Colorado Springs Real Estate Blog

Today we pass along insights from professional organizers to help residents of Colorado Springs homes to refresh their environments and their lives.  January is “National Get Organized Month.”  In addition to promoting good looks, de-cluttering your Colorado Springs Colorado home may also refresh your personal life.

There are psychological side effects to allowing clutter to block the flow of energy, especially when homebuyers work so hard to purchase beautiful Colorado Springs CO home in favorite neighborhoods.  Addressing the problem, Feng Shui writer Stephanie Roberts published “Clutter-Free Forever!” and the convenient eBook, “Clutter Clearing from the Inside Out.”

Whether clutter lies in the kitchen, the living and dining room, the hallway, bathroom, and bathroom, or possibly closets, basements, attics, or garages – clutter is an obstacle to be reckoned with.  Roberts says that cleaning up the kitchen “opens up space for you to receive the support and comfort that you need in life.”

Clutter in the living areas blocks social activities; in the hallways, it signifies the blocking of important connections in life.  Cleaning up and organizing the bathroom areas indicates self-worth, not just for the physical body.  Chaos in the bedroom is stressful in a space that ideally is set aside for the “renewal of self and relationships.”Cluttered storage areas likewise indicate blockages, although this time it indicates hidden subconscious momentums.  And the all-too-common cluttered garages block mobility and independence.

Let us tackle the clutter and get organized.  The first step to getting organized is to set aside short periods of time throughout the week to tackle each problem area.  This might be 30 min. every other day.  Brette Sember’s book, “The Organized Kitchen,” suggests starting by giving each room a purpose.  If the purpose of the kitchen is nourishment, only the items useful for nourishing the family remain in the kitchen.

One of the directors at the National Association of Professional Organizers recommends that we make quick decisions as to what to keep, what to throw away, and what to donate.  All of the junk goes.  Everything not used in the last 12 months is on the Get Rid Of list.  “If you have to agonize over whether to keep or get rid of something, get rid of it,” says Allison Flinn.  On an ongoing basis, label a box or bin “Donate” and keep it handy.

Some people take dynamic action.  They actually remove everything from the purposed area, emptying drawers and cupboards, too.  Then, they create organizational bins or boxes, jars or holders inside of the catch-all areas.  They may organize in an old Taboret or art cabinet or other useful piece of storage furniture to fix up.  Then,very intentionally, they bring back into the area only the necessary items.

The effect is indeed dramatic – and, oh, so refreshing.

For information about buying a home in Colorado Springs, contact award-winning REMAX Colorado Springs 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 Preserve at Walden is “An Exclusive Colorado Custom Home Community” located in the rolling meadows of northern Colorado Springs.  The Preserve at Walden features new Colorado Springs CO homes in a rural environment with captivating mountain vistas of the Front Range and Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Gorgeous Colorado Springs real estate in the Preserve at Walden affords residents a mile and a half of open space with private hiking trails and fishing ponds and all of the natural beauty of Black Forest real estate.  The community features only 82 home sites.

The upscale Colorado Springs homes for sale in the Preserve at Walden range from $500,000-$2 million.  The north Colorado Springs land lots ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 acres of mostly Meadow land Ponderosa pine are priced in the $100,000-$300,000 range.

Walden Preserve is approximately 7 miles southeast of Interstate 25 and Monument.  Monument is a historic town in the Tri-Lakes area.  Palmer Lake is further west and the United States Air Force Academy to the south.  The area offers excellent recreational opportunities.

Additionally, Monument features unique shops and restaurants and a small town culture with many community events.  Residents of the Preserve at Walden gets into the community spirit by sponsoring the Colorado Pumpkin Patch with live outdoor music during the pumpkin harvest.

Reputable custom builders and architects in Walden Preserve assist buyers to select authentic Colorado designs that blend into the terrain.  Home placement and landscaping exalts the serenity of the pristine environment.  Builders include Copperleaf Homes, Genesis Custom Homes, Tara Custom Homes, Tuscany Homes of Colorado, Hacienda Construction, Morgan Brothers, and Rampart Construction.

Residents are able to join the private golf-course community at The Club at Flying Horse.  Club privileges include golf, aquatics, spa, casual and formal dining, fitness, tennis, gymnasium, wine tower, and meeting facilities.

The community is served by the Lewis-Palmer School District 38, which operates an elementary school on the edge of the subdivision.  Easily accessible to both Colorado Springs and Denver, the community is located up Highway 83 N, east on Hodgen Road, north on Timber Meadow, and east on Pond View Place.

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.

