Lowe's Home Improvement Coupon and Project Ideas

Do you enjoy doing relatively simple home improvement jobs? I do! Creative home projects can do so much for your soul as well as for the value of your home, while saving you money by doing it yourself!

I love how I feel after having accomplished a task for my home and I usually love the finished product. As a Realtor in Colorado Springs, I have a relationship with Lowe's that allows me to get YOU a "$10 off your next $50 purchase at Lowe's" coupon. If you would like one of these coupons, please email me your name and full address and I will email it to you. (I do need your full address in order to get the coupon).

I found Lowe's instructions on how to install kitchen cabinet organizer's to be excellent and helpful. Here's a glimpse at what their instructions cover:

If you ever find yourself digging through your kitchen cabinets and drawers, not being able to find what youre looking for, you could use cabinet organizers. They can decrease the clutter to get your kitchen back in order. Here are some practical tips for planning and installing two popular organizers that can make your kitchen more efficient.

Original content and further helpful tips found at Lowe's Creative Idea Center.

Money in Your Pocket

Would you like to put money in your pocket AND have a more energy efficient home?

Colorado Springs Utilities offers a wide range of rebates to help you save energy and money, now and in the future. I believe almost any home could use some kind of upgrade, whether it's in the form of appliances, insulation, watersense toilets, cooling and/or heating equipment, windows, etc. Many of the rebates offered by Colorado Springs Utilities are instant savings that you will get credited on your monthly bill. Some are rebates or credits you can claim on your federal and/or state tax returns. For more information, visit the CSU site and learn how to Get the Green Back!

Top Home Improvements Recommended to Sell Your Home

Are you considering selling your home? Maybe your home is on the market and you want to do a few home improvements to help increase your selling chances. I came across this article that you might find interesting:

According to the HomeGain survey, the top five home improvements that Realtors recommend to home sellers based on cost and return on investment (from highest to lowest ROI) are:

1. Cleaning and de-cluttering ($200 cost / $1,700 price increase / 872% ROI)
2. Home staging ($300 cost / $1,780 price increase / 586% ROI)
3. Lightening and brightening ($230 cost / $1,300 price increase / 572% ROI)
4. Landscaping ($320 cost / $1,500 price increase / 473% ROI)
5. Repairing plumbing ($385 cost / $1,250 price increase / 327% ROI)

Go to the article on RISMedia to read more.

If you would like to sell your home, please contact me today.

Help Haiti using your mobile phone

With the recent earthquake in Haiti causing so much devastation there, and help still needed, I wondered what can we do from Colorado Springs (or wherever you may be)? I know some people have already given or even gone and helped. I came across this article of a way to use your mobile phone to help the Red Cross with their efforts in Haiti. Simply text "HAITI" to 90999 and your donation of $10 will be received by the Red Cross and billed to your mobile phone carrier. Find out more details on the Red Cross site.

Valentine's Package at the Broadmoor

The Broadmoor Hotel is such a luxurious place to stay. Whether you live in Colorado Springs or will be visiting in the next few weeks, you can enjoy their Valentine's Special Package that runs from February 5 - 19, 2010.

Package includes:

• Standard Guest Room (upgrade option)
• Complimentary Serenity Shower or tub soak with purchase of a spa service
• 15% discount on select retail purchases
• Champagne and chocolates at turndown on night of arrival
• Complimentary access to The Broadmoor movie theater
• 40% discount on suite upgrade

Package prices starting at $98 per person, per night based on double occupancy. Limited availability. Not applicable to groups. Applicable taxes and fees not included. Spa service must be a minimum of $100 in value to receive complimentary shower or tub soak.

Quaint Rancher For Sale in Colorado Springs

NEWS ALERT: Great rancher for sale at $104,999 in Colorado Springs. This house is located in school district 11.

This house has two bedrooms and one bathroom.

Included with it is a refrigerator purchased in 2009; a washer and dryer purchased in 2008; microwave, Dish satellite and a storage shed in the back yard. The entire yard is fenced - so perfect for children or pets (or both!).

View more information and photos of the interior on my website.

Call or Email me today to view this home!

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.