5 Easy-to-Overlook Things That Can Increase the Value of Your Home

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Megan Johnson, our reliable source on all things Home, Style, and Design. If you’d like more information on Increasing the Value of Your Home, then please visit the linked website.

If you were to put your home on the market tomorrow, how much would it be worth? While you hear that real estate is all about “location, location, location,” supply and demand also plays a crucial factor. The more appealing a home is on the market to the majority of buyers, the higher price it may fetch (though there’s a limit). And of course, this is all relative to the neighborhood in which a home’s located, but, in general, prepping your home to make a positive first impression is a good thing to keep in mind if you don’t want to leave anything on the closing table. That’s why it’s so important to do the obvious things, like cut excessive clutter inside the home and clean up your yard before you list to present a clean and organized home.

“It’s these small things that show pride of ownership,” says Dana Bull, a real estate agent with Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty in Marblehead, Massachusetts. “Buyers feel more confident in a transaction and can be more likely to pay a premium if they believe the home has been properly managed and maintained by the seller.” 

Interested in which other less-expected attributes of your house could increase its worth? Here, five things Bull and other real estate experts recommend investing a bit of TLC in:

Super-clean crevices

“Buyers notice everything. I’ve had clients ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ over a basement floor so clean you could eat off it,” says Bull. “Even little details matter, like clean grout, tidy closets, and a swept basement floor. Yes, I’ve had buyers get hung up over shoddy tile work and I definitely can’t blame them!”

According to Sarah Maguire, a real estate agent with Compass in Boston, potential buyers love snooping around the bathroom to see how ancient the grout and tiling is. 

“There’s no need for a full bathroom renovation,” says Maguire, who suggests cleaning or replacing grout and caulking in the bathroom.

Updated lighting

It’s also what prospective buyers see when they look up that affects value. Maguire suggests replacing old ceiling fans or ceiling light fixtures. 

“If you want to do a little more work, recessed lighting gives any space a bright, modern touch,” says Maguire.

A parking space

Jay Rooney, also a real estate agent with Compass, says one of the things that drives up your home’s value isn’t even inside the property. 

“If you do not have one already, rent or invest in a parking space near your home,” says Rooney. ”It may sound silly, but nowadays homes without designated parking spots can make or break it for buyers.”

The smell

Other agents I asked said it’s your home’s influence on potential buyers’ noses that could have an unexpected influence.

“The smell! Make sure your home has a pleasant smell, but don’t keep candles or air fresheners in sight,” says the Donahue Maley Burns Team. “You don’t want potential home buyers to think you’re covering something up.”

Professional listing photos

Bull also says how your home is presented online and in promotional materials can make a real difference, which is why having the space professionally photographed instantly ups its value.

“When it comes to listing your home, the way it is presented online makes a huge difference,” says Bull. “You can’t skimp on high quality photography which captures a home with the proper lighting and angles.”

If you’d like more information on the Denver Real Estate Market, then please contact your nearest Denver Realtor.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

The 5 Most Important Home Maintenance Tasks You’re Forgetting to Do, According to Home Inspectors

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Brittany Anas , our reliable source on all things Home, Style and Design. If you’d like more information on Important Home Maintenance Tasks You’re Forgetting to Do, then please visit the linked website.

If you’re not properly maintaining your home, the damage will become clear come inspection time. Leaky roofs, faulty HVAC systems, wood damage hinting at major structural problems. Oh, my!

But what exactly are the most important chores to prevent longterm (and expensive) damage? I went straight to the source—professional home inspectors—to ask them what you should focus on. Here, the half-dozen tasks and missteps homeowners often make when it comes to home maintenance 101.

Cleaning your gutters

Check and clean out your gutters, soffits, and fascia throughout the year to prevent debris from accumulating. If you don’t, it could cause leaks, rotting, and other expensive damage, says Benjamin Martin, a home inspector and president and lead inspector for Florida Certified Home Inspections. 

“Once debris is carefully removed, any dirt or grime should be thoroughly cleaned and cleared; any missing caulk replaced; and holes, cracks, or loose areas repaired,” he says.

Plan to tackle this chore every spring and fall (or hire a professional if ladders make you queasy). Hot tip: Pine needles cause frequent gutter clogging. If you have a tree near your gutters, plan to do this more often.

Checking in on your air conditioning and heating system

Martin says the most ideal scenario is to hire an HVAC professional for semi-annual maintenance, focusing on cooling in the spring and heating in the fall. 

