Colorado Springs Homes Blog

Colorado Springs 2008 Celebration Home - See An Exquisite Home While Supporting The United Way

2008-07-23T15:44:54Z

This is your last weekend to visit the Nichols and Comito 2008 Celebration Home. If the exterior picture is any indication of the rest of the property, it's sure to wow (and homes built by Nichols and Comito always do).

Tours are Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., until July 27. The cost is only $5, and all proceeds benefit the Pikes Peak United Way. The home is located at 1830 Brantfeather Grove in beautiful Stratton Preserve. Call (719) 630-1555 for more information.

Larry Nichols and Claude Comito are a multi-award winning luxury home building team who recently marked their 10th anniversary of collaboration. They are renowned for their exquisitely crafted, highly customized Colorado Springs homes. They've long supported community programs, and they are proud to present their ninth Celebration Home.

Map to Celebration Home

We've known Larry Nichols for years; he's an honest person who creates a quality product and does what he says he'll do. If you'd like more information or have any questions, please call us at 719-534-7919 or 800-599-8500.

Ken and Sandy Wickham are long-time Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. They welcome your real estate inquiries; to contact them, please call 719-534-7919 or visit their website.

Put Your Feet In The Hands Of Boulder Running Company

2008-07-21T18:43:12Z

Boulder Running Company is a small (three store) Colorado chain of runner-centric shops that have everything a runner needs, except perhaps always balmy days (but you can certainly find the proper gear to make running comfortable in all weather). The flagship shop is, naturally, in Boulder, at 28th and Pearl, plus there's a store in the Denver area on the southeast corner of Bowles and Wadsworth. Luckily, Colorado Springs also has a store, at 3659 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Unit 32. 719-278-3535.

Whether you're an avid runner, out for a pleasant jog, or a weekend warrior, the proper shoe will make your run more comfortable, and keep you from being injured. According to BRC's site, most running shoes fall into three categories - Stability, Motion Control or Neutral.

How do you know what type of motion problems you have, if any? When you shop at Boulder Running Company, it's easy - just use their Gait Analysis, the first step of the fitting process. While others have copied the concept, BRC was the first store in the country to offer a video gait anyalysis, and pride themselves on this free service. No appointment is necessary; just stop by one of the stores. With their broad selection of brands and styles, you should be able to find running shoes that put that spring in your stride.

The majority owners of Boulder Running Company, Johnny Halberstadt and Mark Plaatjes, were both world class runners, and Mark is now a renowned physical therapist, so you know that running is as important to them as it is to you. Visit their site; their story is fascinating.

Ken and Sandy Wickham are long-time Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. They welcome your real estate inquiries. To contact them, call 719-534-7920 or visit their website.

New Life For Your Old Athletic Shoes

2008-07-21T16:20:27Z

Do you have some athletic shoes that are too well-used to donate to charity, but hate to waste? Reuse-A-Shoe is one of Nike's longest running environmental and community programs, and is endorsed by our El Paso County Environmental Services Department.

Nike collects worn-out athletic shoes - they'll take any brand - and then processes them to recycle into material used in sports surfaces. Instead of clogging landfills, your old shoes could become part of a sports court, athletic field, running track or playground, in an area which lacks sport facilities.

Since the program's start, Nike has recycled more than 21 million pairs of athletic shoes, and created or refurbished 265 sports surfaces. It's not just the rubber soles that are recycled, but also the uppers and mid-soles. Pretty neat! (No word on what happens to the shoe laces.)

To drop shoes off locally, visit the Boulder Running Company store at 3659 Austin Bluffs Parkway unit 32 (west of Academy Blvd).

Reuse-A-Shoe is part of Nike's Let Me Play campaign. To find out more, visit the website.

Ken and Sandy Wickham are long-time Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. They welcome your real estate inquiries. To contact them, call 719-534-7920, or visit their website.

Household Waste Disposal - More Options for El Paso and Teller County Residents

2008-07-18T13:19:59Z

El Paso County has expanded the items it accepts for recycling hazardous household waste at their facility at 3255 Akers Drive.

There's a covered drive-thru drop off point, so it's quick and convenient. You can now recycle or dispose of:

Aerosol Cans
Ammunition
Antifreeze
Batteries - Lead-Acid, Alkaline and Rechargeable
Electronics
Fire Extinguishers
Fuels - high BTU liquids, sludges and solids
Lawn and Garden Chemicals, including pesticides and rodent poisons
Household Products - lots of stuff that shouldn't go down the drain Motor Oil and Oil Filters

Medications Liquids and Pills are accepted. Black out or remove personal information. Place loose pills in clear, seal-able bag; leave liquids in their bottle, and also place in a seal-able clear baggie.

