Search for Colorado Springs Historic Homes

As I was walking through an historic home in Colorado Springs last week, I came across a monster furnace, nicknamed the Octupus.  All of the connections to the vent, which extended everyplace, were wrapped in an asbestos covering; as well as the entire unit.  Seems like good timing to write a blog about the dangers of asbestos.

What is asbestos?

• Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that has been a popular building material

What are the health concerns?

• Asbestos breaks down into microscopic size fibers which penetrate the body tissues and can remain in the body for many years.    It’s most dangerous when it is disturbed, when pieces break away and float in the air.  Once it is breathed in, it typically does not leave the lungs.  Prolonged exposure can lead to lung cancer.

• NOTE:  When working with asbestos its important not to release the fibers into the air, it’s important not to disturb it.

Where was it used?

• For pipes, furnaces and boiler insulation.   Insulation in the wall and ceilings.  Siding, plaster, fiber cement.  During it’s time, it was the best material available.  It was used in the late 1800′s and early 1900′s

What if I find asbestos?

• If possible, don’t disturb it.  If you have to remove it, get help from a firm that is trained in asbestos abatement.

Additional Resources

Consumer Product Safety Commission

EPA

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Related Articles:

• Styles of Historic houses in Colorado Springs — Part II
• Styles of Historical houses in Colorado Springs — Part I
• Homes in Downtown Colorado Springs continue to sell FAST
• Historic homes also have pleasant surprises
• Do you want to buy a Colorado Springs Historic Home?

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To find out more information about Colorado Springs, Call ……
Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com

Are you moving to Colorado Springs?  Would you like a FREE relocation package?

I’ve written many articles about the importance of understanding the Days on Market, here goes one more.   For Sellers, Days on Market provide an indication of the strength of the market and the average amount of time it takes for a property to go under contract.  For Buyers, it will help them understand the trends in the market.   The data I used to put together this chart and statistics below was from SOLD information on single family properties from the Local Multiple Listing Service; and it is current as of March 31, 2013.    It’s important to note that different areas of town have different Days on Market, and the Days on Market will also vary immensely by the pricing of the home.  As an example, Colorado Springs luxury homes priced over $500,000, typically have longer Days on Market, homes priced over $1,000,000 have even longer days on market.

Days on Market are one way to gauge the direction of the market

It’s also interesting to look at the trends on how the areas have changed over the last several years.  Almost every area, except Black Forest, has less Days on Market then in previous years.   Old Colorado City and Fountain Valley have seen a major decrease in the Days on Market.

The Colorado Springs real estate market has continued changed over the last year, and time will tell if this if this is a long term or a short term change in the market

Are you ready to step up to the most comprehensive data available about Colorado Springs and the surrounding area?

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For even more information, contact Kathy Torline by calling or texting 719-287-1049, or email KTorline@msn.com

For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation package, call or email Kathy, 719-287-1049   KTorline@msn.com

Since I absolutely love technology, I’m always on the lookout for helpful web sites; and especially web sites that can provide accurate and helpful for my real estate clients.

I’m not always a fan of Zillow and Trulia, as I sometimes find their data about homes for sale and neighborhoods isn’t nearly as accurate as the info I can find by looking at the local MLS, but they do have some great tools for buyers and sellers.  One of my favorites, is the crime maps on Trulia.

Since I work with a fair amount of people moving into the city, I often get asked about what parts of the city are safe.  First of all, I can never discriminate against a certain part of town, and it’s next to impossible for me to keep up with crime stats.   Hence,  I love the info that Trulia has on their Colorado Springs crime map.

The maps even let you see the ratio of violent to non-violent crimes.  Here’s a screen shot of one of their maps.

There are some other good resources out there, including info from Neighborhood Scout , Spot Crime, City Rating.There is also a wealth of information, including a recap of the local police blotter, on the City of Colorado Springs web site.

• Colorado Springs has a lack natural disasters
• Is this cold weather normal?
• 5 things to know when choosing a Colorado Springs Neighborhood
• Resources for Colorado Springs Crime Statistics

Are you ready to step up to the most comprehensive data available about Colorado Springs and the surrounding area?

Then subscribe to the Colorado Springs real estate blog free by clicking here.    Get the best coverage on the Colorado Springs Real Estate market delivered right to you!

For even more information, contact Kathy Torline by calling or texting 719-287-1049, or email KTorline@msn.com

Neighborhoods Include:  Crown Hill Mesa, Colorado City, and Old Colorado City

Zip code 80904, 80905, 80903

Search for homes in Old Colorado City Area Colorado Springs

Here’s a quick summary of the Real Estate Market for Old Colorado City Area Colorado Springs as of 3-31-2013

• Average pricing has continued to increase in 2013 vs. 2012

• Average Number of homes sold has also continued to increase 2013 vs. 2012

• Days on Market has also continued to decrease in 2013.

