Colorado Springs Real Estate Podcast with Jeff Ryder

There are two things that buyers want to have in a home, even in a competitive market like this. Here's what they are. You've been hearing me say for a while that the market is crazy with low inventory and high demand. Well, surprise! That's still the case today.  In this kind of market, buyers have to make some sacrifices, maybe in the form of one less bedroom than they wanted or being in a different area of town. However, there are two things, according to a report by the National Association of Homebuilders, that buyers don't want to give up. The first is a garage. 64% of new homes offer a two-car garage, 21% of these homes have a garage large enough to hold three or more cars, and 7% have a one-car garage. “In this kind of market, buyers have to make some sacrifices.” Buyers don't want to give up their patios either. Out of roughly 876,000 single-family homes that were built in 2018, 64% of them came with patios. That's the highest percentage we've seen from the NAHB since they started tracking the number.  In the graph at 1:55 in the video above, you can see that the number of new homes built with patios has increased every year for the past nine years. The bottom line is that homebuyers are looking for these two specific features in a home. You can get a little extra bump in your sale price if you have a garage, patio, or both.  If you have the kind of home that buyers are looking for today and you want to sell for top dollar or you have any questions for me, don't hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I would love to hear from you.  

Today, let's take a look at what the experts—the National Association of Realtors, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae—say to expect for the market this year. This information is invaluable in helping you make your decisions about buying or selling homes this year. 1. Mortgage rates. Experts believe that rates will remain stable throughout the year. Since they've remained under 5% over the last decade, we may not fully realize the opportunity we have right now. Rates are projected to say in the mid- to upper-3% range, which, compared to the averages of the last four decades, is very low. 2. Home sales. Three of the four market experts believe that homes sales will increase this year; the fourth thinks that they'll remain stable. With mortgage rates remaining near all-time lows, demand should not a challenge—the lack of available inventory, however, may moderate the increase in sales. Last year in Colorado Springs, over 1,600 homes sold on the market. That wasn't a record year, though, believe it or not, but it was still a robust year for the area. 3. Home prices. Six different expert entities who track home values say that values will continue to rise in 2020. The Mortgage Bankers Association gave the most conservative increase at just 3.1%; CoreLogic predicts a 5.4% growth. Four of these six experts predict that home price appreciation will increase at an even great pace than 2019. In Colorado Springs, the average price of a home is currently $364,000, which is up by about $24,000 over 2019. “This same time last year, many were predicting that a recession was coming and that interest rates were going to rise—thank goodness neither of those came true!” Now, here's the big question: Is a recession possible? This same time last year, many were predicting that a recession was coming and that interest rates were going to rise—thank goodness neither of those came true! In 2019, a manager from Goldman Sachs said, “[…] markets sounded the recession alarm this year, and the average forecaster now sees a 33% chance of a recession over the next year. In contrast, our new recession model suggests a 20% probability. Despite the record age of the expansion, the usual late-cycle problems—inflation and overheating financial imbalances—do not look threatening.” Here's the bottom line: Right now, mortgage rates are predicted to stay below 4%, which will cause the number of homes sold to increase. With a growing demand and a limited supply, it's still going to be a challenging time to buy a home. But if you're a seller, this year will be a great time to list your home. We're still looking at an increase in depreciation due to the recession, but that's nothing to get too worried about. If you have any questions about what we can expect from real estate in 2020, or if you're planning to buy or sell a home, keep me in mind. We're here to help you succeed, no matter your goals.

It's time for another edition of the Ryder Real Estate Report. Do you hear the knocking sound at your door? It's the sound of homebuyers lining up to purchase your home.  Although conventional wisdom says that the winter isn't the best time to sell a home, we're bucking the trend right now in Colorado. According to a senior economist from Realtor.com, sellers tend to be more reluctant to list during the colder time of year when the market has a seasonal slowdown. “Many people are out looking at homes right now.” However, a recent report from Showing Time says that's not true right now. They say that the nation's 12.6% growth in home showings compared to 2018 was the most significant jump in buyer traffic during the current four-month streak of year-over-year increases. The western region saw the greatest growth of activity with a 23% jump in the showing index. A lot of people are out looking at homes right now, as you can see. The bottom line is that waiting until later in the spring to sell might not be the best move this year. There are people out there looking right now for a home like yours. If you want to learn more about why this might be the perfect time for you to list your home for sale, don't hesitate to reach out via phone or email today. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Want to buy a home in Colorado Springs? Get in line.  According to a report from the National Association of Realtors that polled 400 different communities, we ranked as the most difficult place to buy a home. This same report said that 11.1% of the people who live here are either actively looking for a house or are thinking of making a move sometime soon. What makes this situation challenging is that Colorado Springs is ranked very low in terms of the amount of people selling a house. “If you're a homeowner, just sit back and enjoy the ride—you're gaining equity daily.” This report verifies what Realtors like myself have known for years. A lot of people keep moving here, which is creating high demand, but there isn't enough inventory. The buyers who are looking in the $300,000 and under price range are struggling.  What does this mean? If you're a homeowner, just sit back and enjoy the ride—you're gaining equity daily. If you're a buyer, give my team a call. We don't promise miracles, but we have a lot of creative options that can get your offer accepted over the competition's.  If you're interested in starting the home buying journey or you have any other real estate needs, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We'd love to help you.

