1. Isn’t it just easier to rent than to buy?

I get this question a lot. Colorado Springs is very different from other duty stations you may have lived at. The area is large but really still small. That won’t make sense to you now but when you arrive you’ll get what I mean. We have really one county in our area (excluding the mountain communities). Finding a home takes (with a good Realtor of course) no more than a few days tops! The city is pretty spread out but once you decide on a price range and area amenities, we can narrow things down pretty fast. As a rule, I do not show rental properties. Finding a rental takes as long or longer since you have to set up the showings and then meet the owner or agent at each property.  If you are not familiar with the individual areas it could take a while and then you might find yourself in a one year lease in an area that you really do not like.

2. Is it difficult to get financing?

Not as difficult as you might think. The key is to get pre-approved prior to packing up at your current duty station. Bank statements, tax returns etc. are much easier to obtain prior to moving since you have quick and easy access to all of your personal data and records. When you arrive as a pre-approved buyer you will only need to find a property and get the appraisal done in order to close. Very simple!  Loan guidelines are very clear these days. The lender can tell you up front whether or not your credit and income levels meet those guidelines. It takes just a simple conversation with the lender to find this out.

3. Where will we live while we wait to close?

Again, if you have already been pre-approved the closing can happen quickly. In Colorado we do not do “Escrow” closings. We close and fund the transaction on the day of closing and you get the keys to your new home. We can close in a matter of a few weeks. It also may be a possibility that you can move into the property prior to closing and rent from the owner until the transaction is finalized. This won’t be possible if you are buying a bank-owned property but in that case it may be worth waiting for if the price is right! There are many possible places to live in a temporary situation in Colorado Springs. Our community is used to military personnel coming and going so we have extended stay hotels, temporary furnished apartments and of course you can also check out the base TLF or on post Guest House.

4. Do I have to have 20% down payment to buy a home now?

No! Conventional loans require a larger down payment but if you are military you most likely have the option of using your VA loan benefit. This options require ZERO down payment! Also, it is just a myth that you can only use your VA one time. It can be used multiple times with conditions. FHA is also a good option that only requires a down payment of 3.5%. Contact me so I can explain these loan programs in detail.

5. Do I have to make a separate house hunting trip in order to buy?

If time or finances did not permit an advance home buying trip do not despair. The process is just not that difficult. Lots of times we work with people who really thiought they would be renting a home. Once they viewed the selection of rentals in their monthly price range they change their minds and look into buying a home. We can adapt to this situation quickly. The key is to work quickly as far as submitting the loan paperwork. In a pinch you can obtain your LES and W-2 statements along with bank records by going online and printing them. Again, we are used to helping military people settle into their new homes quickly and with a low level of stress!

As you can see, buying a home might just be easier than you thought! Even if you are PCS’ing from overseas, we can help you find a great home! Contact us to get started.

When a security freeze is added to your credit report, all third parties whose access is not exempt under law will not be able to access your credit report without your consent. If you have been a victim of identity theft this service is highly recommended.This is a free service in all states if you have been a victim of identity theft. Inother states the cost is $10-$15. There is not charge in Colorado to initiallyfreeze your file for victims and non-victims of identity theft. Once you have ordered a security freeze there are still some agencies that can have access to your credit file:

• Companies you have a current financial relationship with.

• State, local law enforcement agencies, child support agencies.

• Governmental agencies

• Uses falling under the FCRA-disclosure to the FBI for counterintelligence.

• Credit monitoring services that the consumer has subscribed to.

Please note: Placing a security freeze on your credit file can delay the processing/acceptance of credit applications for a mortgage, auto, credit card, etc. as the freeze will have to be lifted in order for your credit to be pulled. Please plan accordingly if you are planning on submitting an application for credit so that your credit file can be accessed. Each bureau has different criteria for requesting a security freeze.

For Equifax:

Equifax Security Freeze

PO Box 105788

Atlanta, GA 30348

www.equifax.com or

https://www.freeze.equifax.com/Freeze/jsp/SFF_PersonalIDInfo.jsp

You can put a freeze on your file with Equifax either by mail or online through the above link. If you choose to request by mail you must include your name, address, date of birth, social security number, and proof of current address such as a utility bill. Once they receive the request they will mail you a confirmation with a 10 digit security freeze confirmation number. You must have this number to request a lift of the freeze. If you are a victim of identity theft you much also include a copy of the police report or identity theft report. Lifting a freeze from Equifax must also be done by mail.

For Experian:

Experian

PO Box 9554

Allen, TX 75013

www.experian.com or

https://www.experian.com/consumer/cac/InvalidateSession.do?code=FREEZEC

ENTER

You can put a freeze on your file with Experian either by mail or online through the above link. If you choose to request by mail you must include your full name with middle initial and any generation (Jr., Sr, etc), Social Security number, date of birth,current address and previous address (if less than 2 years). You must also enclose one copy of a government issued ID and proof of address (utility bill, bank or insurance statement). They will mail you a confirmation and an access code to lift your freeze. You can order a temporary or permanent lift either by mail or on line.

