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Archive for November, 2008
Carbon Monoxide Alert
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 an article by our NEWEST Guest Blogger
Mark W. Baxley with Brick and Mortar Home Inspections, Inc.
Why Should I Open a Window When Using a Wood Burning Fireplace?
It is important that your home has sufficient outside air for combustion when using a wood burning fireplace. Insufficient outside air could cause the fireplace to steal combustion air from another source inside the home; typically from the furnace and water heater vents. When this occurs, down drafts in the flues (known as back venting) permit combustion byproducts, to include carbon monoxide, to enter the home. This is unsafe and could cause harm to the home’s occupants.
There is a simple solution to prevent back venting from occurring. Simply open a nearby window approximately 1″ – 2″ when using a wood burning fireplace. This will ensure the home is provided with sufficient outside air. It is also a good idea to ensure the home is equipped with a carbon monoxide monitor.
Have a question? Contact Mark at 719-380-0171
bam-home-inspections@comcast.net
Must Read Articles
- 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
- What are closing costs in real estate?
If you enjoyed reading this article, why not Subscribe to be notified of the next one?
To find out more information about Colorado Springs, Call ……
Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
Should I take my home off the market during the holidays?
Take it off
Get a Free Market Analysis on your Home, Email KTorline@msn.com or call 719-287-1049
When you look at your calendar you may find the months already overloaded with seasonal obligations…shopping, entertaining, pageants, baking, decorating the house and so much more. If you’re also trying to sell your home in Colorado Springs, you are under extra pressure to keep your home in “Showtime” condition. That could be the last thing you need before the holiday spirit is broken.
To sell or not to sell during the holidays
It’s understandable why you would be tempted to take your home off the market during the holidays. And the list of justifications is long. If you are too busy, buyers may be also, and you may find your efforts unrewarded by enough showings. And what if you get an offer? You may be faced with the possibility of packing and moving during the busiest time of the year. Besides, you can give your a house a rest, and it will have better momentum after the holidays. Better to just pack it in and start fresh in January, right?
But wait! Most top Realtors agree that taking your home off the market during the holiday season is a mistake. The house surely isn’t going to sell while it’s off the market .What’s the advantage of that? So you’re busy. Let your Realtor do the work. You can leave in the morning, go to work, go shopping and let your Realtor take care of things!
The holidays are a wonderful selling season. Read the rest of this entry »
What are closing costs?
Closing cost explanation
For a free Buyers Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
When buying real estate in Colorado Springs, the closing is the last step. It is the process of passing ownership of property from seller to buyer. As a buyer, you should be familiar with these costs that are both mortgage-related and government imposed. Here are some common fees:
Appraisal Fee: This fee pays for the appraisal of the property. You may already have paid this fee at the 
beginning of your loan application process.
Credit Report Fee: This fee covers the cost of the credit report requested by the lender. This too may already have been paid when you applied for your loan.
Loan Origination Fee: This fee covers the lender’s loan-processing costs. The fee is typically one percent of the total mortgage, but varies from lender to lender.
Title Insurance Fees: These fees generally include costs for the title search, title examination, title insurance, document preparation and other miscellaneous title fees.
PMI Premium: If you buy a home with a low down payment, a lender usually requires that you pay a fee for mortgage insurance. This fee protects the lender against loss due to foreclosure. Once a new owner has 20 percent equity in their home, however, he or she can normally apply to eliminate this insurance.
Prepaid Interest Fee: This fee covers the interest payment from the date you purchases the home to the date of your first mortgage payment. Generally, if you buy a home early in the month, the prepaid interest fee will be substantially higher than if you buy it towards the end of the month.
Escrow Accounts: In locations where escrow accounts are common, a mortgage lender will usually start an account that holds funds for future annual property taxes and home insurance.
Recording Fees and transfer taxes: This expense is charged by most states for recording the purchase documents and transferring ownership of the property.
Must Read Posts for Buyers and Sellers:
- 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?
- Joint Tenants or Tenants-In-Common, the choice is yours when purchasing a home
- How to choose a Buyer’s Agent
Keep in mind that you can negotiate these costs with the seller during the offering stage. In some instances, the seller might even agree to pay a portion of all of the settlement costs.
To find out more information about Colorado Springs, Call ……
Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
Fradulant Short Sales hurt the Colorado Springs Real Estate Market
Fraudulent short sales ?
