Colorado Springs Vintage Homes Blog
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No utilities are on for most Bank-owned properties in Colorado Springs
Utilities need to be on for inspection
Search for Colorado Springs Foreclosed Homes
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Many bank-owned properties in Colorado Springs don’t have the utilities on, which can definitely cause some challenges to
complete a thorough and accurate inspection.
First of all, without the water being turned on, the inspector can’t check for leaks, which are one of the leading sources of damage and environmental issues within a home. If there are leaks in the pipes, it can result in many holes in the drywall and ceiling to find the leak. Big mess. Also, if there have been leaks, the house may have mold; another big mess.
Second, without the electric on, the inspector can’t check the appliances, outlets, lighting, garage door opener, hard wired smoke alarms, etc.
Third, without the gas on, the inspector can’t check how gas fired appliances function, including the stove, hot water heater, and the heating system.
At first glance it may seem easy to get all of this done. For most homes in Colorado Springs, it’s one call Read the rest of this entry »
Deal or no Deal
Do you want to buy a Colorado Springs bank owned home?
Related article: 3 Things to know about foreclosure homes for sale
For a FREE List of Foreclosures email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
If you have an interest in purchasing a foreclosed home in Colorado Springs, you are probably going to be in for some surprises as you start to look at homes as many of the properties need work. I looked at a home yesterday in west Colorado Springs, that is a perfect example of some (not all) bank-owned properties. First the facts:
- Property was in a desirable west side neighborhood on 3827 Ellston in Holland Park
- Currently priced at $141,000
- House was built in 1971
- It’s a bi-level with over 1700 square feet with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1 car garage.
This is what the description in the MLS says: 4 bedroom, 2 bath bi-level in Holland Park. Eat-in kitchen walks out to deck, master bedroom with walk-in-closet, large back yard with sheds. It doesn’t say anything that the house needs work, not just TLC.
What were they think when they did this?
One of the previous owners put rock facing on the front of the house; but vs. removing the existing brick, it looks like they just put mortar on the existing brick and slapped the rock on the front. I’m not any type of a construction expert, but my guess is that the rock won’t last and you can see where it is already pulling away from the house.
As you walk in the house up the stairs, the main living room has been re textured in a mustard yellow; a huge entertainment center has been semi-built (again in Mustard yellow) and not sure what they were trying to do on the ceiling with the space ship look.
All of the appliances have been Read the rest of this entry »
5 things to know about buying a short sale home
Want to buy a short sale?
Related post: Buying a short sale vs. a foreclosure, what’s the difference?
For a FREE List of Foreclosures and Short Sales email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Do you have questions about buying a Colorado Springs home that is noted as a “short sale”? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I often hear from buyers, along with a brief answer.
1. Is the Short Sale negotiation process the same for a short sale as for a regular sale?
Yes, except that there is one EXTRA layer: After the buyer and seller agree on a price and terms, the seller’s 
lender (or lenders) and other lien holders must also agree on the offer. This can add anywhere from a month to 5 or 6 months to the process.
2. Are loans types the same for a short sale as for a standard home purchase?
The type of loans a buyer can use are the same as for a standard real estate transaction. But if the property is not in good condition, a buyer may not be able to use a VA loan or a FHA loan; as the property may come back with conditions from the appraisal process; and most sellers in a short sale situation don’t have the funds to make the requested repairs. Most short sales are sold “as-is”.
3. What are some of the disadvantages of buying a short sale property?
It can often takes the seller’s lender(s) and lien holders a long time to respond to a offers, and a buyer can become frustrated and give up. Also, some Realtors accept offers from several buyers, and submit all of these offers to the lender(s). Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs Foreclosures, West Area
Market breakdown for Active Homes as of 11-12-08
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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%)
Colorado Springs Foreclosures, Central Area
Market breakdown for Active Homes as of 11-11-08
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
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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%)
