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<channel><title><![CDATA[Holmes Real Estate Group - Blog]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog]]></link><description><![CDATA[Blog]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 03:58:00 -0700</pubDate><generator>Weebly</generator><item><title><![CDATA[5 Types of Hardwood Floors - tips for fix and flippers]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/5-types-of-hardwood-floors-tips-for-fix-and-flippers]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/5-types-of-hardwood-floors-tips-for-fix-and-flippers#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2023 07:20:16 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/5-types-of-hardwood-floors-tips-for-fix-and-flippers</guid><description><![CDATA[&#8203;The video on selecting flooring for fix and flippers is incredibly helpful. From the advice given, investors can make decisions that ensure they get the most bang for their buck without sacrificing quality or aesthetic appeal.&nbsp;&#8203;             Thanks to Clovisfloor.com for the great breakdown!The first step in selecting flooring is to consider the budget and the desired look of the finished product. This video provides insight into what types of flooring are available within diffe [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph"><span>&#8203;</span><span>The video on selecting flooring for fix and flippers is incredibly helpful. From the advice given, investors can make decisions that ensure they get the most bang for their buck without sacrificing quality or aesthetic appeal.&nbsp;</span>&#8203;</div>  <div class="wsite-youtube" style="margin-bottom:10px;margin-top:10px;"><div class="wsite-youtube-wrapper wsite-youtube-size-auto wsite-youtube-align-center"> <div class="wsite-youtube-container">  <iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zFHE0h3SfUs?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> </div></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph">Thanks to <a href="https://www.clovisfloor.com" target="_blank">Clovisfloor.com</a> for the great breakdown!<br /><br />The first step in selecting flooring is to consider the budget and the desired look of the finished product. This video provides insight into what types of flooring are available within different price ranges, allowing fix and flippers to narrow down their search easily.&nbsp;<br /><br />The second step is weighing all of the factors such as type of flooring, durability, installation cost, maintenance requirements, and resale value before making a final decision. This can seem overwhelming, but this video simplifies it by breaking it down into easy to understand categories with each factor explained in detail. It even provides examples of how different types of flooring affect resale value, so fix and flippers can take this into account when choosing a particular option.&nbsp;<br /><br />Finally, after considering all of these factors, the video guides viewers through what steps they need to take next in order to move forward with their project. From researching local contractors to tips on how to save money during installation or DIY projects - this video has it all covered! With all of these elements combined together in an easy-to-follow format, it makes selecting flooring for fix and flippers a much simpler task than before.&nbsp;<br /><br />Overall, this video is extremely helpful for fix and flippers when selecting flooring because it guides them through every step from start to finish with detailed explanations along the way. It provides knowledge about different types of floors within different budgets so investors can make informed decisions that will help maximize their return on investment while still achieving their desired look for their project property.</div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Our new blog for Spanish-speaking investors and landlords!]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/our-new-blog-for-spanish-speaking-investors-and-landlords]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/our-new-blog-for-spanish-speaking-investors-and-landlords#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2023 06:39:28 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/our-new-blog-for-spanish-speaking-investors-and-landlords</guid><description><![CDATA[We have launched our blog in Spanish thanks to our new writer Alfonso!&nbsp; At our blog, spanish-speaking investors and landlords in Denver, Colorado can find all the information they need to make informed decisions about investing in real estate. From insider tips on which properties and neighborhoods to target to advice on the best ways to negotiate prices with sellers, we cover it all. We also provide guidance on some of the common pitfalls investors should be aware of so they can avoid cost [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph">We have launched our blog in Spanish thanks to our new writer Alfonso!&nbsp;<br /> <br />At our blog, spanish-speaking investors and landlords in Denver, Colorado can find all the information they need to make informed decisions about investing in real estate. From insider tips on which properties and neighborhoods to target to advice on the best ways to negotiate prices with sellers, we cover it all. <br /><br />We also provide guidance on some of the common pitfalls investors should be aware of so they can avoid costly mistakes. Together, we believe that spanish-speaking entrepreneurs in Denver can maximize their success in the world of real estate investing.<br /><br />You can see the first post here.&nbsp;</div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Private room, shared bathroom in Denver.  Awful or Socialable intro to Colorado?]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/private-room-shared-bathroom-in-denver-awful-or-socialable-intro-to-colorado]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/private-room-shared-bathroom-in-denver-awful-or-socialable-intro-to-colorado#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sun, 29 Jan 2023 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/private-room-shared-bathroom-in-denver-awful-or-socialable-intro-to-colorado</guid><description><![CDATA[When it comes to finding the perfect rental property, there are a lot of factors to consider. One of the most important considerations for many renters is the type of living situation that is offered. Some renters prefer to have a private room and bathroom, while others are more open to sharing these spaces with other people.      At Holmes Real Estate Group, we understand the importance of finding a rental property that meets your specific needs and preferences. That's why we're excited to shar [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph">When it comes to finding the perfect rental property, there are a lot of factors to consider. One of the most important considerations for many renters is the type of living situation that is offered. Some renters prefer to have a private room and bathroom, while others are more open to sharing these spaces with other people.</div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span>At Holmes Real Estate Group, we understand the importance of finding a rental property that meets your specific needs and preferences. That's why we're excited to share some information about the benefits of renting a private room with shared spaces as your first introduction to Colorado.&nbsp;</span><br /><br />First and foremost, renting a private room with a shared bathroom can be a more affordable option for renters. When you rent a private room, you're only responsible for paying for the space that you're using, rather than the entire apartment or house. This can be a great option for renters on a budget who still want their own private space.<br />Another benefit of renting a private room with a shared bathroom is the sense of community that it can provide. When you share a bathroom with other renters, you have the opportunity to get to know them and build relationships. This can be especially appealing for renters who are new to the area and looking to make connections.<br />Having a shared bathroom also means that you'll have people to split the cleaning and maintenance duties with. This can make the process of keeping the bathroom clean and organized much easier and less time-consuming.<br />Additionally, renting a private room with a shared bathroom can be a great option for renters who value their privacy. While you'll be sharing a bathroom with other people, you'll still have your own private space to retreat to. This can be especially appealing for renters who work from home or need a quiet place to study.<br />Of course, there are also some potential downsides to renting a private room with a shared bathroom. One of the main concerns for renters is the potential for conflicts with other people over bathroom usage. To minimize these conflicts, it's important to establish clear guidelines for bathroom usage and to communicate any concerns or issues that may arise.<br />Another potential downside is that you may not have as much control over the appearance and upkeep of the shared bathroom. However, with clear communication and a willingness to work together, most renters can find a way to make the shared bathroom work for everyone.<br />In conclusion, renting a private room with a shared bathroom can be a great option for renters looking for an affordable and community-oriented living situation. It's important to consider the potential downsides and to establish clear guidelines for bathroom usage, but with the right mindset and communication, renting a private room with a shared bathroom can be a great choice. At Holmes Real Estate Group, we're committed to helping you find the perfect rental property that meets your needs and preferences, whether that's a private room and shared bathroom or something else. With our extensive selection of rental properties and professional team of experts, we're confident that we can help you find the perfect place to call home.