At Home Colorado - Northern Colorado Edition

REAL ESTATE

Open Home Listings, Builder Spotlight, Homes for Sale, Rentals and More!

atHome Colorado Home & Real Estate | AtHomeColorado.com

Goodbye spring cleaning, hello

WINTER REFRESH!

Quick Guide and Featured Open Homes

Feeling Down? Use Lighting to Improve Your Mood

Home Features for Those Who Love to Entertain

Looking for a home? View comprehensive listings of local open homes taking place this weekend from all across the area.

Do you have the winter blues? Consider making a change to the lighting in your home to boost your spirits.

If you love to be the hostess, there are a few features that shouldn’t be overlooked when on the hunt for a new home.

January 5-6, 2019

Loveland Reporter-Herald – AtHomeColorado.com

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

Feeling down? Use lighting to improve your mood

COLORADO HOME AND REAL ESTATE

ATHOMECOLORADO.COM CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jenna Schuster Paul F. P. Pogue

Ed Del Grande Suzanne Plewes Ilyce Glink Samuel J. Tamkin

ADDITIONAL CONTENT Tribune News Service Brandpoint Content ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Thais Hafer, Toni McNeill EDITOR/FEATURES

Find the room in your house where you spend the most time and add larger windows or a skylight for natural light. (Shutterstock)

COORDINATOR Misty Kaiser

At Home is an Advertising Feature published by the Loveland Reporter-Herald. ©2017 Prairie Mountain Media.

SEND US YOUR NEWS. At Home welcomes news from the local community on real estate/home tips, events, hirings, advancements, awards, community involvement and other information of interest to the Boulder County and Northern Colorado areas.

Submitted items should be non-promotional in tone.

Visit AtHomeColorado.com/ Submit-Your-News.

ADVERTISING INFORMATION: To advertise in At Home or to promote your open house contact Thais Hafer at 303.473.1456, Toni McNeil at 303.684.5329 or visit AtHomeColorado.com/Advertise To submit an open house listing, visit AtHomeColorado.com/ SubmitOpenHouseLoveland.com.

FACEBOOK.COM/ ATHOMECOLORADO

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By Jenna Schuster, HomeAdvisor Tribune News Service (TNS) Lighting alters more than the aesthetic appeal of your home — it can affect your mood as well.

Studies show that we are deeply influenced by our home lighting choices. Light that is too blue, bright or artificial can have a negative impact on your health. If you struggle with lying awake at night or feeling exhausted during the day, you may want to rethink your home lighting. Luckily, there are several solutions.

Feeling anxious? Try dimmer switches.

If your emotions tend to get the best of you, installing dimmer switches around your home could help. Studies show that bright light intensifies your emotions, while lower light can keep your feelings at a steady level. Give yourself the option to move between the two without sacrificing bright overhead light when you need it.

Feeling restless? Try red light.

You probably encounter blue light on a regular basis

thanks to computer screens, fluorescent bulbs and LED lights. Unfortunately, blue light is known to stop melatonin production in your brain, which makes it difficult to fall asleep.

Take a look at the lightbulbs you’re using in your bedroom and replace blue tones with red, amber or yellow light for more restful sleep. You’ll still be able to see what you’re doing, but your body will be able to produce the sleep hormone it desperately needs.

Feeling sluggish? Try a circadian lighting system.

Waking up without a cup of coffee is always a little bit tricky.

But if you find yourself feeling truly sluggish in the morning, it could be because your sleeping pattern has been messed up.

Investing in a circadian lighting system may be a good option.

Circadian lighting systems get your body back on track by mimicking the sun’s normal light path. Not only will an artificial sunrise help you wake up in the morning, but dimmer light toward the end of the day will make it easy for you to wind down.

Loveland Reporter-Herald – AtHomeColorado.com

Feeling blue?

Try installing natural light.

The darker your home is, the more difficult it becomes for your brain to produce serotonin -- a mood-boosting hormone triggered by daylight. So, if you’ve been feeling down, more access to natural light could help. Find places in your home where you spend the most time and consider installing windows or skylights. If you’d like to preserve your privacy, check out light tubes — cylindrical pipes that channel light from your roof and reflect it into the rooms of your choosing.

What now? Don’t forget finishes.

No matter which new lighting scheme you decide to try out, it’s important to make sure your home finishes work with your design. Installing natural light won’t help much if you decorate with dark paint colors and espresso floors. Instead, amplify brightness with white walls and pale furniture. If you prefer dimmer ambiance for relaxation, feel free to play up light-absorbing shades like navy, charcoal and umber. And for a more flexible lighting atmosphere, neutral colors will get you a happy medium. You can also try experimenting with light and dark contrasts.

