Thursday, April 30, 2009

What You Need to Know about Buying Real Estate

What You Need to Know about Buying Real Estate



According to the Real Estate Roundtable (non-profit public policy entity based in Washington D.C. that works on public policy issues concerning the real estate industry), real estate plays an important role in the economy of the United States as a whole. It generates 1/3 or an equivalent of $2.9 trillion worth of GDP (gross domestic product) that results in the creation of 9 million jobs. In addition, real estate is the major source for about 70 percent of local tax revenues that are used to pay for public schools, health services, roads, peace and order, and other essential services.



That is why many individuals are attracted to buying and selling real estate properties for a profit. Real estate market is one of the active markets in the U.S. economy, with real estate brokers and developers bidding on different properties available for sale and searching for hot properties from MLS (Multiple Listing Services). They will try to make more money out of these properties and attempt to sell these properties for about 30 to 40 percent of its original purchase price.



With the continuous competition rising among different real estate players, there are things that you need to know about buying real estate properties. Of course, you do not want to spend much of your money acquiring a real estate property that is not properly maintained. In the same manner, you would not want to purchase real estates that are overpriced by more than 50 percent, excluding applicable taxes and fees.



Here are some of the things that you should consider when looking for homes for sale in Colorado Springs (especially those who are first-time buyers), also you can always seek help from the Colorado Springs REALTOR in these matters:



1) Value: Does the property have a good value? It is a common procedure that banks will conduct an appraisal to protect their interest on the property. In case that the value of the property is lower than the contract price, you must renegotiate the contract price and prove to the seller that it is not worth of what they are asking. However, in case that the value of the property exceeds the contract price, then most likely you got a good buy based on the value.



2) Condition: As previously mentioned, you must not spend your money on real estate properties that are not properly maintained. You should always conduct a property inspection to make sure that it bears no deficiencies. Colorado Springs real estate are some of the best maintained properties.



3) Parking: Make sure that there are parking spaces allotted (especially if the property is for commercial purposes). You would not want your visitors to park their vehicles several meters away from the property. If you have any questions about Colorado Springs commercial real estate please contact Mike Stuard.



4) Safety: Many real estate buyers are focusing on the value and condition of the property that they often forget to inquire about the neighborhood where the property is located. If you are familiar with the area, then it is not a problem (whether you will stay in that property for good or you will lease it to other individuals). However, you might as well check the premises for any obscure atmosphere (high crime incidence, for instance) so that you will be able to establish the safety around the neighborhood to yourself or to other interested buyers. Speaking of safety, Colorado Springs real estate may be of some interest to you.



Make sure that you consider the aforementioned essential aspects when buying real estate properties. Keep in mind that the success of your real estate purchases lies beneath on your purchasing strategy and not just on what the seller tells you.


Wednesday, April 29, 2009

3 Tips you Can Use Year-round to Get your Home Ready for Sale

3 Tips you Can Use Year-round to Get your Home Ready for Sale




Whether its homes for sale in Colorado Springs or California, getting ready to sell your home is the same. Preparing your home to be put on the market can be an intimidating task. The preparations are stressful, trying, and typically require a lot of hard work. That's especially so if you're like most sellers and don't start to prepare your home until the weekend before putting it on the market.



Prepare early: Don't wait until the week or two before putting your home on the market to get your "honey-do" list completed. By doing that, most of those things won't get done, and your home won't be as presentable as it could have been. Make a list of things around the house that need to be fixed now, and get to them a weekend at a time every month or two. By dedicating small chunks of time here and there to do a few tasks over the several months before putting your home up for sale, you will be saving yourself a lot of unnecessary stress when it comes time to actually sell. Not only will you be less stressed, but you won't be as hasty to get things working, and you'll do a far better job. (If you hire a handyman, you'll also save a few bucks by hiring them during less busy times vs. in the middle of the summer when most contractors will have more expensive rates.)



Don't forget the front yard!: If you know in the fall that you might be selling in the spring, be sure to plant bulbs in the fall so you'll have some beautiful blooms come springtime. Many homeowners focus so much on the inside of the home that they forget that the yard will be the first thing that potential buyers will see when they visit. A well manicured and landscaped yard will go a long way towards getting would-be purchasers that your house is the right house for them.



