Pikes Peak Source for Summer Entertainment

Here is a helpful source for finding art, music, family friendly activities, sports, theater, dance, museums, etc. in the Pikes Peak Region and it's called Peak Radar. Check it out today to help you plan your summer activities in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas or if you plan to vacation in Colorado this summer this is a helpful resource.

Colorado Springs Neighborhood Home Values

The Gazette recently published a special report called "Neighborhoods" detailing Colorado Springs home prices in 2009. The Gazette 2010 Guide to Real Estate has an interactive map of Colorado Springs where you can find your specific neighborhood and find details on home sales. Or, if you are looking at moving within or to Colorado Springs to buy a home, you can look up specific neighborhoods to learn more about the homes sales in that area.

Each neighborhood listed in this guide has a profile, including the median price of homes that sold in a neighborhood, the average size of homes that sold and how values have changed from year to year. The guide also includes information about the of number of foreclosure sales in each neighborhood and how distressed properties affected prices.

According to the article, in 2009 in El Paso County there were 8,287 single family homes sold (over 2,000 were foreclosures). The median sales price of homes was $211,591 (excluding foreclosures). Also, the biggest increase in the median price of single family homes was in Eastern El Paso County at a 31% increase from 2008 to 2009.

Sources:

The El Paso County Assessor's Office; Gazette data analysis and research

Home Sales on the Rise

From RISMedia May 5, 2010: Pending home sales increased again in March 2010, affirming that a surge of home sales is unfolding for the spring home buying season, according to the National Association of Realtors®. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in March, rose 5.3% to 102.9 from 97.7 in February, and is 21.1% above March 2009 when it was 85.0; this follows an 8.3% increase in February. Click here to read more.

The Colorado Springs housing market has been stabilizing due to several reasons: the return of troops to the military installations in town and also several local companies have announced new jobs and positions being implemented over the next few years which is a real boost to the Springs economy. Regardless of what you may hear in the news, this is a great time to buy or sell. Interest rates, while fluctuating, are still at record lows.

The current real estate market in Colorado Springs has created a number of opportunities for the astute buyer and it's exciting that in the current market, there is actually room to negotiate and reach a win-win for all of the parties involved.

How To Unclog a Sink Drain Without Harsh Chemicals

I love helpful household tips, especially one's that are "green" and not harmful to the environment or your home! I really like the HowDini site as it is very helpful. Here is a great video on how to quickly and easily unclog a sink without using harsh chemicals. I haven't tried it myself, but I hope to soon. If you try this (or have tried it in the past) - let me know how it works. I'd love to hear from you.

And here's another HowDini video on how to use green cleaning products, whether making your own or buying cleaning supplies that are less toxic to the environment and to you.

I guess I must be in a spring cleaning mood posting all these videos! ;)

Price Reduced on Beautiful Home in Black Forest, Colorado Springs

I've just reduced the price on this fantastic home for sale in Black Forest, Colorado Springs to only $675,000. Also, new carpet is being installed!

This is a 7 bedroom / 4 bath / 3 car garage listing that is located on almost 20 acres. Several barns and out buildings make this a great horse property in the Rocky Mountains. If you are interested in buying a home in Colorado Springs ~ this may be the home for you! Click here to find out more about this great listing.

GREAT site with Summer Activities for you and your kids

I know I posted yesterday about some great deals ~ and today I came across this site that I think is really good as well. It's called The Frugal Girls and this link is to some great summer activities you can do with your kids from CHEAP movies through Cinemark, to Barnes & Noble reading programs to many other helpful and frugal ideas. Check it out!

And of course, if you want to be frugal in the real estate world, then now is the time to be looking and going under contract for a home. There is only a little over a week to go under contract to take advantage of the government tax credits.

If you are considering putting your home on the market to sell it during the coming months, or you are in need of buying a home, please contact me. My expertise in relocation, market sales, Colorado Springs economy and housing markets, military relocation, first time home buyers and many other niche's are extensive and I look forward to putting my skills to work for you!

Breakfast for $3 in Colorado Springs

Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? Breakfast for $3!!! Well, I came across this great article with fabulous breakfast ideas - from Starbucks to Subway to some exclusive to Colorado Springs. Check it out and enjoy!

I also really love Springs Bargains because they always have great deals and coupons for things going on around town.

Colorado Springs Homes For Sale March 2010 Statistics

How is the housing market in Colorado Springs doing compared to previous months and years?

Here is some helpful information from the Pikes Peak Association of Realtors (click on any chart to enlarge it):

It's exciting to see the number of homes for sale increasing over the past few months. This is certainly the right time of year to sell your home, as we get further into spring and head into summer.

Isn't it interesting that the amount of homes under contract in the month of March are at a 5 year high?

The total home sales for Colorado Springs year to date for 2010 are higher than at the same time in 2009; and very close to the same amount as 2008.

Whether you are looking to buy a home in Colorado Springs, sell your home, or both ~ contact me today so I can put my expert real estate services to work for you!

NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY

First Time Home Buyers and others who qualify for the Tax Rebate must act now. The deadline to be under-contract for a specific home is April 30, 2010.

In order to qualify for the Tax Rebate you must CLOSE on the home prior to June 30, 2010.

If you haven’t begun to look, now is the time to start. The market will be busy this month with people who have been sitting on the fence waiting for yet another extension to the tax rebate.

I currently have several GREAT listings that might be perfect for you:

5 bedroom / 4 bath / 2 car garage / 2803 square feet home in Stetson Hills, Colorado Springs for $188,000

2 bedroom / 1 bath / carport / 666 square feet great starter home in 80910 Colorado Springs for $102,500

4 bedroom / 4 bath / 3 car garage / 4087 square feet home for sale with mountain views in Monument for $479,900

You can check out more details on these homes and more on my ERA Herman Group Real Estate site. Please let me know if you are interested in any of these homes for sale. If these homes don't meet your needs and you want to take advantage of the tax credit, please contact me and I will work hard for you to find your next home!

Increase in FHA loan upfront mortgage insurance premiums

PRESS RELEASE:

Effective today, April 5, 2010, the upfront mortgage insurance premium collected on FHA purchases and refinances has increased from 1.75% to 2.25%

Visit this site to learn more about mortgage insurance premiums.

FHA loans can be a great loan for many buyers. They offer low down payments, low closing costs and easy credit qualifying for many buyers.

If you or anyone you know is looking to buy a home - or sell a home - please let me know. I'm here to help you!