——— HomeAdvisor is an online marketplace connecting homeowners with trusted service professionals to complete home projects. Visit HomeAdvisor.com.

January 5-6, 2019

COVERPROFILE

Goodbye spring cleaning, hello

WINTER REFRESH!

Four home improvement updates to take your home from drab to fab (BPT) - Every year, homeowners anxiously await spring to refresh and reset their homes.

But what if we capitalized on all the time spent indoors during winter to take control of home improvements ahead of time instead? With a little thoughtful planning, you’ll not only be able to give your space a simple face lift but also enjoy spring when it comes around and be outside, soaking up the weather!

Many homeowners agree that the colder months are the perfect time to cross home improvement projects off the list, feeling more motivated to work on them during this time of year, according to a new survey (online survey conducted in September, 2018, of 1,000 U.S. homeowners, ages 18+, in partnership with Lucid, on behalf of Maytag). A whopping 78 percent of homeowners plan to make some type of home improvement in the next three to six months and young homeowners are even more motivated, with 87 percent of millennials planning to give their spaces some tender loving care during the same time frame.

Simple updates with big impact Enhancing your home’s value and functionality does not require a full-blown remodel. Strategic updates can make a significant impact and can be completed in just a few days. Consider these smart, no sweat home updates while staying cozy indoors.

January 5-6, 2019

Upgrade appliances: Dated appliances can steal from a space’s potential; a simple swap can completely transform the aesthetic of a room, taking it from vintage to polished in a snap. Thanks to Maytag, you don’t have to sacrifice function for style. Whether you’re partial to French door or side-by-side refrigerators, front load or top load washers, explore sleek options at maytag.com. With a few thoughtful changes, you have the power to turn your home into the space you’ve always dreamed of.

Declutter While you may not be ready to jump on the minimalist band wagon, be inspired by the movement and remove unnecessary items from your home. Donate or sell trinkets and gadgets you don’t use and focus on organizing what’s left. Consider storage solutions like closet organizers and kitchen pull-outs that make organization seamless. There’s no greater joy than coming home to a clean, tidy and truly clutter-free space.

Fresh paint A fresh coat of paint is an affordable update for any room, and with a little elbow grease, you can easily complete this project in a weekend. Whether you paint all the walls in your bedroom or just one to create a focal Loveland Reporter-Herald – AtHomeColorado.com

wall, you can customize this project to your personal tastes and preferences. While you’re at it, why not paint the ceiling too? A fresh coat of white paint can instantly elevate a space by better reflecting light.

Replace hardware The kitchen and bathrooms are typically the most frequented rooms in a home. The hardware in these spaces might seem like an afterthought, but if you want to add a little pizzazz with minimal effort, focus here.

Styles go in and out of fashion and hardware becomes drab with everyday wear and tear.

Replace knobs, handles and hooks with a new look that reflects your personality. Brushed metals have maintained popularity, and brass is poised to make a comeback. Other materials like wood and glass are popular for hardware, too.

Whether you love it or can’t get through it quickly enough, winter is a perfect time to take on home improvements that are simple and achievable; about three in four homeowners would rather complete home renovations during the fall and winter so they can travel in the spring and summer. With these handy tips, you have the knowledge and power to rejuvenate your home and make this winter a productive one. Update now, so you can relax later!

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OPEN HOUSES THIS WEEKEND

SAT 10-5 & SUN 11-5 3113 CRUX DR., LOVELAND

SAT 10-5 & SUN 11-5 3139 CRUX DR., LOVELAND

Brand new 3BD 3BA 2,894 sf 2-story! Open floorplan, main 3BD 2BA 1,610 sf ranch. Open floorplan has awesome floor study & awesome kitchen with island, gas range & kitchen with granite & island, wood laminate flooring, master beautiful cabinets. Master retreat & loft! 2 car garage. Great suite with private bath & large walk-in closet. Great location location near Centerra! Visit Sales center at 3085 Crux Dr. $369,950 MLS# 868269 Matt Nesbitt Katie 970-663-9095

near Centerra! Visit Sales Center at 3085 Crux Dr. $344,950 MLS# 868278 Matt Nesbitt Katie 970-663-9095

Follow nocospeaks.com Your source of information about our communities, home inspiration, and local events.

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FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL OUR OPEN HOUSES VISIT WWW.THEGROUPINC.COM 4

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HARMONY OFFICE 970.229.0700

HORSETOOTH OFFICE 970.223.0700

CENTERRA OFFICE 970.613.0700

MULBERRY OFFICE 970.221.0700

OLD TOWN OFFICE 970.493.0700

LOVELAND OFFICE

Loveland Reporter-Herald – AtHomeColorado.com

970.663.0700

January 5-6, 2019

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www.thegroupinc.com/military-on-the-move or call 970.416.8116

January 5-6, 2019

Loveland Reporter-Herald – AtHomeColorado.com

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ASK ANGIE’S LIST

Should I get a home gym or a fitness club membership?

