Just Listed: Built in 1901, this turn of the century one level home is ready for its new owner!

Built in 1901, this turn of the century one level home is ready for its new owner!

While charming original details like the well crafted trim, ornamented door knobs and backplates, and high ceilings remind us of the Victorian era, thoughtful updates throughout bring in the comfort of the 21st century. The spacious and bright kitchen makes every home chef happy with stainless steel appliances, a 5 burner gas top range, French door fridge, quartz countertops and a deep stainless steel sink while there is enough storage space in the beautiful butler's pantry! The bathroom invites for a spa shower with high quality tiles and a gorgeous granite shower seat. Who would not love to wake up in the primary bedroom looking through French doors into the backyard and onto the mountains on a clear day? The 2nd bedroom and 3rd bedroom or office give enough space for more people or guests! Part of the updates are also brand new vinyl windows in 2022 and a new roof in 2018. And best of all: You can walk to downtown Colorado Springs, Monument Valley Park (Pickle Ball!), Colorado College, and more!

Listed by Anne-Kathrin Cao for West + Main Homes. Please contact Anne for current pricing + availability.

 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(405) 652-6635
hello@westandmain.com

Presented by:
Anne Kathrin-Cao
210-970-1144
anne.cao@mrs-ann.com

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New York City May Be Sinking Under the Weight of Its Skyscrapers

A scientific journal suggests that the city’s 1.68 trillion pounds of buildings are causing the city to descend, in some neighborhoods faster than others, according to Architectural Digest.

From the Financial District’s sky-high centers of economic power to the pricey pads that rise above Billionaires’ Row, the great volume of towering buildings is part of what gives New York City its identity. But according to new research cited by the New York Post, the weight of those same buildings that give the Big Apple its soaring sense of bravado could contribute to the city sinking. 

That’s according to the work of three University of Rhode Island oceanologists and a researcher from the US Geological Survey, who collaborated to publish their findings in the scientific journal Earth’s Future. The scholars first estimated the cumulative weight of New York’s buildings to be 1.68 trillion pounds, and then calculated the downward pressure these buildings exert on the mixture of clay, sand, and slit that make up most of the ground beneath the city’s streets. 

Based on their model, New York experiences a “subsidence rate” (the technical term for sinking) of about one to two millimeters per year on average, though Lower Manhattan, as well as particular areas of Brooklyn and Queens, show a propensity for greater subsidence risk. As the authors note in their paper, much of lower Manhattan is currently no more than one to two meters above sea level, possibly exacerbating the effects of climate change in turn.

While one to two millimeters per year may not seem that much, the study’s authors warn that this amount is more than enough to cause major coastal cities serious problems in the future. “The combination of tectonic and anthropogenic subsidence, sea level rise, and increasing hurricane intensity imply an accelerating problem along coastal and riverfront areas,” the paper states. “Repeated exposure of building foundations to salt water can corrode reinforcing steel and chemically weaken concrete, causing structural weakening.” 

As the study’s authors further point out, this level of annual collapse could potentially exacerbate the impact of extreme weather events like Hurricane Sandy, which saw sea water pour into New York. Combined with research which suggests that greenhouse gas could play a role in increasing the frequency of hurricanes, as well as the fact that “the threat of sea level rise is 3–4 times higher than the global average along the Atlantic coast of North America,” this subsidence plays a small but meaningful role in a bigger, more dire picture. 

The paper concludes with an emphasis on the importance of strategies that could minimize the impact of inundation from sea water. However, the authors implicitly argue that New York’s developers still aren’t taking the risk of rising waters seriously enough. “New York City is ranked third in the world in terms of future exposed assets to coastal flooding,” the paper reads, and “90% of the 67,400 structures in the expanded post–Hurricane Sandy flood risk areas have not been built to floodplain standards.” 

With UN reports estimating that the percentage of the world’s population living in urban areas could increase to as much as 68% by 2050, coastal cities should take notice of New York’s slow sinking. Though it would hardly be prudent to topple every skyscraper and start over, perhaps research like this will inspire ingenious solutions that can help New York rise to the challenge of climate change. 

Go to Architectural Digest to learn more.

