Colorado Springs Real Estate Blog

Started in 1926 by Spencer Penrose, the local zoo brings great pride to residents of Colorado Springs Colorado homes.  Officials recently from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo announced that fundraising is complete for the next addition:  Encounter Africa.  When complete in 2013, Encounter Africa will offer visitors to real estate in Colorado Springs a much closer look at wildlife in a spectacular habitat.  A half million people annually.

The zoo in Colorado Springs houses a huge new elephant barn with plenty of space for training.  When the adjacent construction is complete, visitors will be able to easily photograph four lovable resident elephants.  Construction of new homes for the African lions and black rhinos is beginning, too.  The endangered black rhinoceroses will have mud wallows and a shallow pool.  African lions bask in the sun while lying on their heated rocks through upper and lower viewing areas.

At a cost of $13.5 million, the Encounter Africa exhibit is the largest capital improvement project in the zoo’s history.  Ensconced about with four life-size sculptures of African elephants, the exhibit features a new plaza with a traditional African tent for educational programs and events.

In 1916 Spencer Penrose received a special gift: a bear.  After acquiring the site of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, he relocated the bear and other animals from his ranch and the Broadmoor Hotel to the property about 10 years later.  He built the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, a miniature railroad from the zoo up to the shrine, and brought in a carousel from the Chicago World’s Fair to embellish the project.  Then he connected his Broadmoor Hotel to the attractions within narrow gauge cog train.

By 1942, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo housed monkeys and a decade later welcomed giraffes.  A new bird and reptile house filled quickly in 1956 and in 1960 the facility gained and aquatics building.  Unfortunately, during the 1965 flood, water roared down the mountain and destroyed a new primate building.  Primate World was rebuilt the next year.  Ten years later, the Birds of Prey area opened.

Over time Cheyenne Mountain Zoo added the thunder God gift shop and restaurant, a new entry plaza, and Conservation Center for breeding programs.  Exciting features such as the Electric Safari, the Wild Nights Train, Party Pavilion and Safari Cabin in the Amphibian Rescue Project Partnership were continually being added to the zoo.

Year by year animal life increased.  Naked Mole Rats, Hidden Prairie Hummingbird Garden, Wolves, Warthogs and Aardvarks, Butterflies, Lions, White Tigers, White Alligators, Giant Fruit Bats, and many more species joined Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Real Estate for Sale

Contact Ann Heiring of Colorado Springs REMAX at (719) 440-1010 or Toll Free at (800) 246-8978 to learn how our acclaimed city can work hand in glove to help you achieve your lifetime goals.   In appreciation for those who serve our nation, Ann offers rebates for active and retired military.

Cheyenne area of Colorado Springs homes for sale

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Some local Colorado Springs real estate agents gleaned optimism from the report of the El Paso County Public Trustee on April 2, 2012.  Other players in the Colorado Springs real estate market are taking a cautious stance, according to an interview published by Inman News (04/24/2012).

Inman interviewed Saddletree Homes CFO Kelley Barcus of Colorado Springs.  Barcus explained that homes in Colorado Springs selling for over $600,000 are not moving very fast.  However, the mid-priced homes that “represent a family’s second or third upgrade” are selling very well.  Interestingly, the hot market in Denver is priced under $250,000 to suit the first-time homebuyer.

According to the Colorado Springs Business Journal (04/06/2012),El Paso County Public Trustee Thomas Mowle “contends that the number of deed releases in a month is the most accurate indicator of real estate market health.”  A Deed of Trust is issued 1) when a private party sells a property, 2) when a home loan is refinanced, and 3) when a borrower completes the scheduled payments on a mortgage.

The Trustee’s monthly report announced that the public trustee’s office processed 4065 deed releases in March.  This is the only time since October 2007 that the number has exceeded 4,000 without a government stimulus.  During the past three months of March, the Trustee’s office handled only 1500 to 3200 deed releases.

Although deed releases are up substantially, sales for March 2012 were down 6.8% according to the Pikes Peak Association of Realtors.  Nonetheless real estate agents in Colorado Springs are working hard.  The Colorado Springs Business Journal quotes one realtor who claims he has been busier in the past two months than any time in the past 12 years.

