Real Estate & Home AdviceRecently posted or modified blog postshttps://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/Copyright AshfordRealtyGroup.com2022-10-17T10:12:05-07:00tag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:20348How to Find Real Estate Comps in Your AreaWhether you are buying a home or pricing a home to sell, pulling real estate comps in your area will only help you get the best deal.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/How_to_Find_Real_Estate_Comps_in_Your_Area.jpg" width="900" height="500" alt="How to Find Real Estate Comps in Your Area" title="How to Find Real Estate Comps in Your Area" style="margin: 11px;" />
Real Estate Comps Explained
Real Estate comps is an evaluation of recently completed home sales in the area you are selling or buying a home that shares similar characteristics, such as size, number of rooms and bathrooms, etc. The home value is determined by geographical area and the current housing market, they are the major influencers that determine a home's value.
The rule of thumb when researching comps, you should compare at least three, if not more properties to ensure that any comparable property isn't an outlier in price. For example, one comp could reflect a lower price but could be outdated and need work, while another property could be priced high but, includes all the bells and whistles.
Now that comps have been explained, let's dig into how you can go about finding real estate comps so that you can effectively determine how to price your home or if the home you are interested in is priced right.
Search a Reputable Real Estate Website
Websites will vary in how you can perform a search for recently sold properties in the area but, you should be able to complete an advanced search to narrow down homes with similar characteristics. If you know a specific address for a home recently sold, that could make your search a little easier and once you enter that address, similar properties should be listed as well.
TIP: "There are times that you will need to broaden your search if there aren't enough recently sold homes in the area. Most real estate websites will allow you to search by the city but, you should still attempt to narrow your search down to homes near your area." - <a href="https://www.housesincalgary.ca/" target="_blank">Calgary Real Estate</a> Expert Kenton Ryan
When selling your home, this tool will help you estimate a reasonable starting price that reflects the current housing market. However, other variables could impact your home's value, such as updates or property improvements.
Utilize a Home Valuation Tool
A <a href="http://www.experthomeoffers.com/Property-Value?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzt69k9v79wIVz9uGCh0P-wLjEAAYAyAAEgLsXfD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">home valuation tool</a> will help you understand what your home is worth and aid you in determining the fair market value. It is recommended when utilizing an online home valuation tool that the one you are using uses complete MLS data on recently sold homes in the area. There are a couple of different ways to access an online home valuation tool, an instant home-value estimate, and a professional estimate prepared by a real estate professional.
Instant Home-Value Estimate - This type of tool will provide a quick, easy way to see what your home should sell for. Generally, you simply type in your home address and an estimate will be returned based on similar homes that were recently sold in your area.
Professional Estimate - While a professional estimate is not instantaneous, a professional estimate will be provided by an agent familiar with the area, the current housing market, and potentially what future development is in the works that could affect your home's value. The estimate will be determined by comps from other homes recently sold in your area, they will just have an added touch from a professional agent.
Ask Your Agent
Once you've hired a real estate agent, they are there to help you navigate through the entire process, accurately pricing your home is key to having a successful experience. Your agent will advise you on how to appropriately price your property and help you understand the data in the comps that lead them to determine the price for your home.
MLS listings are the most up-to-date and accurate information for comps and only a licensed agent has access to the MLS listings. Agents pull comps daily, they are familiar with current fair market value trends, if the value of the home should be increased, or if the price is out of line for the area.
Public Property Records
Researching property records can be a good starting point when beginning your search for comps. However, searching public property records is not the most accurate and does not always reflect today's market conditions. To get more accurate numbers, public property records are only the beginning of your research. Public property records indicate the last sales price for the home, which could have been 10 years ago vs. two weeks ago.
Usually, county records are free to access unless you request printed documents, they still shouldn't be too pricey. The information can be obtained by actually visiting the local county or city office or by searching their website for property records. As long as you have the street address, the information provided will include the price that the home last sold for, as well as the current taxes.
Comparable Market Analysis
A comparable market analysis (CMA) is a tool used by real estate agents and brokers to provide the necessary details before pricing their home and listing it. Your agent wants to ensure that your home is priced just right to sell quickly at a fair price, hopefully leaving you some extra money in the end.
CMA's will not only provide you with the numbers, but they will also provide you with the most accurate, current data about the home and the surrounding area. Agents utilize software that will generate a CMA report, pulling comps for 3-5 comparable properties.
What does a typical CMA include?
Three to Five Comps
Description of each property, it will include the elevation, floor plan, number of bedrooms and bathrooms
The sales price of each property
Dollar adjustments will be made for any differences
The adjusted sold price per square foot
For more information on <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/">Colorado Springs real estate</a> contact Ashford Realty Today!2022-10-04T06:23:00-07:002022-10-17T10:12:05-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:20423The Best Wineries in Pikes Peak <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/The_Best_Wineries_in_Pikes_Peak.jpg" width="1920" height="1080" alt="The Best Wineries in Pikes Peak" title="The Best Wineries in Pikes Peak" style="margin: 11px;" />
Colorado Springs is not all food trucks, hops, and ales, there are plenty of award-winning wineries in the area as well. Pikes Peak wineries offer a variety of experiences from the novice to the aficionado. Whether you are interested in tastings, tours, or enjoying a glass with friends, there is something for everyone.
Boxing Brothers Ciderhouse
<a href="https://www.boxingbrotherscider.com/our-cider">Boxing Brothers Ciderhouse</a> is a family-owned establishment that opened its doors in 2016, located in Colorado Springs. The name was decided based on a family photo of the founder's grandfather boxing with his twin brother that dates back to the early 1900s. The founder's family has been making spirits since the 1930s and realizes that the key to making a high-quality product is slow small batches.
Wine lovers will enjoy one of Boxing Brothers wine brands, The Little Red Wine, Two Sicilians Wine, or the Grand Prix Sparkling Wine. Although Boxing Brothers also offer an array of cider, spirits, or specialty cocktails to please anyone's palate.
Manitou Winery
<a href="http://www.winerymsprings.com/home.html">Manitou Winery</a> is located in the historic Spa Building in Manitou Springs. This is a micro-winery offering wine tastings, wine by the glass or the bottle handcrafted, blended, and fermented from the highest quality grapes. Guests have an array of wines to choose from whether they want a Pinot Noir with an aroma of black cherry, Merlot, Malbec, or Sangiovese or a white wine option such as a Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Strawberry White Zinfandel, or a Blackberry Merlot. You can even create your custom blend.
Live music is offered to guests at the winery every Friday night. If you need a place to have a private party, you can rent the winery for your special event.
Vino Colorado Winery & The Sweet Elephant
<a href="https://www.sweetelephant.co/">Vino Colorado Winery & The Sweet Elephant</a> opened their doors in Old Colorado City in 2014. The winery offers a variety of wines from moderate to dry reds, smooth and sweet whites, local Colorado fruit wines, & dessert wines. They have created numerous unique varieties of wine blends and won multiple awards for their creative wines.
Whether you are a wine connoisseur with an already mature pallet or a novice looking to learn more about wine and your pallet, Vino Colorado Winery can assist you in finding the right wines for you.
The Winery At Holy Cross Abbey
<a href="https://abbeywinery.com/">The Winery At Holy Cross Abbey</a> located in Canon City initially began in 1886 with two monks from Pennsylvania attempting to establish a winery. In 2000, twenty monks turned to a professional, working with a viticulturist to begin the process of producing wines. Since its beginning, the winery has won over 100 awards and medals in various wine competitions.
Bottle Service on the lawn is available, guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic lunch, blanket, or chairs to enjoy a bottle of their favorite wine on the lawn.
The Wines of Colorado
<a href="https://winesofcolorado.com/">Wines of Colorado</a> Creekside is located at the base of Pikes Peak in Cascade. They offer various Colorado wine options, craft beer, spirits, and dining while sitting alongside the creek. This is a unique experience that everyone should check out at least once, the beautiful scenery with the calming sounds of the water drifting by allowing guests to melt their worries and stress of the day flow away with the running water.
Conclusion
The Pikes Peak area has plenty of options for wine or cider tasting, tours, and experiences, it's a matter of finding the right one for you. Whether you are looking for a girl's day with plenty of laughs and fun, a more intimate date with your significant other, or you just want a peaceful setting to wind down there is a fit for what you are looking for.
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2022-06-09T06:57:00-07:002022-06-06T08:19:16-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:20422Colorado Springs Unique MuseumsColorado Springs has an abundance of museums that explain the city's rich history. It is no secret that <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/">Colorado Springs</a> is surrounded by the history of the old west. History buffs can find several interesting museums to visit and learn more about how Colorado came to be what it has become today. However, several unique museums showcase pieces of history not found elsewhere.
Here's a list of unique museums in Colorado Springs that may pique your interest.
Olympic and Paralympic Museum
<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7704" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/flag-of-the-united-states-folded-over-a-flag-with-the-olympic-rings--300x200.jpg" alt="Flag of the United States folded over a flag with the Olympic rings." width="300" height="200" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
What would the Olympic City be without a dedicated museum? <a href="https://usopm.org/">The Olympic and Paralympic Museum</a> is a state-of-the-art facility that offers hands-on, interactive exhibits throughout the museum. The museum is dedicated to the athletes that make the Olympics exceptional with their tenacity, strength, endurance, and dedication to their sport.
Miramont Castle
<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7705" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pouring-tea-from-vintage-teapot-to-the-cup-english-tea-time--300x200.jpg" alt="Pouring tea from vintage teapot to the cup, English Tea Time." width="300" height="200" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />
Nestled in the hills above Manitou Springs sits <a href="https://www.pikes-peak.com/attractions/miramont-castle-museum/">Miramont Castle</a>. Visitors enjoy a self-guided tour through the castle's spectacular space and odd-shaped rooms. Throughout the tour, visitors will gain insightinton Manitou's history. The castle is complete with a Victorian tearoom that offers daily high teas to make your visit complete. During the summer months, the gardens are bursting with amazing, colorful flora. The castle hosts Victorian-themed events throughout the year such as a Victorian Christmas celebration.
Ghost Town Museum
<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7707" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/saloon-in-town-300x162.jpg" alt="Colorado Springs Unique Museums" width="300" height="162" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" title="Colorado Springs Unique Museums" />
The <a href="https://www.pikes-peak.com/attractions/ghost-town-museum/">Ghost Town Museum</a> is a safe place for visitors to get a glimpse of the early Colorado days. The museum is filled with thousands of artifacts that allow you go back in time to see how pioneers and miners lived long ago. While Colorado has plenty of small, abandoned towns that would be interesting to explore, they simply aren't as safe. The structures could no longer be sound and there could be dangerous encounters with venomous snakes and spiders.
Space Foundation Discovery Center
<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7710" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/stars-in-the-deep-space-300x200.jpg" alt="Colorado Springs Unique Museums" width="300" height="200" title="Colorado Springs Unique Museums" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />
The <a href="https://www.pikes-peak.com/attractions/space-foundation-discovery-center/">Space Foundation Discovery Center</a> offers hands-on displays, plenty of space artifacts, space-themed arts and crafts, science education, and presentations. The museum hosts monthly star parties offering visitors the opportunity to scan the star-lit skies with their advanced telescopes.
Western Museum of Mining & Industry
<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7711" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/light-in-a-mine--300x200.jpg" alt="Colorado Springs Unique Museums" width="300" height="200" title="Colorado Springs Unique Museums" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
Mining is a large part of Colorado history, so why wouldn't there be a museum dedicated to western mining and industry? The <a href="https://www.pikes-peak.com/attractions/western-museum-of-mining-and-industry/">Western Museum of Mining and Industry</a> provides visitors the opportunity learn about the influential mining industry and its historical impact on the development of Colorado. There are displays of old mining equipment for a close-up view of what they used back in the early days. What mining museum would be complete without gold panning? Anyone can give it a try to see if they are lucky enough to find a bit of their own gold.
ProRodeo Hall of Fame and the Museum of the American Cowboy
<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7712" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/spectators-look-on-as-cowboy-hangs-on-for-a-wild-ride-at-the-bucking-bronco-rodeo-event--300x214.jpg" alt="Colorado Springs Unique Museums" width="300" height="214" title="Colorado Springs Unique Museums" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />
The ProRodeo Hall of Fame and the Museum of the American are all about cowboys, horses, bulls, and more. Visitors to the museum will learn all about the stars of the rodeo, both human and animal. Humans are not the only ones that get the glory in the museum, there are legendary animals that deserve recognition as well. The rodeo and cowboys pretty much go hand in hand, so of course the museum includes plenty of cowboy history.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-7715" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ancient-cliff-dwelling-300x200.jpg" alt="Colorado Springs Unique Museums" width="300" height="200" title="Colorado Springs Unique Museums" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings is an amazing hands-on museum that includes ancient artifacts. These dwellings were transported from McElmo Canyon over 100 years ago. The cliff dwellings are an amazing experience, walk and explore each room of the cliff dwellings. While exploring the dwellings, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the indigenous people that once lived in these structures long ago.
The Wrap-Up
Colorado Springs has plenty of unique museums to explore throughout the region. Dig deeper into the history that already interests you or explore something completely new to you, either way get out and take advantage of the plethora of museums offered in the Colorado Springs area.2022-06-07T06:57:00-07:002022-06-06T08:15:17-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:20421Colorado Springs Farmer's Markets
The season has come when Farmer's Markets are open and ready to serve the community. The Farmer's Market not only offers fresh, locally grown produce, but they also offer local art and other creations to discover.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Colorado_Springs_Farmers_Markets.jpg" width="400" height="711" alt="Colorado Springs Farmer's Markets" title="Colorado Springs Farmer's Markets" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
Why support the Farmer's Market?
There are many reasons supporting a local Farmer's Market is important to a community. Supporting local farmers is probably one of the first things that come to people's minds when thinking of the Farmer's Market. While local farmers do want and need the support of the community, Farmer's Markets help the local economy thrive as well. When purchasing produce from the supermarket, that tomato you are buying may have come from as far away as Mexico. That "fresh" produce they are marketing may have been transported by truck across multiple states, for multiple days, and literally on its last leg before going bad, not to mention that the taste is usually very lackluster.
By buying produce from the Farmer's Market, you are purchasing a product that only traveled mere miles before reaching its destination and ultimately into your hands. You will be buying truly fresh produce and supporting the local farmers while you are at it.
However, Farmer's Markets are not only offering produce, there are usually a variety of other goods that are available for purchase and that are also locally produced. Artists will present their various works from painting, woodworking, glasswork, ceramics, and much more. Most markets will offer baked goods such as bread, cakes, and muffins.
Colorado Springs Farmer's Markets Schedule
Here is a breakdown of Farmer's Markets in the Pikes Peak Region including the months, times, and locations of each. Some markets are limited to only a couple of months, while others are open for several months leading into the fall. Exploring each market can be a fun, eye-opening experience, so make sure to check out as many as you can.
Monday Markets
<a href="https://wmmi.org/">Mining Museum Farm Stand Market</a>, Western Museum of Mining - Located at 225 North Gate Blvd, this market runs from June - October, 9 am - 4 pm.
Tuesday Markets
Currently, there are no known markets that are held on Tuesdays.
Wednesday Markets
<a href="https://www.springsfarmersmarkets.com/northern-springs">The Briargate Market</a>, Briargate - Located at 7610 North Union Blvd, this market runs from May 18th - October 5th from 9 am - 2 pm. The booth at the Briargate Market will include even more produce than previously offered, dog treats, honey, locally ground coffee, pasta, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, locally designed and created jewelry, and so much more.
<a href="https://farmandartmarket.com/">Farm & Art Market</a>, Downtown, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum - Located at 215 S Tejon St, this market runs from June 8th - October 5th from 3 pm - 7 pm.
<a href="https://wmmi.org/">Mining Museum Farm Stand Market</a>, Western Museum of Mining - Located at 225 North Gate Blvd, this market runs from June - October, 9 am - 4 pm.
Thursday Markets
<a href="https://www.springsfarmersmarkets.com/eastern-springs">Banning Lewis Ranch</a>, North Powers - Located at 8833 Vista Del Pico Blvd, this market runs from June 2nd - August 25th from 3 pm - 7 pm. Over 30 vendors ranging from produce, locally raised meat, soaps, baked goods, clothing, and more take the opportunity to show off their products for the community to discover. Beginning in June, live music is provided once or twice a month to attract more visitors.
Friday Markets
<a href="https://wpfarmersmarket.com/">Woodland Park Farmers Market</a> - Located at Henrietta Ave at Center Street from June 2nd - September 30th from 8 am - 1 pm. This market will offer seasonal produce, eggs, cheese, bread, baked goods, jams, salsa, wellness products, crafts, flowers, and more.
Saturday Markets
<a href="https://www.visitcos.com/events/annual/old-colorado-city-farmers-market/">Old Colorado City Farmers Market</a> - Located at Bancroft Park, 24th Street between Colorado Ave and Pikes Peak Ave from June 12th - October from 7 am - 1 pm. Local food vendors provide a variety of options such as honey, cheese, bread, pasta, and salsas. You can also find a nice variety of crafts, homemade soaps, and fresh flowers.
<a href="http://www.farmandartmarket.com/">Farm & Art Market</a>, Rockrimmon, Margarita at Pine Creek - Located at 7350 Pine Creek Road this market runs from June 8th - October 5th from 9 am - 1 pm.
<a href="https://www.springsfarmersmarkets.com/monument">Monument Hill Farmers Market</a>, Monument - Located at 66 S Jefferson Street this market runs from May 21st - October 8th from 8 am - 2 pm. This Farmer's Market averages around 55 vendors throughout the season.
<a href="https://thebackyardmarkets.com/">Backyard Market in Black Forest</a> - Located at 12530 Black Forest Road and runs from May 21st - October 22nd from 9 am - 1 pm.
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Fountain-Community-Metcalf-Park-Market-295211237823745">Fountain City Hall</a> - Located at 618 E Ohio Ave, Fountain, it runs from June 4th - October 29th from 8 am - 2 pm.
Sunday Markets
<a href="https://thebackyardmarkets.com/">Backyard Market in The Farm</a> - Located at 11631 Ridgeline Dr, it runs from June 12th -September from 10 am - 2 pm.
<a href="https://www.springsfarmersmarkets.com/northern-springs">Cordera</a> - Located at 11894 Grandlawn Circle from May 22nd - September 4th from 10 am - 2 pm.
Conclusion
As much as <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/">Colorado Springs</a> residents enjoy spending time outdoors, any of these Farmer's Markets create an excellent opportunity for people to get out enjoy the weather, shop local, and socialize with neighbors. The perfect family-friendly way to spend your day.
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2022-06-05T06:57:00-07:002022-06-06T08:12:02-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:20420Colorado Springs Brunch Favorite Spots
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Colorado_Springs_Favorite_Brunch_Spots.jpg" width="400" height="711" alt="Colorado Springs Favorite Brunch Spots" title="Colorado Springs Favorite Brunch Spots" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Brunch is easily a favorite mealtime offering the perfect combination of breakfast and lunch. Brunch is a particularly popular meal on the weekend. Sunday brunch is likely what most people initially think about when the topic of brunch comes up. Families would gather for a meal or go out for a meal after church services had ended and due to the timing, still early enough for breakfast but, right on the cusp of the lunch hour, the term brunch was used.
Throughout the years, brunch has grown in popularity for various reasons. Once women began working outside of the home, they wanted a day off from not only their paying jobs but, from the kitchen as well. As brunch began picking up in popularity, people discovered that by meeting for brunch, they were allowed to sleep in making this mealtime an even bigger hit. Brunch picked up even more speed for a crowd that spent the evening before staying out late or even drinking.
Nowadays, brunch is probably at its height in popularity. Families are still enjoying brunch altogether, and the group of friends appreciates sleeping in a bit before facing the day after a late night out, but now more than ever, friends are taking advantage of the brunch specials that establishments are offering. Restaurants tend to offer mimosas or bloody Mary's as part of their brunch specials, for those that may be hungover from a night out, bloody Mary's are known to be a cure for a hangover.
Regardless of your reason for liking brunch, Colorado Springs has plenty of brunch options for everyone to enjoy, so take some time to check out multiple brunch spots to find your favorite. Here are some of the brunch hotspots that everyone should check out.
1. 503W
An award-winning restaurant serving American cuisines that are Asian influenced. <a href="https://www.503w.co/">503W</a> uses fresh, natural, and locally-minded ingredients to create amazing food and drinks that will have your taste buds wanting to come back for more. More than half of the brunch menu uses Asian-inspired ingredients such as sriracha maple syrup, Korean 3 spice, wasabi soy dressing, or sriracha aioli, these ingredients are set their menu apart from other restaurants.
The sweet bacon hash or lucky belly hash is an extremely popular brunch item, the pairing of sweet potatoes, bacon, or pork belly with Korean-inspired ingredients meld together to make the perfectly unique plate of flavor. Of course, 503W does offer more traditional menu items such as a Belgium waffle or French toast that are topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries and sprinkled with powdered sugar. If these items are too sweet for you in the morning, the classic chicken in waffles or breakfast burrito is also an excellent option.
The food is not the only menu that attracts diners to choose brunch at 503W, the beverages offered are award-winning. The brunch menu includes a bottle of mimosas, they will pair a bottle of champagne with the juice of your choice. However, you may want to try one of their specialty drinks such as the Wasabi-Pineapple Mule or Korean Zombie.
2. Homa Cafe and Bar
<a href="https://www.homacafe.com/">Homa Cafe and Bar</a> is located on the first floor of the Kinship Landing, a boutique hotel in downtown Colorado Springs. Even though Homa is located in a hotel, they welcome anyone to come in to enjoy one of their specialty crafted meals. Diners are welcome to sit anywhere they like, a cozy booth, fireside lounge, at a table alone or a community table, the indoor Greenhaus space, or one of the two outdoor patios.
The menu consists of various cuisines that were inspired by worldwide travels and brought together with some Colorado-style favs. The menu offered is available all day and the menu items are made with fresh locally sourced ingredients.