Related Links

• Down Payment Amounts Are Shrinking: Can Buyers Put Down Less and Still Compete?

• 7 Easy Tips To Turn Your Garden Into a Bee Sanctuary

• HUD invests $837M in energy, climate renovations for multifamily housing

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Just Listed: This stunning Sierra Estates 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home boasts over 2,100 square feet of bright, open, modern living space

This stunning Sierra Estates 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home boasts over 2,100 square feet of bright, open, modern living space

As you enter the home, you'll immediately notice the updated kitchen with its modern appliances, sleek cabinetry, and gorgeous countertops. The hardwood floors throughout the main floor are warm and inviting. The open living space with a double sided wood burning fireplace is perfect for relaxing. You'll love the spacious dining room with french doors that open to the beautiful backyard. Upstairs you will find the spacious, and bright primary bedroom. The bathroom off the primary is remodeled and has a laundry chute! The two bedrooms upstairs are large and well appointed. A fourth large bedroom is located downstairs. A few things that set this house apart are the modern touches throughout, with well planned upgrades. The appliances have all been replaced in the past two years, and the bathrooms have been updated. Hot water baseboard heat keeps the home efficiently warm in the winter and the newer breezier cooler keeps things cooled off in the warmer months. Step outside to your own private oasis. The huge yard features a custom built double floor tree house. Enjoy cozy evenings around the fire pit or tend to your very own garden beds. This beautiful sanctuary is sure to provide endless hours of enjoyment and relaxation. Located in the desirable Sierra Estates neighborhood in Arvada, this is a quiet street in a mature neighborhood. It’s close to the Two Ponds National Wildlife Sanctuary, walking distance to the library, and close to shopping, and dining. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make this stunning property your own. Schedule your showing today!

Listed by Sandy Besch for West + Main Homes. Please contact Sandy for current pricing + availability.

 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(405) 652-6635
hello@westandmain.com

Presented by:
Sandy Besch
303-842-0433
sandy@westandmainhomes.com

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Spring Into Home Improvement: Upgrades to Consider

With spring upon us, there’s not a better time to consider making home improvements that’ll pay off.

There are several advantages to upgrading your home this spring season. These advantages include an increase in functionality, added value, and enhancing your home’s aesthetic. Follow along as we explore residential upgrades ranging from small DIY projects to major renovations.

Revive your exterior
One of the best first steps this spring is to revive your home’s exterior. The outside of your home plays a variety of protective roles during this time of the year. With varying levels of moderate to extreme weather changes, it’s best to ensure your home’s exterior can withstand potential damage. Consider replacing your roof and old gutters, adding new siding, power washing your home, or even repainting.

It’s best to test your roof for any potential issues that may lead to leaks. Consider a roof repair or an entirely new roof to prevent interior damage. Tending to your gutters is another great way to reroute excess water from rainfall. Clean, then clear them of debris to help prevent damage to your foundation. If you wish to enhance curb appeal, try adding new siding and outdoor lighting to update your home’s aesthetic. Over time, your home can collect dirt, which means mold can build and change the color of your home. Try pressure washing your exterior and then repainting for a much-needed refresh.

Liven up your landscape
Spring is the perfect time to revamp your home’s surrounding landscape. Kick off your landscaping updates by checking for damage from the winter months. If damage is prevalent, remove any dead plants and add new ones. If you have a designated garden space, now is the perfect time to reignite your greenery. Planting new shrubs, garden beds, and small trees can be beneficial when enhancing your landscape from one season to the next.

General landscape maintenance should be at the top of your priority list. This can include fertilizing your lawn, adding new mulch to old garden beds, trimming trees, and cropping hedges. If you have a pool, watering and tending to the surrounding landscape can also enhance your home’s overall appeal. Also, consider installing a new driveway, walkway, or adding a statue feature to your property that will enhance your home’s aesthetic.

Enhance your outdoor living
One of the best ways to enhance your home this spring is by considering outdoor living improvements. With warmer temperatures ahead, improving your outdoor living space can be extremely beneficial. Creating a space outside where you can party, reminisce, and relax is valuable. Consider building a deck or pergola, creating an outdoor kitchen/bar, and adding new furniture. 