<br /><br />Contact us here or <a href="tel:7205155117">text us at 720-515-5117</a></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hiring Outsourced/Virtual labor for your Real Estate business]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/hiring-outsourcedvirtual-labor-for-your-real-estate-business]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/hiring-outsourcedvirtual-labor-for-your-real-estate-business#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sat, 28 Jan 2023 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/hiring-outsourcedvirtual-labor-for-your-real-estate-business</guid><description><![CDATA[Hiring virtual assistants for your real estate business can be a game-changer. Not only do they help with day-to-day tasks, but they can also provide valuable support and expertise to help you grow your business. Here are a few reasons why you should consider hiring a virtual assistant for your US-based real estate business.Here's a video of Matt Holmes on Paul Copcutt's podcast:             First, virtual assistants can save you time. As a real estate professional, your time is valuable and you [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph"><span>Hiring virtual assistants for your real estate business can be a game-changer. Not only do they help with day-to-day tasks, but they can also provide valuable support and expertise to help you grow your business. Here are a few reasons why you should consider hiring a virtual assistant for your US-based real estate business.</span><br /><br />Here's a video of <a href="https://www.mattholmes.io" target="_blank">Matt Holmes </a>on Paul Copcutt's podcast:</div>  <div class="wsite-youtube" style="margin-bottom:10px;margin-top:10px;"><div class="wsite-youtube-wrapper wsite-youtube-size-auto wsite-youtube-align-center"> <div class="wsite-youtube-container">  <iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hNuquSTOZ4M?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> </div></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph">First, virtual assistants can save you time. As a real estate professional, your time is valuable and you likely have a lot of tasks on your plate. Virtual assistants can help you manage your schedule and take on tasks that you don&rsquo;t have time for, such as managing your social media accounts, scheduling appointments, and responding to emails. This allows you to focus on what you do best - selling properties.<br />Second, virtual assistants can provide valuable expertise. Many virtual assistants have experience in a specific field, such as marketing or social media. They can help you create a comprehensive marketing strategy, manage your social media accounts, or even create content for your website. This means you can tap into the knowledge and experience of a professional without having to hire them full-time.<br />Third, virtual assistants can help you expand your reach. With a virtual assistant, you can expand your business by reaching out to new clients and networking with other professionals in the real estate industry. Virtual assistants can help you find new leads, research potential clients, and even help you close deals.<br />Fourth, virtual assistants can help you save money. Hiring a full-time employee can be expensive, especially for a small business. Virtual assistants work on a contract basis and are paid for the hours they work. This means you don&rsquo;t have to worry about benefits or other expenses that come with hiring a full-time employee.<br />Fifth, virtual assistants can help you keep up with the latest technology. Real estate is a fast-paced industry and technology is constantly changing. Virtual assistants can help you stay up-to-date with the latest tools and technologies, such as CRM systems, marketing automation software, and more.<br />In conclusion, hiring a virtual assistant can bring many benefits to your US-based real estate business. They can save you time, provide valuable expertise, expand your reach, save you money and keep you updated with the latest technology. Consider hiring a virtual assistant to take your business to the next level and to free up time for you to focus on what you do best - selling properties.</div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/uploads/4/6/4/4/4644852/matt-holmes-new-pc-podcast-yt-thumnail_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">Learn more about how <a href="http://delegatin.com" target="_blank">Matt can help you outsource staff for your real estate comapany from the Philippines</a>.<br /><br />Or, <a href="https://paulcopcutt.com/episode62/" target="_blank">listen to the full episode here</a>.</div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[What You Need To Know About The Current Housing Market]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-current-housing-market]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-current-housing-market#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2023 11:11:16 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-current-housing-market</guid><description><![CDATA[&#8203;With many people in the midst of buying and selling homes, it&rsquo;s important to understand the current housing market.&nbsp;             &#8203;The housing market has been changing rapidly over the past year due to supply and demand, as well as other factors like historically low mortgage rates and foreclosures across the country. Buyers should be aware that prices are higher than ever before and should be prepared for competition when searching for homes in certain areas. Sellers will [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph">&#8203;With many people in the midst of buying and selling homes, it&rsquo;s important to understand the current housing market.&nbsp;<br /></div>  <div class="wsite-youtube" style="margin-bottom:10px;margin-top:10px;"><div class="wsite-youtube-wrapper wsite-youtube-size-auto wsite-youtube-align-center"> <div class="wsite-youtube-container">  <iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/WJ3mbSA6oM4?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> </div></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph">&#8203;The <a href="https://www.economicshelp.org/blog/glossary/definition-of-the-housing-market/" target="_blank">housing market</a> has been changing rapidly over the past year due to supply and demand, as well as other factors like historically low mortgage rates and foreclosures across the country. Buyers should be aware that prices are higher than ever before and should be prepared for competition when searching for homes in certain areas. Sellers will benefit from high prices but should be sure to have realistic expectations about what they can expect from their sale price given current market conditions. All things considered, now is still an excellent time for both buyers and sellers alike&mdash;so long as everyone has done their research beforehand! It's more important to work with real estate professional to guide you through this market. <a href="tel:7205155117">Get in touch with us today!<br /><br /></a><em>Originally published by: Victoria Makaskill</em><br /></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[How We Made A Difference In 2022]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/how-we-made-a-difference-in-2022]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/how-we-made-a-difference-in-2022#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2023 11:59:31 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/how-we-made-a-difference-in-2022</guid><description><![CDATA[&#8203;The real estate industry has been on a wild ride for the past year.&nbsp;Experts are predicting that 2023 may be another rollercoaster year for the industry. We wanted to thank you for your continued support. Be on the lookout for even more exciting updates in 2023!        [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph" style="text-align:center;">&#8203;The real estate industry has been on a wild ride for the past year.&nbsp;<br />Experts are predicting that 2023 may be another rollercoaster year for the industry. We wanted to thank you for your continued support. Be on the lookout for even more exciting updates in 2023!</div>  <div class="wsite-youtube" style="margin-bottom:10px;margin-top:10px;"><div class="wsite-youtube-wrapper wsite-youtube-size-auto wsite-youtube-align-center"> <div class="wsite-youtube-container">  <iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3RA0dMh2WgA?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Benefits of Renting a Private Room with a Shared Bathroom in Denver in 2023]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/the-benefits-of-renting-a-private-room-with-a-shared-bathroom-in-denver-in-2023]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/the-benefits-of-renting-a-private-room-with-a-shared-bathroom-in-denver-in-2023#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2022 20:35:26 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/the-benefits-of-renting-a-private-room-with-a-shared-bathroom-in-denver-in-2023</guid><description><![CDATA[ 	 		 			 				 					 						          					 								 					 						  &#8203;If you're moving to Denver in 2023, you may be wondering whether it's worth it to rent a private room with a shared bathroom. While it's true that you may have to share your bathroom with other people, there are actually many benefits to doing so. For one, you'll save money on your rent.&nbsp;   					 							 		 	              Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. Here are some o [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="wsite-youtube" style="margin-bottom:10px;margin-top:10px;"><div class="wsite-youtube-wrapper wsite-youtube-size-auto wsite-youtube-align-center"> <div class="wsite-youtube-container">  <iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/mQuJOJy7dh8?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="paragraph">&#8203;<span>If you're moving to Denver in 2023, you may be wondering whether it's worth it to rent a private room with a shared bathroom. While it's true that you may have to share your bathroom with other people, there are actually many benefits to doing so. For one, you'll save money on your rent.&nbsp;</span></div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/uploads/4/6/4/4/4644852/editor/4699-e-bails-pl-018.jpg?1670272824" alt="Picture" style="width:334;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span>Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. Here are some of the other benefits of renting a private room with a shared bathroom in Denver in 2023.</span><br /><br />A couple of reasons to rent with fellow roommates when you move to Denver:&nbsp;<br />&#8203;<br />1.