By Paul F.P. Pogue, Angie’s List Tribune News Service (TNS) Congratulations! You’ve made that New Year’s resolution to get fit in 2019 and have decided to commit yourself to working out. But should you buy exercise equipment and install your own home gym? Or, is it a better idea to purchase a monthly gym membership and head out of the house for your workouts? This is a big decision that will impact your commitment to healthy habits, so weigh the different options carefully.

PROS AND CONS OF HOME GYMS A home gym is ideal for people who don’t mind working out alone and anyone with sufficient space for the gear and personal motivation to use it.

PROS: — Your workout is always just a minute away and you can work out on your own schedule.

— You won’t have other

people competing to use the same equipment.

— Your space and gear will be customized exactly to your needs.

CONS: — You can easily get distracted from your routine. Kids, partner, pets and real life can draw you away.

— A home gym takes up a lot of space, even if it’s easily stored away.

— You probably won’t have as wide a selection of equipment.

PROS AND CONS OF GYM MEMBERSHIP A gym membership is ideal for people with limited space in their own homes or anyone with a busy lifestyle that has them out of the house a lot.

PROS: — You’ll have access to a wider array of equipment to mix up your workouts.

— The social aspect of a gym can help you with motivation.

Paul F. P. Pogue is a reporter for Angie’s List, a trusted provider of local consumer reviews and an online marketplace of services from top-rated protviders. Visit AngiesList.com.

This home is located South of Troutman Park.

It features a large living room + a family room w/ wood burning fireplace, new flooring & patio access. Vaulted ceilings, kitchen w/ pantry, new flooring & new electric range/oven.

One of a kind property in Water Valley South on 1.86 acres. Over $200,000 in landscaping. Lookout point w/ spectacular views of WV & Windsor.

Gardens, fenced yard, dry creek, patios, private beach, sprinkler system, water feature & fire pits.

John Simmons 970-481-1250 jsimmons@c3-re.com

Christie Juhl 970-430-9501 CrownJuhlRealtor@gmail.com

Jesse Laner 970-672-7212 jlaner@c3-re.com

3001 Shore Rd, Fort Collins $1,185,000 • MLS# 868752 5 Beds • 4 Baths • 4 Car Garage

8402 N 81st St, Longmont $590,000 • MLS# 847671

Lake front living with private setting. Enjoy Colorado Seasons on your deck or through the atrium windows. Ranch style home with 3 bonus bedrooms up + a finished walk-out basement.

Hops, Hemp or Hay, you decide! Entire property is a conservation easement zoned AG. This 25 acres is also a great location for horses w/allowable barn/ arena/outbuildings w/max 10% structure coverage allowed. NO residtl structures allowed.

www.MyColoHome.com AT HOME

When selecting a fitness center, look beyond the equipment itself.

Other considerations include how many other facilities your membership gives access to, and perks such as trainers and staff-led exercise classes. Swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms and whirlpools are valuable perks. Seek out and join the fitness facility that will most effectively inspire you toward your goals.

2127 Cape Hatteras Ct, Windsor $835,000 • MLS# 863824 4 Beds • 4 Baths • Total Sq Ft 4157

John Simmons 970-481-1250 jsimmons@c3-re.com

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CONS: — Over the long term, gym memberships tend to cost more than buying your own gear.

— If you’re not a social person, having other people around all the time could be distracting and annoying.

— A gym membership requires a lot of commitment and motivation on your part. You have to be motivated to actually use it to get the benefit.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY Whether you work out in public or in the privacy of your own home, make sure you make the most of your time and effort. Don’t overlook the value of a personal trainer. Even one session with a professional can help you make the best use of your solo workouts. If you can’t afford or make time for regular training sessions, consider hiring someone who can meet with you every few months to monitor your progress, discuss fitness goals and adjust your training regimen over the long term.

A good fitness trainer is both an accountability partner and a mentor through the process.

4219 Goldeneye Dr, Fort Collins $343,500 • MLS# 865876 3 Beds • 1 Baths • 2 Car Garage

John Simmons 970-481-1250 jsimmons@c3-re.com

Saturday & Sunday 12-3pm

— Professional trainers are available to help guide you.

Jesse Laner 970-672-7212 jlaner@c3-re.com

John Simmons 970-481-1250 jsimmons@c3-re.com

Jesse Laner 970-672-7212 jlaner@c3-re.com

970.225.5152 • C3 Real Estate Solution, LLC.

