Million-dollar homes are the perfect blend of form and function, setting the stage for true elegance and luxury.
Whether it’s the understated minimalism seen in Kim Kardashian’s home or the opulent maximalism of designer high-end houses, the key lies in creating spaces where functionality becomes virtually invisible, contributing to an overall aesthetic that’s both breathtaking and discreet.
You can see this in the prohibitively expensive homes from shows like Selling Sunset and Million Dollar Listing. Those million-dollar homes focus on hiding conventional features and appliances, allowing the eyes to revel in the design without distraction.
The philosophy here is simple yet profound: less is more.
Luxury design hinges on the power of illusion – making the essential elements of a home feel like an integrated, almost indistinguishable part of the overall design.
This invisible functionality transforms living spaces into masterpieces of high-end hospitality and cozy elegance, where every detail is meticulously crafted to elevate the experience of luxury living.
Blend kitchen appliances with the design
Looking at luxury homes and apartments, you won’t find their microwave, stove, or refrigerator glaring out like sore thumbs in the kitchen.
One of the best examples we’ve seen of this is in actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s house in Encino, a newly built contemporary house in Los Angeles with impeccable interiors.
The impressive property’s most distinctive interior traits are the warm wood tones used throughout, which serve as both décor elements and provide tons of storage space — particularly in the kitchen, which is clad in cabinets and wood paneling made out of hemlock wood.
The refrigerator is an essential appliance in any home but as we can see in the Modern Family star’s home, it is artfully hidden within the cabinetry.
It perfectly matches the surrounding cabinets, giving a unified and uninterrupted visual flow that exudes sophistication.
Similarly, the microwave is tucked away, out of the direct line of sight, allowing guests to focus on the elegant lines and luxurious finishes of the kitchen without the distraction of appliances.
Strategically concealing appliances amplifies the spaciousness and clean lines that are synonymous with luxury, making the kitchen not just a place for meal preparation but a statement of design excellence.
That’s not because the owners don’t own any and eat out for every meal but because their appliances are expertly designed to be hidden away when they are not needed.
Luxury designs do not break the viewer’s experience of ah and wonderment with the typical microwave or fridge sticking out.
Hide air vents in plain sight with frameless diffusers
When it comes to the interiors of the most coveted million-dollar listings, the devil is in the details—or perhaps, it’s the lack thereof. The luxurious spaces you see have a secret: the art of concealment.
This is particularly true when it comes to the mechanics of comfort, like HVAC air diffusers, which are essential yet often an eyesore.
But not in these homes. Here, they’re incorporated with such finesse that they’re almost invisible, represented by the hardly visible lines blending into the ceilings and walls as seen in the image below.
These aren’t your standard vents; they’re design statements in their own right, albeit in the most understated way.
Frameless diffusers like the ones from Invi Air are installed into the drywall and colored to match the room’s palettes for a nearly invisible finished look flush with the wall or ceiling.
They don’t demand attention. Instead, they support the room’s ambiance in quiet anonymity, allowing the stunning vistas outside the window or the curated art pieces to hold the gaze. Invi Air diffusers are easily customizable with any type of paint, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the color and texture of the surrounding surface.
The TV is almost always out of sight
In the modern luxury home, the television—once the centerpiece of every living room—has found a new role as the hidden gem of the room.
The trend in million-dollar homes is clear: the TV should be felt, not seen until it’s time for it to shine.
This philosophy has created creative solutions that make the TV almost magically appear when needed and disappear when not, maintaining the room’s sleek, elegant aesthetic.
Take Samsung’s Frame TV, for example. This ingenious device takes the concept of ‘hidden in plain sight’ to new heights, doubling as a digital art display when not in use.
It sits flush with the wall, encased in a stylish frame that one might mistake for an actual painting or photograph.
It’s a perfect fit for spaces where the presence of technology needs to blend with the strokes of interior design finesse.
Take this one step further with LG’s latest technological innovation: the transparent TV.
The TV becomes practically invisible when not in use and can even blend itself to look like a live fish tank or fireplace to disguise itself further.
When the TV is revealed, it’s not just about catching up on the latest series or movie; it’s an event. The act of the screen coming to life from its artistic camouflage adds a layer of luxury and technical prowess to the space. It’s a conversation starter, a nod to the homeowner’s taste for elegance and their flair for the dramatic.
The TV in a luxury home is no longer just a piece of technology; it’s part of the home’s dynamic, an indulgent experience that’s there when you want it without compromising the minimalist ethos of the space.
This approach to home entertainment design is yet another detail that sets high-end homes apart, offering a seamless blend of lifestyle and luxury.
As all the posh houses seen on Selling Sunset prove time and time again, a million-dollar home’s aesthetic is a symphony of design and technology where every note is perfectly pitched for an experience that’s both sumptuous and smart.
These homes aren’t just living spaces but canvases for expressing the height of personal luxury, where every hidden feature is a brushstroke in a masterpiece of modern living. And we don’t find it fair that they’re reserved for luxury homeowners, so we hope the above tips might inspire you and you’ll end up implementing them in your own home.
*Featured image credit: R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash
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In AD PRO’s monthly Having a Moment column, AD senior design editor Hannah Martin reports as a weathervane for fads big and small, documenting the patterns and home decor trends she’s clocked in the pages of AD and beyond. Here, enjoy a look back at 2023’s most defining moments.
From nostalgic styles making a comeback to innovative responses to how we live today, there were many stand-out moments in the world of interior design this year. Reviewing them retrospectively, the selections sum up the past year’s tentpole memories—from the design fair debuts we’re still thinking about to the interiors that will inspire well into the new year. Before diving into the design forecasts and color predictions for 2024, take a minute to reflect on the home decor trends that ruled interiors this year.
Forget the subtlety of travertine (last year’s surface du jour) or the always-in elegance of snow-white Carrara. This year was all about an eye-popping specimen—strong veining, unusual colors, and (for the ultra-daring) perhaps a graphic mix of both. Surfaces need not blend into the background; they can say something too. Let’s call it personality marble—that essential dose of pattern that can make any interior pop. Take, for instance, the freestanding onyx bar Roman and Williams turned into a showstopping moment in Gwyneth Paltrow’s Montecito living room, or the all-over marble bathroom of Tinder founder Sean Rad and his wife, Lizzie Grover Rad, conjured by designer Jane Hallworth. Consider it a new kind of conversation piece for the home.
Jaxx Red Marble Side Table
“With a rise in midcentury-modern home remodels and an increased nostalgia for retro furnishings, we’re seeing more customers favoring color,” says Alyssa Wilterdink, senior marketing manager at Kohler, which relaunched a duo of vintage hues for its plumbing fixtures in honor of the American manufacturer’s 150th anniversary this year. Designers are indeed leaning in: Virginia Tupker recently ordered custom colored Water Monopoly sinks in pale pink and blue for a family home in Connecticut; color fiend Frances Merrill installed a cobalt blue sink in the powder room of a Cape Ann, Massachusetts, home; and designer Oliver M. Furth opted for a vintage pink toilet from Kohler for artist Mary Wetherford’s midcentury-modern abode in LA.
