Colorado Springs Real Estate Podcast with Jason Daniels

Here's what you need to know about buying new construction right now. The advantages of buying a new construction home in today's intense seller's market currently outweigh the disadvantages. But what, exactly, are those advantages? For starters, you're locking in a price while the home is being built, and you won't face much competition. Resale homes, on the other hand, are seeing five, 10, and 15 offers right now. When you sit down with your agent and the builder to write up the contract, you know that the price is set—you won't have to bid up to $15,000, $20,000, or even $30,000 over asking price.  Furthermore, home values have been appreciating at an impressive clip in recent months. Due to the building shortage, the typical construction time for a new home is right around 10 to 12 months. By the time you close, it's likely that your property will have already seen some slight appreciation.  You also have the ability to choose some of the home's amenities—color schemes, flooring, kitchen cabinets, etc. Another huge perk: Access to the most modern living accommodations. There are a lot of newer areas with HOAs that include recreation centers and shared facilities. “By the time you close, it's likely that your property will have already seen some slight appreciation.” Let's take a look at some of the cons. Though interest rates have gone up a little bit, there's reason to believe that they'll remain fairly steady for the next 12 months. That said, if we do see a significant adjustment, then that means you'll miss out on locking in a great rate. Second, builders are increasing their prices about every four to six weeks, primarily because there's a shortage of both labor and materials.  Here at Finch & Gable, we all know the new construction home process. My background is actually construction management, as I used to be working on the other side of the fence for a contractor. We're equipped to guide you through the whole process from A to Z. We can help you make sure that the contractors are staying on schedule and that you're not going over budget on change orders. Post-closing, we'll help you handle any warranty issues.  If you're thinking about purchasing a new construction home or have any other questions relating to real estate, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We'd love to be your go-to resource and guide for all things new construction.  

Here’s some helpful advice for sellers in this hot, fast-paced market. Lately, we've had a lot of clients ask us about the different options they have in this market, and there are a few misconceptions we want to clear up: 1. Don't sell as is. With some basic paint, carpet, and flooring, you can double, triple, or even quadruple your investment if the home is marketed properly. 2. Don't overprice. We see homes in this market that are overpriced all the time. They end up sitting on the market for a lot longer than the rest. Price it at or slightly below market value and that's where you'll get top dollar. 3. Don't use a discount broker or FSBO. If you use a discount broker, you might expect a discount price for your home. FSBO can be very challenging for someone with no experience, and you're likely to get taken advantage of by seasoned agents and investors. “Price your home at or slightly below market value.” In this market, we're getting our sellers more money than ever before by following these steps. If you have any questions about selling in this market or real estate in general, don't hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

There are several options available when you need to sell your home and buy a new one. In this current seller's market, buying and selling a home at the same time can be a little tricky. I'm here today with some tips to help you succeed if you're in a position where you need to buy and sell. It can be difficult navigating a move with so many moving parts and pieces. The first thing you should know is that contingent offers are no longer viable. They may have worked in past markets, but they don't in this seller's market. With most sellers receiving multiple offers and selling over list price with no contingencies, it puts buyers who need to sell first in a predicament because they have their money tied up in their home's equity. There are a few different ways to buy and sell simultaneously. The first option is the most traditional. We'll sell your home first, close on it, and use that cash to buy your new home. This very well could mean two moves in this market. The second option is using a bridge loan or line of credit to buy your next home before selling without having to make a contingent offer. However, you'd still have to qualify for two mortgage payments. “We have several different programs that might be able to help you.” One other thing you can do in this market is to negotiate a rent-back from the buyer to get the home under contract. This can give you up to 60 days to find a new home after you've sold your first one. Here at Finch and Gable Real Estate, we have exclusive partnerships with investors who can make this process stress-free for you. They'll pay market value for your current home in cash, and they'll make a cash offer on your behalf for your next home, making your offer that much stronger. Then you can align the closings so you don't have two house payments or two moves. It's a great way to alleviate the stress of having to buy and sell in this market. We have several programs, so please reach out if you're interested, and we can assess your situation. We've sold 1,500 homes and helped hundreds of buyers and sellers buy and sell at the same time. It doesn't have to be scary. If you have any questions about selling your home or real estate in general, don't hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Is the Space Force Command really leaving Colorado Springs? We just got word that the Space Force Command will most likely be leaving Colorado Springs. It was announced recently that Huntsville, Alabama, will be housing the permanent headquarters for Space Command. This development has been upsetting to local politicians due to the $450 million economic impact this will have on our community, including 1,400 jobs, 40 of which are active duty and 60 are civil service. On top of that, there are likely going to be hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs tied to the contractors that service the military for Space Command here in Colorado. The good news is that we'll still serve as a temporary location for at least three to five more years; the final decision won't be made until 2023. When the new administration takes over, they may change their minds and keep Space Command headquarters right here. With our five military installations, this is a great place for it. “Despite the potential loss from this move, we'll still have plenty of job opportunities from other businesses coming to the area.” So what does this mean for the housing market? For one, the developer Flying Horse East was planning to build 3,500 homes in the area around Schreiver Air Force Base, a decision which may be put on hold. However, In-N-Out Burger has brought several hundred jobs to us, and they're bringing even more into the distribution. We'll also see an influx of jobs for Amazon, which developed a four-million square foot building to house the more than 1,000 employees they'll need. Scheels Sporting Goods is bringing 300 to 400 jobs within the next couple of months, as well. Ultimately, we'll be fine if Space Command does relocate, but that doesn't reduce the potential impact of losing $450 million to $800 million a year. If you have any questions about the real estate market or how these developments will impact the economy, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

