Colorado Springs Among Top Metros to Live

Colorado Springs has a lot to offer as a great place to live. As our region continues to grow, more people are discovering just how easy it is to call this place home. U.S. News & World Report has recently released their annual ranking of the best places to live in the United States. Of the Top 100 Metro areas, Colorado Springs was ranked number 11, scoring 7.1 out of 10 points possible.

The methodology used to rank the top 100 metro regions covered a wide range of categories to get a big picture look at why people live where they do. Data pulled from various sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Dept. of Labor, was used within 5 key categories which were deemed the top amenities or benefits people are looking for when considering a move. These categories were determined through a public survey completed by U.S. News & World Report in order to rank American metros based on American preferences.

The 5 categories listed in ranking of most importance are:

Quality of Life Index (30%)

Value Index (25%)

Job Market Index (20%)

Desirability Index (15%)

Net Migration (10%)

Colorado Springs Scoring is as follows (out of 10 possible points in each category:

Quality of Life Index 6.6

Value Index 7.2

Job Market Index 7.0

Desirability Index 8.2

Net Migration 6.8

So, what does all this really mean? Simply stated, Colorado Springs is a desirable place to live for a

variety of people with different lifestyles, the military and students being two larger groups which have long been attracted here. This is an area with a wide range of natural habitat, ideal for those who love to live closer to nature, and anyone who enjoys an active, recreational life. Combine a strong economy and lower cost of living compared to larger metros, such as Denver, and you have a wonderful place to call home. Colorado Springs is a city with big town amenities and small town community connections, which is highly appealing to many families.

U.S. News & World Report has provided a thoughtful, intelligent and beneficial study of each metro listed in their Top 100 Metros list. Under the Colorado Springs “snapshot” you can see some basic statistics such as average salary ($47,600) and median home price ($228,431), as well as a great value index which reflects the cost of living here, and more. With our 7.2 score in this category, we fare better than other metros of similar size. If you are thinking of moving here, this report is a great place to start learning more about Colorado Springs, an incredible place to live.

Whether you are buying or selling your home, connecting with a Realtor® who understands the community and local market provides you with the ideal resource for all your real estate needs. This can make a big difference in how happy you are with the process, and the results. We at Springs LifeStyles Real Estate are here to help you with all your real estate needs! Call Kathy Stenberg at (719) 963-4867 or you can email her at springslifestyles@gmail.com You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.

Colorado Springs Rated 3rd Health-Conscious Metro in the U.S.

One overriding attraction to live in Colorado Springs is the wide variety of options and resources we have when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle. With all of our outdoor recreation opportunities, alongside incredible local foods and high quality healthcare services, it’s easy to live life well here, and our residents agree; so much so that Colorado Springs was rated as the 3^rd most health-conscious metro area in the United States in a recent survey completed by ValuePenguin, a personal finance organization.

Their latest survey focused on the best and the worst cities for healthy living across the nation. Key data was gathered on 17 categories such as availability of farmer’s markets, cost of food, exercise standards, and obesity rates. The survey included 98 metro areas, with 9 of the top 10 being in the West, and Colorado being home three top cities overall. Besides our number 3 rank, Denver came in 8^th place, and Aurora at 19^th. The number one city rating went to Portland, Oregon.

The survey was done to help provide a more in-depth look at where people have a greater support network in place to live a healthy lifestyle. When local government, area organizations, and nonprofits help promote healthier living, it’s easier for residents to make the choice to do so. From the survey results, the biggest scoring factors used in order of importance were: Per-capita access to active oriented amenities, access to quality, affordable foods, clean environmental factors, and the health habits of residents in each city.

Colorado Springs ranked 47^th for active amenities, 13^th for food, 6^th for environmental, and 2^nd for residential health habits, which is no surprise considering that the residents of Colorado Springs have enjoyed recreational activities and delicious farm fresh foods for a long time.

While our number 3 rating is a great thing, and no real surprise with all that our area has to offer, ValuePenguin did note there were some fluctuations in the data available for them to use, city to city. They site 7 different resources, and are upfront that their analysis should be used as a great starting point if you are looking for a healthy place to live. Ultimately, a look to the people and resources of a community can tell you if it’s a healthy place or not, and Colorado Springs is just such a place.