Lookin’ Good Shower Set
This year, we witnessed a surge in designers adding color, pattern, and artistic flair to their projects with hand-painted tile. “I’ll tile just about anything,” says interior designer Jessica Jubelirer, who applied the treatment to the hearth, the bathrooms, the baseboards, and, most memorably, inset in the closet doors in a lakeside Wisconsin family home. Meanwhile, in a historic Connecticut family home designed by Virginia Tupker, Delft and Portuguese tiles create a sort of wainscoting in the entryway and bathrooms, as well as fireplace surrounds. In the kitchen of that project, hand-painted tile adds a splash of pattern (drawn from a William Morris motif) as a backsplash. Practical and durable with an artisan flair, hand-painted tile adds visual interest wherever needed. Adds Jubilerer: “Kitchens, bathrooms, and fireplaces can all benefit from its practicality and beauty.”
São Dinis 88 Portuguese Tile
This spring’s design fair circuit hinted at a return to the industrial minimalism, high-tech style of the ’70s and ’80s—an industrial revolution of the interior, if you will. In April we returned from Milan with notes about a minimalism resurgence, with a particular emphasis on industrial materials. Knoll had reissued some of high-tech star Joe D’Urso’s super-adaptable and sleek low tables from the ’80s. Ledongil Workshop’s experimental lighting and furnishings, on display at Ordet gallery, felt like an elevated take on track lighting. And at Drop City, designer Daisuke Yamamoto showcased a collection of clean-lined chairs made of the most frequently trashed construction material: lightweight gauge steel. Indeed, industrial materials and minimalist silhouettes were the protagonists of this year’s debuts.
Hector Small Dome Clip Light
“We’re blowing the dust off moire,” says Raffaele Fabrizio, creative director of Dedar, while showing off the Italian fabric house’s newly expanded Amoir Libre textile. Cue the ripple effect. As of late, a handful of brands and interior designers have redirected their gaze to the historic textile that oozes opulence, repackaging it for today’s quiet luxury. Interior designer Sophie Ashby, who recently wrapped a dressing room in a pale pink Dedar moire, praises the home decor trend for its ability to expand space: “When used in the right way it can really enhance a space, enveloping the interior with tactility whilst also subtly playing with light to make smaller spaces—such as dressing rooms or hidden nooks—appear larger.”
Quadratic Rug in Burgundy by Objects of Common Interest for CC-Tapis
Before there was photography, botanists—or anyone wishing to document flora—created detailed illustrations, known as botanical studies, intended to convey the plant’s physical appearance and other qualities. Unsurprisingly, such botanical studies have long been used to decorate. Lately, the botanical studies trend—a longtime hallmark of traditional, even preppy interiors—is blooming anew. In Lauren Dupont’s Connecticut home, designed by Stephen Sills, a pair of antique botanical prints purchased at auction hang in her dressing room, and in her Palm Beach kitchen, Aerin Lauder mounted a grid of floral prints in the service pantry. Sure, there’s nothing innately groundbreaking about florals when it comes to home decor trends, but perhaps that’s just what gives them eternal life.
Nasturtium Wall Tray
In the bedroom, gone are the piles of decorative pillows and fussy, overstuffed duvets. Back is a simple coverlet that is perfectly happy not to take center stage. You know this super-simple look: a flat coverlet is laid across the bed, folded down a little at the top, and then back over a pair of standard pillows. “It always felt a bit traditional and almost religious,” says Colin King, the stylist and longtime AD contributor, who favors the minimalist bed. “It’s clean and tidy, simple but elegant. It gives the room the feeling you want your bedroom to have—serenity.” The back-to-basics look has been spotted in a restored Brooklyn Heights apartment by Augusta Hoffman, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen’s California bedroom designed by Jake Arnold, and Andre Mellone’s Manhattan sleeping quarters too.
Repose Heavyweight Bedcover
In Germany and Austria between 1815 and 1850, when the Napoleonic wars had ended and a burgeoning middle class emerged, a new style of furniture was created to suit their needs: streamlined versions of more opulent Empire furniture, characterized by strong lines, warm local woods, and simplified shapes—though, notably, not totally stripped of ornament. Biedermeier furniture, as it would later be named, has regained appeal in contemporary interiors for its chameleon qualities. It brings a calculated hit of classicism to a cool, minimalist interior, but it can deliver streamlined modernity to one that is layered and super decorated. These days, says Campbell-Rey’s Charlotte Rey, it’s all about the mix: “It is important to not be afraid to mix them with color and other periods. Perhaps you place a Memphis Milano lamp on top of a Biedermeier sideboard? Being too respectful can make it feel overly polite.”
The Hong Kong and Boston Chase Sapphire lounge locations were the first to open, and a third spot is entering the scene: As of January 2024, the Chase Sapphire Lounge at New York’s LaGuardia Airport has opened its doors.
Here is what you can expect when you visit this two-level Chase lounge at New York-LGA.
Getting to the Sapphire Lounge LaGuardia
To get to the Chase Sapphire Lounge in Terminal B, pass through security and turn right. Go past the colorful falling water fountain. At the end of the concourse, you’ll find the entrance to the Sapphire Lounge, next to the Centurion Lounge entrance.
Take the elevator down to the ground floor to enter the lounge.
Hours of operation
The Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia is open from 4:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily. The private Reserve Suites are open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Layout
The Sapphire Lounge by The Club at LaGuardia beats out many of its competitors on square footage alone. At 21,850 square feet, this massive Sapphire Lounge can fit a maximum of 269 people. The Centurion Lounge next door comes in at less than half the size by square footage.
There are two levels. The lower level has seating areas, play areas (not just for kids), relaxation rooms and the main dining area and bar.
Ascend the set of stairs located to one side of the center bar and you’ll find yourself in what Chase staffers called “The Perch.” This mezzanine area features more seating and tables, a refreshment station and access to the Reserve Suites: three reservation-only rooms available to groups who want more privacy than the lounge affords.
Design
The theme of trees and greenery runs throughout, with several large “tree trunks” breaking up space on both the first and second levels. The pervasive woodgrain, mid-century furniture and colorful, abstract art on the tambour panel walls gives the feeling of walking into a particularly chic rainforest. There’s even a canopy of plants lining the railings of the upper-level mezzanine.
The womb chairs and light, oak-colored wood are in line with current design trends. Yet, the lounge has an air of timelessness that feels sophisticated but fun — falling somewhere between the retrofuturism of the TWA Hotel at JFK and the intentional whimsy of a hip coworking space. Elevated furnishings can be found in the by-reservation private suites, but more on that later.
The lounge doesn’t have a lot of windows because of its location within the airport. However, even without natural light, there’s not a spot in the lounge that feels underlit. The sconces and variety of other lighting fixtures are a delightful detail.
Throughout the lounge, you’ll find touches of New York City, whether it’s a book of Bill Cunningham photos on the shelf or a series of photos featuring matchbooks from iconic New York restaurants like The Bitter End.
