Colorado Springs Vintage Homes Blog
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No Disclosures on a Foreclosure
Disclosure on a Foreclosure, NOT
Search for Colorado Springs Foreclosures
When buying a Colorado Springs foreclosure, the buyer typically doesn’t receive disclosure documents. In Colorado,
most sellers fill out a Sellers Disclosure form. The Document states “Seller states that the information contained in this Disclosure is correct to the best of Seller’s CURRENT ACTUAL KNOWLEDGE as of this Date.”
The banks who own foreclosure properties have never lived in them and typically have only owned them a short time, so their opinion is that they are relieved of much of their disclosure duty. However, in my opinion both the the Listing Agent and the lender probably know more about the property than they are willing to tell.
Many times the banks will go into a Colorado Springs Foreclosure and redo carpet, repaint, add new drywall, and new appliances. But the lender or Listing Agent doesn’t tell you what it looked like before the work was done. Many buyers would like to know if there’s a cracked slab under that new flooring, or hardwood floors under the carpeting. Or was there some mold under the new flooring in the laundry room.
Listing Agents are taught to to disclose, disclose, disclose; but that isn’t the case with bank-owned properties. Buyers purchasing a foreclosure, need to do extra due diligence to make sure they know what they are buying. As what they see is what they get, as well as what they don’t see is also what they get.
To find out more information about Colorado Springs, Call ……
Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
What can I buy for $100,000?
What kind of house can I buy for $100,000 in Colorado Springs?
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
The number of houses in Colorado Springs that are sold for less than $100,000 has continued to increased substantially over the last couple of years. It’s a great time to be an investor in Colorado Springs and it’s a great time for a first-time home buyer to purchase their first home.
Here’s a quick breakdown of houses SOLD under $100,000 and a comparison to previous years: 
01/01/09 to 08/15/09 769
01/01/08 to 08/15/08 540
01/01/07 to 08/15/07 387
01/01/06 to 08/15/06 469
01/01/05 to 08/15/05 471
Many of the these Colorado Springs homes are being bought by investors who buy the home for less than $100,000 and have payments between $650 to $700 a month. Then they turn around and rent out the homes for $800 to $900 a month.
With foreclosures continuing to be high in El Paso County Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs Real Estate on road to recovery
Colorado Springs Real Estate on road to recovery
Forbes magazine recently published an interesting article about “It’s best cities for a housing recovery”. According to the article some metro areas are more on their way to recovery than others. Forbes looked at 161 metro area and their top 5 list of cities includes Colorado Springs:
The Rankings
1. Miami, FL
2. Lincoln, NE
3. Colorado Springs, CO
4. Salem, OR
5. San Luis Obispo, CA
According to the article, foreclosure home sales in Colorado Springs are only 20% of the transactions and sales activity is up 14%. Not sure if I agree with their analysis, as in some zip codes in the city foreclosures sales are only 5% and in other areas, it’s probably closer to 40%; but regardless it’s always nice to see national recognition in a positive way for Colorado Springs.
If you enjoyed reading this article, why not Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
Radon testing is important in Colorado Springs
What’s the big deal about Radon?
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the Surgeon General’s Office have estimated that as many as 
20,000 lung cancer deaths are caused each year by radon and it is is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
Inspection Time
In Colorado Springs, a radon test can be requested by a buyer during a home inspection. If radon levels are high (4 pCi/L or higher) the installation of a mitigation system can become a negotiable item on the Inspection Resolution Form.
What is it?
Radon is formed by the natural radioactive decay of uranium in rock, soil, and water. It can be found in all 50 states. Once produced, radon moves through Read the rest of this entry »
Houses in Central Colorado Springs are NOT staying on the market long
Colorado Spring Real Estate
Market Report for Central Colorado Springs – Single Family Homes
Search for Homes in Central Colorado Springs
Must Read Articles
- Colorado Homeowners, don’t remodel until you read this!
- Are you a pet owner trying to sell your home
- It’s all about the home warranty
- What are closing costs in real estate?
