5 New Year Resolutions for Your Home

by | Jan 14, 2016

Snowy Mountain Home

January is full of resolutions, so why not make a few for your home? There are plenty of ways to create a fresh start in your home and make it cleaner, more efficient and a generally happier place to be.

1. Increase Energy Efficiency/Reduce your Carbon Footprint

Have the ductwork throughout your home properly inspected to minimize any warm or cool air leaks that might occur through holes or loose connections. Ducts tend to be hidden in your walls, ceilings, attics or crawlspaces, making it a challenging DIY task. To hire a pro you can expect to spend about $1,000 or more depending on the size of your home and accessibility of your ducts. However, by sealing and insulating ductwork you could see hundreds of dollars in savings each year.

Other ways you could reduce your energy usage include:

  • Install solar panels on your roof
  • Install compact fluorescent bulbs
  • Use low-flow showerheads
  • Hang your clothes to dry
  • Only run the dishwasher or washing machine when full
  • Turn off your power strips and/or set your home computer to revert to sleep mode when not in use
  • Use drought-tolerant landscaping and reduce the necessity to water

Your commitment to energy efficiency could also land you helpful rebates and incentives. Check out this site to see if there is a program that could help you: http://www.dsireusa.org

2. Clear the Clutter

A simple way to clean your home and make it feel more fresh and inviting is to clear the clutter. It is easy to let things accumulate throughout the year, making the things we love harder to find and spaces to appear smaller and smaller.

Commit to going room by room and donating anything that remains unused, unworn or unloved- giving it a second chance to be appreciated by someone else and freeing up some space. Then, think twice about bringing in anything new that won’t effectively add to your life in some way.

Stash useful but not necessarily pretty items such as shoes, DVDs, mail, etc. in baskets and decorative bins to keep them from overwhelming your space. Shred any unnecessary documents and recycle those odds and ends that tend to collect in everyone’s favorite “junk” drawers.

Clearing your space will help you breathe a little easier and also leave room for the important things.

3. Keep it Safe and Sound

The New Year is the perfect time to do a safety audit of your home including:

  • Changing the batteries in the smoke detectors
  • Ensuring you have at least one carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home
  • Checking your home for radon- you can find test kits at your local hardware store for around $20
  • Cleaning out your dryer lint trap in your machine and any ducts and vents leading to the machine. The material that collects can be highly combustible and present a fire risk

4. Inject New Life in Your Home by Exercising your DIY Skills

It is a beautiful Pinterest kind of world and there are plenty of DIY projects to help you refresh your home. Here are some collections of ideas that you can use to reinvent your space:

5. Make Your Home More Inviting for Guests

Even if you only have the occasional dinner party or overnight visitor, it is nice to keep your high traffic areas looking fresh and inviting. Once you’ve cleared the areas of clutter, showcase items that stimulate conversation or provide comfort (think soft fabrics and plush sofas/pillows) where guests can kick back and feel at home. An inexpensive way to make your home seem polished and put together is to have window coverings like curtains versus just blinds or shutters. They have a way of pulling together décor and creating a warm and soft environment.

 

*Photo courtesy of Flickr user Amber Case

Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

by | Nov 24, 2015

While the Thanksgiving holiday might make you think of turkey, ham and all the “traditional” fixings, there are plenty of alternatives that do not include animal products. If you’re already a vegetarian/vegan or if you’re looking to switch things up this year, check out some of these recipes to create a meal that will keep your belly and your heart satisfied. Please note we are not affiliated with any of the included blogs, rather we found these tasty recipes and thought they were worth sharing! Have a favorite of your own? Share it below in the comments.

 

Fall 2015 Wheel Estate Update

by | Oct 28, 2015

Wheel Estate Email Blast

Around this time of year, things really start to move in a blur – Thanksgiving arrives, then suddenly it’s December, and before we know it, the confetti has flown and we’re beginning a brand new year! I hope your holiday season is full of fun, family, friends, and as little stress as possible. Here are some current Boulder Real Estate stats as well as some useful articles from low-cost green home improvements to must-haves for new homeowners. Enjoy this special time of year, and please give me a call any time.

The average sales price for a home in Boulder rose nearly 9.6 percent last month compared to a year ago, according to the latest stats from the Boulder Area Realtor’s Association. For a full report please visit: http://www.baraonline.com/sites/bara/files/statistics/SeptMI.pdf

In this month’s email you will find:

  • Low-cost green upgrades
  • A kitchen upgrade that won’t break the bank
  • Fix it or quit it?
  • Must-haves for your first home
  • Ask yourself these questions, What mortgage is good for me
  • Another day, another list; this time, most artistic

Don’t miss out on valuable real estate and Boulder area updates! Sign up now to receive periodic Wheel Estate news delivered to your inbox.


