Colorado Springs Real Estate >> CO Real Estate Professional

Will the tax credit lead to more foreclosures in the future?

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:47:18 -0600

Many who would not have chosen to purchase a home yet are coming into the real estate market due to the $8,000 incentive. There are even some buyers that cannot afford to buy a home that want to benefit from the tax credit.

Down payment assistance is available through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) for buyers who do not have the funds for a down payment. CHFA even offers a JumpStart program allowing buyers to use a portion of their tax credit in advance to cover closing costs and/or down payment.

As a result, buyers can get into a home with very little cash. Does this sound familiar? Of course owning a home is better than renting but are all first time home buyers ready to own a home and make monthly mortgage payments after they get their $8,000 tax credit?

I am worried some buyers out there do not understand the responsibility it takes in owning a home and may end up learning the hard way through foreclosure.

Will the free money buyers are receiving lead to more foreclosures down the road? Only time will tell.

Patricia Beck – Selling Colorado Springs Homes

Bear Creek Garden in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:11:14 -0500

Many residents of Colorado Springs have their own garden; the interest in vegetable gardens in particular, has increased. You may choose to start a garden if want to save some money

on groceries, grow your own organic food, or pick up a new hobby. If you do not own a home in Colorado Springs but would still like to have your own garden, renting your very own plot from the Bear Creek Garden Association may be a good idea.

The garden is located on the west side of town near 21st and Rio Grande in Bear Creek Regional Park and has been there for about 30 years. The garden is open to the public and plots can be rented for a season; the water available on site is included in the rent.

Members are responsible for watering their own garden and are not allowed to water between 10am and 4pm. Also, the use of insecticides is prohibited since the garden is organic. The garden can only be accessed by members and is owned by El Paso County.

Current pricing is listed below:

20' x 40' plot: $80 per season

20' x 20' plot: $40 per season

There are a total of 110 plots and they are all rototilled every spring. Approximately a dozen plots are dedicated to Care and Share and a couple are also for the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Members are required to contribute four hours of volunteer work in the garden.

To reserve a plot, please contact the Bear Creek Garden Association at 719-473-5827.

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Colorado Springs Real Estate information and services

Single Family Home Inventory Statistics for El Paso County - September 2009

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:01:33 -0500

Home inventory has decreased by 3.5% for the month of September 2009 when compared to six months ago (April 2009). Compared to the previous month of August, there was a 4 % decrease in single family homes for sale. It is good that we are seeing inventory levels remaining steady.

Single Family Home Inventory in the Pikes Peak MLS was nearly 20% higher in September 2008!

Looking at stats for September 2009, Single Family Home inventory in the Pikes Peak MLS is sitting at 5.9 months (compared to 5.6 months in August). Single family inventory has remained at 6 months or lower since May 2009. There is a balanced market in Colorado Springs when inventory sits at 6 months; the market is definitely improving for sellers.

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Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent, Patricia Beck, providing real estate services to home buyers and sellers.

*Information gathered from the Pikes Peak MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed

Patio homes are included in these stats

Real Estate Market Report - El Paso County - September 2009

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:53:52 -0500

Homes sales decreased by 7.6% in El Paso County for the month of September when compared to August 2009.

There were 89 additional single family home sales in September 2009 when compared to September 2008. There were also an additional 1,195 single family homes for sale in September 2008.

The average ($214,848) and median ($189,900) sales price decreased when compared to the previous month. The average sale price decreased by $7,683 and the median sale price slightly decreased by $5,650. With the exception of the previous two months, the average and the median sales price has steadily increased since January 2009.
month.

*Information gathered from the Pikes Peak MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed

Patio homes are included in these stats

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Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent, Patricia Beck, providing real estate services to home buyers and sellers.

Colorado Springs - Single Family Home Sales - July 2009

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:23:15 -0500

Homes sales increased by 7.7% in El Paso County for the month of July when compared to June 2009.

There were 60 additional single family home sales in July 2009 when compared to July 2008. There were also an additional 1,409 single family homes for sale in July 2008!

The average ($231,457) and median ($199,675) sales price increased when compared to the previous month of June and has been progressively increasing over the past few months.

