Colorado Springs Vintage Homes Blog
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Facts, figures, and details from HUD
A Wealth of Information
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- Moving to Colorado Springs, check out Zip Skinny
- El Paso County taxes are some of the lowest in the nation!
- Radon poses a threat to Colorado Springs Homes
- High Altitude Adjustment for living in Colorado Springs
HUD sent out a press release last week about their new web site, www.hud.gov/datamap. The new site uses data from the Census Bureau, Labor Department, state and local governments, housing industry sources, as well as HUD’s own field economists. 
One of my my favorite features is that it has an interactive map, where you can click on particular sections of the country. Colorado is in Region VII. Once you get into the market at a glance section, there is an amazing wealth of information, all in easy to read charts. Here’s some of the info I picked up from the site about El Paso County and housing in the US.
- As of 2008, 32% of the population is renters. vs 68% were owners.
- The population in El Paso County as of 2008 was 616,975
- The average rent for apartments in the area was $695
- In the United States, the average price of a house in 2009 was 172,500.
- Homeowner rates increase by the age of the homeowner. As an example, 80% of people over the age of 65 own their own house, vs. 52% for homeowners between the age of 30 to 34.
What I didn’t like about the site is that there are Comprehensive Market Analysis Reports, but the report for Colorado Springs was from 2007, and market conditions have changed immensely from 2007 to 2010.
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To find out more information about buying a home in Colorado Springs or Manitou Springs, call ….
Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
14 Things to Know when Negotitating to Purchase a Home
Negotiating Tips
For a free Buyers Guide, Email Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Ok, you’ve now found your perfect Colorado Springs home and you are ready to make an offer on the property. One of the most important principals of negotiation, is to negotiate from a position of power. The more knowledge you have helps your position of power. Here’s a list of some key points to know before submitting an offer:
(1) Has the seller turned down any other offers?
(2) Is the seller flexible on the price?
(3) Will the seller pay some or all of the closing costs?
(4) When would the seller like to close?
(5) Where are the sellers moving to?
(6) Has the seller already purchased another home?
(7) What is more important to the seller? Closing Date? Price?
(8) Does the seller need to rentback the property?
(9) How long has the property been on the market?
(10) What is the average days on market for the area?
(11) How does the price compare to other properties in the area?
(12) How much does the seller owe on the property?
(13) What does the Assessor have the property valued at?
(14) Are there any recent building permits on the property? (Related Article: Do your homework on building permits)
Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
What to do with hazardous waste in El Paso County
Getting ready to move in Colorado Springs?
What do you do with the old paint cans? The old car batteries? Old computers?
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
El Paso county has a Hazardous Waste Collection Facility on 3255 Akers Drive, which is close to Constitution and Marksheffel Road.. The collection center is free to residents of El Paso and Teller County, but they encourage a donation of non-perishable food for Care and Share.
The web site is full of all types of amazing information, including what is household waste and a recycling directory.
The facility accepts:
- household paint and paint-related products
- lawn & garden chemicals
- household items: cleaners (carpet, drain, oven, toilet bowl), aerosols, ammonia,
- batteries (alkaline & rechargeable),
- fluorescent lights,
- mercury thermometers
- propane tanks,
- automotive products (no tires): antifreeze, batteries, brake & transmission fluids, cleaners (bug/tar, chrome, engine, vinyl), contaminated oil, flares, fuels, wax, etc.
- ammunition,
- fireworks
- electronics: including CPU’s, monitors, keyboards, printers
For other counties:
- Pueblo, contact the Pueblo Health Dept.
- Douglas County, contact the Tri-County Health Dept.
If you enjoyed reading this article, why not Subscribe to be notified of the next one?
Some other articles that could be of interest:
- News Flash – Colorado Springs ranked Fittest City
- Moving to Colorado Springs, check out Zip Skinny
- El Paso County taxes are some of the lowest in the nation!
- Colorado Springs in ratings for Best Places to Start Over
For more information on Colorado Springs, please feel free to call Kathy at 719-287-1049 or email: KTorline@msn.com
How long does it take to do Colorado Springs Short Sale? – Part V in Short Sale Series
Must Read 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
- The final step in the Colorado Foreclosure process – Part IV of Short Sale Series
How long does it take to do a Short Sale in Colorado?
Get a Free Market Analysis on your Home, Email KTorline@msn.com or call 719-287-1049
As I continue to do more and more short sales; I think one of the most valuable services I can provide it to help educate and counsel potential home sellers who are interested in doing a short sale. Short sales aren’t a perfect solution, but they are an option.
There are many steps involved with the Short Sale process……
(1) The first step is an initial consultation with the homeowner to explain the “in and outs” of a short-sale, previewing the home, driving the neighborhood; completing a comprehensive market analysis on the home.
(2) If the homeowner decides to to a short sale …………. Read the rest of this entry »
Don’t let your dream house become a nightmare
Tips for Colorado Home Buyers, beware of buying a meth home Part II
Related Posts
What are the dangers of living in a meth lab house?
The dangers that go along with meth houses include exposure to cancer causing chemicals that can saturate 
walls, carpets and other building materials as well as all contents. Lead and mercury are common byproducts. Chemicals, such as solvents, may be disposed of in plumbing or simply poured on the ground. If not removed properly these can cause various health problems.
Meth manufacturing or cooking leaves behind 5 to 7 pounds of chemical waste for each pound of meth that is produced. These byproducts are considered hazardous waste. Mitigation can include:
- REMOVAL: Furnishings, draperies, carpeting, wallpaper, paneling, etc.
- VENTILATION: When solvents and other chemicals that may have soaked into the walls are slowly vaporizing.
- NEUTRALIZATION: Where acids or bases have been used, the potential for harmful effects may be reduced or removed through neutralization.
- DETERGENT-WATER WASHING: Some nonporous and semi-porous surfaces such as floors, tiles, walls and ceilings can be cleaned with detergent washing.
- ENCAPSULATION or SEALING: Contamination may be covered with layers of oil-based paint, polyurethane or other materials.
It’s important to understand that to properly clean up a meth house you need professionals. The state of Colorado does not regulate meth lab cleanup. It’s also Read the rest of this entry »
Names for Colorado Springs Streets
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
An early history of Colorado Springs, part 2
We now have a new town named Colorado Springs: however, it was just a dusty landscape with little water and no homes. It would need more than Palmers vision to become a reality.
In 1870, Palmer finally got his Denver and Rio Grande Railway started. It was the north/south route he so dreamed of. He started the Mountain Base Investment Fund to build and develop the other products to go along with his railroad (ranches, lots, towns, mines etc). Read the rest of this entry »
