Colorado Springs Real Estate

Report lists Colorado Springs as second safest city in U.S. | city, crime, based - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Stenberg) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:20:00 +0000

Report lists Colorado Springs as second safest city in U.S. | city, crime, based - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO

Local apartment rents continue to hover near record high - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Stenberg) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:02:00 +0000

Local apartment rents continue to hover near record high - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO

Price Reduced on this Well Maintained Rancher in Central Colorado Springs (80916)

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:35:00 +0000

County, let 'em drill for oil and gas (poll) | hall, let, county - TOWN HALL - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Stenberg) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:46:00 +0000

County, let 'em drill for oil and gas (poll) | hall, let, county - TOWN HALL - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO

Acreage in Sedalia, Colorado in Teller County - Great Investment

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:09:00 +0000

Townhome in Rockrimmon - close to I-25 - 3 bed / 3 bath

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:07:00 +0000

REDUCED! Only $130K - GREAT DEAL

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:06:00 +0000

Why Sell Your Home in the Winter?

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 16:05:00 +0000

Many home owners think that winter time is NOT the time to put your home on the market.

What do you think?

The inventory of homes for sale tends to dwindle during the winter months. Right now, interest rates are very low. So, if there are buyers in your local market, you may be at an advantage selling when most sellers are waiting.

Price Reduced to $134,900 - Great 4 bedroom home in Central Colo Spgs

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:42:00 +0000

Pay only $100 down and own your next home!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 03:25:00 +0000

The United States Housing & Urban Development (HUD) is offering several new sales incentives on HUD homes that will make these homes more affordable for home buyers.

* $100 down payments on HUD Homes financed with Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured financing

* Sales allowances that can be used to pay closing costs, make repairs, or pay down the mortgage amount

$100 Down on Colorado Springs Foreclosures

That's right, $100 down through FHA financing (620 FICO score or higher) and you can buy your next home. This program will be in place for the next 12 months. Previously, you had to put down 3.5 % of the purchase price. Qualifying buyers can put just $100 down to buy a HUD foreclosure in El Paso County. This program is available to buyers who intend to occupy the home after purchase; not for investment buyers.

What is a HUD home you may ask? Any home that was financed with an FHA loan that was foreclosed on is a HUD home. When someone with an FHA insured mortgage can’t make the payments, the lender (or bank) forecloses on the home. FHA then pays the lender what is owed and then HUD takes ownership of the home and lists it for sale.

I am a Real Estate Owned (REO) / Foreclosure expert in the Colorado Springs and El Paso County areas. I would be happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have regarding HUD homes for sale or this $100 down program. Contact me today at 719-963-4867 or email me at springslifestyles@gmail.com

To learn more about HUD programs, visit the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development website. To learn more about the $100 Down Program in Colorado Springs, I found Tom Camp's article here to be very informative.

Low Mortgage Rates & Home Buying

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:01:00 +0000

Mortgage rates at all time lows

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate is currently 3.82%, down 13 basis points from 3.95% at this same time last month. After peaking at 4.1 percent, the 30-year fixed mortgage rated hovered between 4% and 3.95% for the rest of the month, before falling to the current rate.

The rate for a 15-year fixed home loan is currently 3.18%, while the rate for a 5-1 adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is 2.75%.

Two great reasons to buy a home

Make money with somebody else's money: The best part of buying a house is, what other investment enables you to use somebody else's money to make money? That's exactly what happens when your house appreciates in value and you sell it for a profit.

Even though you still owe money on your mortgage, the people at the mortgage company don't make you share the proceeds with them, now do they? What a deal. And to make this profit, you don't have to overhear a brilliant stock tip or try to comprehend bond rates. All you have to do is pay your mortgage.

Take in the tax benefits: Don't forget that home ownership comes with lucrative tax benefits. The first benefit starts the moment you move in. The IRS allows you to deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage from your federal income taxes.

It's the government's way of supporting home ownership. Here's another tax treat, courtesy of Uncle Sam. If you make money on a business or a bond, you have to pay capital gains taxes on the profit. But if you sell your house at a profit, the gain is tax free up to $250,000.

Four steps to take before buying a new home

1. Find out how much home you can afford. Before you do anything else, find out how much home you can afford. To do this, look online for a quality mortgage calculator (Zillow has one that works well). Mortgage calculators show you how much home you can afford based on your income, an average interest rate, and the length of the loan.