Whether you are buying or selling your home, connecting with a Realtor® who understands the community and local market provides you with the ideal resource for all your real estate needs. This can make a big difference in how happy you are with the process and the results. We at Springs LifeStyles Real Estate are here to help you with all your real estate needs! Call Kathy Stenberg at (719) 963-4867 or you can email her at springslifestyles@gmail.com You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.

Integrate Affordable Energy Solutions with a Beautiful Solar Roof

Now that electric cars are gaining in momentum, Tesla, a leader in innovative energy solutions, has turned its attention towards home solar energy. Tesla recently announced their newest line of products, which includes the Tesla Solar Roof. Working in partnership with Solar City, these beautiful shingles will change the look of solar operated homes, for the better.

Tesla and Solar City came together to create this new home design product for several reasons. First and foremost, is to further lessen our carbon footprint on a larger scale. This is a similar approach which spurred the latest improvements to electric cars, and better access to charging stations, including at home. These innovations have begun to help improve our air quality, while giving people top quality, reliable cars, with a great Return on Investment as well. Now it is time to take it a step further.

The idea was to help make home solar energy products not only look better, but to also come up with cost effective solutions which can help an idea like this go viral. This is said to be doable, as the Tesla Solar Roof is better insulated, costs less than a standard roof (and the cost of electricity, too), generates electricity effectively, and lasts longer. These ideas are how Tesla is seeking to fulfill its mission to help accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. With their new solar roof, homes can be beautiful, affordable, and integrated; as Tesla puts it, if you have these things at home, why would you do it any other way?

These new solar roof shingles are made of tempered glass with a colored louver film adhered to the

underside. This allows the solar panels below to readily absorb the sun’s energy. From street level, all you see is roof tiles. According to information Tesla has released about the shingles, the glass is considered to have a quasi-infinite lifetime. That is to say, the quartz-based glass is super-resistant to the weather, and as such are expected to last a lifetime.

Another incredible feature of the Solar Roof Shingles is the option of fitting them with heating elements, perfect for areas with a lot of snow, such as Colorado Springs. Imagine being able to keep your roof clear when the snow accumulates. This will extend the number of accessible winter hours for energy storage on any home in the region. There are 4 classic styles to choose from to help ensure a beautiful new roof homeowners are sure to love.

Speaking of energy storage, the Tesla Solar Roofs can not only heat your home and power your appliances, you can store energy overflow, which can also be used to charge your electric car. This is one of the main goals which Tesla is aiming to help the world achieve when it comes to utilizing solar energy on a grand scale. In short, their idea is to provide at-home power generation, with power storage options which will encourage more use of eco-friendly electric cars.

If you have been interested in solar energy for your home, this could be a great way to do it. I highly recommend checking out the details, including a great video of the Tesla Solar Roof Announcement; then you can decide if this the right solution for you, too. It is possible, as these roofs begin to be installed in communities, more buyers will be intrigued by them as well, and search for listings with a Tesla Solar Roof.

Whether you are buying or selling your home, connecting with a Realtor® who understands the latest in housing innovations and the local market will provide you with the ideal resource. This can make a big difference in how happy you are with the process, and the results. We at Springs LifeStyles Real Estate are here to help you with all your real estate needs! Call Kathy Stenberg at (719) 963-4867 or you can email her at springslifestyles@gmail.com You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.

February Festival Fun Around Central Colorado

Central Colorado around Colorado Springs, is full of fun, family friendly events year-round. February is all about celebrating the natural beauty of the region, and our love of life and great food. We don’t let these last weeks of winter get us down or keep us inside. With the amazing events we have this month, it is easy to get out and make connections, with loved ones, new friends and our communities. Listed below are just some of the exciting things you can experience around here in February.

Enjoy a special arts event, and watch as spectacular creations of ice come to life right before your eyes at the 10^th Annual Cripple Creek Ice Festival, being held February 11^th- 19^th. Ice sculptors will compete to make their best Safari on Ice art, this year’s theme for the competition. Festival goers, especially kids, will have a lot of fun climbing around the huge interactive ice sculptures. There will also be an ice maze, ice slide and a variety of carnival games, fun for all ages.