&nbsp;You'll have the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.&nbsp;<br />When you live in an apartment with other people, you'll naturally have more opportunities to socialize and meet new friends. This is especially beneficial if you're moving to a new city where you don't know anyone.<br /><br />2.&nbsp;<span>You may save money on your rent.&nbsp;</span><br /><span>The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Denver is $1,300, and some would say $1,650. If you were to rent a private room in an apartment with three other people, your rent would be roughly $900 per month. That's nearly quite a bit less than what you would pay for a one-bedroom apartment!</span><br /><br />3. Your commute will be shorter.&nbsp;<br />If you live in an apartment with three other people, chances are two of them will work downtown while the third works in the suburbs. This means that you'll likely have a shorter commute since you can carpool with someone who works near your office. shorter commute means more time for things you enjoy outside of work!&nbsp; If you live 2 hours outside of the city, you just don't need to share a bathroom haha, you get a longer commute but a private bathroom, try Castle Rock!<br /><br />Conclusion:&nbsp;<br />As you can see, there are many benefits to renting a private room with a shared bathroom in Denver in 2023. If you're moving to Denver next year, consider renting a private room instead of an entire apartment&ndash;you'll save money and make some great friends in the process!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/bails1.html">Contact us for availability of private rooms for rent</a> or <a href="https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/whats-changed-in-real-estate-market-for-the-last-12-months">read another blog if you want to invest in Denver</a>.&nbsp;</div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[What's changed in Real Estate Market for the last 12 months?]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/whats-changed-in-real-estate-market-for-the-last-12-months]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/whats-changed-in-real-estate-market-for-the-last-12-months#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 11 Nov 2022 06:04:58 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/whats-changed-in-real-estate-market-for-the-last-12-months</guid><description><![CDATA[Experts have different opinions on how the market will turn out.&nbsp;&#8203;With so much happening across the country and costs for everything on the rise, you might be wondering how it&rsquo;s impacting real estate.         If you're interested to know more, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us now. [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph">Experts have different opinions on how the market will turn out.&nbsp;&#8203;With so much happening across the country and costs for everything on the rise, you might be wondering how it&rsquo;s impacting real estate.</div>  <div class="wsite-youtube" style="margin-bottom:10px;margin-top:10px;"><div class="wsite-youtube-wrapper wsite-youtube-size-auto wsite-youtube-align-center"> <div class="wsite-youtube-container">  <iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1y1qx50QhT4?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">If you're interested to know more, we'd love to hear from you. <a href="tel:7205155117">Contact us now</a>.</div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Will The Real Estate Market Perform in 2021?]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/how-will-the-real-estate-market-perform-in-2021]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/how-will-the-real-estate-market-perform-in-2021#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sat, 15 May 2021 01:59:21 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/how-will-the-real-estate-market-perform-in-2021</guid><description><![CDATA[So many people predicted that the housing market would crash last year due to the pandemic. In that spirit, there are several who subscribed to the notion that the real estate and housing market would remain strong for a very long time. They hold this notion because of the record low inventory, the interest rates and demand. The pandemic which had crashed several industries like the hospitality and travel industry has been a blessing for the housing and real estate industry.      That may very w [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">So many people predicted that the housing market would crash last year due to the pandemic. In that spirit, there are several who subscribed to the notion that the real estate and housing market would remain strong for a very long time. They hold this notion because of the record low inventory, the interest rates and demand. The pandemic which had crashed several industries like the hospitality and travel industry has been a blessing for the housing and real estate industry.</span></span><br /><span></span></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">That may very well be true but one constant factor is that there is no certainty neither is there a constant. The underlying problems that the economy faces should not be ignored either. The government is not Santa Claus and would not hand out a 2 trillion dollar check if all was hunky-dory.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">How these things often work is that things would get a lot worse before they attempt to get better. The problem then lies when things get worse when no one is looking for it. While we all want the boom in the housing market and for the said boom to last forever, the truth is that it will not.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Several dynamics affect the housing and real estate industry. Currently, in the United States, 1 in 5 people is behind on rent, 2.8 million have their mortgage in forbearance, 35% of the population have a FICO score below 680, the collective amount Americans have in home equity is 10 trillion dollars, and the unemployment rate in the United States is at 10%. Despite all these, the housing and real estate industry is currently experiencing a market boon.</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Back in the early 2000s, from 2003 to 2005, the biggest boon in real estate and housing was experienced. As real estate agents are paid in commission, increase in sales means increase in commission. This made real estate agency the hot cake then. In those days, it felt like there were no listings and no inventory. There were over a million listings in the early 2000&rsquo;s than in the past four years. It seems we are witnessing a return of the turn of the century in the housing market today.</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Sales volumes have been edging up slowly, rising to as much as 5.7 million in the first quarter of 2021. The increase in speed in the housing industry is felt by pretty much everyone. A lot of listings have hit the market in January and February. Though it may not seem like it because they are selling quickly with multiple offers, it is true nonetheless. The economic signals point to the same thing, we might be heading towards a peak again. The home values have soared with a jump in the buyer demand and the mortgage rates hitting new and historic lows.</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">The thing is this though, the housing market is always in flux with the real estate trends as fickle as the wind. The fact that the industry is highly, subjected to different conditions in every city, state and metro area shows that the current boon cannot be expected to remain for long. You can use <a href="https://www.mortgagecalculators.info/" target="_blank">this current market data to run accurate calculation.</a></span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">The role of the Federal Reserve in supporting the economy is in favor of the housing industry by keeping borrowing cots low for shorter-term loans. This has had a huge impact on the interest rates including the mortgage rates through its control of short-term interest rates. The Federal Reserve also helping to keep the mortgage rates low by buying huge amounts of agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS). There are indications from the Fed that it intends to keep the low rates until at least 2022.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">According to Fannie Mae's April National Housing Survey, 47% of the respondents say that this is a good time to buy a home. This result is the lowest in the survey's history. On the flip side, 67% of the respondents believed April to be a good time to sell your home. Throughout history, dating as far back as 2010, this is the first time that the difference between the two shares is the negative. This also indicates that we are heading towards a peak home-buying season where buyers will be faced with challenges due to a shortage of homes available for sale.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">The surge in prices and higher mortgage rates would also detract potential buyers from venturing into the market. It is possible that the potential buyers on the market would find what suits them as more and more people put their houses on the market for the spring buying season.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">According to Freddie Mac chief economist, Sam Khater: &ldquo;As the economy continues to improve, we expect conditions o remain generally favorable for the housing and mortgage market. Higher mortgage rates have the potential, however, to dampen the robust demand we have been experiencing.&rdquo;</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;The current trends are obviously favorable to the housing and real estate market this year, and they are expected to make great gains.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Related sources include;</span></span><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">1. </span><a href="https://www.noradarealestate.com/blog/housing-market-predictions/"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 255)">https://www.noradarealestate.com/blog/housing-market-predictions/</span></a></span><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">2.