As closing approaches you may find yourself moving before the sale is finalized with a buyer. To ensure a smooth handoff to the buyer whether you’re still in town or not, you'll need to make sure you have completed everything you are supposed to—from negotiated terms to good seller etiquette. There are certain things that every responsible seller should do, and you can make sure you accomplish them all if you make a home-selling checklist. Your closing checklist is a guide for your actions after all of your personal belongings and furniture have been removed from your home. This includes Clean the house Preparing the house to be vacant Be sure to close any relevant utility accounts Securing the property Change your address with the post office Customary Expectations Most Sellers are good about leaving a home in presentable condition for the new Buyer.  It’s understandable that after moving all day, sellers may be too tired to spend a lot of time cleaning, so it's a good idea to move one day and clean the next, leaving an extra day before closing when possible.  An alternative would be to hire a cleaning service to do a thorough deep cleaning. Clean the House If you don't have time to personally clean the home before leaving it, hire a professional cleaning service to do so. What makes a house clean enough is often a matter of opinion and personal preference. It's not always necessary to shampoo the carpets, but it's a nice touch. Clean the cabinets, refrigerators, and other appliances inside and out. Make sure the home is devoid of any trash and debris. Don’t leave personal property of any kind behind, except for what’s already been negotiated. Don’t forget the exterior: mow, rake, clear snow, clean up after pets, etc. We have a list below that will give you a good idea of what specifics matter. The Golden Rule The best way to ensure a worry-free final walkthrough is to follow the Golden Rule which is, of course: do unto others as you would have others do unto you. In other words, leave your home the way you would like to find it if you were the buyer. Don’t leave any room for interpretation of what is acceptable. And, it doesn't hurt to make your last impression on the buyer a good one with little touches (like polishing sink fixtures). The last thing you want is a threat from the buyer to not close based on the condition you left the property. If you leave it so there’s no room for complaint, then you likely won’t get complaints from the buyer. Cleaning List While many Buyers will clean the home to their own standards before moving in, regardless of a Sellers’ own cleaning efforts, there is a list of things a Seller can do to leave a home clean and create goodwill with the Buyer. This list is not comprehensive, but it will serve to get you started. Use your judgment for anything else that might need to be done. Remove all personal property. Throw away trash and debris. Vacuum the carpets & floors,sweep & mop tiled areas. Clean kitchen appliances, inside the refrigerator and oven, and wipe down counters. Scour sinks and tubs. Wipe down interior cabinets and shelves. Clean out the garage. Clean up after pets. As best you can, leave the yard in the condition it was in in your listing photos. Don’t forget your patio/lawn furniture, gas grill, etc. Stack items pertaining to the home such as paint cans, roofing materials or extra flooring and leave them for the new buyer, ONLY if they want them. If they don’t expressly want them, plan to have them removed. Leave the home in the condition you would hope to find it in if you were moving in. Preparing Your Home to be Vacant For some, peace of mind comes from leaving a house winterized so that you can neutralize the threat for potential water leaks, etc. If that’s you, you're going to want to turn off shut-off valves to sinks, toilets, dishwashers, the water heater, refrigerator and washing machine. Leave a note for the buyers so they won't call a plumber. Turn off all switches for lights and fans. Some sellers flip all of the circuit breakers to the “off” position. This might be overdoing it, but it keeps them from paying for any electricity until the account is switched. In most cases, we don’t recommend this approach. However, if the house has to be shown again or inspected, you’ll want the house to still be functional, and walking into a house that is literally cold, can leave a cold feeling with a new buyer. If they can’t turn on lights or test fans, then it’s tough for them to see how the house functions. Inspectors are not allowed to open valves and flip breakers, so we recommend leaving them on. One solution to make sure pipes don’t freeze is to leave the temperature set at 50° or even 55°. That way the house isn’t being heated to comfortable room temperature when no one is there, but the pipes won’t freeze either. It’s up to you. Having water running is important for any inspection