3. The Margarita at Pine Creek
<a href="https://www.margaritaatpinecreek.com/menus/brunch-menu/">The Margarita at Pine Creek</a> offers fresh-to-order fares with their spin on some traditional brunch foods. Foods vary from the coffee cake, breakfast tacos, egg puffs, Eggs Rockefeller, and so much more. Enjoy your meal on the patio paired with a peach Bellini and during the summer with live music.
This is a brunch you'll need to dress to impress, The Margarita wants their guests to look nice when dining at their restaurant, we aren't talking formal gowns but, leave the whole t-shirts and ripped jeans in the closet and pull out a nice summer dress.
Conclusion
Colorado Springs offers tons of amazing brunch locations that will satisfy anyone's tastebuds. The ambiance and scenic backdrops may be something you long for to go along with the amazing food and beverage, there are plenty of brunch spots that can offer both. <a href="https://carterpayne.se/">Carter Payne</a> is located inside an old church-turned food hall and <a href="https://bontonscafe.com/">Bon Ton's Cafe</a> is located in Old Colorado City with a mountainous backdrop.
Brunch seekers may be interested in trying more unique cuisines or simply looking for something more basic. <a href="https://mtnshadowsrestaurant.com/">Mountain Shadows Restaurant</a> offers a cinnamon roll large enough for the entire table to share and they offer some of the best green chilies to add some flare to your food or <a href="https://pjbarandgrill.com/">Patty Jewett Bar & Grill</a> offers a lot of food and some hair of the dog if that's needed as well.
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/">Colorado Springs</a> is home to several brunch spots offering a well-versed menu, so depending on what you're looking for, whether you want something fancy and proper, somewhere to take the family, or need to rid yourself of a hangover, pick your poison.
We love Colorado Springs and think you will too! Thinking of moving? Check out other Colorado Springs things to do:
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<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/colorado-springs-most-popular-breweries/">Great Spots for Brunch in Colorado Springs</a>
2022-06-02T06:57:00-07:002022-06-06T08:09:28-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:20419Colorado Springs Most Popular BreweriesColorado Springs is home to more than twenty craft breweries, creating amazing drink selections. Breweries have become very popular in Colorado Springs offering ample opportunity for residents and visitors to get outside, socialize, and be entertained. <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/">Colorado Springs</a> is a city that welcomes creative, artist entrepreneurs a chance to shine, whether it be paint, wood, jewelry, food, or more craft brewers continue to create unique beverages that keep customers coming back for more.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Colorado_Springss_Most_Popular_Breweries.jpg" width="400" height="711" alt="Colorado Springs's Most Popular Breweries" title="Colorado Springs's Most Popular Breweries" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
We encourage you to take the time to check out all the local breweries in Colorado Springs if time allows, but if time is limited, here are the most popular breweries to check out.
Phantom Canyon Brewing Company
Phantom Canyon opened its doors in 1993, taking residence in the historic Cheyenne Building named after Cheyenne Mountain and Chief Two Moons of the Cheyenne Indian Tribe. The creators of Phantom Canyon Brewing Company choose to honor their namesakes by dedicating themselves to offering the best overall experience of beer, food, and hospitality they can offer.
Take a seat at the bar and select from one of fourteen to nineteen unique beer selections. Phantom Canyon expert crafters are continuously concocting new beers for visitors to experience, so the selections they offer are continuously rotated. If beer isn't your drink of choice, they offer unique cocktails and fine wines to choose from.
When visiting Phantom Canyon Brewing Company make sure to come with an appetite. While they offer some standard food selections, they also put a unique spin on some of their selections. Check out their grilled octopus bruschetta, Phantom burger, pastrami burger, Bahn mi, lemon tabasco fried chicken, or goat cheese cheesecake.
You won't regret your experience at <a href="http://www.phantomcanyon.com/phantom.html">Phantom Canyon Brewing Company</a>.
Bristol Brewing
Bristol Brewing opened its doors in the old Ivywild School in 1994. This is a family-owned brewery that was started by Mike and Amanda Bristol creating fresh, distinctive ales. Working alongside Mike and Amanda is a team of smart, friendly, beer-loving people that together make Bristol Brewing possible.
The location of Bristol Brewing offers a unique experience with the brick walls, hardwood floors, and student artwork throughout the halls. You'll feel like you're breaking the rules when you are being served your beer in one of the classrooms.
Now you can enjoy Bristol Brewing creations all across the state on draught and in six-packs, four-packs, and bombers.
If you're in Colorado Springs, take the time to enjoy the unique atmosphere of <a href="https://www.bristolbrewing.com/">Bristol Brewing</a>.
Cerberus Brewing Co
Cerberus Brewing Co is located on the west side of Colorado Springs, a craft brewery and full-service restaurant. Cerberus offers a variety of unique handcrafted brews, including a frozen beer slushie, as well as cocktails and spirits.
There is a full-service menu offered inside and, on the patio, and a limited menu is offered in the beer garden. The menu offers an array of unique cuisines that are busting with exciting flavors.
<a href="https://www.cerberusbrewingco.com/">Cerberus Brewing Co</a> received gold for The Best Brewpub in 2022 Best of The Springs.
Goat Patch Brewing Co
In 2016, what started as a conversation among close friends turned into reality. The group had a common passion with a shared set of values to create balanced brews, community engagement, and adventure.
Goat Patch offers a variety of brews from pale ales, IPAs, porters, and stouts. They don't offer more than small bites; however, they do host a daily food truck to tempt your taste buds and they also welcome you to bring in outside food.
Even if you're not a huge beer drinker, supporting <a href="http://www.goatpatchbrewing.com">Goat Patch Brewing Co</a> is well worth the occasional brew because you aren't only supporting a local business but, you are supporting the community. Goat Patch chooses two non-profits a year to host the It Takes A Tribe Initiative giving money back to the non-profit.
Another way they give back to the community is their Bleating Heart Night, which takes place every Tuesday night when they proudly sponsor a local community organization that is making changes to the Colorado Springs community. During the evening, representatives from the organization will provide customers with more information about what their organization is about. Goat Patch will donate $1 from every pint, growler, and cooler to the featured organization.
The Wrap Up
Colorado Springs features several truly amazing breweries that feature a unique experience. If you have the time to visit more than one or even all of them, explore and support local businesses and community, and possibly discover new friendships.
We love Colorado Springs and think you will too! Thinking of moving? Check out other Colorado Springs things to do:
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2022-06-01T06:57:00-07:002022-06-06T08:01:40-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:203474 Tips For Purchasing a Home Sight Unseen<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/4_Tips_For_Purchasing_a_Home_Sight_Unseen.jpg" width="900" height="500" alt="4 Tips For Purchasing a Home Sight Unseen" title="4 Tips For Purchasing a Home Sight Unseen" style="margin: 11px;" />
Most <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/homebuyer-resources/">homebuyers</a> couldn't imagine purchasing a home sight unseen, but since the COVID pandemic, it has become a reality for homebuyers. If you find that you are faced with purchasing a home sight unseen, these are some helpful tips to make sure are making the right decision.
Technology has come a long way, making the process of virtual tours much easier and more transparent. The ability to see the home through 3D tours and video walkthroughs makes viewing a property much easier.
Here are some helpful tips to help you navigate the process of purchasing a home sight unseen.
Request a 3D Tour<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-7192" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cheerful-spouses-using-laptop-booking-travel-tour-sitting-at-home-300x184.jpg" alt="4 Tips For Purchasing a Home Sight Unseen" width="300" height="184" title="4 Tips For Purchasing a Home Sight Unseen" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
A 3D tour is the next best thing to seeing a home in person because you can control the experience, so if being there in person isn't an option, you should request one. A virtual tour is simply a slideshow of photos or a video tour while a 3D tour is exceptionally detailed.
3D tours are a powerful technology that offers complete visual transparency, it reveals every aspect of the home and helps eliminate surprises after closing. A 3D tour will help you discover if the property is right for you or not.
Related: <a href="https://seekinghomesarizona.com/buyers/virtual-home-tours/" target="_blank">A Guide to Virtual Home Tours</a>
<img class="alignleft wp-image-7193" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/tablet-with-floor-plan-on-kitchen-counter-300x207.jpg" alt="4 Tips For Purchasing a Home Sight Unseen" width="343" height="236" title="4 Tips For Purchasing a Home Sight Unseen" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />Require a Floorplan
The floorplan is a master map outlining each room of the home. The layout of the home is fundamental when deciding to purchase a home. A printed floorplan can be very revealing, visualizing your day-to-day living and how conducive it will be.
The floorplan will give you room sizes and dimensions, so you know if your furniture will fit in the rooms. The layout will provide you with the location of each room, so you can decide if the placement of the rooms will work with your lifestyle. For example, if the location of the laundry room is in the basement, it may be a deal-breaker if you aren't interested in traipsing up and downstairs with a hamper full of clothes.
Utilize a Local Realtor<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-7194" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/real-estate-agent-working-online-300x200.jpg" alt="4 Tips For Purchasing a Home Sight Unseen" width="300" height="200" title="4 Tips For Purchasing a Home Sight Unseen" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
An experienced realtor is going to have an abundance of knowledge in specific areas that you won't be able to find online. They will know the history of the area and future plans for communities.
Hiring a real estate agent familiar with the area will be able to provide you with the characteristics of different parts of town. For instance, if the community is a new development, there may not be nearby shopping or could be lacking amenities such as parks and restaurants. An experienced agent can provide you with the necessary information to ensure the home you buy fits your lifestyle.
Maximize Your Home Inspection<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-6158" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/searching-for-real-estate-house-or-new-home-300x208.jpg" alt="Home Inspection" width="300" height="208" title="4 Tips For Purchasing a Home Sight Unseen" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />
It's no secret that a home inspection is a significant step in the home buying process. When you are purchasing a home sight unseen, you must take advantage of home inspections to act as your eyes when you can't be there in person.
There are several types of inspections, but not all are necessary, it depends on what part of the country the home is in will determine what inspections are necessary. Your realtor will be able to advise you on which inspections are necessary and which are optional, they may encourage you to have a certain inspection even though it's not required, it is probably in your best interest to take their advice. Most home inspections will include the roof, electrical, foundation, HVAC, plumbing, etc. but, if the home is in a wooded area, your agent may suggest a termite inspection separately.
Home inspections can be costly and when buying a home, you are trying to spend as little money as possible. However, when you are purchasing a home sight unseen, it will be well worth the expense to ensure your investment is safe.
2022-05-28T06:19:00-07:002022-08-07T08:18:41-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:2034610 Ways to Work with a Small Kitchen<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/10_Ways_to_Work_with_a_Small_Kitchen.jpg" width="900" height="500" alt="10 Ways to Work with a Small Kitchen" title="10 Ways to Work with a Small Kitchen" style="margin: 11px;" />
When a homeowner is faced with having a small kitchen, it's time to get creative to get the best use out of what they do have. Here are some tricks to make the best use of what little kitchen space you have. You may be surprised by how some of these tips and tricks can improve the functionality of your kitchen.
Hooks
Utilize your wall space and cabinet doors by adding hooks. Hooks on the wall can showcase your cutting boards and aprons while freeing up space in your cabinets and drawers. Hooks on the inside of the cabinet doors can hold a dish towel or two to save space.
Leave It Out
Leaving items out on the counter is not usually what people desire, they want a clutter-free countertop. When you're working with a small space, leave out your most-used ingredients, you can put them on a small lazy Susan to store more and easily access the ingredients you need. Another trend with ingredients, if wall space allows is to hang a small shelf made to keep your ingredients handy and organized.
There is also nothing wrong with keeping a large cookware item, such as a Dutch oven on top of your stove. Some people may even decide to store baking sheets, or even a few pots and pans in the oven, just remember to take them out before pre-heating your oven, that could be bad.
Hang a Pegboard
A pegboard is an excellent addition if wall space allows. You would be amazed at how much a pegboard can hold and keep from taking up unnecessary space in your kitchen cabinets and drawers. A pegboard can hold small items such as Knives and other utensils or as big as pots and pans.
Top of Cabinets
A majority of cabinets have open space at the top between the cabinet and the ceiling, this is commonly used for decorations or just left empty but, when you're working with a small kitchen, you need to consider all available space. The top of the kitchen cabinets is an excellent space to store items you don't use very often such as platters and bread baskets.
Folding Table and Chairs
If your space is extra small and there is no room for a table and chairs, consider a small folding table that is easy to store and a couple of chairs that can be hung on a wall or easily stored in a closet.
Make Use of Your Backsplash
Hang a rail or shelf on your backsplash to give you more storage space. Adding hanging cups to a rail can easily store a few cooking utensils or by adding a shelf you can put something small such as spices and cooking oil or larger items such as a few pans or a pot. Note: if you don't want to drill holes in your backsplash, command hooks work wonders.
Utilize Your Windows
If you're lucky enough to have a window, you can use your windowsill for storage, make use of your windowsill to grow herbs, or a place to store a few cookbooks. You might also consider hanging your pots and pans in front of the window, this way you don't have to take away space in your cabinets or on your shelves.
Shelf Risers
Adding shelf risers can make way for a little more space in your cabinets, if your stacked large plates don't reach the top of your shelf, a shelf riser can save room by allowing you to stack additional items such as bowls or small plates on another shelf.
Wooden Stovetop Cover
A wooden stove top cover is not only a nice touch to add to your kitchen for aesthetic purposes but, you can make use of the cover for extra counter space when prepping a meal when the stove isn't in use.
The Wrap Up
There are plenty of other useful tools and tricks to make the best of the small space available to make your kitchen more functional. These are some of the easiest and most economical tips to get you started.
More Tips for Homeowners:
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/4-ways-homeowners-are-saving-money-in-2022/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">4 Ways Homeowners are Saving Money in 2022</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/investing-wisely-backyard-renovations-upgrades/">Investing Wisely: Backyard Renovations & Upgrades</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/8-ways-to-make-the-most-of-a-small-kitchen/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">8 Ways to Make the Most of a Small Kitchen</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-ways-to-make-your-home-more-cozy/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">5 Ways to Make Your Home More Cozy</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/the-ultimate-kid-friendly-backyard-retreat/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Backyard</a>
<a class="row-title" href="https://aurorabuildings.com/mini-cabins/small-spaces-feel-larger/" aria-label="“Professional Design Tips to Make Small Spaces Feel Large” (Edit)" target="_blank">Professional Design Tips to Make Small Spaces Feel Large</a>
2022-05-27T06:14:00-07:002022-05-30T07:19:31-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:20316Worst Things a Buyer Can Do Before Mortgage Approval <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Worst_Things_a_Buyer_Can_Do_Before_Mortgage_Approval.jpg" width="800" height="1200" alt="Worst Things a Buyer Can Do Before Mortgage Approval" title="Worst Things a Buyer Can Do Before Mortgage Approval" style="margin: 11px;" />
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/homebuyer-resources/">Buying a home</a> is as overwhelming as it is exciting. The process of finding a suitable property and planning the interiors can be fun and exciting. But ensuring the <a href="https://mylenderjackie.com/credit/keeping-your-mortgage-approval-approved/" target="_blank">approval of a mortgage</a> involves a lot of work. It all begins with finding a suitable lender, looking at the different mortgage options, and finally applying for a mortgage. The process can become a drag if you don't make the proper arrangements before applying for a loan.
Your finances and <a href="https://steelmanmortgages.com/how-much-can-i-save-by-having-good-credit/" target="_blank">credit score</a> will be monitored from the day you apply for a mortgage up until the day you close the loan. If you prevent making any mistakes, you can secure a loan quickly without dragging it out.
Here are some of the common and the worst things buyers do before getting their mortgage approved -
Disrupting the credit score
Your credit score determines whether you are an eligible candidate for securing a loan. It lets a lender know whether you can repay the money and close the loan on time. When you apply for a loan, the lender looks into your credit reports to check for anomalies and ensure a consistent credit report. Closing existing accounts, opening new credit cards, making large purchases, or taking a new loan can jeopardize your chances of getting mortgage approval. A few points here and there might not matter, but if you are on the verge of acquiring a pre-approval at the interest rate quoted initially, even minor changes in a credit report can spell trouble.
Taking new loans
<a href="https://www.destinpropertyexpert.com/blog/first-time-home-buyer-mortgage-programs-florida/">All kinds of loans</a> – student loans, personal loans, or automobile loans increase your total debt load. Lenders will consider your current monthly debt before giving you a pre-approval. Before sanctioning a mortgage approval, they will compare your recurring monthly debts to your monthly income; this is referred to as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). A financier will not entertain mortgage approval to someone with a greater debt load. As a result, your chances of securing a mortgage for your home will be slim.
Related: <a href="https://www.knieperteam.com/blog/what-are-mortgage-junk-fees/" target="_blank">What are Mortgage Junk Fees?</a>
In the current economic conditions, DTI plays a significant role in qualifying a person for loan approval. So you should not do anything that would increase your DTI ratio as it will decrease your chances of getting approved. If you have plans for applying for a home loan in the near future, it is necessary to avoid opening new credit lines or taking other loans. Put them off, at least up until you have been approved.
Missing out on bill payments
Be sure to pay all your bills on time. When preparing to buy a property, it is easy to forget about paying bills that might cost you when it comes to securing a mortgage. This also applies to paying your monthly dues for other loans that you may have taken. Make sure to stay up-to-date with all your bills. Missing out on payments, especially loan payments, will make you ineligible for a mortgage from most financiers for at least a year.
More: <a href="https://www.relocatetosunnystgeorge.com/buyer-tips/tips-to-get-a-better-home-loan/" target="_blank">5 Tips for Getting a Better Loan</a>
Other bills such as car payments and utility bills also hold the same value; failing to clear them is just as detrimental when securing a loan for buying a property. Any bills missed, even months before you apply for a mortgage, can lower your credit score and affect your chances of getting approved. Even if it is not bad enough to deny you a loan, it can for sure delay the process.
Making too many huge transactions and deposits
You should not make any big deposits, withdrawals, or transfers before you reach a closing. As mentioned above, your financial status at the time of loan application influences the approval. By adding or subtracting cash in between will impact the approval decision. Any transaction or deposit above $500 will need an explanation. In case of any significant transactions, you need to need to document its source and submit proof.
Lending companies want to ascertain that you can pay them back; they are very less likely to take any risks. So if you happen to receive a big sum of money, say as a monetary gift, you might want to wait a little longer before you make a deposit. Otherwise, you can request a letter from the gift giver stating that you are not expected to return the money. Every deposit will require authentic documentation.
Spending your entire savings
When using a mortgage loan to <a href="https://www.migginsrealestate.com/buyers/" target="_blank">purchase a property</a>, you will face a few out-of-pocket expenses. First comes the down payment. Usually, it is somewhere between 3.5% - 10% on the mortgage amount.
Then there are the closing costs; the closing costs are way more than the down payment, sometimes thousands of dollars above it. When lenders check your credit reports, they expect to see enough savings in the account from the past few months. If there aren't sufficient savings, you will be labeled as a high-risk borrower.
Therefore to enhance your chances of getting a quick approval, you should retain a substantial amount of cash in your account for a period. When you plan on buying a home, begin by saving regularly. You need to cut down on additional expenses, put aside the foreign tour, etc. By cutting down these expenses, you will have enough savings in your account at the time of <a href="https://www.elitemiamiproperty.com/buyers/" target="_blank">loan application</a>.
Switching careers or taking a long absence from work
Lenders want steadiness – steadiness in your income and steadiness in your employment. You will need to show a stable employment of at least two years. For all lenders, a steady career is a critical factor that decides the approval. But if you receive income from non-employment sources like an annuity, rent, etc., it will not be an issue.
And sometimes people switch careers to end up in a job post with higher pay. And sometimes the job change happens within the same field. For these two cases, you will not face a problem with the lender. But if the career change is drastic and the pay is lower than what you previously received, you will face delayed processing.
More: 9<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/home-buying-tips-and-mistakes-to-avoid/" target="_blank"> Home Buying Mistakes to Avoid</a>
So as far as employment is concerned, it is better to maintain steadiness until the closing.
Making a Major Purchase
A big purchase means you lose a significant sum of money. This could be in the form of buying a car or, say, an expensive appliance or taking a vacation. Keep in mind that when purchasing a house, you will also be dealing with several other expenses such as down payments, insurance, closing costs, broker fees, repairs, maintenance, etc. And if you are using your credit card to make the purchase, it will deplete your credit score, which will turn down the lenders.
What are the things you need to do before applying for a mortgage?
We've talked about the worst things a buyer can do before a mortgage is approved. Similarly, there is also a checklist of things you need to do before applying for a mortgage. Here is the list of intelligent choices –
Until you have closed all your deals related to purchasing the property, stay clear of making any other investments, whether it is personal or on behalf of anyone else. Don't create excess debt and reduce your chances of acquiring a mortgage.
Limit the usage of your credit card and resist temptations to use it even for small purchases.
Don't keep any bills pending. Clear them on time because you don't want any negative remarks on your credit report. Even a single missed payment can impact your chances of securing a loan.
Start saving early. Making it a point to save some money from your monthly income, even if it is a small amount. You might end up needing them to take care of the additional expenses and hidden costs that might show up after you sign the contract. Don't forget that you will be needing money for moving in and for the home makeover
And keep a steady job. Avoid a job change until you receive the loan. If you are joining a career that pays you more than the current work profile, it will improve your chances of securing a mortgage. Otherwise, it is wise to stick to the current job for a little longer.
Getting a mortgage on a property is becoming challenging as days pass by. New laws and regulations are more stringent and require financiers to look into every aspect of the debtor's financial background before sanctioning a loan. Because many lenders have faced payment delays and substantial losses, they have taken every step to protect their money. Therefore as a borrower, you need to make sure that all your finances are in place and that you are the best candidate for getting a mortgage.
For more assistance on <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/">buying a home in Colorado Springs</a> or other areas surrounding our main focus, contact us at any time!2022-05-26T13:26:00-07:002022-05-26T14:56:36-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:20248Home Projects You Should Do Before Selling<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Home_Projects_You_Should_Do_Before_Selling.jpg" width="1200" height="700" alt="Home Projects You Should Do Before Selling" title="Home Projects You Should Do Before Selling" style="margin: 11px;" />
Preparing to sell your home can seem overwhelming, but there are home projects you should make sure to complete before selling your home. When you're ready to put your house on the market, you want your home to stand out above all others, so home improvement should be at the top of your list of to-dos before putting it on the market.
