Search for homes in Manitou Springs

Related Article:  Northwest Homes are seeing an increase in pricing

The Manitou Springs housing market continues to be a Buyer’s Market, as there is currently a 13 month of supply of homes on the market.   A 6 month supply of houses on the market is considered a “NEUTRAL MARKET”.  Sales were only down 11% from 2009 to 2008, but average pricing was down 12% from 2009 to 2008. Sales have continued to increase in 2010, and pricing has continued to increase.

Recap of 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004

Current Report as of 9-5-2010 in Manitou Springs  

• Active listings:    59
• Absorption Rate:  4.5 homes per month, a 13 month supply of houses currently on the market.  

This Colorado Springs Real Estate report contains information on Single Family homes in Manitou Springs

This information is taken from the Pikes Peak Realtor Services Corp and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

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Kathy (719-287-1049)   KTorline@msn.com

Market Report for Northwest, Single Family Homes

 Includes houses in Rockrimmon, Mountain Shadow, and Peregrin

 Zip Codes:  80919

Search for homes in Northwest Colorado

 The Northwest housing market continues to be a BUYERS  Market, as there is currently a 7 months of supply of homes on the market.   A 6 month supply of houses on the market is considered a “BUYER’S MARKET”.  Sales were even from 2009 to 2008, but average pricing was down 11% from 2008 to 2007.    In 2010 pricing and unit sales are starting to see an increase.

Recap of 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004

Current Report as of 9-6-2010 in Northwest Colorado Springs

• Active listings:  192
• Absorption Rate : 28.8 homes per month for the last 6 months, a supply of 6.68 months  of  houses currently on the market.  

 This Colorado Springs Real Estate report contains information on Single Family homes in Northwest

This information is taken from the Pikes Peak Realtor Services Corp and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

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Kathy (719-287-1049)   KTorline@msn.com

Related Articles:

•  What are closing costs in real estate?
• Real Estate Agent or Realtor? What’s the difference?

This is a fairly common question that I hear come up from home sellers when they are thinking about listing their home as part of the the Colorado Springs real estate market.    It is often a sales cost they didn’t figure in because they weren’t aware of it.   Since I’ve been dealing with a home with title issues all week,   I thought I would write a post and try to answer this question and many other questions about title insurance.

Who provides the Title Insurance?

In Colorado, title insurance companies provide title insurance.   

  Why do I need title insurance?  Why do I have to provide it to a buyer?

Title insurance will protect you against certain kinds of damage caused by a defect in the title.    In Colorado, a standard title insurance policy will protect against things such as:

• Errors or omissions in deeds
• Mistakes in examining records
• Forgery
• Undisclosed heirs
• Liens for unpaid taxes
• Liens by contractors

There is also the option of getting Owner’s Extended Coverage which protects against further title issues.  This is usually requested in the Contract to Buy/Sell.   

Does Title Insurance ever find problems?

Some Title Companies say that more than 1/3 of all title searches reveal a title problem.    For instance, a previous owner may have had minor construction done on the property, but never fully paid the contractor.    Or the previous owner may have failed to pay local or state taxes.     Or, a owner of a property paid off a lien on the property, but the lien never got released.   Or, a husband and wife got divorced, the husband kept the home and is selling it; but the title is still in both names.

Why are there two different Title Insurance policies issued? 

First, there is an Owner’s Policy, which will protect the new owner from any covered claims to the property.  The second type is a Lender’s Policy, which will protect the lender against loss of an unpaid loan balance in the event of a claim. 

Who Pays for Title Insurance?

The Lender’s Policy is typically paid for by the actual buyer of the real estate.     The Owner’s Policy is paid for by the seller of the real estate.   The existing owner is insuring that the buyer will be able to enjoy the home free and clear.  Most real estate contracts in Colorado indicate that the seller will provide title insurance at the seller’s cost. 

What Does a Title Search Mean?

Before you purchase of a home, a Title Company will search public records on the property’s ownership.   Once the search is finished, you’ll receive a preliminary title report.    The search includes an examination of public records to determine and confirm a property’s legal ownership and find out what claims are on the property.   The information can include researches on the vested owner, information on any liens or other judgments on the property, as well as loans on the property and the property taxes due.

How Often Are Title Policy Insurance Premiums Paid?

The fee is due when you buy, it’s paid when you buy.      You may need to pay for lender’s title insurance when you refinance, as the lender wants their interest in the property to be protected, but the title policy may be offered with discount depending on how long you have owned the property.

What happens if there is a problem later?