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    Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

    by | Sep 23, 2015

    Beautiful Fall colors in the treesIt is officially Fall and it is time to prep your home for the cold weather that is sure to follow. As Coloradans, we realize that though it is sunny and warm today, cold and snow could strike at any time! We’ve compiled some of the best tips across the web on ways to get your home ready for the colder months of the year.

    • Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts.
    • Check for drafts and seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors with weather-stripping and caulk.
    • Inspect your roof for damaged or curled shingles, corroded flashing, or leaky vents.
    • Take steps to repair damaged sidewalks, driveways, and steps.
    • Drain and winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems.
    • Clean or replace dirty furnace filters.
    • Do a survey of your home’s heating vents to make sure they’re not blocked or covered by furniture, carpeting, or curtains. Dust vents and clean all filters. Make an appointment for an annual heating system check-up.
    • Your ducts are often times out of sight, out of mind, tucked away in the attic or basement, but a home with central heating can lose about 20% of the air that moves through the duct system. Make sure your ducts are in order by properly sealing and insulating. Tightly sealed and insulated ducts can potentially reduce your annual energy bills by $120 or more!
    • Check fireplaces for soot or creosote build-up. Better yet, schedule a visit from a reputable chimney sweep.
    • Clean the plates or pads of your humidifier to ensure efficient operation.
    • If you have a gas-fired room heater, have it inspected by a pro. Also, perform any routine maintenance recommended by the maker.
    • Wood stoves are popular in older homes. To avoid a dangerous situation, be sure to inspect your wood stove before firing it up.
    • A home safety check should be an annual ritual in every household. Test smoke and CO monitors, inspect (or install) fire extinguishers, review fire escape plans, and rid your home of old newspapers and other fire hazards.
    • Drain your water heater and clear out any debris that has settled in the tank
    • Buy ENERGY SAVER products and bulbs to light your outdoor pathways or porches. ENERGY STAR makes CFL and LED flood lights that can withstand snow and rain. As an extra energy-saving effort, look for ENERGY STAR products that come with automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors. And be sure to decorate with LED holiday lights to reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays.

     

    ________________________________________________________________

    Resources:

    http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/maintenance/weatherizing/your-homes-fall-checklist/

    http://www.rd.com/home/improvement/prepare-your-home-for-fall-and-winter/#ixzz3kq3zO2xx

    http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/cozy-colder-weather-5-ways-prepare-your-home-fall-and-winter-part-1

    Photo courtesy of http://www.stockvault.net

    by | Sep 14, 2015

    Keep Up With Things to Do in Boulder

    Boulder Theatre, CO

    Photo of the Boulder Theatre courtesy of Pam Morris on Flickr.

    Boulder and the surrounding areas offer an endless array of things to do from shopping and dining to outdoor adventure and live entertainment, so how do you keep up with everything that is going on? Below are some of our favorite sites to check out when looking for a day/night on the town.

    Downtown Boulder: Downtown Boulder offers a filterable list for easy searches and clean format for easy browsing

    Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureau: Robust descriptions and easy search tools allow you to quickly zero in on plans for your day

    Boulder Weekly: Boulder’s popular news source offers a more visual way to break down local events with 13 categories to select from.

    Pollstar: Looking primarily for live music? Pollstar compiles data for concerts across the nation and offers the latest in music news. A great resource for those who don’t want to miss the next big thing.

    What are some of your favorite local and not so local activities? Join us on Facebook to discuss!

    2015 4th of July Celebrations

    by | Jun 24, 2015

    Boulder 4th of July Celebration

    There are many ways to celebrate the 4th of July weekend in the Denver Metro and Front Range areas. From festivals, to sporting events and of course fireworks- there is something for everyone!

    112TH ANNUAL COWBOY’S ROUNDUP DAYS & 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

    WHEN: July 1 – 5, 2015
    WHERE: Steamboat Springs
    COST: Free

    For over 100 years Steamboat Springs, Colorado has celebrated Independence Day in true western fashion. Events like the 4th of July Parade and the Ranch Rodeo where local ranches compete against one another are proof Steamboat’s western roots are alive and well.

    Take a float down the Yampa River then head over to one of the biggest nights of the summer Pro Rodeo Series. After the rodeo, keep your seat and watch the sky fill up with the beautiful colors of one of the biggest firework shows in Colorado.

