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Colorado Springs Housing prices have started to increase
Colorado Springs Real Estate — prices have started to increase
Must Read Articles
- Schools in the Colorado Springs Area
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- Relocating, it’s all about the schools
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Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
Home sales in Central Colorado Springs continue to be brisk
Colorado Spring Real Estate
Market Report for homes in Central Colorado Springs – Single Family Homes
Search for Homes in Central Colorado Springs
The Central part of Colorado Springs housing market continues to be a NEUTRAL Market, as there is currently a 5.66 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 16% from 2008 to 2007, but average pricing was down 5% from 2007 to 2008. 395 single family homes have been sold in 2009 vs. 467 for the same period in 2008; a decline of 15%.
Market report for homes in Southwest Colorado Springs, May 2009
Colorado Spring Real Estate Market Report for Southwest
Single Family Homes
Includes homes in Broadmoor, Cheyenne Meadows, Bluff Bluffs, Quail Ridge
Search for homes in Southwest Colorado Springs
Related Article: Colorado Springs Foreclosure listings in SOUTHWEST area as of 6-10-09
The Southwest housing market continues to be a BUYERS Market, as there is currently a 9.2 month of supply of homes on the market. A 6 month supply of houses on the market is considered a “NEUTRAL MARKET“. 2008 Sales units are down 25% from 2007, but 2008 pricing is only down 10% from 2007. 191 Single family homes have been sold in 2009 vs. 202 for the same period in 2008 a decline of 6%.
Current Report as of 6-11-09 Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs stormwater is once again controversial
STORMWATER FAQ’s
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Must Read Articles:
Why is the city putting liens on properties?
According to a recent article in the Gazette, 4% of the 2007 invoice were unpaid; and 9% of the 2008 invoices were unpaid amounting to $2,449,705. (The average quarterly bill is $12.75.)
Also, according to the article, Mayor Lionel Rivera said “”I think it’s only fair to those people who are paying their bills and paying their fair share of making sure the stormwater infrastructure is taken care of.” “It’s an obligation,” he said. “It’s an ordinance that was passed by the City Council, and I think everyone has an obligation to follow the law.”
If delinquent property owners don’t pay, the city will attach a lien on the property.
What if I buy a home and the stormwater bills have not been paid?
Under the code, Stormwater fees follow homes, not homeowners. This means if you buy a house and the owner before you didn’t pay their fees, you could end up being responsible for their bills. As an example, if you buy a foreclosure home in Colorado Springs and the previous owner didn’t pay, you could be responsible for paying the back stormwater fees.
What is Stormwater? Read the rest of this entry »
Shop for a Lender like you shop for a house
The following information is the second in a series of Buyer Tips to provide tips for both the first-time homebuyer and the most experienced homebuyer. The goal is to help the consumer to become better educated about purchasing real estate in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area.
For a FREE Buyer’s Guide, Email KTorline@msn.com
Tips #2 – 6
2. Consult a mortgage lender prior to looking at homes. Lending requirements seem to be changing daily, so make sure and know your mortgage options and what you qualify for. Don’t wait until you find a home to get pre-qualified.
As a Colorado Springs Realtor, this is probably one of the biggest mistakes I consistently see made by all home buyers. It’s important to know in advance what you are qualified for. If you qualify for $150,000; don’t look at houses that are worth $250,000; you’ll just get discouraged and disillusioned. It’s similar to looking at a Lexus SUV, when you can really only afford a Nissan SUV.
3. Shop around when it comes to mortgage lenders, as rates and closing costs can vary vastly between lenders. The “Best Rate” isn’t always Read the rest of this entry »
It’s against the law
Fair-housing laws prevent agents from talking about neighborhood demographics
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Luckily, the Web picks up where agents leave off
A real estate agent can be a wealth of information about a house. So a homebuyer who asks what crime is like in a 
specific Colorado Springs neighborhood might be surprised when the agent defers the question, directing a client to the Web or local police instead. I work with many buyers looking to relocate to the city, and I often explain to them what I can and what I cannot say.
It comes as a shock to many buyers when they learn that a Colorado Springs realtor absolutely cannot address some requests because it is against the law. For example, if a married Jewish couple asks a realtor to find them a home close to a synagogue, the agent can’t accommodate that request. If a buyer is moving to the city, and wants to know the safest part of the city and the best neighborhoods to live in, an agent cannot answer. Also, Read the rest of this entry »
New Carbon Monoxide Law effective July 1, 2009
Carbon Monoxide Bill Signed into Law
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
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 »
Government and Military are #1 employers in El Paso County
Employment in El Paso County
Have you ever wondered what the top industries are in El Paso County?
I recently went to an Economic Breakfast Forum which included a presentation by Fred Crowley and this informative breakdown of employment in the area and I thought I’d share it with our readers. It’s good to see that the area has a wide variety of employment; as it’s important for the local economy to be diversified.
