Archive for January, 2009

What you need to know about builder incentives January 28th, 2009

Patricia

 

 

If you are looking to buy a new home in Colorado Springs, you will find many builders are offering various incentives if you decide to purchase a new home.  Incentives can vary from a paid membership to the rec center, a finished basement, gourmet kitchen, 1 year of paid HOA dues, or cash incentives.

 

 

If you are looking to make a new home purchase, consider the big picture, not just the incentives offered. Is there a catch?  Many times there is. Most builders will only give the incentives if the buyer finances the loan through their mortgage company.  Interest rates normally run higher when you go through the builder’s lender.

 

 

A higher interest rate translates into a higher mortgage payment.  Can you get a lower interest rate? Sure you can, builders often use the incentive money they gave you to buy the rate down. Hold on a minute, does it sound like the builder is taking back the incentive money given to you?  Yes, that is exactly right. This is why it is imperative you work with a real estate agent, so you have someone on your side, negotiating on your behalf.

 

 

Remember, builders do not give everything away for free; they still want to make a profit.

 

Incentives can be very appealing and easily cloud a buyer’s thoughts and that is why it’s so important to be comfortable with the purchase price regardless of the incentives offered by the builder.  Your real estate agent can assess if the price of the home is fair taking into consideration the incentives and the market in the area.

 

Additional Reading: 5 reasons you should work with a Realtor when buying a new home

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For information on the buying process and available Homes in Colorado Springs please go to www.patricia-beck.com.

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5 reasons you should work with a Realtor when buying a new home January 28th, 2009

Patricia

Many buyers often ask “Why do I need a real estate agent when I am looking to buy a new home in Colorado Springs?”  There are multiple reasons it benefits buyers to work with their own Realtor when buying a new build.  Contact me about buying a new home in Colorado Springs at 719-660-9058

You need representation- Sure the builder may be nice and talk about how great their customer service is but the bottom line is they are looking out for their own interests and to make a profit.  Having a real estate agent who can negotiate for your benefit is important. So what about commissions?  The builder pays your agent’s commission and many builders will not reduce the price of a home if you are not working with an agent.  Basically, you have nothing to lose by working with your own Colorado Springs Realtor!

Incentives- Builders offer various incentives to buyers especially in the current real estate market.  The amount of incentives you receive and how they are used or not used for that matter can be negotiated for you by your real estate agent.  Builders can be stubborn and it helps to have someone else with experience on your side.

Contract terms- If you have ever bought a new home, I’m sure you remember the enormous contract and addenda.  Unless you understand real estate contracts, signing a legally binding contract without a real estate agent is unwise.  If the builder created the contract, who do you think they are protecting?  By working with an experienced real estate agent, you can feel confident that the paperwork you are signing has been reviewed, including all of the fine print.

Expertise- Your Realtor can pull comparable properties in the area so you can have an idea of the real estate market in the area and how it compares to the prices of the new build homes.  Additionally, your Colorado Springs Realtor may point out positives or negatives about the home or floor plan that you may have overlooked.  Your Realtor may also know of additional new home areas that you are not aware of.

Protection- If you go with the builder’s lender, your real estate agent can ensure the mortgage company does not add unnecessary junk fees into your closing costs.  If there is any conflict with fees, your agent can check with a mortgage expert he/she trusts to ensure you are not being overcharged.

Additional Reading:  What you need to know about builder incentives

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

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2008 Area Home Sales in Colorado Springs January 28th, 2009

Patricia

There were a total of 8,339 single family home sales in El Paso County in 2008 compared to 9,995 in 2007.  Take a look below to view the total sales for major areas in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. 

The Powers area of Colorado Springs had more home sales than any other area in Colorado Springs for the fourth year in a row. The Northeast area came in second while the West area came in last.

Highest median list price:  Briargate

Lowest median list price:  Southeast

Lowest average sale price:  Southeast

Highest average sale price:  Southwest 

Best list price vs. sale price ratio:  Powers

Lowest Days on Market:  Southeast and West

Highest Days on Market:  Briargate

Colorado Springs Area Home Sales for year 2008

*Information gathered from the Pikes Peak MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed Colorado Springs Realtor Patricia Beck, providing real estate services to home buyers and sellers.

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Single Family Home Inventory Stats for El Paso County – December 2008 January 14th, 2009

Patricia

Looking over the last six months, home inventory decreased by 24.3% for the month of December 2008 when compared to July 2008.  Single family home inventory in the Pikes Peak MLS has also decreased by 8% when comparing December 2007 to December 2008.

Looking at stats for December 2008, Single Family Home inventory in the Pikes Peak MLS is sitting at 10 months (compared to 11 months in November). Colorado Springs will reach a balanced market when inventory drops down to 6 months.

For the most current inventory in El Paso County (including all properties), please visit the Colorado Springs Market Information page on my website.

Home Inventory Statistics for El Paso County - December 2008

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

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

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Single Family Home Sales for El Paso County – December 2008 January 13th, 2009

Patricia

Unlike last month, El Paso County didn’t see a significant drop in single family home sales for the month of December; there was a 23.1% drop in single family home sales in November 2008.  There has been an overall 44% drop in single family home sales for El Paso County when looking back six months to July 2008.  Keep in mind, total home sales do normally decrease during the winter months in Colorado Springs. 