The Title Insurance company will insure the property owner as long as you own the property.     If a problem arises at a later date, the Title Insurance policy will cover legal fees in defense of a claim against the property that is covered under the title policy.

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To find out more information about Colorado Springs, Call ……

Kathy (719-287-1049)   KTorline@msn.com

Search for Colorado Springs Townhomes and Condominiums

Related Articles:

• Colorado Springs Home — Is a Condo or a Townhome right for you?
• Do you know what your townhome insurance covers? 
• Have townhome prices bottomed out?
• FHA loans and Condos — important to know the rules

Townhomes and Condos in Colorado Springs continue to be a BUYERS Market, as there is currently a 9 month of supply of townhomes and condomiums on the market.   A 6 month supply of houses on the market is typically considered a “NEUTRAL MARKET“. 

• Number of Townhomes and Condos in Colorado Springs sold are only down 1% from 2009 in 2008, but are down substantially from 2006, when 1767 townhomes/condos were sold.
• Average pricing continues to see downward pressure, currently down 7% from 2009 to 2008.   2009 pricing is down 15% from the high in 2006.   
• 2010 continues to see more pressure on pricing but units sold is increasing in 2010.

Recap of 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004

This Colorado Springs Real Estate report contains information on Townhomes and Condomiums in the Colorado Springs Area

This information is taken from the Pikes Peak Realtor Services Corp and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

 If you enjoyed reading this article, why not Subscribe to be notified of the next one? 

Kathy (719-287-1049)   KTorline@msn.com

What constitutes “curb appeal”? The term embraces everything between your front door and the street

Related Articles:

• Why didn’t my home sell?
• Make every showing count

• 134 questions for sellers to disclose

5 Tips to increase your curb appeal

Front Door makeover – Your home’s front door is the focal point of its curb appeal.   You can make a statement by giving your front door a blast of color (a deep red looks wonderful) with paint or by installing a custom wood door.    Or if you want to go all out, install a door with leaded glass inserts    Clean off any dirty spots around the knob, and use metal polish on the door fixtures. Replace your kick plate if it looks warn.   Don’t forget to sweep your front porch, make sure it is free of debris.  

Do a mailbox makeover – Mailboxes should complement the home and express the homeowner’s personality.   Pick a box that mirrors your home’s trimmings.   Dress up posted boxes by staining or painting the wooden post to match the house’s trim and woodwork.  

Install window boxes – Window flower boxes offer a fast, easy way to bring color and charm to your home exterior.   Choose boxes made from copper or iron for a traditional look, or painted wood for a cottage feel.   Mix and match flowers and plants to suit your lighting conditions and color scheme.

Add outdoor art -  Give your yard an update by adding weather-resistant artwork. Choose pieces that complement your home’s natural colors and exterior elements.   Birdbaths, metal cutouts, sculptures, and wind chimes are all good choices for outdoor art.

Add shutters or accent trim – Shutters and trim add a welcoming layer of beauty to your home exterior.    Exterior shutters can be made of wood, aluminum, vinyl, composite, or fiberglass.  

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Kathy (719-287-1049)   KTorline@msn.com

Here’s my list of 6 things in your Colorado Springs house that can make you sick

Related Articles: 

• Top 5 Remodeling projects
• Colorado Homeowners, don’t remodel until you read this!
• Why do I need to know about Lead Based Paint?
• Basements and air quality, the two are related
• What are polybutylene pipes? Colorado Springs homeowners beware! 

1. Radon: It’s a colorless, odorless gas that can seep into the home from the ground.  Radon has been called the second most common cause of lung cancer.   In the open air, radon usually dissipates into the atmosphere and is not likely to cause harm.   When radon enters buildings and is trapped in high concentrations, it causes health problems.   This typically happens in basements with poor ventilation.  (See related article:  Radon testing is important in Colorado Springs)

2. Asbestos:   It’s a fibrous material that was once popular in building materials because it provided heat insulation and fire resistance.   Asbestos was banned in 1985 but it still may be found in older home’s insulation materials, floor tiles, roof coverings, ceilings and siding.  It is only harmful when it is disturbed or exposed causing it to become airborne; which can typically happens during home renovations.   It can be costly to remove because the process requires state licensed technicians and specially sealed environments. (EPA Pamphlet)

3. Lead:   It’s a toxic metal used in home products for many years which can contribute to several health problems, especially among children and the elderly.   Exposure can occur from deteriorating lead-based paint, pipes, or lead-contaminated dust or soil.  It’s estimated that 75% of all private houses built before 1978 have lead present.   Presently, there is no federal law that requires homeowners to check for the presence of lead-based paint but lead-based paint hazards must be disclosed however.  More information available on the  EPA Pamphlet.