Short Sales – Part IV of Short Sale Series
For a FREE List of Foreclosures email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Previous Posts:
- Colorado Springs Homes, 4 things to know about a short sale - Part I of Short Sales Series
- Avoid Foreclosure, Know Your Options - Part II of Short Sales Series
- Colorado Springs Home Foreclosures – 11 benefits of a short sale - Part III of Short Sales Series
Fraud can sadly sometimes come into play in a short sale transaction, which can causes a ripple affect in the Real Estate market and with legitimate sellers who need to do a short-sale. The following is a list of some of the things I’ve heard about in the marketplace. If you are a Seller, I strongly suggest that you stay away from these options.
(1) Submitting “Ghost” offers. I’ve ran into some Realtors who submit “ghost” offers to get lender approval before they have a committed buyer. They have a friend, or someone else they know, write an “ghost” offer; and this person doesn’t have any real intention of purchasing the property. The Short Sale Package gets submitted to the lender with the hope of getting approval from the lender. Once the lender gives approval on the offer, the person who put in the “ghost” offer withdrawls their offer.
I’m not a lawyer nor am I legal expert, but my understanding is that this is considered a fraudulent act if the initial “Buyer” on the offer did not have a true intention to purchase the property. These “fraudulent offers affect the industry as it clogs up the lender pipelines to sort through and review the bonafide offers.
Restaurants to serve delicious Thanksgiving Feasts in Colorado Springs
Don’t want to clean your house and prepare a huge meal for Thanksgiving? How about a wonderful meal prepared for you. Here are some unique restaurants in Colorado Springs that are serving brunches and full meals to satisfy your hunger. No dishes, no leftovers to put away and you don’t have to get rid of the dust-bunnies.
The Broadmoor not only offers their wonderful food and service but they also have delightful packages to stay at the hotel at discounted prices.
Briarhurst Manor where you can get a wonderful meal in quaint Manitou Springs
Cheyenne Mountain Resort treat yourself to one of their famous Holiday Buffets where the classic beauty of the Main Lodge is even more beautiful at this special time of year
The Cliff House where there’s not only fine dining, but you can purchase the most expensive cocktail 
in the world (Love-tini)
Mimi’s Cafe I know this is a chain, but with their fresh food I thought it was worth putting into this article
Sunbird want your Thanksgiving meal eaten from above the clouds in Colorado Springs? Then check out this wonderful place
MacKenzies Chop House offering a special menu for the day
Antlers Grille offering a wonderful brunch located in The Antlers Hotel in downtown Colorado Springs
Edelweiss offering a traditional meal with chestnut dressing in this Colorado Springs institution
Front Range Bar-B-Que desiring a traditonal southern Thanksgiving feast? This is the place
Mozaic offering a wonderful buffet in Palmer Lake
Most of these need reservations, so do be sure and call ahead (some may be booked already, but put your name on the waiting list for cancelations)
So, enjoy your holiday and eat hearty! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!
Would you like some additonal information on local restaurants that we like? Call Kathy at 719-659-1087 or Nancy at 719-659-4380.
If you liked this entry you might also like some of these restaurant reviews:
Adam’s Mountain Cafe in Manitou Springs, a MUST for any visit to Manitou
Jose Muldoons…best margaritas in town
Front Range Barberque in Old Colorado City
Nosh in Colorado Springs… small plates offer artistic fun
Colorado Springs Christmas Holiday Activities, mark your calendar
Colorado Springs Holiday Activities
Celebrate the Holiday Spirit
Colorado Springs Festival of Lights 
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When: December 6th at 5:50pm
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Where: Downtown Colorado Springs, at the corner of Tejon and St Vrain Street and will go south on Tejon to Vermijo Avenue, turn west to Cascade Avenue and go north to Kiowa Street
Annually bringing together some 80 entries and attracting crowds reaching over 100,000 individuals. Features many bands and floats, many of which are lighted. This year’s theme is “through the Eyes of a Child”. This traditional holiday event is now in it’s 24th years and delights thousands of children of all ages who line the streets to view the spectacular floats, bands, horse units and of course, Santa Claus.
Snowflakes and Smiles Parade in Manitou Springs
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When: December 13th, 12 noon to 1:30pm
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Where: Downtown Manitou Springs
It’s the annual “Snowflakes & Smiles” Christmas Parade. This is a real old fashioned parade with support from all of the area. The parade includes Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs HUD Homes, Part II
Are you Interested in buying a foreclosed home in Colorado Springs?
5 MORE things to know about HUD homes
Search for Foreclosed Homes in Colorado Springs
Related Posts
(6) Does HUD inspect homes before they sell them?