Sales prices are climbing.  The average home price was $211,000 in March 2011; by March 2012 is $217,000.  The median home price went from $180,000-$189,000.  The current rate of absorbing the supply of houses for sale is 4.5 months.  Experts consider a 4-month supply healthy.

From Inman, we learned that move-up buyers are dominant in the Colorado Springs home market with occasional military first-time buyers utilizes the Veterans Affairs loan to purchase a home.  In contrast, first-time buyers in Denver Colorado recently boosted sales figures above 8% year-over-year.  In fact, there are bidding jousts for homes priced under $250,000.  The competition drives up prices.

Barcus also explained the two-edge sword effect of the large government and military presence on the economy of Colorado Springs.  Half of the homebuyers are connected to sectors of the government and Department of Defense.  The large federal presence stabilizes the economy; any military downsizing would likewise weaken the economy.

Players agree the future depends on the opening up of more private-sector jobs.

Contact Ann Heiring of Colorado Springs REMAX at (719) 440-1010 or Toll Free at (800) 246-8978 to learn how our acclaimed city can work hand-in-glove to help you achieve your lifetime goals.   In appreciation for those who serve our nation, Ann offers rebates for active and retired military.

Colorado Springs CO homes for sale starting at $200,000

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At 6000-foot elevations 45 minutes northwest of attractions and primary homes in Colorado Springs, Florissant Colorado real estate drapes the foothills west of Pikes Peak.  Country homes in Florissant Colorado are 30 minutes past Woodland Park off Highway 24, the road leading into the Rocky Mountains for fishing and skiing.  The Colorado Springs real estate area is situated near Divide Colorado and Lake George, about halfway between mountain recreation and Colorado Springs city amenities.

Florissant homes for sale include features large acreages and home sites, log estates, homes, cabins, and lots of natural space.  The community is popular for all kinds of outdoors enthusiasts and artists who buy Florissant Colorado real estate for weekend homes, second homes, vacation homes, retreats, ranches, and recreational properties.

Ann Heiring of RE/MAX Colorado Springs features a Florissant home in the Colorado Mountain Estates subdivision.  The four-bedroom/3 bath home features 3192 square feet of living area with a walkout basement extensive wood deck nine foot ceilings, French doors, and a great room.  Built in 2004, the beautiful mountain home graces a 2.02-acre parcel loaded with tall trees and far-reaching views.  It is priced in the mid-$300,000s.

Other subdivisions in Florissant include Florissant Heights, Indian Creek, Wilson Lakes, and Valley High.  The full-time population is approximately 100.

For some people, Florissant is remote; for others it’s heaven away from the city stress.  Think of children’s summer camps, living close to the land, family getaways, and exploration of pristine forests, wildflower meadows, and rugged rock formations.

South of town, the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument exhibits fossils– plants, insects, and vertebrate from the lake deposits from the Florissant Formation. Dated as 34.07-million years old, the formation represents the latest Eocene Epoch of earth history and is documented by Yale University.

The National Park Service That operates the National Environmental Study Center at the Nature Place.  The facility provides experiences in natural history, studies of natural systems, and gratifying retreats for leadership and team development.  It is also a venue for events such as weddings and family gatherings.

Although Internet communications bring in the outside world, there are few employers in Florissant.  They begin with the post office, library,lumberyard, and coffeehouse. Most shopping and services are available within a 20-minute drive.  The community also includes an outdoor education center, adventure companies, and infinite creative opportunities.

Students are served by the Woodland Park Schools and Lake George Charter School.

Contact Ann Heiring of Colorado Springs REMAX at (719) 440-1010 or Toll Free at (800) 246-8978 to learn how our acclaimed city can work hand-in-glove to help you achieve your lifetime goals.   In appreciation for those who serve our nation, Ann offers rebates for active and retired military.

Florissant CO homes for sale

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Buy a home in Colorado Springs where family and friends are easily entertained.  This Front Range “Best Big City” offers a plethora of attractions.In the Pikes Peak/Colorado Springs region, all generations of guests are set to experience excellent Colorado attractions.  Multiple family activities – historic, natural, and recreational – are located within a short drive of every neighborhood of Colorado Springs homes for sale.

