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.

Smart Home-Buying Questions - Part One

If you are looking to buy a home, whether it is your first one, or it’s time for a change, you will have a lot of questions to ask, and that is a good thing. As a homebuyer, you want to know what you are getting into by purchasing property. Questions begin as soon as you start your home search.

How much of a mortgage can I qualify for, and afford? How much of a down payment should I have? Are there homebuyer programs available to help? What are the Realtor® commissions and closing costs and fees? These are great questions to ask, but there are also important questions to ask when you come across a home you want to make an offer on. In this two-part blog, you can learn what these questions are and how they can help find the right home for you.

What are the average monthly maintenance and utility costs?  Starting with an idea of the average monthly costs for utilities can help you better plan your household costs. If a home you are interested in is part of an HOA (Home Owners Association), for example, you will want to know what membership fees are as well.

What are your parking options? If you love to entertain, be sure you know how much parking is available for guests, both on and off your property. If you have a recreational vehicle, in Colorado Springs, these cannot be parked on a street, but must be kept either in a driveway, or garage/storage space, or in a yard area that is at least 10 feet away from the road.

Have there been any pest infestations? This is not a pleasant question to ask, but ask you must. Knowing the history of any issues with pests will help you better prepare for the possibility they may return. Be sure to know what type of pests have been found, how long ago there was an issue, and how the infestation was treated. A good rule of thumb is to have the property inspected and treated for pests before you move in, as treatments are easier with an empty house.

Have there been any pipe or sewer problems? This is another not-so-pleasant question to ask, but one to be aware of. According to a recent article published by Insurance Journal, claims related to broken or damaged pipes are one of the most common type of claim for homeowners. If there have been problems in the past, having repairs inspected is worth the effort.

What are the current property taxes? While property taxes are based on current home value assessments, knowing the history of property taxes on a home will give you some insight into how the property has held up as an investment. It is also good to know if property taxes are due near the time of purchase. You may be able to split the taxes with the seller if they are. You also don’t want to end up with an extra debt you were not anticipating so soon after moving in.

Check back next week for more Smart Questions for homebuyers to ask. 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.

Experience Colorado Springs Historic Architecture

Colorado Springs is a place deeply connected with its past. In particular, we keep connected through the architecture of Old Colorado City and Colorado Springs throughout the earlier part of the 20^th Century, and earlier. With many historical buildings constructed 100 years ago or more, the determination and craftsmanship of the early residents in Colorado Springs have survived the test of time. Today, we can still enjoy the architectural beauty and inspired designs of historical buildings throughout the region. Listed below are some of the historical buildings you can visit yourself.

Brianhurst Manor Located in Manitou Springs and built in 1876, this Victorian-style manor was built by Dr. William Bell, the founder of the Manitou Springs. Today Brianhurst Manor is a favored restaurant in the region, highlighting the beauty of Victorian style and gardens, while giving visitors a spectacular view of Pike’s Peak.

Broadmoor Hotel Built in 1918, the Broadmoor Hotel has was built in the style of European resorts which were popular meccas during the Victorian era. Harkening back to days gone by, visiting the Broadmoor is like taking a step back through time.

Carnegie Library Named a contributing building to the Old Colorado City Historic District, this library was built in 1904 through a grant and agreement with Philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie. Today you can visit this piece of our history and check out a book or two.

Cliff House This hotel/resort is older than the state of Colorado, having been built originally as a stage coach stop in 1873. After the days of the gold rush subsided, the health benefits of Manitou Springs were discovered, and this Victorian era hotel has been a fixture in the area ever since. Today Cliff House is not just a hotel, but a popular venue for outdoor concerts as well.

Glen Eyrie Castle There is no need to go to Europe to tour a castle; you can do so at the Glen Eyrie Castle. Built in 1903 by the founder of Colorado Springs, General William Jackson Palmer, this Tudor-style estate is surrounded by the natural beauty of our region. Today the Castle is a hotel, event and conference center, or you can simply visit for tea or a tour.

Miramont Castle You can’t say we don’t like our big, historic estates around Colorado Springs. Another castle in the area that is worth a visit is the Miramont Castle. Construction of this sprawling early estate began in 1895, bringing to the region with it many modern amenities such as electricity and indoor plumbing. Today you can visit the garden or museum, which is dedicated to preserving the past of the natural and human history of Manitou Springs.

McAlister House Another museum worth checking out is the McAlister House, a grand, if not smaller, Victorian cottage listed on the National Register for Historic Places. Built in 1873, this museum is perfect for history buffs, antique lovers and field trips.

Rockledge Ranch Connect with the wild west at this living-history ranch. This property was one of the first homesteads in the region, in the mid-1800s, but also rich in Native American history. At Rockledge Ranch you can experience a taste of what life was like for not only the first settlers but also the native tribes who were here before. A true step back in time and quality fun for the whole family.