When you view the Property Detail on the the Mcbreo web site, the link takes you to a comprehensive detail page on the property. On this page, you can link to the Property Condition Report. This report contains information on the major components of the house including the roof, structure, exterior, plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Interior and Appliances. If deficiencies have been found; it is explained in the Work Required area of the report and it is assigned a dollar amount to correct the issue. It’s a wonderful, very comprehensive report; very informative for potential buyers.
(7) Should I get a home inspection on a HUD home?
All HUD homes are sold “as-is”, without warranty. HUD will not make any repairs nor pay to correct any problems. Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs HUD Homes, Part I
Are you Interested in buying a foreclosed home in Colorado Springs?
5 things to know about HUD homes
Search for Foreclosed Homes in Colorado Springs
Related Posts
(1) What is a HUD Home?
When someone with a FHA Insured mortgage defaults on the loan, the lender forecloses on the home. FHA then pays the lender what is owed; and HUD takes ownership of the home.
(2) Who can buy a HUD homes?
If a buyer has cash, or can qualify for a loan, they can buy a HUD home. They are typically offered FIRST to buyers who want the home for their primary residence. Read the rest of this entry »
Foreclosures in Colorado Springs – Old Colorado City
Market breakdown for Old Colorado City Homes as of 11-13-08
Search for Homes in Old Colorado City
Related Posts
Active as of 11-17-08: 199
- Single Family Homes: 135 (68%)
- Condos/Townhomes/Patio Homes: 64 (32%)
Old Colorado City Commercial district…fun to visit and lots of history
Old Colorado City during the early years
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
The commercial district of Old Colorado City, located on W. Pikes Peak Ave., dates to the turn of the century (20th that is) when it was quite productive and prosperous. Due to the closeness of the railroad yards and ore mills it became a transportation and gold processing center. The railroads brought lots of tourists as well, creating a thriving hospitality business.
The business district reflected this economy. You could buy dry goods, furniture groceries. There were also drugstores and meat markets. Many of these building’s brick facades were provided by The Stucco, Brick and Cement Company located in Old Colorado City. Many of the buildings also housed meeting rooms, business offices, dentists, doctors and lawyers in the upper floors.
There were no shortage of saloons asmore than a dozen were in operation to provide refreshments and recreation for the populace, tourists and Colorado Springs residents trying to escape the city’s liquor free atmosphere. Places like Hoffman House, Oxford Club, Arcade, Colorado City Beer Hall and Bucket of Blood where many of them had second floor dance halls and gambling dens. The Cucharras Street Red Light District was on the adjacent street where you could indulge in more racier recreation if desired. Liquor, gambling and prostitution was banned in 1913 though you could still indulge in the town of Ramona which was founded by the bar owners for only those purposes. These buildings were later razed and Thorndale Park now occupies part of that scarlet town site.
Colorado City was annexed to Colorado Springs during World War I and became a bedroom community , which is now known as the westside. Due to the waning of Cripple Creek an economic decline started in the 1910’s and lasted until the mid 1900’s. Several of the original buildings were updated to unflattering modern renovations and several burned to the ground. Traffic declined even further when Highway 24 opened in the 1960’s.
Finally in the 1970’s, the district underwent a revival, supported by the City of Colorado Springs. Many properties were restored to the turn of the century looks and even some compatible new buildings were constructed on the vacant lots. Today the district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. As in yesteryear, today “Old Town’s” ambiance attracts Colorado Springs residents and tourists. There are lots of shops, restaurants and interesting storefronts. Wide sidewalks, shade trees and park benches allow folks to stop, shop, eat and stay awhile. Notice the cornices, patterned brickwork and other wonderful architectural features of these historic commercial buildings.
If you liked this article, try reading some of these:
- Cripple Creek Gold Rush and what it meant to Colorado Springs
- Old Colorado City Springs to Life with a Vigilante System of Government
- 33 Unique things to do-#5 Van Briggle Pottery and Museum
To find out more information about Colorado Springs, Call ……
Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
Colorado Springs Home Foreclosures — 11 benefits of a short sale
Do you own a home in Colorado Springs?
Ask for help before foreclosure starts — don’t stick your heard in the sand!
Short Sales — Part III of Short Sale Series
Previous Posts:
-
Related Previous Posts:
- Colorado Springs Homes, 4 things to know about a short sale – Part I of Short Sales Series
- Avoid Foreclosure, Know Your Options – Part II of Short Sales Series
- The final step in the Colorado Foreclosure process – Part IV of Short Sale Series
- How long does it take to do Colorado Springs Short Sale? – Part V in Short Sale Series
- Are there tax ramifications to a Colorado Springs Short Sale – Part VI
The Benefits of a Short Sale:
- The Seller avoids a foreclosure on their credit report.
