PRICING SPECIAL through February


Are you buying a house? Maybe thinking about it?
My good friend Suzannah Mattson is having a mortgage interest rate "Pricing special on conforming conventional, FHA and VA 30 day rate locks through the month of February on home purchases" contact her to get a rate quote.
If you'd like to view some homes or see what is on the market that might meet your needs, contact me today at kstenberg2@msn.com!

2009 Market Analysis for El Paso County

There are those who might say that due to economic hardships, homes are not selling. I beg to differ - and the statistics speak for themselves. I know that the First Time Homebuyers Credit has certainly helped many people buy a home in the past year. And frankly with low interest rates now is certainly the time to buy. So whether you are selling your home or looking to buy - or both - please contact me today!

Listing and Sale Summary
Year End 2009
El Paso County
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES
  • Number of listings sold: 7,975
  • Median List Price: $194,900
  • Median Sales Price: $190,000
  • Average Sales Price: $219,481
  • Average Days on the Market: 81
CONDO/TOWNHOME
  • Number of listings sold: 1056
  • Median List Price: $136,950
  • Median Sales Price: $133,000
  • Average Sales Price: $147,804
  • Average Days on the Market: 104

Listing and Sale Summary
Year End 2008
El Paso County

SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES
  • Number of listings sold: 7,486
  • Median List Price: $209,900
  • Median Sales Price: $205,000
  • Average Sales Price: $242,867
  • Average Days on the Market: 91
CONDO/TOWNHOME
  • Number of listings sold: 1097
  • Median List Price: $148,000
  • Median Sales Price: $142,900
  • Average Sales Price: $158,030
  • Average Days on the Market: 107
Based on information from the Pikes Peak REALTOR Services Corp. ("RSC"). RSC does not guarantee or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by RSC may not reflect all real estate activity in the market."

Copyright © 2009 REALTOR® Services Corp.


First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

Have you heard about the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit? As a first time homebuyer, did you buy a home in 2008 or 2009? Do you plan to buy a home in the next few months? If so, then this tax credit can really benefit you. You probably have questions about whether or not you qualify for this credit. You may also want to know how you get the credit applied to you. These are questions that I can answer! I'd love to help you purchase a home and take advantage of this great opportunity.

Did you know that the IRS defines a first time homebuyer as anyone who has not owned a primary residence in 3 years or more. So if you owned a home in the past and sold it and have been renting for 3 years or more, you qualify under this First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit.

The IRS web site has details about this credit and also a great question and answer section and can be a very helpful source of information. Also, members of the military who have been serving outside of the U.S. have additional time to purchase a home and take advantage of this credit.

Please email me kstenberg2@msn.com or call me and I'd be happy to answer your questions and help you buy your first home!

What is a Short Sale?

A short sale is a transaction in which the lender, or lenders, agree to accept less than the mortgage amount owed by the current homeowner. In some cases, the difference is forgiven by the lender, and in others the homeowner must make arrangements with the lender to settle the remainder of the debt.
Why is the number of short sales rising?
Due to the recent economic crisis, including rising unemployment, and drops in home prices in communities across the nation, the number of short sales is increasing. Since a short sale generally costs the lender less than a foreclosure, it can be a viable way for a lender to minimize its losses.
A short sale can also be the best option for a homeowners who are “upside down” on mortgages because a short sale may not hurt their credit history as much as a foreclosure. As a result, homeowners may qualify for another mortgage sooner once they get back on their feet financially.

If you have questions about short sales or foreclosure, please contact me at 719-963-4867 or at kstenberg2@msn.com I look forward to speaking with you.

Introducing....




I am excited to introduce you to my executive assistant, Karen Williamson. I've known Karen for over 8 years and we have previously worked together. She has experience in both real estate and mortgage (just like me). I'm very excited that Karen has joined my team and look forward to her attention to detail, organization, and commitment in assisting me and you.

Beautiful Home on 19.5 acres

Check out this gorgeous home located on Old Ranch Road in Black Forest, Colorado Springs.

This lovely home has seven bedrooms and four bathrooms.
It is located on 19.55 acres.

For more details, visit
my web site. The price has just been reduced!

National Association of Realtors Press Release


KATHY STENBERG Earns NAR Short Sales and Foreclosure Certification

Buyers and Sellers Benefit from REALTOR® Expertise in Distressed Sales

Colorado Springs, Colorado, January 2010 - Kathy Stenberg has earned the nationally recognized Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification. The National Association of REALTORS® offers the SFR certification to REALTORS® who want to help both buyers and sellers navigate these complicated transactions, as demand for professional expertise with distressed sales grows.

According to a recent NAR survey, nearly one-third of all existing homes sold recently were either short sales or foreclosures. For many real estate professionals, short sales and foreclosures are the new “traditional” transaction. REALTORS® who have earned the SFR certification know how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities.

“As leading advocates for homeownership, REALTORS® believe that any family that loses its home to foreclosure is one family too many, but unfortunately, there are situations in which people just cannot afford to keep their homes, and a foreclosure or a short sale results,” said 2009 NAR President Charles McMillan. “Foreclosures and short sales can offer opportunities for home buyers and benefit the larger community, as well, but it’s extremely important to have the help of a real estate professional like a REALTOR® who has earned the SFR certification for these kinds of purchases.”

The certification program includes training on how to qualify sellers for short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers, and limit risk, and provides resources to help REALTORS® stay current on national and state-specific information as the market for these distressed properties evolves.

Please contact Kathy at 719-963-4867 to learn more about her new designation or if you are interested in listing your current home or buying a new home.