Loveland Reporter-Herald – AtHomeColorado.com

January 5-6, 2019

REAL ESTATE

Home Features for Those Who Love to Entertain Holidays are a reminder that the ability to host gatherings is an important home feature.

We don’t always think about it when we SUZANNE are buying or PLEWES renovating a RE/MAX Alliance home. Instead, we tend to think of the day-to-day conveniences. It’s important to find a home that fits your lifestyle. This includes your everyday needs and the occasional party. Here are some features to look for in a home if you love to play host.

Eat-in Kitchen Kitchens are often the place where everyone congregates. Those with peninsulas, islands, or an attached eating area are a huge plus.

Look for good counter space and a layout that allows people to easily mingle.

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2453 Tabor St, Berthoud

$415,000 | MLS #868182

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Open Floorplans An open floor plan allows the entertaining space to easily extend from the kitchen to other areas of your home. Rooms that connect to one another with ample passage are great for gatherings.

Easy Access to Exterior Spaces During the warmer months, you may find yourself using outdoor space for entertaining. Homes with easy access from the kitchen to the outdoors make those events much easier. It’s also helpful to have a

bathroom nearby, on the main level, for guests to use without having to roam through your entire home.

Ample Parking Parking is so important but most often forgotten. Look for a large driveway or easy street parking. If a home is on a busy street, is there a side street nearby? Are there parking bans during winter months?

Convenient parking will make it more pleasant for guests to attend your parties and thus easier for you to host events.

Suzanne Plewes is a broker associate at RE/MAX Alliance. Write to 750 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland, CO 80537, call 970.290.0373 or e-mail suzanneplewes@remax.net.

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BEAUTIFUL HOME near TPC Golf Course has 4beds & 3baths w/open floor plan, vaulted ceiling, granite counter tops, wood floors & SS appliances. Come & enjoy this new & exciting community!

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An open floor plan with easy access to the outdoors makes a great space for entertaining. (Shutterstock)

Other Helpful Home Features Here are a few other home features that can come in handy if you like to host events at your home: UÊ A coat closet near the main entrance.

UÊ Access from the front of your home to the back yard.

UÊ A surround sound system.

UÊ A bar area with small sink for preparing and serving drinks.

UÊ Extra space for a temporary buffet table or serving station.

UÊ Large sink for washing large pots and serving trays.

UÊ Ample storage for party supplies.

If you are looking for a new home and love to entertain, keep these features in mind.

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533 Deer Meadow Dr, Loveland

Aspen Homes ranch at Masters at Mariana Butte across from course. 0.35 acre premium lot. Flex space for office/ dining. Master has 5pc & lg walk-in closet. Oversize garage. Covered patio.

Std: granite, hardwd, SS apps, A/C, FP. 3-car garage. Highly energy eff homes-among best in biz!

783 Deer Meadow Dr, Loveland

Stunning Aspen Homes ranch in Masters Collection at Mariana Butte across from golf course. Perfect for entertaining. Luxurious master w/5pc & lg WIC. Mudrm off garage. Stds: granite, hardwd, SS apps, double oven, A/C, FP. Highly energy eff-among best in biz.

Covered porch & patio.

Listed by Jeff Daniels

$551,535 | MLS #847813

$507,000 | MLS #824833

970-581-6942 Hosted by Catherine Compton Halac 970-227-0264

Call Dennis Schick

970-567-3942 dschick001@outlook.com

Call Dennis Schick

970-567-3942 dschick001@outlook.com

Thinking of buying?

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Talk to our loan officer with Home Mortgage Alliance to apply today!

2117 Taft Ave, Loveland

All-brick 3-bedroom, 3-bath ranch with view of Lake Loveland. 3rd bed/bath is in a studio in the back. Great layout! Low maintenance exterior, covered back patio, stone fireplace, large dining room. $369,900 | MLS #866509

Listed by Jill Leichliter 970-443-7789 JillL@remax.net

Tammy Kauffman Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS #664512 750 W. Eisenhower Blvd.

Loveland, CO 80538 970.613.4850 office 970.237.9215 mobile 855.714.4800 fax

tkauffman@homemortgagealliance.com www.tammykauffman.com Home Mortgage Alliance, LLC is a registered as a Colorado Mortgage Company and a sponsored originator authorized to broker FHA and VA loans. NMLS# 1137507. Home Mortgage Alliance, LLC is regulated by the Colorado Department of Real Estate, and offers many loan products. Contact a Home Mortgage Alliance, LLC Representative to learn more. This is not a commitment to lend.

Stearns Lending, Inc. is regulated by the Colorado Division of Real Estate. NMLS# 1854.

RE/MAX Alliance · Each office independently owned & operated · Five Northern Colorado locations to serve you.