You also need to calculate your debt-to-income ratio, which shows the amount of your income that goes toward paying your debts. The higher your ratio, the less likely you will qualify for a home loan. Find out if you can get a mortgage before you begin searching for your dream home. If your debt-to-income ratio is more than 36 percent, you should think about getting out of debt, or at least reducing your debt immediately.

Your credit score also plays a role in your loan eligibility. If you have a higher credit score, you will be eligible for better loan rates. If you have a low credit score, on the other hand, you should first learn how to improve your credit score before you get pre-approved for a loan.

2. Get pre-approved. Take the time to get pre-approved before you begin looking at homes. In fact, many real estate agents won''t work with you until you have received pre-approval for a mortgage. Regardless, you should look to get pre-approved anyway. You might find the perfect home, and then find out the bank denied your loan application. This heartbreaking scenario wastes your time and your agent's time, too. I have several mortgage brokers that I highly recommend and would happily refer.

3. Find a real estate agent. Once you've improved your credit score and you know how much home you can afford, you need to find a great real estate agent. Your agent acts as your representative, provides you with information about market prices, and helps you find a home. Because you are reading my blog I hope that you will send me an email or call me so that I can talk with you about your home buying needs.

4. Take stock of your financial situation, again. By the time you get ready to buy a home, you may be sick of thinking about money. After following each of these steps, look at your available income one more time, and review your short- and long-term financial goals.

Fall Back

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 23:48:00 +0000

If you live in the USA or Canada, Daylight Savings Time 2011 ends on November 6, 2011. This means that, at 2am, we "fall back" and gain an extra hour of sleep (or nightlife). Arizona, Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; as well as most of Saskatchewan and some parts of BC, Nunavut and Quebec, do not observe Daylight Savings Time.

Updated Rancher with Many Extras

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:15:00 +0000

Mountain Acreage in Teller County in Sedalia

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:46:00 +0000

Happy Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:52:00 +0000

Treats, not Tricks: Keep Halloween in Safe Hands - Your Family's

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Safe & Sound Trick or Treating

Teach Your Kids

Start by taking your kids, not sending them

Add to the fun by including other families

Find a "family-friendly" neighborhood (even if you must drive there)

Escort young children to the door; instruct them never to enter a house

Have children use the "buddy system" - pick a partner and stick together

Avoid close encounters with candles - in and out of the jack-o-lanterns

Light your way by remember to take flashlights

Leave dark houses behind; no porch light, trick-or-treaters are not welcome

Observe safety sense; cross streets at intersections after looking both ways

Wear comfortable costumes that don't obstruct vision; use reflector tape if needed

Educate your children about "stranger danger" in age-appropriate ways

Equip yourselves with cell phones or 2-way radios

Nibble candy at home after a thorough checking by parents

Winter Home Protection Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:05:00 +0000

Fall into Winter Home Protection

Simple Tips to Help Protect Your House

For many, fall is a favorite time to be outdoors. Be sure to include these routine home maintenance steps among your autumnal activities.

Clean your gutters. Overflowing water from clogged gutters can damage your roof and lead to cracks in your home's foundation.

Replace damaged/missing shingles.

Cracked, broken or missing shingles leave your roof exposed to the elements.

Trim trees and bushes. If you let trees and bushes grow too close to your home, they can block the sun and lead to water damage.

Have a professional tune your furnace. By having your furnace checked and tuned by a professional, you can reduce temperature variations, improve air quality and protect against carbon monoxide.

Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors run on batteries, check them at least once every season.

Put unused lawn equipment away. If you've finished with your lawnmowers, clippers, rake and other implements for the season, put them away in a safe place for next spring.

Have your chimney checked. A professional chimney sweep can evaluate the condition of your chimney and, if necessary, clean it to get rid of creosote, which is flammable and can be dangerous.

Winterize sprinkler system. Drain and winterize your sprinkler system as well as hoses that are attached to a downspout.

Sealing windows and doors. Seal and caulk around windows and doors to keep drafts out and the heat in.

These aren't the only maintenance tips to follow, but they should give you a good start on keeping your home safe and secure this autumn. Take action soon but please consult with a professional where appropriate.

