December 17, 2010 12:18:12

How to make your Colorado Springs Home Stand Out from the Competition

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, Dec 17, 2010 - In a recovering Colorado Springs Real Estate market, it's imperative that your home stand out from all of the rest on the market. With a plethora of choices available, buyers have the luxury of being choosey when deciding which home to make their own. As a seller, there are many steps you can take to ensure that your home stays in the minds of viewers and sells within a reasonable amount of time. Try the following to give your home a competitive edge:

Giving part of your house a makeover can really add to its overall appeal. While it's understandable that you might not want to spend too much money on fix-ups, small efforts can go a long way in the eyes of buyers. Try to match (or exceed) the norms of the neighborhood. If hardwood floors are really popular for your area, pull up some old carpet. If marble countertops can be found in most homes, try to match them. In addition, get an inspection before the house hits the market and fix areas that may need repair. "Anything you can do to make your home stand out and look of equal or greater value than those surrounding it will be highly beneficial to your sale's efforts," says Joe Clement, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Properties, Inc..

Don't ignore the power of staging your Colorado Springs home. Whether you hire a professional or use a few carefully selected staging tips, putting in this extra effort will better showcase your home. Properly staging your home could be as simple as rearranging furniture, adding a fresh coat of paint or strategically placing lighting and other decorations. For staging ideas and recommendations, speak with a trusted Colorado Springs real estate agent.

"Even more important in today's market is a comprehensive home-selling strategy," says Clement. "Sellers must have a plan that includes fair pricing, targeted improvements and well-thought out marketing and exposure for the property." Simply loading ads on the Internet won't suffice. By working with an experienced RE/MAX Properties, Inc. agent, you can create your own selling timeline that will roll out progressively and provide your home with the proper exposure it needs to sell. This detailed plan will increase your chances for success.

If you really want to sweeten the deal and encourage a timid buyer to jump in, add a few financial incentives to the deal, advises Clement. By agreeing to pay for some of the closing costs or offering other financing, an iffy buyer could end up being the new owner of your home. Examine your budget and figure out what you could afford to offer if you need to facilitate a buyer's decision. "Many sellers close their deals by adding financial incentives to the package, and oftentimes, this tactic provides sellers with an edge that others sellers fail to consider," says Clement.

During the selling process, it's crucially important to think in advance and plan for the successful sale of your home. Doing so could place your home a cut above the rest and provide a better buying incentive for those considering your home.

For more information about what you can do to facilitate the sale of your home, please contact an experienced Colorado Springs real estate agent at RE/MAX Properties, Inc.

RE/MAX Properties, Inc. has been the number one residential real estate brokerage in Colorado Springs since 1989. The company has 230 full-service professional Broker Associates that service all areas of Colorado Springs and surrounding areas in addition to relocation clients worldwide. The four RE/MAX Properties, Inc. locations are open seven days a week. More information can be found online at www.HomesColorado.com.

December 10, 2010 18:52:29

Choosing the right Colorado Springs Home for you and your family:

Is Downsizing the Right Choice for You?

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, Dec 10, 2010 - Many things in life happen unexpectedly. Whether you are an adult with an empty nest, recently unemployed, going through a divorce, or even just tired of caring and maintaining for a larger home, it may be time to start the downsizing process. For most homeowners, downsizing may be the opposite of what they've worked for their entire lives. For others, a smaller home is a thrilling idea due to the decrease in work and bills, and the option of moving to a completely different area.

"By deciding to purchase a smaller home or condo in Colorado Springs, you are potentially saving a substantial amount of time and money that could all be put towards things like entertainment, culture and nightlife," says Joe Clement, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Properties, Inc.. Even though a lower-maintenance lifestyle may be just the right thing for you, there are a few things for you to consider before making the change, Clement adds.

Be sure to ask yourself a few important questions before making the decision. What will you miss about living in a larger home? Will this choice save you time and maintenance responsibility? Are there any other factors that will affect your decision to move into a smaller home? "Some factors may affect your decision, for example, an adult child moving back home temporarily," says Clement. "Will your downsizing be able to handle this scenario? These are things you need to think about beforehand."

Downsizers must also consider the cost of doing so. Not only will you have to cut down on your number of possessions, but furniture will also need to be downsized. "You may have to sell things like furniture and appliances and buy anew in order to suit the newer, more conservative space," says Clement. "This may or may not be an issue, but don't fail to consider this as another step to the process."

When trying to find the right house, think about Colorado Springs townhouses, condos and lofts as options. Many household duties such as lawn mowing and repairs will be covered for you, providing you with an easier lifestyle and less responsibility. Aim for housing styles that will allow for modest living with minimal upkeep--that is the key to downsizing.

