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Kemp Homes Co.

Kemp Homes Co.

January 13, 2021 ·

Why it’s so important to hire a Neighborhood Expert when buying a home –

Boulder Valley

The number one piece of advice I give anyone looking to buy a home is to interview several agents before signing up with one. Your agent should know the neighborhoods you’re looking in either because 1) they live in the area, 2) have sold homes in the communities you’re considering or 3) at least had clients looking in the same areas and are already familiar.

Let me tell you a story about our move to Colorado in 2013. It was our third move in a decade. We felt like we knew what we were doing when it came to finding a new home, not our first rodeo…you know what I mean. (Plus, I had lived most of my childhood in the Denver area so we thought we understood what moving to Colorado was like.)

After seeing our move announced on social media, a college friend reached out to us and we hired him as our realtor. He was a good agent, but primarily worked on the south side of Denver and my husband’s job transfer was to the Boulder Valley, which our agent knew nothing about. (I grew up near Golden, again the other side of the city, and so I wasn’t familiar with the area either.)

Our agent was learning the neighborhoods With Us.

Although he was a good agent, he was learning the area with us. He couldn’t answer anything about the towns we were considering, commuting patterns, the closest grocery store or point out the best coffee shop in the neighborhood. In hindsight, it was the blind leading the blind. He couldn’t tell us anything that we couldn’t already find on Zillow or a map search. We ended up with the perfect house in a great neighborhood with breathtaking views purely on luck. (Thank goodness for listing alerts.)

Our agent wrote us an amazing offer and provided perfect customer service throughout the process and we got lucky landing in a good spot, but that isn’t always the case. We all know people who have purchased a home, never loved it and moved again within a few years because it was never the right fit. This can be avoided when you really look at who is guiding your through this process. They should be your guide, your partner…your NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERT.

Hire an Agent who KNOWS the area you’re looking in.

I often work with people who are relocating and don’t know where to begin their search. Sometimes they stroll into an open house and start asking questions about the area, where to buy a certain architectural style of home, size of yards, location that allows for commuting via bike, etc. Any good agent should know which neighborhood has the age/price of home or size of yard you are looking for. Maybe you’re looking for a more urban lifestyle, where restaurants, coffee shops and activities are all easily reached via walking or biking. Someone who knows the area can suggest homes not only in the town you’re looking in, but also make you aware of another hidden gem that’s up and coming. It’s their job to know more than you, not learn at the same time with you. Otherwise they are just the person unlocking the door for you, not a partner in the process.

Ask lots of questions, listen carefully.

Most agents are great at their job and want you to be thrilled with your new home. Make sure you listen to their answers when you’re asking questions. Listen for who will be your guide in learning your new neighborhood and town. That’s the person who will partner with you and make you confident in your home purchase.

Best of luck! If you need any help finding an agent or are looking to move to the Boulder Valley area, please reach out. I would love to help you find your dream Colorado home!

Previous Post: « 6 Things to Know About Buying A Home During COVID
Next Post: 12 Things You Need To Know When You Move to Colorado »

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Since our older two boys are at camp, the youngest Since our older two boys are at camp, the youngest and I did a little day trip to Mt. Evans. 

We stopped at Echo Lake for the world’s greatest grilled cheese. Then we headed up on the highest paved road in North America to Summit Lake. 

This is a place I remember being just magical from my childhood. The alpine tundra is absolutely stunning in late June early July. Some of these wildflowers can take up to five years to grow an inch, so stay on the trails!

The water is crystal clear, the flowers dance all around you in the wind and if, you’re lucky, the mountain goats will make an appearance. 

These goats were licking the cars. One of the naturists there said they think that they are simply licking the salt off the cars. (Moose/deer do this, too.)

Head to my stories for more mountain goat pics.

PS- Want to know how to tell the difference between mountain goats vs. sheep? Beside the male sheep having the big, round horns…they are more tan in color. Mountain goats are almost always as white as snow!
A little inspiration for the future mountain home. A little inspiration for the future mountain home. Which is your favorite view?

Photos courtesy of @thepsychologieofhome
For all the mid century modern fans out there: No For all the mid century modern fans out there:

Nostalgic flair artfully surfaces throughout this mid-century modern marvel beaming with designer finishes. // 1309 south elm street // krisana park // just listed

3 bed / 2 bath / 1226 sqft / Built in 1955

$995,000

Listed by milehimodern
Check out these amazing countertops from @myiowafa Check out these amazing countertops from @myiowafarmhouse

“The number one thing people ask about in our kitchen is our countertops! 
 
