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MOVING TO A NEW CITY TO GET OUT OF YOUR FUNK

Whether you’re experiencing a low point due to health, relationships, or career issues, deciding to move to a new city can be empowering and life-altering. For many, it’s the start of something great as they begin to build a new life in an unfamiliar place. Code of the West shares some practical tips for moving to a new city to get out of your funk and enjoy a fresh start!

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FOOD IDEAS FOR YOUR OPEN HOUSE!

When potential buyers and other brokers walk through the door of your open house, how do you want them to feel? At home? At peace? Warm? Cozy? Impressed? Happy? Fulfilled? Like they’ve found the absolute perfect place to live their best life? All of the above? Of course, you do! So, how do you create all those feelings? Well, an essential part of it is the food you provide. Really!

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REAL ESTATE BROKER FEATURE: KAMAL SHASH & CYNAMIN VANLUE

We love Colorado and we think that is evident in everything we do! We also love all of our talented and devoted brokers who help our clients to buy and sell their homes and property. We trust each and every one of our brokers to listen carefully to understand your real estate goals and work hard to create solutions that make sense for you.

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FIRST HOME? HERE’S EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT YEARLY HOME MAINTENANCE!

There aren’t a lot of things as exciting as closing on your first home. I remember walking through the spacious rooms of our house. Picking the loft for my office, relegating my husband to the basement. Hammering nails into the walls without worrying about the landlord’s rules. Deciding where to store the tools (garage) and luggage (basement closet) and what implements and knickknacks different drawers and cupboards would house.

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LIVING LA VETA

Whether you’re new to the area and want to take full advantage of your new home or you’re thinking about buying a home in La Veta or Huerfano County, we thought we’d compile a list of some of our favorite things to do locally! A little recreation, some scenic drives, a festival or two, a bit of history and so, so much wonderful art—we love our community and there’s a great deal to see and do. We hope to meet you out there!

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WHAT MAKES A LUXURY HOME, WELL, LUXURY?

There is a definition for the word luxury, but there isn’t really a definition for the term “luxury home.” This is somewhat due to the fact that luxury tends to be in the eye of the beholder. However, there are some characteristics that luxury properties have in common. Here we’ll do our best to encapsulate what exactly makes a luxury home, well, luxury!

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HIGHWAY OF LEGENDS: AN EPIC DAY TRIP FROM TRINIDAD TO WALSENBURG (BY WAY OF LA VETA)

Okay. You’ve found the perfect property for sale in Trinidad, Walsenburg, or La Veta, and you’ve settled in. Now you’re wanting to explore the area. Well, we’ve got the best day trip ever! Take the Highway of Legends from Trinidad to Walsenburg, or the reverse, stopping along the way to take advantage of this amazing locale. Views, eats, drinks, shopping, hiking, and history—you’ve got it all in one day!

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SUCCEEDING AS A SENIOR HOUSE FLIPPER

Flipping houses can be an excellent business for seniors looking for extra income. If you’re wondering how you can succeed in this niche, Code of the West Real Estate shares what you need to know.

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            Image by Pexels

HOME IS WHERE YOUR PEACE IS

Your home is your sanctuary. It should be a place where you can feel free to relax and unwind. But for many, this idea of a relaxing space is lost. The reality is that our homes are often bursting at the seams with items from the outside world. This makes it hard to get in touch with ourselves and enjoy some much-needed me-time. Clutter is usually the biggest obstacle that keeps our home from being a place of relaxation.

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REAL ESTATE BROKERS AND AGENTS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Are you looking to purchase or sell a house? Real Estate agents and brokers are likely to become your partners in this transaction. Both of these professionals are licensed to assist you in buying, selling, or renting a home. However, they differ in their training and what part of the process they will help you with.

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HIKING CAÑON CITY!

Cañon City offers some spectacular hikes both easy and hard and they’re right nearby. Every hike is going to have spectacular views and probably lots of cacti! All you need to do is decide how hard you’re looking to work today, and there is surely a trek to match your wants. Here is a range of some of our favorites. Get exploring!

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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT FORECLOSURE AND HOW TO AVOID IT!