Lastly, choosing a Colorado Springs neighborhood is an important part of buying any type of home. For smaller options, try looking in the center of town or downtown. Doing so can keep commuting costs low and provide you with more options and, in some areas, a degree of walkability.

"Working with a knowledgeable Colorado Springes real estate agent can help you find something that's just right for you," says Clement. "Downsizing can be a very positive experience for flexible homeowners looking to move to the next stage of their lives.

For more information regarding downsizing to a smaller home, please contact an experienced RE/MAX Properties, Inc. Real Estate agent,  RE/MAX Properties, Inc..

RE/MAX Properties, Inc. has been the number one residential real estate brokerage in Colorado Springs since 1989. The company has 230 full-service professional Broker Associates that service all areas of Colorado Springs and surrounding areas in addition to relocation clients worldwide. The four RE/MAX Properties, Inc. locations are open seven days a week. More information can be found online at www.HomesColorado.com.

December 08, 2010 21:49:17

The Benefits of having your Colorado Springs Home Inspected and What to Expect

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, Dec 08, 2010 - For buyers and sellers  in the Colorado Springs real estate market, a good home inspection can prevent headaches and save time and money.

For buyers, an inspection can find imperfections in a home that some may have never noticed with a naked eye. The seller can then fix certain aspects before a decision to buy is reached. If the house fails to meet standards or has too many problems attached, an inspection may prevent a transaction from even occurring.

For Colorado Springs sellers, conducting an inspection before putting the house on the market allows them to make the repairs before being stuck in the middle of a negotiation process with a buyer. By fixing what is currently wrong, sellers can be more likely to get the price desired without having to unreasonably waver in price.

"Although an inspection may seem like another added step to an already detailed buying-and-selling process, an inspection is invaluable to both buyers and sellers and should not be avoided," says Joe Clement, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Properties, Inc..

A typical inspection covers all major mechanical systems, including structural, cosmetic and many other elements of a home says Clement. Buyers and sellers should expect the inspection to cover: heating and cooling systems, electrical, plumbing, baths, garages, chimneys, the foundation, the kitchen and all of its appliances and plumbing, basements and crawl spaces, ventilation, roof surfaces, draining, and more. The extensive examination will typically take two-to-four hours, depending on the complexity and size of the home, and should cost somewhere in the range of $300-$800.

Don't be a wallflower throughout the process. Be sure to be present during the inspection and pay attention. Watch thoroughly and ask questions throughout. The inspector will perform an initial site evaluation and point out any sites for potential problems. At the end of the exam, you will receive a written report detailing all of the findings, along with photographs and detailed descriptions of damages or defects found.

"For sellers, this visual proof will facilitate the process of garnering repair estimates and will speed up the repair process should any aspect of your home need attending," says Clement.

Finding the right inspector is also an important part of the process. Buyers who want to ensure that their selected home is worth the price may want to look for an inspector even before finding a specific home. Start your research early; time is a critical factor once you are trying to jump on a home you recently viewed and liked.

"Although it is nearly impossible to find an inspector who is an expert in everything, try to find one that has a broad knowledge of a home's systems and structures," says Clement. "Take the time to speak with several inspectors before choosing the one that is right for you."

Both buyers and sellers should understand the benefits of the home inspection process. "A truly independent and knowledgeable inspector is a great asset for any transaction, no matter which side of the table you find yourself on," says Clement.

For more information on the home inspection process, please contact an experienced Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Properties, Inc.

RE/MAX Properties, Inc. has been the number one residential real estate brokerage in Colorado Springs since 1989. The company has 230 full-service professional Broker Associates that service all areas of Colorado Springs and surrounding areas in addition to relocation clients worldwide. The four RE/MAX Properties, Inc. locations are open seven days a week. More information can be found online at www.HomesColorado.com.

December 01, 2010 16:22:50

Tips to Attract Buyers When Selling Your Colorado Springs Home

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, Dec 01, 2010 - For Colorado Springs homeowners expecting to sell their home in the next few years, it's never too early to think about fixing up or modernizing your home. If selling is your end goal, there are many updates you can add to ensure that your home stands out from the competition in the marketplace. If you're already thinking in advance, consider the following improvements and staging tips to not only add value to your property, but to attract buyers as well.

Don't neglect the power of a nice entryway. When you end up showing your home to potential buyers, a fresh coat of paint and an enticing, warm feel goes a long way. "Many buyers find that they don't like entering the front door and stepping right into the living room," says Joe Clement, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Properties, Inc.. With clever placement of furniture, a chest of drawers or a unique table, you can create the feel of a separate entranceway with a little creativity.

