Melanie Hood's Blog Posts

A slowdown in renovation projects is settling in after a pandemic-fueled boom, but there are plenty of reasons why the pullback may not last long.During the pandemic, Americans became ultra-focused

Despite an unrelenting state of limbo where buyers aren't buying and sellers aren't selling, there are small signs that spell hope in the weeks ahead.What a difference a year can make.Today’s

Doom piles (or doom boxes or bags) may be trending on TikTok right now, but the concept has been around forever. It's when you gather together a bunch of random stuff that's cluttering your space,

The garage is a place to keep our vehicles—and things would be a lot easier if we just stopped there. But, for many, this ultimate utilitarian space is clutter’s final graveyard. The

Options range from family loans to outright gifts to help your children buy a home.If you want to help your children buy a home there are a number of ways to go about it ranging from family loans to

NAR=National Association of RealtorsLLPA=Loan Level Price Adjustments (aka the added fee for those with higher credit scores).Fee changes announced by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lead to both

There are many pros and cons of buying a condo.Deciding whether to buy a condo or another type of property comes down to your lifestyle, preferences and budget. We break down the different factors

If you’re thinking about buying your first home, that pesky down payment has probably kept you awake more than a few nights. We get it—while a pre-approval is crucial for determining

You may be wondering if there are tax deductions when selling a home. And the answer is: You bet!Sure, you may remember way back to 2018 and its new tax code—aka the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act;

It used to be that impressive chef’s kitchens and massive, walk-in closets were at the top of every buyer’s list as they searched for homes, but a new home feature has made a sharp rise

This is a long article, so I'm including the link to the article, here. You'll know exactly what to put in your cabinets and drawers.When it comes to cabinets, you think, out of sight, out

We’ve been seeing a renewed focus on statement lighting for a while, but oversized pendant lights, specifically, are sprouting all over right now.While good lighting is essential in any

Your home is probably your greatest asset and investment. Pledge to take good care of it in the new year.When you own a home, a lot can go wrong. And it's important to prepare for that financially.

The Federal Reserve announced another .25% increase to its benchmark short-term interest rate this week, following a lot of speculation after the recent turmoil in the banking industry.

Consider this your ultimate spring cleaning handbook—especially if you're someone who doesn't like to spend days and days wiping and washing your way through your house. These time-saving tips

Ready for a front door refresh but not sure where to start? Look to these expert color tips and discover the perfect hue for your home.Your front door color shouldn't be an afterthought. After all,

Builders say negative housing headlines are keeping buyers from the market. Are negative headlines about the housing slowdown giving home buyers the jitters just as the busy spring season

The rent isn’t just too darn high—the apartment that you’re renting may well be getting too darn small, too.In 2022, the average size of new apartments was 887 square feet, a

Like most major milestones in life, becoming a first-time homeowner comes with quite a few learning curves. Even after you close on the house and it becomes officially yours, there’s still a

Trends come and go, but some should definitely stay gone. Sometimes it’s a mystery as to why trends even rose to popularity in the first place. Whatever the case, as you ring in the New Year,

After being overwhelmed in the housing frenzy of the recent past, homeowners, sellers, buyers, and renters may be underwhelmed in 2023. The slowdown in home sales transactions that began as mortgage

If you’re paying for a long-distance move, you’ll want to be sure you don’t waste money moving. Once you factor in the distance of your move and the size of the boxes required to

Kyla Wright's original plan was to complete her master's degree, move out of her parents' home and rent an apartment somewhere in Detroit. But once she started looking for rental units, her mother

TikTokers are posting their lived-in, not-always-spotless homes to show that authentic spaces don’t have to be perfect all the time.Looking at #designtok, you’d think that every standard

Looking to declutter your home? Here, we take a room-by-room approach with expert guidance on sorting, rethinking and reorganizing everything you own!Decluttering is a job that should be done

Are you wondering if it's time for your parents to move into a senior living community? Coming to the realization that your parents may not be able to do the things they did so effortlessly once

Refreshing your home in the New Year doesn't have to be about remodeling – these quick changes can breathe new life into your space, fastA New Year allows for a new outlook – and that

From weirdcore decor to rainwater collection, here are the home trends we’ll be watching.PHOTO: KATARZYNA BIALASIEWICZ/GETTY IMAGESWhenever you need a spark of inspiration, it’s

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun draws the distinctions between today’s real estate market and that of more than a decade ago.Many homeowners are still haunted by the 2008 housing crash when