**Information gathered from the Pikes Peak MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed

Patricia Beck – Selling Colorado Springs Homes

Single Family Home Inventory Stats for July 2009 - El Paso County

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:22:25 -0500

Home inventory has only increased by 1.5% for the month of July 2009 when compared to six months ago (February 2009). Compared to the previous month of June, there was a minor increase (.5%) in single family homes for sale. It is good that we are seeing inventory levels remaining steady while home sales are increasing; this will ultimately reduce the months of inventory in Colorado Springs.

Single Family Home Inventory in the Pikes Peak MLS was 21% higher in July 2008.

Looking at stats for July 2009, Single Family Home inventory in the Pikes Peak MLS is sitting at 5.4 months (compared to 5.8 months in June). Single family inventory has remained at 6 months or lower since May. There is a balanced market in Colorado Springs when inventory sits at 6 months; the market is improving for sellers.

*Information gathered from the Pikes Peak MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed

Patio homes are included in these stats

Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent, Patricia Beck, providing real estate services to home buyers and sellers.

Tidewater Initiative – Use Caution

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:17:38 -0500

In the situation a VA appraiser thinks the appraised value of a property may come in below the contracted sales price, the lender is notified by a designated point of contact. The lender than notifies the buyer's agent that he/she has two business days to provide recent sold comparables to justify the sales price.

The Tidewater Initiative allows any interested party in a real estate transaction to provide sold comparables (via a point of contact) to the appraiser. Therefore, the listing agent or anyone else involved may provide market information for sold comps as well. The VA appraiser does not complete the appraisal until the additional information is received.

The initiative was implemented to reduce the number of appeals to re-evaluate property values assigned by VA appraisers.

As a buyer's agent, why would I go out of my way to find sold comps to support a sales price that the appraiser thinks is too high for the property?

Isn't the goal of the buyer's agent to seek the lowest price possible for the buyer? If the appraisal comes in lower than the agreed upon sales price, the buyer is not going to have any interest in paying more for the home than it is worth in this market.

Conversely, the buyer may want the home badly and request the agent provide the information in order to make the deal work. Buyer's agents need find out how their buyers want to proceed and not make any assumptions.

I'm not sure if the buyer's lender passes the information received to anyone other than the buyer's agent. I don't think lender would since they are also working for the buyer. If that is the case, should the buyer's agent disclose the information to the listing agent in order to give the agent the opportunity to provide sold comps on behalf of the seller?

I can see how this type of situation can become very complicated! As a buyer, I would want to get the lowest price possible for the home. As a buyer's agent, I would use caution and remember who I am working for because I wouldn't want to violate my brokerage duties to the buyer.

Colorado Springs Real Estate information and services

Is ListHub a good listing tool? I think not.

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:05:24 -0500

ListHub is a listing distribution service that my office decided to work with a couple of months ago. Although ListHub saves me time by syndicating my listings to multiple websites like Trulia, Zillow, and Cyberhomes, it DOES NOT provide "brokers and agents with all of the control necessary for driving an effective online advertising program." as stated on the front page of their website. I actually see it as an advertising program for ListHub to build links on the Internet.

I cannot edit or add information/media to the listing since it was created by ListHub. They pull the information out of the MLS listing but that is not always enough, especially, when many listing websites allow more information and media to be included. Additionally, any links on the listing info page do not link to my website but to listhub.net instead! Sure, it goes to a page where the home details can be viewed and I can be contacted via email but the phone number listed is not mine and my website link is nowhere to be found.

I am seriously considering opting out of this service even though my brokerage offers it to all agents for free. I prefer my information to be on the listing information page for my listings, not another company's!

Patricia Beck – Selling Colorado Springs Homes

Home for sale in Colorado Springs - Pikes Peak Park

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:33:16 -0500

Patricia Beck | Herman Group Real Estate | 719-660-9058

612 Zion Drive, Colorado Springs, CO

Home just listed in Pikes Peak Park - Colorado Springs

5BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $178,000

Year Built	1962
Sq Footage	2,002
Bedrooms	5
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	6,890 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This lovely home has an open ranch floor plan and is conveniently located! It has everything you need: Newer water heater, remodeled kitchen with all black appliances, beautiful hardwood floors, tons of storage space, RV Parking, large shed, 10x10 bonus Mud Room, and a new garage door. Large finished basement has a family room with a wood burning fireplace, two bedrooms, a bathroom, and an additional room that is currently being used as a sitting area.

