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Disadvantages of buying a new home
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I certainly understand the appeal of buying a new home. Nothing better than being the first owner of a house; everything new, everything in good shape. BUT, there are some
disadvantages to buying a new home. Since I spent part of this week looking at new builds and visiting model homes; it reminded me of some of these disadvantages.
Window coverings not included. Don’t underestimate the cost of what it will take to get window coverings on all your windows. If you are buying a $300,000 to a $500,000 home, I’m guessing you don’t want the cheap $20 blinds that you can buy a Home Depot. Make sure and include this in your budget
Landscaping is also important to include in your budget. Many of the communities include front landscaping, most don’t include back landscaping. But some new communities don’t include it and they required the landscaping to be completed within 6 months to a year after you move in. By the time you put in sprinkler systems, install sod, put in bushes, trees, rock, etc, it doesn’t take long to spend $5000 to $10000; and even more if you have to put in retaining walls or terraces for sloped lots.
And then there is the lot premium for the more desirable lot. The large cul-de-sac lot, or the lot with the great view can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000 more. Granted the lot a house sits on is extremely important, but almost always you won’t get that money back when you go to sell it. There is some consideration in the resale market for a nice lot with a view, but it’s not even close to the amount charged when you originally buy the property.
Also, if you need to sell within a year or two, you are competing against the other homes that are still being built and can be customized. Buyers will almost always choose a brand-new home rather than a 1-year-old home.
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To find out more information about buying a home or an investment property in Colorado Springs area, call ….
Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
Looking at new homes in Colorado Springs, check out Corderra
Corderra
For a free Buyers Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
I recently had the pleasure of touring a selection of newly built homes in Corderra, located east of Powers Blvd and north of Research Parkway. The entire development is located in the highly rated District 20 school district and the other bonus is that the community is close to the Powers Blvd shopping corridor. The elementary school, Chinook, is one of the few schools in the area that teaches Mandarin Chinese beginning in kindergarten.
All of the homes in community are designed to not look like some of the traditional “cookie-cutter” houses you sometimes find in subdivisions; and they have 6 different architectural types in the community: American Heritage, European Cottage, Italian Electric, Craftsman, Prairie, and Spanish Eclectic. 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 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 »
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 »