</span><a href="https://therealdeal.com/2021/04/20/fannie-freddie-say-housing-market-could-see-slight-hiccup/"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 255)">https://therealdeal.com/2021/04/20/fannie-freddie-say-housing-market-could-see-slight-hiccup/</span></a></span><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">3.</span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesrealestatecouncil/2021/03/22/2021-housing-market-trends-what-buyers-need-to-know/?sh=3b572fd40b3c"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 255)">https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesrealestatecouncil/2021/03/22/2021-housing-market-trends-what-buyers-need-to-know/?sh=3b572fd40b3c</span></a></span><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">4. </span><a href="https://www.agentimage.com/blog/real-estate-marketing-trends-to-watch-out-for-this-2021/"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 255)">https://www.agentimage.com/blog/real-estate-marketing-trends-to-watch-out-for-this-2021/</span></a></span><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">5. </span><a href="https://www.mashvisor.com/blog/real-estate-marketing-trends-2021/amp/"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 255)">https://www.mashvisor.com/blog/real-estate-marketing-trends-2021/amp/</span></a></span><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">6.</span><a href="https://www.fool.com/millionacres/real-estate-market/real-estate-trends/real-estate-trends-guide/"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 255)">https://www.fool.com/millionacres/real-estate-market/real-estate-trends/real-estate-trends-guide/</span></a></span></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to look at the details of your mortgage before it's too late]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/how-to-look-at-the-details-of-your-mortgage-before-its-too-late]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/how-to-look-at-the-details-of-your-mortgage-before-its-too-late#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sun, 28 Mar 2021 19:21:13 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/how-to-look-at-the-details-of-your-mortgage-before-its-too-late</guid><description><![CDATA[ 	 		 			 				 					 						          					 								 					 						  Guest Post&nbsp; &#8203;Houses are becoming more affordable here in the US. My family and I recently decided to buy our own property. We had to take a mortgage from the bank. It was important for us to get our own property during this time because properties became very cheap.&nbsp;   					 							 		 	       We didn't want to miss it and we wanted to be able to take advantage of this season while we could. Overall renting is beco [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/uploads/4/6/4/4/4644852/screen-shot-2021-03-29-at-3-35-24-am_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="paragraph"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"><em>Guest Post</em>&nbsp; <br />&#8203;Houses are becoming more affordable here in the US. My family and I recently decided to buy our own property. We had to take a mortgage from the bank. It was important for us to get our own property during this time because properties became very cheap.&nbsp;</span></div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">We didn't want to miss it and we wanted to be able to take advantage of this season while we could. Overall renting is becoming less and less attractive and property buying is becoming more affordable by the day.</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">I believe Mortgage lending is very cheap. It is asset backed this means that if the bank lends me a $100000 to get a house , and I am not able to meet up with my mortgage monthly payments, the bank is entitled to take something from me that is worth $100000. In the UK,&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.helptobuy.gov.uk/mortgage-guarantee/"><span style="color:rgb(17, 85, 204)">Help to buy</span></a><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"> are famous for lending houses to first time buyers especially in the UK.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">In the course of the COVID pandemic banks have reduced their interest rates on mortgage loans. As first time home buyers we went with the Fixed Interest Rate option because it was favourable for us.&nbsp; In the US, the federal Government has subsidized housing rates, so first time buyers can lock in their interest rates so it is the same over the next 10 to 30 years.<br /><br />But this is only applicable to few lenders across the United States. As only few offer fixed interest rates above the five year mark. With the changing rates we wanted to gather all the costs before hand at first because these rates can change and affect our whole monthly payment. So we decided to use the </span><a href="https://www.mortgagecalculator.uk/"><span style="color:rgb(17, 85, 204)">Mortgage Calculator UK</span></a><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">. What I enjoyed about this platform was it gave me heads up about my mortgage payment overtime and the changes to expect.&nbsp; &nbsp;There's so many moving pieces to consider, and they really make it easy to figure out what you need to budget for monthly, and also considering smart long-term strategies.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">I have not fallen short so far on my mortgage loans because I have done the math. We are expecting another child soon and our present house is a bit small for all of us. So we are thinking of taking another mortgage before the year runs out. We're even able to <a href="https://www.denverconcretestain.com" target="_blank">complete a new driveway project with Denver Concrete Stain</a>.&nbsp; The calculator seems more geared towards the Uk real estate though but it is still applicable to other real estate industries across different countries.</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">With graphs and infographics I am confident of what my loan repayment costs are looking like year in year out. It can be really scary when you don&rsquo;t have a handle on such info. These days before I take a mortgage loan, I use the </span><a href="https://www.mortgagecalculator.uk/"><span style="color:rgb(17, 85, 204)">calculator</span></a><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"> to check what my income would like if I am to payback the mortgage loan. Saved me a lot of times especially when trying to compare different lenders and their rates.</span></span><br /><br /><span><a href="https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/boeapps/database/fromshowcolumns.asp?Travel=NIxAZxSUx&amp;FromSeries=1&amp;ToSeries=50&amp;DAT=RNG&amp;FD=1&amp;FM=Jan&amp;FY=2010&amp;TD=11&amp;TM=May&amp;TY=2025&amp;FNY=Y&amp;CSVF=TT&amp;html.x=66&amp;html.y=26&amp;SeriesCodes=RPMB2YE&amp;UsingCodes=Y&amp;Filter=N&amp;title=RPMB2YE&amp;VPD=Y"><span style="color:rgb(17, 85, 204)">Looking at this statistics</span></a><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">, from the Bank of England it shows that from 2016 to Date the decisions by some financial institutions' as it concerns offering loans has been going in favour of homeowners. There have been more mortgage loans to new and existing house owners since then.&nbsp; This has made the buying, selling and renting of real estate gain stability more than ever before.</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Even as the COVID-19 pandemic is requiring more people to work from home these ease in taking mortgage loans is coming at the best time. </span><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-25/office-cuts-are-coming-with-20-of-u-s-companies-paring-space"><span style="color:rgb(17, 85, 204)">In this post</span></a><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"> by Bloomberg, it shows that many execs are looking to cut back on office space and move most of their operations remote as many of their employees seem to enjoy working from home. This is to say that the real estate housing will experience a boom this season with more people making spaces for work in their homes.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br />&#8203;</div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding an Apartment in Denver, Colorado]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/finding-an-apartment-in-denver-colorado]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/finding-an-apartment-in-denver-colorado#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 26 Feb 2021 01:51:39 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/finding-an-apartment-in-denver-colorado</guid><description><![CDATA[ 	 		 			 				 					 						          					 								 					 						  Are you looking for an apartment in Denver? We have a solution for you. Whether you just moved to Denver or you are looking for a house, condo, apartment, or room to rent, Zumper is the best option. Finding a good apartment is not easy especially if you have limited time. However, you can research online while at work or in your home using Zumper.&nbsp;&#8203;   					 							 		 	       What is Zumper?With millions of users, Zumpe [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/uploads/4/6/4/4/4644852/screen-shot-2021-02-26-at-10-55-10-am_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="paragraph"><span style="color:rgb(85, 85, 85)">Are you looking for an apartment in Denver? We have a solution for you. Whether you just moved to Denver or you are looking for a house, condo, apartment, or room to rent, Zumper is the best option. Finding a good apartment is not easy especially if you have limited time. However, you can research online while at work or in your home using Zumper.&nbsp;</span>&#8203;</div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph"><strong>What is Zumper?</strong><br /><br />With millions of users, Zumper is the largest rental marketplace nowadays. Using Zumper, you can discover houses, condos, apartments, or rooms that match your budget and preference for rent. After applying online, you can request a virtual or in-person tour to determine if the apartment meets your expectations. Zumper provides a wide range of data to help their clients make the right choice.&nbsp;<br /><br />According to Zumper, the average rent of a one-bedroom apartment in Denver, Colorado is approximately $1,412. However, to rent a studio apartment you will pay about $1,280 per month. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment increased by 4% to $1,990 as of February 2021.