Get started on your Valentine’s Day celebration early on February 11^th, with another annual tradition. The 15^th Annual Chocolate/Art Walk in Canon City is sure to delight any chocolate lover. Stroll along the historical downtown shops of Canon City, stop in and taste some incredible, scrumptious chocolate treats. Your ticket to the walk includes admission, a bar of chocolate and a chance to win some prizes, including Charity Chairs, artfully decorated chairs which will auctioned off to help raise funds for CASA and the Music Bloom Festival in Canon City.

Spend some time in the beauty of the great outdoors. This region is full of majestic beauty, including the stunning Garden of the Gods. This free admission park will be celebrating the return of the Bighorn Sheep to the area, with their Bighorn Sheep Day, set for February 11^th. There will be special presentations, free cookies and hot cider and door prizes as visitors search for bighorn with high-powered telescopes. This is an incredible family day, for all ages.

Get in the festive mood as we approach Mardi Gras, with the ever- popular Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook Off & Carnivale Parade, coming up February 25^th. This is one community event you won’t want to miss. All day amateur and professional chefs go head to head to find out who makes the best Gumbo, and festival-goers get to enjoy the results! After the completion, join the festivities and wackiness of the Manitou Carnivale Parade, the perfect way to step out for Mardi Gras fun

I love Colorado Springs and the region and am passionate about our community, and my clients. When you are ready to sell, or buy your home, working with a Realtor who is passionate about how they can help you, will make the process easier and a pleasure. We at Springs LifeStyles Real Estate are here to help you with all your real estate needs! Call Kathy Stenberg at (719) 963-4867 or you can email her at springslifestyles@gmail.com You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.

Now is the Time to Sell Your Colorado Springs Home

If your plans include selling your home this year, there is no time like the present when it comes to listing your property, especially with a market such as Colorado Springs and El Paso County are experiencing. Reviewing the latest market data released by the Colorado Association of Realtors® (CAR), will tell you, we are definitely in a strong seller’s market. With conditions anticipated to continue in a similar fashion, listing your home now could pay off with a sale you can be thrilled with.

December, 2016 stats have been released by CAR, and they provide some key insight into one of the main reasons we are in a seller’s market. It’s all about Supply vs Demand. As of the end of 2016, our region had only 1.3 months worth of supply available on the market. In essence, it will take just 1.3 months to sell all the active listings, if no new listings were added. But what does this really mean and does it matter?

Real estate markets with shorter Days on Market (DOM) averages have more buyers seeking property compared to areas with longer DOM averages. El Paso County has been growing in popularity and attracting a greater number of buyers, which is also reflected in the December sales results. We saw an 11.1% increase in the number of sales completed to the year prior, with average sale prices rising by 6/7%, to $290,000 for single-family homes.

Not only is the region growing in desirability for homebuyers, more people are also eager to buy. There is an increasing time crunch which many buyers are now facing. Mortgage interest rates have begun a steady climb upward. Current 30-year fixed mortgages are hovering just below and above 4.00%, and they are expected to continue to rise. While this is still an historically low rate, many homebuyers see the writing on the wall, and are ready to get financing now before the rates go much higher.

The real estate market in Colorado Springs and around El Paso County is a strong one. We have a

variety of economic opportunities which are thriving in our region. These include education and health services, military and community developments, as well as recreational and tourism attractions. These aspects and amenities are bringing more people to our area, and it doesn’t look like there will be a slow-down any time soon.

Listing your home now, as we head into the busy spring season, could help you gain a higher price with a quick turnaround. If you are ready to get started, you will want to know the value of your home. A great way to do this is with our free report, What’s My Home Worth? A few pieces of information is all we need to prepare a market-value estimate and comparison of other houses in your neighborhood. Knowing what homes are selling for nearby will help you establish the best list price for your property.

Whether you are buying or selling your home, connecting with a Realtor® who understands the community and local market, provides you with the ideal resource. This can make a big difference in how happy you are with the process, and the results. We at Springs LifeStyles Real Estate are here to help you with all your real estate needs! Call Kathy Stenberg at (719) 963-4867 or you can email her at springslifestyles@gmail.com You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.