Mercury - fluorescent lights, (including CFL's) thermometers, thermostats and light switches
Paints and stains
Propane Tanks

Items NOT accepted:
Abestos
Business Waste
Tires
Other materials deemed unacceptable by the staff

Facility hours are Monday through Thursdays 7am to 5pm.

Some new and usable products are available free through the "Drop and Swap" program.    And, you can exchange your mercury thermometer for a new digital one - one per household!

Dispose of your yard waste every Saturday from 8am to 4 pm at Rocky Top Resources, at 1755 E. Las Vegas St. (579-9103, south of downtown) or find out more about the Black Forest Slash and Mulch program and schedule.

Services are free to residents of El Paso and Teller counties; you're encouraged to bring non-perishable foods to donate to Care and Share. Call 520-7878 for more information, or visit www.elpaso.com and search "solid waste managment." (If you forget the address, it's better to go to the county site, as Google still has the address for the old facility in some of its links.)

You can also pick up a comprehensive recycling directory when you visit the facility, which includes a list of other businesses that recycle materials. This is an excellent resource, and it's very interesting to find out how the particular items are re-used or recycled.

Take advantage of this excellent county service!

Ken and Sandy Wickham are long-time Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. To contact them, call 719-534-7919 or visit their website. They welcome your real estate inquiries.

Active Colorado Springs Listings By Price Range

2008-07-14T16:57:54Z

In our last post, we focused on the number of homes sold in June. In this one we'll break down the number of active Single Family and Patio Homes by price range as of July 14th, 2008. (In the last post we included all solds entered the Pkes Peak Multiple Listing Service; today we're just looking at El Paso and Teller Counties.)

Price Range Active SF/Patio Homes

under $149,999 763
$150,000 to $199,999 1125
$200,000 to $249,999 1021
$250,000 to $299,999 673
$300,000 to $399,999 992
$400,000 to $499,999 516
$500,000 to $599,999 285
$600,000 to $699,999 193
$700,000 to $799,999 156
$800,000 to $899,999 83
$900,000 to $999,999 68
$1,000,000 to $1,499,999 136
$1,500,000 to $1,999,000 60
$2,000,000 and more 36

So, even though the majority of homes sold last month were under $300,000, even those sellers faced stiff competition. Sellers, if you're home is listed or you're thinking of listing, you need to make sure your home is priced right and shows extremely well. Buyers, if you're in the position to buy a home - first time or move up - there are many opportunities for you.

Based on information from the Pikes Peak REALTOR Services Corp. ("RSC"), for of July, 2008. RSC does not guarantee or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by RSC may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Ken and Sandy Wickham are long-time Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. Call them at 719-534-7919, or visit their website. They welcome your inquiries!

Colorado Springs Real Estate Market Report - June 2008

2008-07-10T15:37:21Z

Sellers in the Colorado Springs area still face challenges, due to a large inventory of homes on the market, and comparitively slow sales for the peak selling season.

867 single family homes sold in June, while there were 6,595 active listings. That's more homes sold any month since last August, and 27 more than in May. The better news: The average sold price increased to $256,829, and the median price rose to $233,000 (the highest figures since August's prices). And while both figures are lower than June of last year, the mean sales price is very close at $233,900 (last June's average price was $276,148)

337 of the single family homes closed in June sold for under $200,000, and another 249 sold between $200,000 and $299,999. Only 50 homes sold that were $500,000 or more - 11 of those over were over $750,000 (with one slightly over a million).

During June 2007: 88 homes sold for $500,000+, including five at one million plus (and the $3,633,525 property helped to bring up the average price).

We always stress that statistics don't tell the whole story. It's not just a matter of "prices are up" or "prices are down" or "homes aren't selling." Price and price range, (for instance, this is a good time for first time and move-up buyers), condition, location, appeal, and a bit of luck all factor in. Call us to see where sales and prices are at in your neighborhood.

Based on information from the Pikes Peak REALTOR Services Corp. ("RSC"), for the period June 2007through June 2008. RSC does not guarantee or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by RSC may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Ken and Sandy Wickham are long-time Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. They welcome your real estate inquiries. To contact them, call 719-534-7920 or visit their website.