Only 18 min. from Ft Carson-Gate 20 I-25/SH 16. Within walking distance of Memorial Park, Elementary school, and shopping. Very close to bus stops for middle & high schools.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

• Central heat	• Fireplace	• Hardwood floor
• Tile floor	• Family room	• Living room
• Bonus/Rec room	• Dishwasher	• Refrigerator
• Stove/Oven	• Basement	• Washer
• Dryer	• Laundry area - inside	• Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

• Bonus 10x10 Mud Room

• Large Shed

• RV Parking

• Finished Basement

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Living Room
Remodeled Kitchen	Ample storage in kitchen!
Master Bedroom	Family Room w/fireplace

Contact info:

Patricia Beck

Herman Group Real Estate

719-660-9058

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 18, 2009, 2:15pm PDT

For further information on available Homes in Colorado Springs contact your Colorado Springs Realtor, Patricia Beck.

How do you like to receive feedback?

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:22:52 -0500

Everything is becoming automated nowadays and athough automation can streamline our work and save us time, I'm not sure it is always a good thing. The showing company my office uses sends a request for feedback form via email to agents who show my listings. The feedback form is pretty basic but can be customized.

Some of the questions on the feedback form are listed below:

1).	To what extent did the property meet the buyer's criteria?

2).	What was the buyer's opinion on the condition of the property?

3).	What was the buyer's opinion on the price of the property?

4).	What was the buyer's overall interest compared to other properties shown?

5).	Any additional comments about this showing are greatly appreciated.

Agents do not always answer all of the questions or fill out the additional comments section of the form; their feedback is often too vague and does not meet the seller's expectations. Although it is more time consuming, speaking with the agent directly still seems to be best. Depending on the agent's feedback, I can ask additional questions for clarification regarding price, condition, or the buyer's level of interest instead of only having the one word responses to go off of from the feedback form.

Patricia Beck – Selling Colorado Springs Homes

Well Mainted home for sale in Colorado Springs - Ridgeview at Stetson Hills

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:42:10 -0500

Patricia Beck | Herman Group Real Estate | 719-660-9058

6567 Cache Drive, Colorado Springs, CO

Well maintained home for sale in Colorado Springs!

3BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $180,000

Year Built	2000
Sq Footage	1,518
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	6,434 sqft
HOA/Maint	$30 per month

DESCRIPTION

This is a well maintained, bright, and open 2-story home with views of Pikes Peak! The spacious eat-in kitchen has ample cabinet storage and a large pantry. The master bedroom has a large walk-in closet, ceiling fan, and adjoining bathroom with a double vanity. The room adjacent to the kitchen can be used as a family room or a dining room. This home features a professionally landscaped backyard with a 12x12 deck . The Xeriscaped front yard is easy to maintain. Within walking distance of park, schools, and stores. Conveniently located with easy access to Powers, shopping, restaurants, parks, and both hospitals!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet
- Family room	- Living room	- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Vinyl Windows

- Pikes Peak Views

- Ceiling Fans

- Xeriscaped Front Yard

- Covered Front Porch and Entry

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Patricia Beck

Herman Group Real Estate

719-660-9058

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 3, 2009, 8:08am PDT

For further information on available Real Estate in Colorado Springs contact your Colorado Springs Realtor, Patricia Beck.

Single Family Home Sales for El Paso County - May 2009

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:16:49 -0500

Homes sales increased by 15% in El Paso County for the month of May when compared to April 2009. Home sales should continue climbing now that we have entered the busy time of year for real estate in Colorado Springs.

There were only eight additional single family home sales in May 2008 when compared to total single family home sales for May 2009. There were also an additional 1,354 single family homes on the market back in May 2008!