The holidays present some challenges for downsizers.  While the idea of entertaining, giving and receiving gifts, and generally staying busy with seasonal obligations and activities can make us

Low-light conditions are always a challenge for the indoor gardener. Even plants that do well in outdoor shade tend to need more light when grown indoors, and this can be hard to come by unless you

Anyone who has watched House Hunters knows the term “turnkey home.” Usually one member of the house-hunting couple wants a fixer they can “put their mark on” and the other is

It’s been proven. Clutter is a bummer — literally.Dishes in the sink, toys throughout the house, stuff covering every flat surface. This clutter not only makes our homes look bad, but

The True Cost of WaitingHow much is waiting costing you?! Let’s take look at an example from the Denver market:You're purchasing a home that costs just under $650,000, which is near the

A yard should be a great place for your pet to roam free, exploring the outside without fear. But yes, while the yard can be a wonderful place for pets to play and enjoy time with or without you,

From small but annoying issues like leaving garbage behind to big safety concerns like painting over black mold, we’ve seen it all. The good news is that our experiences mean we have a short

While curb appeal is essential when selling your home, you want to consider the cost and budget appropriately. There are several ways to improve your landscape without spending an excessive amount

Sustainability is trending, especially among young buyers, and an aesthetically pleasing rain barrel offers cost savings and curb appeal.Outfitting a house with a rain barrel does more than collect

I love animals and thought this week would be a great time to add an article about Pets in your home as the weather is changing.  Photo Credits: Krista Mangulsone via UnsplashNot

(Colorado Springs, CO) – A new survey by Junior Achievement USA and Fannie Mae shows most teens (88%) would like to own a home someday. The survey reflects that most teens (85%) believe

You have probably heard at some point that “real estate is a great investment” or “real estate is the best way to earn additional income.” While it’s great to know that

Real estate over the last two and a half years can really be summed up by one phrase: Epic seller’s market. We’ve seen countless people list their homes and receive multiple

The turbulent story of America’s housing market has yielded yet another surprise twist. After steadily climbing to the record-shattering apex of $450,000 in June, home prices are at long

The season of backyard barbecues and lazy hammock-lounging days isn’t quite over yet, folks.Sure, the wisp of fall is in the air, but some of the best weather (read: sunny but not blisteringly

Whether you’re a homebuyer or a home seller, you’ll end up a home negotiator at some point in the process.The transactional nature of real estate exchanges means there will always be

I would rather avoid a fixer-upper because I feel some are what I call fix and flippers.  When someone buys low and goes in and fixes things, they tend to do it at a low cost, cutting corners,

Despite the sweltering heat, real estate’s red-hot tear is, at long last, slowing down and chilling out.In our series “How’s the Housing Market This Week?” we look at the

I’m turning 30 today, and according to standards set forth by leading personal finance experts, I’m a failure.Though I’ve been investing in a 401(k) since I got my first full-time

There is a shift happening in the housing market.After more than a year of soaring demand, exploding home prices and increasing real estate sales, the market finally seems to be cooling off.&ldquo

Here is a little history mixing the housing industry with the 4th of July. Enjoy!In the grand sweep of world history, the U.S. is a young country. Even so, there are plenty of homes built prior to

Baby boomers hold the majority of real estate wealth in the U.S.—and as they age, they increasingly say they plan to stay put in their current homes. Sixty-six percent of U.S. adults aged 55

Home prices across the nation have reached record highs and continue to increase. But there are early signs that a slowdown in prices is in the cards, as newly built home sales tumbled over 16% in

Moving into a new home is exciting but can become stressful with so many steps in the process. Laying out a schedule and determining all the tasks that need to be completed before moving day can

The Many Benefits of HomeownershipThe past two years have taught us the true value of homeownership, especially the stability and the feeling of accomplishment it can provide. But homeownership

Short sale vs. foreclosure:  Short sale and foreclosed homes are sometimes referred to as distressed properties. This doesn’t always mean the property is in physical distress, it

With the interest rates rising, inflation rising, and many unknowns with the market, it could be hard to make your mortgage payment.  I want to provide you some information about how to avoid

To learn about creating an emergency fund, be sure to click on the link in the article.  You don’t need to hear it from us – the price of just about everything has been rising

Fast-rising home prices? Check. Out-of-control bidding wars? Check. Investors flooding the market? Check.Over the past two years, the nation has watched worriedly as home prices seemed to hit a

It's never too late to:  Rearrange your furniture.  It gives you a new look, but may also help to sell the home.  You don't have to do this in January, you can do it anytime. 