“In the meantime, homeowners, especially those with pets, should change their filters once a month,” he says

If you notice condensation gathering on your outdoor AC unit, don’t panic. Flush the condensate drain with soapy, hot water and vinegar. (If you’re new to this, look for the drain near the air handler. It’s usually made of PVC with an easy-to-access cap). If condensation continues to appear on the unit, if you notice drips, or the AC isn’t cooling, call in a licensed professional, Martin recommends.

Regularly flushing out clogs

Keeping your plumbing systems running smoothly will help you avoid leaks and water damage, Martin says. You should address small clogs as soon as they pop up. Yes, that means regularly removing the hair build-up in your shower (as unpleasant as it may be). 

In terms of your toilet, remove any gunk that accumulates near a toilet valve (the long mechanism in the toilet tank) and replace worn flappers (the rubber seal in the tank), he says.

Also, check underneath your sinks and inside cabinets to see if there are any water spots or puddles. You may have a hidden leaks that need attention.

Hot tip: Pay special attention to what you put down your garbage disposal. You know you can’t put an avocado pit down your drain and expect things to go well. But some lesser-known foods can also damage your garbage disposal, and—gulp—your more pricy plumbing system. Fibrous veggies like asparagus and celery can wrap around the disposal’s blades; coffee grounds can build up in the plumbing pipes; grease and fats can congeal and, over time, clog pipes.

Calling the exterminator in a timely fashion

If you see a couple of bugs crawling, you may get a tad creeped out, but mostly annoyed. However, allowing bug problems to escalate could wreak major havoc on your home, says Kathleen Kuhn, CEO and president of HouseMaster Home Inspections.
Wood-eating termites, for example, notoriously put a home’s structural integrity at risk, causing expensive repairs down the line. Carpenter ants also damage the wood where they nest. Powderpost beetles are wood-boring insects, creating hollowed out spaces in your wood.

Draining your hot water heater

Many homeowners don’t know to partially drain their hot water heater, says John Bodrozic, co-founder of HomeZada, a digital home management site. 

“Minerals in your water will build up over time at the bottom of your tank, which also causes the tank to work harder, which often causes the hot water heater to fail, causing water damage,” he explains.

Keeping your water heater running efficiently can greatly benefit your pocket: Replacing a hot water tank can cost up to $4,500. Bodrozic says to drain your tank from the bottom at least once a year to get the sediment out, then refill it.

Ahh, don’t you wish homeownership came with a user’s manual? To help, we’ve come up with a list of maintenance tasks that every first time home owner should know about.

If you’d like more information about the Denver Real Estate Market, then please contact your nearest Denver Realtor.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

10 No-Cost Ways to Redecorate Your Home for the New Year

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Danielle Blundell, our reliable source on all things Home, Style, and Design. If you’d like more information on Ways to Redecorate Your Home for the New Year, then please visit the linked website.

New year, new you, new home, right? Well, if you had the money for that last one, that’d be the case anyway. If the holiday season has you tightening your purse strings a bit, know that you’re not alone. Maybe you can’t move into a new space or splurge on a whole bunch of new stuff for that matter. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make your home look a little bit different. There are plenty of no-cost design changes that can help refresh for the new year, and these ten freebies are where we’re starting.

Shop Your Home for “New” Accessories 

Take the lamps in your living room and swap them out for what’s on your bedside tables. You can do the same thing with other non-installed decorative items around your home, from vases and plants to throw pillows and blankets. If you feel motivated to switch out the art in your rooms, you can also do that, too.

Colorize Your Books

Yes, we know this is controversial, but hear us out. If you haven’t arranged your collection by color yet, sort your books by spine shade and give that ROYGBIV game a go. Or edit your books on display down to a tight color palette and put the outliers in baskets or bins. This will bring a bit of visual harmony and calmness to your space. Or if the rainbow look isn’t for you, you could reorganize to find a system that works for you—genre, alphabetical by author, etc.

Feng Shui All Day 

Take some time to rethink your layout, applying some of the basics of feng shui to it so energy-wise, your home’s flow is better. For example, if sitting at your desk means your back is to the door, change that so you’re facing it (this is called a place of power). Keep bathroom doors closed. Make sure your mirrors are in a spot where they’re best reflecting natural light. A bunch of little tweaks can make your space feel fresh and more harmonious for you and anyone else who walks through your doors.

Declutter

Seriously, we say this all the time. But all that stuff is making your space feel claustrophobic, and it’s dampening the energy in there, too. Make like Coco Chanel, and instead of removing one accessory before you go out, remove one thing you don’t need from each room you walk into—the bigger the item, the better. Donate all your cast-offs in good condition to charity.