- The pictures tell the story
The Central part of Colorado Springs housing market continues to be a NEUTRAL Market, as there is currently a 4.45 month of supply of homes on the market. A 6 month supply of houses on the market is considered a “NEUTRAL MARKET“. Sales are only down 16% from 2008 to 2007, but average pricing is only down 5% from 2007 to 2008. Days on Market continues to decrease, which is a great sign for home sellers in this area.
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.
After fierce competition Colorado Springs finally lands the Air Force Academy
Air Force Academy History
Search for Homes in near the AFA in Colorado Springs
Must Read Posts:
After WWII, the Air Force decided that they needed their own military school. A board was formed in 1950 that recommended the Air Force Academy be established without delay and 
also proposed that no less than 40% of their officers be academy graduates
But where to put it? Many cities and towns were lobbying for it, as it would bring an economic boom to whomever finally was able to call it their own. Colorado Springs really wanted it. After the war, with the soldiers all leaving Ft. Carson, the Springs was noticing a decline in population which meant apartments, homes and stores were vacant. Colorado Springs formed a chamber of commerce committee. The committee was led by John Love (later a three term governor). It also included Thayer Tutt, Read the rest of this entry »
Economic Forecast Breakfast, 2008 called the Big Drop
Economic Forecast Breakfast
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
On Thursday of this week, I had the privilege of attending the 18th annual Economic Forecast Breakfast at the Crown Plaza in Colorado Springs. It was packed with information and presentations from a residential real estate expert (Brian Maecker) , a commercial real estate expert (Doug Carter), an apartment expert (Kent Mau); and the City Manager of Colorado Springs, Dr. Penny Culbreth-Graft.
Brian Maecker’s presentation about Residential Real Estate was titled “2008, The Big Drop” and was stuffed full of charts and grafts showing residential prices in Colorado Springs. Essentially the average home sales prices in the Colorado Springs area is currently $213,466, Read the rest of this entry »
Are you starting to get Spring Fever?
Looking for something unique to do?
Plan to attend the Colorado Garden and Home Show
Feb 7 -15 at the 50th annual event held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Are you already thinking about Spring? Planning some new home improvement projects? Thinking about 
how to plant your garden? Wondering how to do xeriscaping? Plan on making the short trip to downtown Denver and enjoy the Colorado Garden and Home Show; it’s an amazing show with over 600 exhibitors in the 400,000 square feet Convention Center. The Theater schedule consists of 52 different offerings including Feng Shui Basics, Xeriscaping 101, Wine and Food Pairings, Pet Friendly Landscaping; and Vegetable and Herbs for Colorado. It’s really a great resource for Colorado and Colorado Springs home owners; and all of the seminars are FREE.
It is also benefits many different horticultural and related activities, and non-profit organizations throughout Colorado. There is a Cake decorating contest with Read the rest of this entry »
5 reasons townhomes make an easy transition from apartment life
Interested in buying a townhome or a condo?
Search for TownHomes in Colorado Springs
Low interest rates, great prices, and new tax credits have many apartment dwellers considering making a their first home purchase. But some buyers are on the fence; they may not like the idea of cutting the grass every summer weekend or shoveling a driveway before going to work on a Colorado Springs winter day. 
They may want to consider a townhome, where they can receive the tax benefits of home ownership but retain some of the worry free aspects of apartment life!
In Colorado Springs, there are a wide range of condos and townhomes to choose from. There are some starting as low as $55,000 and going as high as $3,000,000 for a luxury condo located in the Broadmoor Hotel. If you would like to receive a hand-picked list of some of our favorite complexes in the area, email us. KTorline@msn.com
Here are five reasons that a townhouse or a condo might be the perfect first home:
- No Yardwork! In most cases the association is responsible for cutting the grass , trimming the trees, and removing the snow. Read the rest of this entry »
Broadmoor Homes, Market Report for November
Colorado Springs Real Estate – Market Report for Broadmoor Homes
Single Family Homes
Search for Homes in Broadmoor
Must Read Articles
- Colorado Homeowners, don’t remodel until you read this!