Seating areas on the lower level
The first floor of the lounge features plenty of space for work, relaxation, dining and even a little play. Cushy couches and chairs are scattered throughout.
A backlit, water vapor fireplace provides ambience in a more work-oriented section of the lower level where guests will also find two-person booths and a private phone room.
No need to worry about keeping your devices charged — there are outlets galore embedded in furniture, walls, tables and the floor.
Photo booth and arcade
On top of the areas for working or relaxing, there are a few rooms dedicated entirely to play. One is a photo booth that guests can use to snap photos with their traveling companions. Photos can’t be printed, but guests can have a digital copy sent to their email.
The photo booth doubles as an entrance to what Chase staff referred to as “the speakeasy” — a hidden arcade room featuring a pinball machine, tabletop shuffleboard and a jukebox. While there’s no drink service in the speakeasy, staffers indicated that there might be someday.
Children’s playroom
Families can use an enclosed playroom on the lower level without having to worry about disrupting other lounge guests.
Nursing room
A nursing room featuring a sink and changing table is available for use by families in addition to a dedicated changing room for those with babies.
The Reserve Suites
The Reserve Suites are three rooms that can be booked within the lounge that offer groups a private seating and entertainment area, access to fully-stocked showers and an upgraded menu. The privacy comes at a premium though.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders can reserve one of the two six-person suites and one four-person suite. The six-person suites feature a movable wall between and can be booked together for use by up to 12 people.
Suites are available in three-hour slots. Each of the six-person suites costs $3,000 to reserve (or $6,000 to combine the two suites) and the four-person suite is $2,200 for a reservation slot. You must book suites through the Chase mobile app at least 72 hours in advance.
So what does roughly $1,000 per hour get you?
In addition to private showers stocked with bathrobes and high-end toiletries from Oribe and Augustinus Bader, guests get access to a personal lounge staffer and a private menu from the New York restaurant Jeffrey’s Grocery.
Menu highlights include a hefty lobster roll and the Plateau le LaGuardia, a two-tiered tower featuring king crab legs, shrimp cocktail and a variety of tinned seafood. The suite-exclusive wine list is curated by New York City wine bar Parcelle and each of the suites includes caviar service in its price.
In the sitting area of each suite, there’s a beautifully incorporated TV on the wall that comes with a PlayStation 5 for guests. The TV can be turned off, leaving the design element of a stark, glossy black circle on the wall rather than a blank TV — a subtle touch that’s in line with the elevated feel of these private suites.
One of the few windows in the lounge is in the four-person suite, providing a near-panoramic view of The Perch and lower level of the lounge; though, there’s a curtain for privacy should you prefer it.
Meditation pods and treatment rooms
If you want to luxuriate a little but don’t want to shell out for the suites with their private showers, stop by the wellness area and treat yourself to some spa time.
The ordeal of engaging with commercial air travel can be more than a little de-centering. If you feel like you need some time to refocus and quiet your mind, the lounge offers two meditation pods, which can be booked in 30-minute slots via the Chase app or the QR codes found throughout the lounge. Meditation pod reservations are complimentary.
You can also book a free spa treatment, such as jade rolls and oxygen blasts, on-site on a first-come-first-served basis. The private treatment rooms are staffed by estheticians and feature products from New York facial bar Face Haus.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Each spa guest can also snag a free travel kit of skincare products from Face Haus.
Bathrooms
There are several bathroom stalls in the men’s room and women’s room on the first floor and an all-gender restroom on the mezzanine.
Food
Cold plates and made-to-order meals
At the back of the lounge’s lower level is the main dining area. The kitchen serves breakfast (4:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.) and all-day fare (11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.) with menus featuring more typical lounge options alongside special, made-to-order dishes from Joseph Leonard, a West Village bistro.
During breakfast and regular service, cold and hot plates are available at the buffet counter. For breakfast, guests can expect the usual fare like pastries, fruit, yogurt, eggs, pancakes and French toast. Made-to-order options — including omelets, egg and cheese baos, and vegan spinach bowls — can be ordered by scanning the QR codes found at every table.
All-day food choices include Korean fried chicken bites, pumpkin muhammara, grilled cheese and made-to-order dishes like burgers or seared salmon over braised leeks. The latter items punched a fair bit above the lounge food weight class, retaining the restaurant quality you’d expect from a curated menu.
A selection of sweets is also available at the buffet, including lemon squares, chocolate chip cookies and mini chocolate bites.
The bar
Situated amid the dining space and seating areas is a circular bar, beautifully appointed with white stone countertops, mauve barstools and brass accents. Chase teamed up with New York mixologists Apotheke for locally-inspired cocktails.
The cocktail menu includes drinks exclusive to the LaGuardia lounge, like The Blackburn’s Sour — a berry-forward rum drink named for one of the first passengers to disembark at LaGuardia when it opened in 1939 — and a signature cocktail that you’ll find at all Sapphire Lounge locations, fittingly and simply called Sapphire.
Other standouts include the Red Eye, an interesting take on the all-too-familar espresso martini that takes things in a more refreshing direction with the addition of black cherry.
A wine list curated by Parcelle, spirits and a selection of beers on tap round out the bar’s menu, with soft drinks, juices and coffee also available.
Refreshment stations
The lounge features three refreshment stations, two on the first level and one on the second. Each refreshment station includes a mini fridge of canned beverages as well as drip coffee, tea, a digital espresso machine, nonalcoholic drinks on tap and assorted fruits and biscotti.
In keeping with the locally-sourced beverages, coffee is supplied by Greenwhich Village roaster Joe Coffee and teas are from SoHo-based tea blenders Harney & Sons.
How to get into the Chase Sapphire Lounge LGA
Access to the Sapphire Lounge by the Club at LaGuardia is pretty simple: you need to carry a qualifying Chase card or have a Priority Pass membership. Some credit cards include a Priority Pass membership as a benefit.
Chase cards that get you lounge access include:
Chase Sapphire Reserve® and J.P. Morgan Reserve cardholders each get two free guests, per visit. Additional guests come at a fee of $27 each. Ritz-Carlton cardholders get unlimited guests.
Priority Pass cards that get you access to the Chase LaGuardia lounge include:
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
Annual fee
Priority Pass benefits
Full Priority Pass Select membership. Enrollment required. Terms apply.
Full Priority Pass Select membership. Includes two guests per visit. No restaurants.
Full Priority Pass Select membership. Enrollment required. Terms apply.
10 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits per year. Enrollment required. Existing cardholders who enrolled in Priority Pass on or before Jan. 31, 2023 will no longer have a membership as of Feb. 1, 2024. Cardholders who enroll between Feb. 1, 2023 and Jan. 31, 2024, will continue to have membership through Oct. 31, 2024. Terms apply.
Eight free Priority Pass lounge visits per year.
Learn more
(Top photo by Steve Miller)
The information related to the J.P. Morgan Reserve and The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
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If you’ve been actively house hunting for a while, chances are you’ve come across a real estate listing that was referred to as a HUD home. But what exactly does that mean? Is this type of home worth considering as your next purchase?