You are probably wondering where to begin? Here is a list of projects that you should do before selling your home and make sure that you get the best price for your home.
Update Your Paint
Any home that is lived in will have normal wear and tear on the walls, so make sure to freshen up your walls with a fresh coat of paint. It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for any room, it can change the entire look of the space. If you currently have dark-painted walls, you want to lighten them up with lighter, neutral colors. If your walls are already light, neutral color, you should still freshen up the walls to clean up the space.
Updating your paint is not just for the interior of your home, you need to take a good look at your home's exterior as well. If the exterior of your home is looking dull and dingy, a fresh coat of paint would be in order. You don't want potential buyers pulling up to your home and want to immediately leave because your home doesn't look well-kept. The exterior of your home needs to be inviting, a welcoming feeling that a nice, clean coat of paint can add to your home.
Floor Check
Check out your flooring, is it riddled with scuffs, dings, or stains? If your flooring is looking worn and dingy, you should replace the flooring with something new. Simply hiding the huge chip in your flooring with a rug is not going to cut it when you're trying to sell your home.
When deciding to replace your flooring, you should speak to a flooring professional for suggestions on the best flooring for your situation. While hardwood floors are currently the most popular option, you may consider laminate or ceramic flooring. If you have pets, small children, or your family is generally rough on your floors, you may want to consider flooring that can handle your herd.
Window Replacement
It may not be necessary to completely replace your windows, they may just need some minor repairs. Take a good look at your windows and window frames, if they are worn, leaking, and windows are difficult to open, you need to replace your windows.
You may want to replace windows yourself but hiring a professional to remove and replace your windows will ensure that the windows are installed correctly, and you shouldn't have any additional issues.
Kitchen Update
The kitchen is the #1 priority room for most potential buyers, if the kitchen is outdated and rundown, it needs to be a priority to spruce it up. If a complete renovation to your kitchen isn't necessary or within the budget, there are many updates you can perform without having to spend a lot of money; although the kitchen is one of the most expensive rooms to renovate.
Updates you should consider, replace your cabinet faces with more modern doors, change out the hardware on your cabinets and drawers, replace your countertop, or a new backsplash. These smaller improvements can completely change the look of your kitchen.
Eco-Friendly Updates
Current homebuyers desire an eco-friendly home, ultimately saving them money over time and using less energy. One of the biggest upgrades you can do is add solar panels; although solar panels can be a quite pricey addition. If adding solar panels is outside of your budget, there are other eco-friendly additions you can add.
Less expensive improvements would include adding ENERGY STAR appliances, installing a high-efficiency faucet aerator in your shower and on your taps, or upgrading your thermostat to a smart thermostat to reduce your energy imprint.
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/sell-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Start Your Selling Journey Here</a>:
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-sell-a-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Does it Cost to Sell Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/the-dangers-and-pitfalls-of-discount-brokers/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">The Dangers and Pitfalls of Discount Brokers</a>
<a href="https://www.skyriselab.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-a-buyers-agent-and-listing-agent/" target="_blank">The Difference Between a Listing Agent and Buyer's Agent</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-ways-to-sell-a-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">5 Ways to Sell Your House</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/3-things-to-know-about-pricing-your-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">3 Things to Know About Pricing Your Home</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/do-i-still-need-to-stage-my-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Do You Still Need to Stage Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-staging-tips-that-make-a-bigger-profit/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">5 Staging Tips to Make a Bigger Profit</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/6-questions-to-ask-a-real-estate-agent/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">6 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/what-to-know-about-home-inspections/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">What Sellers Should Know About Home Inspections</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-will-i-make-selling-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Will I Make Selling My House?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/is-a-cash-offer-always-the-best/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Is a Cash Offer Always the Best?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-to-choose-between-multiple-offers/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How to Choose Between Multiple Offers?</a>
T<a href="https://firstfruitslandscaping.com/maintenance/managing-weeds-beds/" target="_blank">ips for Managing Weeds in Beds</a>
2022-05-23T09:01:00-07:002022-05-23T10:06:51-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:20242Investing Wisely: Backyard Renovations & UpgradesLooking to transform your outdoor space? One upgrade a homeowner might love for themselves but may not pay off is an outdoor kitchen. While rising in popularity in some areas, creating a backyard galley to dine alfresco with the family comes at a cost. HomeAdvisor <a href="file:///C:/Users/jerin/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/EUAQQ9HG/pooltroopers-ashfordrealtygroup.docx#_msocom_1">[SS1]</a> reports a starting price around $2,700 but can add up to $16,000. Whether this fun and functional addition is worth the investment depends on if the total value is justified by your expenditures.
A final backyard revamp that may seem advantageous but could be undesirable is over-the-top landscaping. A backyard oasis filled with trees, comfy seating and the joys of nature can be the escape every homeowner wishes for … except when it’s overdone. For more examples of costly backyard mistakes, please see the accompanying resource.
<a href="file:///C:/Users/jerin/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/EUAQQ9HG/pooltroopers-ashfordrealtygroup.docx#_msoanchor_1">[SS1]</a>https://www.supermoney.com/outdoor-kitchens-worth-investment-roi-guide/
Graphic created by <a target="_blank" href="https://pooltroopers.com/">Pool Troopers</a>.
More Tips for Homeowners:
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/4-ways-homeowners-are-saving-money-in-2022/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">4 Ways Homeowners are Saving Money in 2022</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/8-ways-to-make-the-most-of-a-small-kitchen/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">8 Ways to Make the Most of a Small Kitchen</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-ways-to-make-your-home-more-cozy/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">5 Ways to Make Your Home More Cozy</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/the-ultimate-kid-friendly-backyard-retreat/">The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Backyard</a>
2022-05-23T06:06:00-07:002022-05-23T07:09:09-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:202478 Things That Can Hurt Your Property Value<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/8_Things_That_Can_Hurt_Your_Property_Value.jpg" width="1200" height="700" alt="8 Things That Can Hurt Your Property Value" title="8 Things That Can Hurt Your Property Value" style="margin: 11px;" />
As a homeowner, you want to work towards increasing your property value, so knowing what can hurt the value of your home is important. There are many factors outside of your control that can decrease your property value such as market conditions, interest rates, and the economy. However, if you are aware of what hurts your property value that is within your control, you can make necessary improvements to protect your home's value.
1. Excess Clutter<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-7047" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/young-teenage-girl-cleaning-and-organizing-her-closet-300x200.jpg" alt="declutter" width="300" height="200" style="margin: 11px; float: right;" />
Throughout the years, people tend to accumulate belongings that turn into clutter. Clutter can sneak up on you, you are happy and comfortable in your home and with your choice of furniture and trinkets. Unfortunately, most people don't realize the amount of clutter they have until they are about to list their homes. Overcrowded rooms can make it difficult for potential buyer to visualize their belongings in the space. Decluttering your home is an easy, inexpensive way to add value to your home. Yes, decluttering can be stressful, especially if you're attached to your belongings. Sometimes making hard decisions to let go can be freeing. Besides, donating your items can benefit someone else that may need it.
2. Unpleasant Odors<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-7048" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dissatisfied-man-closes-nose-feels-stench-frowns-face-feels-about-bad-smell-coming-from-kitchen--300x200.jpg" alt="8 Things That Can Hurt Your Property Value" width="300" height="200" title="8 Things That Can Hurt Your Property Value" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />
Unpleasant odors are not only off-putting but, can leave a negative and lasting impression taking away from your home's value. Regardless of the source of the odor, it's best to locate the root cause and eliminate it. The last thing you want to do is mask the odor with a strong perfume or fragrance. Keeping your home clean and tidy is the best way to avoid unpleasant odors from plaguing your home. Routinely dusting, vacuuming, wiping down countertops and other surfaces, and cleaning the bathroom and kitchen. It's not a bad idea to hire a professional to come in and deep clean your home at least once a month to ensure your home remains clean.
3. Too Much Carpet<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-7049" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/close-up-view-of-cleaning-white-carpet-with-professional-vacuum-cleaner-300x200.jpg" alt="8 Things That Can Hurt Your Property Value" width="300" height="200" title="8 Things That Can Hurt Your Property Value" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
Carpet tends to quickly show signs of use, trapping unwanted odors and dirt, it can be difficult to keep clean. Potential buyers will steer clear of homes with excessive carpets because they can be expensive to replace, and they can also collect indoor allergens that affect their entire family. To increase your home's value, replace carpeting with hardwoods, laminate, or tile flooring. For the carpet that you do have, make sure to have it professionally cleaned periodically to prolong the life of your carpet.
4. Unnecessary Upgrades
Homeowners usually have good intentions when they decide to renovate or add on upgrades to their home, but not all upgrades will increase the value of the home. If you are thinking of renovating or adding features to your home, think about whether the upgrade will be more attractive to homebuyers. For example, tearing out two small bathrooms to combine them into one large bathroom may be unappealing to potential buyers. If you are considering updates on your home, consider upgrades to items that will be an absolute sure thing a home buyer would want. Installing a new roof, adding insulation, and replacing windows are attractive to potential buyers because these things increase efficiency.
5. Interior Paint<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-7051" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/remodeling-and-painting-300x200.jpg" alt="8 Things That Can Hurt Your Property Value" width="300" height="200" title="8 Things That Can Hurt Your Property Value" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for any home, so if you leave your outdated walls unattended you will only be hurting your home's value. Deciding on a paint color, you need to make sure to keep your colors neutral, bright, bold colors or wallpaper could cause a potential buyer to see more work and money they have to spend. If you do decide to paint your walls, you need to make sure that you are using quality paint and brushes. Using low-quality paint could end up costing you more, in the long run, due to having to use more paint to obtain similar results that more expensive, quality paint would have gotten the job done the first time. If you are unsure, consider hiring professional painters to take care of getting the job done right the first time.
6. Projects Gone Wrong<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-7052" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/construction-project-home-improvement-diy-300x225.jpg" alt="8 Things That Can Hurt Your Property Value" width="300" height="225" title="8 Things That Can Hurt Your Property Value" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
Homeowners have the best intentions when they plan a DIY project, they want to make their home better, save money by doing it themselves, and hopefully make a better profit when they sell their home. Unfortunately, some homeowners find they have taken on a challenge that is more than they can handle. Even experienced DIYers can end up in a bind when taking on larger projects, possibly costing more money to have a professional come in and fix what you have done. If you are considering a DIY project, make sure you know what you are doing or consider hiring a professional in the very beginning. Kitchens and bathrooms tend to be the toughest rooms to remodel and the most expensive, if you are confident in remodeling parts of the project but, maybe not all of it, have a professional come in and complete the work you aren't sure of, such as the plumbing or electrical.
7. Lack Luster Curb Appeal<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-7053" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/a-mother-and-her-son-painting-a-white-picket-fence-300x200.jpg" alt="8 Things That Can Hurt Your Property Value" width="300" height="200" title="8 Things That Can Hurt Your Property Value" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />
Take a good look at your home from the outside, if you were looking for a home, would the outside be inviting, or would you want to keep driving by? Curb appeal has several pieces that need to be reviewed to ensure your home value is not at risk of decreasing.
Exterior Paint - Look to see if the paint is faded, chipped, or flaking it's time to give your home's exterior a fresh coat of paint.
Exterior Lighting - Is your home lacking lighting that would guide visitors to your front door? You would be amazed at how much of a difference exterior lighting can make to your home.
Rundown Fencing - Fencing that is weathered or falling simply creates an eyesore. Simple solutions could be to power wash or restain your fencing and replace any fencing that is in disarray.
Windows and Siding - Windows and siding that have dust and dirt build-up can take away from what your home has to offer. Make sure to take the time to wash your windows and siding to make your home shine.
Front Door - A worn front door can make a potential homebuyer quickly lose interest, if it needs to be replaced take care of it. You may just need a fresh coat of paint to encourage potential buyers to walk through the door.
Landscaping - Leaving your yard unattended, overgrown grass, untrimmed bushes, and tree limbs littering the yard, all of these things can quickly discourage a potential buyer from moving any further. If you don't have time or are unsure how to get a grasp on your yard, consider hiring a landscaper to take care of it for you.
8. Lacking Upkeep<img class="size-medium wp-image-7054 alignleft" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ceiling-damage-300x225.jpg" alt="8 Things That Can Hurt Your Property Value" width="300" height="225" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
It's important to keep your home well-kept and in excellent working order, neglecting maintenance tasks will only cost you more in the long run by further damaging what needs a fix or reducing the value of your home. When your home isn't taken care of, you risk having to negotiate repairs and major expenses before closing. If something breaks, take care of it right away and if you can't fix it yourself, hire someone who can. Unattended repairs could potentially cost you more if the break gets worse to the point that you have to completely replace instead of repair what's broken.
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/sell-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Start Your Selling Journey Here</a>:
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-sell-a-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Does it Cost to Sell Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/the-dangers-and-pitfalls-of-discount-brokers/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">The Dangers and Pitfalls of Discount Brokers</a>
<a href="https://www.skyriselab.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-a-buyers-agent-and-listing-agent/" target="_blank">The Difference Between a Listing Agent and Buyer's Agent</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-ways-to-sell-a-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">5 Ways to Sell Your House</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/3-things-to-know-about-pricing-your-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">3 Things to Know About Pricing Your Home</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/do-i-still-need-to-stage-my-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Do You Still Need to Stage Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-staging-tips-that-make-a-bigger-profit/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">5 Staging Tips to Make a Bigger Profit</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/6-questions-to-ask-a-real-estate-agent/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">6 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/what-to-know-about-home-inspections/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">What Sellers Should Know About Home Inspections</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-will-i-make-selling-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Will I Make Selling My House?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/is-a-cash-offer-always-the-best/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Is a Cash Offer Always the Best?</a>
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<a href="https://www.teamamato.com/blog/move-in-cleaning-checklist.html" target="_blank">Move-in Cleaning Checklist</a>
2022-05-22T08:56:00-07:002022-05-23T10:00:53-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:20246Avoid These Common Mistakes When Selling Your Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Avoid_These_Common_Mistakes_When_Selling_Your_Home.jpg" width="1200" height="700" alt="Avoid These Common Mistakes When Selling Your Home" title="Avoid These Common Mistakes When Selling Your Home" style="margin: 11px;" />
Selling a home can be overwhelming at times, avoid these common mistakes when preparing to list your home. The process of selling your home can be taxing both mentally and physically, so you want the process to go as smoothly as possible. Getting your home prepared to sell is extremely important to ensure you get the best offer possible.
Whether it's a task that is overlooked or just skipped altogether, here is a list of mistakes that people make when listing their homes that can easily be avoided.
Pre-Listing Home Inspection
While a pre-listing home inspection is not required, you would be amazed at how helpful a pre-listing inspection can be. A home inspection is likely going to take place during the sales process, having a pre-listing home inspection can better prepare you for issues that you possibly weren't even aware of. The inspection will allow you to take care of these issues before they are discovered during negotiations, possibly costing you lose the sale.
Sprucing Up Your Floors
Unless you have just had new flooring installed, your floors will likely need attention before putting your home on the market. The best time to spruce up your floors is right before you stage your home, this way there shouldn't be a lot of excess traffic wearing down your hard work. Take the time to refinish your hardwood floors or clean your carpets. Carpet cleaning is imperative, the amount of dirt, dander, and odors your carpet traps is insane, cleaning your carpets will freshen up the entire room.
Deep Clean Your Home
Deep cleaning your home is a task that is commonly overlooked when selling a home. Unfortunately, when a potential buyer is looking at your home, they will be your biggest critic. Every nook and cranny will be looked at, so you want to make sure that nothing is missed when cleaning your home. Nothing is more off-putting to a potential buyer than a home is dirty. A dirty home will leave a potential buyer wondering what else has been neglected in a home if simple household cleaning isn't done. Even if you are a neat freak, a good suggestion would be to hire a cleaning professional to come into deep clean your home, this will give you peace of mind that nothing is missed.
Foregoing Staging
Staging a home is a step you don't want to miss; it can impact whether your home sells quickly or sits on the market for a while. If you are still living in the home, staging will likely not be a big issue because your home is already furnished. However, if you have already moved out, consider leaving some furniture in place until your home sells. Potential home buyers want to imagine their family living in your home, and keeping furniture in the home will allow them a better opportunity to visualize what their family will look like in your home.
Failing to Repaint
It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to make a good impression. If the exterior of your home is looking rundown or painted an unflattering color, the traffic your home gets may be potential homebuyers just driving by. The color of your front door is just as important to attract homebuyers.
The interior needs a fresh coat of paint to ensure that any wear, scratches, chips, and marks are covered up. The colors also need to be neutral; you'll want to cover up the red accent wall no matter how much you love it. Neutral colors give potential buyers a better opportunity to visualize their belongings in your home.
Mismatched Appliances
You may not think that a black stove with a stainless-steel dishwasher would be a big deal but, it is. Potential homebuyers are evaluating every aspect of your home, you'd be kidding yourself if you think they will overlook mismatched appliances. While some potential buyers may not be too concerned with the mismatched appliances, to others it could be a big deal.
Consider changing out the appliances so they are all matching before putting your home on the market to avoid it ever being an issue in the first place. If you decide not to change out the appliances, be prepared to receive a contingency that the appliances will be updated or that the homebuyer wants a credit to go towards updating the appliances themselves.
Neglecting Your Yard
A well-maintained yard will add curb appeal to your home. You don't want potential buyers to keep driving when they see an unkempt, overgrown yard. You need to make sure that your yard is cut and trimmed regularly and that any fallen branches or debris is picked up.
If it's in your budget, <a href="https://firstfruitslandscaping.com/" target="_blank">hiring a landscaper</a> to ensure your yard looks it's very best isn't a bad idea. Hiring a professional to maintain your yard, is one less thing you have to worry about.
Conclusion
When putting your home on the market, you need your home to be in top-notch condition, almost as if it were just built. As you know, buying a home is usually the largest transaction that most people will ever make, so they want to purchase a home that fits their family with a few issues or updates as necessary. Putting the time and effort to update your home can make the entire process easier for everyone, leaving everyone happy.
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/sell-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Start Your Selling Journey Here</a>:
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-sell-a-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Does it Cost to Sell Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/the-dangers-and-pitfalls-of-discount-brokers/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">The Dangers and Pitfalls of Discount Brokers</a>
<a href="https://www.skyriselab.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-a-buyers-agent-and-listing-agent/" target="_blank">The Difference Between a Listing Agent and Buyer's Agent</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-ways-to-sell-a-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">5 Ways to Sell Your House</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/3-things-to-know-about-pricing-your-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">3 Things to Know About Pricing Your Home</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/do-i-still-need-to-stage-my-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Do You Still Need to Stage Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-staging-tips-that-make-a-bigger-profit/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">5 Staging Tips to Make a Bigger Profit</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/6-questions-to-ask-a-real-estate-agent/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">6 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/what-to-know-about-home-inspections/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">What Sellers Should Know About Home Inspections</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-will-i-make-selling-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Will I Make Selling My House?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/is-a-cash-offer-always-the-best/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Is a Cash Offer Always the Best?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-to-choose-between-multiple-offers/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How to Choose Between Multiple Offers?</a>
<a href="https://www.pilchuckheating.com/your-guide-to-hvac-service/">Where to Start with HVAC Service</a>
<a href="https://www.exploremdhomes.com/blog/primary-room-upgrades-that-increase-home-value/" target="_blank">Primary Room Upgrades That Improve Home Value</a>
2022-05-21T08:51:00-07:002022-05-23T09:55:37-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:20202June Events in Colorado Springs<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Juneteenth_.jpg" width="1600" height="900" alt="June Events in Colorado Springs 2022" title="June Events in Colorado Springs 2022" style="margin: 11px;" />
June is quickly approaching, it's the perfect time for Colorado Springs to kick-off event season. What events would you like to attend?
Residents of <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/">Colorado Springs</a> love spending time outdoors, especially in their free time. The mild weather in Colorado Springs provides the perfect opportunity for the community to get together for fun and entertainment for all ages and interests. Read on to discover upcoming June events that you and your family may enjoy.
<a href="https://www.cswesternstreetbreakfast.com/" target="_blank">Western Street Breakfast</a>
June 15, 2022
A long-time tradition that Colorado Springs has been celebrating since World War II, the Western Street Breakfast celebrates the deep-rooted western heritage. This festival has now become an annual fundraising event to support the local military and their families.
Plan on setting your alarms for an early wake-up call, you aren't going to want to miss a thing. The streets are shut down to allow for ample space for entertainment and to cook up a delicious, hot breakfast. The streets are lined with hay bales, ready for you to sit and relax while enjoying music talent from Flying W Wranglers, Exit West, Colorado Springs Conservatory, and Sweetwater Native Hoop Dancers.
The Pikes Peak Range Riders and the Rangerettes, Girl of the West, and Aide to the Girl of the West will make appearances. As well as the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Parade.
The kids will enjoy spending time in the Kids Corral which includes a petting zoo, roping the hay bale, caricature drawings, gunslinger, and trick roper.
<a href="https://www.csjuneteenthfestival.com/" target="_blank">Juneteenth Festival</a>
June 17 - 19, 2022
Juneteenth Festival will be held at America the Beautiful Park in Colorado Springs. The goal of this festival is to bring together people of all walks of life together to celebrate community, music, and family fun.
The festival will have both national and local live performances, a car show, keynote speakers, Zumba, a fashion show, a skating rink, and more. There will be book readings, art activities, and a variety of booths.
This is sure to be an event the entire family will enjoy while experiencing, educating, and celebrating Black History, Black culture, the Black community, and Black Heritage.
<a href="https://manitousprings.org/manitou-springs-colorado-wine-festival/" target="_blank">Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival</a>
June 4, 2022
Memorial Park in Manitou Springs is the site for the Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival. Features wines only made in the state of Colorado, hosting local wineries and vendors to showcase their products.