Available Properties at The Preserve at Walden

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The Colorado Springs Business Journal recently addressed the development of Colorado Springs Colorado real estate at its urban core.  Writer Amanda Miller shared research about urban projects, interviewed developers with downtown plans, and talked to city commissioners about the challenges and solutions to developing thriving live/work/play real estate in downtown Colorado Springs.

The question:  Is the desire strong enough to overcome the challenges to a vibrant, artsy urban core?  In essence, the downtown area today lacks Colorado Springs homes.  Without nearby places to live, how does the urban chemistry support the revitalization of downtown Colorado Springs Colorado real estate – including business, retail, and entertainment sectors?

A downtown solutions team has juices flowing with ideas that encompass retail, office, residential, arts and culture, and hotel development.  Over the past decade, several groups have discussed the rejuvenation of downtown.  Most of those big ideas shrank into the background as the economy slowed.  But some are alive and well.

Obstacles to downtown development

As with many downtown areas, suburban growth has moved away from downtown.  The Journal articles elucidate several problems in recapturing the city core in the current downtown.  For example, parking is a problem today as is the use of Acacia Park as a backyard for the homeless.Colorado Springs needs pedestrian connectors and/or transportation between the arts sectors, universities, the parks, and main attractions.

Along more structural lines, historical downtown Colorado Springs excluded industrial buildings and warehouses.  In contrast, other cities with contemporary urban cores such as Denver and Chattanooga began the urban trend by rebuilding existing warehouses.  However, Colorado Springs lacks those old buildings.  Our founder marketed the city as a healing resort and the Broadmoor Hotel & Resort is ensconced near downtown.  Industrial areas are further away.

Presently, a number of existing buildings that could be redeveloped are only one or two stories tall — versus the 4-10 stories prominent in other cities.  In urban core development, those upper stories serve as homes.

Many projects are on hold.Miller spoke of a project by Steve Engel who has drawings for 12 acres of live/work/play real estate in the area known as City Gates near Cimarron and Sierra Madre streets.  An architectural rendition of the Bijou Lofts across the street from Acacia Park will remain in the drawing stage until the economy improves, according to its developer Daniel Robertson.  Pike Peaks Place is a high-rise idea for the quarter of Nevada and Pikes Peak avenues.More hover around the corner.

Essentially, developing a vibrant urban core in Colorado Springs will take a lot of hard work and money – and a desire greater than the challenges.

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 proposed 60-acre mixed-use Colorado Springs CO real estate development planned for the west gate of Peterson Air Force Base will offer state-of-the-art amenities.  According to the Peterson Air Force Base Facilities Excellence Plan, the Colorado Springs real estate integrates sustainable features in a vibrant, pedestrian friendly “downtown” area of Peterson Air Force Base. It will simply be called the Westgate District or Westgate.

The new Colorado Springs property is ideally located in the Peterson Triangle District at the intersection of Powers Boulevard and Airport Road.  The development includes 450 handsomely designed apartment units, office space for military, retail, and restaurants – with a central pedestrian area as the focal point.

Model apartments and furnished short-term executive rentals will be adjacent to the Colorado Springs rental properties.  Visitor Quarters will be located on upper floors and, generally, non-housing uses will be on lower floors.  Moreover, careful design for the first and second stories encourages pedestrian active duty.

Two secure military office buildings will also allow some civilian access.  Peterson Air Force Base, the Air Force Base Command, and the Department of the Air Force will be able to take advantage of the “pace-setting, self-reliant, and self-sustaining district” in unique ways.  It includes design for highly integrated force protection and anti-terrorism measures.  The sizes of the military buildings are 57,000 square feet and 44,000 square feet.

Westgate’s facilities will be connected through a renewable-energy infrastructure.  For example, greywater byproducts will be reclaimed, recovered, and redistributed.  Domestic heating systems will be supplemented with energy captured from recovery systems.

According to the plan, design encourages “Air Force policy to conserve energy and water and to promote renewable energy use.”  In addition, the plan optimizes functionality and strives to achieve LEED® standards.

In addition, the land use and development in the Triangle District will utilize plant materials from the high plains such as open space with native grasses.  Landscape plans will respect water conservation principles.  Underground parking allows for more natural surface area.  Building design incorporates shade for the plants as well as people.

Colorado Springs Business Journal on October 19, 2011 reported that the Colorado Springs Land Use Review division is working with the developer.  The intersection, especially Fountain Creek which runs through the property, will need re-engineering to accommodate the Westgate development.

