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Archive for September, 2008
Manage your most valuable asset! Part I
Colorado Springs Vintage Homes is happy to feature a great article
on Managing Your Credit Score
Anza Goodbar, President of Clearview Mortgage 
For a free Buyers Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
In today’s tumultuous market, your most valuable asset is your tri-merged credit or FICO score. Your credit report is the primary tool potential lenders will use to rate your credit worthiness or Risk Factor. There are three primary credit reporting agencies: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. Credit scores may vary as all creditors do not necessarily report to each agency.
Each credit report is comprised of 5 weighted components:
- Payment History 35%
- Amount Owed 30% Read the rest of this entry »
High Altitude Adjustment for living in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is located in a high altitude
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Must Read Articles
- News Flash – Colorado Springs ranked Fittest City
- Moving to Colorado Springs, check out Zip Skinny
- El Paso County taxes are some of the lowest in the nation!
- Colorado Springs in ratings for Best Places to Start Over
- How does days on market affect home prices in Colorado Springs?
- Radon poses a threat to Colorado Springs Homes
and this requires adjustments when making your favorite recipes!
Love your Grandma’s chocolate cake or love to bake bread? If you’ve recently moved 
to Colorado Springs and tried to make your favorite tried and true recipes, you may have found they didn’t meet your expectations. If the bread didn’t rise or the cake didn’t turn out or even if the beans wouldn’t ever get done, its probably due to the fact that living in Colorado requires some adjustment to your lowland recipes, especially when baking. Even when making a boxed mix or a pasta dish be sure and follow the high altitude directions. You’ll find that beans, pasta and brown rice all need longer cooking times as the water boils at a lower temperature here.
I hope you find these adjustments helpful: Read the rest of this entry »
Real Estate Dictionary, “I” is for Inactive
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Knowledge is Power — Real Estate Dictionary
My mother told me that houses are not considered liquid investments, they are illiquid. This means that real 
estate cannot be quickly converted to cash.
My Colorado Springs Real Estate agent put her license on inactive. What does this mean? Colorado does allow Realtors put their license on inactive, which means that your Realtor cannot conduct business because her license is not active. You’ll hear people also refer to this as putting their license in “Ice”
I’m helping my grandmother sell her house in the Old Colorado City in Colorado Springs, and my brother said she is incompetent to make this decision, not sure what he means. Incompetence refers to a person who is not Read the rest of this entry »
Hiking and Biking Delight
In the mood to enjoy this beautiful fall weather? How about a hike, walk or bike tour through one of our wonderful trails in Colorado Springs. We have 105 miles of urban trails and 160 miles of park trails. To see them all would take a long time so you can pick a different one every day or just go to your favorite one to check out the differences during the seasonal changes. Some are easy day hikes while others are for the hearty campers.
It’s sometimes nice to know the difference in the trails so you can pick the ones that fit into your needs. Colorado Springs breaks their urban trails into three tiers. Urban trails are not only used for recreational purposes, but also provide residents Read the rest of this entry »
Will VantageScore Bring Consistency?
Colorado Springs Vintage Homes is happy to feature a great article
on Credit Scores submitted by
Harry Venik with Adams Mortgage, LLC
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Related Articles:
- Pre-Qualification or Pre-Approval, which do you need to buy a home?
- Will VantageScore Bring Consistency?
- Colorado Springs Mortgages — tips for consumers on points
- Marriage and Mortgages FAQ’s
- How do I get a down payment for Homes in Colorado Springs?
VantageScoreSM Solutions, LLC, is a joint venture between the three 
powerhouse credit scoring bureaus, Experian®, Equifax, and TransUnion®. Launched in March 2006, VantageScore has two very ambitious goals:
- To reduce credit score inconsistencies across the three companies
- To help consumers better assess and interpret their credit scores.
In the past, credit scores could vary significantly across these three companies, creating Read the rest of this entry »
The End of an Era in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs History — Palmer’s Legacy
Search for Historic Homes in Colorado Springs
By 1901, with the population of Colorado Springs about 25,000, General Palmer was ready to take it easy as he entered his later years in life.
Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs – burned to the ground
In 1898, a huge fire threatened all of Colorado Springs. Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs Building Codes and Permits – Part I
Do you want to know about Building Permits and Building Codes in the Pikes Peak Region?
