5 Things You Should Avoid Buying for Your New Home, According to Real Estate Agents

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Kate Streit, our reliable source on all things Home, Design, and Style. If you’d like more information on Things You Should Avoid Buying for Your New Home, then please visit the linked website.

When you buy a new home, it’s tempting to fill it with brand-new everything. But before you get carried away, realize that some purchases are unnecessary. (Also, if you make these big purchases before you close, it might cost you your home!) You’ll want to make sure you have cash on hand to cover your mortgage payment for at least three months, plus enough savings for any unexpected expenses. If you blow your whole paycheck on appliances or decor, you may come up short when something inevitably breaks or needs to be replaced.

But what, exactly, can you take off of your to-buy list? I spoke with real estate experts to see what purchases first-time homebuyers often regret after move-in day. Here, the five things you should either wait to buy or skip completely.

 New dishes and cooking supplies

Warning: The home-buying process may cause short-term delusions of thinking you’ll suddenly turn into a domestic whiz. A few weeks (and delicious meals) after move-in, it’s likely you’ll end up ordering take-out just as often as you did when you rented. 

“When my wife and I moved into our apartment, we bought so many cooking supplies, but we don’t cook,” says Luke Joyce, an real estate agent with REAL New York. “Part of living in New York City is always being out and about, so it’s hard to find time to cook.”

Be honest—not aspirational—about your lifestyle. Unless you upgraded to a chef’s kitchen to support your time-tested hobby, you probably don’t need a new set of pots and every last high-tech kitchen gadget. Save your cash.

Appliances you don’t have room for

Be realistic about your space. If you live in a small condo, you probably don’t have space for an industrial-sized vacuum or door-length ironing board. Instead, opt for a more compact models and get creative with using your space. 

For example, Nathaniel Neman of REAL New York recommends skipping the ironing board altogether and instead purchasing a portable ironing mat to use on top of a kitchen counter or dresser top.

Power tools

All those hours of HGTV probably have you revving up for some DIY projects, and you might think you’ll need to buy a set of power tools. But save your money, says Gerard Splendor of Warburg Realty in New York City. Power tools are very expensive, and for the frequency most homeowners use them, it’s often not cost-efficient to shell out for them. 

Instead, rent tools from a store like Home Depot or check if your community or local library has a tool lending library. If you just need to mount some shelves and hang picture frames après-move-in, it might make sense to hire an hourly professional on a service like Taskrabbit, Thumbtack, or Handy.

Custom window treatments

Before you invest in pricey custom window coverings, take stock of your new home. Splendore says you’ll want to observe light and heat patterns in your home during different seasons, and then figure out what treatments will work best. 

Also remember: Decorating your home is a marathon, not a race. It’s likely your home decor will go through different iterations as you nest, so waiting on window treatments will allow you choose ones that better fit your home’s long-term style. 

Of course, you will need to cover your windows from nosy neighbors. So just throw up some fun, inexpensive curtains and tension rods until you’re more settled.

Hardwired light fixtures

Builder-grade boob lights are definitely eyesores, but I promise you can make do with them for the first year or so of homeownership. Splendore agrees and recommends waiting to spend money on fixtures and installation. For the meantime, switch out the bulbs or install dimmers.

If you enjoyed this article and would like to learn more about the Denver Real Estate Market, then please contact your nearest Denver Metro Realtor to learn more information.

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3 Things to Splurge On for Your Bedroom, And 3 Things You Can Save On

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Hannah Baker, our reliable source on all things Home, Style, and everything in between. If you’d like more information on Things to Splurge on In Your Bedroom and Things You Can Save On, then please visit the linked website.

When it comes to decorating any room, it’s reasonable to assume you can’t splurge on every single piece of furniture or accessory you put into the space. Your bedroom—you know, the place you relax, unwind, and spend roughly a third of your life, should certainly feel calm. That said, how should you decide what to spend your money on and where you can cut corners? Well, leave it to the experts. We spoke to three designers on how to get the most out of your bedroom budget, and here’s what they had to say. 