Swap Bedrooms 

This tip won’t really work for those of you (like me) in one-bedroom apartments. But if you’re feeling like you want to shake things up and your roommates or family members are down for it, try swapping bedrooms with someone. This may be easier said than done if there’s a big disparity between the sizes of sleep spaces in your home. If the stakes are low though, why not? You’ll be forced to rethink your layout and belongings, so welcome that change. And if you live alone and have multiple bedrooms, even better. You’ll have your pick of the litter!

 Remove Your Blinds or Heavy Window Treatments 

Not saying you should do this all throughout your home—especially not in private areas like bedrooms and bathrooms. But if you have a rear-facing kitchen window where sunlight just streams in, for example, give it a chance. Or maybe you have a big living room window. Just take the blinds or curtains off and fully embrace this feature you’re lucky to have.

Repurpose Old Clothing and Accessories into Decor 

Turn a favorite old college or high school tee into a pillowcase. Use scrunchies or hair ribbons as curtain tie backs. Instead of wall art, hang necklaces off of pushpins or store bracelets on a dowel so they look like sculpture. The more creative you can get, the better. Some of these ideas may even make it easier for you to get dressed in the morning.

Take Your Upper Cabinet Doors Off

Have you always loved the look of open shelving in a kitchen? See if you can make your kitchen look airier by removing a set of upper doors or two. It won’t work in every case or layout, but I’ve seen this done before in low budget renovations, and it’s a quick way to take 10 years off the age of your kitchen. Be prepared to sort and toss mismatched dishes though. Hope neatness is your strong suit.

Update Your Headboard

Your bedroom could use a little love, too. So look around your house for a spare throw blanket, piece of fabric, or tapestry. Throw it over your headboard and bask in your decorative genius—you don’t even have to tuck the fabric in so long as your stack of pillows is high enough to hide the end of the fabric. This will make your headboard look new, and when you tire of this pattern or color, you can rotate something new in.

Clean Your Windows and Light Fixtures

Even if you live in an area where it’s warm year-round, winter days can be shorter and darker on the whole. So make sure you are getting your best light by optimizing the windows and light fixtures you have with a good thorough clean. Give your windows and mirrors a once-over with a cleanser, so they’re not streaky or smudgy. And dust off your light bulbs off while you’re at it. Dirty bulbs can decrease light output and waste energy. Use a dryer sheet to gently wipe bulbs off and enjoy the little bit of boost you get in the brightness department.

If you’re interested in buying your first home, then please contact your nearest Denver Flat Fee Realtor to learn more about the Denver Market.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

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.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

32 Creative Ideas for Every Blank Wall in Your Home

This article has been taken from Better Homes & Gardens, our reliable source on all things Home, Gardens, and everything in between. If you’d like more information Creative Ideas for Every Blank Wall, then please visit the linked website.

Sick of staring at a stark empty wall? Infuse it with warmth and personality by adding creative artwork, mixed media, and vintage finds.

Stylish Silhouettes

Decorate a dining nook or breakfast banquette with framed family silhouettes. The pieces stand out against the wall with crisp black frames and clean white matting. Arrange the portraits in a neat, balanced composition with even spacing between each piece.

Natural Beauty

Display collected artwork look on a dime. Browse the dollar store for wood frames and customize them with paint. These frames were spruced up with black paint and then distressed with sandpaper to match the look of the vintage botanical prints they display.

Small Space Decor

Don't let a small kitchen space stand in the way of your decor. Hang a pair of floating shelves on a blank wall or in a tight corner and fill them with various frames and ceramics with pretty patterns. To make the display pop, paint or stain the shelves a contrasting color as your walls.

Stick to the Theme

Dress up a bare area with variations on a single decorating theme. The small print hanging directly above this dining table was the inspiration for a beach theme. A collection of artifacts, including seashells and a framed bathing suit, draws attention to the dining area and ties together the whole look.

Wall Letters

Hop on the typography trend and use letters or words to create an artsy arrangement. Use a variety of sizes, colors, and materials in your wall artdisplay. For example, try combining prints of your favorite word or phrase with three-dimensional artifacts in shadow boxes.

Art of Grandeur

A single piece of art can be the solution for an entire blank wall—especially if it's a dramatic size, like this oversize print of the homeowner's state flag. Add emphasis to a single piece of artwork by installing a decorative pendant overhead. To make your own large artwork, stretch fabric around a canvas frame, available at crafts stores.

Gallery Shelf

An expansive floating shelf adds character to a blank wall. Layer framed prints or pictures and favorite accessories along the shelf. If you have a larger wall, hang several shelves and stagger their heights.