Building a deck or pergola can instantly upgrade your home’s overall experience while generating reasonable levels of return on investment (ROI). To enhance this space, adding an outdoor kitchen or bar can create an element of entertainment for parties and gatherings. It’s essential to find the right grill or outdoor stove set so you can cook, eat, and entertain. Adding new furniture that is compatible to certain weather changes is another great way to enhance your outdoor living space.

Improve energy-efficiency
Every homeowner should consider improving their home’s energy efficiency. Green homes, energy-efficient appliances, and solar roofing have grown in popularity drastically over the years. Creating an eco-friendly home can seem costly but provides a variety of advantages when trying to save money and energy long term.

Some of these tactics include buying energy-efficient appliances, such as an eco-friendly washer and dryer. Implementing ENERGY STAR windows can also be beneficial by preventing warm and cool air from escaping. You should also consider installing a smart thermostat and smart light fixtures. Some other tips include ensuring your home is fully insulated while sealing any interior air leaks throughout your home. Simple tricks like using ceiling fans and keeping windows open when you can also help save on your energy bills.

Budget for these upgrades
Whether you’re choosing to install a new thermostat or building an entirely new deck, there will always be varying expenses associated. Depending on what upgrades are most realistic for your home, it’s important to establish a budget. 

For simple to moderate improvements, a savings or rainy-day fund may be most appropriate. For larger renovations, a credit card or home equity loan may be the right financial options to utilize. By using a credit card, you can build credit while conveniently paying for your project periodically. When utilizing your home’s equity, you can receive proper funding in a lump sum to pay for larger construction projects.

Hire the right professionals
When deciding which upgrades to consider, ask yourself if they’re realistic to do yourself. If you’re more hands on, you may have an easier time taking on smaller projects which will save you money in the short term. However, if you have little to no experience, you’ll want to ensure these upgrades are completed safely and successfully. 

It’s critical to hire the right professional contractors for each task to ensure longevity. Do your due diligence to do outside research or get referrals from friends and family members. Also, using Yelp and Google reviews are reliable resources can indicate which professional will be the best fit.

Conclusion
To create a space that’s both comfortable and functional for you and your family, consider everything from smart appliances to expanding your outdoor living space. With longevity and value in mind, you can make the most of the spring season by implementing these home improvement projects. Start planning today to reinvent your home in a way that will help you maximize spring and summer for years to come!

Read more on RIS Media.

Related Links

• Down Payment Amounts Are Shrinking: Can Buyers Put Down Less and Still Compete?

• 7 Easy Tips To Turn Your Garden Into a Bee Sanctuary

• HUD invests $837M in energy, climate renovations for multifamily housing

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Search Homes in Colorado

Search Homes in Oklahoma

Search Homes in Oregon

Search homes in Minnesota

Just Listed: This exquisite Richmond Arlington model boasts a main floor living plan with three bright bedrooms and so much more!

This exquisite Richmond Arlington model boasts a main floor living plan with three bright bedrooms and so much more!

Welcome home to Colliers Hill, Erie! This exquisite Richmond Arlington model boasts a main floor living plan with three bright bedrooms and laundry, adjoining the open concept kitchen and living room area. Head downstairs to the basement where you'll find a huge rec room, kitchenette and two more generously sized rooms. There's no lack of space in this gorgeous home! The fully landscaped, minimal maintenance yard and extended patio are already in place for you to enjoy this summer! Solar panels keep utility costs low at no additional cost to you (paid in full). Why wait 6 to 9 months to buy new when you can have this beautiful home with none of the new home start up costs? Ready to cool off during the hot Colorado summers? Take a splash in the Colliers Hill community swimming pool just down the road. Less than a mile to Erie High and Soaring Heights PK-8 schools. Enjoy many quaint, local restaurants and shops in downtown Erie, a quick 5 minute drive away.

Listed by Lora Martinez for West + Main Homes. Please Contact Lora for current pricing + availability.

 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(405) 652-6635
hello@westandmain.com

Presented by:
Lora Martinez
303-941-6110
lora@westandmainhomes.com

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