Splurge On Custom Drapery

Because every window and room is different, Haley Weidenbaum, designer and founder of Everhem, says custom window treatments are the place to splurge. “If you want window treatments that look right in your space, it’s best to make the investment in some that are tailor-made for your unique windows,” says Weidenbaum. “When you order custom drapery, you’re designing something specifically for the width and length of your windows—and the height of your ceiling—so you can guarantee they’ll look proportional.” Plus, you’ll want to make sure you have drapery that suits your sleeping needs, whether that be of the blackout variety for the light sleeper or perhaps a sheer option for those who like to rise with the sun.   

Save On Nightstands

Weidenbaum says to go the inexpensive route when it comes to bedside tables. “Nightstands are a heavy use item in the bedroom,” she says. “While you might not realize it, they’re susceptible to a lot of wear and tear. Considering you can find affordable and perfectly sized nightstands at just about any big box or furniture store, the high-end route isn’t worth taking. And in a small space, you don’t even need nightstands. Try flanking your bed with wall-mounted shelves or even a set of simple chairs. All you really need is enough of a surface for a clock, lamp, and maybe a glass of water.”

Splurge On Art

If you’re familiar with LA-based designer Emily Henderson and the way she mixes whimsical vintage pieces with newer products, then you won’t be too surprised by her bedroom splurge suggestion. “The great thing about decor products in 2020 is that there is so much out there that is affordable and really good quality,” says Henderson. “So where I want—and recommend—to spend money is on a really special and/or vintage piece of art you love for your bedroom.” One good piece of art can make your space unique and elevate the overall style. “Plus, it’s something that can easily move with you from room to room, home to home,” says Henderson, so art is always a great investment, even if you’re currently living in a rental. And remember: There’s no need to buy all the art for your home at one time. A solid personal art collection takes time, thought, and careful curation.

Save On Sheets

“Where I would save is bed linens,” says Henderson. “I honestly use simple Target bedding most of the time with a cool throw or quilt.” Henderson is quick not to discount luxury bedding—but if budget is a concern, your money just might not be best spent here, since it’s fairly easy to fake the look of a high end bed. It’s all about the layering. Find a neutral budget bedding set to use as a base and then pile on a few interesting throw pillows and a blanket. This way, you can easily switch out these accessories when you feel like changing up your bedroom without buying all new bedding.  

Splurge On a Mattress Pad and Pillows

Maybe you wish you could replace your mattress—it’s never been that great, but it’s not quite past its prime yet. Well, that doesn’t mean you can’t tweak your sleep setup at all. In fact, designer Maggie Griffin believes in splurging on comfort with a couple of key bed add-ons. “Find yourself a comfy foam mattress pad and pair it with memory foam pillows,” Griffin says. You might be surprised how much these extras make a difference in terms of comfort. 

Save On Decorative Accessories 

When you set out to decorate your bedroom, Griffin says to make sure your space feels tranquil, which means keeping extraneous objects to a minimum. “Be careful not to overspend on too many accessories or furnishings when decorating your space,” says Griffin. “Your bedroom should feel restful and spacious—not cluttered with excess stuff and furniture.” 

If you’re interested in purchasing your first home, then please contact your nearest Denver Fixed Rate Realtor to learn more about the Denver Market.

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Our Go-To Super Bowl LIV Food & Drink Favorites

The most important factor of hosting the ideal Super Bowl party is crafting the best, refreshing drinks and making the most comforting and easy-to-grab food. It’s a long game, so having the right amount of food and drinks to accompany the game and satisfy your guests is a special formula. Sticking with the classic Super Bowl food is always a hit, but we’d like to encourage you to try some new recipes for the big game, or try to incorporate a twist with the classics. Down below we’ve outlined some recipes and drinks that are full-proof to be a hit at your next Super Bowl party. And as you start planning and setting up for Super Bowl LIV, and are struggling with the awkward space in your living room, or the minimal storage in your kitchen, or maybe even not being able to have the proper sized TV of your dreams in your small basement; think about calling your local Flat Fee Realtor. We can take a look at larger square footage homes that you and your family could potentially move into to be able to host the proper parties that you imagine. 

Below we have created a few options for food and drinks that you too can create for your own Super Bowl party, or tips and tricks you can forward to your friends and family that will be hosting the big game party. 