&nbsp;<br /><br />I used this part of <a href="https://www.zumper.com/rent-research/denver-co" target="_blank">their website</a> if you want to also check.&nbsp;<br /><br />Denver is a great city to live in or raise a family. Recent statistics show that 49% are renter-occupied households while 51% of households are owner-occupied. Ergo, most people in Denver, CO prefer owning houses to renting. Nevertheless, there are great rooms, apartments, and condos available for rent at an affordable cost. To learn more about our units available for rent in Denver, visit <a href="https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/long-term-rentals.html">long-term rentals</a>.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>Why Choose Zumper?<br /><br />Quality Listings&nbsp;</strong><br />Zumper aggregates data from more than one million listings each month to calculate the median rents in different cities. To gather this data, Zumper gets proprietary listings that are posted by brokers and landlords via Zumper&rsquo;s Landlord Platform. Zumper also gets 3rd party listings from MLS providers to provide quality listings at all times. To provide accurate data and improve the user&rsquo;s experience, Zumper&rsquo;s team carefully verifies all the listings. The inventory is up to date to help renters decide or chose easily.&nbsp;<br /><br />The rental data includes newly constructed apartments and excludes listings that are occupied or no longer available. With Zumper, you will always find what you are looking for with ease. The reports provide national rental trends to help renters understand the market and know how much they expect to pay now and then.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>Ease of Use and Application</strong><br /><br />Zumper is powered by TransUnion&trade;. To help renters find apartments with ease, the application is easy to install and use. If you are looking to rent a condo, room, or apartment, you just need to submit a digital rental application and credit report to Zumper&rsquo;s screening service. The team will carefully go through your application and advice accordingly.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>Real-Time Alerts&nbsp;</strong><br /><br />Are you looking to find an apartment in Denver, CO fast? Zumper is the platform to use. Using Zumper, you can narrow down your choices depending on several factors, for example, price range, location, amenity, bedroom count, or pet friendly. After carefully selecting the factors you are considering, you will get real-time alerts when new listings are posted. It is that easy!<br /><br />Contact us to <a href="https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/long-term-rentals.html">inquire about one of our rooms</a> for rent or visit <a href="https://www.zumper.com">Zumper here</a>.</div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top Financial Benefits of Owning Your Own Home]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/top-financial-benefits-of-owning-your-own-home]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/top-financial-benefits-of-owning-your-own-home#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 2021 16:16:09 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/top-financial-benefits-of-owning-your-own-home</guid><description><![CDATA[ 	 		 			 				 					 						          					 								 					 						  Owning a home has long been the American dream, signifying that you&rsquo;ve made it in life and are financially secure. Reaching the point where you own your home is extremely significant and is an important part of your life. However, many young Americans are finding it&nbsp;tougher to reach this goal. Things such as rising student debt have forced many young Americans to rent much longer than usual, a worrying trend.&nbsp;&#820 [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/uploads/4/6/4/4/4644852/published/screen-shot-2021-02-24-at-12-17-17-am.png?1614097097" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="paragraph"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Owning a home has long been the American dream, signifying that you&rsquo;ve made it in life and are financially secure. Reaching the point where you own your home is extremely significant and is an important part of your life. However, many young Americans are finding it&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.realtymogul.com/knowledge-center/article/4-reasons-fewer-americans-are-buying-homes"><span style="color:rgb(17, 85, 204)">tougher to reach this goal</span></a><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">. Things such as rising student debt have forced many young Americans to rent much longer than usual, a worrying trend.&nbsp;</span>&#8203;</div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">As a result, many young Americans are wondering, &ldquo;</span><a href="https://www.redfin.com/resources/rent-vs-own"><span style="color:rgb(17, 85, 204)">Should I rent or buy a home</span></a><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">?&rdquo; However, despite this, owning a home still has many financial benefits and is very beneficial in the long run. So what exactly do you stand to gain from owning your own home, and why is it so important that you save up to reach this goal? Here are the top financial benefits of owning your own home.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"><strong>~</strong>When you are buying a home, you are making a long-term investment that will eventually pay off. Over time, the value of your property is likely going to rise. As populations increase and more people look to buy land, the demand for land will continue to rise. However, you can&rsquo;t just create land and property, so there will always be a fixed supply of land. Since supply can&rsquo;t rise in order to meet the increase in demand, the price of land will have to rise instead. As a result, as long as you hold onto your house and land long enough and don&rsquo;t fall behind on payments, you could actually stand to gain a lot. In fact, buying a home and the land surrounding it is one of the best long-term investments you can make.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><strong><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Cheaper Over Time</span></span><br /></strong><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Another great thing about buying your own compared to renting is it is actually cheaper in the long run. If you pay a thousand dollars a month to rent an apartment, over twenty years, you will be paying $240,000 in rent. $240,000 can buy a house that you actually own instead. Yes, you&rsquo;ll need to factor in the several thousand extra you&rsquo;ll need to pay in </span><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/mortgages/how-to-lower-your-monthly-mortgage-payment/"><span style="color:rgb(17, 85, 204)">interest on your mortgage</span></a><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">, but there is still a major factor that makes owning your own home cheaper. At the end of those twenty years, you can turn around and sell your home for a similar price to what you paid for. When you subtract the potential money you can earn from selling your home, the costs shrink dramatically. However, when you rent a location, you&rsquo;ll have nothing to show for it after twenty years, as the money is just simply gone, and you&rsquo;ll have no way to recuperate it. As a result, if you plan on living in one location for a few decades, then owning your own home will almost always be a better value in the long run.</span></span><br /><br /><strong><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Control Over Utilities</span></span><br /></strong><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">One of the most overlooked financial benefits of owning your own home is control over your utilities. When you rent a location, your landlord may dictate what utility companies you can buy from. In addition, you likely will have little control over the appliances in the place you&rsquo;re renting, meaning that you could be stuck with energy guzzlers that drive your appliance bills way up. On the other hand, when you own your own home, you have complete control over your utilities and the appliances that use them. As a result, owning your own home could mean that you end up saving lots of money on your utilities in the long run.</span></span><br /><br /><strong><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Tax Benefits</span></span><br /></strong><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">With owning your own home comes an increased likelihood of tax breaks that can save you lots of money. For example, if you take out a mortgage to buy your home, you can deduct the interest from your income taxes. In addition, property taxes may be deductible from your income taxes as well. Although the list price of buying a home may scare you at first, there are actually lots of areas where owning your home can save you money. These tax breaks and benefits can ease the financial burden of owning your home and can allow you to see your long-term investment come to fruition.</span></span><br /><br /></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to save space in an apartment?]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/how-to-save-space-in-an-apartment]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/how-to-save-space-in-an-apartment#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 22 Dec 2020 09:54:11 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/how-to-save-space-in-an-apartment</guid><description><![CDATA[ 	 		 			 				 					 						  When you opt to reside in a home, locating even more area is the major challenge. Often you might really feel irritated when you see your house stuffed with excessive furniture and also various other items existing here and there. A lot of the functioning specialists pick to stay in small, economical apartments, yet they are not knowledgeable about just how they can maximize room in the home.   					 								 					 						          					 							 		 	       &#8203;Whet [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="paragraph">When you opt to reside in a home, locating even more area is the major challenge. Often you might really feel irritated when you see your house stuffed with excessive furniture and also various other items existing here and there. A lot of the functioning specialists pick to stay in small, economical apartments, yet they are not knowledgeable about just how they can maximize room in the home.