Well I’m happy to tell you all about them! They are polished porcelain. Specifically, Calacatta Royal by Atlas, and I could not love them more! They are  incredibly durable and the shine on them is like nothing I have seen before. Our counters were definitely our big splurge in our kitchen, but they were totally worth it!”
•
•
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#kitchendesign 
#kitchenisland 
#kitchenideas 
#kitcheninspo 
#modernfarmhouse 
#farmhousestyle 
#farmhouse 
#farmhousedecor 
#homedecor 
#housegoals 
#homesweethome 
#styleinspo 
#porcelain 
#countertops 
#beams 
#shiplap
#floralarrangement 
#ltkhome 
#customhome
Progression of a sunset in reverse. First photo is Progression of a sunset in reverse. First photo is from the end of my driveway. Last three are while I was sitting on the porch.
Another one of my beautiful, talented friends: Kar Another one of my beautiful, talented friends: Kari @delavennedesign 

This is HER stunning home. Check out her account if you want to be inspired by understated elegance that’s cozy and comfortable all at the same time.
Total dining room inspiration. The best part? My w Total dining room inspiration. The best part? My wildly talent friend @meansfineart painted it just for this spot! 

Check out her account for more beautiful art or to find out how you can commission your own unique piece: @meansfineart 

❤️😉

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Since our older two boys are at camp, the youngest Since our older two boys are at camp, the youngest and I did a little day trip to Mt. Evans. 

We stopped at Echo Lake for the world’s greatest grilled cheese. Then we headed up on the highest paved road in North America to Summit Lake. 

This is a place I remember being just magical from my childhood. The alpine tundra is absolutely stunning in late June early July. Some of these wildflowers can take up to five years to grow an inch, so stay on the trails!

The water is crystal clear, the flowers dance all around you in the wind and if, you’re lucky, the mountain goats will make an appearance. 

These goats were licking the cars. One of the naturists there said they think that they are simply licking the salt off the cars. (Moose/deer do this, too.)

Head to my stories for more mountain goat pics.

PS- Want to know how to tell the difference between mountain goats vs. sheep? Beside the male sheep having the big, round horns…they are more tan in color. Mountain goats are almost always as white as snow!
A little inspiration for the future mountain home. A little inspiration for the future mountain home. Which is your favorite view?

Photos courtesy of @thepsychologieofhome
For all the mid century modern fans out there: No For all the mid century modern fans out there:

Nostalgic flair artfully surfaces throughout this mid-century modern marvel beaming with designer finishes. // 1309 south elm street // krisana park // just listed

3 bed / 2 bath / 1226 sqft / Built in 1955

$995,000

Listed by milehimodern
Check out these amazing countertops from @myiowafa Check out these amazing countertops from @myiowafarmhouse

“The number one thing people ask about in our kitchen is our countertops! 
 
Well I’m happy to tell you all about them! They are polished porcelain. Specifically, Calacatta Royal by Atlas, and I could not love them more! They are  incredibly durable and the shine on them is like nothing I have seen before. Our counters were definitely our big splurge in our kitchen, but they were totally worth it!”
•
•
•
•
#kitchendesign 
#kitchenisland 
#kitchenideas 
#kitcheninspo 
#modernfarmhouse 
#farmhousestyle 
#farmhouse 
#farmhousedecor 
#homedecor 
#housegoals 
#homesweethome 
#styleinspo 
#porcelain 
#countertops 
#beams 
#shiplap
#floralarrangement 
#ltkhome 
#customhome
Progression of a sunset in reverse. First photo is Progression of a sunset in reverse. First photo is from the end of my driveway. Last three are while I was sitting on the porch.
Another one of my beautiful, talented friends: Kar Another one of my beautiful, talented friends: Kari @delavennedesign 

This is HER stunning home. Check out her account if you want to be inspired by understated elegance that’s cozy and comfortable all at the same time.
Total dining room inspiration. The best part? My w Total dining room inspiration. The best part? My wildly talent friend @meansfineart painted it just for this spot! 

Check out her account for more beautiful art or to find out how you can commission your own unique piece: @meansfineart 

❤️😉
Sorry I’ve been off IG for a bit. We’ve been s Sorry I’ve been off IG for a bit. We’ve been settling in to summer. Here’s a few pics from our trip to Grand Lake last week.

We did all the usual things: 
Hike to Adams Falls
Fly fishing (for the hubs)
Hammock-sitting (me while he 🎣)
Kayaking both Grand & Monarch Lakes

Wildlife: Marmot, Moose, Osprey, Mountain Goats 

All in all, a good start to summer!
☀️Sunshine Canyon…one of my favorite spots t ☀️Sunshine Canyon…one of my favorite spots to live in Boulder. Dreaming of a mountain home? This is the place!🏠🐻🏔

930 Sunshine Canyon, Boulder
4 beds / 3 baths / 3,380 sqft / 4.6 acres

Offered at $2.75M by Coldwell Banker
My brokerage, @Coloradohomerealty is honored to ha My brokerage, @Coloradohomerealty is honored to have been named the “#1 Top Workplace” for medium-sized businesses in the Denver Metro in 2022 by the @denverpost !