Art by Theme

Dress up your walls with variations on a single theme. Pick a subject or motif you love—like this homeowner's interest in birds—and repeat it in a collection of paintings, prints, needlepoints, and more. If you crave a little continuity, frame all your pieces in the same style of frame.

Kids' Gallery

Add a touch of childhood whimsy to any room in your home by framing your children's artwork. Hanging the items in high-traffic areas will make kids feel special, and by choosing traditional gallery-inspired frames, the artwork will blend easily with its surroundings.

Filling the Space

Have you found the perfect piece of artwork but discovered it doesn't fill the wall space the way you'd like it to? Pair it with smaller paintings to make the arrangement feel more robust. By placing smaller paintings on each side of this abstract canvas, the arrangement is in proportion to the wall space surrounding it.

Soothing Solution

Prevent a blank wall from looking stark by filling it with a collection of small prints. Soft landscapes like these ones look soothing placed against a soft white wall. To create a cohesive composition, search for prints of similar sizes and arrange the frames in a grid pattern on the wall.

Headboard Art

Use framed prints to fill up blank space on the wall behind a bed. This arrangement doubles as a headboard. To create the gridlike look, use square black frames and hang them close together, leaving about 2-3 inches between the frame edges.

Reflective Artwork

Looking for a quick but stunning way to fill up a blank wall? Try an oversize mirror. This once-dull corner comes to life with a floor-length mirror in a matte black frame. The mirror adds style to the room and reflects light around the space, making it feel larger.

Just For Kids

Add a gallery installation to your living room, basement, or den using nothing more than chalkboard paint. Section off a wall portion and paint it with chalkboard paint. You may need several coats. Store a bucket of chalk nearby and let the kids unleash their creativity. 

Vintage Posters

For a classic country look, search local flea markets for vintage posters. For a simple framing technique, use poster hangers that allow the piece to simply slide into the frame, and hang the unit up by a ribbon. We made this magnetic poster holder using inexpensive pine boards.

Dress Up an Alcove

It can be easy to overlook small spaces when designing a room, but tucked away spots, such as a niche for a bathtub, are great places to add an ensemble of prints. Group like prints on a blank bathroom wall with frames that match or complement the room's finishes.

Big Business

Colorful graphic art pops off deeply saturated walls. Frame music or movie posters with white frames to make them stand out on colorful walls even more. The look is trendy but sophisticated—a successful vibe for a home office.

Kid's Corner

Enliven a corner of a nursery with whimsical prints both child and parent will appreciate. Finish the look with a pair of picture ledges. Children’s books are known for their colorful illustrations; select your favorite covers and display as art that can easily be changed as the child grows.

Buddy System

Filling a long wall in a living room can be a design challenge. Start by hanging a series of prints with complementary color palettes above the sofa. Partner the wall art with colorful decor elsewhere. Bookshelves create a natural perimeter for the wall art. Display decorative items and small framed artworks on the shelves to complete a pulled-together look for the entire room.

Stackable Style

Collect and paint wooden boxes and crates to fashion your own storage solution and eclectic art display. Use the lower bins to hold photo albums, crafting supplies, or family heirlooms. Hang boxes on the wall so they appear to be floating and fill with decorative items. Finish with a simple frame and your favorite artwork.

Wallpaper That Wows

Framed prints aren’t the only way to make an artistic statement on blank walls. There is a vast array of stunning wallpaper designs that will elevate the look of any room. Bold colors or oversize patterns can especially energize a space.

Custom Furnishings

Flex your DIY muscles and refinish an old piece of furniture to display as a work of art. This dynamically repainted piece sets the tone for the room. Connect stylish furniture to the wall art with one leaning piece that gently rests against the wall.  

Attention Grabber

Draw attention to unique accessories with an oversize piece of artwork. This massive print embraces the contemporary typography trend and draws the eye toward a modern transparent console table. To keep the arrangement looking grounded and intentional, it's flanked by a pair of industrial-style sconces.

DIY Botanical Prints

Update the classic look of botanical prints with this easy DIY project. Silk or plastic greenery is laid on a blank canvas and a coat of spray paint creates the reverse silhouette. A special material called frisket (available in the model-building section of a crafts store) gives the pieces a unique irregular border. Get the step-by-step instructions.

Upper Gallery

Create a gallery of frames above a large window or along the soffit above kitchen cabinets. Use matching frames for your collection and fill with favorite snapshots and fun prints. If you have a colorful space, try a collection of black-and-white images. Or if your space leans more neutral, like this breakfast nook, opt for an assortment of colorful artwork.

Reflective Series

For a lighter alternative to a large mirror, group several smaller mirrors together. The result is a subtle yet stunning wall arrangement. Use mirrors in different shapes such as the ones pictured for a sophisticated cottage look.