</div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/uploads/4/6/4/4/4644852/happy-father-with-daughter-standing-near-open-balcony-smiling-74855-9994_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph">&#8203;Whether you are living alone or with your family members, spare time to restyle your house to ensure that you can maximize the area offered. Make a behavior of arranging your space with the stuff that you require the most in your daily life.</div>  <div class="paragraph">Here are a few tips you could follow to maximize the space in your home or apartment. &nbsp;<br /><br /><em><strong><font size="5">1. Clear the mess</font></strong></em><br /><br />First things initially, throw out the unused items which are taking up unnecessary room in your apartment. Try to de-clutter your home each month to make sure that you can stay clear of build-up of unwanted things like old papers, bottles, plastic waste, cardboard boxes, etc. If you have some things which you need sometimes, such as raincoats, wintertime wear, coverings, etc. you can keep them away in an above cabinet.<br /><br /><em><strong><font size="5">2. Take advantage of dead spaces</font></strong></em><br /><br />If you observe, you can find several extra areas in your house that can be put to use for storage space. Space edges are one of one of the most neglected areas in your home. You can present sturdy edge racks or cupboards which can provide you area to keep your showpieces or publications. If you have area beneath a TV stand, maintain some storage space baskets to keep your electronics or TV accessories.<br /><br /><em><strong><font size="5">3. Add more wall racks</font></strong></em><br /><br />Upright storage space saves a great deal of room in a residence and also thus you ought to take into consideration having even more racks to maintain your belongings organized. Whether you want to display your photographs, art pieces or book collections, wall shelves will certainly make things less complicated for you. Drifting shelves are perfect for your living-room and can be installed easily.<br /><br /><em><strong><font size="5">4. Use multi-purpose furnishings</font></strong></em><br /><br />You would certainly be surprised to find a wide range of innovative furniture styles readily available in the marketplace which can be used to save area in your home. Change your old heavy cots, tables and sofa with smooth and also storage-friendly developer furniture. Increasingly more individuals are now selecting multi-purpose furnishings models like storage beds, futons, collapsible tables as well as chairs, and so on to maintain their stuff nicely concealed from the view.<br /><br /><em><strong><font size="5">5. Choose excellent or perfect mattress</font></strong></em><br /><br />A top notch, durable, and comfortable cushion can be an added worth that makes that 'best' occupant select your property. Individuals spend around 8 hours out of a 24-hour day resting. So it must come as not a surprise that some individuals take their rest and also mattresses extremely seriously.<br /><br /><a href="https://hometipscoach.com/sleep-innovations-shiloh-king-memory-foam-mattress-2020-review/"><u>Shiloh King memory foam mattress</u></a>&nbsp;- if you are seeking a memory foam mattress big sufficient to sleep on that is likewise firm, encouraging, cooling, and comfy, after that the Rest Innovations Shiloh King Memory Foam Mattress is the one made to fulfill your sleeping requirements, Perfect for your master bedroom, space saving for average room size.<br /><br /><a href="https://hometipscoach.com/sweetnight-queen-10-inch-gel-memory-foam-mattress-2020-detailed-review/"><u>Queen 10-inch Gel memory foam mattress</u></a>&nbsp;- The Sweetnight Queen 10-inch Gel Memory Foam Bed mattress is the best option for those who are trying to find a mattress that can accommodate all kinds of resting placement. Made to give a luxurious, comfortable top, the cushion is additionally constructed to restrict activities that will certainly allow you to rest well also if the bed is shared, this size would be perfect for a single room.<br /><br /><em><strong><font size="5">6. Usage storage space boxes</font></strong></em><br /><br />Storage space boxes are a big hit when it involves arranging a house to save room. These boxes are readily available in various sizes as well as materials. Nowadays you can discover it in the majority of the grocery stores and even buy them online. Utilize these boxes to maintain your little clothes, devices and also towels nicely folded in cupboards. Rather than randomly maintaining the food products and flavors in your cooking area you can present storage space boxes to keep points set apart. This will certainly not just make your living space look more attractive as well as but will also allow you find points conveniently.<br /><br /><em><strong><font size="5">7. Balcony remodeling</font></strong></em><br /><br />A porch is an additional area in an apartment or condo that can be made use of for developing an environment-friendly edge. If you love plants, try to use vertical planters for expanding plants and vegetables. You will certainly likewise get hanging pots and planters which can be placed on the barriers. These will conserve a great deal of area when compared to utilizing typical large pots that are gone on the flooring. Another use terrace is for drying out clothing. Rather than tying towel strings in your veranda, make use of a ceiling-mounted cloth drying shelf to hang the clothes.<br /><br /><strong><em><font size="5">8. Use hooks &amp; hangers</font></em></strong><br /><br />A lot of the apartments will have little wardrobe room so you need to be creative while arranging your stuff. Using steel hooks and hangers can conserve a great deal of area as you can hang your garments, bags, and also other devices. You can neatly hang your ironed garments in your wardrobe and also staying products can be stored in boxes. You can also try hooks in your bathroom and kitchen to hang items which you require to secure very commonly.<br /><br /><em><strong><font size="5">9. Pick light colours</font></strong></em><br /><br />If you are attempting to make your portable residence look more large, dark wall colours will certainly not do the function. Select light colours ideally white colour for the wall surfaces of your house. Lighter shades provide a feeling that the area is extra huge and also airy especially when the sunshine is available in. Avoid painting the doors as well as cupboards in dark shades like brown and grey and also rather, you can choose neutral shades. Likewise, apply the exact same light colour motif for the curtains and also blinds.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">If you are looking for a rental property to live in, you can contact the&nbsp;</span>Holmes&nbsp;<span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Real Estate Group. We have furnished and unfurnished apartments <a href="https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/long-term-rentals.html" target="_blank">for rent both for the long term</a> and <a href="https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/monthly-rentals.html" target="_blank">short term.</a></span><br /><br /></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is It Advisable to Sell My Property in 2020 During the Pandemic?]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/is-it-a-good-time-to-sell-my-property-in-2020-during-apandemic]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/is-it-a-good-time-to-sell-my-property-in-2020-during-apandemic#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2020 09:09:54 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/is-it-a-good-time-to-sell-my-property-in-2020-during-apandemic</guid><description><![CDATA[Selling your property can be overwhelming, but doing so during an epidemic might be even more daunting. Apart from experiencing safety and health concerns, you are likely to face economic distress on top of the common market conditions in such a scenario.&nbsp;      During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners were considering selling their homes. And a large number actually did it. According to the National Association of Realtors, home sales increased to around 11 percent in Augu [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph">Selling your property can be overwhelming, but doing so during an epidemic might be even more daunting. Apart from experiencing safety and health concerns, you are likely to face economic distress on top of the common market conditions in such a scenario.&nbsp;<br /><span></span></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph">During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners were considering selling their homes. And a large number actually did it. According to the National Association of Realtors, home sales increased to around 11 percent in August 2020 compared to the same period last year. In essence, the annual rate of homes sold to date is more than 6 million, the highest since December 2006.<br />&#8203;<br />The number of those looking for homes during the pandemic has also been on the rise. In June 2020, the home mortgage applications were up by 54 percent from the same month in 2019. This was also 20 percent higher than in May 2020.