Part I of FAQ’s
QUESTION: Can I apply for a building permit online?
ANSWER: Yes. Go to the PPRBD web site, and it will give you information on how you can purchase a permit online.
QUESTION: I had a contractor knock on my door and said that my roof was damaged; and then he gave me an estimate of what it would cost to fix it. How do I know if this contractor is legitimate?
ANSWER: First of all, it’s always good to get a second opinion from another contractor, and you may also want to call your insurance company and have them send out an adjuster to look at your roof. Second, you can Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs Homes, August Market Report for Condo/TownHomes
Colorado Real Estate, Recap of August 2008 Activity
Condo/TownHomes
Search for townhomes and condos in Colorado Springs
Related post: Nightmare for new home owners — liens filed against property
Condo/TownHomes Sold in the last month: 97 (32.2% decline from 2007)
-
Condo/TownHomes Sold in August 2007: 143
Average Sales Price: Read the rest of this entry »
Homeowners Association under siege by foreclosures
Buying a property in Colorado Springs?
Search for TownHomes in Colorado Springs
Do your homework on the Homeowners Association
Must Read Posts:
- It’s against the law
- Who is Representing YOU?
- Colorado Springs Home — Is a Condo or a Townhome right for you?
About one in six Americans currently live in a community run by a condo or homeowners association. With the recent increase in foreclosures, some homeowners associations are running out of cash. HOA’s are like miniature governments that depend on revenue to finance upkeep of common areas, community pools, tennis courts and private roads.
Before a property goes into foreclosure, many owners stop paying their monthly HOA dues. In fact, HOA fees are generally among the first bills struggling homeowners quit paying. If they can’t afford their mortgage, then they aren’t going to pay their HOA fees. Adding to the problem Read the rest of this entry »
Radon poses a threat to Colorado Springs Homes
Radon in Colorado Springs
Must Read Posts:
- It’s against the law
- Who is Representing YOU?
- Shop for a Lender like you shop for a house
- Research who you are working with
- 8 biggest mistakes made by home buyers
- Colorado Springs Home — Is a Condo or a Townhome right for you?
Living in Colorado Springs brings some unique challenges, with one of them being the presence of Radon Gas which comes from soil or rock that contains radioactive uranium. It seeps into ground water and homes and can be thought of as a kind of natural pollution that comes from the earth itself. If your home is at or near ground level (basements), its a good idea to check the radon gas levels in your home. In a poorly ventilated house, radon can build to high levels without anyone suspecting.
Why be worried about this? The American Cancer Society estimates Read the rest of this entry »
Credit score explanation
10 Things to Understand About Your Credit Score
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
As lenders have continued to become more selective in issuing loans,
It’s more important than ever to understand your credit score
(1) What is a credit score?
• It’s a 3 digit number, the higher the number the better
• It is a statistical equation, and used to assess credit risk
• It’s used to see who qualifies for a loan and what type of interest rate they qualify for
• It’s the determining factor on whether you can obtain financing, and at what cost
(2) What is used to determine my credit score?
• Some of the information included in determining a credit score are: Read the rest of this entry »
Buying a home in Colorado — what you should know about making an offer
Colorado Springs Home buyers
If you are looking at purchasing a home, these are some of the things you’ll need to make decisions on …….
• How will title be taken (joint tenants, tenants in common, severalty)?
• Do you have the earnest money readily available (plan on about 1% of purchase price)?
• Will you be financing or paying cash. If financing have you talked to a loan officer yet? If paying cash do you documentation from the bank?
• Do you need to add any Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs celebrates Fallen Firefighters in Memorial Park
Firefighters Memorial
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Yearly ceremony to be held Saturday at The International Association of Fire Fighters Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial. The memorial located in Memorial Park in Colorado Springs contains names of firefighters killed in the line of duty. This year 137 names will be added. The ceremony starts at 1:00pm Saturday with bagpipes and a procession of fire vehicles and motorcycles from far and wide culminating in the dedication of the new names added to the wall. Family members as well as their fellow firefighters will be in attendance. If you see one of these brave firefighters, please take a moment and thank them for their service; don’t forget to thank the families as well. Remember, they gave up their most precious loved one so others could live.
The IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Foundation was founded in
Colorado Springs Homes, August Market Report for Single Family Homes
Recap of August 2008 Activity
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Homes Sold in the last month: 778 (17.7% decline from 2007)
- Homes Sold in August 2007 945
Average Sales Price: $235,098 (9.3% decline from 2007)
- Average Sale Read the rest of this entry »
How does days on market affect home prices in Colorado Springs?
What does it mean if the home has been on the market for a long time?
Is something wrong with the home?
Will the seller will accept a lower offer?
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Home Buyers have been taught to believe that the longer a home has been on the market the more willing a seller should be to accept a lower offer. This may or may not be true. All of this depends on the motivation for selling and there are may reasons for selling:
- Can they no longer afford the house? Is it a short-sale?
- Are they moving? If so, is the move optional?
- Did they get a job transfer?
- Do they want to downsize? Do they want to up-size?
- Is there a divorce? A death? Children Read the rest of this entry »
Real Estate Dictionary – “H” is for Home Inspection
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Knowledge is Power — Real Estate Dictionary
My Colorado Springs Realtor said that landlords are required to keep the property habitable, what does this mean? Habitable means that the property must be fit to live in. If the property poses an imminent threat to the health or safety of the occupant, it is considered inhabitable.
What is hazard insurance? This insurance is for loss from physical damage to the property due to hazards such as fire, wind, and flood.
I’m looking at a property Read the rest of this entry »
5 things you need to know about FHA Mortgages
Colorado Springs Vintage Homes is happy to feature a great article
on FHA Loans by
Bryan Yaninek with Castle & Cooke Mortgage, LLC
If you enjoyed reading this article, why not Subscribe to be notified of the next one?
Here are the 5 things you need to know about the new changes for FHA loans:
1. One single down payment requirement of 3.5% for all purchases
2. Closing costs/prepaids are Read the rest of this entry »
Real Estate Dictionary, “G” is for Gift letter
Knowledge is Power, Real Estate Dictionary
What is a gap loan? A gap loan is very similar to a bridge loan, it’s used for temporary financing
My Great Aunt is very ill; can we get a guardian appointed to make legal decisions for her? You’ll want to discuss this with a legal counsel, as a guardian is lawfully appointed by a court who is vested with the power and duty to care for and manage the affairs of a person who is legally incompetent and unable to do so himself.
My Colorado Springs Realtor Read the rest of this entry »
Hidden Gems in Colorado Springs Parks, #3 North Cheyenne Canon Park
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Previous posts
- 21 Hidden Gems of Colorado Springs, #1 The Gardens at Monument Valley Park
- 21 Hidden Gems in Colorado Springs, #2 Monument Valley Park
- Garden of the Gods Park, the crown jewel of Colorado Springs
One of the top reasons people want to relocate to Colorado Springs and love living in the Pikes Peak Region is because of the open spaces and mountains. It’s paradise for a nature lover!
Cheyenne Canon is a heavily wooded park located on the southwest side of Colorado Springs, only minutes from the Broadmoor Hotel. It is close to neighborhoods on the South and West side of town, including the Broadmoor, Old Colorado City, Cheyenne Canon, Crown Mesa, Gold Hill Mesa, and Skyway.
Facts about Cheyenne Canon Park: Read the rest of this entry »
Palmer Lake Homes, August Market Report
Single Family Homes
Search for Homes in Palmer Lake
The absorption rate of houses per month shows that there is a 20 month supply of houses on the market; the housing market is 
currently a BUYERS MARKET in this area.
Palmer Lake is located North of Colorado Springs and in District 38 schools
Recap of August Activity in Palmer Lake
- Homes Sold in the last month: 2
- 316 Columbine Road (1980 sq feet) $185,000
- 200 Truman Avenue (1784 sq feet) 237,000
Manitou Springs Homes, August Market Report
Single Family Homes
Must Read Articles for Home Sellers
- Colorado Homeowners, don’t remodel until you read this!
- Are you a pet owner trying to sell your home
- Should I take my home off the market during the holidays?
- A 12 point checklist to make sure your home shows well to Colorado Springs buyers
- Do you want your home in Colorado Springs to stand out from the competition?