Basket Art

For a casual cottage look, hang shallow wicker baskets along a wall as artwork. Here, the woven baskets add texture to the wall, and the natural material pops against cool blue walls. Simple decor in neutral shades keeps the focus on the art arrangement.

Pack It In

Fill blank wall space with a tight arrangement of eclectic artwork above a fireplace or mantel. To keep the wall from looking cluttered or random, make sure the artwork has a similar feel. Here, landscapes with similar colors and neutral frames fit snugly yet stylishly on a small dining room wall.

Laying the Plans

Search antique shops and flea markets for vintage landscape blueprints that double as wall art. This print, with its soft color palette and faded paper, blends easily with a country gardening motif. Hang it over a small console table and accessorize with rustic accents for a cohesive theme.

Bright Spot

Introduce a new color to a space with brightly hued picture mats. These yellow matted prints bring attention to the bed, casting it as the bedroom's focal point. The yellow mats serve as a vivid contrast to the purple-hue bedroom. For a polished look, repeat the mat's hue somewhere else in the room.

Books as Art

Round up a collection of worn or unreadable books with fun covers. Remove the covers and hang them in frames for a literary-theme wall art installation. Or, if you want to keep the books intact, scan the covers and print on photo paper.

A Bit of Nature

Bring the great outdoors inside with nature-inspired artwork. This sunny sitting room includes a large bay window that offers magnificent views of the outside, making these small butterfly prints blend right in on a blank wall. The bright colors on the butterflies' wings add a needed splash of color to the mostly neutral room and coordinate perfectly with other accessories and decor.

If you’re looking to customize your own home, then please contact your nearest Denver Realtor to learn more information about the Denver Market.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

The 7 Coziest Heated Throw Blankets to Keep You Toasty All Winter Long

This article has been taken from Better Homes & Gardens and written by Jessica Bennett, our reliable source for all things Home, Gardens, and everything in between. If you’d like more information about your ideal Heated Throw Blankets, then please visit the linked website.

Most of us spend a lot of time cozied up indoors this time of year, but sometimes our go-to throw blankets aren't quite warm enough to ward off winter's chill. Though electric blankets, also known as heated blankets, have been available for years, today's crop is decidedly more beautiful and functional than ever. Warmed by heating elements sewn into the fabric panels, electric blankets are ideal for snuggling up on the couch, layering atop a bedspread, or adding an extra warm touch to the car while you're on the road. Simply plug your throw into an outlet, wait a few minutes for it to heat up, and wrap yourself in whole-body warmth. Here are seven of our favorite electric throw options for every budget and aesthetic (just be sure to use them safely!).

Best Heated Blanket with Multiple Temperature Settings

This heated throw is a top choice on Amazon for its affordability and convenient features. Available in seven colors, the blanket is equipped with 10 heat settings so you can easily adjust the warmth to your desired level of toastiness. The heating technology, which is spread evenly throughout the quilted fleece design, automatically adjusts as needed to deliver consistent heat. Bonus: It's machine-washable and safe for the dryer!

Buy It: Sunbeam Heated Blanket, $39.99, Amazon

Best Patterned Heated Blanket

You shouldn't have to sacrifice style for warmth. This electric blanket comes in a variety of pretty patterns, including this black-and-white buffalo check, so you can coordinate with the existing decor in your living area or bedroom. An extra-long cord makes it easy to bring the warmth wherever you need it, and an automatic 10-hour shutoff provides an additional level of safety.

Buy It: Biddeford MicroPlush Heated Throw, $39.99 (originally $80), JCPenney

Best Faux Fur Heated Blanket

Plush faux fur and a super-soft texture make this blanket a must-have for cold winter nights—even if you don't turn it on! According to one reviewer, "just the throw by itself is extremely warm and cozy." At over 4 feet wide and nearly 7 feet long, this oversized heated blanket is perfect for sharing.

Buy It: Zuri Oversized Heated Faux Fur Throw, $59.49 (originally $69.99), Wayfair

Best Heated Blanket for Travel

The solution to freezing-cold car rides is here: This 12-volt electric blanket plugs into your vehicle's cigarette lighter to provide cozy warmth on the go. It only takes about three minutes to heat up, and the 6.5-foot cord is long enough to reach the backseat. Great for road trips and tailgating, this cold-weather accessory also makes a practical addition to your vehicle emergency kit.