</div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Reasons Why You Should Invest In Residential Real Estate in Denver]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/5-reasons-why-you-should-invest-in-residential-real-estate-in-denver]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/5-reasons-why-you-should-invest-in-residential-real-estate-in-denver#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2020 12:06:58 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/5-reasons-why-you-should-invest-in-residential-real-estate-in-denver</guid><description><![CDATA[ 	 		 			 				 					 						            					 								 					 						  If you ever had a landlord in Denver, chances are you do not dream of being one. Receiving constant calls about overflowing toilets and oversize bugs is not a glamorous job. However, if done right, real estate investing is profitable. It is a great way to diversify your investment portfolio and be an additional income stream. Therefore, if you are still interested in having a portion of residential real estate in Denver, here ar [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="wsite-spacer" style="height:50px;"></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/uploads/4/6/4/4/4644852/vladimir-kudinov-rrmehrk9zx0-unsplash_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="paragraph"><span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">If you ever had a landlord in Denver, chances are you do not dream of being one. Receiving constant calls about overflowing toilets and oversize bugs is not a glamorous job. However, if done right, real estate investing is profitable. It is a great way to diversify your investment portfolio and be an additional income stream. Therefore, if you are still interested in having a portion of residential real estate in Denver, here are five reasons you should not hesitate to buy an investment property.&nbsp;</span></span></div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight:700">The growing rental market</span><br /><br /><font color="#000000">Due to the increase in population in Denver, there has been a rapid growth in its rental market. Property prices are higher in the city. Statistics carried out by the U.S. News and World Report claim that when it comes to live-ability, Denver has ranked in the top 3 cities for three years in a row. It is among the cities with a low cost of living nationally.&nbsp;</font><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">The significant factor that attracts people to residential real estate in the city is the attractive job market and the low unemployment rate. Also, there are several colleges in Denver, and this increases the number of people interested in renting a property. This represents an opportunity for real estate investors.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight:700">Strong appreciation rates</span><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Real estate values in Denver are stable. Statistics done by NeighborhoodScout show that the city&rsquo;s real estate values appreciated by 103.25 percent over the last decade. Low inventory is the primary reason for appreciation. An intelligent real estate investor would not want to miss out on this real estate investing opportunity.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight:700">Landlord-Friendly</span><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Colorado is more landlord-friendly than the west coast. For instance, it is not necessary to provide tenants with a notice that you are entering the property under certain situations. In addition, if your tenants delay paying rent, you charge them late fees and can begin the eviction process if they do not pay rent. The state of Colorado has no laws that prevent property owners from re-keying their locks after evictions.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Once tenants violate the lease agreement, you can serve them with a formal notice of 72 hours to either rectify the problem or move out. You can go to court if they cannot comply, and the sheriff can issue them with a 48-hour notice to vacate. This will help protect your investment.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight:700">Tourist attraction</span><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">The Rockies close to Denver attract many tourists. Other famous tourist attraction spots include Denver Botanical Gardens and the Denver Zoo. The city attracts close to 31.7 million tourists annually who prefer to rent apartments for a short period instead of living in a hotel. It also hosts over 80 conventions a year. Due to the demand for rentals in Denver, it is profitable to invest in a property, especially the short-term rentals.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight:700">Redevelopment&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><font color="#000000">Most real estate investors get into the business blindly only to lose their money when the market collapses. Real estate experts claim that the prices of properties in areas reserved for redevelopment always go up. Denver has several areas set aside for redevelopment, and they present excellent opportunities for real estate investors. If you are looking to increase your properties&nbsp;value check <a href="http://denverconcretestain.com" target="_blank">Denver Concrete Stain</a>, our only trusted concrete contractor that got you covered when it comes to concrete.</font><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Several reasons make the Denver housing market strong. The population is rising, and many tourist attractions exist. Therefore, the real estate industry creates more opportunities for new investors. If you are looking for a rental property to live in, you can contact the </span><span>Holmes </span><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Real Estate Group. We have furnished and unfurnished apartments for rent both for the long term and short term.</span></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to negotiate rent with your landlord during Coronavirus season]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/how-to-negotiate-rent-with-your-landlord-during-coronavirus-season]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/how-to-negotiate-rent-with-your-landlord-during-coronavirus-season#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2020 04:28:40 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/how-to-negotiate-rent-with-your-landlord-during-coronavirus-season</guid><description><![CDATA[After reading this article on VICE, I thought we'd publish some tips on how to deal with the Covid-19 crisis and what to do if you lost your job, or need to ask for a rent discount, or are completely out of all cash.&nbsp;Here's some tips, and also a recommendation for any other landlords that have some (very limited) financial flexibility like we do.&nbsp;      Best case scenario is that your landlord is proactively offering solutions in case you run into trouble like we have in the below email [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph">After reading this article on VICE, I thought we'd publish some tips on how to deal with the Covid-19 crisis and what to do if you lost your job, or need to ask for a rent discount, or are completely out of all cash.&nbsp;<br /><br />Here's some tips, and also a recommendation for any other landlords that have some (very limited) financial flexibility like we do.&nbsp;<br /></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph">Best case scenario is that your landlord is proactively offering solutions in case you run into trouble like we have in the below email.&nbsp; However, without communication your landlord would have no idea you've run into any trouble, unless you speak up.&nbsp; So, speak up!&nbsp; Anyway, first things first:<br /><br />Here's the exact email we sent tenants in mid-March:<br /><font size="2">_________________________________________<br />&#8203;Hey tenants,<br /><br />What a crazy time we're going through right now.&nbsp; I know this struggle may be affecting you, so I'm proactively considering some ways to help, if you are current on rent and there are not any problems.<br /><br /><strong>More Flexible payment options</strong><br />-We will accept rent via credit card (and waive the credit card processing fee) for April and May by advanced request (letter detailing your hardship directly related to&nbsp;the coronavirus)<br /><br /><strong>Possible Rent Credits</strong><br />Rent is still due on the 1st, and late fees remain in effect on the 2nd and so on, BUT<br />-If you provide me a letter about any financial distress caused directly from coronavirus, I may approve $10-50 in rent credits,<br />-If you provide a letter about a way you've already&nbsp;(or plan to)&nbsp;improved the current state of your house for everyone's benefit, I may choose to give bigger rent credits. Bonus if you mention what's going on with your financial situation and how you're improving it if you've been affected.<br /><br /><strong>If you get infected</strong><br />-You can find private lodging to quarantine yourself, and I will waive rent for up to 14 days (documentation required) that you did not occupy the house.&nbsp; Of course new lodging or your hospitalization&nbsp;bills are completely all on you.&nbsp;<br /><br />Let me know if you have any questions, and remember this applies with ADVANCED NOTICE only.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&#8203;_________________________________________</font></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/uploads/4/6/4/4/4644852/screen-shot-2020-04-13-at-2-29-11-pm_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">Now, you can show this post to your landlord, but there actually may not be any law or reason for them to comply with it.&nbsp; After all, if it's a small landlord like us, you're asking someone to simply take a smaller paycheck, so um yeah, head notice is best with great proactive communication on your part.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br /><br />If it's big investors, you're asking them to take a smaller return, which might be reasonable, if you can provide a value back to them, so let's spend a moment on that before getting to your request.<br /><br /><em>Three&nbsp;things your landlord would love to hear:</em><br />I plan to renew my lease.<br />I plan to continue paying rent during the coronavirus crisis.<br />I need a small discount, but can help you make improvements or repairs to the property.<br /><br />Here's clarification on some of our ideas for Tenants requesting for help:<br /><br /><strong>1. Ask to pay with a credit card, if you have run out of cash.&nbsp; </strong><br /><br />Many landlord only accept check.&nbsp; Now is a good time to ask them to sign up online to collect 'contactless' payment, and that may also be combined with a request to pay via credit card if you have no cash.<br /><br />Sentence you can consider using:<br /><em>"Hi,</em><br /><em>I have lost my&nbsp; job, and although I have savings and plan to continue paying rent, I need to save my cash and am requesting to pay online.&nbsp;<br />Additionally, with the quarantine, I prefer to pay online.