- A tech savvy realtor can help sell your home
- It’s all about the home warranty
Manitou Springs Homes are:
- District 14 schools
- 20 – 25 minutes from Fort Carson
- 15 minutes from Pikes Peak Community College
- 20 – 25 Minutes from the Read the rest of this entry »
Broadmoor Homes, August Market Report
Single Family Homes
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Single Family Homes in Broadmoor were built from 1900 to the 2000’s. The majority of the houses are ranches and 2-
storys, with 4 to 6 bedrooms, 3 – 5 baths, and 2-4 car garages. The average home has appx. 3000 to 5000 square footage. The absorption rate of 2.125 houses per month shows that there is a 25 month supply of houses on the market; the housing market is currently a BUYERS MARKET in this area.
Broadmoor homes Read the rest of this entry »
Real Estate Dictionary – “F” is for Flag Lot
Knowledge is Power, Real Estate Dictionary
I’m really interested in selling my house, but I don’t want to sell my oak hand-carved shelves affixed to the wall in the dining room and hallway as they were a gifts from my grandparents. In most states, including in Colorado, the chandlers would be considered Fixtures and would be included with the sale of your house. Make sure your Realtor exclude these items in your listing agreement; or you could take them down.
What is the FHA? Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Its main activity is insuring of residential mortgage loans made by private lenders.
I was looking at a property description in the MLS, and it said the house was on a Flag Lot, what Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs Home — Is a Condo or a Townhome right for you?
Search for TownHomes or Condos in Colorado Springs
What are the advantages of owning a condo or a townhome?
Must Read Posts:
- It’s against the law
- Who is Representing YOU?
- Shop for a Lender like you shop for a house
- Research who you are working with
- 8 biggest mistakes made by home buyers
There are many advantages of owning a condo or a townhome, one of which are the amenities that may be part of the complex such as a pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness center or clubhouse. These are some of the perks you
might not be able to afford or even have room for if you were to purchase a single-family home.
What are the disadvantages?
Of course, as with all things, there are some disadvantages to owning a condominium or a townhome, such as the lack of privacy that a single-family detached home affords. You are also confined to the Read the rest of this entry »
Top Builders in the Colorado Springs Area according to JD Powers
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Ratings according to J.D. Powers for Denver, Colorado Springs
J.D. Powers rated each builder by 10 different criteria including: 
- Overall Customer Satisfaction
- Builder’s Sales Staff
- Builder’s Warranty/Customer Service Staff
- Workmanship Materials
- Price/Value
- Home Readiness
- Construction Read the rest of this entry »
Cripple Creek Gold Rush and what it meant to Colorado Springs
The Old North End’s home building boom in Colorado Springs 
Search for Homes in the Old North End
The late 1880’s were difficult for Colorado Springs. It had stagnant growth and Colorado College fell on hard times. The Old North End appeared to be destined to only house prairie dogs and rattlesnakes with its open, grass-covered fields.
This was about to change as gold was discovered nearby. In 1890, a prospector by the name of Bob Womack found some gold by a stream called Cripple Creek. The great gold rush was on. By 1896, production soared. Read the rest of this entry »
Jose Muldoons…best margaritas in town
Jose Muldoons
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
In the mood for a great margarita? They’re a staple here in Colorado S
prings and there’s no place better than Jose Muldoons, located across from Acacia Park in downtown Colorado Springs.
This institution of Colorado Springs has been opened since 1974 and is named after the supposed legendary bandit, who was said to have roamed the southwest part of the state robbing from the rich and giving some of his spoils to the poor in Walsenberg, Trinidad and Raton. Read the rest of this entry »
Old Colorado City Homes, August Market Report
Search for Homes in Old Colorado City
Must Read Articles
- News Flash – Colorado Springs ranked Fittest City
- Moving to Colorado Springs, check out Zip Skinny
- El Paso County taxes are some of the lowest in the nation!
- Colorado Springs in ratings for Best Places to Start Over
Single Family Homes
- District 11 schools
- 15 minutes from Fort Carson
- 15 minutes from Pikes Peak Community College
- 20 Minutes from the Colorado Springs Airport
- 15 – 20 minutes from Citadel Shopping Mall
- 5 -15 Minutes from Downtown Colorado Springs
- 15 minutes from UCCS
- 5 – 10 Read the rest of this entry »
Explanation of Days on Market
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Must Read Posts:
- It’s against the law
- Who is Representing YOU?
