Archive for the ‘Colorado Springs Areas’ Category

Abandoned mines in Colorado Springs August 13th, 2011

Patricia

Buyers interested in purchasing a home in Colorado Springs may not be aware of the abandoned mines located in various areas of the city. This topic intrigued me so I completed research to find out more information about the abandoned mines and subsidence issues in Colorado Springs.

Coal mining took place in Colorado Springs from the late 1800′s through the 1950′s. The room and pillar mining method was commonly used and over time, these coal (or timber) pillars supporting the roof of the mine that were never removed could collapse or erode.

Pikeview was one of the largest coal mines that operated from 1900-1957 in the Northwest/Rockrimmon area of Colorado Springs. Another large mine, Rapson (1901-1916) was located underneath what is now known as the Cragmoor and Country Club areas of Colorado Springs.

The coal mines in the Rockrimmon area were deep with vertical shafts whereas the mines in the Cragmoor/Country Club, Rustic Hills, and Palmer Park areas were low angle, sloping tunnels and those appear to have more issues with subsidence since they are more shallow. There are documented incidents of subsidence, most of which took place in the 1980′s. These incidents of subsidence included surface cracks, structural damage to homes, disclocated sidewalks, sags, holes, cave-ins, and collapse pits. The issues were addressed by back-filling the problematic areas. The Country Club Area appears to have the most issues with subsidence up until recently (2005):

Old Coal Mines Endanger Homes
Earth shifting as old mines erode

There is an affordable Mine Subsidence Protection Program available to those living in areas where subsidence is a risk. To learn more about the Colorado Mine Subsidence Program, the Colorado Inactive Mine Program can be reached toll-free at 1-800-44-MINES (1-800-446-4637).

For those who are interested in researching abandoned mines a little further, the Penrose Library located in downtown Colorado Springs offers a large collection of subsidence maps for reference.

Online Resources are also available:
Subsidence Map for Rockrimmon Area
Subsidence Map for Cragmoor Area

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If you are looking to purchase a home in Colorado Springs, contact Patricia Beck at 719-660-9058 or visit www.patricia-beck.com.

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New Homes in Colorado Springs – Forest Meadows May 27th, 2011

Patricia

Forest Meadows is a newer subdivision in school district 49 and is located East of Powers and Woodmen off of Black Forest and Vollmer Rd. The single family homes in Forest Meadows range from the high $100s to the low $200s making it an affordable area for new homes in Colorado Springs. The HOA dues are $35 per quarter (includes garbage). The neighborhood currently has one park with a playground and a second pocket park is going to be added in the near future. Shopping off of Woodmen Road and Penrose hospital are conveniently located near Forest Meadows. Although building started in 2007, development in the area has been slow due to the real estate market. It looks like things are picking up in the area and there are still remaining lots available.

Current builders in the area include:
Today’s Homes (only 3 homes left)
Aspen View Homes
GJ Gardner
Saint Aubyn Homes
Legendary Homes

Existing homes from other builders in the area include:
Journey Homes, LLC
Richmond American Homes
Premier Homes Inc
Hallmark Building Co

Also read:
5 reasons you should work with a Realtor when buying a new home

Additional costs to consider when building a new home

Buying a new home vs existing home in Colorado Springs

For further information on New Homes in Colorado Springs contact your Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent, Patricia Beck.

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Colorado Springs: Bear Creek Garden September 3rd, 2009

Patricia

Many residents of Colorado Springs have their own garden; the interest in vegetable gardens in particular, has increased. You may choose to start a garden if want to save some money

on groceries, grow your own organic food, or pick up a new hobby. If you do not own a home in Colorado Springs but would still like to have your own garden, renting your very own plot from the Bear Creek Garden Association may be a good idea.

The garden is located on the west side of town near 21st and Rio Grande in Bear Creek Regional Park and has been there for about 30 years. The garden is open to the public and plots can be rented for a season; the water available on site is included in the rent.

Members are responsible for watering their own garden and are not allowed to water between 10am and 4pm. Also, the use of insecticides is prohibited since the garden is organic. The garden can only be accessed by members and is owned by El Paso County.

Current pricing is listed below:

20′ x 40′ plot: $80 per season

20′ x 20′ plot: $40 per season

There are a total of 110 plots and they are all rototilled every spring. Approximately a dozen plots are dedicated to Care and Share and a couple are also for the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Members are required to contribute four hours of volunteer work in the garden.

