for growth. It gives us time for rest. Even the snow nourishes the soil, allowing plants to grow stronger. Without winter, we miss the necessary rebuilding period of our year. So, let us enjoy the last remnants of winter.
Contrary to popular belief, there are many health benefits of winter, and they are not limited to the warmth of a fireplace. Research has shown that cold weather helps with weight loss efforts, helps people sleep better and it can improve moods.
Cold weather brings people together. We yearn for warmth, love, and connection. It’s easy to allow yourself to become isolated when it’s dreary outside. The joy of spending time with friends and family has been known to lift spirits and help us get out of a funk! Open the curtains and let as much natural light in as possible. You’ll find it will be an instant mood booster!
Winter is the season to embrace the quiet and darkness –recognizing that you don’t need to do anything for the magic to unfold. This is the season of receiving: new information, ideas, and dreams for the rest of the year. All these can reveal themselves by turning inward to determine who you want to bring back into the world when the rebirth of spring arrives. Winter is beautiful in its seclusion.
I feel every season has its purpose, and winter gives us time to spend with friends and family, time to be alone in contemplation, restoration, and the anticipation of rebirth in the spring.
When we bring joy into our lives, we begin to feel our blessings, which cultivates good health and wellness and an appreciation of the magic of just being alive!
Take advantage of the last winter breeze blowing through the trees making you feel the magic in the air, the goodbyes of ‘Old Man Winter’, the peacefulness, calmness, silence and perhaps the crunchiness of the ground beneath our feet.
Au Revoir “Old Man Winter!”
References: http://www.oprah.com/health/how-to-be-happy-in-thewinter-winter-happiness/all#ixzz68t3tzSCh https://www.rd.com/culture/month-of-march-facts/ https://www.healthline.com/health/affects-of-joy#2 https://weather.com/health/news/hot-cocoa-health-benefits https://medium.com/@rossstringer/why-ive-come-to-lovewinter-and-the-colder-months-331b16520583
8 Top Home Improvements Prior to Listing Your Home
Declutter
The average home in the U.S. contains 300,000 items, and 25 percent of Americans claim to have a “clutter” problem. A cluttered home appears disorganized and cramped — not ideal to entice potential buyers. It’s no wonder 96 percent of Realtors recommend decluttering to their sellers before listing a home.
Minor Drywall Repair
Repairing minor drywall problems presents a well-maintained and move-in ready appearance to potential buyers. Even minor imperfections can raise concerns about the overall condition of the property, possibly deterring buyers or giving them leverage to negotiate a lower price. Repairing drywall damage
is a simple DIY task requiring basic tools and know-how. If you hire a professional, expect to pay $300 to $500 depending on the size and scope of the project. A pro is worth the money if you’re unsure of your DIY skills.
As a registered contractor, I often help customers ready their homes for sale. There’s almost always some drywall that needs fixing. Even if it’s small, a hole in drywall looks bad and signals a lack of maintenance by the homeowner. That’s why 72 percent of Realtors recommend sellers complete this project before listing their home.
Thorough Cleaning
Cleaning your home goes hand-in-hand with decluttering to create a positive
first impression. It’s recommended by 88 percent of Realtors before an open house. A clean home enhances the overall appeal and signals to buyers the property is in good condition, potentially increasing their willingness to make an offer.
“A house should ‘sparkle’ before a showing,” says Paul Tourville, a Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI) broker with Canon Real Estate. “I’ll recommend a cleaning person to come in and do a deep cleaning. It’s well worth the money.”
Barry agrees. “I always recommend having the home professionally cleaned just before showings start,” she says.
Professionally deep cleaning a 1,000 square foot home professionally will cost about $100 to $300. It will take two people one to three hours to thoroughly scrub, dust and vacuum all home surfaces, even hard-toreach areas. To do it yourself will cost about $50 in cleaning supplies and at least five to six hours of your time.
Clean Wall-to-Wall Carpets
Cleaning carpets before an open house is crucial to enhance the overall appearance and freshness of a home, with 71 percent of Realtors agreeing it’s an important task before a showing. Clean carpets eliminate odors and allergens, creating a more inviting and comfortable environment that’s more likely to appeal to prospective buyers.
The average cost for professional carpet cleaning is $0.33 per square foot, but can be higher or lower depending on carpet type.
For those looking to do this project yourself, you can rent Rug Doctor rug cleaning machines at most grocery stores and home improvement centers for $35 to $50 for 24 hours, plus the cost of cleaning solution. These machines are user-friendly and meant for homeowner DIY use.
Touch Up or Repaint Problem Walls
Touching up or repainting problem walls before putting your house on the market can significantly improve the overall aesthetics of your home and give the impression of a well-maintained property.
“I tell [sellers] to focus on small projects like touching up paint on walls and woodwork,” Barry says. “Paint goes a long way in freshening up a home.” She’s not alone; 57 to 58 percent of Realtors recommend this project to their sellers.