*much of the above information was taken from www.amfam.com article

For Sale: Ranch home on 5 acres with mountain views

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:23:00 +0000

Colorado Ski Pass

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 02:20:00 +0000

Are you a Colorado skier? I am so excited that ski season is fast approaching!

Do you have a 5th or 6th grader? If so - you'll want to check out Colorado Ski County USA Passes to learn how your 5th grader can ski for FREE or your 6th grader for only $99 (ski for 4 days at one or all of the 21 member resorts for only $99 total).

Whether you enjoy skiing Arapahoe Basin, snowboarding at Copper Mountain, kickin' up powder at Winter Park or trying your luck at Monarch on their black diamonds ~ you should check out this deal if you have a 5th or 6th grader. If you don't - enjoy your ski season anyway! ;)

Stressed-out by home clutter? Don't agonize.... ORGANIZE!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:28:00 +0000

If clutter is threatening a takeover, divide and conquer!

Household clutter tends to take on a life of its own. What starts as just a few items here or there can end up as a mountain of stuff that seems impossible to manage. Deal with "incoming clutter" - flyers, newspapers, bills, mail, kids school papers - by handling it once, and immediately either acting on it, filing it or tossing it. Then when you need to pay a bill, it won't be hidden under a pile of useless papers. "misplaced clutter" is items like toys, books or clothing which just need a quick trip to their home....toys to the toy box, shoes to the closet, etc. By following a few easy rules, you can trim that clutter down to size and finally eliminate it!

How to start organizing

Organizing your home doesn't have to be a battle, but you do need a battle plan. Don't try to organize your house in a day. Pick one area and start there. Think of it as a "non-clutter zone" that you will expand each day. If you make serious commitment to organization in family areas, then family members can use the same principles in organizing their own spaces, such as the home office. The important thing is to start somewhere!

Maintain your clutter-free home

It's a wonderful feeling to get ride of clutter, but unless you think and act in a new way regarding "stuff," you'll wind up right back where you started. So, spend ten minutes every morning on a quick pick-up. Getting organized and maintaining a clutter-free home is one of the best steps you can take toward a stress-free life. For additional tips on organizing and de-cluttering your home, visit the following websites and put together a plan that's right for you and your family.

The Clutter Cutters - Local Colorado Springs Family Manager Coach, Cari Pemberton

Organized Home - Great tips and ideas on getting & staying organized

Clutterbug - How to gain peace of mind by organizing your home

Take Charge of your credit

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 19:33:00 +0000

Who Knows More About Your Finances?

You - or your automobile salesman?

Gone are the days when a hopeful couple sat across the desk from their local banker anxiously awaiting his decision on their loan application. Today, the fate of their loan and the rate of their interest hinges on a computer-generated number - their credit score.

What's the score?

The FICO credit score reflects dozens of parameters in one's financial history. For years, this number - named for developers, Fair, Issac & Company - was a tightly guarded secret. Congress has now secured your right to know.

Score 700-850 - smooth loan process; best interest rates
Score 550-699 - medium risk; higher interest rates
Score 300-549 - sorry, rarely a loan or credit card is offered

Know your score

Are you soon hoping to purchase a new car? a new home? remodel your home? send a child to college? Before you talk financing, send for your credit report and FICO score. If there are errors or other surprises, contact creditors to make corrections or negotiate settlements. Also, be sure to notify the credit bureau of your dispute. Legitimate black marks on your credit won't disappear quickly. (it takes seven years; ten for a bankruptcy.) However, time and your diligence can turn things around. Lenders will give recent responsible activity due consideration.

In our credit-driven society, taking charge of your credit should be an on-going process. Your FICO score is a snapshot in time, not set in concrete. Review it each year for errors that may have crept in and to monitor your progress. You have the power to know it, raise it, maintain it.

WHAT HELPS: WHAT HURTS:

* Pay all bills - and pay on time * Too many credit cards or zero cards

* Maintain 2-4 credit cards * High non-mortgage debt

* Close unused credit or store cards * Delinquent accounts

* Keep balances well below the limit * Frequent job or address changes

* Pay more than the minimums * Charge Off's (bills marked uncollectible)

* Establish long-term credit history * Bankruptcy

BIG THREE CREDIT BUREAUS

Equifax Information Services, LLC 800-685-1111 www.Equifax.com

Experian 888-EXPERIAN www.Experian.com

TransUnion LLC Consumer Disclosure 800-888-4213 www.TransUnion.com

If you are interested in being put in touch with a lender for pre-approval for a home purchase or to refinance your current loan, please contact me. I'm happy to recommend several lenders that I work closely with and trust.