Minor repairs: Any service providers can be hired in the off season for a lot less money with a little advance planning. Painters are really busy during summer months so negotiating a painting contract during the off-season will allow you to get your home painted for a better price. The same goes for individuals that repair air conditioning units and renting storage space.



By simply pre-planning, you can get as much as possible preparing to sell your home.



While yo are preparing to sell your home, you might want to look at some Colorado Springs real estate options that are available. Take a moment to review this Colorado Springs real estate system and see why it is a complete information source for your relocation needs.

Looking for some homes for sale in Colorado Springs? You would be surprised at expert services that are offered to help you with all your relocation needs in your transition to the Pikes Peak region of Colorado. The Colorado Springs REALTOR offers complete proven programs for the seller, buyer, investor, and relocation client in Colorado Springs, Colorado.



If you have any questions about Colorado Springs commercial real estate please contact Mike Stuard, who understands the prospective of Colorado Springs owners looking to find the best commercial real estate location to meet their business needs while securing a good return on investment.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

How to Pay Less Real Estate Commission

How to Pay Less Real Estate Commission


Be it a real estate property in New York or homes for sale in Colorado Springs, the internet has changed the way sellers can show their homes. According to the U.S. National Association of Realtors, 75% of buyers use the internet to search for homes. See how you can negotiate a lower commission to sell your home.


Steps

1. Understand that real estate commissions are always negotiable.

2. Be alert. If your home is only listed in the Multiple Listing Service of your area, it may not be receiving the best market exposure. All other means of exposure such as open houses and newspaper advertising are used to supplement MLS marketing. Your realtor should use all the mean available to expose your house to the market.

3. Be wary of the "discount brokers" as they offer different tiers to market your home. Depending on the sales price, you may end up paying more than the local commission rates.

4. Always negotiate. You can negotiate with local agents to pay a lower commission. Try and remember, "you get what you pay for". Companies set their own policies regarding their commission rates, but it's illegal for an agent to tell you all commissions are pre-set by a governmental agency. Actually, it's an anti-trust violation.

5. Search online for an agent. If you have trouble finding an agent from a large, well-established and well-known franchise company to negotiate their commission, then search online for a discount broker in your area. They specialize in selling "Discount Homes".

6. You should interview a couple agents. Find one that you would like to spend time with and one that has a marketing plan.

7. If you are looking for realestate in Colorado Springs, then you may want to hire the services of a reputed Colorado Springs REALTOR.


Warnings


* Paying a lower commission may cost you! Commissions are how realtors get paid; albeit ethically grey - a realtor may be more inclined to show properties offering full or higher commissions! Don't make it easier for your competition to sell their property!

* Ads and open houses only comprise 3-4% of the marketing pie. Is that worth thousands of dollars of your home equity? Remember, buyers look at homes online; with the internet, they have information previously unavailable to consumers right at their fingertips.

* Most buyers don't like to negotiate with the sellers directly so you should plan on hiring a realtor. You can contact Mike Stuard if you have any questions about Colorado Springs commercial real estate.

* Most buyers hire buyers agents that expect 3% from the sale of the house. Not all the fees go to the listing agent, they normally split it equally with the buyer's agent.

* If your house is not listed with an agent / broker, you are probably not getting the amount of exposure that you will need to get the best price.


Colorado Springs real estate is a great option for investment in real estate property. You may also be looking at Colorado Springs real estate as your dream home.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Ready to Start your Apartment Search? Make it Easy!

Ready to Start your Apartment Search? Make it Easy!



"Homes for sale in Colorado Springs!" - there are so many Colorado Springs apartments…so why is the apartment search process so difficult?


While it’s easy to turn a 6-month apartment lease into an interminable nightmare, it’s not easy to turn a 6-month lease into something less than six months. A little advance planning can make your lease term a happy living experience. Your apartment search can be a valuable learning experience (you’ll use these techniques in every real estate transaction you engage in from now on).