&nbsp; Rent is due in a few weeks, so maybe you can consider setting up an online solution like <a href="https://invoice.zoho.com/ReferralSignup?digest=3676b8741bdd9afef61f3f0c12140006b15d1c41fbb94f6c6ce57f78d92353552b8e8e99258830c9636280e0f950de09" target="_blank">Zoho Invoicing</a>."</em><br /><br /><strong>2. Ask for a rent credit in exchange for helping improve the house, or help the landlord in anyway.&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><br /><br />As you can see in the email, we offered a very tiny discount in exchange for a reason.&nbsp; This helps the tenant save money, and also helps us learn more about what to expect in the future (updated intel on financial situation, since it may have changed since the original application).<br /><br />We also offered bigger discounts in exchange for helping with small repairs or improvements.&nbsp; Other smaller landlords may not be able to take a decrease in rent which would lead to a disagreement, and future legal problems.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>3. Take a moment to acknowledge your landlords situation, then ask for a straight cold discount.</strong><br /><br />Although many landlords are not willing to waive rent completely (likely because their bank will not waive a mortgage payment completely, along with their homeowners insurance, property tax, and etc all giving the owner breaks), you may need to ask for that.&nbsp; It's okay to ask--communication is always the best strategy. If you disappear, or just don't pay, you may find yourself being served a <a href="https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/colorado-demand-letter-for-landlords.html">demand letter</a>, or being evicted over time, or you may lose a case in small claims court and see money pulled out of your paychecks if you don't settle with your landlord.<br /><br />We cannot offer the full waiving of rent at anytime, and if a tenant did not pay us rent, they would still owe late fees, and any attorneys costs that we have to incur, would also later be paid for by the tenant, or their future paychecks or assets if the tenant did not communicate with us.&nbsp;<br /><br />That's the cold hard truth.&nbsp; But communication makes it a lot less cold!<br /><br /><br /><br />Lastly, if you do get infected, your health should be the primary focus for both you.&nbsp; The landlord should care about this, too, and be helpful since if you infect any of their other tenants the landlord is eventually going to run into problems.&nbsp;<br /><br />Resources mentioned:<br /><em><a href="https://invoice.zoho.com/ReferralSignup?digest=3676b8741bdd9afef61f3f0c12140006b15d1c41fbb94f6c6ce57f78d92353552b8e8e99258830c9636280e0f950de09" target="_blank">Zoho Invoicing</a><br /><a href="https://www.handshakin.com/resources" target="_blank">Other Startup Resources</a><br /><br />Thanks for reading, more<a href="http://www.mattholmes.io" target="_blank">&nbsp;about the author, Matt Holmes</a></em></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Unforeseen Costs of Homeownership]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/unforeseen-costs-of-homeownership]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/unforeseen-costs-of-homeownership#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 26 Jun 2019 07:04:40 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/blog/unforeseen-costs-of-homeownership</guid><description><![CDATA[ 	 		 			 				 					 						  Last week a branch knocked my electrical panel off the house -- wasn't expecting that.&nbsp; I'll tell you how I dealt with that experience, which is also how I deal with all the unforeseen costs of homeownership and maintenance issues that I notice in my house or my investment properties.   					 								 					 						          					 							 		 	        	 		 			 				 					 						   				 				   					 								 					 						  The funny thing about home ownership for me i [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="paragraph">Last week a branch knocked my electrical panel off the house -- wasn't expecting that.&nbsp; I'll tell you how I dealt with that experience, which is also how I deal with all the unforeseen costs of homeownership and maintenance issues that I notice in my house or my investment properties.</div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/uploads/4/6/4/4/4644852/img-7414_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:51.923076923077%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden;"></div> 				<div id='329937658841046124-gallery' class='imageGallery' style='line-height: 0px; padding: 0; margin: 0'><div id='329937658841046124-imageContainer0' style='float:left;width:49.95%;margin:0;'><div id='329937658841046124-insideImageContainer0' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/uploads/4/6/4/4/4644852/img-7413_orig.jpg' rel='lightbox[gallery329937658841046124]'><img src='https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/uploads/4/6/4/4/4644852/img-7413.jpg' class='galleryImage' _width='600' _height='800' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:100%;top:-38.89%;left:0%' /></a></div></div></div></div><div id='329937658841046124-imageContainer1' style='float:left;width:49.95%;margin:0;'><div id='329937658841046124-insideImageContainer1' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/uploads/4/6/4/4/4644852/img-7415_orig.jpg' rel='lightbox[gallery329937658841046124]'><img src='https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/uploads/4/6/4/4/4644852/img-7415.jpg' class='galleryImage' _width='800' _height='600' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:100%;top:-0%;left:0%' /></a></div></div></div></div><div id='329937658841046124-imageContainer2' style='float:left;width:49.95%;margin:0;'><div id='329937658841046124-insideImageContainer2' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/uploads/4/6/4/4/4644852/img-7419_orig.jpg' rel='lightbox[gallery329937658841046124]'><img src='https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/uploads/4/6/4/4/4644852/img-7419.jpg' class='galleryImage' _width='600' _height='800' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:100%;top:-38.89%;left:0%' /></a></div></div></div></div><div id='329937658841046124-imageContainer3' style='float:left;width:49.95%;margin:0;'><div id='329937658841046124-insideImageContainer3' style='position:relative;margin:5px;'><div class='galleryImageHolder' style='position:relative; width:100%; padding:0 0 75%;overflow:hidden;'><div class='galleryInnerImageHolder'><a href='https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/uploads/4/6/4/4/4644852/img-7420_orig.jpg' rel='lightbox[gallery329937658841046124]'><img src='https://www.holmesrealestategroup.com/uploads/4/6/4/4/4644852/img-7420.jpg' class='galleryImage' _width='600' _height='800' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:100%;top:-38.89%;left:0%' /></a></div></div></div></div><span style='display: block; clear: both; height: 0px; overflow: hidden;'></span></div> 				<div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:48.076923076923%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="paragraph">The funny thing about home ownership for me is that when I paid the inspector to inspect my house he didn't tell me that 6 years later a random branch might fall.<br /><br />Maybe this had something to do with the fact if Denver gets a big snowstorm late into the season (once all the trees have their leaves and are heavier than in the winter months).&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span>Of course, the branch fell on the roof to the pull the&nbsp;</span><span>electrical</span><span>&nbsp;mast from above the gutters down on to the ground, this ripped the meter and&nbsp;</span><span>electrical</span><span>&nbsp;</span><span>panel</span><span>&nbsp;slightly off the house. Thankfully, we didn't lose electricity (and no dog) no problems from the wires on the ground for about 36 hours until I sourced several quotes in between $300-$5,000 before I decided to hire a pro that charged just under $1,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span>My rule of thumb is if it costs less than a thousand, be prepared to fix it immediately without flinching if you own a single family home.&nbsp; I keep my deductibles at $5,000 anyway since when you make claims you pay more to insurance over the next five years, so to me its worth just paying out of pocket.&nbsp;</span>&#8203;<br /><br />Anyway, here's the only way to go about surprise repairs that come up.<br /><br />1. Quickly contact enough contractors to get 3 of them scheduled to give a quote in the next 48 hours.&nbsp; Confirm with each a few hours before, they typically do not show up to many appointments that they schedule, even if you are the one paying them.<br /><br />2.&nbsp;After receiving 3 quotes, you will likely have learned a lot about the problem you're having, come up with your own important questions and ask each contractor about them.&nbsp; If you don't have your own questions, they can use your emotions to scare you into going with their bid, which may not fix your original problem completely, or it may cost you much more than needed.<br /><br />3.&nbsp; Quickly decide on one and never pay the full amount up front.&nbsp; Don't be afraid to negotiate payment terms, I typically don't have a problem paying 50% or less to start work, but I really like to pay the remaining 50% in two portions: 40% when work is complete, and then another 10% after a few days of ensuring details have not been missed.&nbsp; Once submit full payment, you forfeit your right to receive a response from them via text or email typically.&nbsp; Enjoy!<br /><br />4. Ask them for an detailed invoice via email so it's clear what exactly they are doing.&nbsp; You cannot trust verbal conversations, and papers invoices may get lost or not be the most helpful if there is ever a dispute. You may need to search your emails for the repair several years later when you sell the house and have a buyer inspecting it, but if they give you a paper invoice, it's doubtful you'll be able to quickly locate that.&nbsp;<br /><br />Hope this is helpful for new and aspiring homeowners, if you want to connect with me on Instagram, you can find me <a href="http://www.instagram.com/handshakin" target="_blank">@handshakin</a> or <a href="http://www.handshakin.com/about-the-founder" target="_blank">we can connect on my company website</a>.</div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>