To reserve a plot, please contact the Bear Creek Garden Association at 473-5827.

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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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Colorado Springs Real Estate – Gold Hill Mesa September 1st, 2009

Patricia

Gold Hill Mesa is located on the west side of Colorado Springs just south of Hwy 24 and West of I-25. Gold Hill Mesa is close to Downtown Colorado, Old Colorado City, Bear Creek Park, a dog park, and Garden of the Gods.

This area started new construction in 2005 when John Laing was the primary builder in the area. After John Laing filed for bankruptcy in February 2009, new home builders entered the area and are maintaining similar home designs (mid-1900s) to match the existing homes in the neighborhood.

Challenger Homes and Creekstone Homes are currently building in the area. Base pricing for Challenger Homes starts at $200,000 and the ranch and 2-story floor plans in the area do not have a basement. Creekstone is currently building a couple of homes in the community and has yet to release pricing information.

The homes in Gold Hill Mesa have front porches and 2-car garages off alleyways in the rear of the home. The smaller lots are perfect for homeowners who prefer a maintenance free yard. There are monthly HOA dues which cover the water (metro district), trash removal, snow removal, and maintenance of the front yard. Townhome owners are currently paying $146/month in HOA dues and Single Family residences are paying $123/month. The monthly HOA dues are separate from the Master HOA dues in the community. Although, currently at $4/month, the Master HOA dues will increase after the fitness center is completed in January 2010. The fitness center will have a pilates studio, an aerobics room, and workout equipment.

The soil in the community has raised concern for some since it was formerly home to The Golden Cycle Mill (not a mine) where ore was processed. The developers participated in an extensive Voluntary Clean-Up agreement with the State of Colorado to ensure each residential building site was safe. The developer excavated 48″ below the surface, added a 24″ mix of native topsoil (60%) and gold ore tailings (40%), and then brought in and added another 24″ of native top soil only.

All residences have fiber-optic connectivity, access to a community center that may be reserved for gatherings, and a common mailstop that is located indoors. The Gold Hill Mesa community offers spectacular views of Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods.

If you would like information on homes for sale in Gold Hill Mesa, contact me, your Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent

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Colorado Springs Real Estate – Cordera December 11th, 2008

Patricia

The Cordera Community is a 625 acre, master-planned community that is expected to be completed in 2016. A total of 1,400 homes are going to be built in this subdivision of Colorado Springs. The Cordera community can be seen as you are driving along Powers Blvd., but it is best to see the community up close if you really want to get a feel for it!

Cordera is situated in School District 20 with the new Chinook Trail Elementary School located right in the Cordera community. The new school currently accommodates students from K-5 and may possibly expand to grades K-8. The elementary school focuses on International Studies and children have the opportunity to learn Mandarin Chinese starting in Kindergarten.

New home prices in the area start in the $300’s and the local builders include: Campbell Homes, Keller Homes, Saddletree Homes, Symphony Homes, and Vantage Homes. Each home is 100% Energy Star Certified and offers 360° views of unique architecture (not just the front of the home). Lots vary in size and can be between 6,000-15,000 square feet. Check out what each builder has to offer. Campbell Homes is currently offering free landscaping (front and backyard) to home buyers in Colorado Springs.

So what are a few unique aspects of the Cordera Community?

Every home is located on a cul-de-sac street which offers a quieter and safer environment for homeowners.
Each new homeowner receives a free landscape design and is also
given two free trees. The community is thinking ahead and plans on
having beautiful tree-lined streets like the downtown area of Colorado
Springs.
Cordera has lower property taxes when compared to the Wolf Ranch and Cumbre Vista communities.
Don’t like hearing garbage trucks in your neighborhood every day? Then you will like Cordera because trash for every resident is picked up only one time a week, on Friday. Trash service is also included in the monthly HOA dues of $100.
If you want an extension to your backyard, Cordera offers two
storybook-themed parks and 4.5 miles of trails for their residents.
Briargate Pkwy has a pedestrian underpass and Cordera plans on also
adding one to Union Blvd. You can safely get across and don’t have to
wait for the street lights to change during your run. Plenty of space to
play, walk, jog, and bike!
Feel connected with the community. The Community Center has seasonal
events for Cordera residents and offers ample space in their Community
Center and on the Grand Lawn for gatherings.
HOA dues are $100 per month for residents. It includes trash service and use of the Community Center.
There are amazing Pikes Peak views in this area of Colorado Springs!