As with most areas around the country, real estate in Colorado Springs is hot! Homes have been selling at record pace and continue to do so. Inventory and interest rates remain low, and demand for homes is high. So, most homes are selling.  However, what if your home isn't one of them? What if your home became an expired listing? Today we'll discuss what to do if your house is not selling. I'll show you how you can go from being a “shown” to a “sold!” “I specialize in selling homes that didn't sell the first time.” When a home doesn't sell, a homeowner usually does one of two things. One, they may elect to list it with the same agent, who performs the same actions, and gets the same result. In other words, it doesn't sell. Or two, a homeowner may choose to rent out the house. However, if you like your home more than anyone else and you want to hang onto it, that's fine.  If you're frustrated with everyone else's home on the street selling and yours not, you should allow me to look at it. I specialize in selling homes that didn't sell the first time. Often it takes just a few modest modifications to make all the difference in the world. At 1:05 in the video above, watch to see a few examples of homes that didn't sell right away, but with our adjustments sold quickly.  Even in strong markets some homes don't sell. If you're one of them, don't feel bad. Just give me a call and have me take a look at it. Have an expert who assists people whose homes didn't sell the first time, get it sold.  If you have any further questions about why your home didn't sell or anything else concerning real estate, feel free to reach out to me by phone or email. I would love to help you!

Here are six tips that will help you prepare your home for the winter season. These tips will not only save you money, but they'll also improve the quality of your home: 1. Check your furnace filter. The standard rule of thumb is to change your filter every month during the summer and every three months during winter. A new filter costs just $3, and buying cheaper actually helps you in the long run because, as I've been told by HVAC professionals, cheaper filters allow more airflow.  2. Hire a professional to check your furnace. If it hasn't been inspected in the last 12 months, now's the perfect time to have it cleaned, serviced, and certified. It's also important to check if your furnace is leaking carbon monoxide, which, obviously, can be dangerous. As Mark Thernes of Springs Heating & Cooling explains in the video above, it's a lot harder to schedule a service appointment in December in case of an emergency, so you're better off doing it now.  3. Clean your gutters. Make sure they're free of any debris and water runs smoothly through them and away from your foundation.  4. Turn off any exterior faucets and disconnect your hoses. Sitting water can cause cracks in pipes and cause major issues down the road.  “If you reverse your ceiling fans, it will cause air to disperse more evenly and help you save on heating costs.” 5. Take the bag off your lawnmower and mow over any fallen leaves. Mulching leaves across your yard is good for the soil.  6. Reverse your ceiling fans. We all know hot air rises, so if you reverse your ceiling fans, it will cause air to disperse more evenly and help you save on heating costs.  If you have any more questions about how to prepare your home for winter or there's anything else I can help you with, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'd love to help you.    

Selling your Colorado Springs home? Get a home value reportBuying a Colorado Springs Home? Click here for full MLS accessI wanted to take a moment to answer a question I hear a lot. “There are almost 5,000 real estate agents in Colorado Springs. Why should I hire your team?” This is a really good question, so I want to give you a few really good answers.The first reason you should hire our team is because of our experience. I’ve been involved in the sale of over 1,200 homes in the past 16 years and during this time, the real estate market has changed a lot. Prices and sales went from extreme highs to extreme lows and back again. When the market changes, we change with it to help our clients navigate the challenges they face when purchasing or selling a home.I don’t do it alone, however. To really get great results for our clients, it takes a whole team. We have a great one. When you hire us, you get a team of professionals working for you for the price of one.Another great reason to hire us is because of our flexible and innovative programs designed to maximize the equity in your home. For example, our common sense listing program offers flexible commissions, the right to sell your house yourself and pay nothing, and the right to fire us at any time if you aren’t happy. You can even list your house with us for a dollar with our "dollar listing plan," when you move up to a new home. These are just a few of our innovative programs created with our clients’ best interest in mind.“We’ve seen everything that the real estate market has to offer. ”Finally, you should hire us because of the team behind our team. Keller Williams is the largest real estate company in the world for the number of agents and the number of homes sold. Their technology, training, and resources are unmatched.If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home or know somebody who is, remember that our experience, our flexible and creative programs, and our company and team-wide support is what we have to offer.If you have any questions or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email today. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

