Immaculate Furnished Town Home For Sale in Colorado Springs

Beautiful MOVE IN Ready home with large, attached 2 car garage in the Vistas at Norwood. This super clean home shows like a model and features hardwood floors in the kitchen, tile back-splash, stainless steel appliances, and tall 42" cabinets! It has been professionally decorated and most furnishings as well as washer and dryer can stay with a full price offer!, No smoking or animals ever in this home.The newly built pool should be ready this summer!

6249 Upham Hts, Colorado Springs, CO 80923

• The Vistas at Norwood
• $162,500
• 3 Bedrooms / 3 Baths
• 1361 Sq. Ft
• Attached 2 Car Garage
• Air Conditioning / Central Air
• Ceiling Fans Throughout
• 9 Ft. Ceilings
• Stainless Steel Appliances
• 42" Extra Tall Cabinets
• Wood Flooring in Kitchen and Dining
• Pool
• Guest Parking
• 2" Wood Blinds Throughout
• Most Furnishing Can Stay with Full Price Offer!
• Townhouse

MORE INFORMATION

For help with any of your Real Estate needs, please call me at (719) 357-1023 or Email Me

Colorado Springs 2014 City Wide Open House Weekend!

The Colorado Springs 2014 City Wide Open House Weekend is on April 26 and 27. Realtors from all over the Pikes Peak area will be holding open homes for public viewing. Times are typically from 1:00-4:00, but may vary depending on the home and Realtor. If you are just curious or have been thinking of buying a home in Colorado Springs or selling your current home, this is a great opportunity to get a sample of what is going on in the Colorado Springs housing market.                                     

The Pikes Peak Association of Realtors is having a Sweepstakes for this event and will be giving out prizes. Please go to their website for more information and to view a list of Addresses holding Open Houses in the Pikes Peak area.                     

Mark it on your calendars and I hope to see you there!                                                 

If you would like help buying a home in Colorado Springs I can set up a personalized search that fits your criteria that is linked directly to the Pikes Peak MLS. It will notify you the minute any new homes come on the market that fits your criteria. If you are considering selling your current home, I can provide you with a FREE, NO OBLIGATION Market Analysis to help you determine the value of your home. I would be happy to help you with any Real Estate needs you may have. You can email me, or give me a call #719-357-1023

Resale Value In Colorado Springs

When searching for your perfect Colorado Springs home, there's something you should keep in mind that many buyers forget to consider, the home's future resale value. It's not surprising that many home buyers may forget to consider resale value when they buy a home. They are focusing their time and attention on how the home will suit their needs while living there. By ensuring that you purchase a home with good resale value,  you will be saving yourself potential problems later. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), choosing a home should also be approached as a business decision.

The NAR points out that there are many things to consider before purchasing a home, such as the location, size and condition of the house, number of bathrooms and bedrooms. You could fall in love with a house for its charm while easily overlooking these vital components. But armed with all the rules of the game, you can nab the perfect house for you and your family while enjoying the peace of mind that you've landed a prime piece of real estate that won't give you resale problems later.

Things to Consider:

Location, Location, Location!

If you choose a home that is located in a desirable location, you'll attract a larger pool of buyers later when you decide to sell. Look at what School District the home is in. This is often a huge factor on home value here in Colorado Springs. If you find a home in a less than desirable location, it's possible that the home will always suffer a lower selling price than other homes around it. Homes that are located in quiet areas that allow easy access to important thoroughfares often have added value. Homes that are located next to busy streets and heavy traffic areas are not favorable to buyers and the future selling price will suffer as a result.  

Bedrooms:

A home with at least three bedrooms is always a better choice. Here in Colorado Springs, many homeowners are looking for at least four bedrooms. As a general rule, more bedrooms mean better resale value.

                                             

Bathrooms- How Many & Where?

A home should have at least two bathrooms, but depending on the floor plan of the home, this may not be enough for many home shoppers. A master bathroom is a must with most home buyers today, so if it is a two story home,  there should be a minimum of three bathrooms. One on the main level, one in the Master and one for the guest or kids rooms on the second floor. If the home has a basement, as the majority of Colorado Springs homes do, it will need a bathroom down  there too. So, ideally, a two story home with a finished basement should have 4 bathrooms.  Another amenity that home seekers pine for is the five piece Master bathroom. A five piece Master bathroom  is one that includes a separate bathtub and shower, toilet and a double vanity.
 

Garage, Storage-space, Laundry Room

These features are often overlooked, but they make a huge difference in terms of comfort and convenience. Closets are a standard each room, but walk in closets receive higher resale value for their increased convenience. Walk in closets these days are almost an essential, and homes with tiny closets are more difficult to sell. People want large spacious closets in the Master bedroom.