Story Book-Theme Parks!

The Community Center

The Community Center is managed by the YMCA and its amenities
are exclusively available to Cordera residents. All fitness machines are
equipped with their own televisions and cameras (to view the child care
room). Free aerobic and yoga classes are also available. The salt water
based, heated, outdoor swimming pool also has a zero entry splash park
for children. The Green meeting rooms can be reserved for birthday
parties and other socials by residents three times a year, free of
charge. The Grand Lawn was tailored to the Secret Garden theme and is
the main gathering area during seasonal events in the community.
Residents can visit with one another and have a cup of coffee in the
Internet Café after their workout.

If you are interested in purchasing a new home in Cordera, contact your Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent, Patricia Beck for more information.

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Colorado Springs Real Estate – Flying Horse November 21st, 2008

Patricia

Flying Horse is located in the Northgate area of Colorado Springs. This luxury community is on the northern rim of Colorado Springs; it is close to the Air Force Academy, I-25, the city of Monument, and not too far from Denver. Homes in this area have spectacular views of Pikes Peak and the front range.

The average age of residents in Flying Horse is between the age of 35 and 50 years. It is anticipated that the Flying Horse Community will take 10-12 years to complete. Powers Blvd will also be extended further north through this community.

Flying Horse is located in School District 20 and has opened Discovery Canyon, a K-12 school campus.

In addition to a trail system, there are three parks in Flying Horse Ranch: Barefoot Park, Frog’s Leap Park, and Angel Mist Park.

This master plan community is comprised of the villages listed below, in no particular order:

Each Village is unique when it comes to price range, available floor plans, location, and builders. Buyers can choose from production, semi-custom, or custom builders depending on where they buy a home in the community. Price ranges for homes are anywhere from $300,000 to $4,000,000. Some of the home builders are listed below (in no particular order):

Classic Homes
Vantage Homes
Saddletree Homes
Goetzmann Homes
Keller Homes
Copperleaf Homes

If you want low maintenance living, Classic Homes, offers six new floor plans for patio homes in the Village of Saratoga. Classic Homes will be bringing Encore, an Active Adult Community, to Flying Horse in 2009.

All residents of Flying Horse have access to the Clubhouse and Athletic Club and Spa with a paid membership. There are two types of membership: the social membership and the club membership.

What is the difference between the memberships?

The social membership has an initial fee of $9,000 and a monthly fee of $450/month. It
allows residents to utilize the Athletic Club and Spa and play on the
18-hole Flying Horse Golf Course up to eight times a year (for an
additional fee). Conversely, the club membership has an initial fee of $39,000 and a monthly fee of $450/month. This membership includes the Athletic Club and Spa in addition to unlimited golf. As
far as incentives are concerned, many builders and developers are
paying the club or social membership if buyers purchase a new home. There are HOA dues in Flying Horse and they vary by area ($55-$500), these dues are separate from the monthly membership dues.

The Clubhouse
offers casual and formal dining, banquet rooms, men’s and women’s
locker rooms, a golf shop, a tennis shop, and a wine locker where
residents can rent space.

The Athletic Club and Spa
offers indoor basketball and volleyball courts, a weight room, cardio
equipment, a Yoga and Pilates studio, an aerobics room, Kids Cabin
(daycare), casual dining, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, men’s and
women’s locker rooms, and heated outdoor pool. The lower level has massage/spa rooms and an area for manicures and pedicures.

Flying
Horse offers a luxurious lifestyle for its residents and that is what
makes Flying Horse unique from other new home communities in Colorado
Springs: Lifestyle.

Directions to Flying Horse: Powers Blvd North, East on Hwy 83, Left on Flying Horse Club Drive. The Flying Horse Information Office will be on your left hand side.

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

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Colorado Springs Market Report: Sunset Ridge April 22nd, 2008

Patricia

Sunset Ridge is located next door to the Vista Mesa Subdivision and is bordered by Vickers, Rangewood, and Flintridge.

Homes in this area of Colorado Springs were built primarily by U.S.
Homes in addition to various custom home builders. Homes in the area are
mainly comprised of 2-story and ranch floor plans. This area is close
to Cottonwood Park and within walking distance of Martinez Elementary
School.

