Colorado Springs Real Estate

Pikes Peak Real Estate Reflects Seller’s Market

The Colorado Association of Realtors® (CAR) recently released the latest sales data for May 2016. In the report, there are some key factors which point to the Pikes Peak region being in a strong seller’s market. Our population is continuing to grow with more people seeking homes in and around Colorado Springs. This is great news in itself, but homebuyers are seeing a bit of a tougher time in finding a home, mainly due to lower inventory on the market. With fewer homes to choose from, buyers are also paying more. These two factors put sellers in an ideal position to list their property and come out ahead in the market.

According to the CAR report for May, there are fewer properties on the market across the state. With 17,724 single-family homes listed for the month, inventory supply is down by 24%, representing a supply of 2.5 months. For condos and townhomes, the supply was down by 30% with 4,237 units listed for sale, providing less than a two-month supply of inventory. This current inventory is almost 50% less than the same time a year ago.

Despite a lower inventory, buyers are finding homes in the Pikes Peak region, with a record number of closings being reported for May. The Pikes Peak Association of Realtors® has indicated 1,495 residential-property sales closed in May, almost 300 more listings than the average of 1,200 per month.

Across the state and within the Pikes Peak region, home prices are on the rise. CAR data released for May shows that the Southeast region of Colorado, which Pikes Peak is a part of, had a 6% increase in median-sales prices for single-family homes, compared to the prior year. The median price for May 2016 was $242,810 compared to $229,000 in May 2015. Condos and townhomes also saw an increase in median prices, up 5.8%, moving from $156,000 in May 2015 up to $165,000 this year. The median sale price for single-family homes across the state also went up to $335,000, or 8%, while condos and townhomes increased by 12% in median sale prices, to $245,500.

This trend is expected to continue in the coming months. If you are thinking of selling your property in the Pikes Peak region, this is an ideal time to list your property. 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 at springslifestyles@gmail.com. You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.

Kids' Pool Coming to Manitou Springs

Living around the Colorado Springs region offers a lot of family friendly places and things to do. This summer there will be a new attraction in Manitou Springs, just for the little ones. In a recent announcement from Great Outdoors Colorado , (GOCO) a grant for $80,500 has been awarded to supplement $34,500 from the Manitou Springs City Council, to make a new pool for young kids a reality. The grant from GOCO will replace the existing pool which is more than 40-years-old.

The new Manitou Springs Baby Splash Pool will be large enough for up to 40 kids and include a new kid-friendly entrance into the pool. The splash pad area of the pool will feature water sprayers. Not only will kids 10 and younger be able to enjoy the fun of a splash pad and kid-oriented pool, but there will also be swimming classes available too. The pool itself will be no deeper than 3 feet, 6 inches, perfect for young children just learning to swim and ready to enjoy some summertime water fun. The date of the new pool opening is not yet set but expected to be ready sometime this summer. The pool will be located at the Shryver Park recreation center, which has seen some other updates completed, including renovations done to the indoor pool and a new weight room and general-purpose room.

The GOCO grant for the new pool is one of 39 projects awarded funds across 25 counties. Almost $7 million in lottery funds were gifted to improve our community park and trails and provide more outdoor classes and activities, such as the Manitou Springs pool. GOCO is an independent board in place to award grants from lottery funds in order to preserve and enhance Colorado’s green and open spaces. The GOCO was formed in 1992, and since then has helped fund more than 4,500 projects across all 64 counties in the state without tax dollars, putting our lottery to work.

The new Manitou Springs Pool will be just one more wonderful attraction for families in our area. When you are ready to buy or sell 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 at springslifestyles@gmail.com. You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information

Colorado Project Wildfire Home Protection Tips

Summer is fast approaching and with it comes wildfire season. Colorado has had its share of devastating fires, with many homes and communities affected directly. With our region continuing to grow, our spread into Wildland Urban Interface areas has increased as well. This has led to more homes and people at risk from wildfires. But greater risk can be counterbalanced with preparedness. Working with a variety of fire-prevention organizations, the Colorado Association of Realtors® is focused on raising awareness to help “prevent and reduce the damage to land, property and lives”, through the Colorado Project Wildfire. This statewide program was created to help communities, homeowners and families learn about wildfire risks and prevention methods. Listed below are some tips from Project Wildfire, which you can use to prepare your home for wildfire season.

There are two prime areas to focus on when it comes to reducing the risk of wildfire susceptibility. First is to create a defensible area around your home and any buildings on your property. Creating a defense around your home involves specific planning for the landscaping and outdoor features of your property. If you live in the foothills or in areas close to ponderosa pine forests for example, creating a series of fire prevention zones will help protect your home.