People want a garage. Most look for a two car garage, and some look for three. But unlike closet space, extra space in the garage is considered a luxury to most people and they can easily go without. Homes with maximized resale value will have a fully enclosed,  attached garage with two or more parking spots.

A Home With a View

The National Association of Realtors says that homes facing a business park or a strip mall sell for less due to their unappealing view. Homes with an attractive view always sell at a premium. But this is a feature that can easily be overlooked by buyers who are more concerned with the location and size of the home. But a home's view greatly contributes to a person's state of mind as well as their perceived valuation of the property. Take into account the home's view as well as any future developments that might impact the home later. Here in Colorado Springs, a view of Pikes Peak is highly sought after by many home buyers. I've had buyers tell me they only want to look at homes with a view of Pikes Peak!

Updates and Renovations

The kitchen and bathrooms are the two most important rooms in the house when it comes to resale value. Many home shoppers won't consider taking on remodeling projects, so an outdated kitchen or bathroom can often cause them to reject an otherwise perfect fit. Kitchens are expensive to remodel, so buyers want one that is already finished and updated. Islands, breakfast bars, and pantries are always welcomed additions for home shoppers. 

 

Landscaping

Both the home's interior and exterior are major considerations when it comes to evaluating a home's resale value. Landscaping contributes to a home's curb appeal, and curb appeal is an important factor to consider. The lot around the home should be well groomed and maintained.

Even if you're buying a home with the primary purpose of living in it, don't forget the importance of resale value. A home is one of the largest investments many people will make, resale value should be an important part of the decision. 

If you would like help finding a home, or you are considering selling your home, I would be happy to help you in any way possible. You can email me, or give me a call #719-357-1023

Colorado Springs Overview

 Colorado Springs Overview

Weather and Climate                                                                          
There are over 300 days of sunshine to be enjoyed in Colorado Springs annually. At an altitude of 6,035 feet, the climate of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region is warm in the summer and moderate in the spring, fall and winter. Classified as an "alpine desert," the dry, clean air was once a destination to heal tuberculosis patients. Today, visitors enjoy the climate because it allows for year-round outdoor recreation. Summers are dry with temperatures in the 80s to mid 90s, with cool nights in the 60s. Spring and fall temperatures range from the mid 50s to the low 70s and winters here can be white, but normally the snow that does fall melts quickly and reveals a sunny sky again. Winter temperatures range from the low 30s to upper 40s.

Cultural Facilities
The Pikes Peak region has a wide variety of museums, performance centers and visitor centers including theColorado Springs Fine Arts Center, the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, The Pikes Peak Heritage Center,McAllister House, Miramont Castle, Glen Eyrie Castle and Focus on the Family Visitor Center.

Attractions and Activities
Visitors can enjoy over 55 natural and man-made attractions including the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Olympic Training Center, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Pikes Peak - America's Mountain, Garden of the gods Park, Seven Falls, Cave of the Winds and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. The region also offers whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, biking, hiking and horseback riding through Garden of the Gods. Downtown Colorado Springs offers a wide variety of Shops, Restaurants, and Nightclubs.

Education
The Pikes Peak region is home to several public, private and charter schools. With many private and public universities and trade schools available, Colorado Springs is ranked 4th in the United States with people who have high school diplomas according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Find out more about Colorado Springs Schools.

Health Care
With the active lifestyle of the Pikes Peak region, employers are benefited by lower absenteeism and overall better health of employees. Many health care providers offer wellness programs that employers can use in the workplace. Colorado Springs is home to some of the finest hospitals, physical therapy institutions and surgical centers in the region.

Employement
Home to thriving businesses, high tech companies, military installations, and non-profit organizations, Colorado Springs is proud of it's healthy economy and high quality of life.

Colorado Springs has been awarded in numerous magazines and news sources:

Top Ten Awards:
#1 Men's Fitness "Fittest City in America
#1 Money "Big City's to Live In"
#1 Forbes "America's Most Pet-Friendly City"
#1 Men's Health "Best Cities for Dogs"
#3 Earth Day Network "Best Places to Live
#4 Frommer's Travel Guide "Cities Ranked and Rated"
#5 Kiplinger's Personal Finance "Best Cities to Live, Work and Play"
#6 MSNBC "Best Cities to Live, Work and Play"
#7 Top 10 U.S News and World Report "Green Places to Retire"

*Much of my data was collected from the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and visitcos.com. Please visit these helpful links to find out even more about Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak area:

Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce
Visit Colorado Springs

If you have any questions about Colorado Springs or would like help relocating, feel free to contact me anytime at (719) 357-1023 email me, or fill out a contact form. 