DENVER (KDVR) — As the Federal Reserve progressively turns up the dial on interest rates, Denver-area realtors are seeing something that hasn’t happened in nearly a decade: the market is

Remaining at home as you age can bring its own challenges—and may require some new additions like grab bars, shower seats or chair lifts.Too often, though, people think adding these important

Home prices nationwide have just broken yet another record, with the national median listing price soaring to $405,000 for the first time ever, according to a recent Realtor.com®

MISTAKE NO. 1 Choosing a real estate agent who is not committed to forming a strong business relationship with you. HERE’S HOW TO AVOID IT Making a connection with the right real estate agent

Even though Condos and Townhomes are seeing slower price increases in February, the Denver County area shows prices jumping more than 15%.Now is the time to Buy. The Feds raised the interest rate a

Imagine yourself 10 years from now. Will you be happier or less happy than you are today? I ask my graduate students—average age, late 20s—this question every year. The majority

We are still in Winter in Colorado, even though Spring is just days away.Have you taken the steps needed to keep pipes in your home from freezing in cold winter weather? When pipes freeze, the extra

These tips and more, will help you see the endless possibilities there are when it comes to upgrading your outdoor space. There are design ideas that will give you inspiration to rethink the space

Owning a home can sometimes feel like a never ending project that takes up a lot of time and money. From dealing with small issues like a squeaky door or a leaky toilet to bigger problems like

Homeowners aged 62 and older saw their collective housing wealth increase in Q3 2021 by 4% compared to the previous quarter. This constitutes an increase of approximately $396 billion to a record$

I want to start by saying that even if a growing number of Americans are seeking rentals, it is still better to buy and own than to rent.  Interest rates are still pretty low and inventory is

The kitchen is the heart of the house where everyone congregated during the pandemic, and it’s still the go-to room for multiple functions—that means it keeps changing.The kitchen became

House plants can do wonders.  Bringing houseplants into your home not only adds character and a bit of nature to the space, but they are quite literally a breath of fresh air. As it

Aging in PlacePREPARING FOR infirmity is one of the most important—and least popular—parts of financial planning. A neighbor’s recent stroke provides a stark example of this

Throughout the ebbs and flows of 2021, interest rates remained low and buyer demand stayed consistently high. DMAR found there were more homes purchased in 2021, 63,684 than any previous year. While

Please stay alert and don't let your guard down with this Covid Virus, it is contagious and takes a while to recover whether you are vaccinated or not.  Stay Strong!In the meantime, enjoy this

Once you hit the half-century mark, you’ve likely accumulated a passel of belongings, some decent savings, and, quite possibly, some hard-earned real estate wisdom. But when it comes to buying

The number of higher-income millennials renting instead of buying a home is on the rise. The share of applications for apartments from people who earn more than $50,000 is at its highest level in

Inflation is a red-hot topic right now, and for good reason: In October, the annual inflation rate rose to an alarming 6.2%. That’s the highest it’s hit since November 1990, over 30

The Silver Tsunami, written by Steve WrightThe concepts of aging in place and universal design — that is flexible, durable design that is comfortable and accessible to all, including people

Holidays can be stressful, baking, shopping, hustle and bustle busy-ness, and when we shop for others, we tend to buy for ourselves too. We end up with more "stuff" and later wish we wouldn't have

No matter the size of your Thanksgiving gathering, hosting a large dinner can be overwhelming. If you are new to hosting Thanksgiving or looking for ways to make your day less stressful, check out

Autumn has arrived in all its splendor — the perfect excuse to ramp up your curb appeal. Make your neighbors envious of your festive front porch with these five fun decoration ideas:Corn Husk

Well, I need to remove an old fence and have a new fence built because the old fence is beyond repair, but have you seen the price of wood lately?   What is going on?For the seventh

Proposal Includes Key Housing ProvisionsCongressional leaders released a long-awaited framework Thursday for President Joe Biden’s signature Build Back Better plan, proposing a top-line price

Time for the lids to stop piling up in the corner of your cabinet and store your pots properly.  Here are four ideas you can start with:1) Pot and pan lid storage bar.  Install a single,

If approved, the Low-Income First Time Homebuyers (LIFT) Act of 2021 would offer 20-If approved, the Low-Income First Time Homebuyers (LIFT) Act of 2021 would offer 20-year mortgages