- Shop for a Lender like you shop for a house
- Research who you are working with
- 8 biggest mistakes made by home buyers
The definition of Days on Market (DOM) is the quantity of days a property has been on an Active status in the multiple listing service. The average days on market for homes in Colorado Springs in 2008 is currently 90 days; but this number varies neighborhood-by-neighborhood and it varies by different price categories. As an example:
- Briargate Days on Market: 99
- Central Days on Market: 79
- Manitou Springs Days on Market: 124
- Northwest Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs Old North End, Market Report for August
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Single Family Homes in Old North End
Single Family Homes in Old North End were primarily built in the 1900’s to 1920’s. The majority of the houses are ranches and 2-storys, with 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2- 3 baths, and 1 – 2 car garages. The average home has appx. 2500 to 3500 square footage. The absorption rate of 3.75 houses per month shows that there is a 5 month supply of houses on the market; the housing market is currently a NEUTRAL MARKET in this area. A 6 month supply of houses on the market is considered a “NEUTRAL MARKET“
Old North End is located Read the rest of this entry »
Tips for Colorado Springs Consumers – what is identify theft?
Get a Free Market Analysis on your Home, Email KTorline@msn.com or call 719-287-1049
Colorado Springs Vintage Homes is happy to feature a great article
on Identify Theft from
Anza Goodbar, President of Clearview Mortgage
What is identity theft? Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. It is estimated that nearly 9 million US citizens have their identities stolen each year.
In today’s world, your credit score may be one of the most valuable possessions you have. A good credit score can Read the rest of this entry »
Downtown Colorado Springs Homes, August Market Report
Search for Homes in Downtown Colorado Springs
Single Family Homes in Downtown Colorado Springs were built from the 1900’s to the 1940’s. The majority of the houses are ranches and 2-storys, with 2 to 3 bedrooms, 1 -2 baths, and 1 – 2 car garages. The average home has appx. Read the rest of this entry »
Real Estate Dictionary — “E” is for Earnest Money
Knowledge is Power
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Why do I need to put down Earnest Money when I’m making an offer on a house? In Colorado, Earnest Money is partially 
used to show your intention to purchase the property; it is consideration for the contract. You don’t have to put down Earnest Money, as you can also sign some type of promissory note, or you can use an Alternative Earnest Money Deadline.
The house that I want to buy in Old Colorado City has a utility easement on the Read the rest of this entry »
Hidden Gems in Colorado Springs Parks, #2 Monument Valley Park
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
One of the top reasons people love living in the Pikes Peak Region is because of the open spaces and mountains. It’s paradise for a nature lover!
In the heart of Colorado Springs is Monument Valley Park, one of the town’s most treasured parks. It extends north and south, parallel to and east of I-25. It is close to many neighborhoods and homes in the central part of Colorado Springs including the Old North End, the North End, Read the rest of this entry »
United Airlines highlights Colorado Springs
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Planning on flying by United Airlines this month? Take a look through their Hemispheres Magazine and check out the article about my hometown, Colorado Springs. We’re very honored and proud that United would write a 24 page spread about Colorado Springs. It’s something that United does a few times a year to highlight different cities.
The magazine spread includes articles on the Colorado Springs history, outdoor fun , Olympic Training Center, the economy and local housing areas and neighborhoods. Amy Long, Director of Marketing and Membership for Read the rest of this entry »
How the sick found Colorado Springs and helped it grow into a major place of healing
Colorado Springs History with the sick
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
In the 19th and early 20th century, the mineral water in Manitou Springs was thought to cure or bring relief for many common ailments including gout, alcoholism, sciatica, neuritis, cancer and many other ailments thanks in part to Dr. Solly, who promoted this cure-all throughout the world particularly to the citizens of the Northeast part of the United States. Thousands
33 unique things to do in Colorado Springs — #4
It’s the 10th Anniversary of Art on the Street
in Downtown Colorado Springs
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Art on the Street is sponsored by U.S. Bank, and it’s main supporters also include Nor’Wood Development Group and G.E. Johnson in conjunction with Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs. It’s an outdoor art competition and a Read the rest of this entry »