Colorado Springs Home Owner's Associations: What You Should Know BEFORE You Buy in an HOA

Many neighborhoods in Colorado Springs have a Home Owners’ Association (HOA) and it is important that a home buyer understand the benefits and restrictions that are a part of the home they are thinking of purchasing. All HOAs differ from one another. They each have their own fees, budget and finances, governing bodies, covenants, restrictions, and benefits. Many HOAs aren't run by Homeowners that live in the neighborhood, but by Professional Community Managers. Since they are all different to some degree, it is very important to understand the HOA you will be buying into.


According to Colorado law, during the negotiation of the purchase of a home, the seller is required to disclose whether the home is in a HOA. They should provide you with HOA documents including a copy of the bylaws, covenants, and most recent Annual Owner’s Meeting, and most recent financial statements, if available, for the six month period immediately preceding the date of the contract to buy. It is very important that the home buyer read these carefully, especially the financial statements. Some HOA’s may not have managed their budget wisely and have a shortage of funds for needed upkeep or repairs or may have special assessment or fees that have been approved, but not yet applied. Some Associations strictly forbid any cars to be parked on the street, what color you paint your home, or if you are allowed to have a privacy fence. While these restrictions may be exactly the type of rules that keep a neighborhood beautiful and property value more secure, it may not be the right fit for some people. Home buyers often underestimate the importance of carefully reading the Bylaws, Covenants, and financial statements during the due diligence stage of the home buying process.
HOA’s also may offer benefits such as amenities and shared areas. Some may include a pool and clubhouse, community park, tennis courts, common area gardens and maintenance, snow removal, water and trash, or additional lighting around the neighborhood.  These features can help keep a community attractive and stabilize property values.
For additional information on HOA’s in Colorado Springs, click here.  If you would like help finding a home, or have questions about how HOA’s work, I would be happy to help you in any way possible. You can email me, or give me a call #719-357-1023

Should I Wait for Interest Rates to Come Back Down?

 

 

Above is a graph of the movement of the 30 year fixed mortgage rate since the beginning of 2012.

Some Colorado Springs buyers are waiting to see if interest rates will come back down before making a decision about buying a home. Though no one can guarantee where rates will be in a few months, we don’t believe waiting is a good strategy.

Most experts believe rates may actually move higher. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the National Association of Realtors are in unison projecting that rates will continue to climb.

With Colorado Springs home prices increasing and interest rates projected to also increase, the cost of buying a house could quickly increase rather dramatically.

I would be happy to help you find your Colorado Springs home. Please call me at 719-357-1023 or email me at JulieLopezRealtor@gmail.com. You can also view Colorado Springs homes for sale at my website JulieLopezProperties.com

Colorado Springs Homes Selling at Fastest Rate in Years

If someone puts a home on the market today, chances are good it’ll sell within two months.

As of June 30, single-family homes in Colorado Springs spent an average of 62 days on the market, the lowest number since June 2006, when the Pikes Peak Association of Realtors started keeping records.

The total number of active listings is extremely low at 3,450 compared to around 6,000 active listings in June 2010. In other words, available homes for sale has decreased 40 percent from that of three years ago!

A total of 1,114 homes sold in May, an increase of 20.4 percent over the 925 homes sold in May 2012. The momentum continued in June as 1,104 homes sold, compared with 846 in June 2012, an increase of 30.5 percent.

From January through May of 2012, 3,420 homes sold, compared with 4,233 this year, an increase of 23.8 percent, according to figures from the PPAR.

Monthly inventory levels are at the lowest point since August 2005, which means one thing to Colorado Springs Realtors; It’s a healthy market, and it seems to be getting healthier.

Homes in the $400,000-to-$424,999 range sold at an average of 55 days on the market. Homes in the $250,000-to-$274,999 range sold at a quick clip of 65 days average on the market.

In northeast Colorado Springs, 93 homes were on the market only 34 days on average before being sold. In Old Colorado City, 22 homes, with a median price of $160,000, sold after an average of 36 days on the market.

In the northwest area of Colorado Springs, 29 homes were on the market for an average of 43 days before selling. Those homes had a median price of $319,680. In the Powers Boulevard area, 112 homes sold with a median price of $221,448, also on the market for an average of 43 days.

Many believe this is a reflection of what’s going on in the economy. The economy is consistently showing signs of improvement and people are more confident. They’re beginning to buy homes they’ve been putting off for years. Buyers recognize that the market is now in recovery and in order to take advantage of the prices, this is the time. They are also taking advantage of the low mortgage rates since these usually go up as the economy improves.