The average ($220,983) and median ($189,130) sales price increased when compared to the previous month of April. Once the number of sold foreclosure properties decrease, we should see the average and median sales price in Colorado Springs continue to increase.

The real estate market is improving and if you are thinking to purchase a home don't delay; interest rates are beginning to climb again as are home prices.

*Information gathered from the Pikes Peak MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed

Patio homes are included in these stats

Colorado Springs Real Estate information and services

Single Family Home Inventory Stats for El Paso County - May 2009

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:16:15 -0500

Home inventory increased by 1.8% for the month of May 2009 when compared to six months ago (December 2008). Compared to the previous month of April, there was a slight increase (.6%) in single family homes for sale. It is good that we are seeing inventory levels remaining steady while home sales are increasing; this will ultimately reduce the months of inventory in Colorado Springs.

Single Family Home Inventory in the Pikes Peak MLS has also decreased by 21% when comparing May 2009 to May 2008!

Looking at stats for May 2009, Single Family Home inventory in the Pikes Peak MLS is sitting at 6 months (compared to 7 months in April). We have not seen the inventory as low as 6 months June 2007! There is a balanced market in Colorado Springs when inventory sits at 6 months; it appears the market is improving for sellers.

*Information gathered from the Pikes Peak MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed

Patio homes are included in these stats

Colorado Springs Real Estate information and services

Home just listed in Colorado Springs- Stetson Hills

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:57:55 -0500

Patricia Beck | Herman Group Real Estate | 719-660-9058

6127 Desoto Drive, Colorado Springs, CO

Lovely Home for sale in Colorado Springs!

5BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $209,500

Year Built	1987
Sq Footage	2,377
Bedrooms	5
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	6,950 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This lovely home offers an open floor plan with plenty of storage and space! This home has everything you are looking for and more: central air, new vinyl windows, new carpet in the basement, newer exterior paint, oversized 2-car garage with workshop, auto sprinklers in the backyard, dog run, and a large front porch! Shopping, restaurants, and entertainment on Powers are only minutes away. Conveniently located near schools, the new hospital, and Sand Creek Trail.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Tile floor	Family room
Living room	Bonus/Rec room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Basement
Washer	Dryer	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

New Vinyl Windows

Workshop

Dog Run

Auto Sprinklers in backyard

Oversized 2-car garage

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Living Room
Kitchen	Dining Area
Rec Room	Backyard

Contact info:

Patricia Beck

Herman Group Real Estate

719-660-9058

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 5, 2009, 4:23pm PDT

For further information on available Homes in Colorado Springs contact your Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent, Patricia Beck.

Do you mix business with family or friends?

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:20:26 -0500

I wrote a post yesterday surrounding a situation where a friend of mine listed her home with another agent in the MLS with no listing contract in place. She had concerns with her agent and called me for guidance.

Even though I clearly let her know I didn't want to be in the middle and advised she communicate with her Realtor® directly, she continued asking for assistance. Although we were friends, she was asking me for advice regarding her home for sale and that created a conflict.

There was so much drama surrounding her situation and the agent she was working with at the time, that she and her husband decided to list with another agent they knew.

Even though she and her husband thought I would do a very good job for them, she said it would be best to list with someone else so it wouldn't "cause anything awkward in our friendship."

In that case, she shouldn't have contacted me at all if she didn't want to mix business with friendship. I don't have a problem with friends or family who choose to work with another agent, but if that is the case, they should not come to me for assistance or advice surrounding real estate matters. They need to go to their agent!

My opinion is that friends and family experience good and bad but work through things with one another. Many successful businesses have been family run and I don't think there is anything wrong with friends and family supporting one another's businesses. Do you?

Patricia Beck – Selling Colorado Springs Homes

Realtor being a hero or inappropriate?

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:10:32 -0500

I recently had a friend call me who said she and her husband had listed their home with an agent whom they had previously worked with to buy it. She called me for advice one day and indicated that her home was listed in the MLS but that she had not yet signed a listing contract with her agent.

The seller started asking me questions about the listing agreement the agent had emailed but not reviewed with her. I didn't want to be in the middle and encouraged her to communicate directly with her agent. I also let her know that her home should not have been listed by the agent in the MLS without a signed listing agreement; it had already been on the market for a number of days.