A professional painter will cost $2 to $7 per square foot, or about $3,500 for an average size house. This price does not include paint, which will cost $35 to $70 per gallon and cover 350 to 400
square feet. If you have the time, tools and skill, homeowners can save on these costs by doing it themselves.
Remove Personal Items
Remove personal items like collectibles, memorabilia, religious artifacts and photos to neutralize your home. This allow buyers to envision themselves living there.
“I tell people to take all pictures off the refrigerator and the walls, which people struggle with sometimes,” Tourville says. “I tell them it helps people picture themselves living there and helps a space look less cluttered.” Sixty-five percent of Realtors polled said they recommend depersonalizing a home before a showing.
In the same NAR profile, Realtors call living rooms, kitchens and primary bedrooms the most important rooms for staging, so these should be the focus of any depersonalizing efforts. This can be part of a staging company’s services, but can also be done by homeowners with the time and some empty boxes.
Improve Landscaping
Fifty percent of Realtors suggest improving landscaping before a
showing to enhance the overall curb appeal of the property. A wellmaintained and attractive outdoor space signals to potential buyers the property has been cared for, potentially increasing its desirability.
“The outside of the house is the first thing people see when they drive up,” Tourville says. “It’s crucial to a buyer’s first impression.”
Trimming bushes and hedges can cost about $50 to $100 per hour, with a general yard cleanup totaling from $265 to $590. Adding mulch or new plantings will cost more, but will be a good return on investment.
The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) claims professional landscaping can increase a home’s price tag 15 percent to 20 percent at the time of resale. Homeowners looking to save money can complete landscaping improvements themselves, but it can be physically demanding and time-consuming work.
Regrout Shower
Regrouting or touching up grout improves the cleanliness and appearance of a bathroom while preventing potential water damage and mold issues. Shower grout that’s clean and in good condition doesn’t raise concerns of lurking mold or water issues. Thirty percent of Realtors recommended this project.
I once had a customer preparing to sell their home whose shower needed regrouting. I recommended doing the project before the open house, but they passed due to the cost. The issue came up in the home inspection, and was one of the reasons the buyers backed out.
Regrouting shower tile is a beginner level DIY project that can be done for $50 to $100. If you hire a professional, expect to pay $560 to $880 for regrouting, including labor and materials.
1505 SUNSET BOULEVARD
BEST IN Show
Absolutely stunning! 1505 Sunset redefines luxury in Boulder, Colorado. As you stroll through the gated courtyard to explore the home, you’ll be moved by the seamless fusion of expansive breathtaking views and quiet, intimate spaces. The prime location, just a short walk to Pearl Street, places the best of Boulder right at your doorstep. With almost 1/2 acre of prime downtown real estate, this home blends modern sophistication with timeless elegance. Designed by the visionaries at Surround Architecture and built by Harrington Stanko, absolutely no detail has been spared. Refined appointments such as Italian Varenna cabinetry, Miele appliances, Jura coffee bar, and 12’ wide plank white oak floors reflect the
quality that surrounds you. A cutting-edge Savant home automation system and elevator servicing all floors are just a few of the luxuries that elevate the home. Floor-toceiling windows bathe the spaces with natural light and blur the lines between indoors and out. Gaze at unobstructed views of the Flatirons from every bedroom on the upper level! Adding to the dramatic vista, both the Primary Suite and upper level Guest Suites have stunning see through balconies, giving the illusion that the walls open to the sky. Guest Bedrooms with en suite baths enhance the sense of luxury and privacy. The walk-out Lower Level with Wine Cellar, Exercise Room, Spa Bath, Steam Shower, and Dressing Room invite you to enter a world of relaxation and respite. The Game Room, Family Room, Wine Cellar, and a Guest Suite complete the brilliant layout. The outdoor
oasis features an intimate heated pool, multiple patios, covered porches, and an outdoor kitchen, all with epic views that go on forever! The SYNBlue synthetic grass creates a manicured evergreen aesthetic and a low maintenance landscape. 1505 Sunset checks all the boxes for discerning buyers: Unobstructed views of the Flatirons and Foothills, prime downtown location, and the highest quality finishes and construction!
Marybeth Emerson
(720) 394-1997
marybeth.emerson@theagencyre.com TheAgencyRE.com
9151 Currency St. Irving, TX 75063
Boulder Symphony Music Academy offers private music lessons in south Boulder for all instruments-including voice, piano, drums, and guitar for students of all ages!
Now is your opportunity to begin your musical journey with musicians from the Boulder Symphony1 Our teachers are the best in the front range, including degrees from the University of Colorado, Juilliard, Cleveland Institute of Music, and many others.
TRY US FOR FREE!
4730 Table Mesa Dr. Suite l-300 Boulder. CO 80305 720-328-8286 | bouldersymphony.org/lessons