Buy It: Sojoy 12V Heated Electric Car Blanket, $24.99, Amazon

Best Heated Blanket for Couples

You and your bed partner may not always agree on what temperature to set the thermostat, but this heated throw blanket can help you both sleep comfortably. The queen- and king-sized versions include two controllers (one for each side of the bed), so each person can choose their desired level of warmth from the 10 heat settings. The machine-washable design comes in five colors, so you can pick the hue that best coordinates with your bedroom decorating scheme.

Buy It: Biddeford Blankets Comfort Knit Heated Blanket, $60.00, Amazon

Best Plush Heated Blanket

The plush, faux-fur fabric makes this heated throw blanket the ultimate cozy addition to your couch, reading nook, or bed. Made of 100% polyester, it's silky smooth to the touch and features a honeycomb design on one side that reminds of our favorite chunky-knit throws. Five heat settings let you dial the heat up to your liking.

Buy It: Serta Heated Electric Honeycomb Faux Fur Throw, $71.99, Amazon

Best Heated Blanket for People with Cold Feet

If your feet are always freezing, this blanket was made for you. The throw is over 6 feet long and features a foot pocket at the end to keep toes toasty. With plush fleece fabric and three heat settings, it'll keep you warm and snug during movie nights on the couch or chilly afternoons spent with a good book.

Buy It: Beautyrest Foot Pocket Soft Microlight Plush Electric Blanket, $51.99, Amazon

If you’re interested in getting cozy this winter in a new home, contact your nearest Denver Flat Fee Realtor to get more information about our current Denver market.

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10 Lessons on Leadership from Robert Iger

If you’re going to hear any form of leadership advice, it might as well be from the one and only CEO, Robert Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. He’s been the CEO of a company for the last fifteen years that “held assets worth a total of over 193.98 billion U.S dollars”in 2019, according to statista.com. With Robert Iger’s new book release, “The Ride of A Lifetime”, came ten principles that strike him as being necessary for true leadership. If you’ve yet to pick up his book, then we encourage you to do so. It not only describes his past and rode to becoming CEO of The Walt Disney Company, but you get insights of the company that you otherwise would never believe are true, or would believe would happen at the happiest place on earth. Below we have outlined Robert Igers 10 principles to being a true leader. Take them as you please, incorporate them as you feel, but do carefully read these if you’re looking to grow your impact of leadership within your business, team, company, or simply for yourself. 

Optimism: ‘Even in the face of difficult choices and less than ideal outcomes, an optimistic leader does not yield to pessimism.”

Courage: “The foundation of risk-taking is courage.”

Focus: “Allocating time, energy, and resources, to the strategies, problems, and projects that are of highest and value is extremely important…”

Decisiveness: “All decisions, no matter how difficult, can and should be made in a timely manner.”

Curiosity: “The path to innovation begins with curiosity.” 

Fairness: “Empathy is essential, as is accessibility.” 

Thoughtfulness: “Thoughtfulness is one of the most underrated elements of good leadership.”

Authenticity: “Be genuine. Be honest. Don’t fake anything.”

The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection: “If you believe that something can be made better, put in the effort to do it.”

Integrity: “A company’s success depends on setting high ethical standards for all things, big and small.”

The ability to lead ourselves and others is a quality we all pose if we choose to unlock it and allow ourselves to explore it. If you’re looking to move to Denver to expand your business or grow your self-development, contact your local Flat Fee Realtor to take you around the best Denver and surrounding neighborhoods to get an idea of where you’d like to transition.

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10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Super Bowl

Every year the Super Bowl grows in ticket prices, halftime shows, and expectations for the game. This year the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will be meeting for the first time at this year’s Super Bowl. The 2015 Super Bowl had a record-breaking average TV-audience of 114.4 million viewers, and the average “30-second ad-spot during the Super Bowl broadcast cost an estimated 5.25 million U.S. dollars in 2019”, according to statista.com. With the average cost of a Super Bowl ticket being $3,335 as of January 30, 2017, the Super Bowl has been the most watched American television broadcast of the year. With this massively watched annual event, there are an array of unique facts and statistics that you otherwise wouldn’t know. Down below will be a list of 10 of the most interesting, shocking, or unique facts of the Super Bowl over the years. 

All of the following statistics have been incorporated from mentalfloss.com. If you’d like to get the full list of 53 Facts about The Super Bowl, then we encourage you to visit their site. 

• Peyton Manning is the  only starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl with two different teams: the Indianapolis Colts in 2007 and the Denver Broncos in 2016. 

• The 1985 Bears recorded a hit rap song called “Super Bowl Shuffle,” which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. (It lost to Prince & The Revolution’s “Kiss”.)

• Super Bowl bonuses are a thing. In 2017, every player on the Pats’ championship roster earned $107,000 for winning. The defeated Falcons received $53,000 each as a consolation prize. 