The seller contacted me the following day and informed me that her husband had spoken to another agent that took action after finding out their listing agent did not have an executed listing agreement in place. The agent went to the home and took out the listing agent's yard sign and removed the house key from the listing agent's lockbox. She then reported everything to the local real estate board.

Needless to say, the agent who initially put the home up for sale was removed from the picture and the home is now listed with the new agent.

Although the sellers had not signed a contract with the listing agent, I still think it was inappropriate of the agent who got involved to yank out the listing agent's yard sign and take the key out of another agent's lockbox. I think it would have been best for the sellers to communicate their concerns with the agent and contact the local real estate board directly. Maybe this lady considers herself a superhero for taking control of the situation and handling everything for the sellers but it just doesn't sound completely ethical.

Lessons that can be learned here:

1. Sellers need to ensure they have a listing contract in place before listing their home for sale with a real estate agent.

2. Agents need to be sensitive and watch they do not overstep boundaries when other Realtors® are involved. I'm not saying unethical or illegal behavior of other agents should be tolerated but the way in which it is handled is important.

3. Even though sellers can sign a contract online nowadays, it is still important to review the listing contract with your clients and answer any questions they may have. This eliminates any confusion that can arise later regarding commissions, inclusions, exclusions, etc...

Colorado Springs Real Estate information and services

Single Family Home Sales for El Paso County - 2008 Summary

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:14:17 -0500

Home sales in El Paso County were highest during the summer months and then gradually dropped the remainder of the year in 2008. Looking back at 2008, the average sale price was lowest in November ($213,466) and highest in June ($256,829). The average median price was lowest in December ($180,000) and highest in July ($223,950). The average sale price dropped toward the end of the year due to the increased foreclosure and short sale properties in Colorado Springs. There were a total of 8,339 single family home sales in 2008 compared to 9,995 in 2007.

*Information gathered from the Pikes Peak MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed

Patio homes are included in these stats

For more information on Colorado Springs Real Estate or the Colorado Springs Area contact me or visit my website.

Having a home winterized? Beware!

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:54:29 -0500

I wrote a post some time ago about the bank changing the locks and winterizing one of my short sale listings. When the time came around for inspections to be completed, leaks in the plumbing were discovered. The buyers I am working with decided to move forward with the transaction and have a plumber repair the leaks.

I contacted the bank to let them know that the property had been improperly winterized and that the plumber also said it wasn't done correctly which resulted with the home having water leaks. The bank said the short sale listing was being sold as is and no repairs would be made. The bank didn't seem to care if the company they hired to winterize the home did a crummy job. The pipes in the home were fine until the bank got involved.

They referred me to the customer service department who then contacted the property preservation department (via email) who was in charge of the winterizing and changing of the locks. No answer. The bank gave me a message line to call and after leaving numerous voicemails, again no answer. The bank said they had no idea which company was hired to winterize the home but assured me the property preservation department would be contacting me within a day or two.

We went back to the home to meet the plumber a few days later and I still had not received a call back from the company who winterized. Sure enough they came back in the home (someone gave them a key) and re-winterized the property. Why would a company re-winterize a winterized home??? They heard what had happened and came back to cover themselves by trying to winterize properly after the damage had already been done. Bad very bad. I am wondering why these people are not being held accountable by anyone. The plumber had already repaired many homes in Colorado Springs that were not winterized properly.

Colorado Springs Real Estate information and services

Where is our support when it comes to short sales?

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:51:59 -0500

We all know that working with short sale listings can be a tremendous amount of work. Banks and sellers can be uncooperative while buyers often become impatient. Sometimes I just want to pull my hair out when dealing with banks!

Of course, agent commissions are also often reduced by the bank(s) involved in the short sale transaction and sometimes even more if an agent is working as a Transaction Broker.