- It can help the Seller with a solution to an embarrassing situation.
- A home may be spared abandonment. (Some short-sales homes are vacant, but they typically aren’t abandoned)
- The Buyer gets a house at a good price; and typically the home is in better shape than a foreclosed house. Read the rest of this entry »
What are points and when should you pay them?
Colorado Springs Vintage Homes is happy to feature a great article by
Harry Venik with Adams Mortgage, LLC
For a free Buyers Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Related Articles:
- Pre-Qualification or Pre-Approval, which do you need to buy a home?
- Will VantageScore Bring Consistency?
What Are Points and When Should You Pay Them?
Points are up-front fees paid to obtain a better interest rate on a loan. One point equals one percent of the loan amount. A lower interest rate may result in a lower monthly payment, but it is important to consider how long you intend to be in the loan, and to compare current rates to historical market trends.
If you take out a $300,000 mortgage and decide to pay one point, this translates into an up-front closing cost of $3,000. Paying a point up front saves $100 a month but it will take 30 months to recuperate the cost of that point. If you decide to refinance or sell the home before the 30-month mark, Read the rest of this entry »
Foreclosures in Colorado Springs, Southwest Area including the Broadmoor
Market breakdown for Broadmoor Homes as of 11-13-08
Search for Broadmoor Homes in Colorado Springs
Related Posts
Includes homes in Cheyenne Meadows, Stratmoor Village, Skyway, Broadmoor, Broadmoor Bluffs, Quail Ridge
Active as of 11-13-08: 507
- Single Family Homes: 403 (79%)
- Condos/Townhomes/Patio Homes: 104 (21%)
Active homes for sale as of 11-13-08:
- Short sales: 33 (6.2%)
- VA Owned: 2 (.4%)
- Bank-owned: 19 (3.6%)
- Regular: 481 (91.3%)
Colorado Springs Building Permits — Part IV
Everything you want to know
about Building Permits in Colorado Springs – Knowledge is Power
Get a Free Market Analysis on your Home, Email KTorline@msn.com or call 719-287-1049
(1) QUESTION: I recently purchased a hot tub for my home in Monument and 
was told that permits were required to hook it all up. Is this true?
ANSWER: Yes, anytime new wiring is installed a permit is required.
(2) QUESTION: I saw a home that had a sign posted on it in Manitou Springs that said ‘Stop Work/Work Without Permit”. What does this mean?
ANSWER: It means that the contractor is not licensed to work in El Paso County.
Colorado Springs Foreclosures, Tri-Valley Area including Palmer Lake and Monument
Market breakdown for Active Homes in Monument and Palmer Lake as of 11-12-08
Search for Foreclosed Homes in Colorado Springs
Includes Homes in: Woodmoor, Kings Deer, Palmer Lake, Walden Reserve, Jackson Creek
Related Posts
Active as of 11-12-08: 483
- Single Family Homes: 456 (94%)
- Condos/Townhomes/Patio Homes: 27 (6%)
Breakdown of Active homes for sale as of 11-12-08: Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs Foreclosures, West Area
Market breakdown for Active Homes as of 11-12-08
Related Posts
Neighborhoods: Kissing Camels, Cedar Heights, Mesa, Chelsea Glen, Pleasant Valley, Holland Park
Active as of 11-12-08: 226
- Single Family Homes: 144 (64%)
- Condos/Townhomes/Patio Homes: 82 (36%)
What makes Veterans Day different from Memorial Day?
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Did you know that most Americans confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day? Both celebrate our Veterans but with one major difference. Veterans Day gives Americans the opportunity to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans.
Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end 
of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.’” As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.
In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress — at the urging of the veterans service organizations — amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
Memorial Day honors service members who died in service Read the rest of this entry »
The Colorado State Flag
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Have you ever wondered how we got our flag of Colorado? I was downtown the other day and saw it blowing in our breeze and it got me to wondering about it. We’ll here’s a little history on how our flag came about.
The Colorado State Flag was adopted by The Colorado State Legislature on June 5, 1911 after Colorado had been a state for about 40 years. It was designed by Andrew Carlisle Carson and modified twice over the years.
It has three stripes with the two outer ones in blue and the middle one in white. It has a big red C in the center with the C filled in with gold. It was also stipulated that the flag should have an attached cord of gold and silver intertwined with gold and silver tassels.