For the Health Conscious Host:

Food: 

• Lightened Up Sausage Dip

• Slow-Cooker Turkey Sausage Poblano Chilli

• Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers

• Fudgy Brownies with Greek Yogurt 

• Paleo Buffalo Sauce Style Wings

• Customizable Nacho Bar

• Roasted Corn and Cheese Dip

• Spicy Popcorn

Drinks: 

• Classic Gatorade Ready in the Cooler

• Spiced Cranberry Cider Cocktail

• Lemonade

• Cucumber Basil IPA Cooler

• Sangria

For the Crock Pot Lover

• Sweet and Spicy Meatballs 

• Spinach Artichoke Dip

• Pizza Dip

• Chicken Wings

• Little Smokies

• Guinness Beer Cheese Dip

• Chili

• Bean Dip

• Spiced Mixed Nuts

• Peach Salsa

For the Creative Food Artist

• Football Mason Jars to hold popcorn

• Football Inspired and Decorated Chocolate Covered Strawberries

• Rice Krispies Shaped Like Footballs

• Cake in the Shape of a Football Field

• Football Helmet Centerpiece 

• Chiefs and 49ers Cupcakes

If you’re hosting the Super Bowl or saw some creative ideas at your friends Super Bowl party, then we’d love to see them! Tag us on instagram @fixedraterealestatedenver with all of your festive treats!

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How to Create a Vision Board

Are you familiar with the law of attraction? You may have heard this term on tv, on social media, or maybe floating around group conversation over dinner with friends, but most people don’t actually have a solid understanding of what it is. In essence, according to Psychology Today, it is “the belief that the universe creates and provides for you that which your thoughts are focused on. For a deeper review of what LOA is, check out our blog post “Understanding the Law of Attraction” to gain better insight. For now, when understanding why many people look to create a vision board for the new year to illustrate their New Year dreams and goals, we must understand how visualizing our goals by having them constantly in front of us, can act as a vessel to transform our dreams into reality. If you’re curious about creating a vision board for your dreams and goals, and need some help understanding the steps to create one, then we encourage you to read the following steps so you too can focus your energy on your life goals.

Points to Remember about a Vision Board:

• You can do a digital or a physical vision board. 

• The point is to look at it every day. 

• This is a board of inspiration for your dream life. 

• This is about what you want to invite into your life. 

To begin, do a creative brainstorming session where you give yourself a dedicated amount of time to think about how you want your life to look. Whether that’s concerning business or your personal life; personal achievement; fitness; improving your health (mental, physical, emotional), spirituality, travel, or family goals. Or maybe your goal is to buy your first home; grow your rental properties; buying your first rental; getting your real estate license and quitting that terrible job that you hate. Maybe you want to focus on financial wealth, or more activities with your family; doing more things by yourself;  taking that salsa class; or starting that etsy business. Do you want to get more organized? Wake up earlier? Buy your dream car or your first car? It can be as little or as big as you’d like-these are your dreams and goals, no one elses opinion of them matters. If you need some ideas of how to get your creative juices flowing, read out blog post “Creative Brainstorming Ideas” to get a scope of how to begin the brainstorming process.

Once you’ve determined your goals, go on pinterest, google, your personal photos, magazines, newspapers, anywhere where you can find images, and find images that inspire you, or are pictures of your goals. Generally, try to find pictures that bring you joy and inspire you. Try to be as purposeful with your pictures as possible. 

Once you’ve got your collection of images, lay them out or digitally organize them how you see fit. Maybe you’d like to categorize them into certain sections on your board, or maybe you’d like the images to blend together and be scattered. Whichever way you’d like to organize your photos, do it! It’s all up to you. 

If you’ve created a physical vision board, then consider framing it, putting a border around it, or hanging it somewhere where it won’t be damaged. The same goes with a digital vision board, you can frame it as a work of art, or customize it to fit as your computer desktop screensaver. The point of the vision board is to have it visible at all times. So maybe that means putting it above your desk, in your bedroom, the kitchen, wherever you spend the most time during the day is where this masterpiece should go. 

At last, we’ve made it to the final stage of the creation of your vision board. Instead of just having this be a one time arts and crafts project, go back to your vision board often and reflect on how you’re doing throughout the year. A vision board is not the answer to all your dreams coming true, but instead it is a vessel you can use to direct your mind and you thoughts towards working towards your dreams and goals, and manifesting them into your reality. This is a reminder to you that anything is possible if you first visualize your goals, and secondly, put it into action. 