On February 24, 2009 Fannie Mae sent out an announcement to servicers. Part of the announcement highlighted the negotiation of agent commissions:

No Negotiation of Preforeclosure Sales Commission

Servicing Guide, Part VII, Section 504.02: Contacting Selected Borrowers

Effective March 1, 2009, closing of preforeclosure sales may not be conditioned upon a reduction of the total commission to be paid to real estate agents to a level below what was negotiated by the listing agent with the borrower, unless the fee exceeds 6 percent of the sales price of the property in aggregate. Servicers are reminded that they must continue to obtain any approvals that may be required by interested third parties in connection with preforeclosure sales.

It is good to see some action is being taken on behalf of real estate agents but this announcement is not law and servicers can still negotiate commissions. There are many short sale properties on the market right now in Colorado Springs (and everywhere else) and Realtors® play an integral role in the sale of these properties, which in turn assists the real estate market as a whole.

If Realtors® are so important in the short sale process, why are banks negotiating commissions and why is no one standing up for Realtors'® rights? Realtors® have no support when it comes to dealing with banks and I have a problem with that. Of course an agent has the right to reject the bank's decision about reducing his/her commissions but that would result in the buyer and seller being negatively affected. My goal is to assist sellers in eliminating the burden of a mortgage which they can no longer afford and to avoid foreclosure but I also need to make a living. Many homes for sale right now are comprised of short sales and avoiding them is not the answer.

Where is the National Association of Realtors® when we need them? What are they doing about this issue if anything? Maybe I missing something, but I don't see anything being done to protect Realtors® when it comes to short sale negotiations with banks.

I spoke with the Colorado Association of Realtors and they gave me some phone numbers to call but they didn't have any information for me either. It seems as though no one really knows the rules when it comes to short sales and that Congress is protecting and assisting banks while overlooking Realtors®.

Providing real estate information and services for Colorado Springs home buyers and sellers.

Track your web stats with this free tool

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:14:57 -0600

We all utilize different tools to analyze the traffic coming to our website. I thought I would share a handy tool with you all that is also free. AWStats provides useful information regarding unique visitors and hits to your site by giving you a monthly and daily history. You can even see what time of day and day of the week you receive the most traffic.

There is also a section that displays stats for traffic you are receiving from other countries and a section displaying which Search Engines visitors are coming from.

If you are curious how long visitors stick around on your site, there is an area that outlines the duration of visits. Not sure which web pages your visitors come to most? AWStats also gives you this information; looking at my stats, my blog gets the most traffic.

Seeing the top keyphrases and keywords that bring people to your site is also important in case you need to make changes or adjustments to the search terms you are focusing on to bring others to your website.

Colorado Springs Real Estate information and services

5 things you can't sell your home without

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:50:45 -0600

Internet exposure- With over 90% of buyers going to the Internet as their main source for finding homes, you can't afford not to have your home on the Internet. If you plan to sell your home, it is important you ask your agent about their marketing plan to sell your home. If marketing your home online is not part of an agent's marketing plan you should probably look for another agent.
Cooperation- Many deals fall apart in real estate when parties do not cooperate with one another. Of course your agent needs to negotiate on your behalf but there are many areas where uncooperativeness can make selling your home extremely difficult. Extended restrictions on showings can be an enormous barrier in the selling of your home. Being unreasonable or disrespectful while working with your agent is unproductive. Additionally, delayed responses to emails,voicemails, or signing of paperwork during a transaction, can result in the buyer moving on to another property.

The right price- If you plan on selling your home, it is pertinent you are realistic about what your home can sell for in the current real estate market in your area. Overpricing your home in this market can consequently result in your home sitting instead of selling. It is difficult for many sellers to avoid becoming emotionally involved in the sale of their home; therefore, it is prudent sellers hire a real estate agent whom they can trust for guidance when it comes to pricing their home correctly.

A hardworking agent- Take the time to interview a few agents in order to find someone who not only is knowledgeable about the market in your area, but whom you also feel comfortable communicating with. This is so important as you and your real estate agent will be working closely throughout the process of selling your home.

A buyer- No, not just any buyer. A pre-qualifed, or even better, pre-approved buyer who can afford your home. What information has your agent acquired about the buyers? Are they stable? Are they serious about purchasing a home? Do they have another home to sell before they are able to purchase your home? Do they look good on paper? Ensure you are working with an experienced agent who will stay in touch with the buyers' lender throughout the transaction.