Most Expensive Sale in area:

• Address:  1550 Manitou Blvd.

• Price:  $389,900

• Square Feet:   4106

• Area:  Bloom

Least Expensive Sale in the area:

• Address:  2318 Howbert

• Price:  $40,000

• Square Feet:   682

• Area:  Anthony Bott

This Colorado Springs Real Estate report contains information on Single Family homes in Old Colorado City area in Colorado Springs

This information is taken from the Pikes Peak Realtor Services Corp and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Are you ready to step up to the most comprehensive data available about Colorado Springs and the surrounding area?

Then subscribe to the Colorado Springs real estate blog free by clicking here.    Get the best coverage on the Colorado Springs Real Estate market delivered right to you!

For even more information, contact Kathy Torline by calling or texting 719-287-1049, or email KTorline@msn.com

In 2011, the first of 78-million strong Baby Boom generation have started to turn age 65.  As baby boomers continue to age; more and more of us are facing some type of disability or potential disability in the future.    Each person’s individual situation, will determine their housing needs for accessibility when aging in place

When moving to a new house to Colorado Springs, it’s important to share any disabilities or potential disabilities with info with your Realtor.

Here’s some things you may want to consider when looking at Aging in Place

Main level living (Colorado Springs has a lack of ranch style houses that were built in the 1980′s, 1990′s, and 2000′s.)

** Would you prefer a home with no basement?

** If it does have a basement does it have room to add a stair chair lift?

** Is the laundry on the main level?

Garage

** Do you need direct access from the garage to/from the house?  Is the garage attached to the house?

** Does the garage have some steps from the garage to the house?    If so, is there room to install a railing or a grab bar?

Bathroom

** What’s the shower like?  Does it have a step to get into it?  Does it have easy access?

** Is there room to install some grab bars for safety?

** Is there room to place a chair to sit on in the shower?

Flooring

** Does the floor have carpet?  Does that make it harder to move with a wheelchair?  Or with a cane?

Driveway

** Does it slant, does it have a grade?   How much does the elevation change?

** Is the driveway concrete? (gravel of stone doesn’t work well for anyone in a wheelchair or for someone who uses a cane.)

Type of home

** Would you prefer a single family home?

** Would you prefer a townhome, condo, or a patio home?   Do you want a community that caters to 55+?

There are many, many more things to consider when buying a house that will work to “age in place”, but I hope this provides a good starting point.

Additional Resources:

Creating accessible homes

Acessible Homes — Lowes

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To find out more information about Colorado Springs, Call ……
Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com

Would you a Free Colorado Springs Home Valuation

Seems like every newspaper youpick up, or every magazine, talks about the positive change in the housing market.  I preach over and over again to all of my clients about real estate being local, and Coloraod Springs doesn’t always follow the national trends. Having said that, real estate in Colorado Springs is mirroring the trends reported in the national news.   Also, it’s important to note that during most winters, it’s  very typical for pricing to show downward pressure on pricing but this year definitely seems to be breaking the trend of the last several years.  Pricing is up in most areas of the city.

Here’s a quick summary of what’s happening with homes prices in the Colorado Springs;

• West Colorado Springs     Average Price:   $275,897 — Pricing is currently up 1% from the 2012 average
• Old Colorado City area of Colorado Springs     Average Price:  $188, 781 -  Pricing is currently up 12% from the 2012 average
• Briargate     Average Price:  $303,866 – Pricing is currently up 5% from the 2012 average
• Central      Average Price:  $174,131 – Pricing is currently up 1% from the 2012 average
• Fountain Valley    Average Price:  $186,282 -  Pricing is currently up 10% from the 2012 average
• Northwest     Average Price:  $233,537 – Pricing is currently up 5% from the 2012 average
• Northgate     Average Price:  $365,916 -  Pricing is currently up 4% from the 2012 average

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To find out more information about Colorado Springs, Call ……
Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com

1.  Make sure the Buyer’s Agent and the Showing Company has your pet instructions.  If the dogs should be crated, make sure they are.  If you don’t want the pets going out the front door, tell the Buyer’s Agent. If the pets don’t like strangers, let the Buyer’s Agent know.
2. Don’t leave personal information and confidential information out for everyone to read.   (I recently did a showing where all of the client’s stock brokerage account statements were laying all over the kitchen table.)  Also, don’t keep your credit card information out in plain sight.
3. Don’t leave your medication out on the cabinet top or in the medicine cabinet, make sure they are well-hidden and out of sight.
4. Be careful about the expensive artwork.  If you have pricey artwork on the walls, you may want to take it down and store it while your house is for sale.
5. If you own guns, make sure they are locked up, and unloaded.  If possible, don’t keep them out in the open for anyone to see.
6. Put other valuables, including jewelry, in a secure place.
7. If your Realtor puts a lock box on your home, understand the procedure for how that lock box is accessed and who will be showing the property.  If you don’t want the lock box on your front door, discuss other options with your Realtor.

