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:

1. Northgate
2. Northwest Colorado Springs
3. Southwest Colorado Springs
4. Old Colorado City
5. Briargate
6. West Colorado Springs
7. Northeast Colorado Springs
8. East Colorado Springs
9. Central Colorado City
10. 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:

1. Southwest Colorado Springs
2. Old Colorado City
3. Northgate
4. Briargate
5. Northwest Colorado Springs
6. Central Colorado City
7. East Colorado Springs
8. Northeast Colorado Springs
9. Powers
10. 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.

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 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 

No More ‘No Man’s Land’ Between Colorado Springs & Manitou Springs

Colorado Springs is growing and improving. Our region extends to Manitou Springs our ‘sister city’ nearby. These two communities complement one another, offering residents and visitors different options when it comes to work, play and everyday living. Being only a few miles away from the Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs has been growing alongside us. Yet there has long been an area between our two towns, a ‘No Man’s Land’, consisting of a stretch of nothing but the roadway surrounded by the countryside.

According to an article recently published by the Gazette, soon there will no longer be a ‘No Man’s Land’ between Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. The approval process has begun for a big improvement projectcurrently underway to bring new vitality through better community access between Manitou and Colorado Avenues, known to locals as ‘No Man’s Land’. Earlier this month, the Pike’s Peak Rural Transportation Authoritysigned off on the contract for the construction project. The next step to occur will be the approval from El Paso County, Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. Once approved, this long anticipated project will be underway.

Assuming approvals come through, project work is estimated to begin this winter, and to be completed sometime in 2018. Highlights will include bike paths, landscaped sidewalks and modern lighting. For those already familiar with the Midland Trail bike route, you can also take heart; this new project will extend the trail through the entire corridor between Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. With the addition of more pedestrian and cycle friendly features, enjoyment of the natural beauty which stretches between our two towns will be more accessible.

There are also plans to reroute a part of Fountain Creek, over which the Midland Trail runs. There

is asection prone to flooding with heavy rains. The rerouting of the creek is aimed to better handle larger amounts of water from storms. Drivers should note that the road shall be going from a 4-lane route to a 3-lane route, thereby providing the space needed for all these improvements.

These changes are expected to bring new life to this area between our communities. With new connections, we can expect new opportunities. When you are ready to buy, or sell your home, 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 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.

Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal with Autumn Yard Care

Yard care takes on a new focus in autumn. Now is the time to prepare your property for the cold of winter. If you are planning to sell your home, good lawn and landscape maintenance will also go a long way towards enhancing your home’s curb appeal. I found a wonderful website, Plantalk Colorado, which provides a lot of detail on a wide range of landscaping care topics. Check out some suggestions below to get your yard and garden ready for the season.

While lawns don’t need to be watered as often now, if you have not aerated your yard in a while, it is something worth considering. Aeration, which results in holes poked into your lawn, will help your yard absorb more storm water, and protect it from becoming over-saturated. This loosening of your soil will also make it easier for nutrients to reach plant and grass roots.

You may be tempted to fully prune your trees and bushes, but that is better done during late winter

and early spring. Instead, focus on removing dead or broken branches and limbs only. If you have a vegetable garden, fall clean-up will help prevent insect or disease infiltration in the spring. Composting leaves not only provides fresh nutrients for your soil, many a home buyer appreciate properties with a compost bin already in place.

Landscaped areas and flower beds should be winterized as well. Weeding thoroughly will help keep insects away, while a layer of mulch will help insulate plants. Trim back any overgrown perennials and remove old flower blossoms and seed pods. Known as deadheading, this is not needed

to help your plants survive the winter cold, but leaving dead flowers around could keep your yard and garden from looking its best.

Lawn and garden care with winter in mind is a great way to increase your home’s curb appeal, which can make a big difference in attracting potential buyers. When you are ready to sell your home, working with a Realtor who is passionate about what they can do for you, will make a big difference 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 you can email her at springslifestyles@gmail.com You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.

November Events in Colorado Springs

 November is always a month to remember. We honor our fallen heroes on Veterans Day and connect with family and friends for a feast to please at Thanksgiving. There are plenty of memories to be made this time of year around Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region.  Check out the list below for some November happenings you and your family can enjoy.