I wanted to take a moment to answer a question I hear a lot. “There are almost 5,000 real estate agents in Colorado Springs. Why should I hire your team?” This is a really good question, so I want to give you a few really good answers. Selling your Colorado Springs home? Get a home value report Buying a Colorado Springs Home? Click here for full MLS access The first reason you should hire our team is because of our experience. I've been involved in the sale of over 1,200 homes in the past 16 years and during this time, the real estate market has changed a lot. Prices and sales went from extreme highs to extreme lows and back again. When the market changes, we change with it to help our clients navigate the challenges they face when purchasing or selling a home. I don't do it alone, however. To really get great results for our clients, it takes a whole team. We have a great one. When you hire us, you get a team of professionals working for you for the price of one. Another great reason to hire us is because of our flexible and innovative programs designed to maximize the equity in your home. For example, our common sense listing program offers flexible commissions, the right to sell your house yourself and pay nothing, and the right to fire us at any time if you aren't happy. You can even list your house with us for a dollar with our “dollar listing plan,” when you move up to a new home. These are just a few of our innovative programs created with our clients' best interest in mind. “WE'VE SEEN EVERYTHING THAT THE REAL ESTATE MARKET HAS TO OFFER.” Finally, you should hire us because of the team behind our team. Keller Williams is the largest real estate company in the world for the number of agents and the number of homes sold. Their technology, training, and resources are unmatched. If you're thinking about buying or selling a home or know somebody who is, remember that our experience, our flexible and creative programs, and our company and team-wide support is what we have to offer. If you have any questions or want to learn more, don't hesitate to give me a call or send me an email today. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Selling your Colorado Springs home? Get a home value reportBuying a Colorado Springs Home? Click here for full MLS accessToday in Colorado Springs, many of our local communities are seeing home prices that are even higher than what we observed during the 2007 housing crisis.That period of our market may have been difficult, but it also taught us some important lessons. Today I’d like to share four of the most important things we learned:1. Don’t buy a home you can’t afford. Many people during, and just prior to, the housing crisis in 2007 bought properties beyond their budget out of fear. They worried that, if they didn’t make a move, they would be priced out of the market and lose out on ever having the opportunity to purchase a home again. In retrospect, we know that this way of thinking is fatally flawed. So don’t buy into the hype. If you cannot afford a home now, it doesn’t mean you never will be.  2. Don’t always believe your home will go up in value. A lot of people in our market falsely assume that home prices will always increase. Yet this is not the case. The reality is that prices fluctuate. Real estate purchases are best thought of as a long-term commitment.3. Make sure you have adequate reserves. During the housing crisis, homeowners without sufficient savings found themselves in an extremely difficult position. Experts say that you should have at least six months’ worth of reserves so that you can sustain your lifestyle in the event of major unforeseen expenses. “If you cannot afford a home now, it doesn’t mean you never will be able to. ”4. Submit a big, healthy down payment when buying. Many people today are putting down as little as possible, but this is not the ideal way to proceed. If a downturn in prices pushes homeowners like these to sell, they are sure to encounter financial hardship as a result. Submitting the largest down payment you can afford will make your home more affordable on a monthly basis and will make it easier to hold onto your property during turbulent times. 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.

Today in Colorado Springs, many of our local communities are seeing home prices that are even higher than what we observed during the 2007 housing crisis. That period of our market may have been difficult, but it also taught us some important lessons. Today I'd like to share four of the most important things we learned: 1. Don't buy a home you can't afford. Many people during, and just prior to, the housing crisis in 2007 bought properties beyond their budget out of fear. They worried that, if they didn't make a move, they would be priced out of the market and lose out on ever having the opportunity to purchase a home again. In retrospect, we know that this way of thinking is fatally flawed. So don't buy into the hype. If you cannot afford a home now, it doesn't mean you never will be. 2. Don't always believe your home will go up in value. A lot of people in our market falsely assume that home prices will always increase. Yet this is not the case. The reality is that prices fluctuate. Real estate purchases are best thought of as a long-term commitment. 3. Make sure you have adequate reserves. During the housing crisis, homeowners without sufficient savings found themselves in an extremely difficult position. Experts say that you should have at least six months' worth of reserves so that you can sustain your lifestyle in the event of major unforeseen expenses. “IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD A HOME NOW, IT DOESN'T MEAN YOU NEVER WILL BE ABLE TO.” 4. Submit a big, healthy down payment when buying. Many people today are putting down as little as possible, but this is not the ideal way to proceed. If a downturn in prices pushes homeowners like these to sell, they are sure to encounter financial hardship as a result. Submitting the largest down payment you can afford will make your home more affordable on a monthly basis and will make it easier to hold onto your property during turbulent times. 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.

Selling your Colorado Springs home? Get a home value reportBuying a Colorado Springs Home? Click here for full MLS accessAs we get nearer to wrapping up the first quarter, I want to give you a quick update on the market.We’re just three months into 2018 and the housing market is already setting all kinds of records:The median price of homes jumped 15% higher than last year to just above $292,000.The average price is up 10%, landing at $331,000.In January and February, 1,884 homes sold, which is 10% higher than last year.In February alone, 994 homes sold. This is 18% more than the same month in 2017!If you’re asking yourself about why all of these numbers are going up, here’s another stat for you: the supply of homes that is available in town has hit an all-time low. Right now in El Paso County, there are only 1,089 homes for sale. Think about that—there are probably 800,000 people living in El Paso County, and there are barely over 1,000 homes for sale. That includes condos, townhomes, and single-family homes in all price ranges and areas.“There are around 800,000 people living in El Paso County, and there are barely over 1,000 homes for sale. ”As you drive around town, you’ll notice home builders are building new homes on just about every patch of dirt they can find, and yet, they still can’t build fast enough for the demand.If you’re thinking about buying a home, don’t wait! Most experts agree that prices and interest rates are going to keep rising. Let us help you through the maze of the current market. We can find you the right house for a lower cost than you’ll get if you wait until later to buy. If you’re thinking about selling your home, I think you’ll be happy to find out what it’s worth today.In either case, please feel free to reach out to me today. I’d love to help you.