Whether homebuyers choose Monument CO real estate or Briargate, Flying Horse, or Black Forest real estate on the north side of the city or they opt for Colorado Springs CO homes in Fountain Valley or anywhere in between, the views of the Rocky Mountains and red rock foothills will capture the imagination and compel the exploration of the city’s unique features.  Here is a rundown of ideas for 21 popular daytrips:

1. Get into the saddle of the ranch lifestyle at Academy Riding Stables of Colorado.
2. Venture underground for an educational geology tour at Cave of the Winds.
3. Take the Ultimate Ride with Challenge Unlimited, a 20-mile downhill adventure from the top of Pikes Peak.
4. Stroll past breathtaking mountain scenery while visiting over 750 animals at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
5. Ride the Cripple Creek and Narrow Gauge Railroad backward in time to the pioneer days and gold rush.  Check out the Model Railroad Display depicting the Railways of the Gold Camp and the Native American art gallery.
6. Adventure to the Arkansas River for Colorado whitewater rafting trips through the Bighorn Sheep Canyonby Echo Canyon River Expeditions.
7. Experience a working cattle ranch at the Flying W, also rated as one of the top 10 places to experience uniquely American meals.
8. Check out Colorado’s largest Trading Post and the Nature Center at the Garden of the Gods, a 1323-acre National Natural Landmark featuring dramatic views and towering rock formations.
9. Take a look at a late-1800s Old West town at the authentic Ghost Town Museum – one of America’s top 55 special attractions.
10. Learn the fascinating healing properties of Manitou Springs where the Ute, Arapahoe, Cheyenne, and Kiowa nations found relief for physical ailments.
11. Visit over 100 fine galleries and specialty shops, restaurants and boutiques in buildings from the 1900 era in historic Old Colorado City.
12. Reserve a “hilarious” evening at the Iron Springs Melodrama Dinner Theater.
13. Stroll through outstanding exhibits at the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Space Exploration at the John May Museum Center.
14. Investigate the authentic Anasazi cliff dwellings built more than 700 years ago.
15. Ride the 1000-foot vertical gold mine shaft at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine.
16. Warm up at the Christmas Themed Family Amusement Park.
17. Journey to the summit of the famous Pikes Peak on the Cog Railway.
18. Giddy up to the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy.
19. Cross the Royal Gorge Bridge, one of the world’s most scary, and/or take the scenic train ride to the Royal Gorge.
20. At Seven Falls in South Cheyenne Canyon, climb 224 steps to a system of trails leading fabulous views from Midnight Falls and Inspiration Point.
21. Tour the Western Museum of Mining and Industry and its operable steam engines.

Contact Ann Heiring of Colorado Springs REMAX at (719) 440-1010 or Toll Free at (800) 246-8978 to learn how our acclaimed city can work hand-in-glove to help you achieve your lifetime goals.   In appreciation for those who serve our nation, Ann offers rebates for active and retired military.

Monument CO homes for sale

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The Colorado Springs homebuilding business is booming near Fort Carson.  New neighborhoods in the southern part of the Colorado Springs Colorado real estate market, such as Larson Ranch, Creek Terrace, and Forest Meadows, are offering a great bang for the buck thanks to Jared St. Aubyn.

In 2009 when new home starts were very low, the little-known builder leapt into the Colorado Springs homebuilding arena on a hunch that good times were coming back to the new-home market in Colorado Springs.

St. Aubyn had carefully watched the Colorado Springs real estate market for years.  In 2003, the big national companies squeezed out small builders and he waited until they left town.Amanda Miller’s article in the Colorado Springs Business Journal (03/30/2012) describes an increasing number of new home starts and how St. Aubyn “wins on bold bet.”

While raising many eyebrows, the builder expressed his desire to build and sell 50 houses in his first year of business.At the time, real estate prices appeared to be on a continuing downward trajectory.  New home sales were about zero.

Naysayers could not hold St. Aubyn back, though.  His new production company built 166 single-family homes during 2010, followed by 152 in 2011.  They have permits for 42 starts in the first quarter of 2012.  Each home averages 45 days to construct.  The homes range from 1200 to 2800 square feet.  Prices begin at $190, 000 in the southern Colorado Springs neighborhoods and $150,000 in Sierra Springs, which is off Academy Boulevard.

The company caters to the military family buyer.  As he offers signature homes of great value and good prices to a niche market of first-time buyers and some upscale homes in Flying Horse, Jared St. Aubyn is fulfilling his lifetime vision of running his own company.

Following the revitalizing real estate market and growth in Colorado Springs, St. Aubyn has recently been purchasing home sites in eastern and southern parts of the city.  The entrepreneur started with three full-time employees.  Today he employs 10 and expects to double that within two years.  He is watching the trends and fulfilling the need of the hour.

To find out how our acclaimed city can work hand in glove to help you achieve your lifetime goals, contact Ann Heiring of REMAX Colorado Springs at (719) 440-1010 or Toll Free at (800) 246-8978.  Ann offers special rebates for active and retired military in appreciation for those who serve our nation.

Forest Meadow homes for sale

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The high-end Colorado Springs home market is slowly waking up, along with a new cadre of buyers expecting to lock in low interest rates and prices while they last.  Business Journals ran recent articles about an uptick in Colorado luxury home sales in Denver along with news of a national trend toward more second-home buying in resort areas.  Our Colorado Springs Colorado real estate market is poised to benefit from both pieces of news.

Our picturesque, award-winning “Big City” is nestled at the base of Pikes Peak and the Front Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Colorado Springs homes are located in a Mecca for resorts and healing waters.  Mineral water sin Manitou Springs have beckoned the infirm for centuries and the historic Broadmoor Hotel Resort has endeared hearts to the area since the early 1900s.

Vacation home buyers and those looking for Colorado Springs second homes ask about properties in Manitou Springs, Woodland Park, Monument, Palmer, Green Mountain, Tri-Lakes, and Black Forest real estate in the State of Colorado, there are approximately 1850 listings at $800,000+.  In the last six months, about 450 have sold.

Metropolitan Denver’s luxury home market improved in February 2012 in spite of 42% lower inventory in the Mile High City this year.  Boulder and Cherry Hills Village also reported good sales.  According to the National Association of Realtors chief economist Lawrence Yun, several national factors, including increased employment and stabilizing stock market, are bringing buyers out to look and purchase homes.

Baby boomers are making retirement decisions.  As increasing numbers of retirees seek homes in scenic areas, the Front Range communities of Colorado Springs and Denver, smaller foothill suburbs, and mountain towns near ski resorts become part of their real estate searches.  Young professionals are another vibrant segment of the population seeking second homes, as are buyers who are inheriting their parents’ wealth.

Historic low interest rates are driving some of the sales but many are cash transactions.  One of the boom markets today is driven by exceptionally low prices in Florida and similar areas where high numbers of foreclosures have driven down prices.  Fortunately, Colorado Springs did not experience drastic losses and steep price declines.  Our community retains a stabilized economic base and healthy neighborhoods.

Contact Ann Heiring of Colorado Springs REMAX at (719) 440-1010 or Toll Free at (800) 246-8978 to learn how our acclaimed city can work hand-in-glove to help you achieve your lifetime goals.   In appreciation for those who serve our nation, Ann offers rebates for active and retired military.

Black Forest Homes for Sale

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On March 17, 2012, the Colorado Springs Gazette Newspaper reported that the local REMAX Advantage real estate company recently held its 2011 Awards Breakfast Celebration at the Marriott Hotel.  REMAX Advantage Broker/Owner Bruce Betts and REMAX Mountain States Region Vice President/Regional Director Elena Dean congratulated the 82 real estate agents with REMAX Advantage for setting a sales record.

The Colorado Springs REMAX real estate company closed over $250 million in sales volume during 2011.  Twice before, the company had been awarded for closing over $200 million in one year.  Contributing to the victory, Colorado Springs real estate agent Ann Heiring was honored as one of the top three individual brokers in total volume.  Ann is a member of the REMAX Colorado Springs coveted Platinum Club within the REMAX Mountain States Region.