The outer zone covers the area of your property 100-200 feet away from your home, up to and including your property line. This is your first line of defense, where keeping trees thinned, with a minimum of 10 feet between tree tops will lessen the likelihood of fire spreading. Keep dead vegetation out of this zone, and avoid “ladder fuels”, vegetation levels which step down or up close to one another, as this can allow fire to move quickly.

The middle zone is within 30-100 feet of your home. Landscaping in this area should be in islands, separate from one another to help prevent spreading by breaking up where potential fire fuel is on your property. As with the outer zone, keep dead foliage cleaned up and keep lawns or flowers and shrubs to a maximum of 8” high.

The inner zone is the area just outside your home up to 30 feet away. Here is where you want to keep vegetation away from building surfaces, which should be fire retardant. Check and regularly prune overhanging branches and store loose combustibles such as firewood outside of this zone.

The second area to focus on for wildfire preparedness is to reduce the ignitability of your home through structural materials. Also known as hardening your home, there are a variety of ways that can make a big difference. Some examples include installing a fire sprinkler system in your home, enclosing gutters and eaves along your roofline, as well as any vents exposed to the exterior of your home. Using non-combustible materials such as brick, stone or concrete fencing can also help keep a wildfire from reaching your home.

You can also find more information through FireWise one of the organizations working with Colorado Project Wildfire. If you are planning to sell your home soon, highlighting the wildfire preparedness of your home can not only be a great selling point, but can also add value to your home. If you are on the search for a new home, be sure to keep Colorado Project Wildfire in mind during your home search. When you are ready to buy or sell 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 at springslifestyles@gmail.com You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.

Colorado Springs Gains Public Space in Land Swap

In a recent Colorado Springs City Council meeting, a vote to swap land with The Broadmoor was passed, providing over 480 acres of land for the city Parks Department to utilize. The land swap is expected to bring more trails and access to view points around Colorado Springs, a big plus for area residents who thrive on outdoor recreation. The land swap includes different parcels of land held by The Broadmoor parent company, Anschutz Corp, and the municipal land known as Strawberry Fields which is approximately 190 acres.

Part of the land swap involves an agreement with The Broadmoor to keep most of the Strawberry Fields parcel in its natural state, maintaining the land and continuing to allow public access to it. Colorado Springs Parks Department will handle the management of the undeveloped portion of Strawberry Fields. There will also be a conservation easement for part of the Strawberry Fields land, which will be held by Palmer Land Trust. This will ensure no future development of the land happens, keeping the majority of the parcel green, open space for the public. Nine acres of the field will be devoted to new stables and a picnic area.

While the vote was passed, land surveys and environmental studies need to be conducted before the deal can be closed. If everything moves forward, there will be new trails added in around some key Colorado Springs areas. Alongside some small parcels in the western part of the city, the Manitou Incline and lower Barr Trail will expand by approximately 156 acres. Outdoor enthusiasts will also be able to access part of North Cheyenne Canyon Park, which has been off limits. 208 acres at the top of Mount Muscoco will be made accessible.

If you enjoy the outdoors, hiking or biking around the great natural features of Colorado Springs, when the land swap is completed, there will be even more trails for you to enjoy. Our love of nature and having access to be in touch with it is just one of the great benefits of living in Colorado Springs. When you are ready to buy or sell 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 at springslifestyles@gmail.com You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.

Colorado Springs Homes Selling Fast

When it comes to selling your home, the sooner you can get an offer from a buyer and close the deal, the better. In a recent study released by Trulia, Colorado Springs is one of the fastest moving markets in the country. Listed at number 7 for housing markets, homes here are selling faster than before. Comparing data to a year ago, the area has seen homes selling fast, with 46.7% of homes on the marketing currently selling within a month. At the same time a year ago, only 38% of home sold within a month of being listed. A 10% growth in the time it takes to sell a home is a significant increase indicating a strong seller’s market, and highlighting the demand for homes in the Colorado Springs area.

With the region growing as a whole, many home buyers are looking away from Denver where prices are higher. Colorado Springs offers great home values and a wonderful place to live. As a community near enough to Denver, with all that the area has to offer, the influx of Denver residents buying homes is no surprise. Rising rental rates are also helping more people look toward buying a home. Just as with many areas of the country, rising rents makes buying a home more affordable and attractive. This has resulted in a larger pool of potential buyers. With more demand for homes being seen, Colorado Springs properties are selling quickly. For anyone looking to sell their Colorado Springs home, the current inventory is lower than last year, which makes this an ideal time to take advantage of the demand for homes in the area.

