As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Open, Airy, and Whimsical

West + Main Agents April + Rob Schmidt

“The overall architecture of the house truly inspired this project. It was built in 1954 as a personal residence for an architect. Big windows that let the outdoors in, wood tones, and an open, airy and whimsical feel are all key elements in Midcentury Modern design.”

— April

April + Rob had been wanting to remodel the kitchen for several years, but other projects always took precedence. When the time came to redo the kitchen space, they really wanted to honor those design elements that make a mid-mod home special. They widened the front window from 30 inches to just about 6 feet wide, chose a light wood tone cabinet reminiscent of the popular blonde wood of the 1950s, and added a bit of whimsy with the navy blue KitchenAid range.

“The KitchenAid appliances were definitely the biggest investment for the kitchen, over all they were $14,000,” explained April. “That being said, we really did not break the bank with this remodel. That’s the beautiful thing about a small space, you can really up your game with cool finishes because you’re not finishing off a large amount of square footage. However, Rob and I used to remodel and build houses as a career, and Rob is a licensed residential and commercial general contractor, so he was able to do a bulk of the work on his own with my help and supervision. Lol!”

 “We spent about $30,000 total, but it would’ve easily been double that if we would have had to pay for HVAC, electrical, plumbing,” she said. “As well as cabinet, appliance and window installation. Those projects were all done by Rob with my assistance. The only work we hired subcontractors for were the countertops, tile and drywall finish.”

The Schmidts are very happy with how the kitchen turned out...it functions well, it’s fun to cook in, and it has a ton of storage with the large pantry units.

“Our absolute favorite thing is the navy blue range! It definitely exceeded expectations when it was unboxed and installed in the kitchen. I might’ve cried a few happy tears upon first seeing it! It really is the focal point of the space!”

Related Links

• As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Kitchen Glow Up!

• As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Indoor Oasis

• As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: A Journey of Restoration

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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Single Women Are Embracing Homeownership

In today’s housing market, more and more single women are becoming homeowners.

According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 19% of all homebuyers are single women, while only 10% are single men.

If you’re a single woman trying to buy your first home, this should be encouraging. It means other people are making their dreams a reality – so you can too.

Why Homeownership Matters to So Many Women

For many single women, buying a home isn’t just about having a place to live—it’s also a smart way to invest for the future. Homes usually increase in value over time, so they’re a great way to build equity and overall net worth. Ksenia Potapov, Economist at First American, says:

“. . . single women are increasingly pursuing homeownership and reaping its wealth creation benefits.”

The financial security and independence homeownership provides can be life-changing. And when you factor in the personal motivations behind buying a home, that impact becomes even clearer.

The same report from NAR shares the top reasons single women are buying a home right now, and the reality is, they’re not all financial (see chart below):

If any of these reasons resonate with you, maybe it’s time for you to buy too.

Work with a Trusted Real Estate Agent

If you’re a single woman looking to buy a home, it is possible, even in today’s housing market. You’ll just want to be sure you have a great real estate agent by your side.

Talk about what your goals are and why homeownership is so important to you. That way your agent can keep what’s critical for you up front as they guide you through the buying process. They’ll help you find the right home for your needs and advocate for you during negotiations. Together, you can make your dream of homeownership a reality.

Bottom Line

Homeownership is life-changing no matter who you are. Connect with a local real estate agent to talk about your goals in the housing market.

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

Related Links

• The Biggest Red Flag to Watch for If You’re Hiring a Painter

• Exploring Opportunities: How to Get Started in the Real Estate Market

• Home price growth is back at pre-pandemic levels. Here’s what that means for buyers and sellers

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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Opinion: Proposed Short Term Rental Taxation Bill Threatens Property Owners’ “Colorado Dream” by Doug Yetman

An Opinion Piece by West + Main Homes Agent, Doug Yetman.

If passed, a bill currently being considered in the Colorado Legislature (SB SB24-033) would tax many small and individual property owners at a rate higher than that currently faced by national hotel corporations.  Such a tax would likely make home ownership of this type impossible and possibly force others to have to sell their properties. 

In its current form, the bill would tax short term rentals (STRs) rented for 90 days or more at the lodging tax rate, on par with hotel and bed-and-breakfast properties. This could as much as quadruple property taxes for short-term rentals that rent more than 90 days per year, relative to existing rates. Primary residences and properties rented for less than 90 days per year would remain at the residential rate.

While the intent is to address the affordable housing crisis—a noble and urgent cause—the method stirs deep concerns. Is quadrupling tax bills for short-term rental owners the right approach to making housing more accessible, or does it merely encroach upon the hard-earned freedoms of property owners? I think not.

As a Realtor®  with West and Main Homes, I have helped numerous families purchase vacation properties that were also very important family investments. I too am a vacation property owner and I see first-hand how these exorbitant taxes could deal a crippling blow to individual property owners AND local economies. Since our purchase, we have brought tens of thousands of dollars to our local community (Buena Vista) in the form of property taxes, lodging taxes, sales taxes not to mention the tens of thousands we have paid in supporting the other local entrepreneurs who work with us cleaning our property, fixing, repairing, painting, purchasing items for the home, etc.

This isn't merely a fiscal debate; it's a pivotal moment for property and individual rights. The potential fallout is broad reaching: statewide tourism could be stifled, local economies could be impacted, municipal services (like fire and EMTs), could be underfunded and it could also prompt a downturn in an already challenged real estate market.

For property owners Anna Zawisza and Peter Krahenbuhl, the bill threatens their ability to pay expenses associated with their vacation cabin in Buena Vista. “We both work in the nonprofit sector and made many sacrifices to purchase our dream cabin in the mountains. We rely on the short term rental income to pay some of our expenses, but it never covers everything and we still have a lot of out-of-pocket costs. For us to be taxed at these much higher rates on our sole vacation property would be detrimental.” 

Affordable housing across the state and in vacation communities is a challenging and deeply complex issue. Much of this conversation is happening at the local level, where it needs to happen. Not on a state-wide, one-size-fits-all approach to taxing individual property owners. With empathy, compassion and sound fiscal policy, I feel we can find solutions that balance the needs of local citizens while also protecting the rights of induvial property owners. 

I welcome your thoughts and strongly encourage you to reach out to your local representatives AND the sponsors of this bill.

Contact Doug to learn more about how changing short term rental regulations might impact you.

The Biggest Red Flag to Watch for If You’re Hiring a Painter

Some home projects are very obviously better left to a professional, such as roofing, electrical work, and plumbing, which all require specialized knowledge and skills.

Painting is one of those home projects that straddles the line. If you have the necessary painting supplies and a little patience, there are plenty of opportunities to DIY your own paint makeover. But there are also other times when you might want someone else to take on the task (think: rooms with high ceilings or an entire exterior that needs a freshening up). In those cases, you might consider hiring a painting contractor to get the job done.

But while you’re perusing the web and reading reviews, wading through the pros and cons of each business may prove difficult. So, how do you know if your chosen company is worthy of getting your business? To set your future painting projects up for success, four experts — two designers and two paint pros — weigh in on what’s considered a red flag when securing a painter. Their resounding top pick? The biggest red flag is when your contractor doesn’t have a license or proof of insurance.

Before you hire a painter, make sure they have a license and proof of insurance.

Just as with any situation, having insurance offers protection for everyone involved. In the case of pro painters, it safeguards you, your home, and the painting company from a variety of issues that may arise. “Without insurance, a homeowner is exposed if the painters get hurt on the job or if something gets damaged on the home,” says Paige NeJame, who owns CertaPro Painters of the South Shore and Boston in Massachusetts. 

Keely Smith, the lead designer at JD Elite Interiors in Vancouver, also warns of liability when working with an unlicensed paint contractor. “An uncertified painter might leave you on the hook for medical bills or repair costs from even a small mishap,” she warns. Additionally, a certified professional receives safety training, so you can have peace of mind that they’re qualified.

Be wary if painting contractors don’t have proof of insurance and certification readily available. “If a painter cannot produce an insurance certificate within a day, that is a sign that he or she does not have insurance,” says NeJame. “Most insurance agents, including ours, can produce a certificate of insurance within an hour.” She also adds that you should request the painter to add you, as the homeowner, as an additional insured person for added protection.

There are other things to look out for beyond licensing and insurance, though. Here are experts’ top watch-outs. 

Red flag: The painter won’t provide a specific outline for the scope of work.

You should always ask for a contract outlining the project’s parameters and approximate cost before signing a contract. Carla Bast owns a Minnesota-based studio, Carla Bast Design, and recommends always asking for a contract that lists specifics. “Request a written estimate that outlines the scope of work, materials used, timeline for completion, and warranty,” says Bast. She advises steering clear of any painters that can’t — or won’t — provide this information.

Red flag: The painter’s cost estimates are really broad.

Sometimes, a project estimate falls within a range instead of pinpointing a specific price, which isn’t a big concern unless the range is broad, as they may be trying to increase their profit margins. “For instance, if they note the brand name of paint they’ll use but don’t share the specific kind of paint, they can use a spectrum of quality with pricing from $14 to $100 per gallon,” reveals Bill Nishanian, who is the owner of Nash Painting in Nashville, Tennessee.

Red flag: The painter doesn’t specify the number of coats of paint they’ll use.

Nishanian also warns against contractors who don’t specify the number of coats of paint or how many colors they’ll use, as varying hues and multiple coats require extra time. “If that’s not clear in the initial contract, and you’ve paid a large deposit, they hold all the cards,” Nishanian says.

Red flag: The painter asks for a large deposit.

Nishanian says that deposits are another cautionary point. “Most of the time, they are making 40 to 60% profit on the job, and if they ask for 50% down, they guarantee that they will not lose money, whether you’re satisfied or not,” he says. On the other hand, companies that ask for a low deposit often prioritize the customer and their happiness. 

Read more at ApartmentTherapy.com

Related Links

• 6 Essential Spring Home Maintenance Tasks To Do ASAP

• Exploring Opportunities: How to Get Started in the Real Estate Market

• Home price growth is back at pre-pandemic levels. Here’s what that means for buyers and sellers

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

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Search Homes in Oklahoma

Search Homes in Oregon

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Featured at West + Main Louisville: Jessica Craig

Join us for First Friday in Louisville, featuring Jessica Craig

Creatively Curated: An Outdoor Obsession

920 Main Street
Apr.5.2024, 6-9pm

Meet Jessica

Jessica Craig is an abstract landscape artist from Denver Colorado. Her painting style is a unique expression, making large bold moves with deep colors that evoke a connection to each piece.  Her texture, mixed media, and acrylic inks reveal abstract work, sunsets, and skylines so unique that they balance intuition and intentionality.  

Growing up in Colorado, her passion for the mountains and all things outdoors has led to a creative expression captivating collectors of all ages.  Contemplating movement and the relationship between space, time, and freedom, Jessica creates expressive abstract and landscape works on various surfaces.  

Learn more about Jessica in our Q+A!

How did your business come to exist?

My business came to exist by just putting myself out there. I started painting about 15 years ago and started selling my work 3 years ago. I have been selling my artwork ever since.  I love using art as a way to connect with people and causes. 

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of the job is that I can connect with people in my city with a creatively curated business where people love to work. I have been able to find so much joy in meeting new people through connecting over art and music. It brings joy and encouragement to others and sometimes gets to be for a great cause too! 

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in the outdoors and my experience growing up here in Colorado. Every colorful sunrise and sunset has influenced me. There's so much to love about and do here in our beautiful state, there's no chance I'll run out of inspiration.

What are you known for?

I am known for my large abstract and landscape paintings of the colorful skies in Colorado as a female artist in Denver.

What are you working on right now?

New work and a bunch of commissions for 2024.  Books are still open and I'd love to make something special for your home or office! 

What are your thoughts about your city’s creative scene for artist, designers, crafters, makers and/or small businesses?

I have found that Denver has been a place where creatives can flourish.  It's hard to put ourselves out there but also ample opportunity to make something of yourself. I love that about Denver, and I love that about our country. I'm a new small business, but I'm learning that people are for you and not against you in business. I can't wait to see what's next! I hope you'll follow along... 

Get in touch with Jessica Craig

Website: http://www.jessicacraigart.com/

Instagram: @jessicacraigart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicacraigart/

You can also access exclusive studio videos and content available to supporters and subscribers through Jessica’s Patreon account.

If you are a local artist/crafter/maker/indie business owner and would like to be featured on our blog, please fill out this form or contact Ashley at ashley@westandmainhomes.com with questions...we can't wait to learn all about you!