I am so grateful to be a part of such an incredible company that provides the support I need to provide an extraordinary experience for my clients!

#denver #realestate #denverrealestate #culture #award #celebrate #workplace
#bestplacestoworkcolorado #bestplacestoworkdenver #bestplacestowork #bestplacestowork2022
Epitome of the perfect North Boulder home in the S Epitome of the perfect North Boulder home in the Silver Maples neighborhood. 

DM me for a private showing. 

2985 Washington St., Boulder 

6 beds / 3.5 baths / 4834 sqft

Offered at $3.5M and listed by @jenniferpreddyegbert with @milehimodern
The Erie Town Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival is The Erie Town Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival is this weekend. Woke up to a few still flying over the house. 

They take off at sunrise, so if you’re near Erie Saturday or Sunday morning and it’s clear, stop by. They usually land in the neighborhoods and we all help pack them up. The kids love standing in front of the hot air as we all work to squeeze it out and help fold up the balloons. 

Such an amazing community event. Make sure you stop by. Check out the Town of Erie or The Chamber for more info.
The bunk room’s transformation in this Big Sky h The bunk room’s transformation in this Big Sky home was the most dramatic during the renovation. It used to only sleep two but can now house up to seven or eight guests. Link in bio "From Dark and Dated to Light, Bright and Modern in Montana."

Inspiration from @mountainlivingmag - 

Story: Dana W. Todd
Photos: @wkphotography 
Featured: @jlinteriordesignsf 

#mountainhome #someday #dreammountainhome #mountainlivingmagazine #mountainliving #mountainmoderndesign #mountainarchitecture #modernarchitecture #homesweethome #magazine #mountainhomedecor #interiordesign #montanaskichalet #montanaarchitecture
This is really what it’s like to live in the Bou This is really what it’s like to live in the Boulder Valley.❤️ 

This amazing view brought to you by:  @coloradomountainlover
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Driving home just now through rural Boulder County. 🙌🏼

#colorado #countryside #dusk #beautifuldestinations #clouds  #barnsofinstagram #views #mountainview #landscape #roamtheplanet #seetheworld #americana #discoverearth
#bouldervalleyviews #movetocolorado #movetoboulder
A few great kitchens today in the stories of @farm A few great kitchens today in the stories of @farmhouse.kitchens
What better way to celebrate Spring than to dance What better way to celebrate Spring than to dance among the tulips down Pearl Street! 🌷🌸🌼
Dang! I LOVE everything about this home. It’s fi Dang! I LOVE everything about this home. It’s finishes, the mood, the mellow vibe. All of it!

Head over to @thepsychologieofhome if you’re looking for more inspiration! 

PS - I’ll be posting more Boulder Valley listings when they come available. It’s slim pickings right now (as my buyers would tell you!) so I’d hate to post something, get you excited to buy it…and it be sold in a few hours. Hold tight, we hope to have more listings this spring!
The warm spring weather is back and the start of p The warm spring weather is back and the start of paddleboard season is upon us! You’ll find me in my kayak on this lake before the weekend is over! 
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Photo: @kw.field 

#longmont #longmontcolorado #visitlongmont #visitlongmontcolorado #crazyaboutlongmont #longmontlove #weekendtravel #colorfulcolorado #lifeistravel #lovecolorado #coloradomade #coloradoviews #coloradocreative #coloradoactivities #wanderlust #optoutside #mountainviews #longspeak #rockymountains #visitcolorado #sup #suplife #mcintoshlakelongmont #visitcolorado
So this happened. We’ve been busy with the new p So this happened. We’ve been busy with the new puppy this week. Meet Daisy! Duke thrilled to have a buddy and the humans love her, too.

PS - the Daisy/Duke was unintentional. I thought she needed a flower name and it stuck before we realized the silliness. 

However, I can’t wait to call for “Daisy! Duke!” at the dog park and see the looks I get. 😉
Thinking about moving to Denver? Here’s one I lo Thinking about moving to Denver? Here’s one I love! 

Stunning contemporary in the heart of Cory-Merrill with exquisite design and clean lines throughout!

Send me a message for more information on this property, or to schedule a private showing!

4 beds / 4.5 baths / 4,235 sq ft
1492 S Milwaukee Street, Denver
 $1,820,000 

#denverrealestate #corymerrill #luxuryrealestate #contemporaryhome  #coloradorealestate #justlisted #moderndenver #denverhome #modernhomes #modernkitchen #modernbedroom #midcenturymodern #midcenturydenver #corymerrillneighborhood
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