All Things Home Sloan's Lake | Blog

All things home. That’s summed up my January. With a polar vortex, short days and snow, we’ve spent a lot of time inside our home this month. Even though we moved back in after the renovation almost a year ago, we’re still exploring the ways we use each of our spaces. I’ve found myself sitting in each room, thinking about what feels good about the space (and why), what could be revised over time; what could make it more “us”. That’s one of the joys of owning a home: knowing you can change it if you want, and that those changes can increase the value while also making it a better fit for you.

One of the best parts of my job is that I get to be that source of “all things home” for clients and friends. And no, I’m not the expert in all of these things, but I can point people to the experts. Of course, knowing the market is helpful so that my clients, past and future, understand the value of their homes. But I’ve learned that my job is more than just knowing the market. It’s knowing what home project will pay off; what HVAC tech will properly service your furnace; what local designer will best suit your needs; what paint color is trending; what comp will help or hurt your future sale. If you’re reading this or are a past client and ever need help with anything related to your home, know I’m a text message away.

After hosting over the holidays and filling our house with family, friends and joy, January felt empty at first. But now, as the month wraps up, I realize that the quiet was beautiful and restorative (and it gave me the rest needed as we speed FULL force into the early Spring market). I skipped resolutions this year and instead, sitting by the fire, I enjoyed working through artist Kimothy Joy’s 2024 Wheel of Intentions. We baked bread, worked on our scrapbooks, made forts, sewed, read (this was a goodie), and painted with watercolor. At work, I prepared a marketing and social media plan with my assistant, Alison. I met with clients preparing to list and prospective buyer clients ready to start their search. And of course, I showed and previewed properties all along the way.

I know gifting season is done, but a recap is always nice! Some favorite home gifts I gave or received over the holidays were: This children’s book about all the types of homes we inhabit; This bread warmer basket that keeps your bread warm until you sit down at the dinner table; These waffle knit bath towels that instantly absorb the cold and wet from your shower; and these sisal soap savers, for when you travel and use the fancy hotel soap… and just don’t want to leave it behind!

As you prep for the busy spring market, know that buyer demand is already increasing. Pending (or under contract) listings are up, odds of selling has increased, showings are up almost 15% week over week, and median days on market has come down considerably. Signs are pointing towards a competitive spring market. But of course, Sellers should remember that the homes that garner the highest prices and fewest days on market are the ones that are priced right, in tip-top condition and marketed correctly. If a sale is in your plans for 2024, we should be talking now so you’re prepared and poised to get the price you deserve.

Finally, if 80’s theme parties are your thing or if you like supporting local non-profits, I hope you’ll consider joining me and the Sloan’s Lake Park Foundation on February 23rd at the Sloan’s Lake Prom. Hosted at Son’s of Italy in Wheat Ridge, this is sure to be a hilarious night of fun. I’ll share pictures in my next post.

- Caitlin