El Paso County Public Health Requires OWTS Inspections

If you own a home in El Paso County and plan to sell, there is a required inspection you may need to know about. If your property includes an On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS), or septic tank, El Paso County Public Health (EPCHP) regulations require a timely inspection be completed prior to closing, with a County Acceptance Document of the inspection included as part of the Title transfer paperwork.

Effective since January 1, 2015, these inspections were put in place to help protect both sellers and buyers. The current owner of a property is responsible for having the inspection done. The County has a list of approved, independent contractors who are able to complete an OWTS inspection. The aim of these inspections is to confirm the system is working properly prior to the sale of a property. If there are issues discovered in the process, sellers and buyers are given an opportunity to determine how to proceed with repairs, including which party will be responsible.

As inspection results are only valid for 6 months, getting one done early is not recommended, as you may have to have one done again. Instead, if you have an OWTS on your property, I recommend including the information in the initial disclosures provided during the sale process. A passing inspection will result in an Acceptance Document which is provided by El Paso County Public Health, and to be included within the Title Transference documentation.

If an inspection fails, homeowners typically have 90 days to have any needed repairs completed. Should a serious issue be discovered, the EPCPH will determine the necessary timeframe for repairs to be done. As a seller, if you are dealt with a failing inspection, the sale of your property can still continue. The EPCPH will provide a Conditional Acceptance document so the sale can move forward. In certain cases, repairs may require a permit from El Paso County as well. If needed, proof of permits should also be included with your OWTS Inspection documents.

If for some reason a seller is unable to take care of repairs, a buyer can take on the responsibility of the repairs after the sale has closed, so long as they are done within 90 days of occupying the property. For buyers putting an offer on properties with an OWTS, I recommend including within your buyer contingencies whether you are willing to take on possible repairs, and if so to adjust your purchase prices offer accordingly. Including such items within your contingencies will give you an extra layer of protection.

There is a specific process to be followed when it comes to getting an OWTS inspection done. The best approach is to familiarize yourself with the process by reviewing the information on the EPCPH website, including a list of approved inspectors. Your Realtor® is also an ideal resource to ensure the process is completed properly, that reports are filed and documentation is received by the correct parties, including the Title Company handling your closing. While it is a seller’s responsibility in the end, having a supportive Realtor® who understands the Transfer of Title Inspection regulation, will make the transfer of property less stressful for you.

Whether you are buying or selling your home, connecting with a Realtor® who understands the community and local regulations, provides you with the ideal resource. This can make a big difference in how happy you are with the process, and the results. We at Springs LifeStyles Real Estate are here to help you with all your real estate needs! Call Kathy Stenberg at (719) 963-4867 or you can email her at springslifestyles@gmail.com You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.

Rainbow Falls Makes History in El Paso County

Throughout El Paso County, we are fortunate to have retained many significant, historical sites. When we can connect with our past, we can enhance our present and future by being able to explore and experience these places ourselves. This region is full of colorful history. Our natural history has been the backdrop of many historical eras since before Old Colorado City was built. We now have another unique, natural landmark which has been designated an historical site, Rainbow Falls near Manitou Springs.

The Colorado Springs Gazette recently published an article on the latest announcement from the El

Paso County’s board of commissioners, confirming a unanimous vote in favor of naming Rainbow Falls a historic location. This reclassification of this site will provide funding and manpower to return this area to its natural glory. Unfortunately, in the past few years Rainbow Falls has become a place known more for graffiti than for its natural beauty. This is due in large part to the lack of regulated access hours or the presence of security and county employees to manage it. These circumstances will change with the historical site classification.

With the board of commissioners’ vote, local funding and grants to the tune of$500,000 will be provided to repair areas damaged by the Waldo Canyon fire of 2012. Vandalism damages will also be cleaned up. To further preserve the site and prepare it for visitors, improvements to parking and trails around the falls will be completed in 2017. Once the renovation to Rainbow Falls is complete the site will be open to the public and managed by El Paso County staff and volunteers.

02The historical designation of Rainbow Falls will give residents and visitors alike, another beautiful natural site to explore. Within the 5-acre site, there is not only the main waterfall, but also a series of smaller falls that can be accessed downstream. This location has long been held as special, since the time of the first residents here, the Ute Indian Tribe known as the “Sun Mountain People.” The historic Highway 24 Bridge, crosses Fountain Creek near Rainbow Falls, leading visitors into Manitou Springs. Since the bridge was built in 1932, even more people have been drawn to this special place. Soon it will again be available for everyone to enjoy.

