LOCAL REALTOR® AWARDED RENE CERTIFICATION

Centennial Colorado, May 10, 2024 -- THERESA TSCHESCHKE GUNAL with Realty ONE Group Premier, has been awarded the Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) certification, the premier negotiation credential in the country. The RENE is conferred by the Real Estate Business Institute (REBI) and is an official certification of the National Association of REALTORS®. Theresa Tscheschke Gunal joins an elite group of real estate professionals from around the world who have earned the RENE certification. All were required to successfully complete comprehensive coursework in negotiation and subscribe to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. Theresa is a Colorado and Denver native! She knows the history of this beautiful state and what it means to call Denver home. The advantages of having a native as your real estate partner means she know the history of the neighborhoods. Her family quite literally helped to grow the farm lands of Littleton into the suburbs of today. She has been working as a licensed Realtor® for more than 4 years and got her passion in the industry after a series of personal experiences which transformed how she views homeownership. (Namely how there is still the ability to benefit to homeownership even during a recessionary period such as the great recession of 2008).  Before, becoming a Realtor® Theresa worked for 20 plus years in service industries as a private music teacher, and as a database design engineer. She got her degree in Music Business and Production Engineering and she constantly sees how the skills she learned helps her consistently find new solutions for her clients. She is a member of the South Metro Denver Realtor® Association chapter. She also completed her GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) Realtors® Designation in August of 2021. She has been awarded the SMART (South Metro Advanced Realtor Training) for both 2020 and 2021 designation for exceeding continuing education requirements as set forth by Colorado’s Real Estate Commission. She  continues to this day to put education in the Real Estate Industry at the forefront of her goals so she can continue to support her clients ever changing needs. RENE is wholly owned by REBI and focuses specifically on real estate sale negotiation. Formerly the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB), REBI is a not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®. You may contact REBI by calling 800-621-8738, e-mailing info@rebinstitute.com, or visiting REBInstitute.com.

Leveraging Home Equity

What can you do with the equity you've built in your house? Plenty! You can make home improvements or pay college tuition, for example. Join me on June 30th 2024 to a one of kind event to get answers to your questions regarding how to tap into your homes existing equity and keep reading to learn more...   So what is home equity? It's the difference between what your house is worth and how much you owe on your mortgage. As you make mortgage payments, you're building home equity. If your balance is lower than your home's value, you have positive equity that can be converted to cash. When there's a spike in home prices, as was true between January 2021 and June 2022, when an average of $60,000 was gained, your equity grew. Know the options There are some common ways to leverage equity: A lump-sum home equity loan. Repaid in monthly installments over a set term, generally five to 30 years, home equity loans typically have a fixed interest rate. A home equity line of credit. This is a revolving line of credit. You only pay back what you spend, with interest, and your credit line can be reused as long as you have access to it. HELOCs tend to come with variable interest rates. A cash-out refinance. These allow you to replace your existing mortgage with a home loan for more than what you owe. You pocket the difference between the two loans in cash. A reverse- mortgage. This is an age dependent option that is often mis-understood, but can be beneficial in some situations. Consider the uses Once you tap into your home equity, you can use the money for whatever you choose. Here are some possibilities: Home improvements. Improving your house can be a smart move, but not all improvements offer the return on investment you may be looking for. For example, one report found that replacing a garage door can give you a 93% ROI, while a typical midrange bathroom remodel returns only 59% and a bathroom addition only about 52%. Real estate investing. For $40,000 down, you may be able to buy a property that will provide enough rental income to cover the mortgage payments — including principal and interest — as well as property taxes, homeowners' insurance, maintenance, repairs, and the home equity loan or HELOC payments. Higher education expenses. You can pay for your children's higher education expenses, helping them reach educational goals that can lead them to higher future earnings. Medical expenses. Erase medical debt and its negative effects on your credit score. Your home equity may secure you a lower interest rate and monthly payments than using high-interest credit cards. Debt consolidation. Several thousand dollars in credit card debt at an average interest rate above 21% is much higher than the interest rates on a medium-term (10-year) home equity loan (about 5%) or a HELOC (close to 6%). Refinance. A simple refinance can produce a new loan with better interest rates and/or lower payments than you had with your purchase mortgage. This can result in savings over the life of your loan. When you need capital, tapping into your blossoming home equity can be a sound investment decision. Of course, there are risks associated with borrowing against home equity however the more you know about the different types of loans leveraging your home equity can be a wise decision. Always work with qualified legal and financial professionals.Modified by: Theresa Tscheschke Gunal to reflect Colorado local Real Estate ; Used courtesy of Rachel Lefkowitz, Home Actions, LLC

Is This Your Situation: Wondering If You Should Get a Home Inspection Before Selling Your Home