4703 A Boardwalk Dr, Fort Collins | 226-3990 125 S. Howes St, Ste 120, Fort Collins | 482-1781 750 W Eisenhower, Loveland | 669-1234 1275 58th Ave, Ste A, Greeley | 330-5000

January 5-6, 2019

Loveland Reporter-Herald – AtHomeColorado.com

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REAL ESTATE MATTERS

Home buyer resolutions for 2019

By Ilyce Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin, Tribune Content Agency In the 25 years or so that we’ve been writing this column, we’ve started each new year with a look back at the year that was (in this case, 2018) and offered some resolutions for those looking to buy homes the following year.

Ten years ago, as the world’s economy was falling off a cliff, buyers with cash, who could qualify for loans, had their pick of properties. Millions of homeowners went into foreclosure, and savvy investors began swooping up homes by the thousands.

It took a while for the rubble of the Great Recession to get cleaned up. And then, finally, in 2014 and 2015 (depending on where you lived), what was perhaps the greatest buyers’ market in history (or at least since World War II), turned into a sellers’ market.

Suddenly, we went from having way too many homes for sale without enough qualified buyers to too many buyers competing for relatively small amounts of inventory.

Over the past few years, home buyers have had a rough time competing against savvy and wellfunded investors, sellers who are deciding not to move (for a variety of reasons) and not putting their homes on the market, and rising interest rates.

Since 2015, we’ve predicted fewer homes than usual on the market and that home prices would continue to rise. And, that’s what happened right up until today: The number of existing homes for sale has remained low, as prices have been rising; even in the face of higher interest rates, which normally tempers demand.

Of course, there are some areas in which home prices have not risen or have remained well below peak pricing. But overall, home buyers are pressured. Millennials want to buy but have high student debt (not to mention credit card debt) and (possibly) unrealistic expectations about what the homes they buy for these higher prices should look like. (Thanks, HGTV.) 8

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hard) it will be to sell before you buy.

Whatever attracts you to a home will be the thing you lean on when it comes time to sell. But just because you can overlook a major flaw (a highway in your front or back yard, or a municipal waste facility across the street, or some other reason the location is undesirable) doesn’t mean future buyers will -- unless the price reflects that. Developing a keen eye toward what other buyers might want or not like in a home is vital.

Perhaps Mary Poppins returning to the big screen this holiday season heralds the winds of change for the real estate market as well.

Prices have started to stagnate or even fall in formerly hot markets, like parts of New York City, Southern California and Dallas, while prices in Chicago, Las Vegas and other markets hard-hit by the Great Recession of 2008-2009 are lower than they were in 2006. (Several expensive homes in Chicago have sold, while others are listed for less than they were purchased for some 15 years ago, even after extensive renovations.)

While many expected the big economic story of 2018 to be the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which went into effect last Jan. 1, or perhaps that unemployment is at near-historic low levels, the focus for most of the year has been on tariffs, rising interest rates and inflation. And, as we celebrate nearly the longest expansion in history, layoff notices and predictions of a coming recession are beginning to dominate the media.

The truth is, there’s only so much millennials can do to save the economy. Developers are building less than 60 percent of the new homes we need and what new construction is happening is focused on higher end custom homes or high-rise rentals.

Affordability is down, and rising interest rates mean homes are even more expensive. Limited inventory

means home buyers are chasing fewer homes.

While the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) insists the number of homeless people has remained the same, housing experts dispute that.

What is clear is housing patterns may be shifting permanently. And what that means long-term is anyone’s guess.

Buying a home remains, according to survey data, the American dream. If that’s true for you, follow these New Year’s resolutions if you’re preparing to buy a home (particularly a first home) in 2019: 1. Understand how much you can spend.

When interest rates rise, it means you’ll qualify for less money. Get preapproved for your mortgage so you can move fast when you find the right house.

2. Learn how much your home will cost.

Yes, there are the costs of the mortgage, real estate property taxes, and insurance. And then there’s the cost of heating and cooling your future home.

Maintenance can be expensive and ongoing, so be sure to set aside enough in your budget for small things (like blacktopping your driveway every year or two) and big ones (like re-roofing or tuckpointing).

3. Think about how easy (or

Loveland Reporter-Herald – AtHomeColorado.com

4. Don’t stretch to buy your next home.

If we’re going into a recession (whether it’s 2019 or 2020), you’ll want to know that you can afford your mortgage in case you or your partner lose your job or make less money. Some FHA loans will allow you to spend up to 43 percent of your gross monthly income on your mortgage, taxes and insurance. That may not be affordable, depending on your lifestyle. So take a long, hard look at where your money goes each month and decide how much you feel comfortable spending.