November 11^th- 13^th brings us the 29^th Annual Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival. Sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Institute, the popular event features short films, documentaries, narratives and animation which present aspects of our world from women’s perspectives. Films will be screened throughout the weekend at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.

Get into the holiday spirit on Saturday, November 19^th at the Holiday Expo. This expo is free, but

as a fundraiser, folks are asked to bring a new, packaged toy for Christmas Unlimited. Shop for holiday gifts from local businesses, meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, enjoy live music and even a fashion show.

During the long holiday weekend, continue your attitude of gratitude at the Thanksgiving Wildlife Wetland Walk. Take a stroll with a Fountain Creek Nature Center naturalist as you and the

family enjoy a scavenger hunt and some arts and crafts together. The walk is being held on Saturday, November 26^th, and tickets are required as space is limited.

These are just a few of the vast number of exciting and fun events you can find in and around Colorado Springs. You may think with winter closing in there is not much to do here, but that is not so. There are also a variety of benefit events going on this month to help others in the community, while having some fun. I encourage you to check out more Colorado Springs events at Visit Colorado Springs.

I love Colorado Springs and am passionate about our community. When you are ready to sell, or buy your home, working with a Realtor who is passionate about what they can do for you, will make a big difference. 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, The Place to Be in 2017

The Colorado Springs area has been experiencing growth over the last few years, and it is expected to continue into 2017. According to an article recently published in the Gazette, this is the forecast announced at the latest Colorado Springs Economic Forum, put on by the University of Colorado Springs. This is great news for our community and residents.

Not only are we strong when it comes to consumer confidence in spending retail dollars, our housing market is strong and healthy, too. It is our strong job market which directly impacts how much we can spend, and in Colorado Springs, there are plenty of jobs. According to data cited in the forecast report by the University of Colorado Springs, 2015 saw more than 8,200 new jobs in our area, almost 50% more than were added in 2014.

The majority of job growth has been centered around construction, healthcare, professional and technical works, as well as within the food industry. This variety of career options and job resources is helping to fuel the continued economic growth for Colorado Springs. For home sellers, this is great news, as homes are in high demand.

For those looking to buy, we have new property developments, as well as older homes available. Our housing market is also one of the more affordable markets for a greater range of incomes. According to a market search on Realtor.com, the median sale price of homes in Colorado Springs is $237,000. Add in that many of our homes have two and three stories, you can often get more house for your dollar, too.

I am excited to see what 2017 will bring for economic growth to Colorado Springs. Our area has a lot to offer, including great jobs and homes. If you are thinking of moving here, this is a wonderful place to live with a variety of work and living opportunities.

When you are ready to buy or sell your home, working with a Realtor® who knows the local market and economy of the community can make a big difference. We at Springs LifeStyles Real Estate are here to help you with all of 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.

Newly Built Homes Need a Home Inspection Too

If you are interested in buying a newly built home, there are many benefits to enjoy. From choosing specific amenities and optional features, to starting out with everything brand new throughout your home, being the first owner of a house can be rewarding. But don’t let a newly built home deter you from hiring a home inspector before you sign closing papers. No matter if you buy a new property or older house, a home inspection is always a good idea.

You may think that new homes are inspected before they are sold, and you are correct. However, initial inspections for new construction are typically done by a municipal or government department, such as the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, and not for home buyers. Their focus is on ensuring the building meets the minimum building code requirements.

While these inspections are usually well done, sometimes issues are missed or mistakes are made. Hiring your own home inspector gives you the chance to get that all important “second opinion” with your interests in mind. With your own home inspection report, you also get the extra assurance that you won’t walk into a money pit.

If you are involved in the process of your new home from the beginning, I recommend having two

inspections done if possible. The first should occur to inspect the interior components, the wiring, plumbing and insulation for example. Once the walls are up, a missed error could cost a lot to correct. A final inspection should also be done once your home is completed, and before closing documents are signed. It is also a good idea to include an inspection contingency within your sales contract. This is your extra insurance policy to safeguard your deposit.