4. Hazardous products:   Most houses have stockpiles of hazardous household items — such as paint solvents, pesticides, fertilizers, or motor oils — that can create a dangerous situation if not properly stored or disposed. They can cause illness or even death if small amounts are ingested.

5. Mold:   Mold is a type of fungus that is present in our natural environment.  Mold spores, which are tiny microscopic ‘seeds’, can be found virtually everywhere, including in homes and are often a part of the general dust found in homes.  These spores can grow on building materials and furnishings if conditions are correct.  Excess moisture is the critical factor in any indoor mold problem.    The key to preventing mold growth is to prevent moisture problems. (EPA Links)

6. Carbon Monoxide:    CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems.   The gases can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces and  people and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.  (CDC Pamphlet)  In Colorado, there is Colorado House Bill 1091 requiring the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in most homes.

Related web sites:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Alliance for Healthy Homes

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Kathy (719-287-1049)   KTorline@msn.com

Search for Homes in Northgate in Pleasant View

Related Articles:

• Homes in Crystal Hills, hidden gems
• Mountain Shadows homes in the foothills
• Colorado Springs Neighborhoods – Pleasant Valley
• Colorado Springs Neighborhood — Pinon Valley
• Homes in Holland Park in West Colorado Springs
• Pinecliff Homes, Northwest Colorado Springs

Pleasant View homes are in a community that is located in North Colorado Springs, east of I-25, just south of Monument.   The neighborhood is North of I-25 to Baptist Road, East of Baptist Road, Right on Tari.

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Kathy (719-287-1049)   KTorline@msn.com

 Search for homes in Pinecliff

Related Articles:

• Homes in Crystal Hills, hidden gems
• Mountain Shadows homes in the foothills
• Colorado Springs Neighborhoods – Pleasant Valley
• Colorado Springs Neighborhood — Pinon Valley
• Homes in Holland Park in West Colorado Springs

The Pinecliff housing market continues to be a Sellers Market, as there is currently a 9 month of supply of homes on the market.   A 6 month supply of houses on the market is considered a “NEUTRAL MARKET”.   Sales units were down 43% from 2009 to 2008, AND pricing was up 6% from 2009 to 2008.    Pricing is continuing to decline in 2010.

Single Family Homes in Pinecliff in Colorado Springs were primarily built from 1972 to 2001, with an average age built in the 1980’s.  The majority of the houses are 2-stories, ranches, bi-levels, 2-4 baths, with 1 – 3 car garages, both attached and detached.   The average home has appx. 2500 to 3500 square footage. 

The area is located in Northwest Colorado Springs, Exit 146 (Garden of the Gods) go West, first Right on Rusina, Left on Elkton, right on point of the Pines.

There are several parks in the Pinecliff area, including PineCliff Park.  The school District is District 12; and the majority of students go to Rockrimmon Grade School, Eagleview Junior High and Air Academy High School.  

There are also several townhome complexes in the area, Pinecliff and Pebblewood; prices range from $150,000 to $170,000.

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Kathy (719-287-1049)   KTorline@msn.com

• How long should it last?
• 14 Things to Know when Negotiating to Purchase a Home
• 134 questions for sellers to disclose
• What are you scared of?

Once you’ve found your Colorado Springs dream house, there are many things you can do before you make the final decision to put in an offer.  I often suggest to potential buyers that they should talk to the neighbors; and here’s some of the questions I suggest that they ask:

1. How do you like living here?  Would you buy here again?
2. What are the other neighbors like?
3. What’s the homeowner’s association like?   Do they do their job?
4. What community issues do you see?  Have you had any trouble with crime?
5. Have you ever been burglarized?
6. Do dog owners in the area put them on a leash or are they allowed to roam free?
7. Have you ever noticed anything odd about this house?
8. Do you know why the seller is selling this house? 
9. What do you like best about living here?
10. What do you like least about the neighborhood?

You’ll be surprised what the neighbors might tell ……

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Kathy (719-287-1049)   KTorline@msn.com

Saturday,  August 21,  1pm-4pm

Sign in at each home to register for a chance to win a $50 Gift Card at Wal-Mart

1348 Atoka Drive        1250 Nez Perce Dr        7220 Omaha Blvd

For more Information, Contact Kathy Torline at 719-287-1049

KTorline@msn.com