Colorado Springs Gets Some Good Employment News

It has been a while since we had any sizable civilian job announcements in the Springs. While growth at Ft Carson is very welcome and needed, it is the civilian sector that generally provides the best stability and long term growth prospects. Yesterday it was announced that Affiliated Computer Services is opening an operation here with 600 new employees, the largest single new civilian job announcement in ages. The Gazette is reporting that they will move into the Verizon campus at the end of Garden of the Gods road, on the west side, and hiring immediately. They will be ramping up to full staffing by the end of August. While these will not be the highest paying positions in town, jobs have been a little scarce lately, and this will be a nice little 'picker upper' on the economic front.

We are having a wonderful summer here in Colorado, with our traditional cool nights, sunny mornings, and late afternoon /evening thunderstorms. Today will another beautiful day for a morning walk. The wildflowers are blooming and it is really beautiful.

Got questions about living in Colorado Springs? Call me at 719-590-4768 or 888-568-6784! Visit me on Facebook to see even more photos!

Monument / Tri Lakes Area Offers Lifestyle and Convenience

Just 10 miles north of Colorado Springs (as measured from Chapel Hills), lies a small community called Monument. Many also also refer to the general area as Tri Lakes, named for the 3 lakes of Palmer Lake, Monument Lake, and Lake Woodmoor. None of these are large bodies of water, but it sounds good! This area is at a little higher elevation than the Springs (Monument Hill is around 7400 ft), and also tends to have a little cooler, wetter weather, but offers a lot of lifestyle amenities. Prices for town homes start under $200,000, but there are homes for well over $1,000,000 as well. The average list price of single family homes for sale in the Tri Lakes area as of 6-29-09 is $559,563, although there are 154 homes below $400,000.

To start with, being smaller (15,000 residents for the general area?), it tends to have a lot more laid back feel. It is a popular area for families whose jobs are split between Denver and Colorado Springs, being only 40 minutes from Denver, and 20 minutes to downtown Colorado Springs. Airline pilots and frequent travellers find it convenient for Denver International Airport.

The lots tend to be larger and more treed, with neighborhoods like Woodmoor, Kings Deer, and Bent Tree. The Forest View and other neighborhoods west of I25 tend to have lots of wildlife, including bears, deer, mountain lions, among others. Foxes and deer are very common east of I25. More affordable neighborhoods such as Jackson Creek and Santa Fe Trails make this area accessible to more than just the wealthy.

There has been a lot of commercial development in the last several years, bringing a Super Walmart, Home Depot, Staples, and lots of restaurants, including a Chili's and a Texas Road House, among some other smaller fast food places.

The school district for the Tri Lakes area is Lewis Palmer, District 38. They have a brand new high school, and the test scores are for D38 schools are always near the top of the range for the Colorado Springs area.

Recreationally, access to the Pike National Forest via Mt Herman Rd and Rampart Range Road opens up a universe of hiking trails and other outdoor possibilities. Fox Run Regional Park marks the south end of the area, with some of the nicest views in the region. The New Santa Fe Trail is a north - south trail that is part of a huge network of hiking and biking trails, and runs through the center of Monument up to Palmer Lake in the north, and the Pikes Peak Greenway and the Air Force Academy in the south. The new Monument YMCA and the Colorado Sports Center ice rink offer another genre of recreational possibilities.

Today's photo is of a new listing I have in the Santa Fe Trails / Peak View Ridge area for only $249,500. Click the following link to see more details on this great 4 bed 3 bath home! 17205 Snowwood

Got questions about living in Colorado Springs? Call me at 719-590-4768 or 888-568-6784! Visit me on Facebook to see even more photos!

Living Well In Woodmen Hills

I sold another house in the Woodmen Hills area this week. This is becoming a new favorite for some of my Colorado Springs home buyers for a number of reasons.

1. The cost of the homes is very reasonable. We still see some pretty nice homes, and some even new homes, for under $250,000. Spend more, get even nicer!

