Should you hire a Realtor or a Real Estate Agent? - 01/28/10 06:36 AM
What is the difference between a Colorado Springs Realtor and a Colorado Springs Real Estate agent?
Must read articles:
Who is Representing YOU? - Tip #1 Shop for a Lender like you shop for a house - Tips #2 - 6 Top 3 websites for home buyers - Tips #7 -9 Open House Misconceptions - Tip #10 Appraisals and Inspections, 2 important steps for home buyers - Tips #11-15
Most Home buyers and home sellers the Colorado Springs area use the terms REALTOR® and Real Estate Agent interchangeably, but that is not correct.   There are many differences between REALTORS® and real estate agents.    They … (2 comments)

Just because your house has decreased in value, does not mean you can qualify for a short sale - 01/28/10 06:29 AM
Are you thinking about selling your Colorado Springs Home?  Do you want to do a short sale?
If you would like some other helpful advise on selling your home,
please feel free to call Kathy at 719-287-1049, KTorline@msn.com
Many times I've been asked about why would a homeowner would want to do a short sale.  The reasons are many, but here my top 12 list of acceptable reasons:
Financial Hardship due to a reduction of income, still employed but you are making less money Financial Hardship due to unemployment Financial Hardship due to your ARM loan resetting and you can no … (3 comments)

Colorado Springs Real Estate Report for MARKSHEFFEL area near Fort Carson - 01/28/10 05:44 AM
Single Family Homes,  Includes Homes in Claremont Ranch, Banning Lewis Ranch 
Peterson AFB Homes
Search for Homes in Marksheffel Area


 Homes in Colorado Springs Marksheffel area continue to be a NEUTRAL Market, as there is currently a 5.3 monts of supply of homes on the market.   A 6 month supply of houses on the market is typically considered a "NEUTRAL MARKET". 
Number of Homes in Marksheffel area in Colorado Springs sold are up more than 2% in 2008. Average pricing continues to see downward pressure, currently down 1% from 2009 to 2008.   This Colorado Springs Real Estate report contains … (0 comments)

Free Money for Colorado Springs home owners - 01/27/10 11:14 AM
Colorado Springs homeowners, check this out!
I just came across a very informative blog about free money, and cheap money.  The blog detailed a local Colorado Springs program to help residents install energy efficient items in their houses.  As usual when I come across an article like this, I like to go to the original source about the program so I can give even more information to my readers.
The City of Colorado Springs has an entire section of their web site dedicated to Housing Rehabilitation.  I was impressed with the range of programs offered including Lights and Locks for Seniors, … (1 comments)

What is a 1031 exchange? - 01/27/10 11:10 AM
1031 Exchanges
As part of a recent 2 day class I attended to get my SRES Designation (Senior Real Estate Specialist) the class had a great section on 1031's.   I definitely learned some things and I wanted to share it with my readers.
If you would like more information about a 1031 tax exchange for Colorado Springs real estate, Call Kathy at 719-287-1049 or email, KTorline@msn.com
What is a 1031 exchange?
It's a federal tax allow that allow taxpayers to DEFER capital gains tax on exchanged of property used in trade of business held for investment.  They DEFER taxes, not eliminate … (0 comments)

Colorado Springs Real Estate Report for FALCON NORTH Area for 2009 - 01/26/10 05:57 AM
Colorado Spring Real Estate
Market Report for Falcon North, Single Family Homes
 Includes Homes in Woodmen Hills, Paint Brush Hills
Search for Homes in Falcon North
Homes in Colorado Springs Falcon North area continue to be a NEUTRAL Market, as there is currently 6.2 months of supply of homes on the market.   A 6 month supply of houses on the market is typically considered a "NEUTRAL MARKET". 