First of all, be sure of what you’re looking for when you begin your apartment search. If you’re like other folks, you think you know what you want in your new apartment. So off you go, looking at new apartments and finding the place of your dreams. Then two months later, a friend’s new apartment is the site of a popcorn and movie night. You think, “What did I ever see in my apartment? It’s a terrible floor plan!” Or you can’t get the apartment maintenance crew to come fix the leaky shower. You wonder how you overlooked service and the people running the community. Sound familiar?


There are some steps you can take to help yourself make a good decision.


1. Calculate your budget before you do anything. Today, in Denver and Colorado Springs, people spend between one-quarter and one-third of their monthly income on rent/mortgage payments. So if you make $2,500 a month in salary, you can spend between $625 and $825 per month on your rent. If you can find a place with utilities included, that’s a bonus. You’ll have more money for take-out.

2. Figure out where you want to live – not just the city, but maybe the area of town or the neighborhood. That kind of information can be hard to come by, but be diligent. You could check out Colorado Springs real estate and get a good view of Denver neighborhoods and Colorado Springs neighborhoods. And when you’ve got some ideas, drive the neighborhood or community you’re thinking about. Stop and have a cup of coffee. Sit and watch people, traffic, the birds…anything that will matter after you’ve moved in.

3. Use a good apartment search website. The ability to search by area makes life a lot easier, so that capability, while not widely available, will shorten your time in front of the computer. Colorado Springs real estate is what you want. You can also contact Mike Stuard, if you have any questions about Colorado Springs commercial real estate.

4. Prepare a list of Colorado Springs real estate you’d like to look at. Plan your route and a checklist that will help you determine which place is right for you.

5. Be realistic about your final decision. That fifth floor walkup may have an incredible view, but unless you’re fond of the Stairmaster at the gym, you’ll make all your decisions based on your five flights of exercise. So sleep on it before you sign the deal.


As a final note, if you’ve never read a sale agreement, or don’t feel as though it’s one of your talents, have Colorado Springs REALTOR review it for you. Most apartment sale agreements are boiler-plate, but you should know what you’re signing.


Good luck on your apartment search!


Friday, April 24, 2009

Colorado Springs Real Estate Resource, and Information About the Colorado Balloon Classic

Colorado Springs Real Estate Resource, and Information About the Colorado Balloon Classic




Gold lured adventurers to Colorado Springs in the 1800's. Now it's the sky. Every year around Labor day, Colorado Springs hosts the Colorado Balloon Classic. The event is world renowned. It draws hundreds of participants, enthusiasts, and a large public audience.



Colorado Springs is a classic American tourist destination. Its dry climate, scenic landscape, and diverse culture attracts thousands of travelers every year. George Palmer, an industrialist and philanthropist, founded the city in the 19th century. He developed the rugged area into a bustling city with grand hotels, resorts, and entertainment. Initially, Colorado Springs was a destination for people seeking a cure for tuberculosis. Its clean mountain air provided a healthy respite. People regained their health and absorbed the pleasant fabric of life in the American west.



More people arrived. The area's natural beauty, coupled with its elegant lodging, transformed Colorado Springs into an international destination. When prospectors discovered gold in nearby mines, the news generated attention and interest. People arrived not only claim their riches, but to enjoy the high quality of life.



Currently, events and festivals are held throughout the year. The city boasts a sophisticated dining culture, rich art scene, and is known for its spirited environmental awareness. The Colorado Balloon Classic takes place on Labor Day weekend. The event celebrates the end of summer and beginning of fall. Dozens of hot air balloons float across the sky. People from Europe, Asia, and all across America visit Colorado Springs to enjoy the event's unique beauty.



The Colorado Balloon Classic was first organized in 1977. Since then it has grown into the largest hot air balloon festival in the Rocky Mountain region. It is also the longest running event of its kind in the entire state of Colorado. The event takes place in Memorial Park, which is located off of Pikes Peak Avenue, between Hancock Ave. and Union Blvd. Mass ascensions, with over 100 balloons, participate each year. Visitors are treated to a variety of art, food, and entertainment concessions.