Selling your Colorado Springs home? Get a home value reportBuying a Colorado Springs Home? Click here for full MLS accessSo you’ve decided to sell your home and, before you know it, it goes under contract. Before the deal can close, though, you’ve got to pass a home inspection. A home inspection contingency is present in most real estate contracts to allow the buyer to back out should any major issues become apparent. It’s at this stage that many deals fall through. So, with so much at stake, it just makes sense to thoroughly prepare your property in advance. Making these preparations will save you a lot of negotiation and repair work down the road. “Preparing your property before it’s inspected will save you a lot of negotiation and repair work down the road. ”The following areas are where unpleasant surprises often arise and, ultimately, either kill the sale or cost the seller a lot of money: The roof. Repairs to the roof can be very expensive. If you think your home may need a new roof, consider taking care of it before listing your property on the market. With all the hail damage we get in our area, these repairs might be covered by your insurance. The heating and cooling system. Regardless of the season, a home inspector will want to make sure the heating and cooling systems are in good shape. I highly advise hiring a professional prior to your inspection to uncover any issues beforehand. Electrical issues. Making sure your electrical systems are up-to-code before the inspection is critical because electrical violations are both common and easy to spot. Also, faulty wiring is a fire hazard. The sooner you address these issues, the safer your home will be.The plumbing. Plumbing problems can cause your deal to go down the drain. So, never put these issues off. Water damage. Even if you don’t have an active leak, stains on ceilings are often signs of previous problems. Though this past issue may have been as harmless as an overflowing toilet, buyers will suspect the worst if they see signs of water damage. Always fix any current leaks in your home and cover signs of previous ones. So, if you plan on selling your home, you may want to consider having a pre-inspection performed. This can help uncover any of the issues we’ve discussed today.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.

So you've decided to sell your home and, before you know it, it goes under contract. Before the deal can close, though, you've got to pass a home inspection. A home inspection contingency is present in most real estate contracts to allow the buyer to back out should any major issues become apparent. It's at this stage that many deals fall through. So, with so much at stake, it just makes sense to thoroughly prepare your property in advance. Making these preparations will save you a lot of negotiation and repair work down the road. “PREPARING YOUR PROPERTY BEFORE IT'S INSPECTED WILL SAVE YOU A LOT OF NEGOTIATION AND REPAIR WORK DOWN THE ROAD.” The following areas are where unpleasant surprises often arise and, ultimately, either kill the sale or cost the seller a lot of money: 1. The roof. Repairs to the roof can be very expensive. If you think your home may need a new roof, consider taking care of it before listing your property on the market. With all the hail damage we get in our area, these repairs might be covered by your insurance. 2. The heating and cooling system. Regardless of the season, a home inspector will want to make sure the heating and cooling systems are in good shape. I highly advise hiring a professional prior to your inspection to uncover any issues beforehand. 3. Electrical issues. Making sure your electrical systems are up-to-code before the inspection is critical because electrical violations are both common and easy to spot. Also, faulty wiring is a fire hazard. The sooner you address these issues, the safer your home will be. 4. The plumbing. Plumbing problems can cause your deal to go down the drain. So, never put these issues off. 5. Water damage. Even if you don't have an active leak, stains on ceilings are often signs of previous problems. Though this past issue may have been as harmless as an overflowing toilet, buyers will suspect the worst if they see signs of water damage. Always fix any current leaks in your home and cover signs of previous ones. So, if you plan on selling your home, you may want to consider having a pre-inspection performed. This can help uncover any of the issues we've discussed today. 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.

If you are buying a home, you need to have it inspected by a professional home inspector. Today, I'll show you how you can get a free home inspection (including a radon test and sewer scope). First, I want to explain why it's so important to get one in the first place. Brody Lotz, the co-owner of American Professional Home Inspection, is here to help. So, why is an inspection so important? The main thing is that when you buy a home, especially as a first-time buyer, you are making one of the biggest investments of your life. You want peace of mind. You don't want to walk into a bad situation or money pit. Inspectors like Brody look at things to protect your investment. What major components are covered in a home inspection? The most important things inspectors look for are structural issues. “We check the roof for leaks and look at plumbing, electrical, and, of course, the foundation,” says Brody. “We really pay attention to big-ticket safety items. We also look at your appliances like the water heater and the furnace, which could be a big deal down the road.” Your inspector is there to make sure you are protected. What is radon and why do you need to test for it? Radon is present everywhere in the air, but it tends to accumulate in basements. Radon is a radioactive gas that dissipates in the air, but radon levels can rise in your home. If the house does have high levels of radon, it can be mitigated. Now, in my opinion, it's also very important to check the sewer line. I've heard a lot of horror stories out there where someone buys a house, the sewer line collapses, and the basement is flooded with sewage. Not all homes need a sewer line inspection, though. According to Brody, he determines that on a case by case basis. It all depends on what kind of drain pipes there are, how old the home is, and if there are a lot of trees in the front yard. Those are all major concerns. If Brody can determine what the pipes are made out of, that can help determine whether or not the property needs a sewer line inspection. “HOME INSPECTIONS PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT.” If the sewer line collapses after you buy the house, that's automatically a $10,000 to $15,000 fix. You can protect yourself from that by paying a much smaller amount for a home inspection. Now, I have a home inspection certificate valued at $600. If you are the first buyer to contact me, I will pay for your inspection, as well as your radon and sewer line tests. I want to go above and beyond that, so here's my next offer: If you buy a house with me before the end of 2017, I will pay for your home inspection to make sure you are protected when making such a big investment.