The best real estate deals allow everyone to shake hands and walk away from the table feeling like a winner. And in what looks to be another year of uncertainty, disappointment and just plain incivility, spreading a little extra goodwill during the negotiations and at the closing table seems like a very good idea indeed. Happy home buying and home selling.

(Ilyce Glink is the author of “100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask” (4th Edition). She is also the CEO of Best Money Moves, an app that employers provide to employees to measure and dial down financial stress. Samuel J. Tamkin is a Chicago-based real estate attorney.

Contact Ilyce and Sam through her website, ThinkGlink.com.) (c) 2018 ILYCE R. GLINK AND SAMUEL J. TAMKIN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. January 5-6, 2019

REAL ESTATE

Mortgage rate and housing forecast for 2019

By Deborah Kearns Bankrate.com (TNS) As we hurtle toward 2019, economic uncertainty looms ahead as investors keep a wary eye on trade tensions and wild stock market swings. One key economic driver that’s increasingly difficult to peg is the housing market.

Softer activity in 2018 has set the stage for smaller gains in home prices and mortgage rates in the new year, but make no mistake: both are expected to go up. The question in the minds of homeowners and homebuyers: How much will they go up?

Here’s a snapshot of expert predictions for what consumers will see in mortgage rates and housing activity in 2019.

Mortgage rates will go up (again) Mortgage rates can be difficult to pin down with precision, but experts agree on one thing: Rates will stay north of 5 percent throughout 2019.

The Mortgage Bankers Association forecasts the average 30-year fixed mortgage will hold at 5.1 percent for most of the year.

As a result, mortgage origination volume will stay flat compared with 2018 at roughly $1.63 trillion, says Mike Fratantoni, MBA’s chief economist.

Other experts believe rates will move even higher. Danielle Hale, Realtor.com’s chief economist, says the average 30-year will stay at 5.3 percent throughout much of the year, reaching 5.5 percent by the end of 2019.

Slower economic growth in 2019 could temper major rate swings. Unless inflation picks up, rates and home sales will stabilize in the new year as GDP growth slows to 2.3 percent, down from 3.1 percent in 2018, says Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan. The economy will slow further to 1.6 percent growth in 2020, he added.

“If mortgage rates trend sideways next year, as we anticipate, and home price appreciation continues to moderate,” Duncan says, “improving affordability should breathe some life into the housing market.”

January 5-6, 2019

What it means for you: With higher rates, your mortgage borrowing costs will go up. To get the most competitive rate offers possible, boost your credit score and make a larger down payment.

You may need to lower your price point to stay within budget — and that means adjusting your expectations of the type of home you can reasonably afford.

Home-price growth will moderate … a little Home prices have surged in recent years, adding to buyers’ affordability woes. Although prices are still projected to go up in the year ahead, they’ll do so at a slower pace.

Median existing-home price appreciation is expected to grow 2.2 percent in 2019 from this year, according to Realtor.com. The median existing-home sales price will rise to $266,800 in 2019, up 3.1 percent from 2018, according to the National Association of Realtors.

“Home price appreciation will slow down — days of easy price gains are coming to an end — but prices will continue to rise,” says Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist.

Freddie Mac predicts that home prices will finish 2018 up 5.1 percent over last year. Growth will moderate to 4.3 percent in 2019 and to 2.9 percent in 2020.

What it means for you: Real estate is local so your area might see prices move higher or lower depending on demand and inventory levels. Before you go house hunting, meet with a mortgage lender to get preapproved and see where you stand.

Above all: Don’t overreach on price if your budget can’t support a monthly mortgage payment at the top loan amount you qualify for. It’s best to be more conservative and give your budget some wiggle room. Use Bankrate’s calculator to determine how much house you can afford.

Another tough year for housing inventory ahead Lack of housing inventory, especially for entry-level homes, has been a thorn in buyers’ sides throughout most of the country.

The situation isn’t expected to get

much better in the coming year.

Inventory increases will be moderate, with a likely 7 percent rise year over year in 2019, Realtor.com predicts. The bad news: Most inventory growth will be in the upper-end price points, leaving those in the market for more-affordable starter homes in a lurch.

“Although the number of homes for sale is increasing, which is an improvement for buyers, the majority of new inventory is focused in the mid- to higher-end price tier, not entry-level,” Hale says. “Rising mortgage rates and prices will keep a lot of new inventory out of their budget and make it especially tough for firsttime homebuyers.”

What it means for you: In many areas, you’ll have to pounce quickly when homes come on the market that you’re interested in. Sellers may not get the overasking price bidding wars of recent years, but make no mistake: It will still be competitive. Having a preapproval letter in hand, along with a sizable down payment and few requests for concessions, will be critically important to getting your offer noticed.