Hardwood floors are also a hot ticket for many buyers. Most Colorado Springs Realtors agree that hardwood floors go the extra step towards enticing buyers to bid on your home. The longevity is incomparable to other flooring and you never have to worry about hardwood going out of style. Synthetic wood flooring can be used for a more affordable price, but be sure to avoid laminate flooring.

Nice bathrooms give your home a greater appeal when buyers take a tour. Whirlpool baths, marble counters and steam showers are all highly attractive elements to have in a master bathroom. If these are too luxurious for your budget, work on brightening or modernizing the older parts of your existing bathroom. "Some owners may choose to replace a bathroom's lighting or replace various fixtures in the room in order to brighten it up. Anything you can do to make the room pop will benefit all of your future efforts," says Clement.

Don't forget about lighting in other rooms, too. It's an often overlooked feature that can be quite tempting to buyers. Regular floor lamps limit the amount of light a room can get. If the home doesn't receive lots of natural light, consider adding recessed lighting or sconces to brighten up the space. Buyers love to see rooms that are cheerful and easy to light up. Consider adding a dimming feature. It gives the homeowner many different lighting options and significantly adds to the appeal.

By making adjustments to your home in small increments, you will increase your property's selling power before unleashing it to the Colorado Springs Real Estate market. With these updates and more, your home will have the cutting-edge advantages it needs to sell as quickly as possible for the value it deserves.

For more information about updating your home or to learn more about what today's buyers are looking for, please contact on or our experienced Colorado Springs Real Estate Agents or call any of our 4 Colorado Springs or Monument office locations.  RE/MAX Properties, Inc..

RE/MAX Properties, Inc. has been the number one residential real estate brokerage in Colorado Springs since 1989. The company has 230 full-service professional Broker Associates that service all areas of Colorado Springs and surrounding areas in addition to relocation clients worldwide. The four RE/MAX Properties, Inc. locations are open seven days a week. More information can be found online at www.HomesColorado.com.

November 03, 2010 13:39:22

Keys to purchasing Real Estate in Colorado Springs:

Understanding the Pre-Approval Process

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, Nov 03, 2010 - The house shopping process can be somewhat complicated and the same can be said for the loan shopping experience. Before you get to the fun of house touring and decision-making for your new life, a prospective home buyer needs to be pre-approved and fully understand what the pre-approval process entails.

"Pre-approval is more involved than just making an appointment," says Joe Clement, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Properties, Inc.. "The lender needs to gather all of the required information in order to offer you a loan, and your credit report will need to be checked." At the time of the appointment, you will need to bring certain documents with you to verify your identity and assets, adds Clement.

These documents include:

• A most recent W-2 (or entire tax form if self-employed)
• A copy of a recent bank statement (including any money market or savings accounts)
• Proof of IRAs, retirement accounts, stocks or mutual funds
• Your driver's license
• A recent paystub from work
• An application fee (depending on the lender--be sure to ask about this prior to your appointment)

If the bank likes what it sees at the end of this process, you'll receive your good faith estimate (GFE) -- a document telling you the likely terms you'll receive including the interest rate, loan type and closing costs. "From there, you will be able to tell what price range of  homes in Colorado Springs to focus your time and energy on. It will also prevent you from getting your hopes set too high," says Clement.

It is suggested that you repeat this process with multiple Colorado Springs lenders in order to comparison-shop. With multiple GFEs in hand, you now have room for negotiation by comparing the offers. Don't accept the first offer you get; rather, look for hidden fees in each estimate and see which option works best for your financial situation. "Don't worry about hurting your credit score; credit scoring recognizes multiple checks in succession as part of the loan-shopping process and will not penalize you for doing so," says Clement.

Remember: just because you are pre-approved does not mean you are guaranteed to receive a loan from that lender. The actual loan is granted after the bank conducts an appraisal to make sure you aren't paying more than the house's value. This prevents you from over-paying and protects the bank against any buyers who may default on the loan in the future.

For more information on understanding the pre-approval process, please contact Professional Mortgage Associates, or one of our 230 qualified Colorado Springs Real Estate Agents at RE/MAX Properties, Inc..

RE/MAX Properties, Inc. has been the number one residential real estate brokerage in Colorado Springs since 1989. The company has 230 full-service professional Broker Associates that service all areas of Colorado Springs and surrounding areas in addition to relocation clients worldwide. The four RE/MAX Properties, Inc. locations are open seven days a week. More information can be found online at www.HomesColorado.com.