but not necessary for showings. Having power to the home, in our opinion, is highly advisable, however. Utility Accounts Once the property sale has closed, you can cancel all the utilities. But, as mentioned above, you won’t want to turn off electricity or gas until the sale has been completed. In the meantime you can discontinue services such as cable, internet, newspaper, and other routine delivery services. It’s up to your discretion whether or not to discontinue security. Be sure you can find phone numbers for each of your utility and entertainment companies in advance. Keep in mind that not every utility is always paid monthly. You might have a refund coming, have to pay a balance, or be able to transfer the balance to your next home. Necessary Incidentals Leave all house keys, remotes, gate keys, pool keys, access fobs, and mailbox keys for the new owner. The buyers will probably change the locks, but that won't happen the instant they move in. Put them in a kitchen drawer or other location that is easily found and let us know where the buyers can find them. Assemble a packet of appliance manuals, receipts, and any warranties as well. You might have come across manuals for the HVAC, security system, sprinkler system, or appliances as you are packing. If you have receipts from contractors, warranties, put them into an envelope or box, and leave them in a cupboard as well, along with the manuals and codes for the security alarms, garage or door openers, etc. What to Leave Behind - Inclusions & Exclusions If you need a refresher about what constitutes an inclusion versus an exclusion, check our educational video on the matter here. Don’t forget to make sure all items that are in the contract DO convey with the house.  You should also consult your real estate contract before removing some items from the home.  These may include “fixtures” – anything not already glued, screwed, taped or nailed to the house, rather easily removed from the walls or ceiling – such as curtain rods, window treatments, light fixtures, light bulbs, etc.  Your real estate buy/sell contract may state that fixtures are to convey with the house.  Do you remember what you agreed to in the contract? If you aren’t sure – just ask. Check cabinets, drawers, and storage areas for any forgotten items. Run one more check, even if your spouse or friend says they've gone through every room with a fine-tooth comb, searching for anything you might have overlooked. As mentioned above, you should obviously leave anything you’ve agreed to leave (by contract) for the buyers. But don’t be tempted to leave things you think they’ll want. Only leave things you know they want or are expecting. Sellers with the best of intentions may think to leave things such as paint for touch-ups, even when they’re properly labeled, may find that the buyers don’t want them and feel like they’ve been burdened with removal of those items after closing. That’s not what you want. Construction materials such as matching carpet swatches and pieces of flooring may be left with the best intentions, but again, the buyer may not want them. Don’t leave them unless you’re sure they’re wanted. Items such as mowers and snow blowers, might have value to you, and thus, you feel it’s a nice gesture to leave them to the buyers, but if they don’t want them it becomes a disposal burden they didn’t sign up for and may cause waves at a final walkthrough. Lock Up on Your Way Out Close the blinds and lock the windows and doors. You'd be amazed at how many people forget to close up the house. It is especially important to lock up if the home is going to be vacant for a while. Consider leaving an inexpensive lamp behind on a timer. FAQs Q: When should I cancel utilities when selling a home? A: You can call in advance to set up a cancellation for your utilities, but be sure not to have your utilities turned off until after you officially close on the sale. You will need your utilities on throughout the selling process, and, as mentioned above, an early shutoff could cause problems. Q: Many Sellers ask me “So how clean is clean enough?” A: The bottom line is leave the home in the condition you’d want to find it in if you were the buyer, which is “move-in ready.” Does that phrase leave room for interpretation? Think of it this way, just be sure that you leave it in the condition that would give the buyers no room to grovel, or complain or even reject it at a final walkthrough prior to closing. Don’t Forget… Lastly, keep in mind that some of your mail and package deliveries might come to the Buyers after you leave, and you’ll want them to forward it on or allow you to pick it up.  Besides the fact that you will create goodwill, it is the right thing to do. Once closing concludes, it may make sense to exchange contact information (buyers and sellers) in case deliveries come up after closing that need to be redirected.

