What should I be thinking about? The answer is different for everybody. Some people take their time so they can compare more than one home. Others need to get their financing lined up, and want to make sure that every last dollar sign is in place. It does not matter what you do with your time as long as you are being as productive as possible.

Make sure you also speak with anybody who is involved in the decision making process.? Are you buying your home with a spouse? If so, he or she needs to be involved with every decision along the way. Also, don?t forget to ask for the advice of your real estate agent if need be.

Before making an offer on a home you want to take enough time to realize what you are doing. In the end, this will go a long way in allowing you to feel 100 percent comfortable with your decision.

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Take your Time before making an Offer

Being informed means knowing everything about the home, as well as the buying process. To start, you should make yourself familiar with every detail of the property from the age to the condition to repairs that need to be made and much more. Anything that you can think of is a detail that you should look over closely.

What about the money side of things? This definitely goes along with being an informed buyer. You need to know how much money you can afford to spend, how much of a down payment you will be using, your comfortable monthly payment, etc.

If you need help do not be shy about leaning on your real estate agent and mortgage broker. These professionals can really help you move along from start to finish. There is nothing better than getting professional advice when buying a home.

As an informed home buyer you have a much better chance of success.

photo credit:?blmurch

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Be an Informed Home Buyer

Some people are very handy. No matter what comes up they can fix it. Does this sound like you? If so, keep doing what you are doing. It is much better to make your own repairs if possible. Not only does this teach you a lot, but you can save tons of money. This is particularly true if you are dealing with a property that is older and always in need of some sort of repair.

Just because you are not confident in your ability right now does not mean this can never change. If you want to learn how to make certain types of repairs you need to practice. Have a leaky pipe? Try to fix it yourself before calling a plumber. Is the grout cracking on your tile floor? Buy some replacement grout and see if you can fix the problem on your own.

Believe it or not, you may be more capable than you think. Once you successfully make some small repairs your confidence will grow.

photo credit:?HVargas

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Are you Capable of making your own Repairs?

When your home is built brand new from the ground up, the land is torn to pieces during the process. Construction vehicles are moved in and out, the land is leveled to make for an ideal build, and people are trudging the property for hours on end. As you can imagine, the end result is a lot of dirt and very little grass and trees.

Does your builder also offer landscaping services? If so, you may want to speak with them about how much it will cost. This way, upon completion your builder will be able to make the outside of your home look just as good as the inside. Of course, if your builder cannot help you out you can always hire a professional landscaping company to do the job.

Building a home is a fun process. Just make sure you consider every detail, including the landscaping. Curb appeal is important, and with a newly built home you want everything to be perfect!

photo credit:?Donna Cazadd

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Building a Home? Don’t forget the Landscaping

For at least four thousand years, the area of Seattle, Washington has been inhabited by man. Today, the city is a boom town to its core, riding one boom of industry after another. As many know, it is the home of grunge music, but go back further and one will discover it was also the birthplace of Jimi Hendrix. Starbucks coffee hails from Seattle, as does Microsoft, and Boeing. The following buildings are some of the city’s most historically significant. They are also 100% Seattle.

Pike Place Market

Pike's Market

Many know of the Space Needle, yet Seattle residents may argue that this is Seattle’s greatest tourist attraction. Pike Place Market is one of the oldest public markets in the United States. Local craftspeople and farmers sell their goods at this location from tables they rent on a daily basis. This is not some corporate mock-up. It is a genuine “farmers’ market”. The market was established in 1907 after Seattle’s local farmers grew tired of being forced to sell through wholesalers. Corruption was rampant, and thus the market was established to solve the problem. Today, the market contains numerous shops, antique dealers, restaurants, butchers, fish-mongers, and stalls overflowing with fresh produce. photo credit:papalars

Space Needle

Seattle Space Needle

This is, without a doubt, the most iconic structure in city of Seattle. It was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, and its silhouette is known world wide. The tower’s shape is a hybrid of two proposals originally presented for its design. One was of a balloon tethered to the ground, the other of a flying saucer. Today what we effectively have is a flying saucer tethered to the ground. Standing at 605 feet, the equivalent of 60 stories, the Space Needle, when completed, was the tallest structure in the United States west of the Mississippi River. Impressively, the Space Needle is designed to withstand an earthquake of up to 9.1 on the Richter scale and winds of up to 250 miles per hour. This is partially due to the Space Needle?s massive foundation which places the structure’s center of gravity just five feet above the ground. Today the “UFO” houses a number of attractions, the most well known being the restaurant, “Sky City”. photo credit:fddi1

Pioneer Building

Pioneer Building

Completed in 1891, this is one of the most historically significant buildings in Pioneer Square. It is built of brick, stone, and other fire resistant materials, due to the Great Fire that had just occurred. The building’s heyday was during the Klondike Gold Rush when it was home to over 48 different mining operations. Historically, the building sits on the location of Henry Yesler’s first home. Yesler was Seattle’s first millionaire and could be attributed for Seattle existing at all. He arrived in 1852 and set up a steam powered saw mill, which brought about the city’s timber industry that carried it for decades. Today, the building still stands and houses numerous businesses. photo credit:?brianholsclaw