• 5 reasons your house didn’t sell
• 5 ways to search the internet for a home in Colorado Springs
• Disadvantages of buying a new home
• 3 reasons to get building permits

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To find out more information about Colorado Springs, Call ……
Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com

According to information on the Colorado Springs Utilities web page, water restrictions for Colorado Springs are going into effect today, April 1st.  The Denver Water and Aurora water are also considering similar water restrictions.

This is certainly not the first time that Colorado Springs has had water restrictions; as this also occurred in 2002 and lasted until 2005.

Outdoor water will only be allowed on two days, and comprehensive information about the restrictions are detailed on the Colorado Springs Utilities web page.  They also have a comprehensive recap of the current drought conditions in the area.

Are you ready to step up to the most comprehensive real estate and relocation information available about Colorado Springs?

Then subscribe to the Colorado Springs real estate blog free by clicking here.    Get the best coverage on the Colorado Springs Real Estate market delivered right to you!

For even more information, contact Kathy Torline by calling or texting 719-287-1049, or email KTorline@msn.com

Search for Homes in Mountain Shadows

It’s now been 8 months after the fires that ravaged Colorado Springs, and destroyed over 300 homes in Mountain Shadows.   Some homes have been rebuilt, and many building permits have been filed.  The majority of the destroyed homes have now filed removal/wrecking permits.   There is still much to be done, but it’s definitely a neighborhood in transition, rebuilding is in full swing.

Are you ready to step up to the most comprehensive data available about Colorado Springs?

Then subscribe to the Colorado Springs real estate blog free by clicking here.    Get the best coverage on the Colorado Springs Real Estate market delivered right to you!

For even more information, contact Kathy Torline by calling or texting 719-287-1049, or email KTorline@msn.com

It looks so pretty: the Colorado Springs historic house with the detailed gingerbread porch trim,  the massive stone fireplace, the charming bay windows, the tall ceilings, the nooks and crannies. But should you actually BUY the old house, or just admire it?    You need to be realistic about historic homes, and here’s some questions to ask before signing on the dotted line

1.) How old is it? Don’t necessarily believe the real estate tax records.

2.) Is the foundation ok?   No reason to spend thousands of dollars on a restoration quality paint job if the foundation in the cellar is crumbling or the only thing holding up the walls are falling down timbers or a big tree stump.   A home inspector by a structural engineer can help you make a determination on the foundation.  It’s important to know that many historic houses were built without basements, and basements were added later.

3.) How’s the plumbing?   Make sure you know whether the toilets and sinks are cast iron plumbing, or if new PVC plumbing has been added/changed.   Most historic houses were built without plumbing and the plumbing was added later.

4.) How’s the electric?   If the power is run on old knob-and-tube wiring, you’ll want to know about it.   If you like using a washer/dryers, microwave ovens, or a computer a complete electrical overhaul may need to be done.

5.) Hot and Cold    How is the house heated?   Where’s the furnace?  Where’s the duct work?   Does it have any insulation?

7.) How about the roof?  It’s not just a matter of looking at the shingles, you’ll want to have an inspector check out the structure of the roof.   Is the roof sagging?  If so, it could require a major overhaul.

8.) Windows    Are the windows original? If so, do they have storm windows?

9/ Walls   Does the house contain its original plaster?   Many historic renovaters recommend retaining the plaster, as it can add insulation value to the house, but they aren’t many people who know how to repair plaster.

10.) Floors:  Floored Are the floors original?  Hopelessly sagging?   Covered in olive green shag wall-to-wall smelly carpet that needs to be removed asap? Restoring original flooring can change the entire look of the house.

11.) Drainage around the house:    How’s the drainage around the house?  Many historic houses don’t have any gutters, so when it rains, the water can fall right around the foundation.  Not good!

Related Articles:

• Styles of Historic houses in Colorado Springs — Part II
• Styles of Historical houses in Colorado Springs — Part I
• Homes in Downtown Colorado Springs continue to sell FAST
• Historic homes also have pleasant surprises
• Do you want to buy a Colorado Springs Historic Home?

If you enjoyed reading this article, why not Subscribe to be notified of the next one?
To find out more information about Colorado Springs, Call ……
Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com