• In 1993, Michael Jackson’s halftime performance had  higher ratings than the game itself. 

• Phil Simms was paid $75,000 to shout “I’m going to Disney World” on the field moments after his Giants won Super Bowl XX1. Disney also paid Denver’s John Elway the same amount of money to yell the same thing-just in case his team won. 

• When Jacksonville, Florida hosted Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005, the city didn’t have enough hotel rooms to meet the NFL’s requirements. So in their bid to serve as the Big Game’s host, they had to recruit five docked cruise ships as “floating hotels” for the event. 

• In Las Vegas, more than $115 million is (legally) bet on the Super Bowl every year. 

• The Vince Lombardi Trophies are made by Tiffany & Co. out of sterling silver. 

• A power outage at New Orleans’s Superdome put Super Bowl XLVII on hold for 34 minutes. 

• In 1989 the Super Bowl halftime show was broadcast in 3D. In it, a magician dressed like Elvis Presley had the entire stadium participate in a round of “Is this your card?” trick. 

If you’re hosting the game on Sunday or as heading out to a sport’s bar to watch the big game, bring up these facts to your football fanatic friends and see if they’re aware of these unique facts about the Super Bowl. 

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Ideas on How to Celebrate Super Bowl LIV

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Super Bowl Sunday is America’s second-largest food consumption day.” So in this case, what you prepare and decide to eat is most definitely one of the most important aspects to celebrating, especially since the only other activity that will be going on is having your eyes glued to the TV (or arguing with your family about faul plays and mistakes made by the referee). Either way, here are a few tips on what you can do to really make this Super Bowl memorable and one for the books. 

Host Super Bowl LIV at Your Home and Decorate Accordingly

One of my favorite ways to celebrate a huge event like the Super Bowl is to host it at home where we can relax, dodge large, wound-up crowds, and sit-back and relax as everyone has a great time rooting for their favorite teams. Instead of having a low-key Super Bowl Sunday where you may or may not even really get into the game or notice it, we encourage you to invite your favorite people, set out lots of easy to make and fun finger-food (preferably on plates that are colored accordingly to the teams), and interesting drinks that are also either the color of the teams, or something super light and simple like beer or sparkling wine. Here are some ideas and links to game day food and drink ideas:

Entries: Classic Buffalo Wings, Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Pizza Dip, Queso Dip, Nachos, Pizza, Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork, Mac & Cheese Bombs, or Triple Pork Sliders. 

Snacks: Hot Corn Dip, Smoked Gouda-Chorizo Jalapeno Poppers, Chips & Dip, Soft Pretzels, Quesadillas, Seven-Layer Dip, Guacamole and Chips, or Hot Artichoke-Spinach Dip. 

Drinks: Pink Señoritas, Touchdown Punch, Bloody Mary, Moscow Mule Punch, Blue Moon Jell-O Shots, Prosecco Slushies, Moscato Lemonade, or Giggle Juice. 

Bonus Tip: If you’re looking to go all-out for the Super Bowl, tell your guest you will award the most creatively dressed guest for their team a prize at the end of the game. This will really get your guests into the spirit of the game and competition. 

Get a Group of Friends and Head to Your Favorite Sports Bar 

If you’re looking to really get deep into the game and experience some harsh competitive spirits, then think about getting a group of friends and heading over to your favorite sports bar to watch the game with a big, enthusiastic crowd of football fans. This definitely takes some manual labor to scout out the best sports bar to go to, how much the cover ticket will be (yes, the bar will almost always charge a cover to just get in), and how early you want to get in there in order to get good seats. This is not an experience you necessarily want to bring your newborn babies or very small children to, just because of the wild and loud nature of a sports bar, especially on the day of the Super Bowl. There will be shouting, there will be angry and expressive fans, and there may or may not be a bar brawl. A very fun and entertaining environment to be in, especially if you’re looking to be loud and cheer on your favorite team. 

Save Up and Actually Buy a Ticket for the Super Bowl

This definitely is more out of reach than the other options, and Super Bowl tickets alone are unbelievable expensive and hard to get ahold of. But if you’re lucky enough to save up the money to buy a ticket for the Super Bowl and attend a game, this of course is one of the most memorable ways to celebrate the game. If this is a possibility for you, then consider making the weekend out of it and spend the rest of the weekend celebrating the game around the city that the game is being held in. Visit some local food spots, explore the cities most loved neighborhoods, and get a better idea of the culture of the city you’re visiting and what it means to them to host the Super Bowl. 