El Paso County is full of history and natural beauty. As we protect and preserve our past, we can continue to experience the wonders of this region ourselves, as a community which cares. Whether you are buying or selling your home, connecting with a Realtor® who understands the community, provides you with the ideal local resource. This can make a big difference in how happy you are with the process, and the results. We atSprings LifeStyles Real Estate are here to help you with all your real estate needs! Call Kathy Stenberg at (719) 963-4867 or you can email her at springslifestyles@gmail.com You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.

What’s Happening in January Around Colorado Springs

The start of a new year is right around the corner. We will close the door on 2016 and open a new one on New Year’s Eve to welcome 2017. Winter is also in full swing here in the Pike’s Peak region. Colorado living doesn’t slow down with the cold weather or snow. There are still plenty of fun events and exciting things to experience with friends and family throughout January. It’s easy to chase away the winter blues here with so much to do. Check out some ideas below, and have a Happy New Year!

Many of us start the year with new resolutions. If yours is for healthier living, you won’t want to miss the annual Colorado Springs Health Expo, coming Saturday, January 7th. This free expo will be held at the City Auditorium, and will offer not only classes and seminars, but also the chance to visit a variety of exhibitors ready to show off their latest products and services to help you live healthy and feel great.

One of downtown Colorado Springs most popular winter traditions will soon wind down. Skate at the Park is still going on, but only until Monday, January 16th. As the only outdoor skating rink in town, this is an ideal way to enjoy some winter recreation and fun for all ages. The last few skating dates include some special extras, too, such as skating with Team USA members of our Olympic Skating team on January 7th, and Skating with the Air Force hockey team, The Falcons, on January 15th.

If you have ever wanted to experience the spell-bounding, awe-inspiring acrobatic feats of Cirque de Soleil, your chance is here. For five days only, Wednesday, January 18th through Sunday, January 22nd, this world-renowned performance circus will present Ovo at The Broadmoor World Arena. The space will come alive with the busy and colorful life of insects, including a sweet love story, too.

For one last ‘holiday bash’, head over to Manitou Springs on Saturday, January 28th, with your leftover fruit cake, and toss it. The ever-popular Manitou Springs Great Fruit Cake Toss will take place at Memorial Park; it’s family-friendly and free to attend. You can even ‘rent’ a piece of cake if you didn’t get any this year. Find out which local baker will be crowned the Queen or King of Fruitcakes. 2017 marks the 20th year of this fun community event, which also includes a nonperishable food drive for St. Andrews Food Bank.

I love Colorado Springs and am passionate about our community, and my clients. When you are ready to sell, or buy your home, working with a Realtor who is passionate about how they can help you will make the process easier and a pleasure. We at Springs LifeStyles Real Estate are here to help you with all your real estate needs! Call Kathy Stenberg at (719) 963-4867, or you can email her at springslifestyles@gmail.com You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.

Colorado Springs Neighborhood Ratings

Colorado Springs has a lot of great neighborhoods with plenty to offer. The right neighborhood for you will depend on many factors such as commuting, access to goods and services, and whether or not you have children. If you are planning to move to, or within Colorado Springs, I recommend spending time in a variety of locales before you start your home search so you can get a true feel for an area. Researching different neighborhoods can also help narrow down your decision.

Two online resources, AreaVibes.com, a neighborhood comparison and review website, and HomeSnacks.com, an online cultural data sharing site, have rated Colorado Spring’s main neighborhoods. While the lists are the same, the ranking was different for each, which reflects the diverse data and algorithms used by each. The bigger picture of comparing different ranking resources provides a more detailed look at each neighborhood.

AreaVibes lists livability rankings by neighborhoods using key categories of data. The categories covered include housing, employment, amenities, cost of living, education, crime rates, and the weather. Overall, Colorado Springs has a livability score of 74. Five area neighborhoods were rated higher due to different results within the categories tracked. Northgate is listed as the top neighborhood in Colorado Springs, with a score of 79, and is listed as the 8^th best neighborhood in the state. Housing, Amenities, Crime and Employment categories were scored as A- to A+. What keeps this from being a 90+ livability score is the higher cost of living and pending school information for the education category.