The day is sure to be fun-filled with live entertainment, and various food trucks to pair excellent food with your wine samples.
This event is for adults only, so make sure you hire a babysitter.
<a href="https://www.coloradoevents.org/june-jubilee" target="_blank">June Jubilee</a>
June 25 - 26, 2022
June Jubilee is an annual event held at Acacia Park on both Saturday and Sunday from 11 am - to 6 pm. This is a free family-friendly event, welcoming locals and visitors alike.
Acacia Park is transformed into an outdoor artisan marketplace featuring works of art from over 70 artists. Various types of art will be represented including paintings, sculptures, glasswork, photography, ceramics, woodwork, and other handcrafted goods.
What would a festival be like without music? There will be an excellent music lineup for everyone to sit back and enjoy. While you relax and enjoy the musical entertainment, the kids can cool down in the splash pad.
<a href="https://www.visitcos.com/events/family-fun-day/" target="_blank">Family Fun Day</a>
June 11, 2022
Kingdom Builder's Family Life Center is hosting Family Fun Day in Memorial Park from 11 am - 6 pm. This event is geared to bring the community together to raise awareness, gain education, and resources, and connect as a community.
There will be plenty of entertainment ranging from live music and dance groups, and various vendors to shops, and community agencies offering resources available to the community. A variety of some of the best food trucks in Colorado Springs will be on-site to feed your hunger.
Attractions to pique your interest are a car show, an all-day stepathon, a petting zoo, free haircuts, 360 photo booths with props, face painting, bounce houses, crafts you can take home, and much more.2022-05-18T12:02:00-07:002022-05-18T13:08:36-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:20157Buyer's Guide Septic Inspections<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Should_You_Invest_in_a_Home_Warranty_2.jpg" width="1100" height="700" alt="Buyer's Guide Septic Inspections" title="Buyer's Guide Septic Inspections" style="margin: 11px;" />
Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, or this is your first experience with a septic system, this guide is here to help. Septic systems can be very costly when it comes to repairs so making sure that it is in good working order before purchasing a home is a step you don't want to miss.
If you are relying on a mortgage company to purchase a home, they may require you to have the septic system inspected before agreeing to loan you money. Some basic <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/what-to-know-about-home-inspections/">home inspections</a> will include a very basic look at the septic system, so hiring a septic professional for an independent inspection is a good idea and may be necessary.
Septic System Defined
Areas that do not have access to public sewage systems will have septic systems for wastewater treatment and disposal. Septic systems are usually necessary for rural areas or the outskirts of urban and suburban areas.
The type of septic system is determined by the part of the country you live in, the soil type, the slope of your property, how close to bodies of water you live by, and your lot size are some of the main factors that determine the type of septic system you have.
How Does a Septic System Work?
Water runs from your home to the main drainage pipe into a septic tank. The septic tank is a water-tight container that is buried, and its job is to hold the wastewater long enough for solids; otherwise known as sludge to settle on the bottom. Any fats, oil, and grease will float on the top, appropriately named scum. The liquid wastewater will exit the tank and spread evenly throughout the drain field and back into the soil.
This process can vary slightly, depending on the type of septic system you have, but this is the basic gist of how septic works.
What Inspectors Look For?
During a septic inspection, there are several things that the inspector will look for but, giving them to give them some important information can make their assessment even more accurate. The helpful information you can provide the inspector is the age of the system, how many people are in the household, and the date the tank was last pumped; this will give them an idea of how full the tank may be.
The septic tank needs to remain watertight, so the inspector will check the lids at ground level to ensure they are secure and that there are no cracks in them. Water leaking into the septic tank can cause the tank to overfill possibly causing wastewater to leak.
The drain field will also be looked at to ensure that trees, streams, or wells are not located near the drain field. The lateral lines can be at risk of being damaged by tree roots or other landscaping that is trying to seek out a water source.
Some inspections may include a sewer scope inspection to determine the amount of sludge in the tank. The tank will need to be pumped if it accounts for more than 33% of the volume of the tank.
Pro Tip: It is important to keep a record of all inspections, maintenance, and dates of when the septic tank was pumped.
How Often Inspections Should Occur
To keep up with your septic system and avoid costly repairs, it is suggested to have your septic system at least every 3 - 4 years. Having your septic system routinely inspected, potential issues can be caught before they become a much bigger problem.
Cost of Inspection
Depending on where you live, inspections can run from $350 to $650; however, for a proper inspection to be completed, the tank has to be pumped. The cost to have your septic tank pumped is usually included with the cost of the inspection.
The Wrap Up
Septic tanks generally last around 15 years, the life of your septic system will last longer if you keep up with routine maintenance and repairs. The cost for inspections and minor repairs will likely cost you far less than if the system breaks.2022-05-16T13:50:00-07:002022-05-16T15:03:22-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:20156The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Backyard Retreat<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/The_Ultimate_Kid-Friendly_Backyard_Retreat.jpg" width="1100" height="700" alt="The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Backyard Retreat" title="The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Backyard Retreat" style="margin: 11px;" />
Having a backyard oasis to enjoy with family or just have time to sit back and relax is nice but, what about the kids? Trying to entertain kids has become a bit more challenging, pandemic restrictions are being lifted and the kids just want to break free of the walls they've been confined to. Turning your backyard into a fun-filled retreat will keep your kids stimulated and your sanity.
Most parents are mentally exhausted from trying to juggle the new normal that COVID has brought us. There have been no lines drawn to separate home, extracurricular activities, school, church, etc. everything has been conveniently online. Everyone needs a break from time to time, so creating a kid-friendly outdoor retreat may be the perfect solution to make everyone happy.
For all the mentally drained parents or even non-creative types, we are going to try to spark the creative flame to help you come up with some fun ideas you and your kids will enjoy. Let's get started.
Backyard Campground
Creating a campground in your backyard will give your kids the opportunity to spend the night outdoors in the safety of your backyard. Pop up a tent, bring out the sleeping bags, plenty of pillows, and of course the flashlights. Complete the campground with camping chairs and plan some fun outdoor activities.
Plan on making dinner over the campfire or fire pit, roasting hotdogs or cooking foil meals, and for dessert roast some marshmallows or make s'mores.
There are plenty of fun outdoor activities for your backyard, bring out the yard games such as giant Connect Four, Ladders, bean bag toss, etc. for some fun competition. Another fun idea would be filling up a kiddie pool and making your fishing challenge. This is the perfect opportunity to bring out the butterfly nets for some good ole bug catching and discover what the kids can find and identify.
Once the sun starts to set, it's the perfect time for sitting around the fire telling stories or even stargazing. Plenty of singing and laughing is perfect for the soul, an excellent way to recharge while spending quality time with your family.
Build a Treehouse or Playhouse
Right off the bat, you are probably cringing at the thought of building a treehouse or playhouse but consider the benefits to your family for years to come, it just may be worth the sacrifice. If building a treehouse or playhouse is completely outside of your comfort zone, consider hiring someone to do the construction and you can handle the decorating.
If you decide to take on this project, work together as a family planning the overall design, and have your kids show off their math skills as they help to measure walls, doors, and windows. Once the treehouse or playhouse is move-in ready, have fun decorating it with the perfect touches everyone in the family contributes.
Plant an Edible Garden
You would be amazed by how much kids enjoy participating in the planting and continuous care of an edible garden. The best part is when they get to pick the crop from all of their hard work and efforts. Start with a small beginner garden and keep expanding it as the kid's gardening skills blossom.
Growing their garden has so many valuable life lessons to offer kids, it teaches responsibility ensuring that the plants are fed and beds are properly weeded. The beauty of this lesson, they get to see what they can create and contribute to the family with their yields giving them something to take pride in.
Outdoor Movie Night
It would be surprising if you haven't come across party ideas that would include an outdoor movie night. This can be a lot of fun for everyone and you can keep it simple or get extra creative.
Set up the outdoor seating on blankets with pillows and cushions, and use a blow-up kiddie pool to keep everything compact and away from dirt, grass, or even bugs. For the movie, put together a few PVC pipes and a white sheet to display the movie, all you need is a small, inexpensive projector, laptop or even cell phone, and surge protector to get the movie started.
A fun idea for snacks, popcorn, and drinks is to use sand buckets or plant pots to deliver the ultimate movie environment.
The hardest decision you'll have to make is what movie will be showing.
Conclusion
There are so many fun-filled ideas for your backyard to keep your kids engaged and wanting more. Creating an outdoor space that everyone can enjoy promotes quality family time, educational experiences, exercise, nature, and entertainment to keep everyone busy. Activities like these will make it difficult for your kids to complain that they are bored. Get those creative ideas going and enjoy what your backyard can provide.
More Tips for Homeowners:
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/4-ways-homeowners-are-saving-money-in-2022/">4 Ways Homeowners are Saving Money in 2022</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/8-ways-to-make-the-most-of-a-small-kitchen/">8 Ways to Make the Most of a Small Kitchen</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-ways-to-make-your-home-more-cozy/">5 Ways to Make Your Home More Cozy</a>2022-05-14T13:43:00-07:002022-05-16T14:50:40-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:20154Property Easements Explained, And How It Can Affect You<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/And_How_It_Can_Affect_You_today.jpg" width="1100" height="700" alt="And How It Can Affect You today!" title="And How It Can Affect You today!" style="margin: 11px;" />
Real estate easements are more common than people realize. It's important to understand the various types of easements and how they affect you. A property easement gives someone else the limited right to use your land for a specific purpose. The most common easements include utility company access, shared driveways, or access to a pond. However, some easements are much more unfavorable. Before making an offer on a home, you should check to see if there are any existing easements associated with the property.
Types of Easements
There are several types of easements, each having different consequences and requirements based on the terms. Let's dig into the most common easements and explain how they can affect you.
Utility Easement<img class="alignright wp-image-6639" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/rear-view-of-man-wearing-safety-harness-high-up-on-ladder-working-on-utility-pole-with-power-lines-240x300.jpg" alt="Utility Worker" width="109" height="136" style="float: right;" />
A utility easement is easily one of the most common, giving public utilities, such as water, gas, electric, and cable/internet companies the right to access and maintain equipment that is on your property to maintain services to the community. Utility easements do not give these companies freedom to do whatever they decide, just the right to perform what is necessary.
Public Easement
A public easement allows the general public the use of your property according to the easement. For example, a sidewalk that runs through your property that leads to a community park, the easement grants the public access to utilize the sidewalk at any time.
Private Easement<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-6641" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/solar-panel-300x200.jpg" alt="Property Easements Explained, And How It Can Affect You" width="300" height="200" title="Property Easements Explained, And How It Can Affect You" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />
Private Easements are property that is sold or given to another party by the owner of the property. A neighbor may seek a private easement if they need access to the property. An example of why they would request a private easement is if they needed the space to install solar panels.
Homeowners need to be cautious when deciding whether or not to grant a private easement because it could affect the future homeowner. A private easement could potentially affect the sale of the home. Potential homebuyers could be discouraged from making an offer on a home with a private easement because it could take away potential plans for the property. Private Easements, depending on the terms, may not present any issues but, can limit what the property owner can do with the property in the future.
The title should list any private easements that are in place.
Easements by Necessity
Easement by Necessity is exactly how it sounds, created for situations when an individual must access your property out of pure necessity. This type of easement is granted when your property comes between your neighbor and access to their land. For example, your property is situated between your neighbor's home and access to the road.
Prescriptive Easement
A Prescriptive Easement occurs when someone actively uses your property over a certain period, it's become an implied easement. An example of the prescriptive easement would be if your children use your property as a shortcut without objection.
Easement Appurtenant<img class="alignleft wp-image-6642" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/tree-reflecting-in-a-pond-300x201.jpg" alt="Property Easements Explained, And How It Can Affect You" width="169" height="113" title="Property Easements Explained, And How It Can Affect You" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
Easement Appurtenant is put in place when the property is the only access to something that is shared by both neighbors. For example, a private pond that is shared by neighbors but can only be accessed by way of the easement. This type of easement remains in place regardless of ownership, so if a home sells the easement is still upheld.
Easement in Gross
When a person grants a person or entity access or use of your property this is considered an easement in gross. This type of easement is irrevocable until the easement holder passes away or sells the property. An example of an easement in gross is permitting a friend to hunt or fish on your property.
How to Find Out If There is an Easement
Before making an offer on a property it is wise to find out if there is an existing easement that could affect you as most easements don't expire. You can find out if there is an easement by hiring a local real estate attorney or save the money and search for yourself. Here are the steps to discover if there is an easement on the property.
Go to the County Clerk's office or the County Land Records office, and request the prior deed to see if it lists any prior easements.
Contact the local Utility Companies to find out if they have a property easement.
Order a Property Survey, this will identify any easements and their location.
Request the owner provide a Warranty Deed. What is a Warranty Deed? This deed is a warranty or guarantees that the current owner has a legal title to the property and will show any property easements that exist.
Most easements won't cause any issues, especially if you are the easement user, giving you full access to utilize the property easement according to the terms of the easement. However, if the easement exists on your property, you are the servient property and are required to allow the dominant property access to use your property according to the terms of the easement.
What Can You Do with a Negative Easement?
Easements will stay with the property or the owner depending on the type of easement, change in ownership does not always equal the termination of an easement. As a new owner, you are required to abide by the terms of the easement terms. If you disagree with an easement, you can hire a local real estate attorney to help you.
A solution that may work for you, without having to hire an attorney, talk to the party involved to see if they will release their easement rights or if they will consider allowing you to purchase their land. This would merge the properties and cancel the need for the easement. If they will release you from their easement rights, you need to make sure to record the termination with the local recorder's office, this will avoid issues in the future.
Related: <a href="https://www.maxrealestateexposure.com/what-to-know-about-shared-driveways/" target="_blank">what to know about shared driveways</a>
Conclusion
Property Easements can be beneficial to all parties involved but, they can also create issues and can be restrictive to certain property rights. Taking the time to thoroughly search property to discover what property easements exist can save you from unnecessary headaches in the future.2022-05-12T12:24:00-07:002022-05-16T14:43:18-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:199386 Great Tips For Hiring Movers <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/6_Great_Tips_For_Hiring_Movers.jpg" width="900" height="500" alt="6 Great Tips For Hiring Movers" title="6 Great Tips For Hiring Movers" style="margin: 11px;" />
Moving is already overwhelming just getting everything done, hiring movers don't slack off, make sure you know who you're hiring. Of course, you don't want to spend a ton of money on movers but, you don't necessarily want the cheapest either. Taking the time to research and interview potential movers is imperative before deciding on who you will trust someone with your belongings.
What should you look for when hiring movers? Here are some helpful tips to avoid making a mistake by trusting the wrong movers.
Research Companies
Ask friends, families, and even co-workers for recommendations or even bad reviews about moving companies that they have personally had experience with in the past. Getting suggestions from your friends and loved ones you trust and have your best interest at heart, you can feel confident in their reviews. Take the time to contact the companies you are considering and ask them to provide references.
Once you've narrowed down your choices, go a step further and check reviews with the Better Business Bureau. Check both the <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/about/reviews/">good reviews</a> and the complaints against the moving company. While the complaints are likely valid, what was upsetting to one person may not seem like a big deal to you.
It's crucial to verify that the company is legitimate, this seems a little farfetched but, scammers are prevalent everywhere and good at playing various roles to bait their target. Make sure to visit the company yourself to see if everything appears legit. Are the trucks labeled, displaying the company logo?
A few other steps you can take to validate that the company is legitimate are searching for the company's motor carrier license information on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration SaferSys website. You just need the DOT number to check that everything checks out. If you are moving out of state, the moving company will need to be authorized for interstate moving.
Get Multiple Quotes
Getting two or three quotes is suggested to compare and make the best decision for your moving needs. Having a consultant come to your home to see what all your move will entail and make a solid estimate is highly recommended, never take a quote over the phone sight unseen. It is also important to ask moving companies if their estimates are binding or unbinding.
When getting a quote, make sure that the movers are aware of everything the move will entail, is you don't make them aware there could be costly additional costs that you were expecting upon delivery that were not included in the original estimate. Also, you will want to make sure that you advise the movers of any special circumstances. For instance, if the moving truck will have difficulty parking near the home and is forced to walk a longer distance to get your boxes to move in, they may charge extra.
For interstate moves, the moving company will factor in the distance between locations, the weight of the items they are moving, packing, and other services.
Insurance
While you may have homeowners or renters insurance already, it will only cover your belongings that are in the home, not in transit to your new home. For moves that are further away, you should consider purchasing moving or relocation insurance because unless you hire movers to pack your belongings as well as move them, it is unlikely they will be covered without a separate insurance policy.
Review the Contract
Like any contract, you need to make sure you read it thoroughly and that you understand every word of it. The contract should include the rates and charges, the mover's liability, dates for pickup and delivery, and claims protection. The last headache you want is the moving company holding your possessions hostage until you pay extra costs that they incur.
The legal contract between the mover and customer is called a bill of lading, the mover will issue this contract. You need to make sure that you have thoroughly read and understood this agreement before signing it. You will want to keep your copy of the bill of lading handy in case of any issues you may run into. Once it is signed, you are legally obligated to pay what it says you're supposed to pay. The bill of lading will also include information such as the name and address of the moving company, the type of payment method accepted, time of pickup, minimum and maximum amounts to pay, and other details regarding the payment.
Stick to The Delivery Date
Once the movers have picked up your belongings, you will want to stick to your delivery date. Unfortunately, there are times when a wrench is thrown in your plans, and changing the delivery date cannot be prevented. When the delivery date is changed after the movers have already picked up your belongings, you will likely incur storage fees to keep your items safe until they can be delivered.
Additional: <a href="https://www.hsbresortsales.com/blog/ways-to-make-moving-while-expecting-easier-on-moms-to-be/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ways to Make a Move Easier on Soon-to-Be Moms</a>
The Wrap-up
Hiring a moving company to take off some of the stress of packing, transporting, and delivering your belongings can be a wonderful thing but, it can easily turn into a nightmare if you aren't careful. Taking the time and initiative to thoroughly research companies should ensure that your move will go smoothly.2022-05-09T15:04:00-07:002022-05-17T08:36:46-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:20013How to Properly Clean Your New Home Before Move-In<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/6_Great_Tips_For_Hiring_Movers_10.jpg" width="900" height="500" alt="How to Properly Clean Your New Home Before Move-In" title="How to Properly Clean Your New Home Before Move-In" style="margin: 11px;" />
Moving into a new home can be exciting, but if you have allergies, pets, or other special considerations, you will want to make sure your home is spotless before move-in. Sellers usually clean the house before showing, but you may want to go the extra mile by improving air quality and doing your own deep clean. Statistics <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/statistics" target="_blank">show</a> that over half of those surveyed in the U.S. had a reaction to one or more allergens. Cleaning air filters, clearing mold, and removing harsh chemicals can help reduce these reactions. Here are some tips on cleaning your new home before you move in.
Improve the Air Quality
Most people are familiar with the air purifiers you can buy at big box stores or online, but installing a whole-house system is one of the most effective solutions to poor <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/easy-ways-you-can-improve-indoor-air-quality" target="_blank">air quality</a>. Not only will a system like this make it easier for you and your family to breathe, but it will add tremendous value to your home should you decide to sell it later. Older homes often have more allergens than new ones, so this can be especially helpful if you've chosen to buy one. Vacuuming is another way to help by sucking up any <a href="https://www.metroeastallergist.com/the-5-most-common-allergens/" target="_blank">allergens</a>, pet hair, and dust that is sitting on the floor or embedded in the carpet.
Wash Away Harsh Chemicals
You never know what previous owners used to clean the home, and you don't want to breathe in toxic bleach every time you take a shower. Fortunately, there are many green brands that make healthier cleaning options. For the most control, try making your own household cleaners with recipes on the internet. Many of these use very common items like white vinegar and baking soda. If you love a fresh scent when cleaning, you can add essential oils to your liking.
Wear a Mask When Cleaning
When cleaning your new home, it’s always a good idea to protect yourself by wearing a mask, especially when cleaning a basement, attic, or storage area. These areas often contain large amounts of dust, debris, and allergens that you <a href="https://www.zenbusiness.com/blog/why-you-need-to-wear-a-face-mask-while-cleaning/" target="_blank">won’t want to inhale</a>.
Keep Pets in Mind
Pets can have reactions to some plants, pest spray, and other chemicals, so it's vital to assess the house's safety for pets before moving them in. If you want to <a href="https://www.petful.com/misc/dog-proof-your-home/" target="_blank">pet-proof</a> your home office, you can cover electrical outlets and make sure to avoid using cleaners that will irritate your dog or cat. Here is a <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/pet-safe-household-cleaning-products-155547941.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9kdWNrZHVja2dvLmNvbS8&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALNiFc_msRTLjoyToIXX7JLlXT5pLh9FzI4E0sEw36mJEinG8DNIAU1qMhVbmnw2qbXXGxGMmC6i-D-GhgoZtQLOXErsdt8DvMu_4CXcYbtOWz07T7UhDF0QMa_XlhxkElsEx3qUKpnX8ryVfkBDXwYebCfGwoSjmx2d8cfz6363" target="_blank">list</a> of some ingredients that can be harmful.
Do a Deep Clean
If you really want to make sure the house is in top shape before moving in, you'll want to clean from the ceiling to the floor. Start with fans, vents, corners, and lights, then move downward. Clean the walls delicately with a soft sponge and water or a diluted cleaning solution. Then, scrub the baseboards before sweeping and mopping the floors.
For bathrooms, make sure you clean the grout, toilets, sinks, and tubs before use. You don't have to use bleach to kill mildew and mold. You can put baking soda on 1-inch <a href="https://costacleaning.org/tips-on-how-to-clean-grout/" target="_blank">sponge cubes</a>, put them over the moldy areas, spray them with vinegar and water and wait for them to do their magic.
The tips above can help you get your house ready for move-in and keep you and your family safe. If you have allergies, remember to check on getting rid of any specific allergens that could be irritating to you or your pets. It's much easier to do a deep clean when the house is still empty than after you've moved in all of your belongings.