There were 149 more single family home sales in December 2007 when compared to total single family home sales for December 2008. Although there were fewer sales than this time last year, there were an additional 434 single family homes on the market in December 2007. 

Compared to the previous month of November, the average ($227,376) sale price increased while the median ($180,000) sales price decreased.  The median sales price was last seen at $180,000 in November 2003.  El Paso County closed out the year with 8,339 total single family home sales; 1,656 fewer sales than in 2007.

Single Family Home Sales for El Paso County - December 2008

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

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

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GREAT deal in Colorado Springs for homebuyers! January 5th, 2009

Patricia

There is a bank owned property that just hit the market in Ridgeview at Stetson Hills.  This subdivision is located near Powers and Stetson Hills and is comprised of Melody, Pulte, Richmond American, and John Laing homes.  Floor plans  in the area consist of 2-story, ranch, and mutli-level homes. 

This specific home for sale is a John Laing Anthem and in good condition for being a bank owned property!  It sold for $239,900 in 2006 and is now listed at $188,000!!  This a great deal for any homebuyers looking to live in this area of town.  There is a park, an elementary school, and a middle school within walking distance of the home.

The home was built in 2001 and is nearly 2,500 total square feet with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and an unfinished basement.  The basement was in the process of being finished so some of the work has been done. 

So what does the house need?  Not much!

  1. Kitchen Appliances- There are no appliances in the kitchen so a dishwasher, refrigerator, overhead microwave, and stove would have to be purchased.
  2. New door for the master bedroom- The door has a hole in it.  The doors in the rest of the house look great.
  3. A carpet cleaning- The carpet is very nice and in good shape.  There is just a little bit of dirt on the main level.
  4. Basement finish- The basement looks like it has the framing and electrical complete.
  5. Broken Window- One window in the basement needs replacement

If you want to take a look at this house, you can reach me at 719-660-9058.  You had better hurry because this home will not last long! 

Here are a few pictures of the home…

 

   

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 UPDATE:  This home is pending for sale.  It was on the market for 10 days.

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

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5 Important Things Buyers Should Pay Attention to While House Shopping January 4th, 2009

Patricia

 

It can be so easy to overlook details when you look at house, after house, after house.  Keep the number of homes you look at in one day manageable so you don’t wear yourself out and so you can have enough time to look at the homes that interest you. 

  1. Proximity to other homes- Homes in some neighborhoods are much closer together than in others.  Before you walk inside, take a look at how close the home is to the others around it.
  2. Windows- Builders should position homes in such a way that the neighbor’s windows do not line up with those of the home next door, but this is not always the case.  Take a look out of the windows to see what kind of view you have.  If the blinds are closed, the seller may be trying to hide something.  I was recently in a home where every single window on one side of the house lined up with the windows of the neighbor’s home next door.
  3. Drainage-  Pay attention to the slope of the lot, does it slope downward toward the home?  If so, rain may find it’s way into the basement.  Don’t forget about the driveway.  I have seen a few driveways that slope downward into the home and that could mean trouble if there are heavy rains. 
  4. House Direction- Purchasing a North facing home in Colorado Springs may not seem like a big deal until you get hit with a snow storm.  The snow that accumulates will take much longer to melt than if you were to live in a South facing home which means more ice on your driveway.
  5. Foundational issues- If you see large cracks in the walls, doors that do not close properly, heaving floors, there may be a problem with the foundation. 

By paying attention to potential problems in advance, you will save yourself valuable time during your home search!  With the abundance of bank owned properties and short sale listings in Colorado Springs, be aware of the possible repairs or purchases that will be required in order for you to move in (i.e. new carpet, exterior paint or siding, or new appliances).

Happy House Hunting!

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

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Real Estate Market Report for Meridian Ranch – December 2008 January 4th, 2009

Patricia

Real Estate Market Report – Meridian Ranch – December 2008

Colorado Springs Real Estate - Market Report - Meridian Ranch Subdivision - December 2008

Average List Price: $328,461
Average Days on Market (active listings): 178 days
Absorption Rate: 5.7%
List Price vs. Sale Price Ratio: 98%

Contact me for additional information about homes for sale in the Meridian Ranch subdivision.

Patricia Beck – Selling Colorado Springs Homes

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

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Colorado Springs Real Estate – Market Report – Charleston Place January 4th, 2009

Patricia

Colorado Springs Real Estate Market Report for Charleston Place - December 2008

Colorado Springs Real Estate Market Report for Charleston Place - December 2008

Average List Price: $324,184
Home Inventory: 7.8 months
Absorption Rate: 1.7%
List Price vs. Sale Price Ratio: 97.8%

Contact me for additional information about homes in the Charleston Place subdivision of Colorado Springs.

Patricia Beck – Selling Colorado Springs Homes

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

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Colorado Springs Real Estate – Market Report – Newport Heights – December 2008 January 4th, 2009

Patricia

 

Colorado Springs Real Estate Market Report for Newport Heights Subdivision – December 2008

Colorado Springs Real Estate Market Report for Newport Heights Subdivision - December 2008

Average List Price: $277,100
Average Days on Market (active listings): 108 days
Home Inventory: 3.6 months
Absorption Rate: 1.7%
List Price vs. Sale Price Ratio: 97.2%

Contact me for additional information about homes in the Newport Heights subdivision of Colorado Springs.

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

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

 

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