2. The lots sizes are big (most are 1/2 acre, some are 1 acre, some sections are smaller, but generally not less than 7500 sf)

3. The area amenities have expanded (the Super Walmart helps!), and access to the Powers shopping corridor is really good

4. It is pretty convenient to some of our larger employers, particularly Shriever AFB, Peterson AFB, Colorado Springs Airport area businesses, Penrose Hospital, and even Briargate and Northgate

5. The lifestyle issues are a big plus, with 2 recreation centers (including one with an outdoor pool) and a really nice golf course in the area (Antler Creek). There are also great walking paths.

6. Woodmen Road, the main artery back to the Springs, has finally been widened, and it is a breeze to get to town, not to mention the ongoing entertainment of the antelope herds make the drive pleasant.

7. It is 'friendlier' for parking things like trailers and RV's

8. There are more ranch style (single level) homes out here than in many other areas of town.

One of the biggest arguments I get against Woodmen Hills is the HOA dues of $148 per month. What is often overlooked however is that this includes $87 of water and sewer charges, which would normally be separate utilities billing in most areas, and also includes access to the recreation centers. Considering a family YMCA membership is $80/month, the dues start looking more like a bargain! The other complaint before people see it, is that they think it is too far out. It is actually only a 15 -20 drive from the Chapel Hills Mall, and only 10 minutes from Woodmen and Powers, not too bad!

Got questions about living in Colorado Springs? Call me at 719-590-4768 or 888-568-6784! Visit me on Facebook to see even more photos!

Air Conditioning Not Prevalent in Colorado Springs Homes

I've written about this one before, but in honor of the hottest day of the year so (yesterday) and the warm forecast this week (high 80's), I thought I'd talk about it again.

Many of our residents come from other places. In particular, those coming from Texas, Arizona, Florida, Virginia and California (to name a few) tend to ask that air conditioning be a 'must have' on their lists of homes for sale that they look at. The problem is, in Colorado Springs, it doesn't get used that often, and so many people who have homes built don't tend to have it installed. To double check on the current percentage with central, I ran a quick search, and as of today, only 30.5% of the single family homes for sale in Colorado Springs have central air conditioning.

Why doesn't central air get used that often? To start with, the warm weather season is a little short. As of today (June 23), we have not had a single day above 90, only 1 above 85. Secondly, our nights are very cool. Even this morning it was 58 degrees at 6:30, and the projected high is 88. Thirdly, our afternoon thunderstorms tend to cool things off in the afternoon and evening, and while they don't always do the job, more often than not, they take the temperature down 20 degrees as they roll through. Lastly, our humidity is low, so even a pretty warm day is a lot more bearable. After visiting Michigan last week when it was very humid, even though it wasn't hot by Michigan summer standards, it had me sweating pretty good!

Got questions about living in Colorado Springs? Call me at 719-590-4768 or 888-568-6784! Visit me on Facebook to see even more photos!

Summer Begins in the Springs

Fathers Day happened to also mark the beginning of summer, and not just on the calendar. Yesterday was also the warmest day I can remember so far, with temps in the low 80's. It was a fine day for showing property! After spending most of last week in Michigan visiting family, it was really nice to be home and see the clear blue sky and the mountains, and feel the cooler, crisper morning air.

I had 2 sets of clients to work with before our Fathers Day celebration. With lots of homes for sale in Colorado Springs, normally it is easy to find lots of homes to show, but in some categories that is less true than others. The narrower the criteria, the fewer the homes as well, so adding things like larger lot sizes, higher bedroom count etc usually makes the list pretty manageable. Taking out short sales (they are taking so long to get answers on) can make the list very short!

The snow is starting to melt pretty good on Pike's Peak, I'm guessing it will disappear with the forecast every day this week close to 90!

Got questions about living in Colorado Springs? Call me at 719-590-4768 or 888-568-6784! Visit me on Facebook to see even more photos!