For more information on moving into your new home or all <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/">Colorado Springs homes for sale</a>, contact Ashford Realty Group today.
2022-05-06T05:20:00-07:002022-05-06T06:26:43-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19979How to Choose an Offer<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/How_to_Choose_an_Offer.jpg" width="900" height="500" alt="How to Choose an Offer" title="How to Choose an Offer" style="margin: 11px;" />
After going through the laborious process of preparing your home for sale, you've listed it, shown it, and received multiple offers. Congratulations! Now what? If you're not sure how to choose between multiple offers, we have some things to keep in mind to help you decide. It's not quite as simple as looking for the highest dollar amount.
Determine your priorities
Before looking through offers, determine your priorities and communicate them with your agent, and your partner if applicable. Some sellers need to prioritize timing over the bottom line, while others have a more flexible timeline and are more concerned with selling for top dollar.
Also consider your current capacity for projects on the house. If your financial position or spare time do not allow for major repairs or renovations on the house, you may be open to lower offers because your priority is not having to fix anything.
Whatever your priorities are, make sure they are clear to you before reviewing offers to make the process more efficient and less stressful.
Pay attention to contingencies
In most cases, the difference between two offers comes down to contingencies. Even if two hopefuls buyers offer you the same price, with identical earnest money, the contingencies may make or break the process. Take your time understanding the contingencies in any offer. Common contingencies include a home inspection, appraisal, and buyer financing. In many cases, a buyer will make an offer contingent on selling their existing home.
Some contingencies are expected protections for the buyer, and are no reason to reject an offer. It's reasonable for a buyer to make an offer contingent on inspection or appraisal. An offer contingent on the buyer's home selling is a bigger risk to you as the seller. It doesn't mean you should reject any offer with that contingency, but it does mean you should be aware of how that may affect your escrow process and timeline.
Consider the buyer's financial strength
Complications with buyers' financing is one of the most common reasons the sale of a home falls through. If you're able to select from offers and find one with a high level of financial strength, you will be able to insulate yourself against some of that risk. A buyer with a high down payment, excellent credit, or a cash offer is of far less risk to you than someone who barely qualifies for the mortgage required to buy your home.
Think about the timeline for each buyer
Money isn't everything. The timeline indicated by each offer may be more important depending on your scenario (think back to what we said about prioritizing). For example, if you are relocating for a new job, selling a home for a recently deceased family member, or looking to liquidate assets in a divorce, taking a lower offer that will close more quickly may be in your best interest.
On the other hand, if you are able to be flexible with the move-in date, you may be able to accept a higher offer that literally pays off in the end.
Verify funds from a cash offer
Cash offers are exciting, because they represent an easy home sale process, right? Well, maybe. Before getting too excited, have your agent verify the cash offer's funding. In some cases, it may be worth going with a financed offer from a strong buyer with a conventional mortgage. Lean on your agent to determine which is the best in your scenario.
Take a large deposit seriously
Some buyers will offer a higher deposit than others. Offering more earnest money than is expected indicates a buyer who is serious about your home. This should signal to you someone who is willing to do what it takes to not allow the deal to fall through. When a potential buyer offers more earnest money than others have, it is an indication that they have the cash to make sure the sale of the home can be completed, and should signal to you as the seller that they are a top contender.
Leverage a bidding war
Remember, when you are in the position of receiving multiple offers, you can leverage that position to your advantage. Negotiate with potential buyers, working to get the deal that is best for you. For some sellers, this is an exciting idea, while for others it seems overwhelming and stressful. This is where having the right team on your side becomes essential.
To find out how we can help you sell your home for the best deal, <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/contact/" target="_blank">contact our office</a> any time. We have the team of experts you need to have the best experience.
Contact <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Ashford Realty Group</a> for all <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Colorado Springs homes for sale</a> and <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/new-homes/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Colorado real estate</a>.
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/sell-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Start Your Selling Journey Here</a>:
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-sell-a-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Does it Cost to Sell Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/3-things-to-know-about-pricing-your-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">3 Things to Know About Pricing Your Home</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/do-i-still-need-to-stage-my-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Do You Still Need to Stage Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-staging-tips-that-make-a-bigger-profit/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">5 Staging Tips to Make a Bigger Profit</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/6-questions-to-ask-a-real-estate-agent/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">6 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/what-to-know-about-home-inspections/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">What Sellers Should Know About Home Inspections</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-will-i-make-selling-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Will I Make Selling My House?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/is-a-cash-offer-always-the-best/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Is a Cash Offer Always the Best?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-to-choose-between-multiple-offers/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How to Choose Between Multiple Offers?</a>
2022-05-04T06:20:00-07:002022-05-04T07:23:34-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19978What You Should Know About Capital Gains<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/What_You_Should_Know_About_Capital_Gains.jpg" width="900" height="500" alt="What You Should Know About Capital Gains" title="What You Should Know About Capital Gains" style="margin: 11px;" />
Anyone who sells a capital asset should know that capital gains tax may apply. If you sell something for more than you received the item, then the difference is a capital gain, and you’ll need to report that gain on your taxes. Your basis is usually what you paid for the item. It includes not only the price of the item but also any other costs you had to pay to acquire it.
In addition, money spent on improvements that increase the value of the asset, such as a new addition to a building, can be added to your basis. Depreciation of an asset can reduce your basis. The single biggest asset many people have is their home, and depending on the real estate market, a homeowner might realize a huge capital gain on a sale. The good news is that the tax code allows you to exclude some or all of such a gain from capital gains tax, as long as you meet three conditions. In most cases, your home is exempt.
You can find yourself exempt if you owned the home for a total of at least two years in the five-year period before the sale. Also if you used the home as your primary residence for a total of at least two years in that same five-year period or you haven't excluded the gain from another home sale in the two-year period before the sale. If you meet these conditions, you can exclude up to $250,000 of your gain if you're single, and $500,000 if you're married filing jointly.
If you sell an asset after owning it for more than a year, any gain you have is a "long-term" capital gain. If you sell an asset you've owned for a year or less, though, it's a "short-term" capital gain. How much your gain is taxed depends on how long you owned the asset before selling it.
Anyone with a lot of investment experience can tell you, that things don't always go up in value. They go down, too. If you sell something for less than its basis, you have a capital loss. Capital losses from investments, but not from the sale of personal property, can be used to offset <a href="https://www.propertyinsantacruz.com/blog/what-are-capital-gains/" target="_blank">capital gains</a> If capital losses exceed capital gains, you may be able to use the loss to offset up to $3,000 of other income. If you have more than $3,000 in excess capital losses, the amount over $3,000 can be carried forward to future years to offset capital gains or income in those years.
You'll experience a capital gain any time you sell a capital asset for more than you initially bought it. Just about anything of value could result in a capital gain, but it most often applies to assets such as homes, investment properties, stocks, bonds, and other securities.
Contact <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Ashford Realty Group</a> for all <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Colorado Springs homes for sale</a> and <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/new-homes/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Colorado real estate</a>.
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/sell-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Start Your Selling Journey Here</a>:
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-sell-a-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Does it Cost to Sell Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/3-things-to-know-about-pricing-your-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">3 Things to Know About Pricing Your Home</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/do-i-still-need-to-stage-my-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Do You Still Need to Stage Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-staging-tips-that-make-a-bigger-profit/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">5 Staging Tips to Make a Bigger Profit</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/6-questions-to-ask-a-real-estate-agent/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">6 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/what-to-know-about-home-inspections/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">What Sellers Should Know About Home Inspections</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-will-i-make-selling-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Will I Make Selling My House?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/is-a-cash-offer-always-the-best/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Is a Cash Offer Always the Best?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-to-choose-between-multiple-offers/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How to Choose Between Multiple Offers?</a>
2022-05-03T06:13:00-07:002022-05-04T07:20:10-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19950Is Buying a Home 'As Is' a Good Idea?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Is_Buying_a_Home_As_Is_a_Good_Idea.jpg" width="900" height="500" alt="Is Buying a Home As Is a Good Idea" title="Is Buying a Home As Is a Good Idea" style="margin: 11px;" />
Buying a home "As Is" has its pros and cons but, before deciding if this is the right option for you, you need to understand what "As Is" means. When the term "As Is" is used during a sale of property, most people would understand that the seller is unwilling to make any changes, updates, or repairs, what you see is what you get. This also usually means that the price that is set is the lowest the seller is willing to go.
Buying a Home "As Is" Explained<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-6176" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/simple-living-room-in-need-of-remodel--300x199.jpg" alt="Is Buying a Home "As Is" a Good Idea?" width="300" height="199" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" title="Is Buying a Home "As Is" a Good Idea?" />
A home being sold "As Is" means that the seller will not be making any repairs before closing and making no guarantees that everything in the home is in working or very good condition.
In a normal home sale situation, after the inspection is completed, the buyer can go back and request that maintenance or repairs be resolved before closing. Some buyers and sellers will agree to share the cost of the repair. However, when an agreement cannot be made this is the opportunity the seller has to back out of the deal with little to no penalty.
When purchasing a home "As Is", the seller is making it clear that there will be no negotiations regarding repairs, no matter how big or small. In situations like this, they may be required to make any mandatory disclosures concerning structural issues, electrical or plumbing problems, or even issues with pests or mold, but ultimately you are agreeing in advance that you are liable to correct these issues.
Buyers are still able to use an inspection contingency to back out of the deal should the home inspection shed some light on issues that the buyer is uncomfortable handling.
Does "As Is" Equal Big Problems?
A common misconception when a home is being sold "As Is" is that there is something major wrong in need of repair. However, this is not always the case. In fact, in some cases, only a portion of items are being included in the "As Is" such as the roof or HVAC, anything else is up for negotiations.
You may wonder why a seller would resort to selling a home "As Is" vs. making the repairs and selling the home in tip-top shape. While we can't cover all of the reasons, some of the most common are:
The Seller needs to sell quickly and doesn't have time to have the repairs completed.
The Seller may not be able to afford the repairs that need to be completed, regardless of how minor.
The home was a family members that have passed away and the family just wants it sold.
The Seller wants to avoid negotiations over repair concessions.
What Are the Pros and Cons?
As previously mentioned, when a seller is selling a home "As Is" they have already made their concessions in advance and the price they are asking is generally always less than you would normally pay. Of course, you could be walking into a lot more money in repairs than you bargained for. Let's examine the pros and cons of purchasing a home "As Is".
Pros
A Good Deal - Buying a home "As Is" could mean that you are paying substantially less for a home than you otherwise would. The amount of money you are saving on the home could pay for the necessary repairs or upgrades that you may want to complete.
Speedy Close - You are much more likely to close quickly due to not having to go back and forth in negotiations. Sellers that are selling the home "As Is" are sometimes in a hurry to sell, so they are not interested in dragging out the closing process.
Cons
Financing - Purchasing a home "As Is" could lead to issues getting the necessary financing or if you can get financing the terms may not be great. Depending on the condition of the property, lenders could see the home as a "fixer-upper" and a potential money pit that is too big of a risk.
Major Repairs - While you understood that there were repairs that need to be completed on the home and the home inspection does a good job of spelling out to you what all you are going to be tasked with repairing, the cost of the repairs still need to be budgeted for. Not all homes being sold "As Is" equal major repairs but, unfortunately, it is not uncommon. The savings you make on the cost of the house may be offset by the cost of the repairs.
The Wrap-Up<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-6179" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/signing-a-loan-for-a-home-purchase--300x138.jpg" alt="Is Buying a Home "As Is" a Good Idea?" width="300" height="138" title="Is Buying a Home "As Is" a Good Idea?" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
Finding a home you love and how you plan on paying for the home come hand in hand, you can't have one without the other. Buying a home becomes a bit more trying when the home is being sold "As Is" because securing a loan will ultimately be more challenging.
A home must meet minimum property requirements to secure most traditional mortgages. Depending on the type of mortgage will determine the requirements that must be met as these can vary.
The lender will go into detail about the loan and what requirements are necessary to secure your loan. You need to make sure you are aware of what conditional requirements must be met so that you know what you are up against. Examples of some conventional loan requirements are:
Working water and heating systems
Clean Drinking Water
Structurally sound roof and foundation
Electrical that is up to code
When you find a home that you love and want to pursue purchasing, if it is being sold "As Is" does not necessarily mean that all is lost. If the requirements for your conventional loan are not met, there are other types of financing available but, they are limited and may not be what you are willing to accept.
More Tips for Buyers
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-tips-on-making-a-competitive-offer/">5 Tips on Making a Competitive Offer</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-over-asking-price-should-i-offer/">How Much Over Asking Price Should I Offer</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/why-sellers-wait-to-review-offers/">Why Sellers Wait to Review Offers</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-a-homeowners-association/">Pros and Cons of a Homeowners Association</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/red-flags-to-look-for-when-buying-a-home/">Red Flags to Look for When Buying a Home</a>
2022-05-02T09:58:00-07:002022-05-02T11:05:53-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19948How to Check Your Home is Energy Efficient<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/How_to_Check_Your_Home_is_Energy_Efficient.jpg" width="900" height="500" alt="How to Check Your Home is Energy Efficient" title="How to Check Your Home is Energy Efficient" style="margin: 11px;" />
Energy efficiency has become a priority in our lives, people have become more consciences about energy efficiency, and the home should be a priority. There are many ways to measure your home's energy efficiency by conducting a home energy audit. It sounds overwhelming, but it's much simpler than you think.
Conducting a home energy audit assesses your home to determine how much energy your home consumes, where there are inefficiencies, and what fixes you should prioritize to save energy. Read on to review the main items that should be included in your home energy checklist.
1. Insulation<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-6254" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/insulation-of-attic-with-foam-insulation-cold-barrier-and-insulation-material-polyurea-spraying-300x200.jpg" alt="Insulation" width="300" height="200" style="float: right;" />
Proper insulation is imperative to controlling the overall temperature of your home. Whether the temperature outside is hot or cold, gaps in your insulation can cause your heating and cooling system to work much harder not only putting unnecessary wear on your heating and cooling system but, costing you more money with higher electric bills. Leaky windows are commonly blamed when it is the gaps in the insulation causing temperature discomfort.
When checking your home's insulation, you want to make sure that your walls are filled with insulation and do not show any signs of wear and tear. It may be necessary to replace your insulation, especially if you are living in an older home. Don't forget to check your attic and crawl space, they need plenty of insulation as well.
If you'd rather, hire a professional is always an option, they can perform an infrared/blower door audit to see where there might be issues in the insulation.
2. Heating and Cooling Systems<img class="alignleft wp-image-6279" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/dirty-clean-overhead-home-filter-which-is-important-to-change-as-recomended-for-good-air-quality-260x300.jpg" alt="Air Filter" width="149" height="172" style="float: right;" />
Air conditioners and heating systems should be professionally inspected once a year at a minimum. Heating and cooling your home make up at least 50% of your utility bill annually, so ensuring that the home's heating and cooling systems are energy efficient is essential to keeping your costs down.
Homeowners can plug leaky air ducts with duct tape, insulate ducts and pipes that are located in unheated spaces, and regularly replace air filters to maintain the integrity of the home's heating and cooling systems.
3. Home Appliances<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-6286" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/new-kitchen-appliances-being-delivered--300x156.jpg" alt="New Kitchen Appliances Being Delivered!" width="300" height="156" style="float: right;" />
Appliances consume energy whether or not they are in use or not, if they are plugged in, energy is being consumed. One way that a home can be energy efficient is by unplugging anything that is not in use, this mainly pertains to the smaller, easier-to-handle appliances. Connecting multiple appliances to one power strip will allow you to disconnect multiple <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/8-ways-to-make-the-most-of-a-small-kitchen/">appliances</a> at once for more efficiency and convenience.
Another way homeowners can reduce their carbon footprint is by updating their appliances that include the <a href="https://www.pilchuckheating.com/what-does-energy-star-mean/" target="_blank">ENERGY STAR</a> label. For an appliance to showcase the ENERGY STAR label, it has to meet specific performance and efficiency standards. ENERGY STAR appliances also feature an energy-saving mode that limits the amount of energy consumption when the appliance is turned off.
The refrigerator is the one appliance that is constantly running, wearing down its efficiency a lot quicker than your other appliances. An older refrigerator should be replaced with a newer more energy-efficient one. Homeowners can test the efficiency of their refrigerator by placing a piece of paper between the refrigerator door and closing it, then pulling the piece of paper out, if there is little to no resistance your refrigerator is likely overworking and no longer energy efficient.
<img class="alignleft wp-image-6289" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/evolution-of-light-bulbs-300x257.jpg" alt="Energy Efficient Light Bulbs" width="180" height="154" style="float: right;" />4. Lighting
The upfront costs of LED light bulbs can be a little pricey but, they are well worth the investment. If you aren't too excited to replace every bulb at once, pick one room at a time to get started until each room is updated.
LED light bulbs not only last longer than traditional light bulbs, but they also consume about 90% less energy. Even though you are spending more upfront for LED bulbs, you have more time between replacements.
More: <a href="https://www.migginsrealestate.com/blog/let-there-be-light/" target="_blank">Tips on Lighting Your Home</a>
5. Check for Air Leaks<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-6297" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/worker-opens-door-to-home-sweet-home-to-weather-strip-for-winter-in-condo-remodel--300x180.jpg" alt="Weather Stripping" width="300" height="180" style="float: left;" />
Take a walk around the inside and outside of the home to discover any leaks that may exist. Common places leaks are found indoors are around plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, and pipes. Outdoors you should look for cracks in the foundation or siding, windows, and doorframes.
Discovering any leaks and sealing them as soon as possible will keep your home energy efficient, if you ignore the leaks all of your hard work making sure your home is energy-efficient is going out the window.
Sealing doors and the frame with weatherstripping and caulking around window frames are simple ways that can keep your energy-efficient upgrade efforts well placed.
6. Water Heater<img class="alignleft wp-image-6298" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/adult-male-with-hand-on-newly-installed-hot-water-heater-230x300.jpg" alt="water heater" width="151" height="198" style="float: right;" />
Water heaters should be replaced after 15 years, if not a little sooner. Newer water heaters are insulated but, most that are more than 10 years old were not equipped with insulation. If your water heater is warm to the touch, you should insulate it with a water heater blanket. Water heater insulation can reduce heat loss by up to 45% and save you money on your heating bill.
Other ways to save on your energy, reducing your hot water usage taking shorter showers, reducing the water heater's temperature, or washing your laundry in cold water.
Conclusion
Energy efficiency is not only about saving you money or keeping your home comfortable, although they are the top reasons homeowners want to be energy efficient. Having an energy-efficient home will reduce your carbon footprint which is better for the environment and future generations.
More Tips for Homeowners:
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/4-ways-homeowners-are-saving-money-in-2022/">4 Ways Homeowners are Saving Money in 2022</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/8-ways-to-make-the-most-of-a-small-kitchen/">8 Ways to Make the Most of a Small Kitchen</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-ways-to-make-your-home-more-cozy/">5 Ways to Make Your Home More Cozy</a>
2022-05-01T09:51:00-07:002022-05-02T10:58:01-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19836May Festivals in Colorado Springs<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/May_Festivals_in_Colorado_Springs_.jpg" width="440" height="293" alt="May Festivals in Colorado Springs " title="May Festivals in Colorado Springs " style="margin: 11px; float: right;" />
Colorado Springs in May begins the uptick in a variety of festivals. Visitors from all over will head to The Springs to attend the festivities.
People have not only been cooped up during the winter months, but they are also finally venturing out from Covid-19 restrictions. Colorado Springs provides ample outdoor adventure and places to enjoy some relaxation, festivals allow visitors to enjoy the outdoors while being entertained.
Check out the upcoming May festivals in Colorado Springs and mark your calendar to attend, you won't regret it.
CILA World's Fair
The Colorado International Language Academy presents the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/colorado-international-language-academy/cila-worlds-fair/1216685282407131/" target="_blank">CILA World's Fair</a> to celebrate another school year in the books. The event will feature food trucks, cultural performances, music, a fashion show, vendors, games, and activities. This event is sure to be a fun-filled family affair packed with homemade treats, jewelry, and family resources.
Silent Disco & Food Truck Rally
Presented by the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, the <a href="https://manitousprings.org/silent-disco-and-food-truck-rally/">Silent Disco & Food Truck Rally</a> is held at the Soda Springs Park in <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/manitou-springs/">Manitou Springs</a> for an evening of fun and great food. The food trucks open for business starting at 4 pm - 10 pm, along with a variety of vendors, fun activities, and a beer/spirits garden. At 7 pm, the silent disco will begin, featuring 3 different DJs taking guests back in time to the '60s and '70s. Dance the night away and sing along to some of your favorite tunes.
719 Battle of The Food Trucks
The <a href="https://m.facebook.com/719BattleOfTheFoodTrucks/" target="_blank">719 Battle of The Food Trucks</a> is an event first with the hopes of continuing the tradition for years to come. Hosting this event is Phil Long Dealerships with proceeds benefiting the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center. Over 30 of Colorado Springs's favorite food trucks will be competing against one another in this friendly competition. Admission will include a sample from each food truck with their most loved, award-winning menu item. This is a family-friendly event that includes live music, community business booths, local vendors, games, face painting, and more. An excellent way to show your support to our cherished defenders, the veterans, and military communities while participating in fun family activities.
13th Annual MeadowGrass Music Festival
<a href="https://rockymountainhighway.org/" target="_blank">MeadowGrass Music Festival</a> is presented by Rocky Mountain Highway Collaborative that is held every year over the long Memorial Day Weekend. This highly anticipated music festival is the Pikes Peak region's kick-off to summer. Family and friends enjoy camping the entire weekend for the chance to listen to some of the best up-and-coming musical talents. Aside from music, the festival offers fun activities such as; workshops, yoga, a ropes course, and an archery range. Now included in the MeadowGrass Music Festival is the 4th Annual MeadowGrass Beer Festival. The festival will include a variety of vendors both food and retail. There are also several hundred acres of forest and historic buildings that guests are invited to explore. This festival takes place regardless of rain or shine. Seating is first come first served, so make sure to bring your chairs to find the perfect spot in the meadow. A fun-filled Colorado Springs-style festival to begin the festival season.