In 1929, The Colorado State Legislature issued a decree that the blue and red colors would be the same as the United States flag as apparently there was some disagreement on the actual colors. In 1964, they again addressed the flag as no one could figure out the size for the letter C. They specified the size and how far away from Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs Foreclosures, Central Area
Market breakdown for Active Homes as of 11-11-08
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Related Posts
Neighborhoods: Ivywild, Old North End, Patty Jewett, Divine Redeemer, East End Addition, Crown Hill Mesa, Boulder Heights, Spring Creek
Active as of 11-10-08: 539
- Single Family Homes: 414 (77%)
- Condos/Townhomes/Patio Homes: 125 (23%)
Breakdown of Active homes for sale as of 11-6-08: 539
- Short sales: 49 (9.1%)
- VA Owned: 2 (.4%)
- Bank-owned: 52 (9.6%)
- Regular: 435 (80.7%)
- Government-owned 1 (.2%)
Colorado Springs Building Permits — Part III
Everything you want to know
about Building Permits in Colorado Springs – Knowledge is Power
Must Read Posts
(1) QUESTION: Are rain gutters and downspouts on single family homes required by building codes in 
Colorado Springs?
ANSWER: Yes, they are required by code.
(2) QUESTION: I want to put up a 5′ fence around the backyard of my home in Old Colorado City, and my neighbor said I needed a permit. Is he correct?
ANSWER: No, you only need a building permit for fences over 6′. But it is still a good idea to call and get the utilities located. You may also want to get an Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs Homes, September Market Report for Single Family Homes
Market Report for September 2008, Single Family Homes
Get a Free Market Analysis on your Home, Email KTorline@msn.com or call 719-287-1049
Homes Sold in September 2008: 1,315 (5.4% decline from 2007) 
- Homes Sold in September 2007: 1,390
Average Sales Price: $239,385 (6.2% decline from 2007)
- Average Sale Price in 2007 $255,330
Total Active: 6,030 (10.9% decline from 2007)
- Total Active in 2007: 6,767
Sales Price vs. List Price: 96.8%
Average Days on Market: 90 Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs Building Permits — Part II
Everything you want to know
Get a Free Market Analysis on your Home, Email KTorline@msn.com or call 719-287-1049
All about Building Permits in Colorado Springs – Knowledge is Power
Previous Posts
(1) QUESTION: What type of building codes does the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department enforce?
ANSWER; They enforce Building Codes, including the State Electrical Code, the State Plumbing Code, the Fuel Gas Code, the Energy Code, the Mechanical Code, and the Elevator Code. They also enforce Floodplain and Enumeration regulations.
(2) QUESTION: What is the Dangerous Building Code? Is there such a Code?
ANSWER: The explanation posted on the Regional Building Site is ” ………… part of the Regional Building Code, includes buildings that have been burned, damaged by a vehicle running into it, or a natural disaster that may render the structure unsafe. The property owner is given the opportunity to correct the items that make the building unsafe, either by fixing it, boarding it up or having it demolished.” The Building Code is posted online and you can go to the site and read the Dangerous Building Code.
(3) QUESTION: Is there any type of code about dilapidated buildings?
33 Unique things to do-#5 Van Briggle Pottery and Museum
Van Briggle
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Located in the old Colorado Midland Roundhouse at 600 S. 21st. St. in Old Colorado City, the Van Briggle Showroom and Kilns are still producing this unique pottery, know the world over during the early 20th century. 
Van Briggle Pottery was a leading style of art pottery in the art and crafts movement of the early 20th century and was especially popular with Art Nouveau collectors.
Artus Van Briggle was born in Ohio in 1869. He studied art and worked at the Avon Pottery Company. He later went to Paris to study art. While there, he became interested in ancient Chinese glazes and when he returned to Ohio, started experimenting with similar glazes.
In 1899, he moved to Colorado Springs as he had contracted Tuberculosis while in Paris. He spent the rest of his life trying to perfect his Chinese Ming Matte glaze. Read the rest of this entry »
Real Estate Dictionary, “L” is for Latent Defects
Knowledge is Power — Real Estate Dictionary
For a free Buyers Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
I’m looking at buying a house in Rockrimmon, and my Colorado Springs Realtor said that I should check for latent defects, what is she talking about? A latent defect is a physical weakness not noticeable after a reasonable inspection of the property. Since some homes in Rockrimmon were built over old mines; you may want to have structural engineer involved in the inspection.
Why do I need to find out if a home in Old Colorado City has lead-based paint in it? Because, lead-based paint is a hazardous product that is no longer manufactured and it is potentially poisonous The presence of lead-based paint must be disclosed to buyers and tenants residing in a property built before 1978.