Smith Tower

Smith Tower at night

This is, quite simply, the oldest skyscraper in Seattle. Completed in 1914 it was tallest office building on the west coast until 1962, when the Space Needle was completed. Even more impressive, prior to 1931, it was the tallest office west of the Mississippi River. So how tall is it? Forty-Two stories. The building is currently used for office space, with the exception of a three-story penthouse. The building also features a curious throw-back, a fallout shelter. This throw-back, however, is out-done by something few have ever seen, live elevator operators. There has been talk of converting the entire building into condominiums, but that idea tends to come and go based on the economy and therefore how well the building’s occupancy rate is doing. photo credit:rutlo

Starbucks, the Original

"Original" Starbucks

In 1971, Starbucks opened their first store at the corner of Virginia and Pike Place. Don’t go their now, though, as in 1977 the original store moved to its current location one block south. This Starbucks was quite different from the ones we know today. For one thing, it didn’t sell cups of coffee. Yes, you read that right. The original Starbucks did not sell hot cups of coffee. Instead, they only sold coffee beans, and coffee makers. Today, you can visit the “original” Starbucks at its new location. photo credit:PunkJr

Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square circa 1900's

Not a building, but this location nonetheless needs to be mentioned. Pioneer Square is where Seattle began. The founders of the city settled here in 1852 after trying out another location at Alki Point. Unfortunately, as with much of Seattle from this early era, most of Pioneer Square burnt down during the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. Washington Mutual, the well known national bank, was established after this fire and came to prominence providing loans for the rebuilding of the city. This predates, and even reflects, the Bank of Italy, which gained prominence providing loans in San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. The Bank of Italy is today known as “Bank of America”. Today, Pioneer Square is considered the epicenter of Seattle’s nightlife as it is home to various bars, clubs, cafes, and art galleries. photo credit:?Seattle Municipal Archives

Seattle is a boomtown of boomtowns. Sure, other cities may claim this, but Seattle rivals them all. The first boom came with the establishment of the timber industry. The city would then fall into decline until booming again due to the Klondike Gold Rush. Decades later, the city would boom again when Boeing set up shop. As one can guess, the city would once again decline as Boeing downsized after World War II. Many feared this would mark the end of Seattle as a great city. A few years later, however, another company would move in from New Mexico and set up shop. That company was Microsoft, and it is still booming today.

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Historic Buildings in Seattle

Are you the type of person who jumps into a project without thinking twice? While this may be your personality, it does not always work out well when it comes to home improvement projects. It is almost always better to be patient when improving your home.

Here are three reasons why you should exercise more patience the next time you decide to take on a home improvement project:

1. Better results. When you spend more time planning and completing the project you are going to be more satisfied with the end result. Even if you are in a hurry to complete the job you do not have to rush from start to finish.

2. Fewer mistakes. Let?s face it; making a mistake during a home improvement project can cost you big time. If you don?t lose money, you are going to end up with a result that is not visually appealing. Avoiding all mistakes can go a long way in ensuring that you are 100 percent happy with the end result.

3. Less stress. When you rush anything, whether it is a home improvement project or something at work, you are putting a lot of extra stress on yourself. The more patient you are the more relaxed you will become.

As you can see, it is very important to be patient with home improvement projects. This will lead to better results, fewer mistakes, and less stress.

photo credit:?Jeremy Levine Design

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Be Patient with Home Improvement Projects

Curb appeal is very important. This is true no matter if you are selling your home, or plan on living there for many more years to come. When somebody pulls up in front of your home you want them to be blown away in a good way.

If your home has poor curb appeal you can change this by following the steps below:

1. What don’t you like? If you are having a hard time pinpointing the problem, get in your car and pull up in front of your home as if you are a visitor. What do you like? What don’t you like? This should lead you to the problems you are facing.

2. Find a solution. It is one thing to find the problem, but from there you need to immediately get started on the answer. For instance, laying sod may be all you need to take your yard from dirty mess to golf course appeal. Some people find that taking things away, such as too many accessories, can really make their home look better on the outside.

3. Hire a professional. Once you know what the problem is you need to decide if you can handle it on your own. If not, don’t be afraid to hire a professional. This costs money, but in the long run it will get you the desired result in a short period of time.

No matter how good the inside of your home looks, poor curb appeal can drag down its value.

photo credit:?patriotweb

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What to do about Poor Curb Appeal

Arnett-Fullen House

image via Wikipedia

This is the most iconic historic-home in Boulder, Colorado. It was built in 1877 by Willamette Arnett for approximately $4000. Obviously this was a considerable amount of money in 1877 equaling as much as $112,000 in today’s dollars. The house is Victorian in style, featuring impressive iron-works and the first indoor residential bathing room in Boulder, Colorado. A few years later it would also be the first home with central heating, cold running water, and an indoor restroom. The house has been meticulously restored; it as beautiful today, as it was over 130 years ago. A stopping block for carriages still rests outside, and hooks can still be found inside for kerosene lanterns. Arnett would die in Alaska in 1900, having headed there for the Klondike Gold Rush. In 1914, the home was purchased by Mrs. Hiram Fullen, the widow of a miner, who paid $17,500 for the property. The home was purchased in 1993 by Historic Boulder for $479,000 who have maintained it ever since.