Discover everything you need to know about HUD homes and whether this type of home is right for you. While there is some risk involved, the potential for reward is also great. So read on and see if you should start searching for HUD homes in your area.
What is a HUD home?
Owned by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a HUD home is a type of residential foreclosure. Traditional foreclosures occur when a homeowner defaults on their home loan.
If they can’t reach a repayment agreement with their lender, the lender takes ownership of the property. Then, the lender lists the property for sale to get the balance owed on the mortgage loan.
FHA Insurance and Its Impact
Foreclosed properties often sell well below the amount owed to the lender, who then takes a loss on the property. However, if the home is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the foreclosure process happens a little differently.
The Federal Housing Administration is actually a department within HUD. It doesn’t make loans directly, but it does help ensure borrowers with a specific type of loan to help encourage homeownership. The FHA also provides mortgage insurance to FHA-approved lenders.
FHA mortgages entice lenders to originate and fund the loan since underwriting standards are slightly less stringent than a conventional loan.
However, when a home financed by an FHA loan goes into foreclosure, HUD reimburses the original lender for the outstanding loan balance. HUD then takes over ownership and sells it to compensate for the cost it paid to the lender.
The Process of Buying a HUD Home
When a regular home is listed for sale, the seller works with their real estate agent to come up with a price based on comparable houses in the area.
When a HUD home is put on the market, it goes through an appraisal process to determine its fair market value. The list price also considers any necessary repairs that are needed in the home.
The HUD Bidding System
With a normal listing, you’d tour the house and make an offer to the seller via your respective real estate agents. It specifically helps to work with an agent who has experience with HUD homes, but it’s not necessary.
While you still tour HUD homes with your real estate agent, the offer process is entirely different. Rather than making a traditional offer, you place a bid. If your agent is registered with HUD, they can submit the bid online for you.
There is a designated bid period. Once yours is submitted, they will compare it to any other bids that have been received. If yours is the highest offer, you’ll get an acknowledgment from HUD.
At that time, your agent will send you a contract, which you have 48 hours to submit to your regional HUD office. This is the only way to lock in the home and get the ownership underway. Otherwise, they could put it back on the market. So, always submit your documents in a timely manner.
HUD Home Buying Process
You often only get one shot at placing an offer on a HUD home, so it’s important to develop an informed strategy beforehand. While you may think it warrants an automatic lowball offer, this isn’t necessarily the case, especially if you live in a competitive real estate market.
In addition to looking at comps in the area and the home’s condition, you can also base your offer on the length of time the home has been on the market. If it’s new on the market, you probably don’t want to come in too low on your offer price. This is unless you’re only interested in the property at a certain price point.
HUD Home Costs and Financing Options
HUD often accepts offers between 85% and 88% of the list price. That’s a good frame of reference when developing your bid unless, of course, someone comes in with a higher offer. If the property has been on the market for several months, you definitely have more leverage in making a lower offer.
Your deposit will generally range from $500 – $2,000. Your mortgage payments will depend on how much your down payment is. The higher your down payment amount, the lower your mortgage payments will be. Closing costs usually average to be about 3-4% of the purchase price of a home. However, if you buy a HUD home, HUD may pay most of your closing costs.
Assessing Risks and Rewards in ‘As-Is’ HUD Home Sales
That’s because, unlike most regular listings, HUD homes are sold as-is. So, regardless of what work needs to be done, HUD will not take care of it to sell the house. But, of course, this is typically true of any foreclosed property.
That’s why it’s vital to have an inspection completed before you make an offer. Unlike other buying processes, you should have the inspection done first. Then, use it to inform your bid offer because you can’t renegotiate based on the results.
It’s definitely worth spending a couple of hundred dollars to ensure the needed renovations are within your scope.
Pros and Cons of Buying a HUD Home
Purchasing a HUD home can be an attractive option for many buyers, offering a unique blend of financial advantages and potential challenges. Understanding these pros and cons is crucial in making an informed decision.
Pros
Competitive pricing: One of the most significant benefits of HUD homes is their affordability. These properties are typically priced below-market value, providing an excellent opportunity for buyers to secure a home at a reduced cost. This pricing advantage makes HUD homes particularly appealing to first-time buyers and those looking for good value in the housing market.
Accessible down payments: HUD homes often come with the advantage of requiring lower down payments. In some cases, buyers may be eligible to make a down payment as low as 3.5% of the purchase price. This lower threshold can make homeownership more accessible, especially for those who may struggle to save for a larger down payment required in traditional home purchases.
Reduced Closing costs: Another financial benefit of purchasing a HUD home is the potential for lower closing costs. HUD may cover a portion of these costs, reducing the overall expenses that buyers need to pay out-of-pocket. This can make the process of buying a home more affordable and less daunting financially.
Cons
‘As-Is’ condition: One of the primary challenges of buying a HUD home is that they are sold in ‘as-is’ condition. This means that the buyer assumes responsibility for all repairs and renovations needed, which can sometimes be extensive. Potential buyers should carefully consider the condition of the property and be prepared for the possibility of unforeseen repair expenses.
Lengthier closing process: The process of closing on a HUD home can be more time-consuming compared to traditional home purchases. This is due to the additional paperwork, approvals, and procedures required by the government. Buyers should be prepared for a potentially prolonged process and factor this into their planning.
Additional financial considerations: While HUD homes can offer lower initial costs, they may require additional financial commitments, such as escrow deposits for repairs. These added expenses can arise from the need to address issues not covered under the ‘as-is’ purchase agreement. It’s important for buyers to be aware of and budget for these potential extra costs.
Financing Your HUD Home Purchase
You don’t need your full offer price in cash; in fact, you can use just about any loan type. The trick is to make sure the home’s condition qualifies for the loan type’s eligibility requirements.
Government-backed loans such as FHA, VA, and USDA loans have stricter requirements than conventional loans. For example, an appraiser for FHA loans looks for the following items:
A lot sloping away from the house
Windows in each bedroom
Chipped lead paint (in pre-1978 homes)
Handrails on stairs
Sufficient heating system
Solid roof and foundation
If the HUD property does not meet these basic requirements, you’ll need to find alternative financing. A conventional loan appraisal is more concerned about the home’s market value and comes with stricter credit and income requirements.
There are options, however, to finance repairs. One is a 203(B) loan, which allows you to finance up to $5,000 in repairs. The other is a 203(K) loan, which finances up to $35,000 in repairs.
Finding HUD Homes in Your Area
Your real estate agent can help you locate HUD homes in your area, especially if that’s their area of expertise. However, to start looking on your own, you can access HUD’s database of homes for sale. This online tool allows you to search several criteria to find the home you want in a specific location.
You can search by state, county, or city, as well as price range and home features. In addition to the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage, you have the option to search for a limited number of special features, including:
Fireplace or wood stove
Single or multiple stories
Outdoor amenities, like patio, pool, porch, or fence
Parking type
Housing type
Property age
Despite not being as user-friendly as a site like Zillow, the HUD website allows you to browse listings and find something that meets your needs.