Selling your Colorado Springs home? Get a home value reportBuying a Colorado Springs Home? Click here for full MLS accessIf you are buying a home, you need to have it inspected by a professional home inspector. Today, I’ll show you how you can get a free home inspection (including a radon test and sewer scope). First, I want to explain why it’s so important to get one in the first place. Brody Lotz, the co-owner of American Professional Home Inspection, is here to help. So, why is an inspection so important? The main thing is that when you buy a home, especially as a first-time buyer, you are making one of the biggest investments of your life. You want peace of mind. You don’t want to walk into a bad situation or money pit. Inspectors like Brody look at things to protect your investment. What major components are covered in a home inspection? The most important things inspectors look for are structural issues. “We check the roof for leaks and look at plumbing, electrical, and, of course, the foundation,” says Brody. “We really pay attention to big-ticket safety items. We also look at your appliances like the water heater and the furnace, which could be a big deal down the road.” Your inspector is there to make sure you are protected. What is radon and why do you need to test for it? Radon is present everywhere in the air, but it tends to accumulate in basements. Radon is a radioactive gas that dissipates in the air, but radon levels can rise in your home. If the house does have high levels of radon, it can be mitigated. Now, in my opinion, it’s also very important to check the sewer line. I’ve heard a lot of horror stories out there where someone buys a house, the sewer line collapses, and the basement is flooded with sewage. Not all homes need a sewer line inspection, though. According to Brody, he determines that on a case by case basis. It all depends on what kind of drain pipes there are, how old the home is, and if there are a lot of trees in the front yard. Those are all major concerns. If Brody can determine what the pipes are made out of, that can help determine whether or not the property needs a sewer line inspection. “Home inspections protect your investment. ”If the sewer line collapses after you buy the house, that’s automatically a $10,000 to $15,000 fix. You can protect yourself from that by paying a much smaller amount for a home inspection. Now, I have a home inspection certificate valued at $600. If you are the first buyer to contact me, I will pay for your inspection, as well as your radon and sewer line tests. I want to go above and beyond that, so here’s my next offer: If you buy a house with me before the end of 2017, I will pay for your home inspection to make sure you are protected when making such a big investment. If you are interested or know someone who is, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. You can also reach out to Brody at 719-648-4098 or brodie@americanprofessionalhomeinspection.com with any home inspection questions you might have. We would be happy to help you!

Most people have heard that you should stick with neutral colors when painting your home before a sale. However, a new study shows that this may no longer be the case.Selling your Colorado Springs home? Get a home value reportBuying a Colorado Springs Home? Click here for full MLS accessDid you know that you could add thousands to the value of your home by spending less than $100? We’ve all heard that neutral paint colors are best for your home. However, a recent study from Money Magazine now indicates that you may want to go with something a little bolder. The study included more than 32,000 photos of homes, and the results showed that certain colors in certain rooms can increase the value of your home by more than $5,000. “A navy blue front door can really make the house pop. ”Homes with blue or gray-blue kitchens sold for about $1,800 more. A lot of white in a kitchen can also help it to appear cleaner.In a smaller room like a bathroom, an accent wall is going to give you much more bang for your buck. Powder blue and periwinkle are very popular colors for bathrooms.Homes with bold shades of blue also tend to boost home value. Dining rooms look good in slate blue or pale gray, while living rooms generally benefit from a light beige or pale taupe. On the exterior of the home, a navy blue front door can really make the house pop. I’m not an interior decorator or a stager, but I am connected with a team of professionals who can help you sell your home for the most money with simple tips like this. 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.

Most people have heard that you should stick with neutral colors when painting your home before a sale. However, a new study shows that this may no longer be the case. Selling your Colorado Springs home? Get a home value report Buying a Colorado Springs Home? Click here for full MLS access Did you know that you could add thousands to the value of your home by spending less than $100? We've all heard that neutral paint colors are best for your home. However, a recent study from Money Magazine now indicates that you may want to go with something a little bolder. The study included more than 32,000 photos of homes, and the results showed that certain colors in certain rooms can increase the value of your home by more than $5,000. “A NAVY BLUE FRONT DOOR CAN REALLY MAKE THE HOUSE POP.” Homes with blue or gray-blue kitchens sold for about $1,800 more. A lot of white in a kitchen can also help it to appear cleaner. In a smaller room like a bathroom, an accent wall is going to give you much more bang for your buck. Powder blue and periwinkle are very popular colors for bathrooms. Homes with bold shades of blue also tend to boost home value. Dining rooms look good in slate blue or pale gray, while living rooms generally benefit from a light beige or pale taupe. On the exterior of the home, a navy blue front door can really make the house pop. I'm not an interior decorator or a stager, but I am connected with a team of professionals who can help you sell your home for the most money with simple tips like this. 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.