Mork and Mindy House

Image via waymarking.com

Mork and Mindy, it’s the most famous sitcom ever to be set in Boulder, Colorado. While it was, of course, primarily shot on a television set, the exterior shots of Mindy’s house are of an actual home in Boulder. Located at 1619 Pine Street, the home still stands as it did in the late 70’s to early 80’s when the show aired. Mork and Mindy, although, was not the only television appearance for this home. In the last two seasons of Perfect Strangers, Larry and Balki moved into the house with their wives Jennifer and Mary Anne.

Columbia Cemetery

In 1869, after deciding Boulder was in need of a cemetery, the area’s Free Masons purchased a piece of land and established Columbia Cemetery. Unfortunately, less than a decade later it would become apparently that the cemetery grounds were ill maintained as cowboys would allow their cattle to graze atop the graves. Luckily by 1900, the cemetery was able to generate enough profit to afford proper care. In the early part of the 20th century, ownership of the cemetery was transferred to the Park Cemetery Association. In the 60’s it was then transferred then to the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department, who still maintain the now beautiful cemetery grounds to this day.

University of Colorado at Boulder

image via Wikipedia

Shortly after the state of Colorado was founded in 1876, an amendment was made to the state constitution providing funds for the creation of several state schools including the University of Colorado. Its location, however, had yet to be decided. The city of Boulder and Canon City both competed for the honor. Unfortunately, the consolation prize, to be the location of Colorado’s new state prison, left Canon City at a disadvantage as it was already home to Colorado’s territorial prison. Once Boulder was selected as the new school’s location, another problem had to be addressed. There were few preparatory schools in Colorado, let alone students ready for University schooling. To accommodate this, a preparatory school was also established on campus at the time. In 1917, with the school set for a massive expansion, an Italian Rural Architectural style was decided upon for the campus as it was believed the style would fit in well with Boulder’s foothills.

Hotel Boulderado

Image via Wikipedia

In 1905, the city council of Boulder came to believe the city’s growth was beginning to stagnate. To help improve the cities stature, it was decided a first class hotel should be built. The Hotel Boulderado opened in 1909, making it now a century old. Every room featured light fixtures running on both electricity and gas. Running hot water and central heating were also provided. Telephones would also be installed in most rooms. While the hotel has had its tough times, especially during the depression, today it is a wonderful as ever and open for business.

Fox Theater

Image via Wikipedia

Commonly known as “The Fox” the Fox Theater was constructed in 1926 and originally known as the Rialto Theater. The theater’s history is convoluted, but the earliest record (and therefore likely origin) of the “Fox” name appeared in 1930 when the “Fox Colorado Theatre Group” bought the building. There is even debate as to what the theater was used for originally as some newspaper articles claim is was a vaudeville theater while others indicate it was a cinema. Film historians can tell you, however, that in 1926 it was quite common for theaters to be both, exhibiting vaudeville and movies, sometimes together on the same night. The building has gone through a number of uses throughout the past several decades, including that of a night club, bar and grill, and cafeteria. Today, the theater is primarily used as a concert hall.

Whether it be a theater, graveyard, or a famous house on television, Boulder, Colorado is a city teeming with an eclectic array of Historic Sites and Buildings. It is well worth a look if one is seeking property in the state of Colorado.

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Historic and Famous Buildings in Boulder Colorado

1. New paint. Believe it or not, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way. Not only can this transform the look and feel of your bathroom, but it can cover up imperfections as well.

2. Change the floors. There are many ways to add new flooring to your bathroom without spending a lot of money. You can opt for vinyl, hardwood, or ceramic. Which one of these options best fits your budget and style? To save even more, learn how to do the job yourself.

3. Accessorize. Many people don?t realize just how far a few accessories can go. A picture here or there, along with some other small fixtures, can take your bathroom from boring and blah to wow!

There is a good chance that you spend a lot of time in your bathroom getting ready for the day, getting clean, etc. Why would you want to do so in a dingy room with nothing to offer? Follow the steps above and you will be well on your way to a cleaner looking bathroom that invites you in.

photo credit:?dprevite

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Three Steps to a Cleaner Looking Bathroom

1. Use mulch to create beds throughout your yard. A bag of mulch costs roughly $3. With a shovel and some sweat you can create mulch beds in the areas of your yard that need updated the most. To go along with this, you can buy cheap stone pavers to jazz it up even more.

2. Plant flowers. Just like mulch, flowers are very cheap. You can plant these in your mulch beds, alongside your walkway, around trees, or anywhere else that will look good. Be creative; the choice is yours!

3. Pull weeds. Talk about cheap. Pulling weeds is a great way to update the look and feel of your yard without spending a dime. Sure, it can take time and a lot of work to get rid of all the weeds in your yard. But once you do this you can be rest assured that it will look much better.

These are three of the cheapest (or free) do-it-yourself landscape projects that any homeowner can easily complete.

photo credit:?RO/LU

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Cheap Do-it-yourself Landscape Upgrades