We Will Never Forget: Remember 911

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0000

September 11, 2011 we will never forget.

Remember 911

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:54:00 +0000

Laughter is the best medicine

An apple a day keeps the doctor away

Get your beauty rest

Cliches? Or truths to heed?

As this century rolled into existence, average U.S. life expectancy hit an historic high: 77 years - up from an average of 47 years just a century ago. But how will Americans spend those extra years? Shuffling weary bones about a nursing home or playing shuffle board on a Caribbean cruise?

Do you remember being surprised to learn the age of a coworker or new friend? They look and act ten years younger - or older. Have you ever done that back-pedaling trick when you mistook someone's sister for her mother? Once past puberty, guessing a person's age can be tricky. Is there a secret to looking and feeling youthful?

From hormones to herbs, fighting the effects of time is big business. "Snake-oil salesmen" are alive and well with "magic" pills to restore the vitality of youth, grow hair, smooth thighs or wrinkles. The truth is that we are more than physical beings and no one pill or potion (or surgery) can reverse the advancing years.

The real "magic" lies in wise life decisions made in all areas of our humanity. In fact, laughing more, eating fruit, and sleeping that extra hour are not merely cliches, but examples of practical day-d-day choices that can add up to more years in your life and more life in your years.

Regardless of age, you can "live younger", reduce the risk of disease, and look forward to a future characterized by well-being and independence.

It's Easier Than You Think to LOOK younger:

Flossing your teeth wards off infection & helps your immune system 6.4 years younger

Work puzzles to maintain mental sharpness 2.5 years younger

Laugh to reduce tension that deteriorates health 1.7-8 years younger

Take a look at Real Age: Live Life to the Youngest for helpful articles, health & diet information as well as a complete personal profile and live "As Young As You Can Be".

Most Americans Couldn't Tell You What Their Home Is Worth

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:25:00 +0000

I want you to be one of the few who are informed. You know the genuine value of "home and hearth", but do you know the dollar value of your house? Or how much of that value belongs to you? A number of key decisions can be more wisely made with the benefit of this knowledge.

Is your home adequately insured? If disaster were to strike, would your insurance cover the losses? In California, a state known for wild real estate escalations and wild fires, many devastated homeowners have learned the hard way that their homes were under insured.
Is your estate plan based on a realistic estimate of your home's worth? Assuming you have provided a means for your assets to be distributed upon your death, will your plan minimize the tax burden your heirs may face? Underestimating home equity could force loved ones to sell the family homestead to cover inheritance taxes.
Could your home mean more to your family than just safety and warmth? Could home equity be put to use in financing your children't college education? Funding a business? A more active retirement plan? Home improvements?
Do you know how to measure the value of your home? A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is the only tool that provides current pricing of homes in your style in your area. With a recent CMA and knowledge of your home's condition relative to others that have tested the market, you can know an accurate dollar amount for your home.

Contact me today if you would like to know the worth of your home and receive a complimentary CMA. I would be happy to stop by, take a closer look at upgrades and improvements and provide you with a more in-depth, personalized analysis.

35th Annual Colorado Springs Balloon Classic THIS WEEKEND

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:55:00 +0000

This event is held in Memorial Park, in Colorado Springs, off Pikes Peak Avenue between Hancock Avenue and Union Boulevard near the shores of Prospect Lake from Sept. 3rd - 5th.

Mass ascensions of dozens of balloons are scheduled for Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings with a Balloon Glo® scheduled for Saturday and Sunday evenings. Each year a variety of concessions are available and entertainment is provided during each event. Admission for spectators is free!

Per city ordinance - no pets are allowed in Memorial Park during the Colorado Balloon Classic.

The park is filled with festivities all day long. It's recommended you arrive at the park by 6:00 am to be a part of all the activities and walk the field and be next to the balloons as they inflate and take off! The evening Balloon Glo activities start at 5:00 pm with the Glo started at dusk/dark. For more information, visit their website.