Can investors buy HUD properties?
Purchasing a foreclosed home as an investment can be a great idea, assuming you’ve done ample research into your local market.
If you’re ready to jump into the real estate game as a landlord or Airbnb host, you should certainly add the HUD portal to your property source list. However, it’s important to realize that there are a few restrictions for investors.
As we mentioned earlier, HUD properties are listed in bidding periods. The first period is an “exclusive listing period” and only accepts offers from owner-occupant buyers, non-profit organizations, and government entities. In other words, they are initially offered to buyers who intend to live in them as their primary residence.
After that 15-day period, if no offer has been submitted, HUD opens up an extended bidding period to investors. At that point, you may submit a bid to purchase the property as some type of investment.
What happens if a HUD property is not sold?
HUD lists its foreclosure homes for six months before taking other actions. If the home is not sold within that time frame, they can sell the property to a nonprofit or government agency for $1. The home must then be transformed into either affordable housing for families within the community, or benefit the area in some other way.
HUD also offers programs for public servants such as teachers and police officers. This program, called the Good Neighbor Next Door, provides teachers, police officers, firefighters, and EMTs with a 50% discount off the list price of eligible HUD homes.
This program aims to revitalize and strengthen communities by having public servants live and work in the same place.
Is a HUD Home Right for You?
Be aware of the potential for both risk and reward. Start by evaluating your wishlist for a home, whether it’s for yourself or as an investment.
If you’re looking for a move-in ready house, it may not be right for you. It’s also not a good idea if you’re risk-averse. Even if you perform a home inspection, it may not catch every single problem with a home.
Even after the former owner vacates the property, it takes time for the original lender to process the paperwork and transfer the property to HUD. Then HUD must perform an appraisal and go through the listing process. This lengthy process can lead to additional neglect and damage incurred to the property.
The Reality of Distressed Properties
On the plus side, you may have the opportunity to gain some quick equity, depending on the location, condition, and final sales price. This is especially true if you’re willing to buy a fixer-upper.
As long as you understand the process and the associated risks of buying a HUD home, you can potentially put yourself into a better financial situation. This includes a lower monthly mortgage payment and greater home equity.
Just be realistic about what you’re willing to put into a home (both time and money). Furthermore, play out worst-case scenarios and make sure you’re ok with each of them. With an open and informed mind, you could get a great housing deal with HUD.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I purchase a HUD home?
You can purchase a HUD home by submitting a bid through an approved real estate broker, or by submitting an offer directly to HUD.
Who is eligible to purchase a HUD home?
Anyone can purchase a HUD home. However, certain restrictions may apply, such as income limits and owner occupancy requirements.
Is there a minimum bid requirement for HUD homes?
No, HUD does not specify a fixed minimum bid amount for its homes. The acceptable bid varies based on the property’s appraised value and market conditions. Very low bids are less likely to be accepted, especially during initial periods reserved for owner-occupants. For specific bidding information, consult the HUD Home Store or a real estate agent with HUD experience.
Can I buy a HUD home as a vacation property or second home?
HUD homes are primarily intended for buyers who will use them as their primary residence. There are specific periods during the bidding process when only owner-occupant bids are considered. However, if a HUD home remains unsold after these periods, it may become available for purchase as a vacation or second home.
Is it possible to negotiate the price of a HUD home?
Unlike traditional real estate transactions, the price of a HUD home is generally non-negotiable. HUD homes are priced at fair market value, considering their condition. The bidding process is the primary way to determine the final sale price, and HUD will accept the highest reasonable offer.
How long does it take to close on a HUD home after my bid is accepted?
The closing process for a HUD home can vary, but it generally takes longer than a traditional home purchase. Typically, you can expect the closing process to take anywhere from 30 to 60 days from the acceptance of your bid. This timeframe can be affected by various factors, including the type of financing and the specific procedures of your local HUD office.
Are HUD homes eligible for home warranties?
HUD homes are sold ‘as-is’ and do not come with warranties. Buyers are encouraged to have a home inspection before making a bid to understand any potential issues. However, after purchase, homeowners can independently obtain home warranties from private providers for future protection.
What is the ‘Good Neighbor Next Door’ program?
The Good Neighbor Next Door program is a HUD initiative aimed at encouraging community revitalization. This program offers a significant discount (up to 50% off the list price) on eligible HUD homes to law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians who commit to living in the property as their primary residence for at least 36 months.
As the snowflakes begin to dance in the Colorado sky, the allure of a cozy winter retreat home becomes irresistible. Nestled amidst the Rocky Mountains, Colorado offers a picturesque backdrop for those dreaming of a winter haven. Whether you’re envisioning weekends filled with skiing, sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace, or simply relishing the serene beauty of a winter wonderland, purchasing a winter retreat in Colorado can turn those dreams into reality.
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To help you navigate this exciting journey, we’ve compiled a list of 5 essential tips to consider when buying your cozy haven in the Centennial State.
Location, Location, Location
The quintessential factor in choosing your retreat is location. Colorado boasts a variety of settings, from bustling ski resort towns like Aspen and Vail to quieter, more secluded areas like Telluride and Steamboat Springs. Consider how close you want to be to ski resorts, and local amenities, and whether a remote, tranquil setting or a more lively, community-oriented area suits you better.
Understand the Climate and Terrain
Colorado’s winter can be both magical and harsh. Understanding the local climate and terrain is crucial. Elevated regions experience more substantial snowfall, affecting accessibility and necessitating enhanced winter maintenance. Take Aspen, for instance; during winter, temperature highs hover around 40°F, while summers bring milder temperatures, reaching or exceeding 70°F. Understanding these details guarantees your retreat is not just a sanctuary but a robust haven, prepared for Colorado’s diverse climate.
Inspect for Winter-Readiness
When inspecting potential properties, focus on elements that enhance your winter stay. Seek efficient heating systems, quality insulation, double-glazed windows, and a well-maintained roof. A fireplace not only adds aesthetic charm but also serves as a practical necessity.
Consider Accessibility
In your quest for a snug winter retreat in Colorado, prioritize accessibility, especially during the snowy months. Evaluate the property’s ease of access in heavy snowfalls, ensuring the road to your haven is well-maintained. Additionally, factor in the convenience of airports or major roads for frequent trips or anticipated visits.
Rental Potential
If you’re contemplating using your winter home on a seasonal basis, explore its potential for rental income. Properties in sought-after ski resort areas often present lucrative rental opportunities. Investigate local regulations and market demands to estimate the potential income from rentals. For instance, in Vail, the demand for winter accommodations is consistently high. Nestled within the majestic Colorado Rockies, Vail attracts winter enthusiasts from around the world seeking not only world-class skiing but also the charming ambiance of a mountain resort town.
Are you looking for a new home in Colorado? Give us a call today! One of our experienced real estate agents is more than happy to help you find the home that is right for you!