What we’ve learned over the last few years is both good and bad. Though we’ve realized that unforeseen disasters (fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, pandemics, and so much more) are just that—unforeseen, we’ve also been witness to our own resilience. 

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6 SPRING HIKES NOT TO MISS (IN DURANGO!)

Can you feel it? The temperatures are rising! It’s time to get out on the trails and enjoy the refreshing spring air. Durango is an excellent place to celebrate the new season. Whether a local or a visitor, there are some amazing and diverse hikes to enjoy. We’ve compiled just a few of our favorites for you. Be safe and have a blast!

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4 WAYS TO FINANCE YOUR DREAM COLORADO HOME

Buying a house is one of the most exciting moments in your life, but it takes a lot of research and preparation – especially in a place like Colorado where the prices are steep and the market is competitive. However, now might be the best time to seriously consider buying a home in Colorado as experts are expecting prices to continue appreciating. This year properties in the Front Range have appreciated by 17%, while Boulder went up by 25%.

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THINGS TO DO IN DURANGO- SPRING 2022

Durango is one of the most beguiling of the Colorado mountain towns. There is always something going on, and heading into this spring season, there is so much to do! We’ve created a list of a few of the musts for the next few months. There’s something for everyone!

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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT OWNING A MOUNTAIN HOME

If you’re reading this, you’ve already dreamt of it—owning a cabin in the mountains: Fresh, piny air, mornings on the deck overlooking the valley, nights by the fire, quiet, seclusion, the simple life. And since the last few years have proven that we can work from just about anywhere, isn’t it time to make the move?

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HOW CAN I MAKE MY OFFER COMPETITIVE ENOUGH IN TODAY'S MARKET?

A seller’s market can be difficult to navigate for unprepared buyers. Fierce competition between buyers gives sellers the luxury of being picky while letting higher or more appealing offers roll in. Making your offer stand out in the sea of bids takes work, but it’s certainly possible. Below you’ll find our top five tips for making a competitive offer in a seller’s market to help you get a leg up on the competition.

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6 PRACTICAL TIPS TO HELP YOU AVOID CONSTRUCTION DELAYS

By Rachel Porter

The inability to finish on schedule is one of the main reasons why the cost of construction projects tends to balloon way beyond their budget.

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THINGS TO DO IN TRINIDAD—FEBRUARY 2022

Looking for something to do in Trinidad and Las Animas County this month? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Our little town is chock full of exciting, artistic, and silly things to do. We’ve compiled a fun list of outings and events to help you enjoy your February!

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Buying a Mountain Home as a Rental

If you’re somebody who enjoys getaways to the mountains as often as possible, you might just save yourself a bundle by buying a Colorado mountain property for sale and using it as a short or long-term rental in between visits. We’ve come up with a list of benefits and considerations when buying a mountain home as a rental to help you make your decision!

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WINTER HIKES NEAR COLORADO SPRINGS

Colorado Springs has so many trails to enjoy and this unseasonably warm weather allows you to take advantage of the breathtaking scenery well into the new year! Here’s a list of a handful of amazing hikes you’ll find in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas of El Paso County that are great for both the warm and the winter months. Now get outside and start exploring!  

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4 THINGS YOU NEED TO DO BEFORE HOUSE-HUNTING

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5 BEST PLACES TO BUY A MOUNTAIN HOME IN COLORADO

There are just so many exquisite mountain towns in Colorado—how to choose just five! Well, we did it. We attempted to choose from a mixture of beauty, recreation, town feel, and affordability. Needless to say, it wasn’t easy, but here are our picks for the five best places to look for mountain homes for sale in Colorado!

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LUCRATIVE WAYS TO BUILD YOUR VACATION RENTAL BUSINESS

More than half of all travelers prefer to book vacation rental properties instead of hotel accommodations these days. From spacious lofts in stylish neighborhoods to pet-friendly homes with free wi-fi and a pool, there are many reasons why guests would crave the comfort and amenities of a short-term rental to a hotel chain.

Thanks to short-term rental sites, it’s easier than ever for homeowners to make some extra income by offering their properties to travelers. Before buying a rental property or opening your home to a stranger, however, there are some logistics you should consider.

Here are some tips for preparing to turn your home into a lucrative vacation rental property.