It seems like just about everyone these days is trying to get a bigger home, a first home, a vacation home—or maybe just a new place in a cheaper part of the country. At least they’re

With millennial first-time buyers taking advantage of record low mortgage rates and jumping into homeownership, many are likely unaware of the projects they may have to undertake to get

Whether you’re buying a new home you’d like to stay in for the long haul or updating the home you already have and love, universal design can ensure the property is accessible to all

Because of the bravery and sacrifices of veterans and active military, the rest of the country’s civilians can live the American dream in safety. As one tangible way to say “thank you

We know it's tough out there for buyers right now, but don't give up contingencies.All of this demand means buyers are going to ever-greater lengths to make their offer stand out. They’re

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. That percentage is even higher for older individuals.  Ever

Moving is stressful for everyone.  It's in the top 5 most stress our bodies struggle with.  Imagine your pets, those furry buddies who thrive on consistency.  They stress like we do

FHA Updates Student Loan Calculation Guidelines to Benefit HomebuyersHistorically, homebuyers with student loan debt have had trouble qualifying for mortgages due to their debt-to-income ratio.

I'm sure no one wants to die, or even think about it, but it is going to happen to all of us so we should try to plan ahead, especially if we own property.  If you have any questions about this

I am a huge animal lover and would love to help you find a new home to buy and get your pets settled in.  See below for a Dog Park finder locator.Moving into a new home is an exciting.

A reverse mortgage can allow you to “age in place” at your home during retirement by turning your existing home equity into a source of income. While that may be your

I am working with Clients now that have a USDA Loan. What is it? USDA loans are home loans issued or guaranteed by the United States Department of Agriculture. These loans are part of the USDA

By Lorie Jackson.Over the past year, Americans spent more time outdoors than perhaps ever before. Much like during the height of the pandemic, this summer’s outdoor living trends build on the

The kitchen is where everyone hangs out. So shouldn't it be a place you enjoy and want to share with everyone?The kitchen is the heart of a home. It’s where you cook family meals, bake

Steps to make the process easierI recently had a friend lose her mother and although the plan was always to sell the house, a few issues rose up dealing with power of attorney, executor, estate

8 Reasons to Use a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your HomeSelling a home is nothing like finding a buyer for a piece of furniture or even a car; it’s a complicated process with a great deal of

Are you living in a Landlord's investment property but they don't take care of things or you're tired of rent increases?The Trump Administration initiated the eviction ban last year during the

Are you looking to add some value to your home but don’t have a big budget? Or do you want to improve its aesthetic without breaking the bank?Making improvements to your home doesn’t

Down payments can be a big hurdle when buying a home. In fact, nearly a third of first-time buyers received money from friends or relatives to source their down payment.  Millennial

Here are a few tips to help with visiting a nursing home during Covid 19.  Call the Nursing home and inquire:1) What is the Nursing Home doing to make it save for visitors to visit?2) 

Does having a pet improve your health?  As you get older, you're likely to find yourself at home more and if you're alone, a pet can help take away that loneliness.  If you have physical

When families are starting out, there are a few advantages to renting a home: Rent may be cheaper than a mortgage; no worry of home repairs and relocation for a job is easier. But, families often

With the new Administration, do you think interest rates will stay low?  Inventory is low, so how can you buy the house you want when the rates are low if there are no houses available?I'm

A neighbor of mine passed away and her daughter was the Power of Attorney (POA). We were working together to put her mom's house on the market to sell after getting her mom moved to assisted living.

Well, I have an Open House coming up in mid-March and I would love for everyone to attend.                             

I was sitting here trying to think of topics to research and write about and then it dawned me... rather than me tell anyone anything, why don't I ask what do they want?My first question to you

Is it too early to talk about planting flowers?  Sometimes the snow and cold can put you in a depressed mood while you wait for warmer days.  Maybe now is a good time to plant some flowers

I am your Senior Real Estate Specialist and I specialize in helping Seniors find a home to meet their aging needs. I can help you downsize your current home and move into a less stressful place

Thinking of buying a home?  Inventory is low in Colorado right now,search homes yourself and see.  So Agents are hoping the market changes but for that to happen, you need to sell your

What is Earnest Money?  Well, according to Wikipedia, earnest money is:  A specific form of security deposit made in some major transactions such as real estate dealings or required

This article has some great information so I'm sharing it from Beverly Bird.Did you have unemployment benefits last year?  Did the pandemic affect your salary?  Many Americans who

Homebuying trends are emerging due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.                 Some trends fade away, but these are here to stay: 1. 

Why do buyers need a real estate agent? Professional real estate agents have experience, teams to support you, and a deep understanding of every facet of the homebuying process. Hiring the right

If you have flooding from groundwater outside when the rain comes down hard and you have poor drainage around your house, or lots of snow melt in the Spring, water sensors will help. If the water

Today, the market is slowing, the holidays are coming, but you can still find an affordable single family house in the 80232 area to share your Covid lock-down time in 2021.  Check them out.

Holidays can be stressful, even during COVID, baking, shopping, hustle and bustle busy-ness, and when we shop for others, we tend to buy for ourselves too. We end up with more "stuff" and later wish

It's time to think about winterizing your home to prevent damage to your properties. Here are a few tips:Set the thermostat no lower than 60 degrees.Shut off and drain your sprinkler system

I am a Horse Owner Realtor.  I can help you find horse property in Colorado. Here are some things to consider when looking for horse property:Figure out how much land you will need. 

In 2020, cities are seeing their residents flee to the suburbs and beyond. While space has become more of a trend in the last decade, COVID-19, politics, and incomes are driving singles, families,

The Great War, World War I, ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Veteran's Day began under Woodrow Wilson as Armistice Day one year later on the first anniversary of the

These homes are very affordable in Lakewood, CO:  Click Here   If you see anything you want to get into, please contact me by texting:  melaniehood   to   

When you are tired of renting and start hearing from your friends and family that interest rates are so low, you could buy a house cheaper than paying rent every month, it's time to really look into

Should you create deadlines to purchase a home?Well, you'll want to be flexible if you have a deadline so you don't rush making decisions or pay too much for a home, but you'll want to be ready to

I did it!  My mom referred her neighbor and my friend referred her daughter and I matched them together after discovering their needs, so we closed the deal and everyone was happy.  You

If you are looking for a home, you need to be ready to make an offer when you find the home you want.  First, you need to find a Realtor, so they can help you find the home, then get the offer

Hi, my name is Melanie Hood, I am a Realtor working in the Denver, CO Metro area.  The recent house  I sold, I donated $100.00 to the Referral's Charity.  I will do the

Fall is coming and then Winter, but it's never too soon to think about your garden or yard.  If you plan now, you can have beautiful flowers spring up next year.  Deciding what to plant is

Trying to see what the Seller's home perspective is, may help you purchase the home.My name is Melanie Hood and I sell Real Estate in the Denver Metro area.  I would love to help

Collaborate with a Real Estate AgentHi, my name is Melanie Hood and I sell real estate in the Denver Metro area. I work with all types of buyers, including first time home owners.;

Did you know you have options when investing in Real Estate?My name is Melanie Hood and I sell Real Estate in the Denver Metro area.  I would love to help you with your

Hi, this is Melanie Hood, a Realtor with EXIT Realty Cherry Creek, here to help you make decisions on your future purchase.  Are you the kind of person who likes to fix things? 

Are you wondering how the market is doing during the COVID-19 Pandemic?Let me help you get the home of your dreams. If you have a home to sell, I can help get you top dollars for it.I am also

During these hot times, if you don't have a swamp cooler or central air conditioning to cool you down in your home, now is a good time to look at mini air conditioning units or individual room.&

Hi, my name is Melanie Hood, and I'm a reator working for EXIT Realty Cherry Creek.  I know some great hard wood floor finishers who would love to give you a quote on your hard wood.  

Hi, my name is Melanie Hood, and I'm a realtor in the Denver Metro area working for EXIT Realty.  Were you able to take any deductions from selling your home last year?  Check out

Do your homework before deciding to live in an HOA as there are pros and cons.  Not everyone should live in an HOA, you need to learn more about the HOA, the area and if it is something you can

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Hi, Melanie Hood here. Do you own a home? During this "stay-at-home" time, we should be investing in our own home.Now is a good time to fix what is broken, not just for yourself, but one day, you

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I just put a house under Contract in Lakewood, check out more homes for sale in this zip code (80232):  https://melaniehood.denverhomesearchnow.com/ask

SOLD - - - 1667 So. Yarrow Ct. Lakewood, CO  80232Beautiful home coming soon in Lakewood. Within blocks to shopping and restaurants. Five bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, finished basement, finished

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