AreaVibe has ranked Colorado Springs neighborhoods as follows:

Northgate
Northwest Colorado Springs
Southwest Colorado Springs
Old Colorado City
Briargate
West Colorado Springs
Northeast Colorado Springs
East Colorado Springs
Central Colorado City
Powers

HomeSnack takes a different approach to rating neighborhoods. Keeping their research to

neighborhoods with over 1,000 people, and using data from the Bureau of Labor, Census Bureau and local crime data, 5 categories were used. Low unemployment rates, low crime stats, high population rates, high home prices, and high income. Analyzing the data compiled, a Neighborhood Index was created to rate each area. In this listing, Southwest Colorado Springs was the top-rated neighborhood. With a population of over 8,500 residents, unemployment is at 2.8%, and home values average more than $500,000. The crime rate is really low as well, with approximately 1,160 crimes per 100,000 people being estimated. This is almost half as much as the 2014 national crime rate according to the FBI.

HomeSnack has ranked Colorado Springs neighborhoods as follows:

Southwest Colorado Springs
Old Colorado City
Northgate
Briargate
Northwest Colorado Springs
Central Colorado City
East Colorado Springs
Northeast Colorado Springs
Powers
West Colorado Springs

When it is time to buy a home, you want to find the neighborhood which is best for you. Doing some research beforehand can help make the decision easier. Connecting with a local Realtor® who knows Colorado Springs neighborhoods can make a big difference in how happy you are with the process, too. We at Springs LifeStyles Real Estate are here to help you with all your real estate needs! Call Kathy Stenberg at (719) 963-4867 or email her at springslifestyles@gmail.com. You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.

Children’s Hospital Gets Home of its Own in Colorado Springs

Long-time residents and new families moving to Colorado Springs have a new resource on the way when it comes to pediatric care. Children’s Hospital Colorado has at long last broken ground on a new facility right here in Colorado Springs. As the Gazette recently reported, after sharing space with UCHealth Memorial Hospital System for 15

years, this stellar pediatric care organization will have a home of its own.

Come 2018, the new children’s hospital will include surgery and pediatric care rooms alongside an emergency center, exam rooms, neonatal intensive care unit and operating space. Of noted distinction will be specialized rooms to care for children dealing with major health issues such as cancer, blood disorders and behavioral health concerns. As a research hospital, there will also be sleep study rooms in the new facility. Children’s Hospital Colorado is one of the nation’s top health care providers for children, and this new complex shows just how invested in the community they are.

There is more to this new hospital than helping children; our local economy will get a boost through new jobs from the ground up including in construction, healthcare, hospitality and information technology. A major complex such as the Children’s Hospital will serve as a strong community hub with positive impacts felt across the region. Colorado Springs is joining 80 other major metro areas in the United States to provide a pediatric hospital for its residents--great news for anyone living here. The new hospital will be located on the North Campus of UCHealth Memorial Hospital, situated offLong-time residents and new families moving to Colorado Springs have a new resource on the way when it comes to pediatric care. Children’s Hospital Colorado has at long last broken ground on a new facility right here in Colorado Springs. As the Gazette recently reported, after sharing space with UCHealth Memorial Hospital System for 15 years, this stellar pediatric care organization will have a home of its own.

There is more to this new hospital than helping children; our local economy will get a boost through new jobs from the ground up including in construction, healthcare, hospitality and information technology. A major complex such as the Children’s Hospital will serve as a strong community hub with positive impacts felt across the region. Colorado Springs is joining 80 other major metro areas in the United States to provide a pediatric hospital for its residents--great news for anyone living here. The new hospital will be located on the North Campus of UCHealth Memorial Hospital, situated off Highway 21.

If you are considering a move to Colorado Springs, you now have another excellent amenity to look forward to. If you are in the market to sell your home, the new Children’s Hospital will add value to your home. Buying or selling, connecting with a local Realtor® who knows the community well, can make a big difference in how happy you are with the process. We at Springs LifeStyles Real Estate are here to help you with all your real estate needs! Call Kathy