 
This Colorado Springs Real Estate report contains information on Single Family homes in Falcon North
This information is taken from the Pikes Peak Realtor Services Corp and is deemed reliable but … (2 comments)

Colorado Springs Real Estate Report for Powers Area for 2009 - 01/26/10 05:53 AM
Colorado Spring Real Estate
Market Report for Powers Area, Single Family Homes
 Includes Homes in Springs Ranch and Stetson Hills
Search for Homes in Powers Area
Homes in Colorado Springs Powers area continue to be a NEUTRAL Market, as there is currently a 3.9 month of supply of homes on the market.   A 6 month supply of houses on the market is typically considered a "NEUTRAL MARKET". 
Number of Homes in Powers area in Colorado Springs sold are up 11% more than in 2008, but are down substantially from 2005, when 1533 homes were sold. Average pricing continues to see downward … (3 comments)

Peyton Real Estate Report for 2009 - 01/24/10 06:04 PM
Colorado Spring Real Estate
Market Report for Peyton, Single Family Homes
 Includes Homes in Peyton
Search for Homes in Peyton
Homes in Colorado Springs Peyton area continue to be a BUYER”S Market, as there is currently a 10 month of supply of homes on the market.   A 6 month supply of houses on the market is typically considered a "NEUTRAL MARKET". 
Number of Homes in Peyton area in Colorado Springs sold are up 1% more than in 2008, but are down substantially from 2004, when 64 homes were sold. Average pricing continues to see some downward pressure, currently down 1% from … (0 comments)

What makes a successful short sale? - 01/24/10 10:52 AM
What makes a successful Short Sale?
If you are interested in a short sale, It's important to  utilize a Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent that specializes in Pre-foreclosures, Foreclosures, and Short Sales; and has a successful and ethical track record.  Call Kathy Torline - Nordstrom, 719-287-1049, KTorline@msn.com
Some statistics say that only 10% of short sales result in a successful closing.  Not good odds.  Made me start thinking about what makes a successful short sale.  They do take a lot of hard work and each one is different, but there are some key factors that can make the difference between a … (4 comments)

Know the differences - 01/24/10 09:48 AM
Do you want to buy a bank-owned property in Colorado Springs? 
Understand the Differences
For a FREE List of Foreclosures email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Related Articles:
Don't let your dream house become a nightmare Pre-Qualification or Pre-Approval, which do you need to buy a home? Homes sold "As Is" in Colorado Springs....what does it mean? Homes in Colorado Springs, 5 things to know about buying foreclosures Buying a short sale vs. a foreclosure, what's the difference? Buying Bank properties is very different than buying a home from a regular seller.   Make sure you and your Realtor have discussions about what … (0 comments)

Woodland Park Real Estate Report - 01/24/10 07:47 AM
Woodland Park Real Estate, Market Report
Single Family Homes
 Search for Homes in Woodland park
Homes in Woodland park continue to be a NEUTRAL Market, as there is currently a 10.3 months of supply of homes on the market.   A 6 month supply of houses on the market is typically considered a "NEUTRAL MARKET". 
Number of Homes in Woodland Park sold are down 9% from 2008, but are down substantially from 2004, when 340 homes were sold. Average pricing continues to see downward pressure, currently down 6% from 2009 to 2008.   2009 pricing is down 15% from the high in 2006. … (0 comments)

A primer on the Better Business Bureau - 01/18/10 05:37 AM
A Resource for Colorado Springs home owners
Must Read Posts:
How do I prevent frozen pipes? Colorado Homeowners, don't remodel until you read this! Since I work with many home owners and home buyers, and I'm very cautious on people I recommend to assist them.  I started to think about the benefits of the Colorado Springs Better Business Bureau in helping people choose businesses to hire.
Do you have any of these questions?
Do you need a new roof? Do you need a heating contractor? Are you looking for a good plumber? Do you need someone to build a fence? In … (0 comments)

Don't miss out on the energy tax credit - 01/18/10 05:32 AM
Energy Tax Credit
For a Free Market Analysis on your neighborhood, email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
HOME REPAIR
Colorado Homeowners, don't remodel until you read this!  Do you want to do some green remodeling? Everyone is talking about the $8000 First Time Home Owners Tax Credit.  But, there is also a $1500 energy tax credit that is available for every home owner.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 extended a variety of tax incentives that were first started in 2005.  Home owners, including those in Colorado,  can save up to $1,500 on their income tax bill if you install approved … (13 comments)