A Zestimate should only function as a starting point for your home’s value. Can you trust Zillow's Zestimates? The short answer is no—whether you're buying or selling, they should only be used as a starting point. Roughly 75% of the Zestimates in Colorado are inaccurate. Even Zillow states that their Zestimates are off by an average of 5%, and we've found that the average is usually closer to 10%. That means if the average sale price in your area is $400,000, the Zestimate for any home could be off by as much as $40,000. “We'd be happy to meet with you, go over the numbers, and give you a free, accurate valuation of your home.” Zillow relies on public and user-submitted data to calculate their Zestimates, which means that anyone can artificially inflate their home's value on Zillow's website. Think of it this way: If you weren't feeling well and went to WebMD to give yourself a diagnosis, that might work if you have something as simple as a cold. If you have a serious health concern, though, you'll probably reach out to a doctor. That's why, if you really want to know what your home is worth, you're better off reaching out to a real estate agent. Here at Finch & Gable, we'd be happy to meet with you, go over the numbers, and give you a free, accurate valuation of your home. If you'd like to take us up on this offer, would like to know more about Zillow, or have any other real estate questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for your support this year. 2020 has been pretty tough; I know that many families still face challenges. We started this year rebranding as Finch & Gable—and then the pandemic hit. Due to that, we didn't think we were going to launch this company. We've not only been through a pandemic but also all the political turmoil that's come up this year. Nevertheless, we made it through, thanks to your support. It's now the Christmas season, and we were able to help over 100 families buy or sell a home here in Colorado. We're just blessed to have been a part of our clients' lives. Merry Christmas and happy holidays! We pray that your families will be blessed during the season as we have been and that you're able to overcome whatever trials you face. If there's anything we can do for you, please reach out to us. See you in 2021!

How will this presidential election affect the future of the real estate market? This has been a crazy election year with a lot of strange things happening in the marketplace. So how will these events impact the upcoming real estate market? Both nationally and here in Colorado Springs, it's not all doom and gloom—there is some good news in it all. There are four reasons why I think things will turn out okay: 1. There's a huge demand for millennial buyers, who are driving the market across the U.S. We have many new job openings and opportunities coming into Colorado Springs. 2. Mortgage rates are historically low. The average is 2.85% for a 30-year fixed-rate, which is the lowest rates have ever been in recorded history. “Things will likely slow down during the holidays and pick back up in the spring.” 3. Home prices continue to appreciate thanks to our low inventory and high demand. 4. History shows the market will calm down soon. Experts have studied the market over the last 60 years with respect to presidential elections, and they found that it takes nearly a quarter before the market calms down; it just takes some time to get used to the new administration's policies, especially those regarding housing finance. All in all, things are likely going to turn out alright in the end. Experts are saying that interest rates should remain low throughout the year. There is some speculation about how a COVID vaccine might affect things, but ultimately, things will likely slow down during the holidays and pick back up in the spring. The United States of America is the greatest country on Earth. We have a very resilient economy, and the people are resilient as well, especially here in Colorado Springs. I just know that 2021 is going to be a great year, and not just for real estate. If you have any questions about the current or future market or you're looking to buy or sell a house, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We'd love to help you.

By using our Green Photo Initiative, our winter home sellers will stand out amid the competition. If you're thinking of listing your home this coming winter, our Green Photo Initiative will help it sell quickly and for top dollar. With this initiative, we'll send a professional photographer to your house to take pictures of its exterior and capture its beauty while your lawn is still green and landscaping still in bloom. We'll then hold onto these photos for you until you find your next home and are ready to list. You need a professional photographer who knows how to make people want your home, and we know several such photographers we can send your way. Last year, we were able to help many sellers maximize their exposure by using this strategy. When your home goes on the market in November, December, January, or February, it will stand out among the other listings that have drab, dreary winter pictures. If you'd like to sign up for this initiative, just call or email the Finch & Gable Real Estate Company anytime. If you have any other real estate needs, feel free to reach out to us as well. We'd love to hear from you.

If another COVID outbreak happens, here’s how our market will handle it. What will our real estate market look like if we go through another outbreak of the coronavirus? We're receiving this question a lot. 2020 has been very uncertain, but from what I've seen, I have good news on this front. During the first outbreak, there was a government-mandated shutdown, people were stuck in their homes, and businesses were temporarily closing. From what I've heard, another shutdown enforced by the government is unlikely because it had such a huge economic impact. Afterward, we saw a V-shaped recovery, which is great news. It's called a V-shape recovery because the economy went down quickly, then rebounded sharply, much like the letter ‘V.' If the economy declines again, we will likely see another upward rebound shortly thereafter. Here's why: We have been selling about 1,200 to 1,400 houses monthly for the last couple of months, and there are currently just over 1,100 properties on the market in the Pikes Peak region. We're seeing a ton of pent-up demand, though the rate of new home construction can't keep up. Building materials and appliances can't be delivered as quickly as before (for example, General Electric switched to making ventilators during this time). Also, no one knows what will happen after the presidential election. “If the economy declines again, we will likely see another upward rebound shortly thereafter.” Overall, there's still plenty of demand. If the pandemic hits hard again, we may see things slow down for a season. It may take until next spring or summer to fully recover, but our local economy is healthy and will persevere. We have strong employment and military here, and people are commuting from Denver and purchasing homes. We have a solid outlook, even if we take a few more punches. If you have specific questions or are considering selling your house, please reach out via phone or email. If you're thinking about buying a home, we currently have interest rates under 3% for a 30-year fixed mortgage for the first time ever. Whatever your needs are, we'd love to help you.

There are three upgrades you must avoid if you’re selling soon. If you're selling your home in the next few years, here are the top three upgrades you should avoid making: 1. An outdoor swimming pool. Here in Colorado you can only use an outdoor pool for about four months out of the year. They're fun and exciting to have, but they're also expensive to maintain and considered an extra liability. A lot of buyers are simply turned off by pools. 2. Solar panels. Solar panel technology is constantly improving and becoming less expensive, but if you install panels on your home, you won't get a full return on your investment in the short term. 3. Expensive landscaping. For example, if you build any water features and/or large retaining walls you'll be lucky to get a 25% return on value when you sell. If you're curious about which upgrades will fetch the best sale price for your home, give my team and me a call and we'd be happy to schedule a quick walk-through. If you have questions about any other real estate topics, feel free to give me a call as well. We're here to help.

I’m explaining how buying a newly built home is different from resale. Many clients have asked what differentiates buying a newly built home from a resale, so I'm diving into that topic today. First, with a new build, you get that brand-new feeling, the ability to choose the colors and finishes, and a 12-month warranty for everything in the house (sometimes the structural warranty lasts years). The procedure is also a bit different. You will need a real estate agent who knows the new construction process well to help guide you through it. There are different construction walk-throughs including frame or pre-drywall walks and final walks, and you need someone who knows what to look for. Another great thing about purchasing a new construction home is that there's less competition for them. Currently here in Colorado, we receive multiple offers on resale homes, and it's a fight to win it. However, with new construction, you're locking in a lot, and building it from the ground up. A new construction home will also appreciate during the six to 12 months it's being worked on, and appreciation rates are as high as 6% to 10% right now. “You will need a real estate agent who knows the new construction process well.” When you buy a resale home, you hire an inspector to come look at the house and negotiate repairs with the seller, whereas with new construction there's a warranty, and you don't have to worry as much about things breaking. Additionally, the newer the home, the more updated its safety will be. Remember: Hire a professional agent to help you. They can negotiate upgrades and lot premiums, and they'll help you check out all the different builders in town or the area you want to live in so you know exactly what you're getting in the end. If you have any questions or need a Realtor, give us a call or send an email. We look forward to hearing from you.

Although this pandemic has changed our daily lives for the time being, it has also allowed us to focus on what’s most important. During this time of uncertainty, we believe it's also a time for growth: A time to reflect on what's really important, be creative, have faith, and love our neighbors. It has taken a crisis to make time for home, but when you're ready, we're here to help you find yours.

Are you ready to buy a fixer-upper? There are a few things you need to take into consideration before answering that question. Want to Buy a Home? Search All HomesWant to Sell a Home? Get a Home Value ReportAre you ready to buy a fixer-upper?To answer this question, you need to understand what you’re getting into, because unless you’re just repainting and replacing the carpet, this kind of project takes a long time. That’s why, before you begin the process, you should talk with your Realtor so you both know what you’re getting into.Shopping for fixer-upper is sort of like shopping for another home, but with a few key differences. The homes you look at should have enough equity in them so that you can spend money on them without over-improving them. Also, anytime you buy a fixer-uppers, whether you plan on staying in the home or not, you need to make sure you’ll be able to get your money back when you sell it. You make your money when you purchase the fixer-upper, so keep an eye out for estate sales, foreclosures, or listings that were once rentals and are now a little rough around the edges.Before you buy anything, though, you need to do your due diligence, and it’s a good idea to talk to a contractor during this time. There’s a lot of research involved in this process, and you need to be able to estimate the repair costs of each house and price out the materials (flooring, paint, etc.) needed for those repairs.  “Shopping for fixer-upper is sort of like shopping for another home, but with a few key differences. ”I’ve seen home renovation projects nearly ruin marriages, so make sure you have the necessary time to devote to this type of project. If you’re a working professional, you probably won’t have time to fix up the property all by yourself, so you should consider hiring a contractor to do the work.If you’re able to do the work yourself, you can build up a lot of sweat equity, but you need to know your skill level before you dive into it. Sometimes people get in over their heads and end up stuck with a neverending rehab project. Either that, or they’re forced to sell at a loss.When it comes to financing your purchase, there are some great loan options available out there. The FHA 203(k) and FHA 203(k) streamline loans, for example, will finance the purchase of the property and the work involved to fix it up. There are also various conventional loan products that do the same thing.I have a background in construction management and have flipped many homes myself, so if you have any questions about this topic, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d love to help you get started.

Are you ready to buy a fixer-upper? There are a few things you need to take into consideration before answering that question. Want to Buy a Home? Search All Homes Want to Sell a Home? Get a Home Value Report Are you ready to buy a fixer-upper? To answer this question, you need to understand what you're getting into, because unless you're just repainting and replacing the carpet, this kind of project takes a long time. That's why, before you begin the process, you should talk with your Realtor so you both know what you're getting into. Shopping for fixer-upper is sort of like shopping for another home, but with a few key differences. The homes you look at should have enough equity in them so that you can spend money on them without over-improving them. Also, anytime you buy a fixer-uppers, whether you plan on staying in the home or not, you need to make sure you'll be able to get your money back when you sell it. You make your money when you purchase the fixer-upper, so keep an eye out for estate sales, foreclosures, or listings that were once rentals and are now a little rough around the edges. Before you buy anything, though, you need to do your due diligence, and it's a good idea to talk to a contractor during this time. There's a lot of research involved in this process, and you need to be able to estimate the repair costs of each house and price out the materials (flooring, paint, etc.) needed for those repairs. “Shopping for fixer-upper is sort of like shopping for another home, but with a few key differences.” I've seen home renovation projects nearly ruin marriages, so make sure you have the necessary time to devote to this type of project. If you're a working professional, you probably won't have time to fix up the property all by yourself, so you should consider hiring a contractor to do the work. If you're able to do the work yourself, you can build up a lot of sweat equity, but you need to know your skill level before you dive into it. Sometimes people get in over their heads and end up stuck with a neverending rehab project. Either that, or they're forced to sell at a loss. When it comes to financing your purchase, there are some great loan options available out there. The FHA 203(k) and FHA 203(k) streamline loans, for example, will finance the purchase of the property and the work involved to fix it up. There are also various conventional loan products that do the same thing. I have a background in construction management and have flipped many homes myself, so if you have any questions about this topic, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'd love to help you get started.

You can’t time the market—when you should buy or sell depends on your personal situation. Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report  Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for saleWhether you’re a buyer or a seller, it’s not possible to time the market. You can only tell if a market has gone up or down about six months after it’s already been where it’s been.How do you know when the best time is for you to buy or sell? The answer to that question is based on your family and housing needs. Obviously, you want to buy low and sell high if you can, so depending on your circumstances, you should meet with a Realtor or a lender and get their input on your situation.If you’re a buyer, it’s not just home prices that affect your decision—you have to take into consideration interest rates too. If prices are going up but interest rates are staying the same, it’s better to buy now because if both of these things start increasing, it will make things even more expensive for you. Most likely, you’ll need a mortgage to purchase a home, so keep an eye on both of these variables.“I recommend making your buying or selling decisions based on your family and housing needs. ”As far as what’s the best season of the year to sell, every month is a good time to sell as long as you have the right Realtor and the right marketing plan. We sell a lot of homes during the summer, but sometimes the homes sold in winter do so at a higher average price. In the summer, you deal with more tire kickers, while the winter brings out more serious buyers. Specifically, the end of January through March and the month of June are the times of the year when you can typically sell your home for more.If you’d like to have a conversation about when the best time would be for you to buy or sell a home, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d love to speak with you.

How can you buy and sell a home at the same time? Today I’ll walk you through your options.Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report  Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for sale“How do I buy and sell a home at the same time?”This is a quandary a lot of our clients get really stressed about. However, we’ve walked hundreds of clients through this process, and so today I’ll give you some guidance on how to navigate this type of transaction.Many people can’t afford to buy the next home until they sell their current one because all of their equity is tied up in it. This is a barrier, but not an insurmountable one. There are a couple of different ways to approach this scenario:1. Sell first, then place a contingent offer. Typically, this is the easiest option: First, we list your home and get it under contract, then we go shopping for another home. Once you’ve located the home you want to buy, we’ll write a contingent offer on it, which means that your offer to purchase the home is contingent on the sale of your current one. That way, you won’t have to worry about losing your earnest money on the new home, especially if the deal falls apart.Back when the market was getting tight, many sellers didn’t want to accept contingent offers. If there are multiple offers up for grabs, they’d typically choose a non-contingent offer. Today’s market, however, is more of a level playing field—if you’re willing to make a decent offer, sellers are willing to accept a contingent offer, so long as your current home is already under contract.This option also enables you to move only once between homes. You won’t have to put your belongings into storage as you wait to purchase a home to move into."We’ll take a look at your individual situation and assess what options will work best for you."2. Pull equity from your current home to buy the second home.  If you have the ability to tap into the equity of your current home, you can actually apply for a line of credit, also known as a bridge loan, that will let you use the equity from your current home to serve as a down payment on your new home. Of course, you’d have to qualify for both mortgages, which can be a little risky, but you can contact us if you have any questions about that.The great thing about this method is that if you have lots of children and/or pets, you can move into your new home without having to worry about scheduling showings for your old home while you still live there.When you’re our client, we’ll take a look at your individual situation and assess what options will work best for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help!

How can you buy and sell a home at the same time? Today I'll walk you through your options. Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for sale “How do I buy and sell a home at the same time?” This is a quandary a lot of our clients get really stressed about. However, we've walked hundreds of clients through this process, and so today I'll give you some guidance on how to navigate this type of transaction. Many people can't afford to buy the next home until they sell their current one because all of their equity is tied up in it. This is a barrier, but not an insurmountable one. There are a couple of different ways to approach this scenario: 1. Sell first, then place a contingent offer. Typically, this is the easiest option: First, we list your home and get it under contract, then we go shopping for another home. Once you've located the home you want to buy, we'll write a contingent offer on it, which means that your offer to purchase the home is contingent on the sale of your current one. That way, you won't have to worry about losing your earnest money on the new home, especially if the deal falls apart. Back when the market was getting tight, many sellers didn't want to accept contingent offers. If there are multiple offers up for grabs, they'd typically choose a non-contingent offer. Today's market, however, is more of a level playing field—if you're willing to make a decent offer, sellers are willing to accept a contingent offer, so long as your current home is already under contract. This option also enables you to move only once between homes. You won't have to put your belongings into storage as you wait to purchase a home to move into. “We'll take a look at your individual situation and assess what options will work best for you.” 2. Pull equity from your current home to buy the second home. If you have the ability to tap into the equity of your current home, you can actually apply for a line of credit, also known as a bridge loan, that will let you use the equity from your current home to serve as a down payment on your new home. Of course, you'd have to qualify for both mortgages, which can be a little risky, but you can contact us if you have any questions about that. The great thing about this method is that if you have lots of children and/or pets, you can move into your new home without having to worry about scheduling showings for your old home while you still live there. When you're our client, we'll take a look at your individual situation and assess what options will work best for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help!

Staging your home can help it sell quicker and for more money, and there are two ways you can stage it. Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for sale As a home seller, you should know that staging your home can help it sell quicker and for more money. In fact, NAR statistics show that staged homes sell for 17% more on average. Other studies show that staged homes sell twice as quickly as well. That being said, there are two ways a home can be staged: One is by leaving it vacant with no furniture, and the other is by having a professional stager declutter and arrange the furniture. If you list your home with our team, depending on which marketing package you use, we have a certified, professional home stager stage your home room by room. “NAR statistics show that staged homes sell for 17% more on average.” We also have a list of staging tips we give all our seller clients during our first meeting. If you'd like a copy of this list, get in touch with us and we'd be happy to send you one. You don't have to follow your home stager's advice, but the statistics don't lie—it really does make a difference. If your home is vacant and it's at or above the $400,000 to $450,000 price range, we recommend that you at least stage the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom. These are the key areas people will try to imagine where their furniture will fit, so having furniture in there will help them do this. If you'd like to know more about staging a vacant home or how to stage a home with existing furniture, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We'd be happy to help you.

Staging your home can help it sell quicker and for more money, and there are two ways you can stage it. Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report  Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for saleAs a home seller, you should know that staging your home can help it sell quicker and for more money. In fact, NAR statistics show that staged homes sell for 17% more on average. Other studies show that staged homes sell twice as quickly as well. That being said, there are two ways a home can be staged: One is by leaving it vacant with no furniture, and the other is by having a professional stager declutter and arrange the furniture. If you list your home with our team, depending on which marketing package you use, we have a certified, professional home stager stage your home room by room. "NAR statistics show that staged homes sell for 17% more on average."We also have a list of staging tips we give all our seller clients during our first meeting. If you’d like a copy of this list, get in touch with us and we’d be happy to send you one. You don’t have to follow your home stager’s advice, but the statistics don’t lie—it really does make a difference. If your home is vacant and it’s at or above the $400,000 to $450,000 price range, we recommend that you at least stage the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom. These are the key areas people will try to imagine where their furniture will fit, so having furniture in there will help them do this. If you’d like to know more about staging a vacant home or how to stage a home with existing furniture, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We’d be happy to help you.

If you're thinking of selling your home this spring, there are a few ways you should start preparing now. Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for sale Spring is one of the best times of year to sell your home, but what can you do to ensure your sale is as successful as possible? To fully maximize your listing's potential, there are a few key preparations you must make before putting your property on the market. First, spruce up your curb appeal. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make it count. Keep your lawn trimmed, have your bushes and trees looking neat, and add strategic pops of color by putting potted flowers along your walkway or near your door. You'd be amazed what a difference a little fresh mulch can make. The next step you should take is to clean and declutter. Not only will this make your home look better but, it will also help you get a jumpstart on the packing process. If you don't have time to clean yourself, or if you just want to make sure the job is done correctly, you can always hire a professional. “You'd be amazed what a difference a little fresh mulch can make.” After this, you should touch up your flooring and walls if necessary. Dings and scratches in your drywall should be patched, and fresh paint should be applied as necessary. Make sure to stick to neutral colors, though, as this will appeal to the widest range of buyers. And speaking of appealing to buyers, make sure you put away any pet-related items. Though we all love our own four-legged family members, not all buyers do. That huge cat tree you have in your living room could be a major turnoff for potential buyers, so it's best to put such items away. Of course, every home is different. If you have any questions about how to prepare your home, specifically, we'd be happy to come visit for a free consultation. Then, if you decide to continue working with us, our team's home stager will take your property to the next level. If you'd like more information or would like guidance on any other aspect of the real estate process, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

If you’re thinking of selling your home this spring, there are a few ways you should start preparing now.Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report  Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for saleSpring is one of the best times of year to sell your home, but what can you do to ensure your sale is as successful as possible?To fully maximize your listing’s potential, there are a few key preparations you must make before putting your property on the market. First, spruce up your curb appeal. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make it count. Keep your lawn trimmed, have your bushes and trees looking neat, and add strategic pops of color by putting potted flowers along your walkway or near your door. You’d be amazed what a difference a little fresh mulch can make.The next step you should take is to clean and declutter. Not only will this make your home look better but, it will also help you get a jumpstart on the packing process. If you don’t have time to clean yourself, or if you just want to make sure the job is done correctly, you can always hire a professional. "You’d be amazed what a difference a little fresh mulch can make."After this, you should touch up your flooring and walls if necessary. Dings and scratches in your drywall should be patched, and fresh paint should be applied as necessary. Make sure to stick to neutral colors, though, as this will appeal to the widest range of buyers. And speaking of appealing to buyers, make sure you put away any pet-related items. Though we all love our own four-legged family members, not all buyers do. That huge cat tree you have in your living room could be a major turnoff for potential buyers, so it’s best to put such items away. Of course, every home is different. If you have any questions about how to prepare your home, specifically, we’d be happy to come visit for a free consultation. Then, if you decide to continue working with us, our team’s home stager will take your property to the next level. If you’d like more information or would like guidance on any other aspect of the real estate process, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Buyers often wonder, “What’s the magic number of homes I should see before I make a decision?” Today I’ll be answering that and more.Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report  Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for saleI’m very accustomed to hearing this question from buyers: “How many homes should I look at before I make a purchase?” The answer often hinges on market conditions and the specifics of a buyer’s situation.Buyers haven’t had the luxury of high inventory levels these last few years, and with the sparse availability of homes, we’ve seen buyers submit an offer on just a single home without viewing any others, out of immediate need. I’ve been in this business long enough to remember when we had a glut of inventory and buyers who aspired to see 70 homes. This, of course, is too many.  "You’ll be best served to work with a competent Realtor who will devise a realistic approach centered around every detail of your situation."Plainly put, I’ve seen both extreme ends of the spectrum.  To help tackle the question of how many homes you should view, you’ll be best served to work with a competent Realtor who will devise a realistic approach centered around every detail of your situation. In this way, we’ll be able to come up with a list of needs so you’re not having to do all the work on your own. When you work with us, we’ll look at three to five homes a day to shield you from the confusion that sometimes follows from seeing too many homes in a short time. What we’ve found over the course of the last year is that the average buyer is looking at four homes and then reaching a decision. In analyzing the 10-year average, buyers have been known to look at seven to eight homes before making a choice. This look at the last decade is a demonstrable sign that if we, as agents, are listening to your needs, you shouldn’t be looking at an inordinately high number of homes. Our job is to come up with a strategy that narrows down potential purchases for you to make the most informed choice possible.   If you have any questions about the home buying process or any other real estate-related topics, please reach out to us. We’d love to hear from you!

Buyers often wonder, “What's the magic number of homes I should see before I make a decision?” Today I'll be answering that and more. Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for sale I'm very accustomed to hearing this question from buyers: “How many homes should I look at before I make a purchase?” The answer often hinges on market conditions and the specifics of a buyer's situation. Buyers haven't had the luxury of high inventory levels these last few years, and with the sparse availability of homes, we've seen buyers submit an offer on just a single home without viewing any others, out of immediate need. I've been in this business long enough to remember when we had a glut of inventory and buyers who aspired to see 70 homes. This, of course, is too many. “You'll be best served to work with a competent Realtor who will devise a realistic approach centered around every detail of your situation.” Plainly put, I've seen both extreme ends of the spectrum. To help tackle the question of how many homes you should view, you'll be best served to work with a competent Realtor who will devise a realistic approach centered around every detail of your situation. In this way, we'll be able to come up with a list of needs so you're not having to do all the work on your own. When you work with us, we'll look at three to five homes a day to shield you from the confusion that sometimes follows from seeing too many homes in a short time. What we've found over the course of the last year is that the average buyer is looking at four homes and then reaching a decision. In analyzing the 10-year average, buyers have been known to look at seven to eight homes before making a choice. This look at the last decade is a demonstrable sign that if we, as agents, are listening to your needs, you shouldn't be looking at an inordinately high number of homes. Our job is to come up with a strategy that narrows down potential purchases for you to make the most informed choice possible. If you have any questions about the home buying process or any other real estate-related topics, please reach out to us. We'd love to hear from you!

Should you sell your home in winter? Today I’ll talk about the pros and cons of listing your home during the cold months.Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report  Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for saleWe hear this question a lot from sellers. They’d really like to move in the wintertime, but they’ve heard rumors that the market is just better in the spring and summer and that you’ll get more money.That can be true in some cases, but not always. When asked this question, we always tell our clients that they should sell the home when it’s right for them given their unique situation, whenever that may be. If you try to time the market, you may get burned, or it may cause stress in other areas of your life—it’s never totally a safe bet.Contrary to popular belief, we sell a lot of homes in the months of November, December, and January, and people are still buying them. In fact, I knew a broker years ago who did a six-year study; I’ve run the numbers again recently, and the stats still hold true. We looked at the number of home sales that occurred in the months of June, July, and August, and then compared them to homes that sold in November, December, and January. This is what we found: Only 9% of the homes active on the market were actually selling in the summer months, whereas in the winter months, 14% of the homes on the market sold. That means that 5% more homes sold in the winter than in the summer."Contrary to popular belief, we sell a lot of homes in the months of November, December, and January."There are a couple of reasons for that trend. Many homes are put on the market in the summer to test the market out, and there are a lot more buyers during that time. So do more homes sell during the spring and summer? Yes, but your odds are better if you sell in the winter.Some people want to take the holidays off so they don’t have to deal with people walking through their home, and that’s okay. If you need to sell your home, we’ll get it done whenever is best for you. However, if you do want to list in the spring, it’ll be better if you start now so you can begin preparing and staging your home before the frenzy begins.If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. We hope to hear from you soon!

Should you sell your home in winter? Today I'll talk about the pros and cons of listing your home during the cold months. Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for sale We hear this question a lot from sellers. They'd really like to move in the wintertime, but they've heard rumors that the market is just better in the spring and summer and that you'll get more money. That can be true in some cases, but not always. When asked this question, we always tell our clients that they should sell the home when it's right for them given their unique situation, whenever that may be. If you try to time the market, you may get burned, or it may cause stress in other areas of your life—it's never totally a safe bet. Contrary to popular belief, we sell a lot of homes in the months of November, December, and January, and people are still buying them. In fact, I knew a broker years ago who did a six-year study; I've run the numbers again recently, and the stats still hold true. We looked at the number of home sales that occurred in the months of June, July, and August, and then compared them to homes that sold in November, December, and January. This is what we found: Only 9% of the homes active on the market were actually selling in the summer months, whereas in the winter months, 14% of the homes on the market sold. That means that 5% more homes sold in the winter than in the summer. “Contrary to popular belief, we sell a lot of homes in the months of November, December, and January.” There are a couple of reasons for that trend. Many homes are put on the market in the summer to test the market out, and there are a lot more buyers during that time. So do more homes sell during the spring and summer? Yes, but your odds are better if you sell in the winter. Some people want to take the holidays off so they don't have to deal with people walking through their home, and that's okay. If you need to sell your home, we'll get it done whenever is best for you. However, if you do want to list in the spring, it'll be better if you start now so you can begin preparing and staging your home before the frenzy begins. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me. We hope to hear from you soon!

Are you thinking about buying a home but unsure of what the loan process will be like? Let us walk you through the entire thing today. Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for sale It's easier to get qualified for a mortgage than you think. There are many different kinds of loans you can qualify for, including: • Conventional loans, which have down payment options from 3.5% to 25%. • FHA loans, which are government-backed loans that require 3.5% down. • VA loans, which require no down payment but do require the buyer to have military service. • USDA loans, which also don't require down payments, but can only be used in certain locations. The first thing you want to do if you're trying to buy a home is reach out to a reputable local lender. If you don't know one, we can help. We work with some of the top lenders in Colorado Springs. Next, you'll need to determine whether you want a fixed-rate or an adjustable-rate mortgage. In my opinion, a fixed rate is usually better because there are no surprises. You will always know what your payment will be. An adjustable rate is risky and can end up leaving you underwater. “ADJUSTABLE-RATE MORTGAGES ARE PRETTY RISKY.” Then you'll have to determine the length of your mortgage. You can do a 15-year, a 30-year, or in some cases, a 20-year term. Once you've decided what loan and terms are right for you, it's time to fill out a loan application. It will ask you about your monthly income, expenses, account information, and all things financial. A credit score of 640 or above is usually good enough to qualify for any of the above loans. Finally, you will need to consider the fees, the closing costs, and the interest rates to determine what decision is best. If you have any questions for us in the meantime or would like us to connect you with a reputable local lender, don't hesitate to give us a call or send us an email today. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Selling your home via an auction comes with its share of benefits and drawbacks, which I'll share with you today. Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for sale Thinking about selling your home through an auction? Here are some of the pros and cons of doing so: Pros: You can sell the home quickly in a specific time period. A bidding war can lead to a higher sales price. The home is usually sold as is, so you won't have to worry about making any repairs to it. Cons: You might not meet your reserve price (the price you set that's the lowest you're willing to sell the home for) if there's not enough pre-marketing activity. I definitely recommend setting a reserve price, otherwise, your home might end up selling for $1. You may have additional commissions, costs, fees, and expenses. Most real estate agents aren't auctioneers, so you'll have to pay for those additional services. Many retail buyers don't like the auction process—they have to pay additional fees as well. Home auctions are typically used by sellers whose homes aren't selling quickly enough in a slower market, so since we're in a really fast market, it may not apply to current conditions. Banks also tend to use auctions to sell homes that are in a state of disrepair. “HOME AUCTIONS ARE TYPICALLY USED BY SELLERS WHOSE HOMES AREN'T SELLING QUICKLY ENOUGH IN A SLOWER MARKET.” You have the choice of either auctioning your home through the public trustee's auction at the steps of the courthouse or through a private auction company. My team has experience with both, so if you'd like more information about them or you have more questions about the auction process, don't hesitate to reach out to us. As always, if you have any other questions or you're thinking of buying or selling a home, feel free to call or email me. My team and I would love to help you.

Today I want to talk about commission rates. Do you know how much to pay? Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for sale How much do you pay your real estate agent to sell your home? The truth may surprise you. I want to start by saying that commission fees are negotiable. There is no standard, set rate. If any agent is trying to tell you that there is a fixed rate, this is untrue. Every agent can charge whatever they choose. However, there is a traditional norm of 6%. This amount is usually split between the buyer's agent and the selling agent. While commissions are not fixed, you do get what you pay for. A recently licensed real estate agent will come out and probably charge 6%, but are they going to have a marketing plan and budget? “WHAT IS CHEAP ISN'T GOOD AND WHAT IS GOOD ISN'T CHEAP.” To learn more about choosing the right agent, you can watch my other video here. In the meantime, you need to make sure that you pick the right agent that is going to have a budget to work with. If they are charging the standard rate, what are you getting for it? My team and I have a flexible fee structure where you choose the commission that you want to pay. Just remember, you get what you pay for. A friend of mine once said, “What is cheap isn't good and what is good isn't cheap.” If you have any specific questions or are interested in buying or selling, please feel free to reach out to me. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

When you work with our team, our primary goal is to make sure you're satisfied with the results we provide. If we are unable to do this for you, you have no obligation to continue in our arrangement. Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for sale Did you know our team offers an unconditional cancellation guarantee for our buyers and sellers? This guarantee essentially means that if you are unhappy with our services, you can cancel at any time, free of charge. All we ask is that you give us written notice, and allow us 24 business hours to attempt to correct the issue. If you still are unsatisfied after this period of time, we will cancel our agreement. Most agents require their clients to sign a long-term commitment, but our team is different. Your satisfaction is our goal, so the last thing we want is to force you into an arrangement doesn't meet your standards. To see our full message, watch this short video.

How do we ensure our buyers are happy with their home purchase? We offer a “Love It or Leave It” guarantee and here is how it works. Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for sale Today I want to talk a little about our love it or leave it guarantee. We want to make sure that when you buy a home with us, you are completely happy and comfortable with it. Because of this, we guarantee that you will love your home. If you decide at any time in the first two years that you made a bad decision, we will sell your home for free. There will still be a commission due to the agent who brings in a buyer, but you will not pay us a dime on commission and we will help you find a home that does fit your needs in the meantime. “THIS PROGRAM HELPS OUR BUYERS FEEL AT EASE.” This is a great program that helps our buyers feel at ease. This is a big purchase, and we want you to have the security of knowing that we will take care of you either way. If you have any questions about this program or anything else related to real estate, feel free to give me a call or send me an email today. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

We are so confident in our ability to sell your home quickly that we'll make you a guarantee. Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for sale Today I'd like to talk to you about our seller guarantee. We are so sure that we can get your home sold that we guarantee to sell your home in 29 days—if we don't, we'll sell it for free. “IF WE DON'T SELL YOUR HOME IN 29 DAYS, WE WON'T CHARGE YOU A COMMISSION FEE.” That's right! We won't take a commission if we don't meet that mark. We believe that we should be able to sell your home in that time frame based on our marketing plan and the conditions of the market. There will still be a fee to the agent who brought the buyer, as well as a processing fee, but you will still save thousands if we don't get the job done. If you'd like more information about our seller's guarantee, please give us a call or send an email. We look forward to hearing from you!