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ALAMOSA DAY HIKES

Living near Alamosa is an outdoors person's dream. The variety of terrain is stunning and there are plenty of day hikes nearby. Nestled in the San Luis Valley, you’ll have the opportunity to explore everything from sand dunes to volcanic rock cliffs to alpine lakes. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to some of the nearby treks that the locals love.

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What You Need to Know About Unrestricted Land

Unrestricted land is a commonly misunderstood concept, which can lead buyers, sellers, brokers, and everyone in between to a serious mess. When buying land, it's important that you really understand what "unrestricted" means.

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Home Staging: Instant ROI When You’re Selling a Dream

We’ve all been there—you walk into a home and the gorgeous simplicity of the design and decoration brings visions of you and your family lounging in the comfort of the den, cooking in the spotless kitchen, entertaining in the bright living room, and relaxing into the fluffy pillows of the master bed to read a book. And that’s “the one”—the house that you can imagine yourself not just living in, but thriving in!

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How to Stay Calm When Managing a Move and a New Business 

Starting a successful new business takes a lot of hard work and determination. But managing a move at the same time? Whew! That’s a lot for anyone to take on all at once!

 There are many steps and details you need to cover in order to make these transitions work. To simplify the process, consider these tips brought to you by Code of the West Real Estate.

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What To Look For When Buying Land In Texas

 There is plenty of Texas land for sale and, very likely, at a better price that you might think. Whether for personal use or as an investment, there are a lot of benefits to looking to Texas when you're interested in buying land. Texas doesn't just have a lot of beautiful countryside and space to develop, there are incentives to make it well worth your while.

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Hikes Near La Veta and Walsenburg

The La Veta and Walsenburg areas offer tons of trails at all levels of difficulty. Whether you want to get outside to run, walk, hike or bike, Southern Colorado has you covered. And don’t worry, there is something for everyone in the family! (That means you, doggo!) 

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How to Protect Your Wood Floors From Water Damage 

You’ve just installed a brand new hardwood floor in your living room. Once you look at the bill, you have just one hope: that this investment will last you for many years to come.

However, your wood floors face one great danger—water. The thought of a leak or flood is enough to keep you up at night. Not only will water ruin your hardwood floors, but it can cause mold growth and structural damage to your home. What can you do to protect your floors and prevent this disaster from happening?

Don’t worry! We’ve got a few tried-and-true solutions for you. Here’s how you can keep your hardwoods strong and damage-free.

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A Winning Combination: 

Code of the West Real Estate Merges with Town & Country Estates Realty of Trinidad and Colorado Homestead Properties of Aguilar

We didn’t think it could get any better, and then it did! Twice! Code of the West Real Estate is proud to have united with Town & Country Estates Realty out of Trinidad and Colorado Homestead Properties out of Aguilar. 

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Spring is the most popular time for refreshing the home after being cooped up over the winter. However, with many people being required or choosing to shelter in place over much of the past year, this annual ritual may be more important now than ever. These five tips from Code of the West Real Estate will help you give your home a post-pandemic refresh.

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Want to buy a home? It’s not as complicated as it sounds! 

Perhaps you’re curious about what’s involved in buying a home or want to dive in and go for it. Maybe you’re tired of paying rent and building your landlord’s wealth and you’re ready to invest in your own future. Buying a home is exciting, but the process can seem overwhelming. Don’t worry! In this post, we’ll give you some things to consider as you work through the homebuying process. 

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Tips and Tricks for Social Media

When was the last time you were scrolling through Instagram and ordered something that you saw? It’s an important marketing tool for businesses and has many influential users. Social media users have reached 3.8 million worldwide as of January 2020, according to a Digital 2020 Report. And this number will keep growing! Social media continues to evolve, so here are some of the social media highlights from 2020. 

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Now more than ever, it’s important to support local businesses. Here are a few simple ways you can support small businesses. Some of them don’t even require leaving your house!  

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Installing a New Roof? Key Factors You Should Consider

Guest Blog: Rachel Harper

For many homeowners, installing a new roof can be an overwhelming and daunting task. This is not surprising as several factors need to be considered to ensure you get things right. Undeniably, a new roof is both a long-term and costly investment. 