If any of these five things are missing from the equation, selling your home will become a difficult task. If you are not serious about selling your home in this market, now is not the time to "test the market." Testing the market will only waste the valuable time of those involved, including your own.

Providing real estate information and services for Colorado Springs home buyers and sellers.

Single Family Home Inventory Stats for El Paso County - January 2009

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:50:07 -0600

Home inventory decreased by 22.1% for the month of January 2009 when compared to August 2008. Looking back to 2008, we the highest number of Single Family Homes for sale in June which is not surprising since inventory is normally highest during the summer months in Colorado Springs.

Single Family Home Inventory in the Pikes Peak MLS has also decreased by 9% when comparing January 2009 to January 2008.

Looking at stats for January 2009, Single Family Home inventory in the Pikes Peak MLS is sitting at 11.9 months (compared to 10 months last month). Colorado Springs will reach a balanced market when inventory drops down to 6 months.

*Information gathered from the Pikes Peak MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed

Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent, Patricia Beck, providing real estate services to home buyers and sellers.

Single Family Home Sales for El Paso County - January 2009

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:49:45 -0600

Homes sales dropped by 16.6% in El Paso County for the month of January when compared to December 2008.

There were 121 more single family home sales in January 2008 when compared to total single family home sales for January 2009. Although there were fewer sales than this time last year, there were an additional 476 single family homes on the market in January 2007.

The average ($198,644) and median ($173,000) sales price decreased when compared to the previous month of December. The median sale price has not been at 173K since March 2002 and the average sale price hasn't been this low since 2001. The average and median home prices will increase once the foreclosures and short sale properties decrease in Colorado Springs.

*Information gathered from the Pikes Peak MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed

Colorado Springs Realtor Patricia Beck, providing real estate services to home buyers and sellers.

Spoofing on craiglist

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:23:19 -0600

I advertise my listings on craiglist since many buyers look around on that site for properties. Lately, I have been receiving phone calls from people regarding the ad who think my listing is for rent. When I clarify that the home is for sale NOT for rent, they tell me they found the rental ad on craiglist. On two occasions, I have had sellers tell me that someone has knocked on their door inquiring about the rental ad on craigslist.

I have flagged these bogus ads and nothing has been done. Unfortunately, deleting my ad (the original) has no impact since the damage has already been done by the spammer. I am reconsidering posting any future listings on craigslist until this recurring problem is resolved.

Has anyone else had problems with spoofing on craigslist?

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Home just listed on West side of Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:35:07 -0600

Patricia Beck | Prudential Professional Realtors | 719-660-9058

2315 Sage St, Colorado Springs, CO

Lovely Home for Sale on the West side of Colorado Springs!

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $177,000

Year Built	1958
Sq Footage	1,832
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	7,500 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This bright home has hardwood floors throughout the main level and offers a large fully fenced front and backyard. The kitchen has beautiful cabinetry, newer countertops, and appliances that are less than 3 years old! Detached 2-car garage can be heated during the winter months and offers 220 volt service with a compressor for your hobbies. Built-in storage throughout the home makes organization easy! Spacious walk-out basement boasts a large family room, two bedrooms, laundry room, and bathroom. The family room has a wood burning stove and is wired for a home theater. The large laundry room provides additional storage space. This home is in an established neighborhood and conveniently located!

- Detached 2-car heated garage w/compressor!
- 42’ birch cabinets in kitchen
- Surround sound in living room
- Hardwood floors
- Pantry and built-in China Cabinet
- Spacious laundry room
- Water filtration system
- Alley access
- Covered front porch

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central heat	Fireplace	Hardwood floor
Tile floor	Family room	Living room
Bonus/Rec room	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Microwave	Basement	Laundry area - inside
Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Built-in China Cabinet and shelving, Water filtration system, compressor, heated garage, RV parking

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Patricia Beck

Prudential Professional Realtors

719-660-9058

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Feb 2, 2009, 11:16am PST

Search for homes in Colorado Springs

For more information on Colorado Springs Real Estate or the Colorado Springs Area contact me or visit my website.