While their purposes may not have remained the same, that these buildings are still here and are an integral part of the our region’s “skyline”, says a lot toward the character of Colorado Springs as a community. We care about our past and we care about our present. 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.

Can Pokemon Go Help Sell Your Home?

If you are planning to sell your home, there are a lot of details to consider, especially when it comes to your listing, and any open house viewings. There are common catchphrases used across the real estate industry to help draw in potential buyers. Describing a property as a cottage or bungalow, or highlighting popular features such as smart products and eco-friendly upgrades, will catch the attention of buyers looking for these features in a home. There are also trends and ideas that come and go, but can make a big impact in buyer interest for a time. There is one new trend just getting started which has already been put to use by home sellers. Recently highlighted by CNBC, the popular AR (Alternative Reality) game, Pokemon Go, is now showing up in MLS properties.

You may wonder why a mobile app with imaginary creatures that “pop-up” at various locations around town would be of interest to a seller; but there is a strategy behind the inclusion of Poke Stops or Pokemon Gyms in a listing. The Pokemon Go mobile app game draws players to locations around the globe, and right in your own neighborhood, too. While you may not have your own Poke Stop, with the game app, you can see if there are wild Pokemon near your property (they like recreational areas a lot), or there may be a Poke Gym nearby. This game is gaining in popularity across all age groups; the potential to have buyers who play the game is growing, quickly spreading across cities and towns everywhere. So why not give your listing an extra kick which may catch the eye of a buyer who happens to enjoy Pokemon Go?

Your listing is your first impression for potential buyers. We live in such a mobile, fast paced world

now, that the quicker you can capture someone’s attention, the more likely you are to keep their interest. With resource and tool apps, and social media being part of the average daily routine for the majority of people now, businesses and industries have realized the benefit of “playing the game” in the playing field of our digital world. As a home seller, you can take advantage of this, too. If you have a Pokemon Go feature near your home, by including it on your listing, you may just attract that one buyer with Pokemon Go, who turns out to be the buyer for your home.

While the popularity of Pokemon Go may lessen over time, keeping up on current social trends and popular features is a wise thing to do when it comes to selling your home. Including sought after features and neighborhood amenities in your listing is part of what draws potential buyers’ attention. The broader the pool of potential buyers you can reach, the better your chances are for selling your home quickly. 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.

Pikes Peak Real Estate Continues as a Seller’s Market

Residential sales data for June 2016 has been released by The Colorado Association of Realtors® (CAR). According to the report, across the state and the southeastern region, of which Pikes Peak is a part, we are continuing to see a strong seller’s market. Prices of single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums are still on the rise. Listed inventory also saw an increase, reflecting seller’s response to an in-demand market. The overall inventory, however, is still below average, and with more buyers still seeking property here, this is an ideal time to put your home on the market.

According to the CAR report for June, there was a rise in the number of newly listed properties across the state. With 12,526 single-family homes newly listed for the month, this was a 5.5% increase compared to a year ago, but still down year-to-date by 0.3%. Active inventory supply is down by 18.9% compared to June 2015, representing a supply of 2.9 months. For condos and townhomes, the supply was down by 0.4% with 3,331 units listed for sale, providing 2.1 months’ supply of inventory. This current inventory is down 30% less than the same time a year ago. Statewide prices continued to rise as well. Median sale prices were at $325,00 for the month, up by 10.2%. Single-family homes reported a median price of $345,00, up 8.8% with townhomes and condos showing a median of $246,000, up by 11.8%.

The Southeast region saw an increase in new listings of 3.4%, 2,653 properties put on the market in June. Single-Family home listings went up by 1.3% while townhomes and condos saw a significant rise in listings, up by 26.5%. Active inventory for the month in the region was down by 33.9%, providing 2.8 months' supply. Median sale prices were up for the region as a whole as well, reporting $237,500 as the median, an increase of 7.4%. Single-family home median prices went up by 7%, to $246,000 while townhomes and condos rose by 12.4% with a median price of $170,000.

Buyers are continuing to find homes in the Pikes Peak area, with another rise in the number of closings being reported for June. The Pikes Peak Association of Realtors® has reported 1,651 single-family homes were sold for the month, compared to 1,401 sold in June 2015, an increase of 17.8%. Townhomes and condos saw a slight decrease 3.8% in sales, with 201 units sold last month compared to 212 the year prior. Median sale prices continue to rise for these types of properties as well, with single-family homes increasing by 5% compared to a year ago, at $262,500. Townhomes and condos around Pikes Peak saw a 12.4% increase in median sale prices going up to $170,000.

We will continue to watch this ongoing trend to see just where it goes 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.