The day after Christmas and all through the house, nobody knew what to do with the darn apartment tree now that Christmas was over. Fortunately, we have a few tips about Christmas tree disposal at the ready.
When you live in an apartment, you may not have the ability to just drag your old tree to the curb and wait for pick-up.
Whether you have a dumpster, some community trash collection area or indeed can put trash out at the end of a driveway, there are a number of ways for you to safely dispose of your tree after Christmas instead of watching it turn brown in your living room as the calendar changes.
Here are 11 Christmas tree disposal ideas for you as the season winds down.
1. Put the tree out with the trash
The easiest thing to do with your tree after Christmas is to take it out to the trash to be collected as recycling. Depending on your rental situation, this may mean hauling it out to the curb, taking it out to your bulk trash pickup area or having some designated tree plan.
If your apartment is in a residential neighborhood and you regularly take your trash to the curb, check with your local city or township for rules, dates and times as to when you’re allowed to put your tree out with your normal collection for recycling.
If you live in a building or complex with private or bulk pickup (like a dumpster), ask your landlord or management office what the policy is (or look for a posting on a community bulletin board or in the Facebook group) and when and where you can take your tree to be sent to its final resting place.
But if your apartment or complex doesn’t have or doesn’t allow drop off of your tree, you have a few options…
2. Take your tree to a drop-off site
Most municipalities have some sort of organized tree drop-off plan. In fact, there are more than 4,000 Christmas tree recycling programs throughout the country, most run by local waste disposal departments. Drop off your tree, drive away and don’t look back — unless you want to see your memories given the “Fargo” treatment. It couldn’t be more simple.
The idea of hauling your slowly-decaying tree in your personal vehicle to a drop-off site may not sound like fun, but doing it right will minimize the damage and mess. If you can find a bag or box big enough to hold the remains (even if you have to cut it into a few pieces), you will keep pine needles and sap from getting all over and in your car. Then, do the reverse of how you got it home in the first place. Strap it to the roof or toss it in the back. And if none of this is feasible, find a friend that owns a pickup.
3. Chip your tree into nothingness
Instead of abandoning your tree at a recycle dump like an unwanted child, turn your tree into wonderful mulch. If your apartment has a garden or flowerbed or a landscaped lawn, you can toss O’ Tannenbaum into a woodchipper and let your tree live on.
Mulch and chips are great around bushes and small trees where they can help keep moisture in the soil and stave off direct sunlight. And as the chips decompose, the wood releases nutrients into the ground.
Don’t have a giant woodchipper lying around your apartment? No problem. Many cities and non-profit organizations offer chipping events where you can have your tree turned into mulch and either take it home or donate it to the local parks and rec department to be used in city parks.
New York’s two-day “Mulchfest” is held annually around the city and recycles more than 26,000 trees a year. And in Atlanta, the “Bring One for the Chipper” program is more than 25 years old and shreds more than 100,000 trees annually.
4. Dump your tree into a lake (nicely)
An alternative to schlepping your tree to a recycler or drop off is to dump it in a lake. Believe it or not, you can actually toss your (chemical-free) tree, trunk and branches separately into a pond or lake and the wood will provide shelter for overwintering fish. Discard your tree and help the environment.
Well, not just any lake and not just however you want. First, find a nearby lake or pond and then, contact the municipality where it’s located to make sure you’re following all local ordinances.
5. Dump your tree into your fish tank
On a much smaller scale, you can also snap off some of the smaller branches and twigs and arrange them in your home or office fish tank to give your fish a new and natural place to hide and chill out. Just be sure the wood is completely clean and dirt free before tanking it.
6. Reuse just the needles
If you don’t have an outdoor space (or fish), you can just upcycle the needles. Before you take your tree to a drop off site, shake a bunch of the needles off into a bag and spread them over the soil in your outdoor spaces or in a flowerbox or planter. The needles break down like mulch and work on balancing out the pH levels in alkaline soil.
7. Use your tree to smell fresh year ’round
The needles can also keep your house smelling sweet all year, as well. Only if your tree’s needles are still green and fresh-looking (give them a sniff), strip a bunch of them off and toss them into small paper bags. Stick the bag anywhere you want to smell piney fresh like a closet or catbox area and they’ll last a lot longer than you’d expect.
8. Make fire from your tree
If you’re one of the lucky ones to have a fireplace in your rental, congratulations … you have some post-Christmas firewood for the rest of winter. You may not have a woodchipper at your disposal, but someone you know somewhere has a saw or axe if you don’t have one. With great care, take your tree to an open space in your complex (ask to make sure you’re allowed) or somewhere nearby and start chopping.
Well, not right away. If the wood is still wet, take it away from a water source and let it dry. Wet wood in a fire can cause fires where you don’t want them. And if your tree is too dried out, it won’t burn properly. It’s a fine line. Either way, most Christmas trees are small and slender, so you’ll wind up with some good kindling or fire starters.
9. Replant your tree
If you have a backyard spot or community green space, and your tree hasn’t been cut or had its root ball damaged, you can actually replant it. If you live in warmer climates, and if your tree didn’t get dried out inside your house, especially next to vents or heaters, your tree may have a second life.
And new to the scene are actual companies that will rent you a tree, deliver it for the holiday andthen come pick it up and replant it for you. It’s like Netflix for Christmas trees (OK, well kinda)!
10. Return your tree
And believe it or not, you may actually be able to return your tree! No, not for your money back, but in many places, you can drop your tree off back where you bought it. Some large lots and tree farms will take your tree back and recycle or upcycle it themselves. Ask them when you make your purchase if you can return it, or give them a call.
11. DIY your tree
Remember, your tree is made of wood! That means, if you have the requisite skill, you can make the perfect Etsy-level DIY projects from your soon-to-be-former Christmas tree. Try some of these projects, using the trunk, the branches or just the twigs:
Winter wreaths or window boxes
Plant supports and wooden plant markers
Tree trunk coasters
Tree trunk tealight logs
Tree branch candlesticks
Wall art
A wood slice clock
And yes, even a didgeridoo
Until next year
Regardless of what you decide to do with your Christmas tree, just know you have options other than dumping it somewhere under the cover of darkness. Or you could always just go with the artificial version and box it back up for next year.
Winter is a season that transforms the world into a glistening wonderland, and what better way to embrace the chilly charm than by turning your home into a winter oasis? In this exploration of unique winter home features, we’ll delve into the extraordinary, from the exhilaration of having your own private ice rink to the relaxation of soaking in a hot tub beneath the winter sky.
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Skating Under Your Own Sky: Private Ice Rinks
To transform your backyard, you’ll need to first choose a level area and remove any debris, rocks or uneven elements. Pile up snow around the perimeter of the rink to form a natural border – this will help contain the water as it freezes. Then, using a hose or bucket, flood the cleared area with a thin layer of water. Allow it to freeze before adding more layers and repeat this process until the thickness of the ice is satisfactory. Now you’ve got your very own private ice rink to enjoy!