Numerous Brokers and teams within REMAX Advantage also received awards, including the Advantage Spirit Award, awards for business improvement, total transactions, entrance into the REMAX Hall of Fame, and top teams within the REMAX Mountain States Region.

Bruce Betts acknowledged the staff, Brokers, realtors in the broader community, and “our clients for allowing us to serve them.”

REMAX real estate agents gain a vast repertory of skills and resources through affiliation with the top-notch REMAX brand.  The international company promotes the REMAX brand through television, radio, print, signage, and online and distributes leads to its affiliates on a daily basis.  In addition, real estate agents affiliated with REMAX gain access to the latest technology tools.  Agents utilize an Internet site at remax.net to gain information and knowledge, services and resources to help serve buyers and sellers throughout the nation and in many other countries.

A growing network of franchise real estate offices, REMAX offices are independently owned and operated.  Broker/Owners provide high-quality offices and leadership for a host of independent agents.

Entrepreneur Magazine consistently ranks REMAX as a top company in the real estate industry and a best franchise. The J.D. Power &Associates 2011 Home Buyer/Seller Study SM recognizes REMAX agents as providing the “Highest Overall Consumer Satisfaction for Home Sellers among National Full-Service Real Estate Firms.”

To take advantage of the excellent service offered to buyers and sellers, contact Ann Heiring of REMAX Advantage at (719) 440-1010 or Toll Free at (800) 246-8978 to learn how our acclaimed city can work hand-in-glove to help you achieve your lifetime goals.   In appreciation for those who serve our nation, Ann offers rebates for active and retired military.

Colorado Springs CO townhouses for sale

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How many homebuyers search for Colorado Springs real estate and employment to be near the great fishing holes near the Central Colorado Rocky Mountain Range?  Rivers, streams, reservoirs, lakes—people who fish ask about these distinguishing water highlights of the geography around Colorado Springs Colorado homes for sale.

Fishers of all ages are able to participate, given the variety of options. At Woodland Park, west of the Colorado Springs CO homes near the United States Air Force Academy, fishers enjoy Ramparts Reservoir. The 500-acre reservoir is also a great place for picnicking and hiking in the pine trees. Kayaks and canoes glide along the reflective waters, expecting to hook trout varieties.  Shore casting is common on the quiet, non-motorized lake.

Motorized boats are allowed at the much larger reservoir at Eleven Mile State Park.  Claiming 3400 acres 40 miles west of Colorado Springs CO real estate, the lake contains larger fish such as kokanee salmon, various trout, carp, and pike, an odd sort that readily lurch for marshmallow bait.

Families with young children drive out to the man-made pond at Green Mountain Falls, generally northwest of homes in Colorado Springs. There’s also great fishing out Pikes Peak Highway at the non-motorized lake at North Slope Recreation Area. Crystal Lake is easy to access for brook trout, Mackinac, and cutthroats.

Fly fishers ordinarily go west about an hour for the mountain scenery and gold medal waters of the South Platte River or to Eleven Mile Canyon and Spinney Mountain Reservoir. Spinners also work in Colorado, too.

The list goes on. New and established residents head out to fish the Arkansas River at Buena Vista, Granite, or Pablo. There are the Blue Mesa, Cheeseman, Dillon, John Martin, Platoro, Skaguay, Taylor, and Tarryall reservoirs and many more lakes:  Manages Lake, Mirror Lake, Monument Lake, Palmer Lake, Prospect Lake, Quayle Lake, Turquoise Lake, and Twin Lakes.  Rivers include the Conejos, Gunnison, and Poudre. Central Colorado is a great place to catch ‘em!

And between December and February, about a third of the fishermen can’t resist ice-fishing. State parks are great places to try this pastime. Anglers reel in healthy trout, crappie, kokanee salmon, lake trout, walleye, and yellow perch.

Contact Ann Heiring of Colorado Springs REMAX at (719) 440-1010 or Toll Free at (800) 246-8978 to learn how our acclaimed city can work hand-in-glove to help you achieve your lifetime goals.   In appreciation for those who serve our nation, Ann offers rebates for active and retired military.

Woodland Park homes for sale

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