Colorado Springs Real Estate Market Report

2008-06-16T16:41:35Z

May saw the continued upward trend over the last few months in number of single family homes sold (840), average price ($251,543) and median price ($210,000).

However, the number of active listings in May increased to 6,396. For this time of year, home sales are still down from recent years. Even though there were more listings in May 2007 (6567), 1,032 homes sold that month. In May of 2000, 879 single family homes sold, but there were only 3,253 active listings.

The average Days on Market in El Paso County during May was 88 - not too bad when you consider some of thoses homes have been listed for a long time. DOM vary by area; in Black Forest, it was 135, while it was 78 DOM for the Central area.

We always stress that statistics don't tell the whole story! Your home may or may not sell quickly; it's a function of price, condition, appeal. location, marketing, and that special buyer.

Homes that are agressively priced and appealing are selling, but buyers are still being picky. If you're thinking of selling, we offer special services that can help your home stand out. If you'd like to buy, you can still take benefit from the huge selection and motivated sellers. Call us so we can help you with your unique situation.

Based on information from the Pikes Peak REALTOR Services Corp. ("RSC"), for the period May 2000 through May 2008 . RSC does not guarantee or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by RSC may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are long-time agents in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. They welcome your real estate inquiries; to contact them, please call 719-534-7920 or visit their website.

Xeriscaping

2008-06-05T13:46:11Z

In the Pikes Peak area's semi-arid climate, (we're classified as High Alpine Desert) it makes sense to explore alternatives to fussy, always thirsty plants. You can still enjoy blooms and foliage by employing Xeriscaping principles - it's not about having a drab, plant-less yard. And, it's not an all-or-nothing situation, either: you can reap many benefits by partial or gradual implementation.

By using Xeriscaping methods, you not only save money and precious water, but you can spend less time and angst maintaining your garden and more time on other interests.

Don't know much about Xeriscaping? Colorado Springs Utilities will host a class this Saturday, June 7th, at 9am. Xeriscapes Basics: An Overview is an introduction to Xeriscaping principles, and the elements that are suited to our area. The lecture is followed by a tour of the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden.

The class is free, and you don't have to register. Call 668-4455 for more information. The class and the demonstration garden are located at 2855 Mesa Rd.

Even if you can't make the class, it's well worth it to visit the demonstration garden - it's always open to the public (the lobby is open Monday through Friday from 9-5, and you can pick up information). There's a variety of labeled plants, and you make take home some ideas for your yard.

Happy gardening!

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are long-time real estate agents in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. They welcome your real estate inquiries. To contact them, call 719-534-7920, or visit their website.

Tour of Remodeled Homes June 14th and 15th

2008-06-04T16:50:10Z

Would you like to tour some beautiful homes? Are you interested in remodeling? The Colorado Springs Housing and Building Association, the same folks who bring us our annual Parade of Homes, is sponsoring a new tour of homes - the 2008 Remodeled Homes Tour.

17 homes now boast improved function and style with unique, personalized remodels.

The homes showcase work by nine local remodeling companies. See everything from attic conversions to second story additions, and partial to full remodels. You can pick up ideas and learn about latest remodeling trends.

Tickets are available at all local Safeway stores. For more information, visit the HBA's site.

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are long-time real estate agents in beautiful Colorado Springs, Colorado. To contact them, please call 719-534-7920, or visit their website.

Carefree Living in Briargate!

2008-06-04T16:10:41Z

Brand new condo! Light, bright, and without a scratch. Roomy split bedroom design with 2 bedrooms and two full baths. Amenities include covered balcony, two storage areas, neutral carpet, breakfast bar, all appliances, cozy gas fireplace and also central air to keep you cool this summer. Save on gas - it's an easy walk to shopping, dining, the YMCA and the new Memorial Hospital. District 20 schools. A great chance to own a brand new home for $159,900. See more details at http://wickhome.com/listing/70307950.

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the listing agents, are long-time agents in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. The welcome your real estate inquiries; to contact them, please call 719-534-7919 or go to their website.

Serene 5 Acre Horse Property In The Trees!

2008-05-22T12:15:18Z

Do you like privacy and space?

Wonderful 5.39 acre treed property in Black Forest has room for your hobbies, collection or horses.