    CHERRY CREEK ARTS FESTIVAL

    WHEN: July 3-5, 2015
    WHERE: Cherry Creek North, from 2nd to 3rd Avenues, on the seven streets between Columbine and Steele Sts.
    COST: Free
    This free, outdoor extravaganza — the city’s signature cultural celebration of the visual, performing and culinary arts – gives more than 350,0000 annual visitors the chance to meet and talk with international visual artists, enjoy a wide range of family friendly fun and  sample fine cuisine. At the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, experience Artivity Avenue, a full block of interactive activities perfect for youngsters. Visit the Cultural Pavilion, where music, dance and theater from around the globe will be presented. Culinary Avenue features tasty treats and live cooking demonstrations from some of Denver’s most popular eateries.

    CITY OF BOULDER 4TH OF JULY – STAR SPANGLED SPLASH

    WHEN: July 4, 2015 8am – 6pm (gates open at 6am)
    WHERE: Boulder Reservoir
    COST: Free / Check Site for Volleyball tourney costs
    Celebrate the 4th of July with BBSC at the REZ!
    This year’s Independence Day at the Boulder Reservoir will be bigger and better than ever! Register for the 5K and 10K to start off the celebration the healthy way, and then enjoy beer, food, live music and more at the Rez!

    CITY OF LOUISVILLE 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS

    WHEN: July 4, 2015 6pm – 10:30pm
    WHERE: Coal Creek Golf Course: 585 West Dillon Road Louisville, Colorado 80027
    COST: Free
    Live music, food trucks/concessions, free activities for kids of all ages in celebration of the 4th of July. There is no parking at the Golf Course but rather shuttles will run from 6-11pm from the Louisville Recreation Center and Home Depot parking lots.

    CITY PARK JAZZ

    WHEN: July 5, 2015, 6 p.m.
    WHERE: City Park Bandstand, 17th Ave. and Colorado Blvd.
    COST: FREE
    There’s no better way to end the long weekend than with a free concert in City Park. City Park Jazz takes place every Sunday evening in June and July.

    CONCERTS AT RED ROCKS

    WHEN: July 3 & 6, 2015
    WHERE: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison
    COST: Varies
    Celebrate Independence Day Weekend at Red Rocks! July 3 sees the improvisatory genius of Umphrey’s McGee arrive at this one-of-a-kind venue. Blues Traveler, along with Guster and Hanson, will return to Red Rocks on July 4 for their 21st year at the historic venue. On July 5, things get loud with the the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, which features Slayer as headliner, plus five more heavy metal bands. July 6 brings rockers Steely Dan with special guest Elvis Costello & The Imposters.

    FIREWORKS AT ELITCH GARDENS THEME & WATER PARK

    WHEN: July 4, 2015
    WHERE: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, 2000 Elitch Cir.
    ONLINE COST: Tickets start at $34.99
    Spend the day riding the roller coasters and the water slides at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, Denver’s downtown amusement park, and then watch a brilliant fireworks display light up the night sky, starting at dusk.

    FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

    WHEN: July 3, 2015
    WHERE: Denver’s Art Districts
    COST: Free
    Visit with Denver’s vibrant creative community at The Mile High City’s art districts for the 4th, including Art District On Santa Fe, RiNo (River North Art District) and the Tennyson Street Cultural District. Galleries stay open late as art lovers enjoy live music, food and drink, and of course, plenty of great art.

    FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

    WHEN: July 2 – 5, 2015
    WHERE: Pagosa Springs
    ONLINE COST: Free
    4th of July in Pagosa Springs is an incredible week long celebration! The town hosts a huge carnival in Town Park, the annual Red Ryder Rodeo, the Park to Park Arts & Crafts festival along the downtown Riverwalk and a lively parade.

    THE GREELEY STAMPEDE

    WHEN: June 25 – July 5, 2015
    WHERE: Island Grove Regional Park 600 North 14th Avenue Greeley, Colorado 80631
    COST: 6-12($2), 13-60($5), 61($2)
    The Greeley Stampede spans two weekends and features pro-rodeo, bull-riding and kids rodeos, country and classic rock concerts, demolition derby, streamed online 4th of July parade, Carnival Midway, Western Art Show, free stage entertainment, and loads of festival grounds activities, mixed with food and fun galore.

    INDEPENDENCE EVE PRESENTED BY ANADARKO

    WHEN: July 3, 2015, 8 p.m.
    WHERE: Civic Center Park, Broadway and Colfax
    COST: Free
    The annual Independence Eve Celebration in Civic Center Park will feature a free patriotic concert, an innovative light show on the Denver City and County Building and a stunning fireworks finale. Lawn seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis; blankets or low-rise concert/beach chairs are encouraged. Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnics; concessions will also be present on-site. Civic Center is easily accessible by light rail, bus, bicycle or the 16th Street Free MallRide and use of public transportation is encouraged. Information on nearby Denver B-cycle bike-sharing locations is available. Parking is available at nearby surface lots and parking garages as well.