New construction picture New construction is the special sauce that’s missing from the equation to bring the housing market back to a more balanced footing. Builders simply aren’t producing the amount of new homes needed to offset existinghome inventory shortages.

The MBA predicts average total housing starts will increase to 1.3 million units in 2019, up nearly 3.5 percent from 1.26 million in 2018. Meanwhile, Realtor.com predicts housing starts will be up 8 percent year over year in 2019.

Facing labor shortages and tariffs on costly building materials, builders have been unable to keep up with buyer demand so they’re building more high-end homes to stay profitable. And that’s a problem for a majority of buyers who are looking for more affordable homes, says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

“If new-home sales are to resume growth in 2019, builders may have to shift their focus to

Loveland Reporter-Herald – AtHomeColorado.com

more modestly priced homes and smaller-sized homes to help offset housing affordability concerns,” Khater says. “But with cost pressures pinching profitability, this will be a significant challenge.”

NAR’s Yun agrees.

“All indications are that we have a housing shortage,” Yun says. “If you look at population growth and job growth, it is clear that we are not producing enough houses.”

What it means for you: Buying new is a good alternative if existing homes on the market don’t measure up to your wish list. You’ll likely pay a bit more to buy new, and the process typically takes longer and has more wrinkles than buying an older home. You’ll also want to avoid making costly mistakes, such as adding pricey upgrades, failing to shop lenders, and not budgeting for items you’re responsible for paying.

Final thoughts Rising rates and home prices have been a drag on home sales for much of the year. It’s important, however, to put everything into context. Despite what the market does, your reason to buy a home — or sell one — is highly personal.

Changes in market conditions may mean you have to rethink how much house you can afford, but the need for housing will always be there.

Tend to your financial house to position yourself for success when it’s time to buy. The conventional wisdom of saving up for a down payment as early as possible, improving your credit, paying down debt, and sticking to a conservative home-buying budget still apply. Working closely with a skilled real estate agent and mortgage lender will help you understand local market conditions, your limitations and the opportunities.

——— Visit Bankrate online at bankrate.com.

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9

the room. The color you choose can be any hue that’s different from the other walls in the room.

Whether it’s slightly different or drastically different is up to you.

“I’m really into EasyCare Paint’s French Coast color,” says Styles. “Its strong blue hue makes a bold statement without being too harsh or overpowering.”

HOME DÉCOR

5 simple ways to bring more color to your home (BPT) - When you look at your home’s interiors, do you find yourself craving a refresh? If so, there’s no better time than the New Year to update your home with thoughtful design touches that embrace the power of color.

Color is a key component of interior design and a useful tool for updating any space. What’s more, colors can convey many emotions - from calm to energetic - helping you create rooms that are perfectly reflective of your personal tastes.

Even though the possibilities are endless, color can be intimidating.

While you may like the use of color when you see it online, in magazines or other people’s homes, the uncertainty about how to incorporate it into your own home may hold you back. Fortunately, a few simple expert tips and tricks will

Introducing an accent wall and some faux fur textures Add a rug elevate the look of this bedroom. (Shutterstock)

have you using color like a pro in no time.

Lifestyle expert and EasyCare Paint Brand Ambassador Camille Styles knows the power of color in transforming spaces from bland to beautiful. She uses color throughout her home to create rooms that are stylish and unique and you too can transform your favorite spaces by using her top tips to bring color into your home: Paint an accent wall An accent wall commands attention and creates depth in the space, becoming the focal point of

Transform a room in an instant with a vibrant rug. It will add the perfect touch of color and can even be changed out seasonally to bring new hues into the space. A rug with a bright color or pattern can help create the illusion of more space so don’t be afraid to use one in a smaller room to open it up and make it more inviting.

Start small Many people are timid about color, so you can start small and incorporate a new, bold tone with items like a coffee table accessory or oversized pillows. You may find that your choice quickly becomes

a favorite piece in your home, plus you’ll gain the confidence to add more color to other rooms, too.

Introduce textures Bringing in different colors and textures, such as a plush throw blanket or a woven basket, takes your space up a notch and adds another visual layer. Since these aren’t permanent fixtures in the room, they offer an easy way to play around with colors to see what works best in the space.

Embrace the unexpected Bring in a bold pop of color by doing something unexpected, like painting the trim instead of the wall.

“Black can take a room up a notch with its rich tone. “EasyCare Paint’s Crow color will really wow your guests whenever you entertain,” says Styles.

Whether you’re looking to do a quick update or a complete interior design overhaul, color makes a room more dynamic and energized. From simple décor pieces to bolder accent walls, bringing color into your home is a great way to refresh in the New Year.

For more color inspiration, visit truevaluepaint.com.