El Paso County Roadway Improvement Projects Underway

Summer time brings more road construction projects. While we may not enjoy the delays, the improvements that get completed on our roads help everyone in the long run. Living in our recreational paradise is made easier with better roads. This summer promises to be no exception with several large roadway improvement projects getting underway across El Paso County. Continuing the 2013-2017 initiative known as Responsible Acceleration of Maintenance & Partnerships, Colorado Depart of Transportation (CDOT) has the funding to get many large-scale projects underway. Listed below are the current and upcoming El Paso County projects. Be in the know before you go for a better drive to work or fun.

Project: Cimarron Expressway; Cost: $113 million; Details: The interchange along I-25 at US 24/ Cimarron St. will get new lighting and signals alongside new bridges.

Project: Mesa Ridge Parkway/Powers Blvd; Cost: $8.7 million; Details: new shoulders will be added to these state highways between Syracuse St. to Bradley Rd with new pavement surfacing, line painting, and landscaping.

Project: I-25 overlay; Cost $6.4 million; Details: the road from Circle Dr. to the Nevada Ave. exit will be resurfaced.

Project: Powers Blvd. Widening; Cost: $6.3 million; Details: Powers Blvd. will be made wider between Fountain Blvd. and Platte Ave. Airport Rd. will also be widened where it and Powers Blvd. intersect, creating a 4-lane roadway.

Project: U.S. 24 East/Rainbow Falls Bridge: Cost: $2.4 million; Details: This preservation project will improve the safety and extend the life of the Rainbow Falls Bridge. Improvements include new railing and bridge deck surfacing.

Project: Region 2 (Southeast Colorado) Guardrail upgrades; Cost: $1.6 million; Details: Part of a multi-county project cable rail will be added to the 1-25 median and upgrades will be completed to the guardrail along State highway 115.

Project: U.S. 24 East Manitou Springs Overlay; Cost: $1.6 million; Details: Overlay work will be done alongside ADA access improvements, and better drainage at the intersection of Garden of the Gods Pl. along the highway.

Project: I-25 at S. Academy Blvd; Cost: $1.1 million; Details: The northbound on-ramp of I-25 at Academy Blvd will get an extended acceleration lane.

Project: Powers Blvd Signalization at Bradley Rd; Cost: $500,000; Details: a new median, lighting, and traffic signal will be installed where Powers Blvd. and Bradley Rd. intersect.

Keeping up with ongoing roadway improvements will help your commute time and travel to area recreational fun go smoother. You can find out all the details at the CDOT website, including when work is scheduled to be done for each project. Keeping in the know when you are ready to sell or buy your home, can make the process run smoothly as well. We at Springs LifeStyles Real Estate are here to help you with all of your real estate needs! As your buyer’s 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.

New listing in the Ridge at Fox Run

15972 Woodmeadow Ct

Colorado Spring, CO  80921

Premium lot on .45 acres located in a cul-de-sac.  A 5 minute walk to Fox Run Park.  Check it out.

Solar Power Options in Colorado

A home is one’s castle. Having an eco-friendly castle not only helps the environment, but can also add value to your home, great news if you are planning to sell your property. Using solar power is a great way to add a unique amenity to your home and conserve energy. Colorado as a state is a great supporter of solar power. This support is spread down to the local level through regional utility services as well. With programs from utility rebates to statewide incentives there are a variety of options and plans to choose from when you are ready to go solar. With residential solar panel systems there is on average more power generated than used, this can result in a great return on the investment for many home owners.

Before you make the step into solar power you will want to do some in-depth research to find the best program and products for your home. Listed below are some great resources when it comes to solar power in Colorado.

·      If you are a customer of Colorado Springs Utilities there are incentives for installing a solar power system which is tied to the regional electricity grid. This provides additional renewable power for everyone to use, and home owners benefit in the form of a credit toward their energy bill.

·      Clean Energy Authority Colorado is a valuable resource to learn about solar power and the programs run by the state. In addition to any utility incentives, Colorado offers property tax exemptions for solar equipment such as solar panels and solar water heaters.

·      With all the different rebates and incentives available it is helpful to have a resource with links and information on different Colorado solar programs. Residential Solar 101 is one such resource. Not only can you see which utilities offer solar incentives, but you can learn about financing as well. There is also a variety of educational material and a calculator to estimate your own energy savings. 

·      Another excellent resource is SolarPowerRocks.com. This site provides a snapshot picture of solar power in Colorado. Here you will find the 2016 Colorado Solar Power Information page with up to date information on costs, incentives, returns on investment and savings. There is also a guide to help you determine the best solar approach for you and your home.

If you are ready to make the switch to solar power, you have a lot of options to consider. The savings in energy and money are just the beginning when it comes to using renewable energy. 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.