Attached 2 car garage plus detached 1200 SF garage/shop with RV door gives you many possibilities.

Expansive decking to enjoy nature, and you can relax under the stars in your included hot tub!

You can see more information and a visual tour on our website.

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the listing agents, are long time realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, Colorado. They welcome your real estate inquiries; to contact them, please call 719-534-7920 or 800-599-8500 ext. 1120.

Colorado Springs Real Estate Market Report

2008-05-07T17:28:55Z

While there is still an over-supply of homes for sale in the Pikes Peak region, sales and average prices are improving. 772 Single Family homes sold in April; 50 more than in March, and well above January's low of 534.

April's average (mean) sold price was $239,578, and the median price was $207,750. Both are higher than the previous three months'. The number of active listings was higher (6,175) than in the previous five months; many people took their homes off the market last winter.

Buyers continue to be picky. Excellent condition and competitive pricing are still key, and staging is very important to make your home stand out favorably.

Is this a good time for you to buy or sell? Call us; we're happy to sit down with you and help you assess your situation.

Based on information from the Pikes Peak REALTOR Services Corp. ("RSC"), for the period 4/1/2007 through 4/30/2008 . RSC does not guarantee or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by RSC may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are long-time Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. They welcome your real estate related inquiries; to contact them, please visit their website.

Plastic or ...Paper??

2008-05-07T17:16:37Z

Plastics have a long honored tradition in counter tops - from the old stand-by of laminate counters like Formica to the composite solid surface counters like Corian.

But counter tops made from paper? Check out shetkaStone. Along with counters, they fabricate table tops, benches, moldings and more - all with a 100% sustainable life cycle - from pre and post-consumer waste paper!

Prices fall between Corian and Granite. The site bills the product as durable, food safe, and stain, water, bacteria and scorch resistant.

You can request samples through the website for a small fee.

If you have used shetkaStone, please let us know!

Colorado Springs Real Estate Market Report - March 2008

2008-04-08T11:43:05Z

Through March 31st of this year, 1,811 single family homes have sold through the Pikes Peak Multiple Listing Service.

722 single family homes sold in March - a higher number than the previous four months, and just one home shy of October's 2007's sales - and better than September's 695 sold homes.

While the trend of lower-priced home sales is continuing, March's average price ($236,503) and median price ($202,000) were up from the last two months.

98 townhomes/condos also sold last month.

Inventory remains high, with 5,849 active single family listings in March.

Since areas vary greatly with days on market, list price to sales price ratio, and average price, please call us for specifics on your neighborhood.

Based on information from the Pikes Peak REALTOR Services Corp. ("RSC"), for the period 9/1/2007 through 3/31/2008 . RSC does not guarantee or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by RSC may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are long time Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. They welcome your real estate inquiries; to contact them, please visit their website.

Record Setting Home Price

2008-04-03T15:10:58Z

A record was set in the housing market, but it wasn't in the United States.

The Times of London reports the recent sale of a London penthouse for between 115 and 120 million pounds (approximately 230-240 million US dollars), the most expensive residential property ever sold.

The flat, in London's of St James's Square, is located smack dab between 10 Downing Street and Buckingham Palace. And, with approximately 20,000 square feet, there will be plenty of room for guests who wish to visit London's prime attractions.

The undisclosed owner won't be moving in right away; the to-be-built penthouse is will be one of six lavish apartments that will occupy a former office block from the 1930's. Three of the other five flats have also been spoken for.

World's most expensive property sold in London

A mansion in North London, in Barnet's "Billionaire's Row", sold for 50 million pounds in January, which set a record for a "newly built" property. But the home isn't quite up to the standards of the new owner, who plans to spend up to 30 million pounds on a remodel.

Sale of ‘Top Whack Mansion' is £50m record

If you're intersted in luxury properties, why not consider the Pikes Peak region?

There's currently a house under contract in Larkspur; with the turret and carriage house, you can feel like you're in England, but with much better weather. It only has 10,000 SF (all on one level), but sits on 197 acres of beautiful mountain property, and compared to the homes above, the $15,000,000 asking price seems like a bargain.

For a little bit larger home, perhaps you'll like a 17226 SF home on 5.36 acres. This beauty in prestigious Stratton Forest has city and mountain views, hand carved wood, crystal, marble, and plenty of room for entertaining. It's listed at only $6,500,000.