The first recorded hot air balloon flight took place in Paris in 1783. Two men manned the balloon. King Louis XVI observed the event. The modern marvel of hot air balloon flight was born. The men filled the balloon, actually called the envelope, with hot air. The heated air is warmer than the surrounding air. The heated air rises to the top of the envelope. When the is contained, it has the strength to lift the wicker basket, or gondola, from the ground. Aside from design advances, the same concept is used today.



Colorado Springs understands the power of tourism. Tourism is one of the city's major economic engines. Today, the Colorado Balloon Classic is one the city's most anticipated events.



Many people come to Colorado Springs and make it their home. Colorado Springs real estate can be a great investment. Just begin your search of homes for sale in Colorado Springs.



Please contact a Colorado Springs REALTOR to properly represent your real estate needs. If you have any questions about Colorado Springs commercial real estate please contact Mike Stuard.



So if it's the city life or a more relaxing and laid back kind of life style that you are looking for, Colorado Springs real estate may be the choice for you.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Colorado Springs Flat Fee MLS

Colorado Springs Flat Fee MLS




Sellers of properties throughout the State of Colorado have looked for brokerage alternatives in selling their homes, and Colorado Springs real estate owners are no different. With the high number of military related jobs at Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base and other local installations, coupled with mobile working professionals at companies like Agilent Technologies, HP and Boeing, Colorado Springs tends to be a very active real estate market with homes being bought and sold more frequently than national averages. Without years and years of appreciation for most sellers, steep brokerage commissions are impossible to hide.



Upon deciding to move their homes for sale in Colorado Springs, many sellers think that there only option is to avoid agents altogether and sell FSBO or For Sale By Owner. The reality is that there are many options out there, and perhaps the best option is a flat fee listing on the MLS. If you interview a number of agents, chances are that most of them will quote you one number, perhaps six percent, but it could be higher or lower.



If that listing agent sells the home directly to a buyer or if the listing agent just cooperates with a buyers agent and that buyers agent sells the home, the commission rate is often the same. Most listings are sold by buyers agents, but even if there is not one involved, there is often no savings to the seller.



With a flat fee MLS listing, the listing agent agrees to list the property for a small flat fee, perhaps a few hundred dollars. The seller agrees to show the property and handle negotiations with the agent as a middleman. If a buyers agent sells the property, only the buyers agent is paid and this is typically around 3% of the sales price (although it is sometimes more and sometimes less).



If a buyers agent is involved, no commission is paid. Either way, the listing agent is not paid at closing. Some flat fee MLS brokers will agree to handle additional work for an additional fee at closing, often less than 1%. However, most sellers simply handle it themselves and enjoy the savings.



Looking beyond commission savings, the real benefit to Colorado Springs real estate owners of the MLS is exposure. Buyers and buyers agents can view the data through MLS feeds and numerous Internet websites. Relying on a for sale sign to get the word out is never enough, especially considering that many of the buyers of Colorado Springs properties are coming from out-of-area if not out-of-state.



Colorado Springs' MLS (called the Pikes Peak MLS) not only covers Colorado Springs, but neighboring areas like Woodland Park, Falcon, Black Forest and others). Whether the area is rural, urban or suburban, and the property is a single family home, lot, large tract of land, condominium or other property type, sellers are embracing the flat fee MLS listing programs as an optimal mix of commission savings and maximum marketing exposure. Experts expect that the percentage of sellers selling in this fashion will increase dramatically in the next few years.



Allow an experienced Colorado Springs REALTOR to use their many years of experience to help you TODAY! It will be well worth your time to make that decision.



Please contact Mike Stuard for more information about Colorado Springs commercial real estate.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Colorado Springs Real Estate: Short Sales Save the Day

Colorado Springs real estate: Short Sales Save the Day



Short Sales are the hot real estate topic in Colorado Springs.



Faced with foreclosures, banks and homeowners are working with industrious market professionals to sell property at lower costs. This is the case with homes for sale in Colorado Springs as well.