Do you think your property taxes went up too much? You can still file an appeal by June 1st.Selling your Colorado Springs home? Get a home value reportBuying a Colorado Springs Home? Click here for full MLS accessIf you’ve recently received a letter from the El Paso County Assessor’s office, you may have been in for a bit of a shock. The good news is that the value of your home has increased; the bad news is that increased value is what you’ll be taxed on.A lot of people found that their home values went up 10% to 20%.If you think the value doesn’t quite look right, something seems unfair, or if you notice an error, you can file an appeal. On the back of the letter there is a place to follow an official appeal. You can click here to the El Paso County Assessor webpage for more information on the appeal process. You can find all kinds of good tips, from who qualifies for an appeal, to what information you will need during the appeal process.“It is definitely worth your time to appeal your property taxes. ”One thing they will want is a list of comparable homes in your neighborhood. They will want to know the number of bedrooms, the number of bathrooms, and how the size of those houses compares to yours.If you can prove that your neighbors' homes are priced less than what you are being taxed on, then you might be able to get an appeal.I can’t file the appeal for you, but I can help you put together a list of comparables and find out what your home is truly worth. Plus, if you are a 100% disabled military veteran, you are qualified to write off a certain percentage of what your home is worth.So, if you think your new property value is too high, it is definitely worth your time to appeal it. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I would be happy to help.

Is it time for you to consider owning a home? I’ll go over some numbers that might influence that decision today.Selling your Colorado Springs home? Get a home value reportBuying a Colorado Springs Home? Click here for full MLS accessRents have hit yet another high, which is no surprise as rents have been going up for a while. However, the shocker is that apartment costs have jumped 10.5% in the last three months! At this rate, we could see rent prices increase 40% this year. Is that likely? Who knows, but it’s something you definitely need to consider if you’re thinking about continuing to rent.Why is this increase in rent prices happening? Many experts say it’s because there are many young people who just don’t want to buy, retirees who want low maintenance living, and many people who simply can’t qualify to purchase a home.“Consider the security and financial benefits in owning your own home. ”Let’s talk about you. You should be considering the security in owning your own home and the financial benefits of doing so. The average cost of rent in Colorado Springs is about $1,100 and even though new apartment buildings are going up everywhere right now, the cost of renting has gone up every quarter for the past two years.If you really enjoy the amenities of living in an apartment, you don’t want to have a mortgage, or you can’t qualify, then I understand continuing to rent. However, if you’re worried about what rent might cost you this time next year, give me a call. Let’s have a five minute conversation with one of our friendly, helpful mortgage lenders to see how much money you can save every month by buying your own home. We may even be able to help you get into a home for less than $1,000 down with a payment that is less than what you are paying for rent right now.To find out if owning a home is the right move for you or if you have any other questions, give me a call or send me an email. I’d be more than happy to help.

There are three reasons you should hire me to help you sell your home over all the other agents in town. Selling your Colorado Springs home? Get a home value reportBuying a Colorado Springs Home? Click here for full MLS accessToday I want to answer a question that I get asked a lot: “Jeff, there are 3,000 real estate agents in this town. Why should I pick you?” There are three answers I can provide:1. I’m a highly experienced professional. Everybody knows that the market is hot right now. When that happens, a lot of people get into real estate. The person that changed the tires on your car last month could be your Realtor tomorrow. The person you’re interviewing right now to handle your largest financial asset could also have a part-time job at Dillard’s.You have to make sure the person you hire is a full-time, committed professional. I’ve been doing this for more than 15 years and have sold more than 1,000 homes. There are very few scenarios I haven’t seen. This is important because I can predict any issues in advance so we can eliminate them and make your transaction as smooth as possible. The market has changed a lot in those 15 years—it’s gone up, then down, and now it’s back up again. It’s changed, and so have I.“My experience, my team’s flexibility, and the company I work for will get you the results you’re looking for. ”2. My common sense listing system. A lot of Realtors put you in the same system but my team has got a lot of flexibility. We offer flexible commissions and the right to sell your house by yourself while it’s listed with me and pay nothing. After all the advertising we do and the buyers we bring to your house, you still have the option to fire me. I don’t think you’re going to do that though, and that’s because of reason No. 3.3. The results we get. The team I have and the company I work for will get you better results and provide you with better service, period. RE/MAX Properties is the No. 1 company in town. Since 1989, they’ve sold more homes than any other company. Right now, one out of every six houses in this city is listed with us.These are factors you should look for in any agent you hire, but my experience, my team’s flexibility, and the company I work for will get you the results you want. Whether you’re thinking about selling or buying a house, feel free to call me or send me an email. I’d be happy to assist you and get you the results you’re looking for.

There are three reasons you should hire me to help you sell your home over all the other agents in town. Selling your Colorado Springs home? Get a home value report Buying a Colorado Springs Home? Click here for full MLS access Today I want to answer a question that I get asked a lot: “Jeff, there are 3,000 real estate agents in this town. Why should I pick you?” There are three answers I can provide: 1. I'm a highly experienced professional. Everybody knows that the market is hot right now. When that happens, a lot of people get into real estate. The person that changed the tires on your car last month could be your Realtor tomorrow. The person you're interviewing right now to handle your largest financial asset could also have a part-time job at Dillard's. You have to make sure the person you hire is a full-time, committed professional. I've been doing this for more than 15 years and have sold more than 1,000 homes. There are very few scenarios I haven't seen. This is important because I can predict any issues in advance so we can eliminate them and make your transaction as smooth as possible. The market has changed a lot in those 15 years—it's gone up, then down, and now it's back up again. It's changed, and so have I. “MY EXPERIENCE, MY TEAM'S FLEXIBILITY, AND THE COMPANY I WORK FOR WILL GET YOU THE RESULTS YOU'RE LOOKING FOR.” 2. My common sense listing system. A lot of Realtors put you in the same system but my team has got a lot of flexibility. We offer flexible commissions and the right to sell your house by yourself while it's listed with me and pay nothing. After all the advertising we do and the buyers we bring to your house, you still have the option to fire me. I don't think you're going to do that though, and that's because of reason No. 3. 3. The results we get. The team I have and the company I work for will get you better results and provide you with better service, period. RE/MAX Properties is the No. 1 company in town. Since 1989, they've sold more homes than any other company. Right now, one out of every six houses in this city is listed with us. These are factors you should look for in any agent you hire, but my experience, my team's flexibility, and the company I work for will get you the results you want. Whether you're thinking about selling or buying a house, feel free to call me or send me an email. I'd be happy to assist you and get you the results you're looking for.

Today I’m hiking the trails of Red Rocks Canyon, but if you’re at home and have a real estate question, just email it to me and you might win a prize.Selling your Colorado Springs home? Get a home value reportBuying a Colorado Springs Home? Click here for full MLS accessHave you heard of Red Rocks Canyon? I only discovered it a year ago and I’ve lived here for more than 20 years, so I wanted to take a moment to tell you about the place that’s been described as a “lesser-known garden of the gods.”Located right off 31st Street and Highway 24 next to Rudy’s, this canyon is 798 acres wide and has miles of trails for all abilities. You can go hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and even cliff jumping (although that’s illegal).“I’d like to know what’s on your mind. ”Sandstone from the quarry can still be found in many of the buildings in both the Pike’s Peak region and Denver. I like it here because it’s only minutes from downtown where I work. It’s also surrounded by lots of great restaurants, so when you’re done hiking here, you have a lot of dinner options to choose from.I hope you appreciate me keeping in touch with you, but I don’t want to just guess what you want to know about. I’d like to know what’s on your mind. If you have a concept about real estate that you’re curious about, you want to know whether prices are going up or down in a certain part of town, or you’re curious about what’s going on in your neighborhood, I’d like to know about it.Email me a question at jeffryder@remax.net. If I use your question in an upcoming video, I will send you a gift card for $25. Help me out, and I’ll help you out. I look forward to hearing from you!

What happens if you’re a seller in a hot market but your house fails to sell? That’s where we come in as experts in listings that expire.Selling your Colorado Springs home? Get a home value reportBuying a Colorado Springs Home? Click here for full MLS accessLike most markets in the country, the Colorado Springs market has been pretty hot for awhile now. Prices and sales are up, but inventory and interest rates remain low. Because of this, most homes on the market sell pretty quickly. What if your house wasn’t one of those? What if it became an expired listing?There are a few small adjustments you can make to help you sell it.When a home doesn’t sell, the homeowner usually does one of three things. They either re-list with the same agent to get the same results, or they may decide to either rent it or keep it. If your home won’t sell and it’s frustrating you, you need to bring me out to take a look at it. Many times, all it takes is a small adjustment to the approach of selling it.“What happens if you’re a seller in a hot market but your house fails to sell? That’s where we come in as experts in listings that expire. ”I specialize in helping homeowners sell homes that didn’t sell the first time. If you check out the video above, you can see some examples of houses that didn’t sell.One sat on the market for 59 days with no offers. The photos of the home were a bit dark and made the rooms looks small. So, we came in with our professional photographer and also made some staging adjustments. The house, in turn, sold in four days for more than $2,000 above list price.Even in the best markets, some homes just don’t sell. So let my team of experts take a look at it and help you go from a ‘shown’ to a ‘sold.’If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email soon. We look forward to helping you!

Open houses are a tried and true method of selling a home, but you need to do it right to get buyers through the door. Here are a few tips to make that happen.Selling your Colorado Springs home? Get a home value reportBuying a Colorado Springs Home? Click here for full MLS accessOpen houses are one of the oldest ways to sell a house, and they can still be effective. They can really be hit and miss, so if you decide to have one, you need to make sure you do it right.Start by depersonalizing the house so that when buyers walk through, they can visualize themselves living there, not you. Remove anything polarizing, anything religious, and believe it or not, sports team-related things. Secondly, you need to declutter the house. You know you'll be moving, so you can actually start to pre-pack, as I call it. You want to create space so buyers can really see the house.You want to lure buyers into your home. The outside of the house can be more important because if buyers don't get a good first impression from your home's curb appeal, they might just keep on driving. Clean your walkway, get rid of spider webs, paint your front door, and make sure your lawn is mowed and inviting.“You want to lure buyers into your home. ”If you have any leftover items on a honey-do list that have been there for a while, you want to take care of them now. Better yet, you can hire a handyman to do it. You don't want buyers to see repairs you've put off as chores they'll inherit.Lastly, hire a professional real estate agent to really get buyers through the door. You can do all the steps I've mentioned, but if you can't get buyers into your house, it's all for naught. An agent will cast a wide net to get buyers through your door and the highest offer possible.If you have any other questions about preparing for an open house or you're considering selling your house, give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to helping you!