The Pikes Peak region offers plenty of choices for the discriminating buyer, and you'll get to live with stunning scenery and a pleasant climate. Plus, with the money you'll save buying a luxury property here instead of London, you'll have plenty left over to travel the world!

Please call us today if you'd like to find your dream home in the Colorado Springs area.

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are long-time Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. The welcome your real estate inquiries; to contact them, please visit their website.

Luxury In A Serene Setting

2008-03-19T17:09:20Z

Are you looking for a spacious home with old world charm but up-to-the-minute amenities and luxury? Perhaps you'd like less home maintenance, too, but also prefer a unique, beautiful setting that's out of the hustle and bustle but convenient to services?

You can have this all in Fountain Creek Villas, a charming community in historic Manitou Springs. The award-winning homes have over 3000 square feet, 3 car garages, and are loaded with attractive high-end features, including elevators. You can enjoy the rushing water from your own creekside patio nestled next to Fountain Creek.

Features include:
Stucco and stone exterior
9' to 11' feet ceilings
Hand trowled walls
Two gas burning fireplaces
GE Monogram appliances and granite counter tops
6 burner gas range
Designer cabinetry
Tankless water heater
Jacuzzi jetted tub

Home prices start at $780,000. You can visit Fountain Creek Villa's website to see more photos.

Call us today for more information about these wonderful homes. We're impressed with the quality features, and would be happy to show you the model.

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. They welcome your inquiries; to contact them, please visit their website.

Colorado Springs Real Estate Market Report

2008-03-06T15:05:16Z

February is typically a slow month for home sales. Some numbers just in from Pikes Peak Association of Realtors:

The better news: the number of homes sold was up from January 2008. In February, 556 single family homes sold, compared to 534 in January. There were 5,571 active listings in February, so inventory remains high. The homes that are selling continue to be priced competetively, and unless the buyer is looking for fixer uppers, are also in great condition and staged well.

240 condos/townhomes also sold in February.

The not-as-good news: we saw further decrease in the median ($197,500) and average ($226,692) sales prices of single family homes in February. Some factors are a increased number of sales of lower priced homes, sales of repos, and fewer new homes sold.

We always like to caution that statistics don't tell the whole story. If you'd like to sell your home, please contact us for specifics on your neighborhood - we'll be happy to meet with you to help you assess your situation.

And, if you're thinking of buying - there's a wonderful selection, and interest rates and prices are favorable. Please call us; we'd love to get together and learn about your dreams.

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. They welcome your real estate inquiries; to contact them, please visit their website.

An Apple A Day - Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Is Healthy For Your Body and Your Wallet

2008-03-02T20:47:54Z

How can you watch your health and your wallet, while supporting a local company? By shopping at Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage.

Margaret and Phillip Isely began selling whole grain breads and lending nutritional books in 1955, back in the days when squishy white bread was the norm. Their first sales were door-to -door; soon they had enough people buying supplements and bulk foods that they opened a retail store. They named their Lakewood, CO store Vitamin Cottage in 1963 (they sold mostly vitamins at the time).

There are 24 Colorado locations, and also stores in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The company is still based in Lakewood, and is owned and operated by the children and grandchildren of the original visionaries.

Every product goes through a strict review process. You won't find artificial flavors, hydrogenated oils, hormones, toxic preservatives and even naturally occurring elements that can cause adverse reactions.

Although Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage is now one of the five largest supplement retailers in the country, they carry so much more. Choose from fresh and organic produce, succulent dairy, hormone free meats, and a wonderful variety of shelf stable grocery items. Indulge in natural body care with yummy scents - or unscented if you'd like. Save money by buying bulk items including aromatic spices. Try natural cleaning supplies that won't harm your water supply. There are also plenty of wheat-free choices for people with sensitivities.

Eating well can be expensive. The Natural Grocers owners strive to have the lowest everyday prices in the industry, so their customers can afford to take care of their health.

Vitamin Cottages offer much more than just products. Their knowledgeable staff with help you with your choices, so don't hesitate to ask questions, especially if you feel overwhelmed. You can attend lectures in your local store given by experts in health-related topics, and consult with their nutritionists. Look up healthy recipes and learn about ingredients on-line, and sign up for their newsletter.

There are three stores in the Colorado Springs area:

1780 E. Woodmen Road, near Sam’s Club, 1825 S. Nevada Avenue and 655 Highway 105 in Monument.

If you’re not in Colorado, or there's not a location near you, you can shop on line at VitaminCottage.com or NaturalGrocers.com.

