Melanie Hood's Blog Posts

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

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

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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