Kathy A. Torline-Nordstrom

2013 Black Forest Fires close to Colorado Springs

June 12th, 2013 by Kathy Torline

Black Forest Fires Once again, there are fires close to Colorado Springs, in the Black Forest area.  It's a heavily forest area, Northeast of the city.    It's a very fast moving fire, started around 1;00pm on Tuesday, June 11th.  Approximately 7000 people have been evacuated, and current estimates are at appx. 80 homes have been burnt. As I was on Academy Drive and Woodmen yesterday, I took the photo showing Jared Jewelry then I took the other picture as I was driving...Continue Reading!

Different loans offer different downpayment options

June 10th, 2013 by Kathy Torline

 What kind of loan should you use for your home purchase? I often have home buyers in the Colorado Springs area ask me for loan recommendations.  Since it's next to impossible for me to keep up with all of the loan options as their guidelines are constantly changing,  I typically tell them that they need to talk to a loan officer to find out the current guidelines; and I have several names that I can recommend to them.  But I do...Continue Reading!

Do you live out of the U.S. and want to buy or sale a house in the U.S.?

June 5th, 2013 by Kathy Torline

 Live out of the U.S.?  Want to purchase real estate in Colorado? As the market has started to heat up, I'm seeing more and more international buyers and sellers involved in Colorado Real Estate Transactions.  In today's technology world that we live in, it's certainly possible to get many legal documents taken care of when a buyer or a seller is living out of the U.S. And with Colorado Spring's many military bases, many international buyers and sellers are looking to purchase...Continue Reading!

Are you sure you want to buy a fixer – upper house for your first home?

May 31st, 2013 by Kathy Torline

Want to buy a fixer-upper house in Colorado Springs? Getting frustrated about the lack of homes on the market?  Are you thinking about buying a fixer upper?    If so, here's some tips   If you are a first-time home buyer, first make sure you truly understand the cost of home ownership, including repairs and general maintenance.   If you were previously a renter, there isn't going to be a landlord to call to get things fixed and repaired.  You are now the landlord.  It's...Continue Reading!

Asbestos Primer

May 8th, 2013 by Kathy Torline

 Asbestos Primer Search for Colorado Springs Historic Homes As I was walking through an historic home in Colorado Springs last week, I came across a monster furnace, nicknamed the Octupus.  All of the connections to the vent, which extended everyplace, were wrapped in an asbestos covering; as well as the entire unit.  Seems like good timing to write a blog about the dangers of asbestos. What is asbestos? Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that has been a popular building material What are the health...Continue Reading!

The days are changing

May 2nd, 2013 by Kathy Torline

 Days on Market are continuing to decrease in Colorado Springs Are you moving to Colorado Springs?  Would you like a FREE relocation package? I've written many articles about the importance of understanding the Days on Market, here goes one more.   For Sellers, Days on Market provide an indication of the strength of the market and the average amount of time it takes for a property to go under contract.  For Buyers, it will help them understand the trends in the market.  ...Continue Reading!

Colorado Springs Crime map

April 30th, 2013 by Kathy Torline

 Where's the crime? For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation package, call or email Kathy, 719-287-1049   [email protected] Since I absolutely love technology, I'm always on the lookout for helpful web sites; and especially web sites that can provide accurate and helpful for my real estate clients. I'm not always a fan of Zillow and Trulia, as I sometimes find their data about homes for sale and neighborhoods isn't nearly as accurate as the info I can find by looking at the local MLS, but...Continue Reading!

Old Colorado City pricing is continuing to increase in 2013

April 29th, 2013 by Kathy Torline

Colorado Springs Housing Market Report for Old Colorado City Homes, Single Family Neighborhoods Include:  Crown Hill Mesa, Colorado City, and Old Colorado City Zip code 80904, 80905, 80903 Search for homes in Old Colorado City Area Colorado Springs Here's a quick summary of the Real Estate Market for Old Colorado City Area Colorado Springs as of 3-31-2013 Average pricing has continued to increase in 2013 vs. 2012 Average Number of homes sold has also continued to increase 2013 vs. 2012 Days on Market has also continued to...Continue Reading!

Buying a home for Aging in Place in Colorado Springs

April 24th, 2013 by Kathy Torline

 Moving to Colorado Springs -- Aging in Place Considerations In 2011, the first of 78-million strong Baby Boom generation have started to turn age 65.  As baby boomers continue to age; more and more of us are facing some type of disability or potential disability in the future.    Each person's individual situation, will determine their housing needs for accessibility when aging in place When moving to a new house to Colorado Springs, it's important to share any disabilities or potential disabilities with...Continue Reading!

Homes in Colorado Springs — Prices are rising

April 23rd, 2013 by Kathy Torline

 Colorado Springs Home Prices are gradually rising Would you a Free Colorado Springs Home Valuation Seems like every newspaper youpick up, or every magazine, talks about the positive change in the housing market.  I preach over and over again to all of my clients about real estate being local, and Coloraod Springs doesn't always follow the national trends. Having said that, real estate in Colorado Springs is mirroring the trends reported in the national news.   Also, it's important to note that during...Continue Reading!