For Trans Union:

Trans Union

Fraud Victim Assistance Department

PO Box 6790

Fullerton, CA 92834

www.transunion.com or

http://www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/fraudIdentityTheft/fraudPrevention/securityFreeze.page

You can freeze your file with Trans Union either by mail, online through the above link, or by phone 888-909-8872. If you choose to request the lift by mail you must provide proof of your current residence such as a copy of a state issued identification card of valid driver’s license.

[idx-listing mlsnumber="545664" showall="true"]

All New Interior!

This upscale remodel will put a smile on your face the minute you enter the front door! Imagine moving into a brand new home. This is the one! Over 1800 square feet. All new carpet, interior paint and upscale lighting. The kitchen is a cooks dream with brand new stainless appliances, slab granite counters and upgraded cabinetry. Euro style faucets and lighting complete the look.

Large living room upstairs plus spacious family room in the lower level allow plenty of room for entertaining and relaxing. Four bedrooms offer plenty of sleeping space. Both bathrooms have all new tile, fixtures and upscale vanities.

Brand new energy efficient furnace and water heater have been installed in the past few weeks. You’ll enjoy lowered utility costs with the exterior vinyl siding and newer vinyl windows.

Outdoor living is a breeze on the covered deck. Enjoy the view from the gazebo while you have a drink and relax! This home is only a short walk to the middle school and shopping. Very short drive to Fort Carson and Peterson AFB. Why wait any longer? For your private showing, contact us today!

The benefit of today’s technology allows buyers to preview homes online. When I started in real estate in 1990, we used the old MLS books that were published every two weeks. If a buyer was relocating into Colorado Springs, I had to cut out the individual listings and place a bunch on the copy machine, make a copy and then mail the sheet to a buyer. The MLS book only showed a photo and a few details about each home for sale. We’ve come a long way since then!

Currently there are more MLS feeds than I can count. The feeds grab home listing info from the local MLS and publish it in the preferred format of the site. Each feed, including the MLS allows an agent to submit a group of interior photos of the home. This is great for buyers looking at basic layout of a home along with the interior condition.

Photo shock happens to buyers who pick out a list of favorite homes from their MLS feed but then view the home in person. I have had clients in the past who have loved a particular home for months prior to their arrival in town only to be greatly disappointed when they see the home. A photo cannot tell you that the house smells like cats! A photo cannot tell you that there is a roar of traffic all day every day. A photo cannot tell you that the carpet is really worn out.

There is a solution to all of this. First, if you plan to be moving to Colorado Springs in the near future, contact me. I will then listen to your list of requirements and set up a FREE personalized web page giving you direct access to all MLS listings that will interest you. You select your favorites and delete the homes you do not like. Before you arrive, I can actually go to the homes you like and preview them. Then I can video the ones that are good and help you delete the ones that have problems. Why would any buyer want to spend their precious time viewing homes that are awful? Let me do the leg work for you. Nothing is worse than staying in the TLF and going out to view an endless list of homes every day. Many real estate agents will make you do just that. When I have time to talk with you prior to your move, I can help you narrow down the list of homes. This will allow you to move in quicker and with less stress during the move!

I’ve spent time in the TLF’s and trust me, it is not a vacation. The units are small and as we all know, you can’t stay long. Every day counts! Contact me today to start your MLS search. I’ll help you have a smoother move than you could ever have imagined!

Want to be close to Fort Carson?

This is it! All new upscale remodel just minutes from Fort Carson! Gorgeous kitchen with all new cabinets, stainless appliances and slab granite counters. New paint inside and out. All new bathrooms as well. Nothing has been left undone in this home! Tri-level floor plan offers formal and casual living spaces. Four bedrooms, two baths. 1408 square feet. Attached garage with opener. Perfect for anyone who needs to move in fast and start living! Easy to buy with your VA loan. We have several lenders who can assist you with any financing option. Contact me now for your private showing.

This is an all too common scenario in todays world. This week, I am in the process of evicting three tenants for a four-plex property that has been foreclosed on. The tenants will have to move to a new place but whats to say that this won’t happen to them again?

In my mind, I see one solution to this problem. Don’t rent if at all possible! If you own your own home, you have control over the payments actually being made. This does mean that you have to plan ahead. Those planning to buy a home will need to make sure their credit score is high enough to qualify for a loan. They also need to pay down debt and possibly save for a down payment. None of this is hard. My 24 year old son just bought his first house with zero help from me. He saved 3.5% for the down payment and bought a home that needs a bit of cosmetic improvement. Prior to this he was renting an apartment. His car was broken into, the pool was always having problems and there were noise issues at night. All of this for over $1000 per month!

The key to buying a home is to make a plan. Then decide on the time frame to implement the plan. Colorado Springs is a perfect place to buy a home! The city is not so large that it takes long to find your way around. I can guide you to areas that may be of interest. Contact me today and take control of your housing destiny. You should be in control–not a landlord!

Former Model in The Boulders Broadmoor

Great floorplan in this casual living home! Main level master suite. Newly finished wood floors. All new stainless appliance package. Large open dining room plus living room. Family room offers built-ins and walk out to patio for outdoor entertaining. You’ll appreciate the fully finished basement complete with wet bar, built ins and large open room for pool table or home theater. Five bedrooms and four baths. Over 4700 square feet.

Prestigious area with an easy commute to downtown, Fort Carson or Peterson AFB. Located in Cheyenne Mountain School District 12.   For your private showing contact us now!