    LIBERTY RUN 4 MILE RUN AND FIRECRACKER KIDS FUN RUN

    WHEN: July 4, 2015
    WHERE: Washington Park, bordered by Virginia Ave. on the north, Downing St. on the west, Louisiana Ave. on the south, and Franklin St. on the east
    COST: Adult registration is $35, kids are free
    Work off all the BBQ and cake by running in the Liberty 4-Mile Run. Wear your red, white and blue proud and enjoy the celebration. Prizes will be given to kids and adults with the best patriotic flair. After the run enjoy food and beverages.

    THE OUTLAWS – AND FIREWORKS!

    WHEN: July 4, 2015
    WHERE: Sports Authority Field at Mile High, 1701 Bryant St.
    COST: Tickets start at $26
    Denver’s professional lacrosse team the Denver Outlaws are battling it out with the Boston Cannons. After the game, enjoy fireworks within the bowl at Sports Authority Field at Mile High — pyrotechnics paired with visuals on a 220-foot wide, hi-definition screen. You’ll never forget this kind of fireworks show!

    PARK HILL 4TH OF JULY PARADE

    WHEN: July 4, 2015, 1:30 p.m.
    WHERE: Park Hill, on 23rd Ave. from Dexter St. to Krameria St.
    COST: Free
    The Park Hill 4th of July Parade is back! This community-friendly event will again be marching along 23rd Avenue on Independence Day. This year’s parade promises to be bigger than ever before, with marching bands, acrobats and festive floats.

    RALPHIE’S INDEPENDENCE DAY BLAST 2015

    WHEN: July 4, 2015, 8:00 p.m.
    WHERE: Folsom Field, 2085 Colorado Avenue, Boulder 80309
    COST: Free

    8:00 PM – Gates Open

    8:30 PM – The Mighty Twisters, Mad Hops jump rope team, and everybody’s favorite, Ralphie!

    We will also have the Boy Scouts Color Guard to present the colors for the National Anthem, to help us remember the real reason for this celebration.

    The fireworks will begin as soon as it’s dark, approximately 9:40 PM.

    THE RAPIDS – AND FIREWORKS!

    WHEN: July 4, 2015
    WHERE: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City
    COST: Tickets start at $31
    Denver’s hometown heroes the Colorado Rapids are taking on the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on July 4 — stick around for the fireworks display after the game!

    TOWN OF ERIE 3RD OF JULY EXTRAVAGANZA!

    WHEN: July 3, 2015 festivities begin at 5:00pm
    WHERE: Colorado National Golf Club: 2700VistaParkway, Erie,CO 80516
    COST: Free
    Bring your family to celebrate Independence Day on July 3rd and enjoy fireworks, good music and a variety of delicious food and drinks! Children’s activities will include bungee trampolines, inflatable bouncy land, mechanical bull rides, obstacle courses, climbing walls, clowns, games and face-painting!*

    TOWN OF SUPERIOR 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

    WHEN: July 4, 2015
    WHERE: Parade starts at Rock Creek Parkaway / Community Park
    COST: Free
    This year’s theme for the July 4th festival and parade is “America the Beautiful“. The event features the Superior Mile, a community parade with fantastic neighborhood and business floats, a pancake breakfast at Community Park and fun for kids of all ages. The parade starts at 8:30 am on Rock Creek Parkway along Purple Park. The lineup for the floats will begin at 7:30 am – pedestrian line up begins at 8:00 am. The Town will provide a limited supply of red, white and blue steamers and ribbons for those wanting to ride or walk in the parade. The parade will follow Rock Creek Parkway and end at Community Park. The pancake breakfast will begin in Community Park at 9:00 am. Make sure to hang out after breakfast and enjoy the fun. There will be plenty of vendors, interactive games, prizes, inflatables for kids and lots more!

    WICKED

    WHEN: Through July 5, 2015
    WHERE: The Buell Theatre, Speer Blvd. and Arapahoe St.
    COST: Tickets start at $35
    The wildly popular Broadway hit performs its final weekend in Denver over the 4th of July holiday. Don’t miss Wicked‘s story of how two girls — one born with green skin — became friends in the land of Oz, long before that girl from Kansas arrived.

    ZAC BROWN BAND JEKYLL + HYDE 2015 TOUR

    WHEN: July 3, 2015
    WHERE: Coors Field
    Three-time GRAMMY winners and multi-platinum artists Zac Brown Band have become one of music’s most heralded acts and will be in The Mile High City this summer. The Zac Brown Band will continue their national JEKYLL + HYDE tour with a July 3rd concert at Coors Field.

    *Photo courtesy of: Theodore Chen/Flickr