Colorado Springs Real Estate Blog

Located near Downtown Colorado Springs Colorado homes, the United States Olympic Complex (USOC) serves as the headquarters for the US Olympic Committee administration and the Olympic Training Center programs.  Aspiring Olympic families from states throughout the nation relocate to Colorado Springs CO real estate to be near USOC.

Athletes move to Colorado Springs homes to train for a variety of sports.  12 USOC member organizations have national headquarters at the complex and a dozen other member organizations and to international sports federations are located nearby in Colorado Springs real estate.

Among the sports represented are triathlon, fencing, gymnastics, wrestling, shooting, weightlifting, swimming, judo, track and field and many more disciplines.  Winter events range from the biathlon and bobsled to figure skating, ice hockey, curling, luge, speed skating, and the snowboard events.

During the summertime special events include archery, boxing, canoe, kayak, cycling, diving, fencing, team handball, judo, pentathlon, roller sports, and rowing.  Other events include shooting, synchronized swimming, tae kwon do, track and field, triathlon, volleyball, and waterskiing.

In 1978 the city of Colorado Springs and the residents generously supported the moving of the headquarters of USOC from New York City to Colorado Springs.  Before 1978, the Olympic complex was the home of ENT Air Force Base and the headquarters of the North American Defense command.  About 15 years ago the USOC opened a new $23.8 million state-of-the-art sports medicine and sports science Center, athlete’s center, and residence halls.  The facility has the capacity to serve 557 coaches and athletes at one time.

The mission of USOC involves training, entering, and underwriting the full expenses for US teams in the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan-American, and Para Pan American games.  The Olympic Committee overseas the process of selecting candidate cities and trial cities to host the Olympic and Paralympic games in the winter and summer and the Pan-American games.

The community encourages several Olympic development programs that positively impact performance.  Finding Leaders Among Minorities Everywhere(FLAME), for example encourages minority participation.  The Team for Tomorrow funds US athletes in need.  Olympism aims to create a way of life based on effort, good example, and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.  The spirit of Olympism is a movement blending sports with culture with the goal of creating friendship, solidarity, and fair play.

Results of training at the US Olympic Complex are apparent when the world’s athletes gather at the Olympic Games.

For information about buying a home in Colorado Springs, contact award-winning REMAX real estate agent Ann Heiring at (719) 440-1010 or Toll Free at (800) 246-8978.  In appreciation for those who serve our nation, Ann offers special rebates for active and retired military.

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The offices of Colorado Springs Realtors at RE/MAX Advantage, Inc. strive to assist military families to relocate to Colorado Springs CO homes near several military installations. Fort Carson, Pedersen Air Force Base, Shriever Air Force Base, and NORAD are located in the south and southeast portions of Colorado Springs real estate.  The United States Air Force Academy is on the northwest edge.

Ann Heiring, a Peak Performing real estate agent with RE/MAX Advantage, strives to help military families achieve real estate goals. As one client explains, “Ann provides a military rebate that is second to none.  Her sense of patriotism and appreciation for the service of those serving in the military sets her heads and shoulders above her peers in the Colorado Springs real estate business.”  [See Colorado Springs Military Rebate Program.]

RE/MAX International has a track record for helping the military.  Military Spouse Magazine in the October 2011 issue honored RE/MAX International Inc. for the fifth consecutive year.  The RE/MAX International real estate company partners with the Department of Defense for Operation RE/MAX.  The program helps spouses and former military personnel to find employment in the real estate industry.  RE/MAX brokers also volunteer to coach, train, and mentor military personnel.

Several publications rank RE/MAX as one of the top real estate companies in the world.  Founded in 1973 in Denver Colorado, RE/MAX International Inc. now consists of a network of over 100,000 real estate agents connected to 7,000 franchise offices in 82 countries.  Owners Dave and Gail Liniger founded RE/MAX four decades ago.

RE/MAX International oversees and licenses each real estate sales office, offering training and advertising—including the flight of the RE/MAX hot air balloon and company logo.  In the proprietary J.D. Powers and Associates 2011 Home Study, RE/MAX scored the highest among full-service real estate firms for home sellers and home buyers.

In a Press Release October 27, 2011, Vice Chairman Gail Liniger speaks of the high ranking by Military Spouse Magazine.  “We’ve always supported members of the military and their families.  It’s part of our effort to give back to the communities where we do business.  Liniger is impressed with the work ethic of military spouses.

Military Spouse looked at 5,000 large companies.  Others ranking in the top 20 include USAA, T-Mobile, Verizon, Kelly Services, Sears, TriWest, and Adecco.