If a homeowner is behind on payments and is in danger of foreclosing, a realtor can assuage the situation with a short sale.



Short sales are tricky, though. According the Colorado Springs Business Journal, it takes a dedicated, savvy realtor to complete the process.



The article reports:



There are several keys to the process, but one of the most important is to contact the borrower’s lender. That’s a lot easier when the lender is local. Otherwise, you end up spending hours trying to track down loan information — and even more to get current home values, public records or to work through loan serving companies.



Short sales are an alternative to foreclosure. They sell property for less than what is owed by the homeowner. They offer the lender roughly 80% of the property's value, which, obviously, is better than losing out completely.



A foreclosed home faces challenges. Banks need to reestablish its value. If the home is damaged, they need to pay for repairs. Broker commissions are often high, and it may takes many months or even years to sell the property again.



Short sales, then, give banks options. But it takes a dogged realtor to put the deals together.



The article continues:



Tiffany Lachnidt, team leader of The Distinctive Group, a Keller Williams Real Estate affiliate, was drawn head-first into distress transactions during 2007 when an investor-client asked her to list and sell seven residential properties facing foreclosure.



“We got them all sold within a year,” she said.



In what seems to represent the new “norm,” half her business consists of homes in danger of foreclosure, bank real estate owned homes (REOs) or short sales.



Short sales often require the realtor to work quickly and effectively. If the lender is not local, realtors need to put pressure on lenders to provide loan and property information. Once the information is acquired, the realtor needs to complete the loan submission packet. Then a delicate balancing act transpires. The realtor must determine when and if a real estate attorney is required, answer questions about appraisals on first, second, or possible even third time mortgages, and attract potential buyers, all before the home goes into foreclosure--a big challenge, especially if the homeowner is already behind on payments.



Difficulties aside, short sales are getting property sold. The process demonstrates a realtor's bold, creative verve, and a circumstantial willingness on the part of the lender. A struggling market needs smart alternatives to survive. It seems realtors and banks realize this.



Allow an experienced Colorado Springs REALTOR to use their many years of experience to help you TODAY! It will be well worth your time to make that decision.



Please contact Mike Stuard for more information about Colorado Springs commercial real estate.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Colorado Springs, Co Real Estate

Colorado Springs, Co Real Estate




Colorado Springs, the second largest city in the state of Colorado, has a population of about 350,000. The city has all the comforts of other large cities in the United States, but not the problems with smog and traffic. This makes the city of Colorado Springs one of the best places to live in the United States. Real estate investors have also have an interest in the city.



The market conditions for Colorado Springs real estate are not in favor of sellers right now. In fact, buyers have control of the market. Houses currently spend about 2 months on the market. The average home sells for about $277,000. The average home price has been rising over the past few months and is expected to continue to rise.



There is much hope for Colorado Springs real estate. The job market is expected to increase bringing in at least 10,000 new jobs. Whenever there is a boom in the job market in a city, there is a subsequent boom in the real estate market. This is expected for Colorado Springs real estate.



New construction will bring in a much needed supply for the increase in the job market. This will lead to seller control of the market.



Colorado Springs real estate investors would do best to purchase real estate in the city now. Since buyers have control of the market, investors will be able to negotiate lower prices on even the high-end real estate. Once investors have purchased the property they should avoid selling for a few months until the market has begin to favor sellers.



Investors that currently hold homes for sale in Colorado Springs should also hold their properties until market conditions improve for sellers. It is unlikely that high profits will be gained from Colorado Springs real estate at this point in time.



There is hope for investors to make a profit on Colorado Springs real estate right now. That can be done through the purchase of foreclosed real estate. Since the foreclosed real estate is auctioned off and sold at a price much lower than market value, investors have a better chance of getting profits this way.



If you are considering purchasing a foreclosed home, it is best to research the market value of the home before making the final purchase. This way you will be able to tell how much you will be able to sell the house for. It would be unfortunate to pay a high price for Colorado Springs real estate and not be able to resell it and make a financial profit.



Although the Colorado Springs real estate market does not favor sellers at this point, that does not mean that all hope is lost. The expected job market boom and increasing economic status of the city will serve to improve the market conditions in the city. If you are currently a buyer for Colorado Springs real estate it is in your best interest to buy now before the prices begin to rise. Sellers of Colorado Springs real estate should hold their properties until market conditions change.



Please contact a Colorado Springs REALTOR to properly represent your real esate needs.



If you have any questions about Colorado Springs commercial real estate please contact Mike Stuard.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Colorado Springs Real Estate - Time To Buy

Colorado Springs Real Estate - Time To Buy

THE TIME TO BUY HOMES FOR SALE IN COLORADO SPRINGS IS TODAY!!



If you have thought about purchasing a new home and have been holding back for whatever reason, the time to move forward and purchase Colorado Springs real estate is now! Colorado REALTORS understands the factors that go into a decision to start the process of buying a new home, and they can help you throughout your real estate search.



The Colorado real estate market has shown quite an increase in inventory of new and existing homes that are priced to sell. There are many advantages of being a home buyer at this time. For example, many sellers, and their REALTORS, are moving quickly to reduce prices and offer an array of incentives to lure you, the buyer! These incentives may include reducing the price of homes further, or even contributing thousands of dollars in closing costs towards your real estate purchase! The choices for you, the buyers, are many, from starter homes and condos to luxury and custom homes. Or maybe even for the investor looking to expand into the Colorado Springs real estate market. In addition, there are inventories of bank owned properties being sold under market value to remove them from the banks' portfolios!



As you might have heard, the mortgage industry has seen many changes. These changes have led to lenders becoming increasingly scrutinized with some of the loan products that had been available to most borrowers. There are still many available mortgage products that you as the borrower can take advantage of, including first time home buyer programs with no money down!



Here in Colorado, many real estate agents offer a no cost consultation with a financial and mortgage expert to see what you may qualify for with your intended new home purchase, and help you wade through those programs to find what mortgage will best suit your needs! The process is easy and quick, and you may be surprised at the variety of loan programs available to you as a buyer. Currently, rates are still at all time lows on 30 year fixed mortgages, with rates hovering in the low 5-6 percents. Don't wait for rates and payments to possibly increase in the Colorado area! The time to buy is now!



Yes, this is truly a great time to be a home buyer in Colorado Springs, and an excellent time to look into Colorado Springs homes for sale! Allow an experienced Colorado Springs REALTOR to use their many years of experience to help you TODAY! It will be well worth your time to make that decision.



Please contact Mike Stuard for more information about Colorado Springs commercial real estate.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Colorado Springs Real Estate Investors Making Some Waves

Colorado Springs Real Estate Investors Making Some Waves


Colorado Springs Investment Property Is Starting To Move



Very recently,a larger operation moved into the Colorado Springs apartment market witha $31.25 million acquisition. What does this potentially indicate? Well, when investment real estate starts to change hands, it can indicate that a renters market might be on the horizon. If you are looking for investments, you might consider getting into Colorado Springs real estate in the next year. Find further information here about homes for sale in Colorado Springs.



More Details on this acquisition in Colorado Springs:

Lowe Enterprises Investors and Blue Vista Capital Management purchased the Tanager Meadows and Lark Haven apartments, a pair of 264-unit apartment complexes operated as a single community in the southeast part of the city.



"The acquisition - our first apartment investment in Colorado - is consistent with our strategy of acquiring multifamily properties in recovering markets with local operating partners. This is a market we know well through out firm's many years of real estate activity in the Denver metropolitan area and throughout the state of Colorado, Brad Howe, managing director of Lowe Enterprises Investors, said in a release.



If this is any indication of things to come, be prepared for larger companies to be moving into Colorado Springs over the next year as the real estate market is still at a low, but is set to become a recovering marketplace.



Please contact a Colorado Springs REALTOR to properly represent your real esate needs.