- Are you a pet owner trying to sell your home
- A tech savvy realtor can help sell your home
- It’s all about the home warranty
- What are closing costs in real estate?
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 2.09 houses per month shows that there is a 21 month supply of houses on the market; the housing market is currently a BUYERS MARKET in this area.
Broadmoor homes are located in the Southwest area of Colorado Springs and in District 12 school
- Grade School: Canon
- Middle School: Cheyenne Mountain
- High School: Cheyenne Mountain
Broadmoor homes are: Read the rest of this entry »
Tips for Colorado Home Buyers, beware of buying a meth home
Don’t let your dream home turn into a nightmare!
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Part I of Series
Related Posts
There continues to be an epidemic sweeping the Midwest that presents health and safety risks to potential home buyers. There is widespread use of homes, garages, sheds, even motor vehicles to manufacture illegal drugs, specifically methamphetamine. It’s important for potential buyers to understands the basic facts about meth labs; and for buyers to do their due diligence when buying a home
What is a meth lab?
According to the verbiage on the Colorado Spring City Government web site: “Illicit manufacture of meth involves the process of combining multiple chemicals to another substance (referred to as a “precursor”) to create methamphetamine. The most common Read the rest of this entry »
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, 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 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?
Pre-Qualification or Pre-Approval, which do you need to buy a home?
Pre-approval or Pre-qual?
For a free Buyers Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Colorado Springs home buyers should be pre-approved (or at least pre-qualified) for a home loan BEFORE looking at homes for sale.
Not only is it good for you, as you know how much you can afford according to the lender; but, its good for the seller as the buyer can include the “pre-qual” or “pre-approval” letter in with the contract which shows the seller that the buyer is serious enough to obtain the first steps in the lending process.
A Pre-Qualification for a loan is the 1st step toward home buying. It means that a lender has looked briefly at your credit score and income and determined that you have the potential to be approved for a loan. Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs Homes, Average Sales Price Comparison
Colorado Springs Homes — Average Sales Price Comparison
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
The Colorado Springs Area continues to be a a BUYER’s market for single family homes in almost all communities. But it’s important to remember that real estate is regional, and varies on a neighborhood by neighborhood basis. Prices have continued to move downward, and the current prices are similar to where they were in 2004 and 2005.
Date Ave. Sales Price
Sep-08 ……. $242,939
Jun-08 ……. $249,722 Read the rest of this entry »
Homes in Colorado Springs, Market Report for North End Sept. 2008
Colorado Springs Real Estate – Market Report for North End
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Single Family Homes Single Family Homes in 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. 1500 to 2500 square footage. The absorption rate of 1.22 houses per month shows that there is a 10 month supply of houses on the market; the housing market is currently a BUYERS MARKET in this area. A 6 month supply of houses on the market is considered a “NEUTRAL MARKET“.
North End is Read the rest of this entry »
Nightmare for new home owners — liens filed against property
Liens are everywhere
Get a Free Market Analysis on your Home, Email KTorline@msn.com or call 719-287-1049
I came across an article this morning published by KOAA that quickly caught my attention. The article 
states that homeowners in Southeast Colorado Springs received a notice of intent to file a lien from the contractor, Avalon Building. The lien claims that the developer, Lorson Ranch, owes money for building streets and installing utilities in the neighborhoods. The article goes on to state ”We’re not liening the homeowner, we’re liening the property and it’s the only way we have to protect our rights to get paid, said Avalon President Dan Herman. In a statement, attorneys for Lorson Ranch say Avalon Building, …has not completed its work on the project and has failed to honor its financial obligations to its subcontractors. The statement goes on to say, “Avalon will not be paid for incomplete or unperformed work.”
Lorson Ranch is a 1400 acre master planned community east of Marksheffel Road at Fontaine Boulevard in Widefield. It was also the location of where ABC’s Read the rest of this entry »
