Any kind of construction project is loud and dirty. For homeowners starting their project, they have the anticipation of the finished product to look forward to. But what if the project isn’t your own but your neighbor’s? You have all the hassle with none of the excitement of the result. Having construction going on next door is never fun, but you can mitigate the negative aspects by following a few tips.

Talk to Your Neighbor, then Talk to the Contractor In a perfect world, your neighbor will come to you first, but this isn’t always the case. At the first sign of construction, get in touch with the owners and discuss the scope and timeframe of the project. Discuss any specific issues or occasions you have planned that the project could impact,…

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As the world emerges from the pandemic era and begins to look for a new normal, we’ve all changed the way we look at homeownership and lifestyle. More and more, families are forgoing exotic vacations and using the savings to enhance their home for staycations. In addition to the home improvement boom, the second home market has also exploded. Owning a second home was once a privilege for the rich and famous, but now even those with a modest income can purchase a second home.  

There are some great benefits to owning a second home. The first is enjoyment. Many people buy a second home to get a change of scenery. With more companies offering a work-from-home option, spending winter in a warmer climate has become feasible for the average person. 

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Buying a home is often an emotional decision; perhaps even more so than a practical, financial decision. Real estate marketing has recognized this for decades which is why agents have emphasized curb appeal and staging to their clients. Open houses have featured the smell of fresh baked cookies and soothing music, all in an effort to appeal to the buyer’s sense of home and comfort.

Many homeowners ponder this question, along with whether they can make adjustments via remodels or additions. The fact is that our tastes, needs, and lifestyles change and evolve over time. The past few years have dramatically changed the way we look at our homes. More people than ever before now work from home. That cute cottage or condo might have been the perfect…

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You’ve heard the term, “NIMBY.” The “not in my backyard” theme involves a group of residents working to prevent more development in their community. With the tight housing market and rising home prices, millennial buyers are complaining that they can’t afford to live where they work and play – and they want solutions. 

The need for more, and affordable, housing is not a new concern. Dating back to the early 2000’s, suburban and urban communities have recognized that they are unable to attract younger home buyers due to the lack of housing options. Strategies must balance the need for more affordable housing, with the impact on traffic, services, schools, and other community amenities. 

Some innovative community councils are using this crisis as…

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It’s no secret that many prospective homebuyers are finding the current real estate market challenging. One of the more unexpected consequences of the Covid pandemic was the hyper-focus on one’s home. This has resulted in a robust market where sellers are seeing advancing home sales prices and multiple offers.

While competition is fierce, clearly for sellers to sell, they need buyers. If your goal is to find a new home this year, there are a couple ways you can maximize your ability to have your offer accepted.

Two Ways Homebuyers Can Win in Today’s Market

1. Act Early - There are a couple reasons why home buyers should start early this year. With rising inflation, interest rates are likely to rise this year. While conventional wisdom may…

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Did you know that each year paint and pigment companies work hard to predict the hottest trends in colors. They choose the “Color of the Year” and home designers love to infuse new tones and hues into their new designs.

For 2022, Shades of Green will be all the rage. While there is no consensus about the specific shade of green and the colors range from soft neutral mists to deep evergreen, suddenly style magazines are boasting green in everything from furniture to fixtures.

Home designers have wasted no time incorporating these new colors in their styles. Accent chairs in bright bold Seafoam will instantly add a modern touch to your living spaces. Backsplashes in olives and cypress create a new ambiance for the kitchen. A soothing color, green can…

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1. Lower Interest Rates – A borrower who can put 20% down on a home is considered a lower-risk buyer. In addition, the lender only needs to recover 80% of the home’s value in the event of a default. Therefore, the interest rates will be more favorable than that of a higher loan-to-value program.

2. Less Interest Paid – A lower loan amount means there is a smaller amount of money subject to interest. Over the life of the loan, putting 20% down on the home will save you thousands of dollars in interest.

3. Your Offer is Stronger – In a highly competitive market, sellers are more likely to accept an offer with a higher down payment. You will be considered more financially stable and thus better able to close on the loan and sale.

4. No…

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Each year, home renters face the question of whether to renew their lease for another year or determine it is time to buy a home of their own. Over the past couple of years, the US housing market has changed dramatically as home values have soared and interest rates have remained low. So, if you are still renting your home, it might be time to buy instead.


4 Facts About Renting your Home

1. Rents Are Rising Quickly – Higher priced home values drive higher rent costs. While a 30-year fixed home loan will provide steady monthly payments for the duration, most renters are shocked to see their housing payments rise each year.

2. Paying for Your Landlord’s Equity – As home prices rise, so does the equity in the property. As a renter, you are…

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Deciding if it is time for your family to upsize or downsize is not always a clear choice. There are factors to consider that might push you to take the leap or stay put for a while longer. Whether you are thinking about upsizing so your family can spread out or purging possessions so you can downsize, here are some questions to ponder.

1. How are you using your current space?

Do your family members feel like they don’t have adequate privacy or space to do their own thing?  Are you tired of working at the dining table and really need an office or workshop? Is having the kids share bedrooms just not working out? Maybe an upsize is warranted. On the other hand, do you have rooms that aren’t being used, or are you tired of paying property…

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Though not predictable, you can always rely on the real estate market in Colorado Springs to change. Here are some predictions for the housing market in 2022.

  • 2022 will fall just short of record-breaking

"Zillow’s forecast calls for 11% home value growth in 2022. That’s down from a projected 19.5% in 2021, a record year-end pace of home value appreciation, but would rank among the strongest years Zillow has tracked. Existing home sales are predicted to total 6.35 million, compared to an estimated 6.12 million this year. That would be the highest number of home sales in any year since 2006." Zillow (https://www.zillow.com/research/zillow-2022-housing-predictions-30394/)

  • Mortgage rates may rise, but inventory may rise as well
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