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are long-time Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. They welcome your real estate inquiries; to contact them, visit their website.

After Your Home Inspection

2008-02-25T13:40:02Z

Once the inspector completes the inspection, he'll work up a written list of action items (typically there are at least a few things that need to be done).

If the buyers aren't satisfied with the condition of the house, and don't think they can get satisfaction from the seller, they may choose to terminate the contract at this point. This is fairly rare; most buyers will negotiate with the sellers.

Typically the buyers submit a Inspection Notice, with a "notice to correct", asking for specific items to be fixed. Buyers and sellers negotiate through their agents until there's satisfactory resolution for both parties.

This isn't a complicated process; even though it seems like there are many steps, the whole process usually takes only a few days.

The agents will help the buyers and sellers obtain estimates and coordinate repairs. Typically all repairs are done before closing; if they're not, there's a survival clause in the inspection notice, meaning that the seller is still obligated to fix any remaining agreed upon inspection items after closing.

Sellers should provide the buyers receipts for all work done, and it's also up to the buyers to do a "final walkthrough" with their agent before closing.

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are REALTORS® with RE/MAX Real Estate Group in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO, and they welcome your real estate inquiries. To contact them, visit their website.

What To Expect During Your Home Inspection

2008-02-25T13:30:26Z

The inspector thoroughly examines your home and its systems - the structure, windows, plumbing, roof, electrical and heating, kitchen appliances, insulation and energy concerns, drainage, potential safety hazards, etc. We recommend that you be present while the inspection is being done, so you can ask any questions and get familiar with your home. Your inspector can point out the location of your main water shutoff valve and breaker box, and give you maintenance tips.

There are times when an inspector doesn't find any problems or deferred maintenance. Most times, the inspection will result in a list of action items. Our inspectors suggest immediate repairs (especially any safety issues), and also maintenance concerns that aren't crucial but should be addressed in the near future. The inspector will give you and your agent a written report.

You may also wish to opt for a radon test; some areas are more prone to radon, so your consult your inspector and agent. Radon mitigation can be expensive, so it's best to have the problem corrected by the seller before closing.

If the inspector has concerns such as structural, roof, or mold problems, he may recommend further comprehensive inspection by an expert in that area.

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are REALTORS® with RE/MAX Real Estate Group in Colorado Springs, CO, and they welcome your real estate inquiries. To contact them, visit their website.

Choosing The Right Home Inspector

2008-02-25T13:17:41Z

Almost as important as getting a home inspection is choosing a quality inspector. Ask your agent for referrals, and don't hesitate to ask for references.

Did you realize that there aren't any licensing requirements for home inspectors in Colorado? So, anyone can print up some attractive brochures, get a few tools and a flashlight, and call himself a home inspector.

We only work with seasoned inspectors who are members the American Society of Home Inspectors, who must adhere to ASHI's standards and ethics. Since we're present for our buyers' inspections, we're confident that our inspectors are thorough.

We've witnessed some lax home inspectors, such as technicians who didn't even get up on the roof, or didn't flag breaker boxes known to be fire hazards, so we really stress the importance of hiring an respected ASHI inspector.

You learn more about ASHI at their website. And, don't hesitate to call or email us if you have any questions.

The Importance Of A Home Inspection

2008-02-25T13:04:22Z

As a prospective home owner, one of the best ways you can protect yourself is by getting a home inspection on the home you decide to buy. After all, your home is probably the biggest investment you'll make. By spending a tiny fraction of the purchase price, you can have a professional assessment of your home (neither buyers or their agents are qualified to perform an inspection).

You want to ensure you're not buying a "The Money Pit", (or if you do, that you're going into it forewarned - while the movie was funny, the reality is not). You don't need the hassle of thousands and thousands of dollars of unexpected repairs. Also, FHA and VA have some structural and repair requirements that must be met if you're financing through those programs.

You certainly don't want any safety issues. Fires, explosions, and rotten floors will take the joy right out of home ownership.

Are there times when you want to skip a home inspection? We don't recommend it. It's a very small investment, and will help give you piece of mind, even if the inspector finds nothing wrong.

It's even wise to have an independent inspection on a brand new home. Doesn't the Regional Building department inspect your home? Well, yes... and no. Those inspections can be very cursory, and some serious defects could be missed. You have more leverage to get problems fixed before you close on your home, even if you have a builder warranty.