In fact, roof contractors often consider getting roofing insurance a crucial part of their business. Functionality, style, and performance are just some of the factors you need to consider when installing a new roof.

Unfortunately, just like roof maintenance, many homeowners overlook the other key factors that go into a new roof installation. Ensure you cover all the bases, and you achieve all your roofing objectives by keeping the following in mind:

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Buying a home is both a significant achievement and responsibility. And as one of the most expensive purchases of your life, your home deserves protection from circumstances and perils that might cause it harm.

Disasters don’t always happen, but when they do, they can put you into a state of debilitating financial crisis. For those who own a home or planning to buy one, homeowner’s insurance is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Whether you’re a first-time home owner or someone looking to renew your coverage, these tips will help you choose the right home insurance policy.

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In case disaster strikes, you want your home insurance coverage to be sufficient to rebuild your home's structure, replace your belongings, and defray costs if you are unable to live in your home. Standard homeowner policies typically provide coverage for disasters caused by fire, hail, lightning, and explosions. Those who reside in areas where the risk for earthquakes and floods are present will need coverage for those disasters.

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You may or may not already know this, but home insurance is not a legal requirement for owning a home. Still, this does not mean that homeowners' insurance is not essential. On the contrary, having one will help you avoid and hurdle troubles, come the unexpected.

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Congratulations! It’s time to buy your first home! You’re tired of paying rent and building your landlord’s wealth and are now ready to invest in your own future. Home buying is both exciting and overwhelming. In this post, we’ll give you some things to consider as you work through the home buying process. 

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07/22/2020

Your 3-Step Guide to Finding and Designing a Space for Any Home-Based Business 

- By Tina Martin

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06/27/2020

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Your Checklist for An Eco-Friendly Kitchen Upgrade - By Harper Reid

Are you eco-conscious and looking to upgrade your kitchen? There are many things you’ll need to consider before taking on an eco-friendly kitchen upgrade. You may not be sure where to start, so here’s a checklist to help you out.

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05/13/2020

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Looking for creative ways to brighten up your living space? Over the top paint jobs and expensive remodels aren't the only way of bringing color into your home. With the right pointers, it can be as simple as focusing on a few new additions while making the most out of colors you already have. Keep reading for design tips to transform any dull room into a vibrant and visually striking living space. Make a start on our bright ideas now and your dream living space will be closer than ever.

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Purchasing your first investment property can be downright overwhelming. You need to select a property, figure out how to finance this investment and learn the ropes of managing it later. Whether you’re aiming for a short- or long-term rental, here are important insights to help ensure your endeavor is a successful one.

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1/30/2020

Improve Your Health and Wellness at Home on a Budget - By Natalie Jones

Improving one's health and wellness at home on a budget can come from many approaches. While some are as simple as creating a ritual such as lighting a candle or tidying up a messy space, others require more work. From reducing allergens to creating an outdoor space for some sunshine and serenity, consider these projects for home modifications. With a well-designed space, unwinding at home can become a luxury without going broke!

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11/13/2019 

6 Things You Need to Do After Moving to a New City - By Natalie Jones

Moving to a new town is a serious undertaking. From finding a new job to buying a house, there’s a lot to accomplish before you can settle into your new community — and the work doesn’t stop when you arrive. When the moving truck is unloaded and boxes unpacked, there are a few things left to do before you can call your new city “home.”

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06/21/2019

Summertime in Spanish Peaks Country

The greatest time of the year is upon us here in the beautiful Spanish Peaks Country in Southern Colorado! From the history to the art, from the outdoors to the attractions, the Wahatoya (Huajatolla) mountain area has never failed to be on a

 bucket list of  “Places to See this Summer!”

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04/17/2019

Springtime in the Rockies

Springtime for Colorado farmers and ranchers means work! 

Whether it's getting fields ready for planting, ditches ready for water, or the all 

important calving, lambing, kidding or whatever season you find yourself knee deep in. 

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04/03/2019

Cannabis in Colorado

We have successfully assisted many in the sale, leasing, and purchasing of Cannabis cultivation facilities, MIP facilities (Marijuana Infused Products), Hemp facilities, and commercial storefronts for the sale of such products in various locations 

throughout the state.

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03/27/2019