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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For decades, residents of Colorado Springs homes enjoyed nearby ski areas at the Broadmoor Resort, Glen Clove and Pikes Peak ski jumps.  After realizing that Colorado Springs area real estate receives significantly less snow overall than does the Rocky Mountain high country, alpine skiers willingly drive a while for more powder.  Colorado Springs neighborhoods are still close to cross-country ski areas and, of course, snowshoeing trails.

West of Colorado Springs CO real estate is Monarch Mountain.  Southwest is the Wolf Creek Ski Area.  North are Winter Park and Echo Mountain.  Into the Rocky Mountains along Interstate 70 are the Summit County resorts:  Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Loveland.

Monarch Mountain is located approximately 2 hours West of Colorado Springs in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.  Monarch features 800 acres of ski terrain reaching 12,000-foot elevations in addition to 1,000 acres of back bowls and steep chutes.

Boasting the deepest snow in Colorado (465 inches per year), Wolf Creek is four hours from downtown Colorado Springs.  Most skiers opt to spend more than one day away when they drive to Wolf Creek.

Echo Mountain is a small, less-expensive ski area 35 miles west of Denver.  It may be an option for those who have business in Denver.  Winter Park, owned by the City of Denver, is an affordable family destination and resort town about 50 minutes northwest of Denver.  Winter Park features 3,000 skiable acres and 25 chairlifts to accommodate skiers and riders of every level.

The no-frills Loveland ski area is on the east slope of the Rocky Mountains about 90 miles from Colorado Springs.  It reaches the peak of over 13,000 feet with a vertical drop of 2,410 feet.  Because it receives lots of snow, Loveland is usually still open in May.

Arapahoe Basin is a short 87 miles from The Springs.  A-Basin a basin is not a resort rather it is frequented by the locals.  The mountain is over 13,000 feet tall and features over 100 trails and seven chairlifts.

The largest mountain in Summit County Colorado is at Keystone Resort.  Keystone features 3,148 acres of terrain accessible via two dozen lifts from the River Run and Lakeside villages.  Known for its excellent restaurants, night skiing, terrain parks, and outdoor ice-skating, Keystone is just 92 miles from Colorado Springs.

Breckenridge the resort is a world-class ski and snowboard experienced.  The resort is cherished for its authentic village atmosphere and excellent amenities.  Past Breckenridge is Copper Mountain Ski Area, the Vail Resort, Beaver Creek Resort and Bachelor Gulch, with Aspen Ski Resort further south.

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.

Select Pikes Peak Area Real Estate

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As El Paso County Colorado’s population grew during the past decade—especially movement of Colorado Springs real estate sales from the central part of the city to the northeastern communities—it surpassed the population of Denver County.  The population of El Paso County Colorado homes increased 20.38% between the 2000 census and the 2010 census.

The number of residents in the City of Colorado Springs homes from the year 2000 to 2010 increased 15.39%.  Maria St. Louis-Sanchez Gazette.com 02/23/11 explained that Colorado Springs population patterns in the Pikes Peak region continue pushing into the northeast Colorado Springs real estate area and past the City Limits into El Paso County.

The article speaks of tremendous growth northeast of Powers and Stetson Hills boulevards where the population has increased 2,400% between the two census counts.Other parts of the El Paso County have also experienced rapid growth.  Population in the City of Fountain Colorado homes increased 70.07% and the population In Monument Colorado real estate increased 180.57%.

In Colorado Springs itself, the population has shifted somewhat from homes in south Colorado Springs and the South Academy Boulevard and Stratton Meadows areas.  Other shrinking neighborhoods are located west of Memorial Park and east of Downtown Colorado Springs.The older neighborhoods are comprised of historic homes, some that have been restored and others that are not properly maintained.  Although buyers are charmed by the unique real estate in the older areas, the homes and lots are smaller than those offered in newer country subdivisions.

Nonetheless, homebuyers who choose the outlying areas contend with longer commute times.  In addition,they live farther from downtown conveniences and amenities – a tradeoff readily accepted by a growing number of people.

The 2010 census spoke to the changes happening around the State of Colorado.  Reports tell the story of an older and more diverse population.  Much of the growth in Colorado occurred along the Front Range and the Interstate 70 corridor.

In El Paso County, the 2000 Census counted 516,929 residents and 2010 Census figures reaches 622,263.  Denver County was home to 554,636 in 2000 and 600,158 in 2010.  Douglas County in the Denver metropolitan area was the fastest-growing county in the state with population growth at 62.4% (175,766 to 285,465).

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.

Stratton Meadows area Homes for sale

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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.

Barnstormer Landing homes for Sale

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