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10

AT HOME

Loveland Reporter-Herald – AtHomeColorado.com

January 5-6, 2019

Real Estate place yoUr ad:

Real Estate

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Erie: Adult Park 55+ Lot Rent, $325/month 2BR 1BA $59,900.

Berthoud: 2016 14x56 2BR 1BA $48,900.

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2BR 1BA Units in Loveland Holiday Special 1/2 Off 1st Month Rent Washer/Dryer in Unit. $1045/month for Upper Level Units; $1145 for Downstairs Units. Water, Sewer, Trash included. No Pets.

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Call 303-466-3636, 970-635-3650, 719-275-5300 or 888-355-0935

303-466-3636 970-635-3650 719-275-5300 888-355-0935

January 5, 2019

303.466.3636 BOULDER/BROOMFIELD/LONGMONT 970.635.3650 LOVELAND Reporter-Herald

AT HOME

R11

QUICK GUIDE

OPEN HOUSE

OPENHOMES.ATHOMECOLORADO.COM Berthoud

Fort Collins

803, 809, 813 Birdie Drive

3001 Shore Rd

Mid $400,000s Saturday 2:00 PM-4:00 PM Kelly Campbell Staufer Team Real Estate

$1,185,000 Saturday 12:00 PM-3:00 PM John Simmons C3 Real Estate Solutions (970) 481-1250

(303) 601-9842

Boulder 4765 Greylock St.

957 Neon Forest Cir

3113 Crux Dr

$875,000

$369,950

Saturday 2:00 PM-4:00 PM Suzy Williamson

Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

RE/MAX Alliance

Matt Nesbitt

(720) 791-9885

The Group Inc

Louisville

3001 Shore Rd

1396 Snowberry Lane - Model Home

$1,185,000

$600K’s+

Sunday 12:00 PM-3:00 PM

Saturday 11:00 AM-5:00 PM

(970) 393-3102

3113 Crux Dr $369,950

John Simmons

Michele Steward

Sunday 11:00 AM-5:00 PM

$595,000

C3 Real Estate Solutions

Markel Homes

Matt Nesbitt

Sunday 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

(970) 481-1250

(303) 604-9196

Coldwell Banker Residential

Longmont

1396 Snowberry Lane - Model Home

(303) 263-8237

1440 Moonlight Dr

Rich Alpers

High $400,000’s 821 Lincoln Place

Thursday - Sunday 12:00 PM-4:00 PM Stan Meade

$1,195,000

Pedal To Properties

Saturday 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

(303) 817-7777

(303) 817-2827

1965 Stony Hill Road $2,995,000

$600K’s+ Sunday 11:00 AM-5:00 PM Michele Steward Markel Homes (303) 604-9196

WK Real Estate (720) 564-6098

Firestone

4805 Mariana Hills Circle New Homes From The $600’s to $700’s Saturday 11:00 AM-4:00 PM Rollin Goering LC Home

1704 Short Pl

3139 Crux Dr

(970) 402-6432

$419,000

$344,950

Saturday 11:00 AM-1:00 PM

Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Suzy Williamson

Matt Nesbitt

RE/MAX Alliance

The Group Inc

New Homes From The $600’s to $700’s

(720) 791-9885

(970) 393-3102

Sunday 11:00 AM-4:00 PM

4087 Hawthorne Circle

3139 Crux Dr

$580,000

$344,950

Saturday 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

Sunday 11:00 AM-5:00 PM

Kathy Crowder

Matt Nesbitt

RE/MAX Alliance

The Group Inc

(303) 775-0206

(970) 393-3102

Sunday 12:00 PM-3:00 PM Marie Elena Potter

(970) 393-3102

Loveland

Karolyn Merrill WK Real Estate

The Group Inc

4805 Mariana Hills Circle

Rollin Goering LC Home (970) 402-6432

Niwot 6643 Cheyenne Court

6917 Panorama Ave 4087 Hawthorne Circle

2117 Taft Ave

$580,000

$369,900

Sunday 12:00 PM-2:00 PM

Saturday 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Kathy Crowder

Jill Leichliter

Colorado Landmark

RE/MAX Alliance

RE/MAX Alliance - Fort Collins

The Bernardi Group at Coldwell Banker

(970) 571-0525

(303) 775-0206

(970) 443-7789

(303) 402-6000

$612,000 Saturday 11:00 AM-2:00 PM Kendra Bajcar

LIST YOUR OPEN HOUSE 12

AT HOME

$850,000 Sunday 11:00 AM-2:00 PM The Bernardi Group

VISIT OPENHOMES.ATHOMECOLORADO.COM OR CALL 303.473.1456, 303.684.5329 Loveland Reporter-Herald – AtHomeColorado.com

January 5-6, 2019