Resources for building a Green Home
Green Homes
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Are you considering building the home of your dreams this year? The newest trend is to build green by using materials that are environmentally friendly, designing your space to use energy 
more efficiently, furnishing your home with Energy Star rated appliances, avoiding waste and using natural resources as much as possible.
There’s also the advantage of doing your bit to help the environment while cutting back on your own utility bills.
Here are a few websites that offer help while you’re in the planning stages of building green: Read the rest of this entry »
A tech savvy realtor can help sell your home
Technology and Real Estate
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
In today’s real estate market, it has become more important than ever for sellers and buyers to hire a real estate agent who understands how to market their home on the Internet.
The day has past for Realtors who only use old-fashioned sales methods in 
real estate; putting a sign in the yard, putting the property in the Multiple-Listing Service (MLS) and sitting back waiting for the phone to ring.
This method might have worked at one time, but no more. Consider these facts:
- In every age group, newspaper readership is down. This trend will only continue. Have you tried to get a teenager to read a book lately? Many are too busy using their text message.
- According to a recent study published on Realtor.org “Nine out of 10 home buyers use Internet in the search process…”
So when you are interviewing a real estate agent to sell your Colorado Springs home: Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs Old North End, Market Report for November
Colorado Springs Real Estate – Market Report for Old North End Neighborhood – Single Family Homes
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Must Read Articles
- Colorado Homeowners, don’t remodel until you read this!
- Are you a pet owner trying to sell your home
- Should I take my home off the market during the holidays?
- A tech savvy realtor can help sell your home
- It’s all about the home warranty
Single Family Homes in Old 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. 2500 to 3500 square footage. The absorption rate of 3.18 houses per month shows that there is a 5.5 month supply of houses on the market; the housing market is currently a NEUTRAL -BUYERS MARKET in this area. A 6 month supply of houses on the market is considered a “NEUTRAL MARKET“
Downtown Colorado Springs, November Market Report for November 2008
Colorado Springs Real Estate
- Market Report for Downtown – Single Family Homes
Search for Homes in Downtown Colorado Springs
Single Family Homes in Downtown Colorado Springs were built from 1900 to the 1940’s. The majority of the houses are ranches and 2-storys, with 2 to 3 bedrooms, 1 -2 baths, and 1 – 2 car garages. The average home has appx. 1000 to 1750 square footage. The absorption rate of .81 houses per month shows that there is a 12.2 month supply of houses on the market; the housing market is currently a BUYERS MARKET in this area.
Central Downtown area neighborhood is located in the Central area of Colorado Springs and in District 11 schools
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 »
Making your home more energy efficient
Colorado Springs Vintage Homes is happy to feature an article by our
NEWEST Guest Blogger
Mark W. Baxley with Brick and Mortar Home Inspections, Inc.
Making Your Home More Energy Efficient
Leaky windows and other gaps in your home can add costly dollars to your utility bill. Ensuring your home is adequately sealed and well insulated can make a significant impact on your heating and cooling costs.
Identifying where air comes in and out of your home is the first step in making your home more energy efficient.
FLOORS, WALLS, AND CEILINGS
Adequately insulating the home is the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. To earn the most savings, add insulation to the attic. Generally, a minimum depth of 10″ – 14″ is recommended if insulating with loose fill fiberglass. This could save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.
When it comes to insulation, don’t forget about the water heater. Water heaters 7 years or older will benefit from an insulating blanket. This inexpensive investment will keep the water hot and reduce energy costs.
AIR DUCTS
Forced air heating and cooling systems use ducts to distribute air throughout the home. Typically, 15% – 20% 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 Homes, September Market Report for Single Family Homes
Market Report for September 2008, Single Family Homes
Get a Free Market Analysis on your Home, Email KTorline@msn.com or call 719-287-1049
Homes Sold in September 2008: 1,315 (5.4% decline from 2007) 
- Homes Sold in September 2007: 1,390
Average Sales Price: $239,385 (6.2% decline from 2007)
- Average Sale Price in 2007 $255,330
Total Active: 6,030 (10.9% decline from 2007)
- Total Active in 2007: 6,767
Sales Price vs. List Price: 96.8%
Average Days on Market: 90 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?
Real Estate Dictionary, “L” is for Latent Defects
Knowledge is Power — Real Estate Dictionary
For a free Buyers Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
I’m looking at buying a house in Rockrimmon, and my Colorado Springs Realtor said that I should check for latent defects, what is she talking about? A latent defect is a physical weakness not noticeable after a reasonable inspection of the property. Since some homes in Rockrimmon were built over old mines; you may want to have structural engineer involved in the inspection.
Why do I need to find out if a home in Old Colorado City has lead-based paint in it? Because, lead-based paint is a hazardous product that is no longer manufactured and it is potentially poisonous The presence of lead-based paint must be disclosed to buyers and tenants residing in a property built before 1978.
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 »