Some people suggest getting a home inspection before selling a home, but is this really necessary? Read more to consider both sides of the argument to figure out whether or not you need to get a home inspection before selling your house this year. Are you planning to sell your home this year? When you’re in the preliminary stages of putting your house on the market, you need to decide whether or not you should get a home inspection. Because an inspection can have a number of advantages and disadvantages for both the buyer and the seller, the decision is up to you while you’re still the owner. Here are both sides of the argument so you can figure out if you should get a home inspection before you sell your house.    The Arguments for Getting a Home Inspection You’ll Find Out What’s Wrong – An argument for getting a home inspection before selling your house is that you’ll find out what’s wrong with your place. Because you’ll have the opportunity to fix issues in advance, you can avoid buyer conditions and costs for you and the buyer down the road by taking this approach.    You’ll Have a Copy Ready for The Buyers – A second argument for carrying out a home inspection before putting your house on the market is that you’ll have a copy of the inspection ready for the buyers. Because you’ll have an up-to-date record of the condition of your home, you can please potential buyers by having this information on hand which can be very helpful in multiple offer situation.    You’ll Compensate for an Older Home – A third argument for ordering a home inspection before you list your house is that your older home can better compete with a newer home in the same area. Because you’ll have the chance to shed light on where your property is both thriving and lacking, you can offer a well-rounded picture of the available space prior to a buyer seeing the property. The Arguments Against Getting a Home Inspection You’ll Have to Pay a Fee – An argument against scheduling a home inspection when you’re planning to sell your home is that you’ll have to pay a fee. Although this fee is minimal, you will end up paying out of pocket for this service. You can save money in the house-selling process by avoiding this procedure altogether.    You’ll Realize Your House Doesn’t Need One – A second argument against performing a home inspection during the selling process is that you may realize your house didn't need one in the first place. Some newer houses are less likely to need repairs and renovations, you can avoid spending money by giving your new and up-to-date home the benefit of the doubt.    You’ll Have to Disclose Issues – A third argument against having a home inspection before you start showing your house is that you’ll have to disclose the issues you find to potential buyers. Because the problems you unearth during the process can cost you money, you can delay the inevitable until after you seal the deal.  An inspection can help or hurt the buyer or seller financially in both cases, so consider your specific situation before making a decision. For more advice, please feel free to give me a call today. Modified by: Theresa Tscheschke Gunal ; Used courtesy of Jasser Ryan Go, Home Actions, LLC