Over 700 individual RE/MAX offices are involved in Operation RE/MAX.  In 2007, the Exceptional Public Service Award from the Office of the Secretary of Defense was bestowed on RE/MAX International for their efforts to support military families.

For information about buying a home in Colorado Springs, contact award-winning REMAX real estate agent Ann Heiring at (719) 440-1010 or Toll Free at (800) 246-8978.  In appreciation for those who serve our nation, Ann offers special rebates for active and retired military.

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Barnstormer’s Landing offers good-sized Colorado Springs home sites, and 21 great floor plans.  The master-planned community lies in an excellent location on the south edge of Colorado Springs.  Colorado Springs homes in Barnstormer’s Landing are positioned on 89 acres in the country between Colorado Springs and Security/Widefield.

Barnstormer’s Landing Colorado Springs real estate is convenient to South Academy Boulevard and Powers Boulevard, within an arm’s reach of shopping and services, recreation, the Colorado Springs Airport, and military bases, including Fort Carson, Peterson and Shriever Air Force bases, and NORAD.

Colorado Springs real estate listings in Barnstormer’s Landing offer spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains from the foot of Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain.  Listings in Barnstormer’s Landing range from 2613 to 5055 square feet with prices ranging from 4214,000 to $314,000.

Nestled against the Front Range, Black Forest, Garden of the Gods, and Pikes, Colorado Springs is home to approximately 360,000 active citizens who enjoy beauty and the great outdoors.  The historic city offers a charming Old Town, many community events, diverse employment, and a moderate cost of living.

Of course, Barnstormer’s Landing is popular for military families.  The community takes its name from the Barnstormers of the 1920s.  The stunt pilots and aerialists performed daring feats in airplanes.  Today’s Barnstormer’s Landing captures excitement through other avenues.

Barnstormer’s Landing features two filings totaling 254 lots.  Phase one consists of 122 lots in the southern half of the community.  Home sites range up to a half acre with the average size of 9100 square feet.  A large community park, two smaller parks, and a homeowners association are added bonuses.

Many resources are near the community.  The new multi-diamond ball field, a large YMCA, a large community park, Fountain Creek Regional Park, Widefield Community Center, Pikes Peak Library and many more amenities are near Barnstormer’s Landing.

Nearby are the Cheyenne Mountain Conference Resort and Convention Center, golf courses including Apple Tree Golf Course, Broadmoor Country Club and Country Club of Colorado memberships, Alpine and Nordic skiing in the mountains, water skiing in the reservoir, and gaming at Black Hawk.  Events at World Arena and Pikes Peak International Raceway also catch people for special outings.

Families are served by the Widefield School district 3 at French Elementary School, Sproul Junior High School and Widefield High School.  The school district also operates year-round community youth facilities.

From Interstate 25, take Exit 135 at South Academy Boulevard and go east.  Exit on Milton E. Proby Parkway.  Turn right on Charro Drive and right on Lucky Lindy Drive.

For information about buying a home in Colorado Springs, contact award-winning REMAX real estate agent Ann Heiring at (719) 440-1010 or Toll Free at (800) 246-8978.  In appreciation for those who serve our nation, Ann offers special rebates for active and retired military.

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Low interest rates catalyzed a 20 percent jump in Colorado Springs home sales during October 2011.  Buyers of Colorado Springs real estate may be more influenced by low interest rates but some could be seeking out one of the Best Big cities in the United States.  Publications from Money to Outsider to Forbes and Men’s Fitness have highlighted the attributes of the beautiful Front Range city.  Many are confident that the Colorado Springs real estate market will be leading the nation’s recovery.

Other interesting Colorado Springs housing facts that back that up:  October foreclosures fell to a 42-month low and auction sales were down 28 percent year over year.  Foreclosure information from a November 16, 2011 article from Associated Press published in the Colorado Springs Business Journal claim that new foreclosure filings also fell, from 3,000 to 2,350 year over year.

In the long run, Colorado Springs property values have held up pretty well compared with other metropolitan regions.  This is why an article by AP on October 25, 2011 on csbj.com claims that the new federal Home Affordable Refinance Program will not help many distressed Colorado Springs homeowners.  Not many Colorado homes are 125 percent underwater, criteria for acceptance into the program.  However, the Denver Post says that 21 percent of Colorado mortgages are now worth less than the amount still owed on them.

A glimpse at the nation’s real estate picture according to a third-quarter housing survey at househunt.com shows activity up.  Again, low mortgage rates are tribute for sales but also consumer confidence is a factor.  Buyers are hoping to pounce before prices start going up.  Sales prices are not budging up except in a few areas and for more expensive homes.