Colorado Springs Real Estate Report for SOUTHEAST area near Fort Carson - 01/17/10 03:18 PM
Colorado Spring Real Estate
Market Report for SOUTHEAST, Single Family Homes
 Includes Homes in Homes Spring Creek, Pikes Peak Park, Southborough
Search for Homes in SOUTHEAST area
Homes in Colorado Springs SOUTHEAST area continue to be a NEUTRAL Market, as there is currently a 3.1 months of supply of homes on the market.   A 6 month supply of houses on the market is typically considered a "NEUTRAL MARKET". 
Number of Homes in SOUTHEAST area in Colorado Springs sold are up 26% more than in 2008, but are down substantially from 2005, when 879 homes were sold. Average pricing continues to see … (0 comments)

Colorado Springs Real Estate Report for NORTHEAST Area for 2009 - 01/17/10 02:50 PM
Colorado Spring Real Estate
Market Report for Northeast, Single Family Homes
 Includes Homes in Vista Grande
Search for Homes in Northeast
Homes in Colorado Springs NORTHEAST area continue to be a NEUTRAL Market, as there is currently a 4.5 months of supply of homes on the market.   A 6 month supply of houses on the market is typically considered a "NEUTRAL MARKET". 
Number of Homes in NORTHEAST area in Colorado Springs sold are down 4% less than in 2008, but are down substantially from 2004 , when 1252 homes were sold. Average pricing continues to see downward pressure, currently down … (0 comments)

Colorado Springs Real Estate Report for POWERS area near the Peterson AFB - 01/10/10 06:15 AM
Colorado Spring Real Estate 
Market Report for Powers Homes, Close to Schriever AFB and Peterson AFB
Single Family Homes
 Includes Homes in Springs Ranch and Stetson Hills
Search for Homes in Powers Area
Homes in Colorado Springs POWERS area continue to be a NEUTRAL Market, as there is currently a 4.1 months of supply of homes on the market.   A 6 month supply of houses on the market is typically considered a "NEUTRAL MARKET". 
Number of Homes in Powers area in Colorado Springs sold are higher than in 2008, but are down substantially from 2005, when 1393 homes were sold. … (0 comments)

Colorado Springs Real Estate Report for NORTHGATE area near the Air Force Academy - 01/09/10 06:00 AM
Colorado Spring Real Estate 
Market Report for Northgate, homes close to the Air Force Academy
Single Family Homes
Includes Homes in Wildwood, GlenEagle, Flying Horse
Homes in Colorado Springs Northgate continue to be a BUYER'S Market, as there is currently a 8.3 months of supply of homes on the market.   A 6 month supply of houses on the market is typically considered a "NEUTRAL MARKET". 
Number of Homes in Northgate Colorado sold are almost the same as 2008, but are down substantially from 2005, when 389 homes were sold. Average pricing continues to see some downward pressure, currently down 4% … (0 comments)

Colorado Springs homeowners can get free money - 01/09/10 05:21 AM
Colorado Springs homeowners, check this out!
I just came across a very informative blog about free money, and cheap money.  The blog detailed a local Colorado Springs program to help residents install energy efficient items in their houses.  As usual when I come across an article like this, I like to go to the original source about the program so I can give even more information to my readers.
The City of Colorado Springs has an entire section of their web site dedicated to Housing Rehabilitation.  I was impressed with the range of programs offered including Lights and Locks for Seniors, … (3 comments)

Popcorn ceilings gotta go - 01/09/10 05:13 AM
Popcorn Ceilings gotta go
Search for Colorado Springs Homes
Related post:  The pictures tell the story
One of my least favorite features in a house is a popcorn ceiling; and many of my clients who are looking at buying seem to feel the same way.   They are many reasons to get rid of it, but here's my top reasons:
It's dingy If it's not painted,it fades It can get stained easily It can start flaking off It attracts cobwebs, dirt, and soot It's the mark of an older home AND, most importantly it's ugly Some Realtors (including myself) think popcorn removal … (4 comments)