10 Reasons People May Be Leaving Colorado Ahh, Colorado. Do you still love it, or are you ready to leave it? Does it feel like people have been leaving Colorado more so than you’ve seen in quite a while? I’m not saying there are vacant houses everywhere, but the shift is palpable. It seems like that for forever the Front Range of Colorado was a beacon to Californians fleeing high real estate prices, Texans & Chicagoans fleeing high property taxes, and the heat or the cold, and midwesterners and northeasterners looking for that John Denver experience. Our sunshine, our mountains, our way of life have had a tendency to have people stampeding in like the cattle drives of the 1880s. But our recent 10-year stampede may be over. I’ve been in Colorado most of my life. I grew up here and have lived here for the past 16 years consecutively. I hear the comparisons with how things are vs. how things used to be. For many, the Welcome to Colorful Colorado sign at our borders still plays an alluring song, but is it a siren song? For many residents who’ve seen their Colorado change, more and more people seem to be voicing their discontent–and leaving. But enough with the feels and the metaphors, new data actually does suggest that more people are moving out of Colorado than into our state. HireAHelper, an online moving service, analyzed over 90,000 moves that took place over 2021. In Colorado, 15% more people moved out of the state than into it over the year. Based on a story from local news network KDVR in the spring of 2022, here are 10 factors that might contribute to people leaving Colorado: As of earlier this spring, Denver is the seventh most expensive of the top 50 US metro areas, with a typical home sales price of $598,233. That puts us right behind four California locations, Seattle and Boston. Ouch.  Denver ranks 13th for the percent its home prices have increased since 2000.  Monthly rent prices are up in Colorado nearly 22% (21.95%) year over year. In 2021 a Denver one bedroom in the city costs nearly $2,100, 24th highest in the country.  The cost of living in Colorado is 17% higher than the national average. There are a record low number of homes available in the Denver metro area. That number has increased substantially since this report came out but in relative terms, there is still a general dearth of inventory.  Denver housing is more unaffordable for middle class than nearly any US metro. Again, this puts Denver right behind four California cities, Seattle and Boston.  Denver has the 10th fastest-rising rent over the last year Colorado transportation costs are 6% higher than the national average. Colorado has the highest car theft levels in the country, with a 32% increase over the last year. This one really stings. Number 1?! Only three of fourteen categories of crime fell year over year. Violent crime increased by 52% in Colorado over the last 10 years. Except for 2019, violent crime has risen for the past ten years, not unlike the population. The total number of crimes has risen 72% since 2011. Another stat NOT to be be proud of.  There are several others I could add to the honorable mention lists, so to speak. I've heard other reasons such as traffic, obsolete infrastructure, and changing political climate and social landscapes.  Colorado, as the eighth largest state, also has cultural and political diversity by virtue of its vast geographic differences. The eastern plains differ from the Front Range just as the mountain communities differ from the Western Slope and Southern Colorado. Some would say that diversity is good for the state, but it also presents its own challenges. What would you add to this list? Do you still love Colorado? Do you miss how it was 10 years ago? 20? 30? 50 years ago? Leave a comment below and tell me if you still love it or are ready to leave it, and why. We know that everyone’s situation is unique. If we can be a real estate resource to you, my team and I are here for you. Please reach out and let’s start a conversation.

10 Reasons to Love Colorado Ahh, Colorado. So many reasons to be proud. My dad, who was from Iowa, used to say, Iowa was a great place to be from, but he wouldn’t wish living there on anybody. He loved Colorado and I loved that he moved here before I was born.  We recently published a video citing 10 reasons why Colorado’s 10-year run of growth has ended. But the fact remains that Colorado is for so many reasons, a wonderful place to live. I’ve been in Colorado most of my life. I was born here. I grew up here and after a brief stint away, I have lived here again for the past 16 years consecutively. It’s a great place. Did you know that Colorado remains the only city ever to turn down an olympic games after being awarded? The 1976 Olympics were actually initially awarded to Denver, though the Games were eventually held in Innsbruck, Austria. What? In a 1972 referendum, Colorado voters rejected the Games, and for the only time in history a city awarded the Games rejected them. Why? Some say it was concern over the environment and economics. Those were certainly valid reasons. Others say that Colorado voters were just too proud of their little secret and didn’t want all the global attention and exposure the Olympic Games would bring. But by the 1990s and well into the 2000s, the cat had long since been out of the bag. Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs consistently ranked among the most desirable, happy, clean, healthy, and best places to live in the country. Coloradans today might find themselves arguing about the Colorado of yesteryear vs the Colorado of today, what’s changed and what’s to come for Colorado, but coming up with a list of at least 10 reasons to STILL love Colorado, is easy. Here’s a look at 10 possibilities: Colorado is the healthiest state in the United States, ranking above Hawaii, DC, Oregon, Utah and California, to name a few. Colorado is one of the most outdoor-friendly states in the country. In fact, it ranked fifth for outdoor-friendliest states. Colorado has one of the highest median household incomes in the country at nearly $78,000 ($77,727), ranking just outside the top ten, at the eleventh spot in the country. Colorado is the second most educated state in the United States. Massachusetts and Colorado are the only states where over 50% of adults hold college degrees. Colorado is one of the top pet-friendly states in the country. Here’s to another top ten ranking. Colorado ranks #9 amongst most pet-friendly states. The ranking was based on things such as pet population, rentals that allow pets, and laws that protect pets and prevent abuse. We certainly love our dogs, and have several local dog parks to choose from, not to mention, the mountains. Colorado ranks in the top 10 for work-life balance. This comes as no surprise given that people move here all the time for Colorado’s recreational opportunities, the weather and the lifestyle. Colorado is among the top states for jobs in the United States. Apparently South Dakota’s the place to beat, but with Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins having a large tech base and Colorado Springs being known for its military jobs, Colorado’s economy is generally flourishing. Colorado is one of the sunniest states in the country, ranking number six. Coloradans would tell you we’re number one. We probably are. No, we definitely are, but according to an article by stacker.com we’re not desert-y enough to earn the top spot. Colorado has one of the best healthcare systems in the country. It has the lowest heart disease rate in the country, as well as the fourth lowest cancer rate in the country. Skin cancer is a real threat, however, based on the lifestyle of many Coloradans. Use your sunscreen! Colorado is one of the top states for pro sports. The Denver Broncos are always the talk of the town, but a recent Stanley Cup victory, and with 3 total championships, The Colorado Avalanche are a close second town favorite. The Denver Nuggets lay claim to the NBA’s best player distinction the league’s MVP for the past two years, Nikola Jokic, and the Colorado Rockies have one of the highest attended baseball stadiums year in and year out. Denver is home to MLS’s Colorado Rapids and has seen championships from the Colorado Mammoth, of the National Lacrosse League, and from the University of Denver’s hockey and lacrosse teams. We love our championship-winning sports teams! There are several other things that I could add to the honorable mention list, so to speak. This list was compiled from online articles where Colorado ranked highly. But how do you put a value on proximity to the Rocky Mountains, the state’s illustrious National Parks, the world famous concert venues like Red Rocks, the world class culinary scene, the plethora of breweries that attract so many, and the cultural gems of our arts and entertainment scene. And then there’s the weather. The sunshine, the mild winters, and the four seasons.  What would you add to this list? Do you still love Colorado? Leave a comment below and tell me if you still love it or are ready to leave it, and why. Well while we’ve compiled a robust list of the top reasons people might move to Colorado and STAY, there is a laundry list of reasons why others have chosen to leave the state. Have you seen that video of ours yet?  Whether you’re coming or going, we know that everyone’s situation is unique. If we can be a real estate resource to you, my team and I are here for you. Please reach out and let’s start a conversation.  

Moving is never an easy task, especially for seniors who have been living in their home for decades. Leaving the familiar surroundings, memories, and routines can be a challenging experience for anyone, but for seniors, it can be particularly stressful. Whether they are downsizing or moving to an assisted living facility, helping seniors transition from their long-time home can require careful planning and execution. Here are some tips to help seniors move out of the house they've been in forever: Start early and plan ahead: Moving can take a lot of time and effort, and for seniors, it can be even more difficult. Starting the process early and planning ahead can help alleviate some of the stress and ensure a smoother transition. Create a timeline and checklist of everything that needs to be done, including packing, sorting through belongings, and hiring movers. Get organized: Decluttering and downsizing are essential when it comes to moving. Encourage seniors to go through their belongings and decide what they want to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Downsizing can be an emotional process, so it's important to be patient and supportive. Enlist help: Moving can be physically demanding, and seniors may need extra help with tasks like packing, lifting, and moving. Consider hiring professional movers or enlisting the help of family and friends. This can also provide emotional support and make the process less daunting. Consider the new living arrangements: Whether it's a smaller home, apartment, or assisted living facility, make sure to take into account the new living arrangements when packing and downsizing. Consider the size of the new space and the amenities provided, and make sure to bring only what is necessary and meaningful. Create a comfortable new space: Moving can be overwhelming, so it's essential to make the new space as comfortable and familiar as possible. Encourage seniors to bring cherished items like photographs, artwork, and furniture to make the new space feel like home. Take care of legal and financial matters: Moving can also involve a lot of legal and financial paperwork, such as updating wills, transferring utilities, and closing bank accounts. Make sure to take care of these matters in advance to avoid any last-minute stress. Provide emotional support: Moving can be an emotional experience, particularly for seniors who have lived in their home for a long time. Provide emotional support by listening to their concerns, acknowledging their feelings, and being patient and understanding throughout the process. Bottom Line Helping seniors move out of the house they've been in forever requires careful planning, organization, and emotional support. By following these tips, you can help make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. Remember, moving can be a challenging experience, but with the right support, seniors can make the transition to their new home with confidence and comfort.