You've Signed The Contract To Buy A House - Now What?

2008-02-24T21:58:35Z

You've pre qualified, you've looked at homes, and you've picked THE ONE. You've almost recovered from your writer's cramp after signing and initialling the offer and all those disclosures. Your offer has been accepted (or countered and agreed upon by you) and your earnest money deposited with the listing agent. Congratulations, you're under contract! Now what?

If you're financing your home, typically in Colorado you'll have about a month until closing, if that time frame works for you and the seller.

Your agent will submit the contract paperwork to your lender and the title company. Your lender will start processing your loan, and the title company will order the title commitment.

Your agent will set up the home inspection. If you're out of town and can't be there for the inspection, you can ask a friend to go along with your agent.

The title company does a search to see what encumbrances exist on the property, and what steps need to be taken to clear those up, and then issues the "title commitment". Your agent will review the title commitment once he receives it (and you can review it too, especially if the excitement of buying your home is leaving you sleepless).

You'll be in contact with your lender, who will let you know what documents she needs from you. Don't make and financial changes that will impact your credit report negatively! Many purchases may need to wait until your property closes. Also ensure you have your down payment money available for your closing date.

Your lender will ask you to arrange for home owners insurance. If you don't already have an insurance company, your agent can give you a referral.

Once any inspection issues are resolved, your lender will order the appraisal. The lender wants to ensure the home is worth what you're paying for it.

Most time, all inspection items are completed by closing, and you may request that the seller provide receipts.

You'll need to arrange for your utilities to be connected, change your address with the post office, arrange for a moving company (or friends with trucks) and register the children in school.

Once you have final loan approval from your lender, she'll submit the figures to the closing company, who creates your "settlement statement". You'll see all the fees involved and learn the exact figure you need to bring to closing (in certified funds). If you're closing long distance, you'll sign your documents in the presence of a notary, and mail them back with your certified funds, or wire the money to the closing company.

You'll probably do a "final walk-through" of the home with your agent before closing, just to make sure everything is in order with your new home.

In Colorado, buyers and sellers close at the same time. Your agents will be present, and after all parties have signed the necessary documents, you'll get your keys! You'll take some docs with you, and others will be mailed to you at your new home.

Now it's time to move in!

Save Time, Save Gas, and Save Money, (Maybe)

2008-02-24T20:30:51Z

Colorado Springs Shopaholics now have one less reason to make the trek to Denver.

February 20^th(reportedly even before the official 8 am time) saw the opening of our long awaited Costco, at 5885 Barnes Road at Powers Blvd. The 158,000 square feet members-only wholesale club holds everything from seafood to jewelry (no reports yet on if our local store stocks caskets; a hot news topic from a few years back). Eager bargain shoppers, and even news crews, flocked to the opening.

One of the Costco employees said this is one of the nicest Costco stores she's ever seen, so we guess it was worth the wait. There was plenty to sample, it was well organized, and the staff was very friendly.

While the opening day saw brisk activity, it was much more sedate than Tuesday night’s non-shopping preview, when approximately 5,000 people showed up, crowding the store and snarling traffic in the area.

This is Costco’s ninth Colorado location. The company has 532 membership warehouses worldwide, including stores in Mexico, Japan, and Canada. The corporation, based in Issaquah, WA, also plans to open stores in Australia.

The only credit card Costco accepts is American Express; they also accept checks, debit cards, and wads of cash.

While good deals abound, warehouse stores can be hard on the wallet, as we’re tempted to buy so much more than we need – or didn’t know we needed until we happened upon it – like the Frasier episode when Niles discovered a similar store, and bought a gallon of capers. Perhaps a cheapskate friend or family member can accompany you on your first few trips… someone to say “you don’t need that!”

Is it ever too early to start Christmas shopping?

Pikes Peak Relay For Life - Register by February 29th

2008-02-22T12:54:43Z

Do you want to participate in the American Cancer Society's Pikes Peak Relay for Life? So far, there are 27 teams participating, and you and your team are also needed! There's usually a $100 dollar entry fee per team, but if register by midnight on Friday February 29th, the fee is only $25. Registering now will also give you plenty of time to collect your pledges by the event date - June 27th.

For more information, or to register your team, you may call Brian Kellione at 719-636-5101, or visit the Pikes Peak Relay's website.

Relay For Life - The American Cancer Society's Fundraiser