Twice as many areas saw falling prices than rising prices.  In addition, many areas, including Colorado Springs, are reporting lower inventories.  That stat could be short lived if banks release more shadow inventory of REO properties.  Another factor in play is the appraisers and sellers are more willing to price homes for today’s market instead of by old calculations or hopes.  A good number of today’s buyers are investors causing multiple offers.  Houses are selling about 10 percent faster than last season.

Back to The Springs…home prices are zero to 5percent lower than in 2010 with the $150,000 to $190,000 price range selling the quickest with the most offers.  The $450,000 to $499,000 bracket is most difficult to sell.  Buyers are getting 95-100 percent of their asking prices but a good quarter of the sales are foreclosures and short sales.

Neighborhoods with most sales lately include Pine Creek, Flying Horse, Briargate, Cathedral Pines, High Forest Ranch, Monument, and any neighborhood in the Academy School District 20.

For information about buying a home in Colorado Springs, contact award-winning REMAX real estate agent Ann Heiring at (719) 440-1010 or Toll Free at (800) 246-8978.  In appreciation for those who serve our nation, Ann offers special rebates for active and retired military.

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Don’t count out the possibilities of selling your Colorado Springs home during the winter months.  Traditionally, there are fewer Colorado Springs homebuyers when it is cold outside.  However, with fewer Colorado Springs real estate listings to choose from, your home may have a good chance of selling.

That said, your Colorado Springs real estate for sale needs to be warm and inviting when the seemingly random buyer wants to look at it.  Remember, snowy weather or not, life’s events send buyers out for Colorado Springs homes at unexpected times.  Maybe they land new jobs or get transferred, inheritance money comes through, or people marry or divorce.  And there is the perception that real estate prices are lower during off season.

AP Personal Finance Writer Dave Carpenter of Chicago highly recommends thoughtful staging of the property for sale.  Carpenter offers five tips for all winter home sellers:  1) Remember the Basics, 2) Think Warm and Cozy, 3) Neatly Shoveled Paths Make a Difference, 4) Good Lighting is Essential, and 5) Tasteful Holiday Decorations Can Help.  We wholeheartedly agree and will share Carpenter’s ideas here.

Under the Basics, take care of necessary maintenance and repairs, thoroughly clean the home, and cart away the clutter.  This includes the outside of the home.  The other essential element is pricing.  Price tags need to capture the attention of buyers.  A reputable real estate agent can help research prices in your neighborhood.  When the price is right, a home will sell during any time of the year.

Employ any staging techniques that make the house look big, bright, warm, and appealing.  These features are especially important during the winter when the days are short and it’s freezing outside.  Staging may involve painting, moving furniture, and getting help from a designer.  Build a fire and turn up the thermostat to cozy up the place when buyers come.  Advertise the home including some summertime photos in the ads and placed in the home.

Be sure that the sidewalks, walkways, and driveways are clear of ice and snow, not just when you are expecting guests but any time a potential buyer will be driving by.  If the home looks abandoned, then buyers may shun the cold impression and keep on driving.

Carpenter says to “Fight the gloom” of winter by turning on all of the lights for visitors.  Arrange showings during the brightest time of the day and open the blinds and drapes to allow natural light inside.  Keep it well-lit outside during the night and inside while you are away.  On the same note, inside and outside holiday decorations such as a big red bow on the sign, some greenery, and twinkling lights make the home inviting.

For information about buying a home in Colorado Springs, contact award-winning REMAX real estate agent Ann Heiring at (719) 440-1010 or Toll Free at (800) 246-8978.  In appreciation for those who serve our nation, Ann offers special rebates for active and retired military.

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Veterans and military from Colorado Spring homes and military bases do not go unnoticed on Veterans Day or throughout the coming weeks.  Bright and early morning, November 5, 2011, streets of Downtown Colorado Springs real estate closed for the 2011 Veterans Day Parade.

In addition to last Saturday’s parade, veterans and military families from Fort Carson and Shriever and Peterson Air Force bases to the Air Force Academy and NORAD are invited to join in many free and discounted activities offered throughout The Springs.[Click here to learn more about Colorado Springs CO real estate listings near Fort Carson, Shriever, Peterson, and the Air Force Academy.]

Led by the band from Fort Carson’s 4th Infantry Division, 14 marching bands, over a dozen floats, military vehicles, and motorcycles cruised down Teton Street for the biggest Veterans Parade ever held in Colorado Springs.  Twenty- to thirty-thousand patriotic residents and visitors to homes in Colorado Springs participated in the heart-warming event.