A Winter Retreat: Outdoor Hot Tubs
While winter may bring a chill to the air, there’s nothing quite like the contrast of soaking in a steaming hot tub amid the frosty surroundings. Ensure privacy by incorporating natural elements like tall plants or screens around your hot tub, and place serene lighting around the area for ambiance. Having an outdoor tub isn’t just beneficial for relaxation, but it also has several health benefits, can be used as a social gathering spot, and potentially enhances your property value!
Fireside Bliss: Indoor Fireplaces with a Twist
Some homeowners are elevating the coziness of winter by incorporating innovative indoor fireplaces. These include a double-sided fireplace, which makes for a great focal point in an open layout, or a sunken fire pit which creates an intimate and cozy vibe. Floating fireplaces are also gaining popularity for those who want an elevated and modern approach to staying warm.
Indoor Sauna: A Home Spa Experience
Counter the cold weather with an indoor sauna, providing a rejuvenating escape and promoting relaxation during the winter season. A traditional Finnish sauna incorporates natural wood, typically cedar or hemlock, while contemporary saunas opt for a sleek and minimalist design using materials like glass, stone, and metal. If you don’t have much space, compact saunas are ideal and can fit into just a small corner of your home.
Heated Floors: Step Into Warmth
Infuse warmth into every step by installing heated flooring, a practical and luxurious feature that adds comfort to chilly winter mornings. While initial costs to install heated floors can be significant, many homeowners find the comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term benefits well worth the investment. Since there are various systems for heated floors, typically electric and hydronic, you’ll need to consult with a professional to ensure compatibility with your home.
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2023 has seen some wonderful decorative trends. With the evolution of the ‘Minimaluxe’ movement came a wave of beautiful decorative pieces; in the world of decorative lighting, we’ve seen a renaissance, and we’ve embraced a whole new range of textures and materials. It’s been a great year for decor, so it’s no wonder the interior designers have been doing some serious shopping.
We’ve all got a favorite home purchase of 2023 (mine is my pair of wall sconces that sit above my bed), but the tastemakers’ purchases are really telling of what interior design trends have made an impact and what is here to stay. To find out, I caught up with three of my favorite designers to find out their favorite buys of 2023.
1. Fireplace accessories
If there is one major takeaway from 2023, it’s that we want our homes to be cozier than ever before. A key pillar for coziness is warmth and lighting, both of which are covered by open fires or log fires. Fireplaces have experienced a renaissance, and homeowners are enjoying the opportunity to decorate mantelpieces and purchase fireplace accessories that reinforce the cozy living room aesthetic.
Christoffer Du Rietz of Du Rietz Design.
‘Our new open fireplace was made in a Calacata marble we had saved for five years back and designed with some nice details to match the house. It came just in time for fireplace season. Apart from looking great, it helps a lot when lighting the fire, which is many times a week on cold winter days.’
Jumbo Wicker Log Basket
Log Holder
Wrought Iron Fireplace and Hearth Tool Set
bedroom if you want to restyle a nightstand, or perhaps on a bookshelf that needs a bit of decorative attention, they’re fantastically helpful for an uncluttered home.
For Melissa Warner Rothblum of Massucco Warner, this sculptured marble vanity box by west elm made a beautiful impact on her living room shelf. ‘I think this little box is so chic and is a lot of bang for the buck,’ she says. ‘It’s also perfect for tucking away keys on an entryway, remote controls, bedroom trinkets, or garage clickers.’
Chelsea Cement Box
Marble Vanity Box
Large Marble Box
Kitchen accessories have taken off in 2023. No longer are our kitchens spaces for purely functional items. Instead, we’re enjoying items that bring a cozy feel to the space. Forget all those branded mugs you’ve somehow accumulated over the years – it’s out with the old and in with the new. We’re coveting a curated collection of kitchen items that fit with the wider aesthetic of the room – be it a stylish chopping board displayed artfully on a backsplash shelf, or an open shelf of beautiful coffee cups.
Stoneware coffee cups that have that handpainted feel have proved popular, used as decor as well as for a functional kitchen necessity, while interior designer Corinne Mathern takes pride in the pair of glass espresso cups she has in her kitchen. ‘One of the best things I bought for under $50 this year was two vintage Art Deco glass espresso cups on a trip to Italy this year. They make my early morning coffee time with my husband really special and they’re so beautiful,’ she says.
Denver International Airport is the third-busiest airport in the world, with more than 69 million passengers passing through its terminals in 2022.
Getting access to one of Denver’s airport lounges can improve your chances of finding more peace and quiet — or at least having a snack before you hit the skies.
Here are the lounges at Denver airport currently available for departing passengers.
Concourse A: Delta, United, Capital One and more
Denver airport’s Concourse A is home to the most airlines of the three concourses. This includes:
Air Canada.
Air France.
British Airways.
Copa Airlines.
Delta Air Lines.
Edelweiss.
Frontier Airlines.
Lufthansa.
United Airlines.
Given the number of airlines that fly into Concourse A, it should come as no surprise that it has more lounges than other concourses.
Delta Sky Club
The Delta Sky Club in Denver is located at the pedestrian bridge Y juncture on level 4, on the south end of the center core.
Open from 4:15 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. on Sunday through Friday and 4:45 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Denver’s Delta Sky Club lounge includes a buffet, two seating areas, a self-serve bar and other complimentary beverages.
The lounge is open to:
Delta Sky Club annual members traveling on Delta or a partner airline.
Passengers flying first or business class on a SkyTeam airline.
Diamond, Platinum, and Gold-level Medallion members traveling Delta premium select (or the equivalent from a SkyTeam airline).
Select credit card holders, including those with the The Platinum Card® from American Express and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Terms apply.
United Club
Located near gate A26.
Open from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Offers free snacks, a full-service bar and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Access to the lounge is limited to:
Premium cabin customers on an international itinerary.
Business or first class passengers on a Star Alliance airline, flyers with Star Alliance Gold status who are flying internationally or who have Star Alliance Gold status through a partner airline.
Active U.S. military personnel.
Cards with United Club access
United℠ Explorer Card
on Chase’s website
United Club℠ Infinite Card
on Chase’s website
United Club℠ Business Card
Details
Annual fee:$0 intro for the first year, then $95.
Lounge access: Two one-time United Club passes after account opening and each year for your cardmember anniversary.
Annual fee:$525.
Lounge access: Primary cardholders get a United Club membership.
Annual fee:$450.
Lounge access: Primary cardholders get a United Club membership.
Learn more
Capital One Lounge
Located near gate A34, mezzanine level.
Open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
The lounge features:
Drinks (including cocktails, wine and craft beer).
Shower suites and more.
Open with unlimited access to those with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Venture X Business. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Spark Miles cardholders who are limited to two complimentary lounge visits per year.
USO
Located on the north end of A Gates Bridge from Jeppesen Terminal.
Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The lounge includes coffee, snacks, drinks, games and complimentary Wi-Fi.
To use the USO lounge, you need to have a current active duty, Guard, Reserve or dependent ID card. Military retiree ID cards are accepted for access if space is available.