If your dream or goal is to buy your first home, multiply your rental properties, or sell your home and move to Fiji, then contact your Denver Realtor today so he/she can help you ignite your goals. 

https://www.soldfor1995.com

Best Vegan Restaurants in Denver

Are you looking to venture into the realm of veganism? Well lucky for you Denver has become a hub for vegan and vegetarian based restaurants. It’s still important to scout out these restaurants a bit since they’re fairly scattered across the city, but once you’ve tried a vegan/vegetarian based restaurant, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried one before. Listed below are five popular vegan/vegetarian restaurants that most Denverites have heard of and are on their list of go-to restaurants for a healthy, and locally sourced meal. 

City, O’ City

This definite local favorite is a must-try in Denver. Located on E. 13th Ave in Capitol Hill, nearly next door to the Denver Capitol Building and Denver Public Library, this trendy and vibrant neighborhood brings along all kinds of crowds to indulge in the many layers of delicious plates of food at City, O’ City. With menu items like Pumpkin Curry Pasta, Cauliflower Chorizo Tacos, and Seitan Wings, and open doors from 7 am to 2am, it’s a happy place for all to come and share in the joy of delightful food with an eclectic ambience. One thing to note is that reservations are only available on weekdays for parties of five or more. Other than that, it’s a first come first serve nature, and you’ll want to get their at an appropriate time to get seated quickly.  

True Food Kitchen 

A true restaurant based on the philosophy that food should make you feel better, not worse is True Food, located in Cherry Creek North only blocks away from Cherry Creek Mall. Dr. Andrew Weil is a renowned physician, doctor of integrative medicine, and the founder of True Food Kitchen. The menu is based on the science of encouraging changes in eating habits to avoid and counteract chronic inflammation, and they do so based on the anti-inflammatory pyramid. With each season brings a new menu that highlights that particular season’s benefit-rich ingredients. Some of the most popular items on their menu include, but are not limited to: Spaghetti Squash Casserole, Unbeetable Burger, and the Kale Guacamole (a personal favorite).   

Watercourse Foods

As one of Denver’s original vegetarian restaurants, Watercourse Foods opened in 1998 in Capitol Hill on 13th Avenue. This scratch kitchen focuses on utilizing local vendors, cultivates an environment of inclusivity, and prides themselves on keeping their menu free of artificial colors, preservatives, flavors, and hydrogenated fats. The name “Watercourse” comes from the philosophy of the “water course way”, essentially meaning to take the path of least harm. Not only is their environment friendly, warm, and inviting, but their food speaks for itself with lovely menu items such as: Wings, Za’atar Eggplant, and White Cheddar Mac.   

Vital Root

“99% vegan by request and 100% gluten free”, Vital Root is on top for being a fantastic destination to fascinate yourself with all the possible vegetable inspired plates on their menu. Located on Tennyson in the Old District of the Highlands, Vital Root ambitiously and perfectly curates a vegetarian based menu that not only brings you joy, but keeps your body feeling at peace and nourished. Whether you’re looking to have a sit down meal and try their Cashew “Queso” Dip, Pad Thai, or even their Pumpkin Spiced Pancakes, or maybe you’re only in the mood for a light drink like their Moon Milk, Glacier Water, or Green Ginger Smoothie, you will enjoy what you are served at Vital Root.   

Root Down: Edible Beats

Root Down is the spunky and quirky sister restaurant of Vital Root, with a total of five restaurants all together under one umbrella of owners and creatives. With being 100% wind-powered, all animal protein as certified humane, and a 6,000 sf organic garden that supplies 20% of their restaurants seasonal herbs and vegetables, what other reason would you need to chow-down on Root Down’s Edible Beats menu? Although this restaurant is not 100% vegan and vegetarian, the menu is still vegetarian focused, with the supplemental choices of protein menu items. With two locations in Colorado-W. 33rd Ave and DIA, this is among one of the most popular restaurants in the chain, and more upscale. A few menu favorites that are a must-try are: Dungeness Crab & Avocado Tacos, Carrot Gnocchi,  and Colombian Arepas.