The theme this year was “Pearl Harbor, 70 Years in Remembrance.”  All eight of the parade Grand Marshalls survived Pearl Harbor.  Veterans from all of southern Colorado were cheered on as they participated in the parade.  A C-130 transport plane from Peterson Air Force Base flew over for the dramatic ending.

Below are samples of the activities planned for Military Family Appreciation Week November 14-19:

Free golf at Cheyenne Shadows Golf Course and TRX Class at Garcia Physical Fitness Center, plus cut rates at all physical fitness center aerobic classes; giveaways from Grant Library.

Folks are offering free breakfast at Elkhorn Conference Center, cut-rate climbing classes at Outdoor Recreation, storytime at Grant Library, $1 dinner and movie at CYSS Patriot SAS Dinner, Army Community Service Marriage Workshop; free bowling at Thunder Alley Bowling Center.

Free Southwest CDC Family Feast, North CDC Family Feast, Lunch Buffet at Ivy Irish Pub; Patriot SAS Get Fit and Youth Center Get Fit Be Strong Jump programs, Family Fun Night at Youth Center, Cheyenne Mountain CDC breakfast.  Free Family Float Night at indoor pool and Turkey Trot at the Special Events Center.   Also, Derby Dames Roller Derby Bout, Foxhole bingo Family Bingo, and the lists go on.

There are also specials at some of the main attractions including Royal Gorge Railroad and Bridge, Colorado Springs Zoo, Denver Aquarium, World Arena and others.

Contact award-winning REMAX real estate agent Ann Heiring at (719) 440-1010 or Toll Free at (800) 246-8978 to learn how an experienced Colorado Springs Realtor® can help you achieve your lifetime goals.  In appreciation for those who serve our nation, Ann offers special rebates for active and retired military.

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Heads up to readers searching for homes in Colorado Springs:  It’s one thing to find the right Colorado Springs neighborhood and home.  It’s another to be approved for the home loan.  Banks and mortgage lenders continue to scrutinize the personal finances of applicants for Colorado Springs home loans.

Loan applicants are having similar difficulties refinancing their existing Colorado Springs homes at today’s low interest rates.We’ll explain a few of these types of hurdles so that potential buyers of real estate in El Paso County Colorado will not be discouraged as lenders continue to squeeze out documentation, forms, and historical evidence.  It’s probably better for buyers to come up with the information for the lender than to have their entire payment histories and habits bundled into a new score.

Applicants with excellent credit scores, long-term careers, and retirement portfolios are finding the loan process almost as tricky as those with an uneven history.  According to a September article in USA Today Newspaper, one couple with stable finances described the loan process for a vacation condo as ‘a nightmare.’  They ended up paying cash to end the saga.

Anyone new to the world of credit soon learns about FICO scores, a tool that sums up a person’s credit history into one number.  Fair, Isaac and Company started creating FICO scores in the 1950s to assist lenders.  In 1995, however, federal agencies such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA began encouraged their widespread use in the housing markets.

Unfortunately, during the current mortgage crisis, many applicants with high FICO scores defaulted on their loans, causing lenders to need better information to assess applicants’ ability to repay mortgages.

Enter a new scoring system to help lenders weed out bad risks.  In mid-October, the Fair Isaac Corporation announced its collaboration with CoreLogic.  The Chicago Tribune Newspaper reported that the two companies will produce a separate score that includes more personal information.

For example, the new score will wrap in information about whether the applicant takes out payday loans, has been evicted, or makes child support payments on time.  The new score will track statistics about utility, rent, and cell phone payments.  In addition, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, the largest credit reporting agencies, are now offering lenders estimates of consumer income.  One already includes data about rental payments in credit reports.

The new score is just one more factor being utilized to give lenders the best chances to make money and stay in business.  For perspective, know that banks are already hunkered down trying to comply with regulations in the new Dodd-Frank bill.  Essentially, they are strapped into low interest rates and greater risks that do not cover the costs of operating.  It is so serious that many lenders will probably close down altogether.

That said if the new score is positive, it may help people who do not have much credit history, mostly first-time buyers and the wealthy.  It could be a challenge for people with longer histories.

So be patient with the process and you’ll make it to your new home.  For information about buying a home in Colorado Springs, Ann Heiring at (719) 440-1010 or Toll Free at (800) 246-8978.  In appreciation for those who serve our nation, Ann offers special rebates for active and retired military.