Pikes Peak View Isn't the Only One in Colorado Springs

Many of our newcomers ask for their house to back to the mountains, and you have probably noticed from prior photos that I've posted, that there is a lot to see when you do. Today however I thought I'd talk about facing the mountains instead of backing to them. There are always advantages and disadvantages, but this afternoon's sky reminded me of a big advantage to back to the east, not the west. It's the Colorado sky. Don't get me wrong, I love the mountain view, but in the summer, when the thunderstorms are starting to kick a little, watching them drift off to the east, and put up a fireworks show you can see 100 miles away, is just spellbinding. This shot I just took, around 4:30 or so, and shows off just a little of the view of the sun on clouds on the back side of a thunderstorm.
Another advantage to backing to the east is the afternoon sun. When we get into a warmer pattern (it was low 70's again today, perfect!), the late afternoon sun can really bake you on your back deck if you back to the west. Turning it around gives you a nice shady outdoor area for afternoon and evenings. Moreover, it creates some warmth in the morning, so after a night in the 50's, it can be a pleasant place to have an outdoor cup of coffee in the morning.
Obviously the direction the house faces is only one element of selecting a house. The fact is, that only about 25% of our homes will back to the west, no matter how much we'd like it to be otherwise!
Got questions about living in Colorado Springs? Call me at 719-590-4768 or 888-568-6784! Visit me on Facebook to see even more photos!

Unique Areas Make Colorado Springs Real Estate Fun

Today I showed some patio homes in the Pine Cliff area, which is on the southern edge of the Northwest MLS area, near the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. This was a very unique little neighborhood, about 5 years old so, with some of the nicest views and private settings you could ask for, and under $400k. I've always enjoyed this area because I usually see deer when I show up there, although that was not the case today. While my clients elected this was not for them, I thought I would mention the area in case anyone else was interested. The homes we viewed are at this link: Pine Cliff Patio Homes , see what you think!
The weather was pretty overcast and cool today. The old adage, 'we get 300 days of sun, the other 65 are when your out of town guests come' held true, my clients had company from Arizona, where they said it has been pretty unbearably hot, they were enjoying the 55 degree cloudy weather.

Got questions about living in Colorado Springs? Call me at 719-590-4768 or 888-568-6784! Visit me on Facebook to see even more photos!

Sunday in the Springs

Sundays are a bit different for Realtors than they are for some people, but I thought I'd share a bit about my Sunday, just for grins.

It started out sunny, crystal clear, cool, and a little breezy. I set some showings before church, and then attended the early service at New Life, where I got to see my daughter-in-law and granddaughter, in addition to the service. My first showing was in the Monument area, where I was to meet the client, but I discovered due to re-paving, I25 was a mess, so I took the back way, Highway 83. There was a herd of antelope grazing near the road along one stretch, and then I ran into (not literally) a bicycle tour of hundred of bikes (a new twist on the Sunday driver thing!). Anyway, I eventually got there, where I took this photo of Lake Woodmoor at the complex where we were looking, while I was waiting for the clients. It was a very nice town home with good square footage for under $300k, though not quite for them. This is about as close to being waterfront as we have in Springs!

We then drove to the west side to see some more property, near Garden of the Gods, but nothing really worked for them, so we scheduled another round for tomorrow morning. I dashed home and had a quick bite of lunch, and then we were off to a going away party for a friend of ours (and client) who was leaving Holly's school (The Classical Academy), and then to graduation party for one of her first crop of kindergartners from the school. It was kind of ironic that we had gotten to know both families virtually on the same day, the year the school opened 12 years ago. By the time we left the first party it was starting to rain (yes, that is typical, sunshine early, followed by afternoon thunderstorms), and was a lot cooler, so we were glad the 2nd event was an indoor affair.

While it wasn't earthshaking, it was a pretty busy day, and we got to renew some old friendships. Can you think of a better way to spend a Sunday?

Got questions about living in Colorado Springs? Call me at 719-590-4768 or 888-568-6784! Visit me on Facebook to see even more photos!

Colorado Springs Parks Are Pretty Special

I had breakfast with a client and old friend this morning, and when we were done, I thought I'd stop by one of the many city parks we have to take some wildflower photos. I am around the High Chaparral Open Space a lot (I do a fair amount of work in the Old Farm and Northeast areas of town), but I very seldom have a chance to just get out and enjoy it, so today it happened.
This park was funded with a special tax we have had for acquiring open space and keeping it from getting turned into subdivisions, parking lots or storage units, and I am SO glad it was! Part of General Palmer's philosophy when he founded the city of Colorado Springs was that we would have lots of park land, and it is true to this day. While a complete list and photo tour of them is not practical here, once in a while I think it is good to remember the great park heritage we have here! Click here for some more photos of the High Chaparral Open Space with it's views and wildflowers on my Facebook site.

The cool wet weather of the last few days has been replaced with the normal summer pattern of sunny cool mornings, and afternoon thunderstorms. Perfect for keeping things green and still enjoying the outdoors!

Got questions about living in Colorado Springs? Call me at 719-590-4768 or 888-568-6784!

Low Cost of Living Puts Colorado Springs in a Good Place

The news this morning in Colorado Springs (The Gazette reported it) says the latest cost of living survey put us 8.1% below the national average, not a bad place to be. It's a pretty great place without being low cost, don't get me wrong, but a low cost of living coupled with a good quality of life makes a GREAT combination!
The caveat on the quality of life has to be the weather for the last 2 days. Fog, drizzle, cold, it reminds me of Michigan! I know, that is harsh, and like the saying goes, if you don't like the weather, wait an hour, it will change. Of course it also goes, if you do the like the weather, wait an hour, and it will change anyway :-) It is scheduled to warm up later today, and get back to the sunny 70's for the rest of the week, so I can handle a cold day or 2.
I'm still getting the hang of this Facebook thing, but I do have a bunch of photos posted now (not all tagged or anything, but a start!), so if you want to visit the Facebook site, see the link on the bottom right of this page, or click here!
Got questions about living in Colorado Springs? Call me at 719-590-4768 or 888-568-6784!

Cold Gray Day In Colorado Springs

I could not believe my eyes when I checked my car thermometer on the way back from a listing appointment in Monument this afternoon. 41 degrees! Fahrenheit! While it has undoubtedly been colder than that before in June, I sure don't remember it.

I finally bit the bullet, and signed up for Facebook yesterday. I have a ways to go to finish getting things set up appropriately. I'm sure many of you who are reading this are old pros with Facebook, so feel free to send me your pointers. It seems like a good place to put things that are more personal and not related to Colorado Springs living or real estate than this blog, but still very sharable. Click here to access it, and sign up to be one of my first friends on this social networking site. While you are at it, check out some of my photo albums I've started building. Today's photo is from our South Africa trip last month, there is a pretty good batch now online at the Facebook site, both from South Africa and from around the Springs.

Got questions about living in Colorado Springs? Call me at 719-590-4768 or 888-568-6784!

Colorado Springs Real Estate Market Improved in May

Preliminary sales figures for the month of May show that Colorado Springs home sales improved, almost matching last years sales, down less than 1%. Prices firmed up as well, with the average (mean) jumping over 5% since April, and down only 12.2% from last May. The 'sale price to list price ratio' also jumped to 97.4%, closer to it's long term average. These are welcome statistics to those of us in the business, it has been a long time coming. We've still got a long way to go, but this is a real step in the right direction.

Today's photo of wildflowers was taken Saturday morning, a block from our house in Briargate. Perhaps not the best example, it still gives you a little idea of what I mean when I talk about the wildflowers blooming.

Got questions about living in Colorado Springs? Call me at 719-590-4768 or 888-568-6784!