WCC 2 in 1 Fun
The Westside Community Center is hosting the 2 in 1 Fun event featuring a Flea Market and Community Picnic all in one. The event will feature a variety of food trucks and retail vendors for your shopping experience. There will be free to play carnival games with prizes, giveaways, and more. The Flea Market will run from 8 am - 2 pm, the Community Picnic will begin at 11 am, and the HSPPR Wellness Wagon will be available from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
The Wrap Up
While some of these festivals may not be of interest to you and your family, <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/">Colorado Springs</a> is constantly putting on a variety of events and festivals there is bound to be something that piques your interest. Take the time to open up to new experiences, if you haven't tried attending one of these festivals, give them a chance, you may find a new interest you never realized you had.2022-04-22T06:43:00-07:002022-05-18T13:18:09-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19835May Events in Colorado Springs<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/May_Events_in_Colorado_Springs_2022.jpg" width="440" height="300" alt="May Events in Colorado Springs 2022" title="May Events in Colorado Springs 2022" style="margin: 11px; float: right;" />
Spring is in full swing; Colorado Springs is bustling with activities and events that will attract the community to get out and enjoy. Colorado Springs is never lacking events providing the community an opportunity to be entertained, explore new things, or learn. May welcomes warmer, more mild weather perfect for planting, shopping at outdoor markets, exploring nature, or attending events.
Of course, popular holidays that land in May are celebrated, Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day are included in the events planned for May. There are plenty of opportunities for everyone to enjoy, no matter their interests or abilities. This is the perfect time to get out and enjoy what you already know and love or take the opportunity to explore new things and find something new to enjoy. Here are some popular events happening in May broken down by categories to make it easier to spot the events that pique your interest. Let's first get into the events celebrating Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day.
Holiday Events
38th Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta & Car Show - This event is a fun family event, so bring out the entire family for some fun-filled entertainment. The organized event is a fundraising endeavor to provide scholarship opportunities to under-served and under-represented students in the local community. The event features a car show, live music, food vendors, dancers, a kid's corner, & more, all while building cultural awareness.
Mother's Day Tea - McAllister House Museum is hosting an Afternoon Cream Tea in the carriage house featuring scones, finger sandwiches, and desserts. After enjoying the tea service, guests are invited to tour the oldest house in Colorado Springs.
Mother's Day Market - Goat Patch Brewing Company is saving the day for gift-giving procrastinators, they are holding the Mother's Day Market event featuring amazing local makers and artists perfect for finding a unique gift for your mom. The list of makers includes Moonchild Candle Company, Saturday Side Hustle, Hapke's Hortum, Encaustic Art by Shannon Mello, KB Sweet Treats, and The Honni Dew Boutique.
Mother's Day Shopping Event at G44 Gallery - G44 Gallery is happy to hold this special shopping event that features some amazing pop-up vendors. Some of the fabulous vendors feature Flowers by Christy Metz, a live painting demo by Rita Salazar Dickerson, J Star Jewelry, baked goods by Flour Child Cakes, teas by Wildflower Botanical Menagerie, and Becoming Poetry to create a personalized poem for your mom.
Art Events
Art Student Exhibition - Studio West Gallery will be hosting Pikes Peak Community College Student Art Exhibition. Opening the Student Art Show with a reception, the Student Jazz Ensemble performance, Art Show Awards Ceremony, and closing the show with Dance and Theater performances.
<img class="size-medium wp-image-6085 alignleft" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/happy-kid-in-nature-200x300.jpg" alt="May Events in Colorado Springs 2022" width="200" height="300" title="May Events in Colorado Springs 2022" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Kids Events
Kids Fest - Presented by The Resource Exchange of Ute Pass Cultural Center this event is ideal for young children to enjoy hands-on activities, enjoy a dance performance, participate in activities, and even have the opportunity to win prizes. The focus is on early childhood activities and is ideal for children from birth - to 5 years of age.
Nature's Classroom - Nature's Classroom is an ongoing event presented by Bear Creek Nature Center. Themes will change but, the experience remains the same. This event is ideal for children that are pre-k to Kindergarten, featuring a puppet show, discovery hike, and even a game of "Who-Dunnit?".
We Dig Dinosaurs - This event is hosted by Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center and is ideal for older children between the ages of 8 - and 12 years old. Each We Dig Dinosaurs will focus on a different type of dinosaur native to Colorado. This event is sure to be both fun and educational for all participants.
Youth Fishing Derby - Willow Springs Pond at Fountain Creek Regional Park is hosting this youth fishing derby for kids ages 5 to 15 years old. Participants will need to bring their rods, reels, tackle, and fishing bait for an opportunity to win prizes.
Animal Events
Seventh Annual Pikes Peak Birding and Nature Festival - Presented by Bear Creek Nature Center participants will be given the opportunity to discover new birds while promoting conservation and education.
Kentucky Derby Party - The Junior League of Colorado Springs is hosting a Kentucky Derby Party at The Gold Room. Guests will watch the derby in action and enjoy live music, a silent auction, and a few contests.
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-6087" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/young-woman-doing-yoga-exercises-on-yoga-mat-300x200.jpg" alt="May Events in Colorado Springs 2022" width="300" height="200" title="May Events in Colorado Springs 2022" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />Fitness Events
Goat Yoga - The Goat Patch Brewing Company and Rocky Mountain Goat Yoga are bringing back this popular event to enjoy some fun interactions with goats while getting a workout in. Once you've completed your workout, enjoy a beer at the Goat Patch Brewing Company.
Colorado Springs Fitness Expo - The fitness expo is presented by Hillside Community Center and will offer free live fitness classes, on-site health and fitness vendors, and on-site studios and fitness clubs available to sign you up to begin your health journey.
More on Colorado Springs
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/new-eats-in-colorado-springs/">New Eats in Colorado Springs</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/colorado-springs-most-historic-neighborhoods/">Colorado Springs Most Historic Neighborhoods</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/the-best-colorado-springs-staycation-spots/">The Best Colorado Springs Staycation Spots</a>2022-04-20T06:38:00-07:002022-04-24T07:43:02-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19737How to Stage an Empty House<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/How_to_Stage_an_Empty_House_.jpg" width="900" height="500" alt="How to Stage an Empty House " title="How to Stage an Empty House " style="margin: 11px;" />
When <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/sell-my-house/">selling your home</a>, staging is a successful method to entice buyers, allowing them to picture themselves living in your home. However, if you've already moved out of the home, your now empty home has nothing left to stage. You may feel it is no longer necessary to stage an empty house, but most realtors would advise against it.
Staging an empty house, you can rent furniture to fill the space with nice, new furniture bringing your rooms to life again. Unfortunately, renting furniture can be pricey and may not be in the seller's budget. While renting furniture would be ideal, some companies will require a minimum rental period, leaving you footing a bill even longer than necessary.
There are ways to stage a home without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for staging an empty house to make a bigger impact.
1. Focus on Rooms that Matter<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5895" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/kitchen-300x200.jpg" alt="How to Stage an Empty House" width="300" height="200" title="How to Stage an Empty House" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
Don't overwhelm yourself trying to stage every single room, it's not realistic. Spend your time focusing on rooms that matter to most home buyers. When you try to spread your limited resources through every room, you take away the focus on the spaces that should be your focal points.
The top three rooms that buyers focus on are the living room, master bedroom, and kitchen, so set your sights on drawing more attention to these rooms over all others. While these are the rooms you should focus most of your attention on, you can forget to do some general touch-ups in the other spaces as well.
<img class="alignleft wp-image-5896" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/a-woman-in-a-pink-jumpsuit-is-painting-a-wall-repainting-the-walls-200x300.jpg" alt="How to Stage an Empty House" width="186" height="279" title="How to Stage an Empty House" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />2. Paint and Quick Fixes
An empty house makes it easier to spot imperfections and bold colors, it is crucial to pay attention to detail and touch up where it's needed. Potential buyers want to picture their family living in your home, so you want to make sure that the walls are clean and visible cosmetic issues are taken care of.
Once your home is empty, take the time to go through each room make any necessary touch-ups, and add a fresh coat of paint. While moving your furniture out, someone may have accidentally bumped in the wall, creating a hole or small crack, make sure it is properly patched up. Giving your walls a fresh coat of paint will not only give your rooms a fresh, clean look but, it will give potential buyers a blank canvas to picture themselves living in your home.
When painting the rooms in your home, it is important to use neutral colors such as beige, whites, light grays, etc. Using neutral colors will give potential buyers a better opportunity to visualize their belongings in the home.
3. Focus on Curb Appeal<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4718" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/welcoming-front-door-entrance-painted-a-bright-yellow-300x200.jpg" alt="How to Stage an Empty House" width="300" height="200" title="How to Stage an Empty House" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
Curb appeal is important whether the inside is empty or not, but when a home is empty it serves as an extra incentive to entice potential buyers to take a closer look. Curb appeal is an important selling point on its own.
When most people think of curb appeal, they think of the landscaping, flowerbeds, and lighting. These are important components to curb appeal; however, most people may be surprised that the front door is equally important. A dull, boring front door can change the entire look of a home, so make sure that the front door draws the right kind of attention. Aside from a beautiful, natural wooden front door, popular colors that draw attention are a bright yellow, a bright blue, and red.
Now that the landscaping, lighting, and door have been taken care of, how does your home's exterior look? Take the time to inspect your home's exterior. Is your siding dirty and in need of a good cleaning? Does your siding need a few touch-ups or a fresh coat of paint? This is the time you want your home to shine, it's important to make sure the exterior of your home is clean and tidy.
4. Accessorize
Just because your home is empty doesn't mean you can't accessorize. Thoughtful placement of a picture, a few window treatments, or a couple of flower arrangements can brighten up a room and give it a little more life. Flower arrangements and plants don't necessarily have to be the living kind, they can be fake requiring a little less work trying to keep them alive or replacing old with new.
Contact <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Ashford Realty Group</a> for all <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Colorado Springs homes for sale</a> and <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/new-homes/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Colorado real estate</a>.
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/sell-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Start Your Selling Journey Here</a>:
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-sell-a-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Does it Cost to Sell Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/3-things-to-know-about-pricing-your-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">3 Things to Know About Pricing Your Home</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/do-i-still-need-to-stage-my-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Do You Still Need to Stage Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-staging-tips-that-make-a-bigger-profit/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">5 Staging Tips to Make a Bigger Profit</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/6-questions-to-ask-a-real-estate-agent/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">6 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/what-to-know-about-home-inspections/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">What Sellers Should Know About Home Inspections</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-will-i-make-selling-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Will I Make Selling My House?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/is-a-cash-offer-always-the-best/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Is a Cash Offer Always the Best?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-to-choose-between-multiple-offers/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How to Choose Between Multiple Offers?</a>
2022-04-18T09:14:00-07:002022-04-18T10:18:05-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19736Tips to Refresh Your Space<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Tips_to_Refresh_Your_Space_.jpg" width="900" height="500" alt="Tips to Refresh Your Space " title="Tips to Refresh Your Space " style="margin: 11px;" />
Spring has sprung and along with greeting spring comes a sense of renewal, organization, and cleanliness, no better time to refresh your space. Simple changes can quickly whip your space into shape, giving it a clean and fresh brand-new look.
Here are some tips that you can take to refresh your space.
Natural Light
Natural light is usually a quick, easy way to refresh your space, allowing natural light to brighten your rooms. Letting the sunshine light up your space will not only save you some money on your electric bill, but it will also enhance your mood. Welcoming in spring, there is no better time to pull back the curtains and lift the blinds.
Some homes are not equipped with many windows that can light up a room, there is a solution for that, fake it. Mirrors are an amazing asset to create more light in a room with little natural lighting, to begin with. Mirrors will not only reflect the natural light creating more light to brighten your room, as a bonus it creates the illusion of a bigger space.
Furniture Refresh<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5881" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/light-couch-in-the-room-300x200.jpg" alt="Tips to Refresh Your Space" width="300" height="200" title="Tips to Refresh Your Space" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />
The beginning of spring is a time when people will start storing their warmer decor and replacing them with lighter, brighter colors. Furniture should not be neglected. A simple slipcover can change the entire look of a room without having to buy a new couch. Keeping a few slipcover options handy that you can change out with the seasons is an easy way to lighten up a room.
Adding a light, a neutral color chair can also assist in setting the tone of the room without having a big impact on your pocketbook.
Natural Decor<img class=" wp-image-5882 alignright" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/beautiful-light-and-wooden-interior-of-kitchen-300x200.jpg" alt="Tips to Refresh Your Space" width="260" height="174" title="Tips to Refresh Your Space" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
Utilizing decor that is lightweight and made with natural materials such as wicker, light wood grain, or cotton curtains to keep it light and airy.
Store your heavier, darker throw blankets and replace them with lighter, summery throw blankets. Replace your decor items with woven baskets or nature-inspired accessories to invoke nature inside and out for a fresh, renewed feel.
Pops of Color<img class="alignleft wp-image-5885" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/colorful-cushion-throw-cozy-home-mood-200x300.jpg" alt="Tips to Refresh Your Space" width="144" height="216" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" title="Tips to Refresh Your Space" />
Spring is a great time to shed your home of dark colors that go along with winter, it's time to switch them out with lighter, brighter colors. While light, natural colors are usually what replace the dark, it doesn't mean all color has to be given up. Picking a bright color that enhances the spring season, such as oranges, pinks, yellows, purples, blues, and greens. Once you pick your favorite hue, select decor that will brighten your room, throw pillows, spring scented candles, or even decorative bowls.
You want to make a statement but, keep it subtle, you don't want to overdo it. Adding bright pops of color will not only give new life to your home but, it will be mood-lifting as well.
Plants<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5887" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/humidification-for-cultivation-of-house-plants--300x200.jpg" alt="Tips to Refresh Your Space" width="300" height="200" title="Tips to Refresh Your Space" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
Freshen up your home by adding a few plants, flowers, or herbs to a room bringing some of the outdoors inside. Plants will improve your mood, they give off a little extra oxygen and make a beautiful focal point.
Adding a few plants to your home doesn't have to be expensive, pick up a few bouquets of inexpensive flowers to brighten up a room in your home. If you are limited on space, but a few small herb plants on your windowsill.
Let's face it, some of us don't have a green thumb. If this is the case, a hardy plant that requires little attention such as an aloe plant or small cactus is an option. However, if you are not only lacking a green thumb and a black thumb is more what you are working with, consider a few plastic plants. While they aren't living, they still make for an excellent focal point.
Conclusion
Freshening up your home doesn't have to be expensive or even difficult to put in place. Take a little extra time to give your home a fresh new look.2022-04-17T09:11:00-07:002022-04-18T10:14:26-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19735Maintenance You Should Not Neglect When Selling Your Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Maintenance_You_Should_Not_Neglect_When_Selling_Your_Home.jpg" width="900" height="500" alt="Maintenance You Should Not Neglect When Selling Your Home" title="Maintenance You Should Not Neglect When Selling Your Home" style="margin: 11px;" />
When <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/sell-my-house/">selling your home</a>, you must keep up with regular home maintenance to keep potential buyers interested. Selling a home can be exhausting, especially when you're buying a home at the same time, just moving can be overwhelming. It is important to make sure you keep up with your home's maintenance while it's on the market not only to impress potential buyers but, to show that even though you are selling, you still love and care for the home.
Unfortunately, once your home hits the market doesn't mean you are done and can simply walk away without taking another look. Potential buyers want to see that a home was well-cared for and that they will not have more tasks to complete once they move in. The condition of your home can also affect the value of your home as well.
Yard and Sidewalks
A well-kept yard and sidewalk will help showcase your home, if your yard and sidewalk are overgrown or simply in disrepair potential buyers may drive by and not stop to take a look at the potential your home has to offer.
If you move out before the home is put on the market, your vacant home still needs to have a well-maintained yard and sidewalks, it may be best to hire someone to ensure the upkeep of your property. Your yard needs to be well-trimmed, free of tree limbs, leaves are raked, weeds are pulled, and flowerbeds are clean and tidy.
Having lights on timers so your house doesn't look dark all the time, is not only a way to keep your home looking nice but, it is also a safety feature. If your home is vacant, having lights on timers will make your home look occupied and deter thieves and vandals from taking an opportunity to take what they want.
It is also important to make sure that your mail doesn't overflow your mailbox, so make sure to either forward your mail or rent a post office box until you have moved into your new home.
Gutters and Roof
Whether you are selling your home or not, maintaining the roof and gutters on your home is imperative, if you don't the neglect can cause major, costly issues.
Clearing your gutters from leaves and branches will allow the flow of water from rain or snow to move away from the roof preventing damage to the roof. Downspouts should be placed and functional leading water away from your home. Potential homebuyers don't want to see puddling water around your home and drainage issues can also lead to expensive foundation issues.
Taking the time to examine your roof for potential issues is important to ensure that a pesky, undetected crack in the roof can cause water to leak through and infiltrate the interior of the home causing water damage and even mold if left untreated. Of course, the roof will be checked during the home inspection but, it's best to take care of issues before a home inspection.
Service Your Heating and Air
Routine maintenance of your <a href="https://www.pilchuckheating.com/" target="_blank">HVAC</a> includes regularly changing your filters and cleaning your ductwork. Homeowners that regularly attend to the upkeep of their HVAC system will have a longer-lasting system.
Vacuuming the exterior of the vents is an easy way to regularly tend to your HVAC but, not always enough, it is recommended that you have a professional service thoroughly clean your ductwork as well. Having your ductwork cleaned professionally at least once a year will keep your system performing at its peak capacity.
Do you have a fireplace you use as a heat source? Make sure that you have the flue properly deep cleaned to maintain the integrity of the fireplace. Even if you don't use your fireplace very often, you should have it cleaned due to birds tend to find the chimney a good place to make their home.
The air conditioner unit should also be checked professionally at least once a year to ensure that it is free and clear of any unwanted critters and that it is operating like a well-oiled machine. When the unit locks up or freezes in place when in use, the air conditioner will continue to try to work causing unnecessary wear on your unit.
Avoid Getting Unwanted Guests
Critters are very resourceful and when they find an opportunity to move in, they will. Take the time to walk around and inspect your home both inside and out for holes or cracks that need to be plugged.
Damaged siding or fascia can cause cracks or holes that give just the right amount of room for a critter to establish their new home and cause you some major headaches. Inspect your home for potential areas that need to be plugged and don't wait take care of it right away.
Stove and dryer vents are also a source of entry for unwanted guests, make sure that these are covered with a wire mesh to prevent critters from taking occupancy of your home.
Clean the Windows
Clean windows can make a huge impact on the look of your home. Make sure that you clean all around the windows, you want your windows to shine.
Dirty windows can deter potential <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/homebuyer-resources/">homebuyers</a> leaving them wondering what other areas of the home have been neglected. Continue to make those windows shine, keeping them free and clear of any build-up of dirt.
Wrap-Up
Properly keeping up with your home maintenance will determine how quickly you can sell your home and the price buyers are willing to pay you for your home.
Take the time to keep giving your home the attention it requires to make your home stand out creating more interest.
Contact <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Ashford Realty Group</a> for all <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Colorado Springs homes for sale</a> and <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/new-homes/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Colorado real estate</a>.
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/sell-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Start Your Selling Journey Here</a>:
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-sell-a-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Does it Cost to Sell Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/3-things-to-know-about-pricing-your-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">3 Things to Know About Pricing Your Home</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/do-i-still-need-to-stage-my-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Do You Still Need to Stage Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-staging-tips-that-make-a-bigger-profit/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">5 Staging Tips to Make a Bigger Profit</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/6-questions-to-ask-a-real-estate-agent/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">6 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/what-to-know-about-home-inspections/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">What Sellers Should Know About Home Inspections</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-will-i-make-selling-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Will I Make Selling My House?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/is-a-cash-offer-always-the-best/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Is a Cash Offer Always the Best?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-to-choose-between-multiple-offers/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How to Choose Between Multiple Offers?</a>
2022-04-16T09:05:00-07:002022-04-18T10:11:16-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19734Tips on How to Tackle Moving With Children<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Tips_on_How_to_Tackle_Moving_With_Children.jpg" width="900" height="500" alt="Tips on How to Tackle Moving With Children" title="Tips on How to Tackle Moving With Children" style="margin: 11px;" />
Moving can already be stressful, even overwhelming at times, but moving when you have children can make you feel like you're losing your mind. What steps can you take to ensure that your move is as smooth as possible, even with children in the mix? Here are some tips to minimize the chaos when you are challenged with moving with young children.
Let Them in On the Plans
Some parents may think that leaving their kids in the dark about their moving plans is the best route to take; however, this can cause undue stress for your children. Children tend to be much more perceptive than they get credit for, they are going to pick up on your stress and the sudden changes that are happening in their familiar space.
As soon as you have determined that you plan to move, let the kids in on the plans. A suggestion you might consider, take the family out for dinner at your family's favorite spot and start discussing the plans. These are children you're talking to so no need to get overly detailed, but if you are moving because of a job, tell them that and then point out something about the new town that they will be excited about, such as the great park in town.
Packing Their Boxes<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5860" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/happy-young-family-packing-or-unpacking-boxes-300x200.jpg" alt="Tips on How to Tackle Moving With Children" width="300" height="200" title="Tips on How to Tackle Moving With Children" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />
Consider the age of your children, if they are younger and will have a difficult time understanding why you are taking their toys away, you may want to consider having a friend or family member babysit away from the home while you begin packing their room. They may have a difficult time understanding that their toys are just being moved to the new house.
If your children are a bit older, you can make it fun for them, let them decorate their moving boxes, and then fill them on their own. This will not only allow your children to be creative but, also keeps them busy.
The Essentials
Everyone has essential items that they don't feel like they can be without for long, it's the same for kids. Give your kids one box and allow them to fill it with the essential items that they can easily access.
Make sure that their essentials do not end up in the moving truck, rather place their essential box in the car for the move to ensure it makes it to your destination. It will give them peace of mind and an extra sense of security, knowing that their essentials are with them on this journey.