Comparing Colorado Springs residential realty to Denver properties, you can get more home for less. Trulia’s latest report shows the median price of homes in the Colorado Springs area is $230,000 as of April this year. In Denver, the median price is $330,000. With this much of a difference, it is easier to live with the finer home amenities many buyers are looking for, such as energy efficient options. Homes with luxury features such as theaters, professional chef kitchens and spa bathrooms can also be found in Colorado Springs.

When you are ready to buy or sell 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 at springslifestyles@gmail.com You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.

The Wonders of Steamboat Lake State Park

One of the best aspects of living in Colorado is all the amazing scenery. No matter where you live, you are always close to some of the country’s most spectacular spots.

One such place is Steamboat Lake State Park.

Located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Steamboat Lake State Park has been called “One of the jewels of Colorado”. Whatever your preferred mode of relaxation is, the park has something to offer everyone. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, you and your family can enjoy camping in the woods, fishing and boating the lakes and picnicking in the beautiful valley. For the explorers there are lots of lovely hiking trails. It even hosts a full-service marina and a beautiful beach for swimming.

The fun doesn’t stop when the warm weather ends. During the cold winter months, the park comes alive with ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There are ten camper cabins located by the Marina for those who want to enjoy the winter experience by day, followed by a cozy cabin evening. All of this while surrounded by snow-capped mountains makes it a special event no matter what season.

This is just a small taste of all the park has to offer. It’s why so many visitors keep coming back.

If you are lucky enough to live in Colorado and haven’t visited the park yet, you should. It’s one more reason to feel lucky to live in this beautiful state. You may find it becomes your favorite vacation spot close to home.

IF you are looking for a great place to live where you can enjoy all that the surrounding parks have to offer, Colorado is a great place to do just that. When you are ready to buy or sell 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 at springslifestyles@gmail.com You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.

Free activities in Colorado during the month of May

§ Buell Children’s Museum: free on May 8th (more info)

§ Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center: free on May 20th (more info)

§ Denver Art Museum: free on May 7th (more info)

§ Denver Children’s Museum: free on May 3rd from 4-8 PM only (more info)

§ Denver Children’s Museum Joy Park: free on May 20th from 4-8 PM only (more info)

§ Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, and Toys: suggested donation day on May 1st (more info)

§ Denver Museum of Nature of Science: free on May 9th (more info)

§ Money Museum (American Numismatic Association): free on May 21st (more info)

§ Sangre de Cristo Arts Center: free on May 8th (more info)

2/24/2016 As I’m sitting in my kitchen looking at my white appliances amidst the beautiful cherry cabinets and solid granite countertops wondering why I bought those when I remodeled my kitchen 12 years ago. I remember my ex choosing those because “they don’t show finger prints”. I recently purchased a new dishwasher and did get a stainless steel finish knowing that when I replace the stove and refrigerator I would get the same. I have this issue of getting rid of something when it is still in working order. With that said, I still have a white refrigerator, stove, washer and dryer. It’s time to get more information about what is out there. I was talking to a friend this morning that purchased new appliances in the past two years and she got mid-grade and said they are “pieces of junk”. She has already had to have them repaired. I’m thinking commercial grade and I wonder what luxury home owners are purchasing. Being the good Realtor I am, I looked at homes priced in the 2-6 million dollar range and most if not all have commercial grade appliances. These are the appliances that I chose for my kitchen: G 4225 Futura Classic Series Dishwasher Prefinished, Full-size Dishwasher Visible control panel, prefinished door panel 5 wash programs Cutlery basket 16 place settings Quiet Rating - 46dBa Wolf GR34 gas oven and range Convection oven for faster, more consistent cooking Dual-stacked, sealed burners for higher highs, lower lows Continuous cast-iron grates for easy movement of pots and pans Infrared broiler inside oven sears quickly and evenly Heavy-gauge stainless steel Bosch counter depth refrigerator Modern European look inside and out Price for design value Very quiet operation Drawers open smoothly because of ball bearings Convenient alarm if door’s not shut all the way So many beautiful things you can do to modernize and make efficient our kitchens.

More stores, restaurants and hotels planned for Colorado Springs' far north side

More stores, restaurants and hotels planned for Colorado Springs' far north side: More shopping, dining and housing are planned for Colorado Springs' far north side - already a major hub for fast-growing residential and commercial projects.
Denver-based Etkin Johnson Real Estate Partners this week paid $4.35 million for nearly 77 acres southeast of Interstate 25 and InterQuest Parkway, where it plans to develop apartments, offices, stores, restaurants and hotels as part of a project called The Gateway at InterQuest.