Updating your home, either for your own enjoyment or to prepare it for the market, can be achieved through a few strategic projects. Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for sale Whether you're preparing to list or simply want to keep your property up to date, there are a number of home improvement projects I recommend. “SOMETIMES THE SIMPLEST CHANGES MAKE THE GREATEST IMPACT.” 1. Make kitchen updates. Solid-surface countertops, stainless steel appliances, and white cabinets are all great choices that never go out of style. Including these features in your own kitchen can really make the room shine. 2. Make bathroom updates. Solid-surface countertops are also popular in bathrooms. One popular bathroom update in higher-end homes is the inclusion of heated floors. 3. Update the flooring. Carpet is still popular in bedrooms and family rooms, but hardwood flooring is the way to go in kitchens, dining rooms, hallways, and more. 4. Update the lighting and plumbing fixtures. Brass is no longer a sought-after finish for these home features. Instead, opt for brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze. 5. Add fresh paint. Light, neutral colors such as beige are a good go-to choice these days. Greys are also very popular. Sometimes the simplest changes make the greatest impact. 6. Pay attention to current trends. Open floor plans are something many buyers look for in a home. Also, outdoor living areas have become more highly sought-after. Formal dining rooms, on the other hand, seem to be falling out of favor. If you have any other questions, would like more information, or want to know how we can help you meet your real estate goals, feel free to give my team and me a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Today's featured business owner is a balloon artist whom we've personally worked with for years. Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for sale Today I'm excited to be joined by special guest Marc Feickert, owner of Marvelous Marc Balloons, to talk about his business. Marc has been in Colorado Springs for just over five years after starting his business in Utah almost a decade ago. It all began at a birthday party he was attending. Someone was attempting to fill up balloons but was struggling to do so. When Marc made a suggestion about his technique, the person just decided to put Marc in charge instead. It was at that party when Marc learned about turning these balloons into shapes. All of a sudden, he was changing balloons into cats, dogs, cars, and more. Marc is someone we've used at our own client events for years, and our team can tell you first-hand that he is a truly remarkable artist. In the spring, Marc often works at school dances, graduations, and other events. “Balloons aren't just for kids,” Marc says. “OUR TEAM HAS WORKED WITH MARC FOR YEARS AND WE CAN TELL YOU THAT HE IS TRULY AN ARTIST.” Of course, Marc's talent has caught a lot of local attention, meaning he's always booked out far in advance. If you want to reach out to Marc and book an event, you can reach out to him by phone at (719) 749-6224 or by visiting www.marvelousmarcballoons.com. If you're a business owner like Marc and would like to be featured in a future segment, join us at our next event. We host these events on the second Thursday of each month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at varying venues, so keep an eye on your inbox and Facebook for invitations. If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

There are a few key differences in buying a home in Colorado versus buying a home in other states. Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for sale Why is buying a home in Colorado different than buying a home in other states? There are a few key reasons. First, property taxes are paid in arrears, which means you pay for the previous year's taxes. When you move in, you don't pay taxes until April 15 of the next year. Next, sellers offer title insurance instead of a chain of title, which is more common in states on the East Coast. We also don't use closing attorneys to close a transaction. Transactions are closed with other real estate agents through local title companies instead. Also, both parties attend the closing at the same time at the same location. The state contract to buy and sell real estate is also written slightly in the buyer's favor here, so keep that in mind when you enter a real estate transaction and make sure you protect yourself whether you're a buyer or a seller. “IT'S WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY TO HAVE A RADON INSPECTION IN COLORADO.” Colorado also has higher levels of radon, so when you have a home inspection performed, it's worth the extra money to have the radon levels tested. Finally, there are certain intricacies involved when it comes to buying land that you need to be aware of. If you have any questions about any of these specificities or you're thinking of buying or selling a home in our market, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'd be glad to help you.

Why should you hire a real estate agent to help you purchase a home? I have five reasons to share with you today. Selling your Colorado home? Get a free home value report Buying a Colorado home? Search all homes for sale If you think you don't need an agent to buy a home, think again. Here's what a real estate agent actually does to help you throughout the home buying process: 1. An agent will help you determine what your needs and wants are before you even start looking at homes, which is very important in this fast-moving market. 2. The agent will help obtain financing and a pre-approval from a good local lender that can get you to the closing table. 3. Your agent will help you navigate through all the paperwork and regulations. In Colorado, the contract is over 16 pages long. That does not include the additional 15 to 20 pages of required disclosures. 4. An agent will negotiate on your behalf and in your best interests. If you don't work with a Realtor, there is no neutral third party to help you through the process. You will be emotionally tied to the property, and the other agent and the seller will be able to read that. As a result, you won't have any leverage during negotiations. 5. Your agent can provide valuable information about the neighborhood and the area. They will let you know about abandoned underground mines, areas with bad soil, and other details that local agents know that you may not, especially if you are from out of town. “WE WILL COORDINATE EVERYTHING IN THE TRANSACTION FOR YOU, FROM A TO Z.” Overall, your real estate agent has valuable experience that can help you throughout the entire transaction. Finding a home that you like is just one piece of the pie. Getting the house under contract, negotiating the best deal, and then getting through the inspection and the appraisal to the closing table takes a lot of work. As your real estate agent, we will coordinate everything for you from A to Z. Let us do the work for you. You won't have to pay us a dime, either—the seller usually pays the buyer's agent's commission. If you have any other questions about buying a home, please don't hesitate to give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help you!