Tuesday, October 23, 2012

New Homes in Colorado Springs See Uptick


New Home construction in Colorado Springs is seeing an uptick. Already this year, building permits for new single-family homes have exceeded the previous 4 years. We believe that  low interest rates are much of what is driving this rebound in new home construction. In addition, builders had slowed construction because of the tough economy and now they are playing a bit of "catch-up".  Builders are working hard to attract Realtors and their clients to check-out their product. Knowledgeable Realtor representation is the best approach when entering into a contract, remember the builder's contracts protect the builder. You need a Realtor representing your best interest. Let the builder know that you have representation before you tour the model.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

58th Annual HBA Parade of Homes!




The Parade of Homes is here! This is a 17 day event, running from August 3-19. We are able to purchase discount tickets and it would be our pleasure to treat our clients to this event. Email, text or call to let know if you would like tickets.  The 24 homes will be open from 10am – 6pm daily.  Admission for adults over 65 and kids under 18 is free. Your ticket includes a navigational map. Your ticket will allow you to tour the Parade of Homes at your leisure during the 17 days. Several of the most exclusive communities are part of the tour featuring spectacular examples of the latest construction technology, sustainable living and interior design. http://www.coloradoparade.com/bf/co/cshba/mem/homes.jsp?pid=1061


Thursday, June 28, 2012

300+ homes lost in Colorado Springs

300+ homes lost in Colorado Springs fire. We're here to help. Our office is in the evacuated area, but our office phone is being redirected to 233-7653.

Photos: Before and after views of neighborhood burned by Waldo Canyon fire 






Read more: Photos: Before and after views of neighborhood burned by Waldo Canyon fire - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/wildfires/ci_20962928/photos-before-and-after-views-neighborhood-burned-by#ixzz1z7mR39t5
Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse
http://www.denverpost.com/wildfires/ci_20962928/photos-before-and-after-views-neighborhood-burned-by#most-popular

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Local New Home Construction

Home builders had one of their toughest years on record in 2011, so this year new home construction affordability should be at an all time high. An article in the Gazette on April 2nd confirmed “March was the strongest month for local homebuilding in almost four years…Last month’s total also represented a nearly 25 percent increase over the permit total during March of last year” To read the entire article, visit http://www.gazette.com/articles/building-136119-report-march.html. From Monument to the Broadmoor, new home builders are ready for your visit with beautiful new products.

But, before you visit a New model home and talk with a builder, read the



5 reasons to use a Realtor when buying New-Home Construction  

1. Our representation doesn't cost you. The builder pays the Realtor. It is a myth you will save money without a Realtor. The price of a new build is the same for you whether you have a Realtor as your advocate or if you go it alone.

2. In order to negotiate for you and make sure that your are getting the best value, you must let them know that you have a Realtor the first time you visit the model home, give them our name or our business card upon arriving. Builders will not let you involve a Realtor at a later date. We know how builders compare to their competition and what extras and upgrades to negotiate for your family.

3. New Home builders generally don't use state approved forms, builder contracts are prepared by the builder's attorneys and are written to protect the builder, therefore having a Realtor is an added benefit for your best interest.

4. Knowledgeable Realtor representation is best in the event of a question with the builder. We track dates and deadlines and know what are legitimate delays and what are just excuses. We take a hands-on approach and are with you every step.

5. The secure move is to have a Realtor working on your side. We have fine builders in Colorado Springs. We’ll go the extra mile for your family, let's get to work .     

It’s a good life, Chris and Mary


Tuesday, February 28, 2012

2012 already is showing signs we are turning a corner in the housing industry. Typically housing has long cycles and it can take years for the market to find the bottom and recover. Below we have summarized the latest local news regarding resident real estate. The following numbers are relevant to our local market and are stats that you will find interesting:

The Big 7 : January 2012 vs. January 2011  stats courtesy of Empire Title
1. Average sales price down 4.6%
2. Median sales price down 4.5%
3. Residential units sold up 3.5%
4. Inventory down 9.5%
5. Number of listings down 16.1%
6. Foreclosures down 25.4%
7. Interest Rates are at historic lows

These stats can be good if your buying or selling because buyers can still find very affordable homes and sellers will have less competition. Local apartment rents continue to be at an all-time high. We have had eight years worth of quarterly rent increases in Colorado Springs. And in a study by Trulia, it is more affordable to own than rent in 74% of major United States cities. In addition to all this good news for buying and being a homeowner, in 2011 Colorado Springs cost of living was 7.5% below the national average. The pace of new home construction is slightly up and we anticipate 2012 will be a better year than new home builders have seen in awhile, we’ll talk about that more next month in our newsletter. If you want the stats for your specific Colorado Springs neighborhood, just give us a call.

    It’s a good life, Chris and Mary