Having a home inspection done on a newly built home can make a big difference when it comes to buying the home of your dreams. When you are ready to buy, or sell your home, working with a Realtor® who understands the entire process will make a big difference too. We at Springs LifeStyles Real Estate are here to help you with all of 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 is Home to Big Houses

When it comes to living in Colorado Springs, we like our homes big and full of rooms. At least according to a recent study done by Lawnstarter.com, an online lawn care service provider. As a part of their own blog, Lawnstarter did a study of the nation’s major metro areas in search of which places have the biggest houses and the most rooms. Colorado Springs was ranked 5^th in the country.

Based on data released in the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey of 2015, Our 5^th place ranking shows that 46.3% of homes in Colorado Springs have at least eight rooms. These include kitchens bedrooms, family rooms, and finished basements and recreational rooms per the census report. While many new homes here are built with unfinished basements, many home owners have them finished so they can make the most of the space they have.

Many regions, such as earthquake prone California or the flood prone South, do not typically include

basements in their home construction. The likelihood of a natural disaster causing problems for homes with basements results in their use being impractical. Here in Colorado it is a different story. Our lack of regular natural disasters and climate makes basements an ideal addition to our homes. As a lower cost space to include when it comes to home construction, builders around here love to include them as an extra space option, and home buyers appreciate it too.

With the trend towards open floor plans, the number of rooms overall doesn’t carry that much weight in listing searches, but the square footage does. Here in Colorado Springs, the average home has multiple floors, including basements. Our big homes with several rooms average over 2,000 square feet. If you are looking for plenty of space for your family, you can find it here.

When you are ready to sell or buy your home, working with a Realtor who understands market trends will make a big difference. We at Springs LifeStyles Real Estate are here to help you with all of 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.

October Events in Colorado Springs

Autumn is such a beautiful time of year here in Colorado Springs. With Autumn comes October. WithOctober here at last, the air is a bit chillier, and there is a buzz of excitement as we prepare for the holiday season to begin. What better way to start the festive season than with some big events and Halloween traditions? Check out the list below for some October happenings you and your family can enjoy in Colorado Springs.

October is Arts Month in the Pikes Peak region; what better way to celebrate artistic vision than to

attend a gala? On Saturday, October 8th, The Resource Exchange presents a Positive Exposure exhibit, “The Spirit of Difference”, by photographer Rick Guidotti. Exquisite and mesmerizing photographs of people from around the world, and nearby, showcase that which makes us humans so incredible.

Enjoy another gala of a different sort on Friday, October, 14th, at Believe, The 4th Annual Benefit Galawith the National Mill Dog Rescue non-profit organization. Since 2007, this organization has worked toward helping,, rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home abandoned puppy mill dogs. Spend an evening dressed to the nines, wine and dine, dance, and make your auction bid, all in support of a great cause.

Want to get in a 5k before winter sets in? Head over to Colorado College on Sunday, October 14th,   for the Tiger Classic 5k walk and run. This popular run has been going on for 28 years now, benefiting the Tiger Pride Fund which supports athletics programs at Colorado Collage. Pre-register and get your own Tiger Classic 5k t-shirt.

There are so many ways to celebrate Halloween,which I especially love since it’s my birthday, too! Halloween is a great holiday to share a birthday with all the candy and parties going on! Whether you have young trick-or-treaters or not, a popular way to get in touch with your ‘darker side' is to get out into nature. Around Colorado Springs, there are a variety of ways you can take a walk on the wild side with plenty of outdoor community events. One annual favorite is Howl O Ween at theColorado Wolf and Wildlife Center. OnSaturday, October 29th, help feed the wolves special pumpkins. Also on the 29th, head over to the Fountain Creek Nature Center and walk the Jack-o-Lantern Trail after you carve a pumpkin of your own. If Trick-or-Treat is part of your Halloween plan, check out Boo at the Zoo at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. This is the perfect place for a family-friendly, wild good time.

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

Benefits for Military Home Buyers

Military Home Buyer Advisor

     We appreciate your service to our country and we understand the decisions and opportunities you face as a military homebuyer.