Perfect Time to Purge<img class="size-medium wp-image-5861 alignright" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/box-of-donations-for-charity-of-used-second-hand-clothes-and-toys-on-the-stairs-300x207.jpg" alt="Tips on How to Tackle Moving With Children" width="300" height="207" title="Tips on How to Tackle Moving With Children" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
No matter what your age, moving is the perfect time to begin purging, for kids, it tends to be more difficult because they are mini hoarders by nature.
It's important that kids are involved in the purging process and feel okay with letting go of some of their items. You wouldn't want to get rid of something that may bring them comfort in the new home.
Take the time to go through their items and discuss if they still need the item or if they've outgrown it. Some kids may find comfort in donating some of their toys, books, or stuffed animals. Donating items will give your kids the opportunity to give what was once their prized possession to someone that needs it.
Proper Farewell
Allow your kids a chance to properly say farewell to people and places. Take pictures of important places and people, then create a memory book so they can look back at their beloved memories. Consider taking pictures of their room, school, friends, teachers, and more.
Make It Fun
If you are moving out of state, consider making it fun for your littles. Collect souvenirs along the way to document your journey. Take the time to make stops along the way to check out points of interest or landmarks.
Keep Up on Routines
This will be challenging at times, but sticking to routines is imperative to make moving a smooth transition. Making sure to stick with nap times and bedtimes will keep your child's mood happy, ultimately keeping you sane.
Important Documents
Don't forget to keep important documents such as birth certificates, transcripts, medical records, etc. in your own essentials box, not only to make sure they make it to your destination but, in case you need them to quickly register your child in school or medical emergency.
In Conclusion
Make sure to reassure your kids that the most important thing during this transition is that you are all together. make it a fun adventure everyone will enjoy.
Contact <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Ashford Realty Group</a> for all <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Colorado Springs homes for sale</a> and <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/new-homes/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Colorado real estate</a>.
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<a href="https://www.thebellteam.com/blog/what-is-luxury-real-estate/" target="_blank">What is Luxury Real Estate</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/3-things-to-know-about-pricing-your-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">3 Things to Know About Pricing Your Home</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/do-i-still-need-to-stage-my-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Do You Still Need to Stage Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-staging-tips-that-make-a-bigger-profit/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">5 Staging Tips to Make a Bigger Profit</a>
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<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-will-i-make-selling-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Will I Make Selling My House?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/is-a-cash-offer-always-the-best/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Is a Cash Offer Always the Best?</a>
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2022-04-15T08:58:00-07:002022-04-18T10:05:13-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19652Top Things to Look For When Buying a Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Top_Things_to_Look_For_When_Buying_a_Home.jpg" width="900" height="500" alt="Top Things to Look For When Buying a Home" title="Top Things to Look For When Buying a Home" style="margin: 11px;" />
When shopping for a home, buyers are going to have "must-haves" they will look for, but not all must-haves should be deal-breakers. We are going to dig into the most important things to consider when buying a home to ensure that you don't overlook things and later regret them.
Every homebuyer has their set of wants and needs but, some things can be worked around or added later, while other things are impossible to change. Homeowners need to make sure that their list of must-haves has the things that are unchangeable at the top of their lists.
Location
The location of the home is important for many reasons, a potential buyer needs to consider all of them. When shopping for a home, a buyer should determine a few potential locations they would consider living and stick with those locations. The location of the home is easily the most important thing to consider when buying a home.
When deciding on a location, ask yourself these questions:
How far will we have to commute to work/school?
How far away are shopping and entertainment?
How safe is the area?
Is the home on a busy street?
Of course, travel to and from work or school and shopping and entertainment is going to be a major thing to consider. The home you found that fits the bill will ultimately leave you unhappy if your commute is longer than you expect.
Safety is a major priority when considering a home, the house may be perfect but, if you are constantly concerned for the safety of your family because of high crime rates, is it worth it?
Price
Knowing and understanding your budget is imperative before shopping for a home. Homebuyers need to make sure that they are staying within their means and will be comfortable with the monthly mortgage payment.
It's easy to get carried away when you find the home that is perfect for you, but you won't get much enjoyment out of it if you are struggling to make those monthly payments.
During the current seller's market, houses are harder to come by, looking at homes that are lower than your maximum budget is a good suggestion. You want to have some negotiating room, so if you find a home at the top of your budget, there isn't much room to negotiate.
Size and Style<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5609" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/54683-stone-fireplace-in-living-room-300x184.jpg" alt="Open Floor Plan" width="300" height="184" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
When shopping for a home, most buyers have the style and size of the home that they want or need. What some buyers don't consider is what size home they will need in the future. If you are a growing family, you need to attempt to forecast what you will need in the future, you don't want to outgrow your home right after you move in.
If you love the concept of an open floor plan, you should consider the people in your household. While open floor plans are wonderful concepts, if you have a toddler or plan on having a toddler, open floor plans are not conducive for toddlers that will constantly need to be supervised.
Another thing to consider that is often overlooked is bedroom placement. If you are looking at a home that is all one level, it's easier to consider the bedroom placement. However, in a multi-level home, you need to put more thought into the placement of the bedrooms. You may love the idea of having the master bedroom on the ground level while all of the other rooms are upstairs until you have to get up multiple times throughout the night to take care of your little bundle of joy, trudging up the stairs repeatedly.
Property
Looking at the lot size of a home, buyers consider whether the size of the yard is large enough for their kids to play with or even enough room for their family pet. Will you have enough room to put a swing set? There is more you should consider when looking g at the outdoor space.
What else should you look for?
<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5607" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/girl-riding-her-bike-in-the-neighborhood-300x200.jpg" alt="Top Things to Look For When Buying a Home" width="300" height="200" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" title="Top Things to Look For When Buying a Home" />
Sidewalks - Does the street have decent sidewalks for your kids to have an extra layer of safety? Are the sidewalks inviting, encouraging families to take a stroll through the neighborhood?
Flat Lot - Is the home on a flat lot? Most homeowners find that their kids don't enjoy playing out in their yard or riding their bikes when they have a hilly, steep lot to encounter.
Sightlines - Are you able to easily keep an eye on your kids playing outside while cooking dinner?
Another thing to consider when looking at a property, the larger the property, the more you'll be paying in taxes.
Schools<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5610" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/back-to-school-empty-blackboard-and-yellow-school-bus-300x157.jpg" alt="Top Things to Look For When Buying a Home" width="300" height="157" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" title="Top Things to Look For When Buying a Home" />
If you are a parent, you'll want to take a good look at the schools your kids will be attending. Finding a home that you adore, in a nice neighborhood is great but, if the schools that are assigned to your kids are terrible, you should probably consider your options. Is private school an option? Would you consider homeschooling? Is there other magnet or specialty schools you can send your child to?
You need to take a good look at the school systems and your options.
You may find the perfect house that checks off all the boxes in the perfect neighborhood but, a school district that isn't up to par could make the entire deal go under.
Taxes and Cost of Living
The location you want to live in could make a huge impact on your taxes. Before deciding on a home or location, you need to take a good look at the taxes you'll be paying and how they will affect your overall costs.
Property Taxes<br />Local Sales Tax<br />Homeowners and auto insurance<br />Utility Bills
Depending on the location of the home, your homeowner's insurance could be higher. For example, if you live in a rural area a certain distance from a firehouse or have no fire hydrant nearby can drive your insurance costs up.
Conclusion
Homebuyers want to find the perfect home with all the bells and whistles, but some things can be temporarily sacrificed for a later home improvement. You want to focus on the things that are impossible or difficult to change when prioritizing your list of must-haves. Happy House Hunting!
2022-04-11T08:51:00-07:002022-04-11T10:00:51-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19655Pros and Cons of an Open House <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Pros_and_Cons_of_an_Open_House.jpg" width="900" height="500" alt="Pros and Cons of an Open House" title="Pros and Cons of an Open House" style="margin: 11px;" />
An open house is a set period, inviting potential buyers to view your home to consider for their future home. There are many advantages and disadvantages to an open house, sellers should review the pros and cons before deciding if an open house is best for them or even necessary. Your real estate professional will be able to assist you in deciding whether an open house is right for your situation.
Sellers that have a unique home or are in a popular, high-demand area would most benefit from an open house to create more competitive offers. On the flip side, if your home is in an area with similar homes on the market, an open house may not be beneficial.
Pros
It is s common misconception that an open house is necessary when selling your home. It is the opinion of some realtors that will discourage a seller from having an open house. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of having an open house.
Greater Visibility and Exposure -An open house can increase the foot traffic of potential buyers, which could mean more competitive offers in the current market. In the current housing market, homes are staying on the market long, an open house could reduce the time your home is on the market even further.
Advertising - While shopping for homes on the internet is the quickest way to look at a home, nothing compares to walking through the home itself. Other agents and brokers will encourage their clients to walk through your home during the open house to see if it is the right fit for them. The newspaper ads, internet ads, and street signs announcing the open house will promote more exposure and increases the number of potential buyers.
Feedback - During an open house, the seller's agent can collect both positive and negative feedback so that the seller can choose to make additional improvements that will potentially attract more potential buyers.
Showcase Your Home - An open house will allow the seller to showcase what their home has to offer that similar homes may not have.
Cons
Theft and Security - Surprisingly, most thefts happen during an open house. It is usually possible for the agent to keep an eye on everyone that enters the home at all times during the open house, opening up an opportunity for a thief to make a move. The risk for break-ins and vandalism also increases after an open house. Criminals will take advantage of the opportunity to freely explore your home and the security of your home, allowing them to plan their move.
Nosy Neighbors - Unfortunately, open houses can encourage the wrong kind of foot traffic. Nosy neighbors and visitors that are just curious, not even in the market to buy take away precious time and resources from actual interested buyers.
Sales Price - While an open house can potentially bring in more competitive offers, an open house has not been linked to a higher sales price.
Stress - Hosting an open house can add additional stress to the overall sales process. If you don't receive an offer that you are willing to accept, hosting more than one open house can send the wrong message to potential buyers, such as something is wrong with the home.
The Bottom Line
It is important to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of an open house with your real estate professional. Your agent should be able to determine if your home is a good fit for an open house, you don't want to waste your time or theirs. If your agent feels that an open house can increase your odds of getting you a better offer or a quick offer, it is likely the smart move for you.
Contact <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Ashford Realty Group</a> for all <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Colorado Springs homes for sale</a> and <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/new-homes/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Colorado real estate</a>.
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/sell-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Start Your Selling Journey Here</a>:
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-sell-a-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Does it Cost to Sell Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/3-things-to-know-about-pricing-your-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">3 Things to Know About Pricing Your Home</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/do-i-still-need-to-stage-my-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Do You Still Need to Stage Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-staging-tips-that-make-a-bigger-profit/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">5 Staging Tips to Make a Bigger Profit</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/6-questions-to-ask-a-real-estate-agent/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">6 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/what-to-know-about-home-inspections/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">What Sellers Should Know About Home Inspections</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-will-i-make-selling-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Will I Make Selling My House?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/is-a-cash-offer-always-the-best/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Is a Cash Offer Always the Best?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-to-choose-between-multiple-offers/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How to Choose Between Multiple Offers?</a>
2022-04-09T09:17:00-07:002022-04-11T10:23:20-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19654Red Flags to Look for When Buying a HomeWhen shopping for a home, it's easy to overlook red flags when you think you've found the home you desire, especially in the current market when the housing options are slim.
Sellers are going to have their home deep cleaned, updated, and staged to sell, with the help of their realtor or staging professional the sellers' home is going to look its best. The overall appearance of the home is going to look wonderful but, you need to make sure to take the time to check for some potentially major red flags.
Here is a list of red flags to look for when shopping for your new home.
Overwhelming Scents<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5512" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/set-of-candles-300x200.jpg" alt="Red Flags to Look for When Buying a Home" width="300" height="200" title="Red Flags to Look for When Buying a Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
When you first walk into a home you are considering buying, take note of the smells. Most homeowners will have a candle burning, a wax warmer, a plug-in, or something similar but, if the smell is overwhelmingly strong, you may want to consider what they are trying to hide.
Walking through the home, perform a sniff test in each room, take a deep whiff to determine if any smells could be related to mold, pet accidents, smoke, etc. Also, take the time to look closely at the walls, ceilings, and flooring for signs of damage, this will not usually be an easy task with freshly painted walls, possibly new carpet, or other flooring.
You should also take a deep whiff outside as well. If the neighborhood has a bad odor, you may want to pass on the home.
Foundation Issues<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5514" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/crack-in-foundation-of-house-300x225.jpg" alt="Red Flags to Look for When Buying a Home" width="300" height="225" title="Red Flags to Look for When Buying a Home" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />
Most homes will have a few hairline cracks from the house settling as it ages but, large gaps are a major red flag indicating issues with the home's foundation. Foundation repair is not a cheap fix, so you want to make sure that it does not need repair before making an offer.
Other ways that can indicate foundation issues, sticking doors or windows, visible cracks above window frames, and sloping floors. Uneven floors may be hard to pick up on, but if you take a marble with you to look at a home, set it on the floor and see if it rolls.
Take a good look at the windows and try opening a few, if the window frame is lopsided or difficult to open this could be a sign of foundation issues.
Neglected Routine Maintenance
When walking through a home, if you notice burned-out light bulbs, long grass, leaky faucets, or faded paint, it could be a sign that the homeowner has neglected the property.
If a homeowner cannot take the time to correct routine maintenance issues, consider what the home inspection will reveal.
Mold<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5515" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/black-mould-on-wall-closeup-300x300.jpg" alt="Red Flags to Look for When Buying a Home" width="300" height="300" title="Red Flags to Look for When Buying a Home" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
Checking for signs of mold, you can look under bathroom and kitchen sinks, as well as look around exposed pipes and drains. If there are noticeable black or grey spots this could be an indicator of more serious issues. You can also look around faucets and tubs for black spots or patches on the ceiling.
Bad Ventilation
Bad ventilation can cause a room to become a breeding ground for mold, the moisture never evaporates. You can identify poor ventilation issues by looking around the windows and on the walls for bubbled or peeling paint or condensation on the windows.
Water Damage
Is there a musty odor in the house? This could be a key indicator of water damage. If you don't readily see standing water on the property, take a good look at the wall and ceilings for water lines. Water lines probably indicate a leak or burst pipe.
You can also take a close look in the basement and laundry room for rust, water stains, or leaking.
Cosmetic Enhancements
Take time to lift area rugs to check for damage to the floor, stains, or pet damage is usually easily hidden by area rugs.
If a room has an accent wall, you may pay closer attention, it could be hiding other damage such as mold.
The Takeaway
When looking at a home, especially during a seller's market, you should do your due diligence and perform your home inspection. Take the time to analyze the home before making an offer. Some buyers are finding that to be competitive that they are having to waive contingencies and at times home inspections, so the more you inspect the home yourself, the better prepared you will be.2022-04-08T09:13:00-07:002022-04-11T10:17:35-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19653Pros and Cons of a Homeowners Association<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Pros_and_Cons_of_a_Homeowners_Association.jpg" width="900" height="500" alt="Pros and Cons of a Homeowners Association" title="Pros and Cons of a Homeowners Association" style="margin: 11px;" />
Homeowners Associations can have a significant impact on homeowners. Some homeowners find them beneficial while others find them intrusive. It's important to understand what a Homeowners Association is and its purpose to decide if you want to live in a neighborhood that is operated by one.
What is a Homeowners Association?
<a href="https://www.maxrealestateexposure.com/hoa-definition/" target="_blank">A Homeowners Association</a> is a community organization that is in place to manage a neighborhood by maintaining common spaces, ensuring that local regulations are followed, and allocating funds to maintain the neighborhood. In neighborhoods with an HOA, homeowners are automatically members of the association and are required to pay monthly or yearly dues to fund neighborhood improvements and maintenance. HOAs are run by an elected board of directors.
What Does a Homeowners Association Do?
There are three key tasks that a Homeowners Association is responsible for, they are:
Listening to Homeowners - The HOA is responsible for conducting meetings, taking polls, reviewing letters, or just speaking to homeowners to best serve the community and neighborhoods' common interests. Every homeowner should be heard, and it is the responsibility of the HOA to listen.
Establishing Rules - HOAs have rules in place that they enforce, otherwise known as covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). CC&Rs are created to keep the community in line with particular standards of home design, curb upkeep, and conduct.
Collecting and Allocating Funds - Community members are responsible for paying dues to fund the management, maintenance, and new projects. The HOA is responsible for collecting the dues owed by community members.
HOA Pros
Homeowners Associations vary in what they do, based on the covenants, conditions, and restrictions of the neighborhood.
Well-Maintained
A neighborhood with an HOA is going to have rules about the appearance of the community. The rules require homeowners to keep their lawns mowed and free of junk. The HOA is responsible for the upkeep of the common areas but, the homeowners are required to maintain their property, making sure that the sidewalks are free and clear of trash and yards are kept tidy.
Community Facilities<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5596" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/tennis-court-300x200.jpg" alt="Tennis Court" width="300" height="200" style="float: right;" />
Communities that have recreation facilities, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, playgrounds, and community centers are maintained by the HOA. HOAs tend to sponsor activities such as sports teams and children's activities utilizing the community facilities. Some HOAs will even offer frequent adult get-togethers to encourage neighbors to mingle.
Maintenance Free
Some HOAs will take care of cutting the grass, weeding the garden and flowerbeds, shoveling snow, and more. Potential buyers that don't have the time or no longer have the ability to handle maintaining their routine chores will look specifically for HOAs that will take care of these necessities for them. Maintenance-free communities are not often easy to find, but even if they don't offer a complete maintenance-free, they may offer some, such as snow removal from the sidewalks.
Resolve Disputes
A big perk to an HOA, is they run interference when feuding with a neighbor. When an issue arises with your neighbor, you can file a complaint with the HOA and they will make sure that the issue is resolved. They are there to help resolve the conflict and prevent future issues.
HOA Cons
Unfortunately, along with the advantages of an HOA, there are going to be some disadvantages, you just have to weigh the good and bad to determine if you can live with the rules of the HOA.
Fees
Most homeowners like the perks a community run by HOA offers, but there is a cost to those perks. HOAs usually charge a monthly or annual fee for operation and maintenance costs, this is additional costs over your mortgage. Homeowners need to understand that if they fall behind on the HOA dues, the HOA has the authority to foreclose on their home.
Cookie Cutter
Some HOAs have pretty stringent rules that can dictate what your house looks like, down to the paint color, what landscaping you're allowed to have, and even the type of decorations you put up. These stringent rules can make homes look the same, so if you don't like the cookie-cutter look an HOA-run community may not be the best place for you.
Loss of Power
Homeowners are automatically required to agree to the HOAs governing documents and bylaws. There are few avenues for homeowners to dispute rules they disagree with, aside from running for a position on the board or pursuing legal recourse.
Conclusion
As you can tell, HOAs do have plenty of advantages and disadvantages, homeowners need to consider if the perks they would get from an HOA are worth the loss of freedom and the costs associated with the HOA. Some HOAs are not as stringent as others, so take the time to evaluate the covenants, conditions, and restrictions of an HOA before making an offer on a home. You need to understand what you are agreeing to.
Contact <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/">Ashford Realty Group</a> for all <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/">Colorado Springs homes for sale</a> and <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/new-homes/">Colorado real estate</a>.
More Tips for Home Buyers:
Take a look at our newest listings2022-04-06T09:06:00-07:002022-04-11T10:12:32-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19536How to Make Friends and Meet People in Colorado SpringsMoving to a new city can be taxing, finding new friends and meeting people shouldn't be. Newcomers to Colorado Springs need not worry, this is a city that is not only welcoming to newcomers but, presents multiple opportunities to put yourself out there.
Colorado Springs is a city with constant activity throughout the year, it is a very active community. While outdoor activities are probably the most popular activities with plenty of nature to explore, there are plenty of other events for people with other interests.
Here are some excellent sources to help you in your journey to find friends.
Community Meetups
Community meetups are designed to invite people to join in various activities with common interests to form new connections and hopefully new friendships.
An excellent source to discover various meetups that may pique your interest is <a href="https://www.meetup.com/find/us--co--colorado-springs/">Meetup.com</a> if you can't find a group for you, you can always start a new one.
Some of the most popular meetup groups in Colorado Springs are:
Friendship is Therapeutic - This is a group designed for newcomers to the area, recently retired, people that work remotely, etc. Anyone that needs to find connections with people. Events vary from exploring the outdoors, game nights, fitness classes, meals, movies, and more.
Out and About Colorado - This is a group that is inclusive of outdoor activities, so if you're an outdoor enthusiast this may be the group for you. The group is welcoming to anyone, regardless of gender or sexual preference.
Springs Happy Hour - You guessed it; this is a group that explores different happy hour locations in the area. While they enjoy finding new locations, they do repeat some of their favorite locations as well.
Girls Night Out - This is a group designed just for women, whether you are married, single, young, or older, this group welcomes all women. The group puts on various activities in the hopes of creating bonds between other women.
<img class="size-medium wp-image-5189 alignleft" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/carpentry-students-asking-questions-at-practical-class-on-furniture-production-300x200.jpg" alt="How to Make Friends and Meet People in Colorado Springs" width="300" height="200" title="How to Make Friends and Meet People in Colorado Springs" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Get Creative
Discover a new craft or work on perfecting your current skills. Colorado Springs offers various workshops and classes to pique anyone's interest.
Woodcraft of Colorado Springs offers a variety of woodworking classes providing participants the opportunity to learn more about woodworking while creating beautiful wood items for the home.
Painting with a Twist offers fun guided painting projects with all supplies included in the cost. A great way to have fun and an opportunity to meet new people.
Gather Food Studio & Spice Shop offers cooking classes teaching basic cooking techniques and tips. These classes are full of fun and laughter.
There are plenty of other classes and workshops offered in Colorado Springs varying from art classes, acting classes, fitness and exercise, adventure and/or outdoor activities, and so much more.