Colorado Springs City Wide Open House Weekend!

Are you thinking of buying or selling a home, but not ready just yet? This is a great opportunity to take a peek at what the Colorado Springs Real Estate Market looks like right now. It’s also a great time to browse for a Colorado Springs Realtor if you haven’t found one yet.

View Dozens of homes for sale in Colorado Springs at the City Wide Open House Weekend on July 13 and 14, 2013 from 1:00 – 4:00. Check the Open House section in the Gazette for a list of Colorado Springs Open Houses and look for the signs.

I will be hosting an Open House at 5575 Flintridge DR in the Sunset Ridge neighborhood on Saturday, July 13. I would love to see you there!

 

Say goodbye to ultra-low mortgage rates.

 

 

 

 

 

In the past month, rates have been on the rise and they are expected to continue to climb. This week, the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage jumped another 10 percentage points to 3.91% and are up from 3.3% in early May, according to mortgage giant Freddie Mac. Meanwhile, those seeking a 15-year loan received an average rate of 3.03%, up from 2.56% -- a record low.

"It's unlikely that rates will ever be that low again," said Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae's chief economist.

Those who didn't take advantage of record-low rates have missed the boat -- at least for now. Here are three reasons why.

The Fed is going to stop bolstering the housing market. The Fed has kept rates at rock-bottom levels by buying up to $85 billion a month of Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities. That has enabled lenders to sell mortgage loans at low interest rates and recoup their money immediately -- plus profits.

"Up until recently, expectations were that the Fed would begin to taper purchases of mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and Treasury bonds late in 2013, but that timeframe appears to have moved to September, possibly sooner," said Keith Gumbinger, vice president of HSH.com, a mortgage information company.

If the Fed stops purchasing the securities, private investors will have to pick up the slack. For investors to do that, the loans will have offer a better payoff. And that would mean raising rates for borrowers, said Duncan.

The economy is no longer reeling. During the recession, the Fed lowered its short-term interest rate to near zero in order to stimulate the economy. But now conditions have improved considerably since the economy emerged from recession four years ago. As the economic revival gains traction, it is creating a tailwind for interest rate increases, according to Gumbinger.

Low rates happen when the economy is in distress. But now, the market believes the economy is getting stronger, said Wendy Cutrefelli, a vice president in the Mortgage Banking Division of Bank of the West. Job gains have picked up lately, averaging about 202,000 a month over the past six months.

That hiring is advancing rather than retreating is good news for the economy and any positive future reports are expected to push rates higher, according to Gumbinger. Even mediocre news might not cause any meaningful decline in rates.

3.3% rates are unprecedented. "The 30-year [mortgage rate] hit a 37-year low in 2003 at 5.23%," said Gumbinger. "That was the previous low-watermark prior to this financial crisis and it's likely we will move closer to that mark as we grind forward."

Any return to normal conditions, therefore, will likely be accompanied by higher mortgage rates.

Even if they go up a percentage point or two, however, mortgages will still be relatively low. Historically, 30-year loans are usually 5.5% or higher.

For clues to the direction of mortgage rates, look at the daily movements in 10-year Treasury bond yields. Mortgage rates track Treasury yields with the difference between them holding fairly constant.

These days, Treasury bonds have been on a jumpy uphill climb, with the 10-year hitting 2.21% on May 31, its highest closing since April 2012. On Thursday, the yield was about 2.10%. Since the interest rate on a 30-year is usually 1.7 to 2 percentage points higher, it indicates that mortgages should be at between 3.82% and 4.12% this week.

Why You Should List Your Home With Me

Choosing the right Colorado Springs Real Estate Professional is perhaps the most important decision you will make when selling your property. The more you look around, the more I think you will see why it makes sense to list with me. I don’t sit back and quietly wait for buyers to come to me. I aggressively market and list your Colorado Springs property in the places buyers are looking with the latest technology!

 

 

 

What I Offer that MANY DO NOT!

• I use a Professional Photographer 
• Video Home Tour with Narrator 
• Virtual 360’ Home Tour 
• Listing on All Major Internet Property Sites
• QR Code on yard sign with Recorded Information about Your Home
• Open Houses 
• Beautiful Color Flyers 
• Full Time Showing Appointment Coordinators 
• Showing Feedback from Buyer and Agents 
• 7 Day a Week Availability 
• Home Staging / Showing Advice 
• Electronic Contracts Availability

And much more! 

Allow me to share my complete market strategy with you and ask me how I can save you money! Call me today! (719) 357-1023 Or visit my Colorado Springs Real Estate website: www.JulieLopezProperties.com