     There are many benefits to homeownership such as, housing costs, making your house a home, and of course tax benefits.

If you are a renter, you have probably heard: “why are you paying your landlords mortgage?” As a homeowner you know what your house payment will be and you will also be building up equity in your home with every payment you make because you are paying down the principal balance of your loan.

     If you’ve ever been inspired by home design shows, this is your chance to decorate your living space with your tastes. If you’ve been renting, you will have more opportunities to decorate your home to reflect your personality with paint, window coverings, landscaping and more.  “A home is a place to call your own.”

     If you are active military, you are most likely receiving a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), which is meant to provide you with compensation for housing based on the housing costs for the area where you are stationed. Because this allowance is tax free, you have a tremendous opportunity to buy a home and build equity using tax-free funds. As a homeowner, you may also be able to receive a tax deduction for 100% of your mortgage interest, provided you meet the guidelines.  And let’s not forget your property tax deduction as well.

     Now that you know the benefits of homeownership, it’s time to get started.  From house hunting to putting in an offer, there are many things to learn on the road to homeownership.  How much do I qualify for?  Can I get a VA loan?  What are the other expenses associated with home ownership?

     No matter what your income is, it’s important to look at your finances and find out what you can afford before you start your search for a new home. What kind of payment do you feel comfortable making every month?  It’s easy to fall in love with a home that’s out of your reach. Having a total cost in the back of your mind when you start shopping will help you stay on track.

     Talking to a mortgage lender that specializes in VA loans is your next step.  They will discuss in detail how much you qualify for in terms of your income, debt and mortgage payment.  Typically paid in monthly increments, your monthly loan payment will be made up of four parts, commonly referred to as PITI:

P = Principal The amount left on your loan apart from the interest

I = Interest The interest paid in monthly increments for the life of your loan

T = Taxes Your monthly property tax payment (approximately 1/12 of the total property tax for the year)

I = Insurance Referred to as hazard insurance or homeowner’s insurance, this coverage protects your home and certain possessions, and can help protect you from liability claims or lawsuits for accidents on your property

The components of PITI will typically make up your main home expenses each month. 

     When estimating your monthly budget, you will also need to factor in these possible monthly costs: Homeowner Association (HOA) fees A homeowner association is an organization that enforces covenants and rules for the community and maintains shared property, such as open spaces, parks and community pools. If you buy a home in a community with a homeowner association, you will become a member of that HOA, and will be responsible for any HOA fees. Be sure to investigate the cost of membership ahead of time to make sure the added expense is within your budget.

Private Mortgage Insurance Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is a form of insurance typically required for homebuyers who take out a conventional mortgage loan for more than 80% of the total value of the home. This added insurance protects the lender against loss if the borrower defaults on the loan. If you opt for a loan guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), PMI is not required.

Monthly mortgage insurance for Homeowners with a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured loan are required to pay monthly mortgage insurance, even if they make a larger down payment. VA home loans do not require monthly mortgage insurance.

     Many service members choose to take advantage of VA financing because of these main benefits:

• You may purchase a home with no down payment, subject to VA guidelines in your area.

• You may choose a fixed-rate or an adjustable-rate mortgage.

• There are limits to the amount of closing costs you will have to pay.

• You are not required to pay monthly mortgage insurance or PMI.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR A VA LOAN? You might be eligible for a VA loan if:

• You currently serve on regular active duty in the military.

• You have served on regular active duty in the military and have since been discharged.

• You have served in the Selected Reserves or National Guard for at least 6 years.

• You are an unmarried spouse of a veteran who died on active duty, or as a result of a service-connected disability.

Other conditions may apply and special documentation may be required as proof of your service. Visit http://benefits.va.gov/homeloans/ and select Eligibility for complete details.

     Kathy was a mortgage lender for 15 years and has worked with many military buyers and sellers during her 27-year career in real estate.

When you are ready to sell or buy your home, we at Springs LifeStyles Real Estate are here to help you with all of your real estate needs! As your buyer agent, we will strive to give you the best support we can. Call Kathy Stenberg at (719) 963-4867 or you can email her atspringslifestyles@gmail.com You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.