Concourse B: United Clubs
Concourse B exclusively has flights for United, which is why the only lounges here are United Clubs. Below is a list of the United lounges in the concourse.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Those with a boarding pass for same-day travel on a Star Alliance, United or a partner flight can purchase a one-time pass to a United Club in person or through United’s mobile app for $59 per passenger.
United Club – West
Located near gate B30.
Open from 6:45 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
This United Club in Denver is the largest United lounge in the world. It measures 35,000 square feet and features a bar with craft beer, relaxation rooms, a buffet, a fireplace and a robot that takes away your used plates and glasses.
Access to the lounge is limited to:
Premium cabin customers on an international itinerary.
Business or first class passengers on a Star Alliance airline.
Flyers with Star Alliance Gold status who are flying internationally or who have Star Alliance Gold status through a partner airline.
Active U.S. military personnel.
Flyers with a United Club membership or a United Club one-time pass.
United Club
Located near gate B44.
Open from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The lounge offers a full-service bar, complimentary snacks and Wi-Fi.
Access to the lounge is limited to:
Premium cabin customers on an international itinerary.
Business or first class passengers on a Star Alliance airline.
Flyers with Star Alliance Gold status who are flying internationally or who have Star Alliance Gold status through a partner airline.
Active U.S. military personnel.
Flyers with a United Club membership or a United Club one-time pass.
United Club Fly
Located near gate B60.
Open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This unique lounge gives United passengers with lounge access the ability to quickly grab sandwiches, snacks and drinks to take with them on their flight. While there is a small dining area in the lounge, it’s designed more for a quick grab-and-go experience.
Access to the lounge is limited to:
Premium cabin customers on an international itinerary.
Business or first class passengers on a Star Alliance airline.
Flyers with Star Alliance Gold status who are either flying internationally or who have Star Alliance Gold status through a partner airline.
Active U.S. military personnel.
Flyers with a United Club membership or a United Club one-time pass.
🤓Nerdy Tip
You can purchase an annual pass to United Club lounges or get access from certain United credit cards. For instance, the United℠ Explorer Card (annual fee $0 intro for the first year, then $95) includes two one-time United Club passes after account opening and each cardmember anniversary, while United Club℠ Infinite Card (annual fee $525) includes a United Club membership.
Concourse C: Centurion Lounge, Admirals Club
Concourse C is also home to the American Express Centurion lounge in Denver.
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and United fly into Concourse C.
American Express Centurion Lounge
Located near gate C46.
Open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Denver Centurion Lounge, which is over 14,000 square feet, features craft beer, a live-action cooking station with a chef-designed Italian menu, an immersive game experience and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Open to cardholders who have either the The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, American Express Centurion, and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Terms apply.
American Airlines Admirals Club
Located near gate C30.
Open from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The Admirals Club in Denver offers complimentary Wi-Fi, food for purchase and conference rooms.
This lounge is open to:
One-day pass holders.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®.
Qualifying first and business-class passengers.
Final thoughts on Denver airport lounges
Denver has a number of lounges, including a Centurion Lounge from AmEx. Even so, the most impressive lounge at the Denver airport is United’s new United Club – West lounge.
While United does have the largest lounge presence in the Denver airport, Delta, British Airways, American Airways and Capital One also offer lounge access.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
From 9 a.m. ET on December 22, 2023, to 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 15, 2024, fans have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win the 2024 HGTV Dream Home.
HGTV and FoodNetwork fans have the chance to win the 2024 HGTV Dream Home giveaway in Anastasia Island, Florida. The prize package, valued at over $2.2 Million, includes keys to the home, all furnishings, an all-new Mercedes-Benz E Class Sedan, and $100,000. Eligible fans can enter for a chance to win daily at HGTV.com/DreamHome and FoodNetwork.com/HGTVDreamHome, where they will also find full details of the official rules and additional home features.
The three-bedroom, four-bathroom home sits at approximately 3,300 square feet with views of the Matanzas River and the St. Augustine Lighthouse. The home combines classic coastal elegance with modern touches and layers of natural textures drenched in soothing blue and white hues. Upon entry, guests will instantly be taken away by the beautiful views of the waterfront. The front door leads to the great room with an open concept, including a living room with sleek sofas and a fireplace, a dining room with a beach-inspired distressed table, and a bright blue cabinet-filled kitchen. The laundry room and well-organized mudroom sit between the kitchen and an attached two-car garage. The main bedroom looks up to airy skylights and offers a private retreat from the rest of the home with a walk-in closet and main bathroom.
The house is perfect for entertaining, with two guest suites and a loft that provides a cosy space with a wet bar and a mini fridge. The spacious backyard is a dreamy getaway with an outdoor kitchen and high-top bar, two fire features, a pool, and multiple outdoor entertaining spaces, including a screened-in porch with lounge and dining and a pergola with conversation seating.
Architect Michael Stauffer designed the home, and local builder Glenn Layton Homes brought it to life. The interior design was done by Brian Patrick Flynn.
2024 HGTV Dream Home features overview:
3-bed, 4-bath home with 3,300 sq ft
Views of Matanzas River and St. Augustine Lighthouse
Classic coastal elegance meets modern touches
The front door opens to a great room with an open-plan concept
Main bedroom with walk-in closet and main bathroom
2 guest suites and loft with wet bar and mini fridge
Spacious backyard with outdoor kitchen, high-top bar, fire features, pool, and multiple entertaining spaces
The HGTV Dream Home inspires millions of HGTV fans who enter for a chance to win every year. With this year’s home, we are showcasing Anastasia Island, which offers something for everyone from historical sites to year-round outdoor adventures.
Loren Ruch, Head of Content, HGTV
Anastasia Island is located off the northeast Atlantic coast of Florida, just east of St. Augustine, considered the oldest city in America. The 14-mile island is connected to the city of St. Augustine by the Bridge of Lions, giving access to everything from the charming cobblestone streets and powder sand beaches to historical sites and a wide range of activities. With a rich architectural history, Anastasia Island sits atop layers of local coquina stone formed from seashells used to build the Castillo de San Marcos, a national monument and the oldest fort in the United States. Visitors can explore the St. Augustine Lighthouse, Anastasia State Park, Matanzas Inlet, St. Augustine Amphitheatre and many other local attractions. With endless water sports, scenic boat rides, campsites and majestic views, this seaside escape is the perfect dreamy getaway to call home.
Sponsors of the 2024 HGTV Dream Home include Belgard®, Cabinets To Go, Delta Faucet, James Hardie Building Products Inc., LL Flooring, Mercedes-Benz USA, The Sherwin-Williams Company, SimpliSafe Home Security, Sleep Number®, Trex Company LLC, VELUX® No Leak Skylights, Viva®, Wayfair® and KitchenAid, and Maytag by Whirlpool Corporation.
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Mihaela Lica Butler is senior partner at Pamil Visions PR. She is a widely cited authority on public relations issues, with an experience of over 25 years in online PR, marketing, and SEO.She covers startups, online marketing, social media, SEO, and other topics of interest for Realty Biz News.