Great Things To Do In Denver

Perched right within the stunning state of Colorado, Denver is an incredible and fun US city to explore! With cool districts, centuries of history, and world-class art, there’s a heap of the best things to do in Denver for any type of traveler!   Best of all, Denver is the kind of city that you can easily tac onto a larger trip to explore all the epicness that is Colorado. This way, you’ll be able to spend some quality time in the great outdoors whilst also setting aside a fair few days to enjoy the buzz of the city. That’s the thing I love most about cities like Denver; there are loads of things to do in the city but also a heap to see just outside!  So, to help you get the most out of your stay, I wanted to pop over a few gems and spots that you really shouldn’t miss when visiting Denver. Take a look, below, at the best things to do in Denver. Have a great time!1.) Larimer Square                Larimer Square, once known as Auraria, was first developed way back in the 1800s. Apparently, it was used as a  settler camp after gold was discovered at the base of the Rocky Mountains.  As more and more people heard about these little nuggets, lots upped sticks and moved west to make their fortunes. Over the years,  the little pioneer settlement thrived and eventually transformed into modern-day Larimer Square. Today Larimer Square retains its historic charm and is a great place to visit, especially if you’re fancying a little gander around some of the boutique stores, grabbing a tipple, or heading for an evening meal – we love Rioja, a spot that conjures up some tasty Spanish-fusion dishes that are too good to miss.Plus, nearby, you’ve got the amazing Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) which houses some world-class art in its seasonal exhibits. 2.) Red Rocks Park                One of the most gorgeous spots in Denver, Red Rocks Park is absolutely stunning to visit. With views of the Rocky Mountains dominating the vista and numerous hiking trails, Red Rocks Park is perfect if you fancy some outdoor time without venturing too far from the city itself.  Hiking newbies can try hiking the Trading Post Trail to check out some stunning scenery. It’s totally stunning and gorgeous on a sunny day!  Oh, and don’t forget that Red Rocks is also home to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre which itself is totally iconic. With seasonal outdoor concerts and events, it’s a great spot to visit for an evening treat. Just be sure to book your tickets in advance for particular events, they can sell out fast.  After a day in the mountains, head on over to nearby Willy's Wings. This totally informal and chilled spot has the best wings in all of Colorado, especially when dripping with their signature sauces.  Fancying a longer visit outside of Denver?  Check out the Indian Hot Springs.  Whether you’re looking for a relaxing mineral soak or hot springs, it’s a totally gorgeous place to relax. Plus, they have the Geo-thermally heated caves and springs where you’ll be able to tally chill and unwind. Just remember, the caves are usually first-come-first-serve, so arrive early if you’re dead-set on entering the caves. They can fill up at peak times. 3.) Denver Art Museum                      Not too far from the State Capital Building, the Denver Art Museum is one of the best things to do in Denver if you love art. Honestly, this place is iconic! With thousands of pieces inside, the exhibitions are totally incredible to see and forever changing. Just be sure to give yourself ample time to wander around, you can spend ages inside. 4.) Colorado State Capital Building                       Around a 30-minute stroll from Union Station, visiting the Colorado State Capital Building is one of the best things to do in Denver if you’re fond of history. With totally free tours (on the hour, on a weekday), you can explore the history of the building and Denver right within the very walls. Just be sure to arrive early (maybe 30-minutes before) to secure a spot on the tour.  Also, just nearby you’ve got the Molly Brown House which’s a museum filled with all the Victorian treasures that the Titanic survivor collected over the years.                       If that’s not your thing, hop over to the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception that’s a few minutes walks away. Here, you’ll be able to stroll through the centuries-old nave and stained-glass windows. 5.) RiNo Arts District                      RiNo, in so many ways, reminds me of Shoreditch in London. With quirky street art, a cool vibe, and totally amazing eateries and stores, it’s the kind of place you can spend a late afternoon exploring. Over the years, the streets of RiNo have become so much more colorful, thanks to the work of international (and local) artists. To make things easier, you can even book yourself on a graffiti tour of the neighborhood. It’s well worth a gander and the whole neighborhood has such a cool vibe. Whilst here, be sure to check out; Zeppelin Station (for their cocktail spots and eateries) and Mockery Brewing for their seasonal brews. 6.) Denver Central Market                       Talking of RiNo, Denver Central Market is one of the best things to do in Denver if you love a cool spot to hang out for a few hours around lunchtime.  Perched within a repurposed warehouse, it’s home to a diverse mix of local and independent vendors that make Denver so great. Once inside, stop by Temper for their eclectic chocolate creations and grab a tipple at Curio Bar – they’re both so good.  Oh, and make sure to explore some of the local artist tables that are within the market itself. They’re all so unique and cool to see.  7.) Roxborough State Park                     Around a 30-minute drive, south of Denver is Roxborough State Park – a place you can’t miss when visiting Colorado.  With relatively easy trails to follow (like the Fountain Valley Trail), it’s one of Denver’s most accessible hiking spots for all the family. Not only that, it’s typically quite quiet and a totally beautiful area to see the region’s iconic red rocks.  Just be sure to take some sunscreen, you can easily get burned when walking these trails as there is little shade. After returning to Denver, head to Broadway and stop off at Voodoo Doughnut for their deliciously fluffy creations. Also, you’ve got Sputnik which is a great hangout for an early evening tipple; the jalapeno tequila cocktail (called Thor) is everything! 8.) Mount Evans                      Although around a 140-minute drive from the center of Denver, Mount Evans is incredible to visit and perfect if you’re tagging along a wider road trip around Colorado. Saying that you can easily visit for a day, too!  Now, to get to Mount Evans you will need to drive down the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, which is actually just as gorgeous as Mount Evans. You see, it’s known as the “road into the sky” and you’ll see why as you’re going along. Rising up over 14000+ feet (above sea level), it’s the kind of drive that makes you realize how dramatic and stunning Colorado is! Once you get to the tippy-top, be sure to visit Summit Lake, park up near the Meyer-Womble Observatory, and take in the views across the Rocky Mountains. It’s stunning.  Just remember, this is only really doable in the summer months when the roads are clear and safe from snow. 9.) Union Station & LoDo                      Lots of US cities have some sort of Union Station, but Denver’s Union Station is something very special!                         Recently renovated, it is home to a heap of restaurants, and located right in the center of the Lower Downtown neighborhood, referred to as LoDo.                         After taking a gander at Denver’s iconic station, be sure to pop into the Denver Milk Market for a yummy lunch. They serve up a heap of different dishes in a market setting that’s so cool.                           Oh, and don’t forget Little Man Ice Cream, which’s just across the South Platte River. Here, they serve up the best ice cream in all of Colorado. Their sundaes with hot fudge are everything!                         Fancy some thrills? Head over to nearby Elitch Gardens, fantasy land of roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and the Boomerang!  10.) Daniels & Fisher                       Built over 100 years ago, the Daniels & Fisher clock tower is an iconic part of Denver and easily be spotted whilst wandering the downtown area of the city.  It’s totally beautiful to see and well worth taking a tour inside to visit the historic observation deck.  Afterward, you can continue your stroll through downtown Denver, via the 16th Street Mall. With shops, restaurants, and bars lining the mile-long mall.