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Lovely Colorado Springs Colorado homes in the Sunset Mesa neighborhood of the Powers Corridor feature outstanding views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range.  Powers extends north and south along the east side of Colorado Springs.  Sunset Mesa real estate is in the northern portion.  Nearby neighborhoods include Cimarron Hills and Black Forest CO real estate.

Sunset Mesa includes a variety of Colorado Springs real estate listings with approximately 2700 to 6000 square feet of gracious living area including four or five bedrooms.  The land lots in the Sunset Mesa neighborhood range from about a quarter acre to over a half acre in the rolling hills of northeastern part of the city.  A few were built as early as 1980 but the Sunset Mesa neighborhood filled in during the late 1990s and 2000s.

Prices today for Sunset Mesa homes in the Colorado Springs MLS generally fall in the $400,000 to $500,000 range.  One is about $300,000, another at $627,000 and a distinguished ridgeline estate for $1.5 million.

A drive along streets named Saddle Rock Road, Canvasback court, Chukar Trail, Widgeon Point, Parapet Court, Teakwood Terrace, or Paramount will allow homebuyers to experience the winding streets, variety of elevations, and quiet Sunset Mesa neighborhood.

Powers is a growing area of the city defined by Powers Boulevard and Marksheffel Road on its east and west sides.  Historically, the region comprised the agricultural community of Powers.  Today, Powers consists of family friendly neighborhoods, retail and medical facilities, parks and golf courses.

Powers Boulevard (State Highway 21) stretch north to south along the Powers Corridor, providing residents with easy access to military facilities, the Colorado Springs Airport, employment, and distinctive colleges and universities throughout the city.

Falcon School district 49 and Colorado Springs School District 11 serve the families in addition to options such as City Center of the Arts, and Cornerstone Baptist Academy.

Relocating to The Springs, one of America’s Best Big Cities, families discover excellent schools, diverse employment, strong communities, cultural attractions, sporting venues, a cornucopia of recreational options, as well as a reasonable cost of living and high-quality lifestyle.

For information about buying a home in Colorado Springs, contact award-winning REMAX real estate agent Ann Heiring at (719) 440-1010 or Toll Free at (800) 246-8978.  In appreciation for those who serve our nation, Ann offers special rebates for active and retired military.

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In today’s fast-paced world, it makes sense to consider buying a low-maintenance home in Colorado Springs.  Cumbre Vista offers two desirable new enclaves by Keller Homes, Haven at Cumbre Vista and Horizon at Cumbre Vista for high-quality, worry free living.  For three decades, Keller Homes, a Colorado Springs new home builder, has established a reputation for customer service.

Boasting an excellent location in north central Colorado Springs, these new homes are in the desirable Colorado Springs Academy School District 20.  They are close to the Shops at Briargate, First and Main Town Center, and PineCreek Golf Course.

Haven at Cumbre Vista

The Colorado Springs villas in Haven at Cumbre Vista are available in 6 ranch-style designs featuring all of the standard amenities, and much more.  Exuding beauty and charm, the beautifully landscaped enclave of Haven at Cumbre Vista features courtyards, patio decks, and outdoor fireplaces.

Distinctive characteristics in The Artisan series include recessed arches, carriage-house garage doors, Mediterranean-style tile roofs, generous lighting selections, smart storage, generous garages, and gracious floor plans.

The spacious homes offer options for 2, 4 and 5 bedrooms and 2770 to 3700 square feet.  Prices range from $287,250 to $318,250.

Horizon at Cumbre Vista

Ten ranch-style and 2-story floor plans are available in Horizon at Cumbre Vista.  These homes feature 4 and 5 bedrooms and 2796 to 3700 square feet.  Prices range from $261,250 to $305,150.

Both enclaves are chock full of features.  From high-efficiency gas fire places to dovetailed solid maple kitchen cabinets and stainless steel appliances to bright and airy finished basements, the handsome homes also have easy to maintain state-of-the-art hand-applied acrylic stucco exteriors.

Haven at Cumbre Vista and Horizon at Cumbre Vista are located east on Woodmen Road (I-25 Exit 149) past Powers.  To drive through the neighborhood, go North on Tutt, East on Cowpoke road, Right on Mount Ouray Drive, and Left on Cumbre Vista Way.

Contact award-winning REMAX Colorado Springs Realtor® Ann Heiring at (719) 440-1010 or Toll Free at (800) 246-8978 to find out about the full selection of easy to maintain villas, patio homes, duplex homes, townhomes and condominiums available in the Colorado Springs real estate market to fit your lifestyle.  In appreciation for those who serve our nation, Ann offers special rebates for active and retired military.

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