Fort Carson Homes - Market Report for October 2009 - 01/08/10 05:57 AM
Colorado Spring Real Estate 
Market Report for Fountain and Fort Carson, Single Family Homes
Search for homes in Fountain Valley and Fort Carson
Homes in Colorado Springs Fountain continue to be a NEUTRAL Market, as there is currently a 4.3 months of supply of homes on the market.   A 6 month supply of houses on the market is typically considered a "NEUTRAL MARKET". 
Number of Homes in Fountain Colorado sold are up by 22% over 2008,but are down substantially from 2005, when 1447 homes were sold. Average pricing continues to see downward pressure, currently down 6% from 2009 to 2008. … (0 comments)

Colorado Springs Real Estate Report for East Area for 2009 - 01/08/10 05:21 AM
Colorado Spring Real Estate 
Market Report for East - Single Family Homes
Includes Homes in Village Seven and Rustic HIlls
Search for Homes in East Colorado Springs
Homes in Colorado Springs EAST continue to be a NEUTRAL Market, as there is currently a 4.1 months of supply of homes on the market.   A 6 month supply of houses on the market is typically considered a "NEUTRAL MARKET". 
Number of Homes in East Colorado sold are up by 13% over 2008,but are down substantially from 2005, when 904 homes were sold. Average pricing continues to see downward pressure, currently down 8% … (0 comments)

Colorado Springs Real Estate Report for Black Forest Area for 2009 - 01/06/10 08:03 AM
Colorado Spring Real Estate 
Market Report for Black Forest Colorado Springs
Single Family Homes
Black Forest Homes (north of Colorado Springs) continue to be a BUYER's Market, as there is currently a 12 month of supply of homes on the market.   A 6 month supply of houses on the market is considered a "NEUTRAL MARKET". 
Number of Homes in Black Forest sold are only down 4.6 % from 2009 to 2008, but are down substantially from 2005, when 256 homes were sold Average pricing continues to see downward pressure, currently down 16% from 2009 to 2008.
 Recap of 2009, 2008, … (0 comments)

Colorado Springs Real Estate Report for Briargate Areas for 2009 - 01/06/10 07:40 AM
Colorado Spring Real Estate  -
 Market Report for Briargate, Single Family Homes
Includes Homes in Pinecreek, Windjammer, Gatehouse Village, Summerfield
Briargate homes continues to be a BUYERS  Market, as there is currently a 4.2 month of supply of homes on the market.   A 6 month supply of houses on the market is considered a "NEUTRAL MARKET".  
Number of Homes in Briagate sold are only down 6.0% from 2009 to 2008, but are down substantially from 2005, when 985 homes were sold Average pricing continues to see downward pressure, currently down 5% from 2009 to 2008.
Recap of 2009, 2008, 2007, … (0 comments)

Don't underestimate the power of bad photos in the MLS - 01/05/10 07:40 AM
It's a shame when the photos are bad
Search for Colorado Springs Homes
Related post:  The pictures tell the story
I've been looking at lots of homes in Colorado Springs lately, and it's been a good reminder for me on how important the photos are.  
The current statistics say that somewhere between 85% and 95% of buyers start their search on the internet; which means many potential buyers make decisions about a property from the MLS description and the photos.   Since I provide real estate services to both buyers and sellers, it really reminded me on how important the photos are.    … (8 comments)

Colorado Springs HUD Homes -- Great reasons to buy now - 01/05/10 07:31 AM
Colorado Springs HUD home - 7 Reasons to Buy
For a FREE list of Colorado Springs Foreclosure Homes, Email KTorline@msn.com
Comprehensive Property Report;   HUD has already had a property inspection report done on their properties.  Hence, you have an idea of what needs to be fixed on them.  A buyer should still get an inspection done; but it's nice to know most of what needs to be done before you put in a bid; it cuts down on the surprises. Precise Bid Periods:   All HUD properties are on a bid period, consequently you'll know quickly whether or not your bid has been … (0 comments)

 
White_2_close_up_ Rainmaker_large

Kathy Torline, Colorado Springs Real Estate Blog 719-287-1049

Colorado Springs, CO

More about me…

ERA Herman Group Real Estate

Address: 4065 N. Sinton, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO, 80907

Cell Phone: (719) 287-1049

Email Me



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog