Colorado Springs Vintage Homes Blog
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Archive for March, 2009
Colorado Springs rated in the top 10 on Forbes Best Places for Business and Careers
Colorado Springs Awards
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Congratulations Colorado Springs! You’ve been voted in at number ten for the Best Places for 
Business and Careers according to Forbes Magazine. In Colorado, we came in at number 10, while Ft. Collins came in at number 2. Two other city’s showed up in the top 20, Denver at number 14 and Boulder at number 20. Way to go Colorado!
North Carolina and Colorado are certainly winners here as they managed to capture ten of the top twenty on the list. There are plenty of mid-western cities on the list as well. Interesting was the lack of places in Read the rest of this entry »
NORAD is still alive and smaller under Cheyenne Mountain
NORAD
- After fierce competition Colorado Springs finally lands the Air Force Academy
- Military relocation? 6 tips to read before you buy a home
- An early history of Ft. Carson
- History of Ft. Carson part II
NORAD today, stills sits under the caverns of Cheyenne Mountain, even though its in a warm 
status. It may not be as large as it once was due to the consolidation of NORAD and Northcom now housed mainly at Peterson Air Force Base, but its still there protecting us from not just external but now internal threats with the help of the FAA.
In 1957, both Canada and the United States were reeling from the threats of the Soviet Union, especially after the launch of the first satellite, Sputnik. Everyone was scared and even schoolchildren were drilled on diving under their desks and covering their heads in case of a nuclear strike. Both countries realized the importance of a continental home alarm system. This lead to the creation of NORAD at Ent Air Force Base (now the Olympic Training Center). Read the rest of this entry »
A Diamond on the Plains, another luxury foreclosure in Colorado Springs
Luxury Foreclosure in Peyton/Falcon
For a FREE List of Foreclosures email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
I’m a little remiss in writing this, but last week I previewed luxury foreclosures in the Falcon and Peyton area. Found some great properties out there; most of them didn’t look like they had ever been lived in. First of all, the majority of Falcon and Peyton makes me feel like I’m back in Kansas again (which is where I grew up). Most of the lots are flat, you can see forever to the east, but they do have great views of the Front Range and Pikes Peak. The properties I looked at ranged anywhere from $313,000 to $569,000. I had a couple of them that were my favorites; but the one I like the best was on Gilbert Drive in Falcon/Peyton. What an amazing property! I’m not sure it has ever been lived in; and according to the assessor’s office it was finished in 2006. When you walk to the property it has a great courtyard, surrounded on 3 sides by a stucco walls and then you enter the house by a “giant” wood door; felt like I was a munchkin entering the castle.
The first thing you see when you enter is a wonderful fireplace in the living room; accented by the dark wood shelves on each side.
New Carbon Monoxide Law effective July 1, 2009
Carbon Monoxide Bill Signed into Law
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Colorado homebuilders will be required to install carbon-monoxide detectors in new homes under a proposal signed into law on March 24th. House Bill HB 1091 also requires installation of the detectors in new and resold homes near bedrooms as well as rented apartments and homes. It takes effect July 1, 2009. The new la
w will cover all new residential construction and existing single-family and multi-family housing units offered for sale, transfer or rent.
The law applies to any seller of residential real property containing a fuel-fired heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage. The seller will be responsible for assuring that a carbon monoxide alarm is properly installed within 15 feet of the entrance to each room lawfully used for sleeping. No person shall have a claim for relief against a property owner or their authorized agent if a carbon monoxide alarm is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s published instructions.
There have been several deaths in Colorado Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs Homes for Sale — New Foreclosure Listings For week of March 23rd
Saturday Bargains – Homes in Colorado Springs
NEW Foreclosure Listings in Colorado Springs – for the week of March 23, 2009
For a FREE list of up-to-date Foreclosure Homes, Email KTorline@msn.com
Breakdown of New Foreclosure homes for sale:
Partial list of Foreclosed homes currently on the market Read the rest of this entry »
Fake HUD sites — Buyers Beware
HUD foreclosures
For a FREE list of Foreclosure Homes, Email KTorline@msn.com
Fake websites are popping up on the Internet with the intent of gathering your contact information. An example of such a web site is bailout.hud-gov.us/, although this web site now seems to have been taken down. If this site pops back up, please note that this is not a HUD site, even though it has official looking photos and an official ’government looking’ seal.
When I originally paged through this site, it had a consumer alert tab that warns of fraudulent websites. There is absolutely no connection to HUD. Their disclosure page reveals that they are, “….a for profit business…..” Consumers beware.
The official HUD web site is http://www.hud.gov/, and the site of the company that handles HUD properties in Colorado is www.mcbreo.com
HUD properties continue to provide some great deals for Colorado Springs Home Buyers. Here’s a couple of my favorite HUD properties currently for sale:
3602 Ian Point Colorado Springs, CO 80920 $120,000 Read the rest of this entry »
33 Unique things to do- #7 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mt. Zoo
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo sits above The Broadmoor Hotel at 6,800 feet up Cheyenne Mountain.
Spencer Penrose was originally given a bear and then other exotic animals became part of his collection. After a child was bitten, he decided he needed a place to house his menagerie and so he built and incorporated it in 1926. Over the years its delighted young and old alike. Want to feed giraffes? You can certainly do that here.
With its 172 species of wild animals, engaging exhibits and irresistible attractions, The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo serves the citizens and visitors of Colorado Springs Read the rest of this entry »
New help for Colorado homeowners facing foreclosure
f you are interested in a short sale, It’s important to utilize a Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent that specializes in Pre-foreclosures, Foreclosures, and Short Sales; and has a successful and ethical track record. Call Kathy Torline – Nordstrom, 719-287-1049.
Governor Ritter is expected to sign a new bill approved by the state Senate that will give 
homeowners facing foreclosure an 90 day window to try and work out a way to keep their homes. The bill would require the state to post a notice on the doors of foreclosed homes no later than 15 days after the foreclosure notice is delivered. The homeowner would then have five days to contact the state’s foreclosure hot line (1-877-601-hope) and set up an appointment with a foreclosure counselor. If the homeowners can prove they have income then the lender will be required to meet with them to try and work out a payment plan.
During the next 90 days, foreclosure proceedings would be suspended, although the homeowner would have to keep paying 2/3 of the mortgage payment. Mortgage brokers support the plan as they’re more interested in saving the investment than taking possession of the homes where it would show up as bad debt and that doesn’t help the lenders.
This new bill would certainly help many Colorado homeowners though not everyone would benefit. If the homeowner has no income due to a loss of a job, and they have no ability to repay the mortgage, there’s no help for them in this bill . The lenders are only required to meet with these homeowners, not come to an agreement with the owners, but many are willing to try, given all the foreclosed homes they’re carrying on their books.
Must Read posts:
If you enjoyed reading this article, why not Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
Buying a short sale vs. a foreclosure, what’s the difference?
Every buyer wants a “deal” right now and I don’t blame them!
Here is El Paso County we have an 8 month supply of houses (compared to a 5-6 month “normal” supply) and at 
least 1 out of 10 of them are “distressed sales” (foreclosure, pre-foreclosure, etc.). Although these figures vary vastly on a neighborhood by neighborhood basis. As an example, the Southeast part of town has been hit particularly hard by foreclosures and short sales, while the Northwest part of town is fairly stable. Even though these numbers may sound bad, lots of areas have 8 out of 10 properties that are distressed; especially in cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas.
Buying a pre-foreclosure or a foreclosure can be very different experience, both from a “normal” sale and from each other. Here’s a quick synopsis of the differences:
Pre-Foreclosure (often a short sale)
A short sale occurs when a house is worth less than the mortgage, and the seller’s lender accepts less than what is owed on the mortgage.
As an example, a seller may have a mortgage of $250,000 on their home in Colorado Springs. The seller is taking a job in a new city and the house is now only worth $220,000. A buyer makes an offer on the house in the amount of $220,000 and the net proceeds to the bank is $205,000 by the time the owner pays the real estate commission and the seller’s closing costs. The buyer and seller sign the contract but the offer is subject to approval by the lender, as the bank than must agree to accept $205,000 vs. $250,000 to pay off the loan. Hence the term short sale.
Some statistics say that a lender typically loses about 19% of a mortgage’s Read the rest of this entry »
The pictures tell the story
It’s still a Buyer’s market in Colorado Springs, and it’s really important not to lose sight of the little things that make your listings stand out from the crowd.
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Photos can make all the difference
(1) Lighting: When taking photographs, make sure and check the lighting. Sometimes you want all of the window coverings closed; and sometimes you want them all open. Also, check out the light when you are taking the outside shots. Don’t take the pictures facing the camera i
nto the sun; they’ll all looked washed out.
(2) More is better: Be sure to take some extra time to shoot a lot of different angles; and both horizontal and landscape. It’s hard to tell how well a picture will look on the small LCD of your digital camera. On average, I take 8 – 10 shots of each room. I pick the best ones to
showcase in the MLS, and use the others on website as well as for the fl yer.
(3) Try something different: Don’t hesitate the try different shots with different angles and unique views. The beauty of digital cameras Read the rest of this entry »
New rules make condo buying harder
Colorado Springs Condos — just got harder to buy
Search for Condos in Colorado Springs
Fannie Mae has instituted new rules when it comes to giving loans for condos. If the building is brand new, they want to make sure there 
are enough owners to pay for maintenance and preserve the value of the property. These new rules are designed to protect the buyers and lenders but they could also make it harder for the owners to sell them.
Fannie Mae will only guarantee mortgages in new or newly converted condos if 70% of the units are sold or under contract. That 70% could be hard to reach if buyers cannot get financing. In older units, Fannie Mae will not guarantee a mortgage if more than 15% of the other owners are delinquent on the HOA fees.
Fannie Mae wants to reduce the risk for lenders and protect buyers from Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs Vintage Home, open house on Sunday 3-22
Come see a piece of history
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Kathy will be at an open house this weekend on Sunday from 1:00-4:00pm, you can stop by and see her at this home at 4130 Dunbarton Lane in a vintage Colorado Springs Neighborhood, close to Academy and Maizeland.
This home is over 3,700 square feet on 1.5 acres located in the middle of Colorado Springs.
It’s a retreat on a forested lot, with hidden rock formations. What a gem!
House could use some updating in the kitchen, Read the rest of this entry »
A Diamond in the Woods — amazing luxury foreclosure in Colorado Springs
A Diamond in the Woods
For a FREE List of Foreclosures email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Tuesday was my designated day to tour some luxury foreclosures in Colorado Springs. Some of my fellow Realtors and I decided to look at some foreclosed homes in Cedar Heights, a breathtaking gated community in the west part of the city. We saw several properties, including one that had major structural damage; and another that had some great views, but it was way too close to Rampart Range Road; My favorite of the day (I always have at least one favorite), was an amazing house towards the top of Cedar Heights. Views were to die for!
There was an amazing wood-burning rock fireplace; one side was on the great room, the other side was on the bedroom. The best part is that it was actually real rock vs. that fake stuff you often see in houses. 
Kitchen needed Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs Home Listings — Foreclosures for sale in West Colorado Springs March 15th
Homes in Colorado Springs
Market information for Active and Foreclosure Homes in West Colorado Springs As of 3-14-09
For a FREE list of Foreclosure Homes, Email KTorline@msn.com
Neighborhoods: Homes in Kissing Camels, Cedar Heights, Mesa, Chelsea Glen, Pleasant Valley, Holland Park
Active Homes for Sale as of 3-14-09: 220
- Single Family Homes: 137 (62%)
- Condos/Townhomes/Patio Homes: 83 (38%)
Breakdown of homes for sale, INCLUDING FORECLOSURES, as of 3-14-09 Read the rest of this entry »
Some Irish fun on St. Patrick’s Day in Colorado Springs
St. Patrick’s day celebrations
Like the warmth of the sun
And the light of the day, 
May the luck of the Irish
shine bright on your way.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to one and all! I’m thinking we’re all a little Irish today. Want to know of some places to hang your hat tonight and have a little bite and some great beer? Here’s a few suggestions that will bring out the Irish in all.
No Irishman will ever turn down a request to head to Jack Quinn’s, a nationally recognised pub and alehouse in downtown Colorado Springs. The restaurant offers a full menu of Irish fare along with all your favorite brews. Better get there early as they are full up most of the day.
In the mood for something a little more upscale? How about Mackensie’s Chop House located in the historic Alamo building. You can find some of the finest and freshest steaks and seafood Read the rest of this entry »
Military relocation? 6 tips to read before you buy a home
Are you in the military?
Are you relocating to the Colorado Springs area? Do you want to purchase a home?
- Government and Military are #1 employers in El Paso County
- Relocate to an Award Winning City in the Colorado Rockies
- Relocating, it’s all about the schools
- High Altitude Tips
- Moving to Colorado Springs, check out Zip Skinny
Buying home is a complicated process which needs some investigation and education before making a decision. if you are in the military, you should ask yourself some questions before making the decision to purchase:
- Can you get financing? (It’s important to talk to a mortgage professional to get pre-qualified for a loan.)
- Is your tour of duty going to be longer than 2 years before the next PCS? If you know your current tour is less than two years, you have to weigh the risks of breaking even or even a loss when you go to sell.
- Will you have the opportunity to do another tour here or will you have an opportunity to come back? Read the rest of this entry »
Foreclosed homes for sale in Central Colorado Springs
Homes in Colorado Springs
Market information for Active and Foreclosure Homes in Central Colorado Springs As of 3-14-09
For a FREE list of Foreclosure Homes in all areas of Colorado Springs, Email KTorline@msn.com
Neighborhoods: Homes in Ivywild, Old North End, Patty Jewett, Divine Redeemer, East End Addition, Crown Hill Mesa, Boulder Heights, Spring Creek
Breakdown of homes for sale, INCLUDING FORECLOSURES, as of 3-14-09
- Short sales: 53 (11.8%)
- Bank-owned: 54 (12%)
- Regular: 343 (76.2%) Read the rest of this entry »
Top 5 VA Loan Myths
Guest Blogger — Marry Ann Daniell
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It was only a year ago that I started blogging on an wonderful site, ActiveRain, which is an amazing resource for 
Realtors and anyone else involved in the Real Estate Industry. It’s has a wealth of information; and the most wonderful thing is that fellow Realtors all over the world share information with each other.
Since Colorado Springs has a high military population with both active duty and retired personnel, I thought this article would be helpful to share with our readers. Our military installations in the Colorado Springs area include: Fort Carson Army Base, the Air Force Academy, Peterson AFB & Schriever AFB, Cheyenne Mountain AFS and NORAD.
I’m very pleased to sh
are this article written by Mary Ann Daniell, a Realtor in Fort Hood Texas. I contacted Mary Ann and she gave me permission to share this article. You can contact her in Fort Hood at her Office Phone: (254) 547-4165 x 230, or send her an email at maryann@maryanndaniell.com. If you are ever looking for information on Fort Hodd, make sure and contact her.
Hope you enjoy her article!
One of the best benefits of the VA Guaranteed Home Loan is that you can purchase your home with no money down. Most buyers know this about the loan program, but there’s also plenty of misinformation floating around out there, too.
Some common misconceptions buyers often bring up during their search for financing:
VA Loan Myths
- I have to apply to VA for my VA loan
- I am already APPROVED for a VA loan since I am active duty military
- VA Loans can take 90 days to close
- I must have my Certificate of Eligibility in hand
- VA Inspects the home for defects before I buy the house
Here’s a quick clarification of these points about VA loans:
I have to apply to VA for a VA Loan – Not True!
You apply for a VA loan through a lender who is approved by VA to Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs Luxury Homes are hit by foreclosures
Colorado Springs Luxury Homes — Foreclosures (Part II)
Even in affluent neighborhoods, foreclosures are beginning to appear more frequently
Wow, if only homes could talk ………………….. I previewed a variety of homes this week in Colorado Springs, ranging from a cute home in the East part of the city that was listed at $155,000 to one that was listed at $725,000. My favorite home of the day was an a
mazing Italian Villa type home in Northwest Colorado Springs. It was located on a breathtaking wooded lot, .85 of an acre, in one of my favorite Northwest Neighborhoods, Oak Hills.
If you want to receive a FREE copy of my favorite foreclosures in the city, email KTorine@msn.com
The property was originally built in 1987, but according to some of the information I found in previous listings, it went through extensive remodels in 2001.
The home was a little deceiving from the outside, looked nice but not
anything special. In fact, the outside paint color was a little odd to me, a pale yellow. Once the front doors opened, the first thing I saw was the circular hardwood stairway, great entryway. Other amenities at the home include 3 fireplaces, and many, many, many decks.One of my favorite things were the unique children’s room. First there was the “Ocean Room” with artistic painted murals on the walls, almost felt like I was walking into an aquarium. And the finishing touch was the life preserver on the ceiling.
Honoring Colorado Springs founder on the 100th anniversary of his death
General William Jackson Palmer
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For other information on the General check out these articles:
- The Founder of Colorado Springs, William Jackson Palmer
- The Young Years of Colorado Springs
- Tea and crumpets in Colorado Springs
- The End of an Era in Colorado Springs
Today marks the 100th anniversary of General William Jackson Palmer’s death. He died on March 13, 1909. He fell off a horse in 1906 and was paralyzed from then until his death. He wanted no fuss made about his death and his family had him cremated. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, but the town would not forget their favorite founder. They had a parade that went from Pikes Peak Ave. to the cemetery. Today, we still value his foresight on designing this beautiful city that we call home.
To honor his life, there are many activities being planned from now into next week. I hope you’ll take a look through and maybe plan on attending one or two of them. Read the rest of this entry »