Get Your Most Tedious Chores Done While Everyone Is Inside Watching the Game

Maybe you’re not so into the hype of game day, and maybe you blatantly don’t care whatsoever about football. These three hours of the game are your perfect opportunity to go grocery shopping, get your nails done, take your kids to a fun activity, or do whatever else that would usually include a huge crowd of people. There will most likely be way less traffic, no one outside, and you’ll have an easier time getting around places and getting the things done that you need to that would otherwise be a pain on a sunday afternoon. If that’s not an option and your significant other or family wants you to sit and watch with them, I encourage you to make the most of the game: get your favorite snacks and drink together, take some Instagramable pictures, focus on the hilarious commercials and get ready for a fabulous halftime show performance. 

Where’s your favorite place to watch the Super Bowl, or what is your favorite Super Bowl tradition? Let us know below in the comments!

Denver is highly recognized and loved for our football team The Broncos. After the Broncos won Super Bowl LI, over 1 million Denver Natives came together in Denver during the historical Super Bowl parade to celebrate the win of the Broncos against the Panthers. If you’d like to be part of the Denver culture and move to this enthusiastic and patriotic state, then we recommend you contact your local Flat Fee Realtor to get you the best and most promising deal on a home in any of our Denver or surrounding neighborhoods.

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10 Unique Historical Facts About Colorado

When being a Denver native, you come to learn facts and secrets about Colorado that you otherwise wouldn’t know as just a tourist. But even being born and raised in Beautiful Colorado, there are unique traits of this incredible state that are typically unknown. Below are 10 facts that are unique and interesting to note about Colorado that make Colorado even more special than it already is. If you’re a Denver Native but have yet to truly and thoroughly explore the depths of Colorado, we recommend taking a few weekends out of your routine and take a trip around the state to the unique cities listed below. 

If you’re contemplating whether or not moving to Colorado is the next step for you, take a trip out here and see for yourself whether or not this incredible state suits your needs. If you’re in need of an agent that can show you the neighborhoods that you’d be interested in seeing, then we recommend contacting a local Colorado Flat Fee Realtor that can take you around and demonstrate what it would be like to live in Colorado. Now, take a look below to discover 10 unique historical facts about Colorado that you’ve most likely never heard. 

Denver Lays Claim to the Invention of the Cheeseburger

According to The Gazette, the trademark for the name Cheeseburger was awarded on March 5, 1935 to Louis Ballast. His restaurant was located at 2776 North Speer Blvd. 

The Highest Suspension Bridge in the World Is Over the Royal Gorge

If you’ve yet to visit the Royal Gorge for a day trip, we recommend the drive. The Royal Gorge Bridge spans the Arkansas River at a height of 1,053 feet. You can also walk, drive, and until recently, bungee jump off the bridge. 

Leadville Sits at 10,152 feet, Making It The Highest City in the U.S.

Something incredible to mention to your family and friends outside of Colorado that have never visited a city at such a high and incredible elevation. 

Pikes Peak Cog Railway Is the Highest Railway Train in the World

Pikes Peak is not only known for this fascinating train in the middle of the mountains, but also for the breath-taking views you experience when hiking in this area. 

The World’s Largest Natural Hot Springs Pool Is Located in Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs is a special treat Colorado Natives and world travelers alike thoroughly enjoy visiting throughout the year. Located 45 minutes from Aspen, Colorado, this two-block long pool is not only rich in nutrient minerals to soak into your skin and heal your aches and pains, but is also buried in history. Located across the street from the historic Hotel Colorado, a favorite stop of former president Teddy Roosevelt. 

Colfax Avenue in Denver is the Longest Continuous Street in America

At 26.5 miles long, Colfax Avenue boasts a heavy commercial street with some of Denver’s most loved restaurants and cafes, book stores and local shops, and most visited recreational parks and music venues. 

You can Be in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah All At the Same Time

Colorado’s southwest corner borders Arizona, New Mexico and Utah and is the only place in America where the corners of four states meet. 

The Eisenhower Tunnel is the Highest Auto Tunnel in the World

If you’ve driven deep West into the mountains at any point during your time in Colorado, then you’ve definitely experienced the cool effect of driving through directly through the depths of a grand Rocky Mountain. 

Colorado is the Only in History to Turn Down the Olympics

Due to the high risk and fear of cost, pollution and a drastic population boom, state voters chose not to host the 1976 Winter Olympics. 

The Park Theatre in Estes Park Was the State’s First Place to Catch a Movie

The Park Theatre is the oldest movie theatre in Colorado and among the oldest worldwide with being built in 1913. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the rich history of Colorado, we encourage you to visit this hidden gem state and consider the potential of uprooting your life here!

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