7 safety tips for Home Sellers

April 18th, 2013 by Kathy Torline

It's important for every Colorado Springs Home Seller to be aware of some standard safety guidelines  Make sure the Buyer's Agent and the Showing Company has your pet instructions.  If the dogs should be crated, make sure they are.  If you don't want the pets going out the front door, tell the Buyer's Agent. If the pets don't like strangers, let the Buyer's Agent know. Don't leave personal information and confidential information out for everyone to read.   (I recently did a...Continue Reading!

Water Restrictions in Colorado Springs

April 1st, 2013 by Kathy Torline

 2013 Colorado Springs Water Restrictions According to information on the Colorado Springs Utilities web page, water restrictions for Colorado Springs are going into effect today, April 1st.  The Denver Water and Aurora water are also considering similar water restrictions.   This is certainly not the first time that Colorado Springs has had water restrictions; as this also occurred in 2002 and lasted until 2005.   Outdoor water will only be allowed on two days, and comprehensive information about the restrictions are detailed on the Colorado...Continue Reading!

Mountain Shadows after the fire

March 25th, 2013 by Kathy Torline

Mountain Shadows after the fire Search for Homes in Mountain Shadows It's now been 8 months after the fires that ravaged Colorado Springs, and destroyed over 300 homes in Mountain Shadows.   Some homes have been rebuilt, and many building permits have been filed.  The majority of the destroyed homes have now filed removal/wrecking permits.   There is still much to be done, but it's definitely a neighborhood in transition, rebuilding is in full swing.               Are you ready to step up to the most comprehensive...Continue Reading!

Reality about Colorado Springs Historic Homes

March 19th, 2013 by Kathy Torline

 Reality check about Historic Homes in Colorado Springs It looks so pretty: the Colorado Springs historic house with the detailed gingerbread porch trim,  the massive stone fireplace, the charming bay windows, the tall ceilings, the nooks and crannies. But should you actually BUY the old house, or just admire it?    You need to be realistic about historic homes, and here's some questions to ask before signing on the dotted line 1.) How old is it? Don't necessarily believe the real estate tax...Continue Reading!

13 reasons Colorado Springs short sales don’t close

March 12th, 2013 by Kathy Torline

 13 Reasons Colorado Springs Short Sales don't close Search for Colorado Springs Homes As I get prepared for a short sale closing this Friday, I thought it was appropriate to share a list of all of the reasons that short sales don't close.   I'm sure I could expand on this list and make it into 113 reasons, but these are some of  the top reasons they don't close. But, it's important to note that with the right team of people helping a buyer...Continue Reading!

Homes are starting to sell faster in Kings Deer

February 27th, 2013 by Kathy Torline

Homes in King’s Deer Area in the Monument Area in Colorado Springs Search for Homes in Kings Deer Zip Code:  80132 Single Family Homes in Kings Deer were primarily built from 1995 to 2010 with an average age built of 2002.  The majority of the houses are ranches with some 2 storys; with 3 - 4 baths, 3 – 5 bedrooms and 3-5 car garages; both attached and detached.  The average home has appx. 4500 to 5500 square footage. The King’s Deer...Continue Reading!

Interstate 25 is finally getting more lanes

February 26th, 2013 by Kathy Torline

Interstate 25 in Colorado Springs is getting ready for more lanes For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation package, call or email Kathy, 719-287-1049   [email protected] Since I'm almost a native of Colorado Springs and have lived in the area for over 32 years, I'm very excited that Interstate 25 is finally getting more northbound lanes.  Seems to me that this should have been 20 years ago, but then what do I know.  As my mother used to say, better late than never! The widening...Continue Reading!

Moving to Colorado Springs? Get familiar with Colorado real estate contracts

February 22nd, 2013 by Kathy Torline

 Moving to Colorado Springs If you'd like a FREE Relocation Package, sent to you, call or Email Kathy at [email protected] If you are looking at moving to the Colorado Springs area, there are many, many important things to learn about the state, the county, the city,  and the area.  If you are looking at buying a home in the Colorado Springs area, it's important to become familiar with the Colorado Real Estate Contract.  Every state has different laws regarding real estate, and...Continue Reading!

Sellers — how do you get rid of bad odors?

February 21st, 2013 by Kathy Torline

Odors can hurt the sale of a house! Once you live in your house for awhile, it can be hard to smell it with a "fresh nose".    Research has shown that smells fade after you get used to it.  You may want to invite a friend or a neighbor over who has a great sense of smell; and ask them what they smell.  An unpleasant aroma gives the impression that the house isn't clean or hasn't been well-maintained. If you smell some...Continue Reading!

Neighborhood Profile — Pergrin in the foothills in Northwest Colorado Springs

February 14th, 2013 by Kathy Torline

Homes in Peregrin are in the Northwest Area in Colorado Springs Search for homes in Peregrin and more up to information on Peregrin Zip Code:  80919 The Peregrin housing market continues to be a NEUTRAL Market, as there is currently a 6.5 month of supply of homes on the market.   A 6 month supply of houses on the market is considered  a “NEUTRAL MARKET”.   Here's a quick summary of the 2012 Real Estate Market for Peregrin: Average Pricing decreased by 10% in 2012 Number of...Continue Reading!