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Neighborhood Highlight: Cherry Creek North

Cherry Creek North is a thriving neighborhood that was once part of a small town called Harman. Now, this area consists of about 16 walkable blocks with over six hundred businesses, and a variety of independent and international retailers. This mixed-use district is the home for mid-rises, luxury hotels, office buildings, collaborative work spaces, grocery stores, local businesses, and one of Colorado’s most visited malls. To live within this district is a definite luxury, but if you’re looking to move into this neighborhood, or simply want to spend the weekend exploring it, check out the itinerary below to see how you may want to spend your weekend in Cherry Creek North.  

Food

Everybody needs to fuel their bodies with delicious breakfast before they go on with their day, so what better place to nourish your body than with farm to table food like True Food. One of the newest additions to Cherry Creek North and also one of the most popular locations to grab breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. Plan ahead and definitely make some reservations for this restaurant; you’ll be happy to eat here with their fresh, diet friendly and accommodating, feel-good food. 

Refresher

Walking around Cherry Creek North is the best way to truly have a sense of what this neighborhood is about, but first, visit one of many local coffee shops and grab a refreshing iced tea or calming coffee before you embrace your walk. Aviano Coffee has two locations in Cherry Creek (it’s that popular) one on Detroit Street and the other on St. Paul Street. Not only will the drinks have you craving more Aviano, but the romantic feel of the decor and architecture will have you wanting to lounge on the patio and bask in the sun, and forget about your walk. 

Stroll 

Like mentioned above, this district has over six hundred businesses ranging from local to international, fashion and beauty, home decor and art, and literature and furniture. There are stores hidden under staircases and boutiques you’ve never heard of with the finest italian luxury goods. Walking around Cherry Creek North is a must to not only get a sense of the wide variety of shops and shopping, but also the luxurious living accommodations and high-end boutique hotels. Here you’ll find high-end stores like Kendra Scott, Hermes, and Frye; consignment stores like Kouture Consignment and Rags Consignment; and furniture stores like West Elm, CB2, and Arhaus Furniture. Endless opportunity to find any kind of store you’re looking for to fulfill all of your shopping needs. 

Visit an Art Gallery 

If Cherry Creek North is known for one thing, it’s the endless art galleries that fill each street. Even if you’re not interested in purchasing art, taking a look at the local and international artist scene is a treat for all ages and at any time of day. If you’re not too familiar with Denver’s art gallery scene, look into these three art galleries to check out some of Denver’s coolest artists: Gallery Rouge, Show of Hands, Clayton Lane Fine Arts. 

Happy Hour 

By now you’ve definitely worked up an appetite from all that walking and shopping, and what better way to celebrate the day other than with happy hour? You can find a happy hour menu in nearly every restaurant or bar in Cherry Creek North, but here are three particular happy hours you may want to keep an eye out for: Piatti, Del Frisco’s Grille, La Merise French Bistro.

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Areas We Service In Colorado

Our goal is to make sure that every client that we service has a wonderful unique experience. We are not just another realtor in Colorado. We specialize in helping homeowners sell for top dollar and netting them the most money possible in a transaction while charging a commission free service fee. Fixed Rate Real Estate provides a flat fee realtor service that saves homeowners thousands of dollars per transaction.

We also specialize in helping buyers finding the right home and negotiating the best possible price and terms. Our flat fee real estate model saves buyers thousands of dollars too! When you decide to buy a home with Fixed Rate Real Estate, you receive 50% of our commission back at closing. If you have student loans, credit card debt, or any other bills that you need to pay for, this is one opportunity that can make a difference in your life!

We service the entire Denver Metro Area and surrounding areas. Check out the cities below and find out if we can help you too. If you don’t see your city on the list, call now to find out if we service your area:
303-910-2552

Areas We Service:

Aurora, Arvada, Bennett, Boulder, Breckenridge, Brighton, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Commerce City, Colorado Springs, Centennial, Denver, Elizabeth, Englewood, Erie, Estes Park, Evergreen, Fort Collins, Golden, Greeley, Lakewood, Larkspur, Littleton, Louisville, Loveland, Manitou Springs, Parker, Sedalia, Thornton, Westminster, Wheat Ridge.

Don’t see your city on the list? Call 303-910-2552 to find out if we service your area!

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