If you have any questions about Colorado Springs commercial real estate please contact Mike Stuard.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Colorado Springs Information & Real Estate TODAY

Colorado Springs Information & Real Estate TODAY




Colorado Springs - Brief History




The beginning of Colorado Springs began when gold was discovered in the Pikes Peak region during the mid nineteenth century. General William Palmer saw a need for a resort community as more and more folks were becoming unusually wealthy. As such, he created Colorado Springs and the Antlers Hotel. Thus, the beginnings of Colorado Springs real estate.



The loveliness of the Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods promptly made the region one of the most visited places in the US.



More gold was discovered around Cripple Creek, and thus further developed Colorado Springs in the late nineteenth century.



Almost immediately after the Second World War, Colorado Spring's reputation as an old town of gold miners was instantaneously transformed into being a military town. Certainly, the military expansions in Colorado Springs play a large part in the rapid rate in the growth of population.



Colorado Springs real estate Today


The real estate choices in Colorado Springs are abundant, with a population of about 380,000 within city limits and over 145,000 housing units.



Average home prices vary between $145,000 in the Southeast and $525,000 in the Southwest part of Colorado Springs.



Choices for homes for sale in Colorado Springs vary from condominium units to traditional, custom, and new homes situated in the foothills and priced agreeably into the millions.



THINGS TO DO IN COLORADO SPRINGS

• Travel the world's highest paved highway to the top of Pikes peak.

• Visit Garden of the Gods - one of Colorado's true natural wonders.

• Visit Cave of the Winds

• Attend a USAFA football game or Colorado College Hockey Game.

• Shopping at the Castle Rock outlets (about 30 minutes North of Springs)

• Visit Cripple Creek

• Every Colorado Springs visitor should treat themselves to a stay at the Broadmoor Resort Hotel at least once.



EMPLOYMENT IN COLORADO SPRINGS

The government is Colorado Spring's main employer - with the Air Force Academy and 3 military bases in town. Next to the government you would find significant employers such as Hewlett Packard, Amtel and Worldcom.



Although the normal income in Colorado Springs is somewhat less than the national average (just above $60,000), the low cost of living and the unadulterated beauty of the town makes up for it!



If you are interested in taking a further look into this area for real estate investment or relocation, our Colorado Springs REALTOR group would be glad to send you a free relocation CD!



If you have any questions about Colorado Springs commercial real estate please contact Mike Stuard.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Colorado Springs REALTORS - Listen Up!

Colorado Springs REALTORS - Listen Up!




Colorado Springs REALTORS


Listening to your Colorado Springs real estate clients and knowing architecture is critical!



"Location, location, location" is a popular saying in real estate. However, REALTORS, to know what your buyers really want, the saying here in Colorado Springs goes, 'listen, listen, listen! Most customers have specific wants and needs. And in terms of homes for sale in Colorado Springs, home buyers normally have an idea of what a dream home must look like - on the outside first!
Many people are drawn to live in a location simply because they would like to be a part of a community that shares the same environment. For example, those who adore the Victorian architecture will easily fall in love with San Francisco.



While Colorado Springs real estate offers unique architectural styles, the Queen Anne style is probably the most recognizable and popular strain of Victorian architecture in Colorado Springs. This style is characterized by a steep roof, towers, an asymmetrical shape, wraparound porch, bay windows and highly decorative details.



The Victorian era happened together with the years of the Industrial Revolution, leading to great wealth to some, and mass production to all. Pattern books and magazines began printing floor plans for homes, and factory-made details could be ordered across the country. Mass production allowed many home owners to include bizarre details to their homes. Those were also the years when the young resort town of Colorado Springs -- the "Little London" -- was attracting wealthy residents who had the money to drop on the self-indulgent details of Queen Anne style. The Queen Anne was a national style of the times, although it defied regional style as it did not relate to the climate or weather. As Colorado Springs REALTORS, knowing this type of real estate history will serve clients well.



Today, Colorado Springs has opened to new architectural styles - and a wider range to choose from: American Heritage, European Cottage, Italian Eclectic, Spanish Eclectic, Craftsman and Prairie. Whichever real estate your clients choose, they will be confident in your skills as a Colorado Springs REALTOR if you take some time to learn about the archtecture and to listen to their needs.



Find information here about Colorado Springs commercial real estate.