Market Analysis for 3/1/2008-4/21/2008

Homes for sale: 3

Average list price: $308,800

Under Contract: 0

Sold Homes: 2

Average sold price: $420,500

Search the Pikes Peak MLS

To find out more about Colorado Springs Realty and the Colorado Springs Area contact me or visit my website.

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Colorado Springs Market Report: Sundown April 22nd, 2008

Patricia

Sundown is located in the Northeast area of Colorado Springs and is bordered by Dublin, Templeton Gap, and Austin Bluffs just west of Powers Blvd. Sundown is conveniently located near schools, parks, and both new hospitals (Penrose and Memorial North) in Colorado Springs.

The area also offers quick and easy access to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment along the Powers Corridor. Floor plans for homes in this area include: tri-level, 4-level, two story, and ranch style homes. Homes built in the area go as far back as the 1980′s while new homes continue to be built on Fossil Butte Drive. This specific area of Colorado Springs offers some great starter homes for first time home buyers.

Market Analysis from 3/21/2008-4/21/2008

Number of homes for sale = 23

Average list price= $205,930

Number of homes under contract/pending= 9

Number of homes sold= 3

Average Days on Market (for sold homes) = 78

Absorption Rate= 33 weeks

Search the Pikes Peak MLS

To find out more about Colorado Springs Realty and the Colorado Springs Area contact me or visit my website.

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Colorado Springs Market Report: Vista Mesa April 8th, 2008

Patricia

Vista Mesa is located off of Vickers and is located between Rangewood and Flintridge across from Martinez Elementary School (School District-11) in the Northeast area of Colorado Springs. Cottonwood park is also within walking distance of this neighborhood. Vista Mesa sits below the Dakota Ridge subdivision of Colorado Springs.

Many of the homes in this subdivision are 2-story , tri-level, and ranch style homes that were built from the mid to late 1990′s. Harmony, Saddletree, Integrity, Allure, and Ashcroft Homes were among the builders with Classic homes being the most predominate in this Colorado Springs Subdivision

Market Analysis: 1/8/2008-4/8/2008

There are currently five homes for sale in the Vista Mesa Neighborhood with the average asking price at $272,360.

Over the past three months, there have been three homes that have sold in the area with the average selling price being $312,166 and average days on market sitting at 95 days.

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New Homes in Colorado Springs – Banning Lewis Ranch March 18th, 2008

Patricia

New Homes in Colorado Springs – Banning Lewis Ranch

Base pricing for new homes start in the low $200,000 to mid $300,000′s; it located near Marksheffel Road and Woodmen Blvd is a community that includes home built by such as Classic Homes, Oakwood Homes, Todays Homes, D.R. Horton, and Richmond American Homes. Models in this area of Colorado Springs, have not been built in any other part of the city and builders are required to have four different floor plans. There are also existing homes in this area that were built by John Laing Homes and Capital Pacific Homes.

Banning Lewis Ranch is a newer sub-division that focuses on a lifestyle for people who desire to live in a community that has many conveniences within. Banning Lewis Ranch leans more towards the idea of diversity in home builders and designs than typical neighborhoods that are near this location. The community’s goal is to have every home no more than a couple of blocks from trails that lead to parks nearby and many, many trees.

This master plan is expected to take approximately 40 years to complete and will be a city within a city containing: parks, golf courses, schools, movie theaters, and a mall. Banning Lewis Ranch is expected to go as far south as Fontaine and has planned to bring water to the southern section of Banning Lewis Ranch via the Southern Delivery System.

Specs:
–Eastern edge of Colorado Springs
–Over 21,000 acres of land
–Plans for residential, recreation and office/retail construction

The Homeowner Value Package costs only $86/month for residents and includes:

Use of the Northtree Ranch House
Fitness Room
Tennis Courts
Jr. Olympic Pool
Kids splash play area
Outdoor veranda with fireplace
Poolside fire pit
Cable TV service with a minimum of 55 channels
High-Speed internet service
Regular weekly trash and recycling pickup

*After the first 2,700 homes are purchased, the board will vote on the monthly fee and it may be subject to change

The initial village Northtree is now open which is located on about 350 acres of land with about 1,000 homes from 4 different builders including a trail system, parks, pools and a Kindergarten through 8th grade public Charter school (School District 49).

Banning Lewis Ranch - Classic Home