Open houses are a tried and true method of selling a home, but you need to do it right to get buyers through the door. Here are a few tips to make that happen. Selling your Colorado Springs home? Get a home value report Buying a Colorado Springs Home? Click here for full MLS access Open houses are one of the oldest ways to sell a house, and they can still be effective. They can really be hit and miss, so if you decide to have one, you need to make sure you do it right. Start by depersonalizing the house so that when buyers walk through, they can visualize themselves living there, not you. Remove anything polarizing, anything religious, and believe it or not, sports team-related things. Secondly, you need to declutter the house. You know you'll be moving, so you can actually start to pre-pack, as I call it. You want to create space so buyers can really see the house. You want to lure buyers into your home. The outside of the house can be more important because if buyers don't get a good first impression from your home's curb appeal, they might just keep on driving. Clean your walkway, get rid of spider webs, paint your front door, and make sure your lawn is mowed and inviting. “YOU WANT TO LURE BUYERS INTO YOUR HOME.” If you have any leftover items on a honey-do list that have been there for a while, you want to take care of them now. Better yet, you can hire a handyman to do it. You don't want buyers to see repairs you've put off as chores they'll inherit. Lastly, hire a professional real estate agent to really get buyers through the door. You can do all the steps I've mentioned, but if you can't get buyers into your house, it's all for naught. An agent will cast a wide net to get buyers through your door and the highest offer possible. If you have any other questions about preparing for an open house or you're considering selling your house, give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to helping you!

What happens if you're a seller in a hot market but your house fails to sell? That's where we come in as experts in listings that expire. Selling your Colorado Springs home? Get a home value report Buying a Colorado Springs Home? Click here for full MLS access Like most markets in the country, the Colorado Springs market has been pretty hot for awhile now. Prices and sales are up, but inventory and interest rates remain low. Because of this, most homes on the market sell pretty quickly. What if your house wasn't one of those? What if it became an expired listing? There are a few small adjustments you can make to help you sell it. When a home doesn't sell, the homeowner usually does one of three things. They either re-list with the same agent to get the same results, or they may decide to either rent it or keep it. If your home won't sell and it's frustrating you, you need to bring me out to take a look at it. Many times, all it takes is a small adjustment to the approach of selling it. “WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU'RE A SELLER IN A HOT MARKET BUT YOUR HOUSE FAILS TO SELL? THAT'S WHERE WE COME IN AS EXPERTS IN LISTINGS THAT EXPIRE.” I specialize in helping homeowners sell homes that didn't sell the first time. If you check out the video above, you can see some examples of houses that didn't sell. One sat on the market for 59 days with no offers. The photos of the home were a bit dark and made the rooms looks small. So, we came in with our professional photographer and also made some staging adjustments. The house, in turn, sold in four days for more than $2,000 above list price. Even in the best markets, some homes just don't sell. So let my team of experts take a look at it and help you go from a ‘shown' to a ‘sold.' If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email soon. We look forward to helping you!

You've heard me say many times that now is a great time to be in the real estate market. When most people want to maximize the money they get out of their home sale, they start renovating their property. However, there are a few pitfalls you should keep in mind before you renovate your home. For many homeowners, selling is something you may only do once or twice in your lifetime. I recommend consulting with the professionals if you are thinking about doing major changes to your house. If you are making those renovations for you and your family to enjoy, you don't have to worry too much. If you are selling your home soon, though, definitely check in with a real estate professional before you do anything. “TALK TO A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE YOU START RENOVATIONS.” Here are three main reasons why you should consult with a professional: 1. New owners may not have the same taste as you. Though there are a few clean-slate-type designs that may seem universally pleasing, you never know how a potential buyer might react. Aside from painting in neutral colors and modernizing kitchens and bathrooms, generally speaking, less is more when it comes to renovations. 2. The value of your house may already be topped off. Depending on the market you're in, your home may already be at its maximum home value limit. If the value of your home is already significantly higher than other homes in your neighborhood, dumping money into renovations could be a huge waste. 3. You will run into hidden costs while renovating. The last thing you want to do is open a can of worms that will cost you a lot of money. You may run into issues hidden behind the walls. No matter your budget, most homeowners run into problems that end up costing a lot more money than they expected. If you have any questions, I can help you figure out which home renovations will bring you the most return on investment. I can also put you in touch with great contractors, electricians, and more to help you with any updates you need. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I would be happy to help you!

If you've been keeping an eye on the Colorado Springs market lately, you know that now is a good time to buy. However, you may not know about some of the pitfalls you could become victim to. Today we are going to share with you some of our experience, by letting you know some of the most common regrets that home buyers come to us with. Hopefully after learning these, you won't make the same mistakes! “I wish I hadn't financed every dollar the bank wanted to lend me” Just because the bank will lend you $400,000 doesn't mean you need to apply for that big of a loan. A good rule of thumb is to spend about 20% less than the bank will loan you, so a $320,000 loan, as opposed to a $400,000 loan, is a better option. “Hopefully you won't make the same mistakes!” “I wish I hadn't used all my cash” This one is pretty common, as a lot of buyers don't realize all the costs that go into purchasing a home. Money for a down payment isn't all the money you are going to need. You are also going to need closing costs, money for repairs, and money for upgrades. The point is, when you get your keys, you want to make sure you're not out of money. “I wish I didn't spend so much time looking at short sales and foreclosures” Distressed properties aren't the deals they once were. There are much fewer of them than there were in the past, and you can't control the time frame with these. They might be slightly less expensive, but come with a lot more headaches. To avoid these and all the other common regrets that buyers make in Colorado Springs, give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you!