What do you think of the (new) Pinery at the Hill? We attended a Realtor - Peak Producers event hosted by Empire Title there last week. This will be another events center for Colorado Springs with great views of the downtown area. In the distance you can see downtown restaurants, the Antler's Hilton Hotel,  St. Mary's Cathedral, The Marian House run by Catholic Charities, office buildings and more!  (I don't think you can see the Mining Exchange Wyndham Hotel or the Pioneer's Museum from this vantage point) Of course, to the west is beautiful Pikes Peak! Any revitalization downtown or anywhere in El Paso County is just another bonus for our community and home ownership in Colorado Springs!

Since 90% of loans are underwritten by government affiliates, you might be wondering how real estate will be affected by the shutdown. There will be a small impact initially, maybe some minor delays, but for the most part you won't see any changes. The VA will continue to guarantee mortgages since the loans are funded by user fees. The VA is where you might see some delays in  processing.  To read more:  http://www.forbes.com/sites/morganbrennan/2013/10/01/heres-how-the-government-shutdown-will-affect-housing/

 

The flooding in Colorado Springs has been dramatic, however, the majority of the devastation has been in the northern part of our state. Locally, the day to day operations of buying and selling residential real estate is steady - in spite of the fires and flooding. Homes priced under $250,000 are still in demand and are selling quickly in most neighborhoods. The rebuild after the Waldo Canyon fire of last year is impressive....

 

What MIGHT the future hold for Colorado Springs? → → →
In December we will likely know if the four projects proposed in the Regional Tourism Act will move forward. Below you'll see some renderings of the four-part plan. The four projects include a new Air Force Academy Visitors Center, a U.S. Olympic Museum, a multi-use Stadium, and a UCCS Health and Wellness Center.
To learn more about the details check out the articles at ... www.csbj.com

Yea or Nay?   →  From your point of view, is building a U.S. Olympic Museum downtown, near Vermijo Street a good idea for our community?  

 

http://csbj.com/2013/09/10/celeste-ial-power-drives-museum/ 

http://ccharitiescc.org/public-interest/the-black-forest-fire-is-out-but-needs-continue/
While the Black Forest Fire has been extinguished, the needs of many of the residents continue, and will for quite some time.
Catholic Charities is offering assistance to people affected by the Black Forest fires. Phone lines will be staffed to offer help between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The numbers to call are 719-866-6559 or 719-866-6441. Assistance in the form of counseling and referrals, food boxes, gas cards, clothing, hygiene products, diapers & formula, furniture and household goods as well as many more services are available.
As the Disaster Assistance Center at the El Paso County Citizens Center closes on Friday, June 28th, Catholic Charities will begin providing direct services in the Black Forest area at the R&R Cafe and at Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church.  A representative will be on site at the R&R Cafe each week Monday – Friday from 9:00 am 1:30 pm until further notice (closed July 4th).  Catholic Charities is also in the process of setting up regular hours at Our Lady of the Pines, hours TBD.  Additionally, the Marian House Outreach staff will be driving in the Black Forest neighborhoods each week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 1:30 – 4:30 pm meeting with
If you or someone you know was affected by the Black Forest Fires and needs assistance, please contact us.  We can help.

Local home sales off to a good start in 2013 | home, sales, local - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO

40%! "In January, single-family home sales totaled 660, or nearly 40 percent higher than the same month last year..."

Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/home-150602-sales-local.html#ixzz2LbZWh75H
Local home sales off to a good start in 2013 | home, sales, local - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO

For Home Buyers...

new year, fresh start, new home, new goals

New year, fresh start, new home, new goals. That's what our year ahead looks like. We spent 14 blessed years in our last home and finally decided to take the plunge ourselves and move. After years of proclaiming how great the interest rates are and how many deals there are in housing, we decided to heal thyself. ;)  We purchased a new home, and hopefully this will   encourage others considering a move.  There is pent-up demand for housing and it should be a banner year for new construction. So many great neighborhoods to join, the choices for new and resale homes are abundant. Rates are currently in the 3's! The photos in this post are of some available lots on the  west side that have exceptional views of Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. As you can see, this particular view has become one of the iconic views of Colorado Springs. 

 

Here are some tips for what to know if you are interested in new construction.
3 reasons to use a REALTOR when buying New-Home Construction 
1. The builder pays the REALTOR. Typically the price of a new build is the same for you whether you have a REALTOR or if you go it alone. In most cases, a builder will Not allow you representation at a later date, so let them know you have a REALTOR the First time you visit the model home.
2. 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. 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.
3. The secure move is to have a REALTOR representing your family. We have fine builders in Colorado Springs. We’ll go the extra mile for your family. (The term real estate agent and REALTOR are often used interchangeably, but here's the difference: a REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. A REALTOR® must subscribe to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. )