Discover the Outdoors<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5190" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/friends-on-winter-holidays-300x200.jpg" alt="How to Make Friends and Meet People in Colorado Springs" width="300" height="200" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" title="How to Make Friends and Meet People in Colorado Springs" />
Colorado Springs offers plenty of hiking and adventure, there are clubs created to encourage people to get outdoors and try something new, like mountaineering, skiing, or photography.
Not everyone has an interest or ability to participate in more physical clubs, but there is no reason you can't enjoy nature. Local photography clubs allow photo enthusiasts to get together and gain valuable tips.
Skiing and mountaineering clubs offer the opportunity to get to know new people while learning different tips and knowledge about how to maneuver different types of terrain.
Giving Back to the Community<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5191" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/group-of-volunteer-planting-300x200.jpg" alt="How to Make Friends and Meet People in Colorado Springs" width="300" height="200" title="How to Make Friends and Meet People in Colorado Springs" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
What a great way to meet people while giving back to the community. Meet people with a similar, giving nature while improving the community and lives of others.
Making a difference in the community you now call home will not only make you feel better about your good deeds but, opens you up to meeting other wonderful people that are interested in keeping the community beautiful.2022-04-03T07:16:00-07:002022-04-03T08:18:26-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19507Colorado Springs Newcomer Guide<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Colorado_Springs_Newcomer_Guide.jpg" width="900" height="506" alt="Colorado Springs Newcomer Guide" title="Colorado Springs Newcomer Guide" style="margin: 11px;" />
Have you decided to relocate to Colorado Springs? Colorado Springs welcomes you with this newcomers' guide. Colorado Springs is a casual city that promotes the outdoors and for good reason, there is plenty of nature to enjoy.
Commonly referred to as the Olympic City, it is home to the United States Olympic Training Center. Athletes choose to live in Colorado Springs due to the thin mountain air. For those relocating to Colorado Springs from a lower elevation, you will need time to allow your body to get used to the thin air, especially if you have breathing issues such as asthma.
Weather<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5264" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/autumn-in-colorado-300x203.jpg" alt="Autumn in Colorado" width="300" height="203" style="float: right;" />
The weather in Colorado Springs overall is mild with high temps reaching the upper 70s to low 80s. However, the temps in Colorado Springs can fluctuate dramatically in just one day, even on days that reach high temps, by evening you are likely to need a sweater or jacket to take the edge off the cool evening temps.
October is when fall begins in Colorado Springs with mid-October usually welcoming the first snowfall of the season. Fall in Colorado Springs is covered in beautiful, vibrant colors perfect for hiking to enjoy nature's beauty.
The snowiest season in Colorado Springs is usually late winter and early spring with an average of 38 inches of snow each season. Surprisingly, March is generally the month with the most snowfall. Most residents in Colorado Springs love participating in winter sports, so they take advantage of the powdery stuff, skiing, ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing, and ice hockey are popular activities.
Education<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5265" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/education-background-300x200.jpg" alt="Colorado Springs Newcomer Guide" width="300" height="200" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" title="Colorado Springs Newcomer Guide" />
If you have school-aged kids, you likely want to focus on relocating to an area that offers good schools. <a href="https://www.cmsd12.org/">Cheyenne Mountain School District 12</a> is not only considered one of the best schools in the area but also ranked one of the best in the entire state. Located in the southwestern portion of Colorado Springs, the total enrollment is around 5,100 students with 85% of graduates moving on to college.
<a href="http://asd20.org">Academy School District 20</a> is located in the northern portion of Colorado Springs with approximately 25,000 students enrolled. The district boasts an excellent student-teacher ratio of 17 to one. Teachers can easily put more focus on their students and what they need to succeed. Academy School District offers a challenging curriculum with Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes to ensure academic excellence.
One of the oldest school districts in Colorado Springs is located in central Colorado Springs and includes the downtown area. The <a href="https://co02201641.schoolwires.net/">Colorado Springs School District 11</a> includes over 60 schools and alternative education opportunities providing excellent education to its students.
Colorado Springs is also home to several higher education colleges and universities. <a href="https://www.coloradocollege.edu/">Colorado College</a> is a private liberal arts school that has about 2,000 undergraduates seeking a degree in one of 42 majors and 33 minors. <a href="https://www.uccs.edu/">The University of Colorado - Colorado Springs</a> is a popular 4-year university with approximately 12,400 undergraduate students and 1,800 graduate students. Students attending UCCS are seeking degrees in arts and sciences, nursing and health sciences, business administration, education, public affairs, engineering, and applied sciences. Also, UCCS is home to several institutes including the El Pomar Institute for Innovation and Commercialization and the National Institute of Science, Space, and Security Centers.
Work<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5266" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/casual-man-working-with-printing-machine-300x200.jpg" alt="working" width="300" height="200" style="float: right;" />
Colorado Springs's economy is driven by the defense industry, high-tech industry, and tourism with the defense industry being the largest employer. A large portion of this industry includes the development of missile defense projects.
The high-tech industry comes in second to contributing to the Colorado Springs economy. This industry is centered on manufacturing electronic equipment, it has unfortunately been decreasing over the last few years.
Tourism is the third-largest industry to contribute to the Colorado Springs economy, it has also taken a hit, decreasing over the past few years due to the pandemic. The city should expect to see tourism increase once again with so many tourist attractions that encourage visitors to keep coming back.
The overall work environment is casual, usually with only certain professions, such as lawyers dressing up for the office.
Conclusion
Colorado Springs promotes getting outdoors, enjoying nature and it is not a city that is lacking in things to do. Newcomers are encouraged to visit some of the amazing parks in the area such as the Garden of the Gods. Hiking is hugely popular in the area as well, there are plenty of trails to explore, you don't have to do it all at once.
Explore the city, the downtown area has some amazing sites to see with plenty of history. Park your car and walk the streets of Colorado Springs to enjoy and take in your new home city.
Colorado Springs puts on annual events encouraging residents to get together for some fun-filled festivities and opportunities to meet new people.
Local restaurants and breweries can be found throughout the area, you are encouraged to get out and allow them to tantalize your taste buds.
After moving, you may find that you need some pampering, enjoy a spa day at one of the luxury spas to relax your muscles and start your new journey on the right note.
Once again, Colorado Springs welcomes you to your new home, we cannot wait to get to know you.2022-04-01T06:19:00-07:002022-04-01T07:22:12-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19508Best Community Workshops in Colorado SpringsColorado Springs has a consistent flow of workshops throughout the year, but which ones are considered the best?
Regardless of your interest, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Workshops not only give you the ability to learn new talents but, allow you to make connections, even friendships with new people.
Here is some insight into the best workshops in Colorado Springs that you should consider checking out.
Arts and Crafts<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5240" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/artist-child-painting-the-rainbow-on-canvas-300x200.jpg" alt="Best Community Workshops in Colorado Springs" width="300" height="200" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" title="Best Community Workshops in Colorado Springs" />
<a href="https://www.arworkshop.com/coloradosprings/">A/R Workshop</a> offers various projects in one location, wood, canvas, chunky knit, canvas, youth projects, and swap art are available options. This is the perfect location to hold group events, corporate or team building, birthday parties, bridal showers, and even virtual party kits. If you're not interested in a group activity, they even offer DIY-To-Go kits.
Painting with a Twist supplies participants with everything they need to complete their projects. You will receive the necessary instruction and guidance to complete your painting in this judgment-free zone, so whether this is your first time picking up a brush or you are practically an expert, everyone is welcome. This is the perfect place for a date night or fun activity with friends. Guests are welcome to bring their snacks and purchase an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage at the stocked bar.
<a href="https://brushcrazy.com/">Brush Crazy</a> offers a place for anyone to create through the art of painting no matter what your experience level. Brush Crazy will help with instruction, if necessary, or leave you to your vices. Painting projects can be completed on canvas, ceramics, wood, and more. Guests are welcome to walk in anytime or book an event. Brush Crazy is a fun place to get in touch with your creative side, you may be surprised by your creative ability.
<a href="https://www.kilroysworkshop.com/">Kilroy's Workshop</a> offers metalworking classes, blacksmithing, welding, and casting are taught to students beginning at age 9 and up. Kilroy's Workshop even offers welding certification test prep to hone in on your skills. You can even schedule group events or parties at Kilroy's Workshop.
<a href="https://littleglassart.co/">Little Glass Art</a> is a stained-glass studio offering fun classes for guests to create their unique masterpieces, learn stained glass restoration, and repair.
Food<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5241" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cooking-masterclass-for-children-in-the-kitchen-300x200.jpg" alt="Best Community Workshops in Colorado Springs" width="300" height="200" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" title="Best Community Workshops in Colorado Springs" />
<a href="https://www.gatherfoodstudio.com/">Gather Food Studio & Spice Shop</a> offers an inclusive cooking experience with plenty of learning, sharing, and doing. Guests can join in a cooking class or plan a group event. The goal is to have fun while learning new recipes and cooking techniques, even offering kids' classes. Make sure to take the time to visit the spice shop for various products that can elevate your food experience.
Le Petit Croissant offers French baking classes that are conducted in the home of the instructor, Leah. Leah desires to share her passion for French baking with others. She also runs a booth at the Farmer's Market and has a published cookbook available so that anyone can try their hand at French baking.
Fitness and Wellness<img class="size-medium wp-image-5242 alignleft" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/women-self-defense-technique-martial-art-300x200.jpg" alt="Best Community Workshops in Colorado Springs" width="300" height="200" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" title="Best Community Workshops in Colorado Springs" />
<a href="https://www.gardenofthegodsresort.com/wellness/">Strata Integrated Wellness Spa at Garden of the Gods Resort and Spa</a> is a one-of-kind wellness retreat restoring your mind, body, and spirit. The spa offers a combination of both Western and Eastern medicine with proven solutions in nutrition, fitness, meditation, mindfulness, coaching, and rejuvenating treatments.
<a href="https://defense.education/">Defense Education</a> is designed to empower women and teens with personal safety classes. These classes are ideal for those that have already experienced a violent event and want to learn how to better protect themselves or for those that believe that they are at risk to encounter a violent crime.
There are plenty of workshops and classes that are offered throughout Colorado Springs, it's just a matter of finding which ones are right for you. Attending these workshops will allow you to learn new skills, perfect skills you already know, and make new friendships. Don't hesitate to sign up for a workshop and begin a fun, new journey today.2022-03-31T06:23:00-07:002022-04-01T07:25:13-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19434Why Sellers Wait to Review Offers<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Why_Sellers_Wait_to_Review_Offers.jpg" width="900" height="506" alt="Why Sellers Wait to Review Offers" title="Why Sellers Wait to Review Offers" style="margin: 11px;" />
Sellers, at times, will decide to wait and review all offers at once versus as they come in, but why? More and more sellers have turned to this method of reviewing all offers at once. The reasons for sellers to go this route, are to make comparing offers much easier and drum up more competition.
How does a set review date affect the buyer and the seller? Let's dig into the details.
<img class=" wp-image-5072 aligncenter" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/serious-asian-businessman-important-conversation-with-male-employee-are-reviewing-resume-documents--300x200.jpg" alt="Why Sellers Wait to Review Offers" width="345" height="230" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" title="Why Sellers Wait to Review Offers" />
Offer Review Date
An offer review date is pretty self-explanatory, it is the date that is set by the seller to go over all offers they have received. It gives the seller more control to review all offers side by side to determine which offer is the right one for them.
However, it is important to acknowledge that just because a date is set to review offers does not mean that the seller is required to decide on that day. If an exceptional offer crosses the seller's path before the scheduled date, they can jump on it then and there. On the flip side, after reviewing all of the offers on scheduling day the seller is not satisfied with their options, they can continue to accept offers.
Sellers usually elect to set an offer review date in the hopes of creating more competition by giving buyer's the sense that there are multiple offers on the table. This could also encourage better offers that the seller may not have otherwise received.
Buyers can also benefit from an offer review date, taking away the pressure of submitting their offer quickly. This will allow the buyer time to tour the home, sometimes multiple times, to strategize to make the best offer.
How Do Sellers Decide on A Review Date?
When sellers are deciding on a review date, there are factors they should consider. Discussing with your real estate professional to determine the best review date is recommended, this is usually the end date for accepting offers.
A few days after listing your home is usually the ideal time to have your offer review date
Allow enough time to ensure that at least one weekend is included to allow for an open house
Consider your moving timeline
Take into account your listing agent recommendation based on the current real estate market
When Should a Buyer Submit Their Offer?
Submitting an offer is dependent on the buyer's preference, goals, timeline, and current market conditions. How willing you are to take a gamble, potentially ending up on the losing end.
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
Submitting An Offer Before the Offer Review Date
There could be less competition due to other potential buyers waiting until the offer review date to submit their offer.
The seller could accept your early offer before another offer is submitted and reviewed.
You could put an expiration date on your offer, enticing the seller to move forward with your offer before the review date.
Submitting An Offer After the Offer Review Date
Your offer would be reviewed after all other offers were already reviewed.
If the seller didn't get an offer they like or any at all, buyers making their offer after the review date could potentially get a good deal or at least what they offer.
Submitting An Offer On the Offer Review Date
Your agent could get a leg up obtaining information on early offers giving you a competitive edge.
You'd be giving yourself time to ensure that this is the right home for you and your budget, working with your agent to make an offer you can live with.
Cons
Submitting An Offer Before the Offer Review Date
Rushing your offer, you could realize that the home isn't the home you wanted or discover the sales price and terms aren't what you want to agree to.
If the seller sticks with reviewing all offers on the review date, you could find that you wasted your time strategizing an early offer that won't be looked at early.
Making an early offer, you would need to make sure that your offer is something the seller cannot refuse, this could mean paying more and leaving out contingencies that could cost you more in the long run.
Submitting An Offer After the Offer Review Date
Making an offer after the offer review date is a gamble, the seller could already agree to an earlier offer that was made before or on the offer review due date regardless if your offer was better.
Submitting An Offer On the Offer Review Date
The seller could accept an early offer before the offer review date without taking a look at your offer.
Conclusion
It's important to keep in mind that the offer review date is not a date that is set in stone, the seller can accept offers submitted before or even after the review date.
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/sell-my-house/">Sellers</a> that set an offer review date, usually want to drive up the competition giving them more options to choose from.
Buyers can take time to ensure that their offer is ideal for them and make ensure that this is the ideal home for them.
More Great Tips for Home Buyers:
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-over-asking-price-should-i-offer/">How Much Over Asking Price Should I Offer</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-tips-on-making-a-competitive-offer/">5 Tips on Making a Competitive Offer</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/steps-to-downsize-your-home/">Steps to Downsize Your Home</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/understanding-an-appraisal-gap-and-how-it-works/">Understanding An Appraisal Gap and How it Works</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/do-i-need-an-attorney-to-buy-real-estate-in-colorado/">Do I Need an Attorney to Buy Real Estate in Colorado?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/difference-earnest-money-down-payment/">What's the Difference Between Earnest Money and a Down Payment</a>?
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-important-benefits-of-an-hoa/">5 Important Benefits of an HOA</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-ways-to-beat-an-all-cash-offer/">5 Ways to Beat an All Cash Offer</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/10-things-to-put-on-your-final-walkthrough-checklist/">10 Things to Put on Your Final Walkthrough Checklist</a>
<a href="https://www.thebellteam.com/blog/young-people-are-the-biggest-buyers-in-high-end-homes/" target="_blank">Millennials are buying high-end homes</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/4-things-to-do-with-your-finances-right-now-if-you-want-to-buy-a-home/">4 Things to do with Your Finances Right Now if You Want to Buy a Home</a>
2022-03-28T09:40:00-07:002022-03-28T10:50:08-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19433How Much Over Asking Price Should I OfferWhen the housing market is in a seller's market, it is not uncommon to offer over the asking price to make your offer more attractive.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/How_Much_Over_Asking_Price_Should_I_Offer.jpg" width="900" height="506" alt="How Much Over Asking Price Should I Offer" title="How Much Over Asking Price Should I Offer" style="margin: 11px;" />
How Much Over Asking Price Should You Offer
Experts suggest offering at least 1% to 3% above the asking price when the competition is fierce. Depending on how the market is, this amount could require the offer to be even more than 3% to get the winning bid.
When a potential buyer is offering above the asking price, they have to keep in mind their budget, additional costs that they will be responsible for such as down payment, earnest money deposit, and closing costs. It's important that the buyer stays within their budget or know when to walk away.
How Much Over Asking Price is Too Much<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5061" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/closeup-house-model-over-the-sale-representative-offer-the-house-price-list-300x200.jpg" alt="How Much Over Asking Price Should I Offer" width="300" height="200" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" title="How Much Over Asking Price Should I Offer" />
Offering over asking price is not uncommon, especially in a competitive market. Ultimately, how much over asking you offer comes down to your budget.
While most experts suggest 1% to 3% over asking price, if you find yourself in a battle with competing offers, you may have to go over the standard 1% to 3%; if it's within your means.
Your real estate professional should be able to assist you in determining how much is too much to offer based on the current market, the location, and the property itself. They should be able to compare recently sold homes in the area to help you determine a reasonable offer that is within your budget.
Analyze the Homes Worth
When you are considering offering over the asking price, it's best to ask yourself questions to determine if you should move forward. What are you willing to compromise?
Location, location, location - Is the home in an area that's right for you?
Square Footage - Is the home size reasonable for what you need?
Is there a similar home nearby that you can pay less money for but, may need to give up something you want in return?
Can you find a home that needs updating but, you can pay less money for and make the updates yourself?
Buying a home over asking, you want to make sure that the home exceeds your expectations. Potential buyers will also have dealbreakers that will seal the fate of making an offer or not.
Avoid Overpaying
There are times when overpaying for a home is the only option to get the winning bid, however, there are ways to avoid overpaying altogether or reducing the amount that you are required to overpay.
This is one of the times you want your real estate agent to work for you. Have your agent pull comparable properties that recently sold in the area. By reviewing comps, your agent can help you determine a reasonable amount to offer that isn't too far beyond the threshold, requiring you to shell out even more money.
Other Options
There are other ways aside from paying over the asking price that can make your offer more attractive. Consider balancing out the overall offer to avoid paying too much over asking or paying over asking at all.
Beef up your Good Faith Deposit instead - Offering a larger good faith deposit shows the seller that you are serious about purchasing their home, The good faith deposit is still upfront money out of your pocket but, it goes towards the purchase price of the home vs. paying over asking price.
Cash Offer - If it is within your means a cash offer could come out as the winner. Sellers tend to be attracted to cash offers because there are fewer steps and loopholes they have to deal with.
Get Personal - Write a letter to the seller, explain why their home would be the perfect home for you and what you love about their home. Tugging a few heartstrings can make a world of difference, especially if the seller has a sentimental attachment to the home.
Limit or Do Away with Contingencies - During a seller's market, limiting the contingencies is imperative. Sellers will lean towards offers that don't require more time and money on their part. Appraisal and home inspection contingencies are still not out of the question but, dependent on how hot the market is, you still may need to consider leaving one or both of these out, if it's an option.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, buyers in a hot seller's market will more often find themselves in the position of needing to offer more than the asking price to be competitive with other offers. Being prepared and working with an experienced real estate professional to put you in the best position to make your offer outshine all others is key.
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/">Ashford Realty Group</a> would welcome the opportunity to put their expertise to work for you. Their experienced professionals will guide you through the entire home buying process. Contact them anytime for a free consultation on all <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/">Colorado real estate</a>. 2022-03-27T09:31:00-07:002022-03-28T10:40:42-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:194325 Tips on Making a Competitive Offer<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/5_Tips_on_Making_a_Competitive_Offer.jpg" width="900" height="506" alt="5 Tips on Making a Competitive Offer" title="5 Tips on Making a Competitive Offer" style="margin: 11px;" />
The low housing inventory and a high number of potential homebuyers have made competitive offers to outshine others necessary. To have the winning offer, doesn't necessarily mean that you have to have the highest offer. Potential homebuyers need to understand how to make a confident, competitive offer that stands out above all others once they find the home of their dreams. Here are proven successful tools that will help navigate you through the current competitive housing market and will give you a better chance of having the winning offer.
Pre-approval<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4957" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pre-approved-choice-mark-selection-status-option-concept-300x200.jpg" alt="Pre-Approved" width="300" height="200" style="float: right;" />
Getting a pre-approval for a mortgage is a crucial step to take before even shopping around for a home. A pre-approval not only prepares you to shop for homes within your price range but, it's also a way to tell sellers that you are serious and have the funds to pay for the purchase. A pre-approval takes out a potentially lengthy process that the loan process can take, locating and providing the required documentation that a mortgage company needs to approve your loan. Sellers want the reassurance that your offer will not fall through due to your funding not being secured before the offer is made.
<img class=" wp-image-4961 alignleft" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/couple-viewing-potential-new-home-with-female-realtor-300x200.jpg" alt="Realtor" width="352" height="234" style="float: left;" />Hire an Experienced Realtor
Take your time to shop around and find the right realtor for you, you should want an experienced realtor but, you also want someone you can confidently trust to work for you. Schedule buyer consultations with various realtors for an introductory conversation to find the right professional for you. However, hiring someone that you feel comfortable with is not all you should look for, you want someone that is reputable and has the expertise to maneuver and properly guide you into homeownership. An experienced agent will not only be familiar with the contracts, helping to protect your money and interests, but will also likely have a good working relationship with various buyers and seller's agents.
Move Quickly but, Don't Panic Buy<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4963" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/open-house-sign-house-for-sale-300x225.jpg" alt="Open House" width="300" height="225" style="float: right;" />
Buying a home in a competitive market, if you find a home that is the right fit, you need to make an offer quickly. While submitting your offer quickly is necessary for the current market, be prepared for when you find the right home. Understanding your financial situation and what you are willing to pay is imperative. When making an offer, you don't want to go in with all your chips on the table, you want some wiggle room in case you need to counteroffer but set a price limit and stick with it if it's meant to be, it will be. Another pro tip, review homes online and only attend open houses for homes you are seriously considering making an offer on.
Earnest Money and Down Payment<img class="size-medium wp-image-4970 alignleft" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/money-in-hands-300x200.jpg" alt="5 Tips on Making a Competitive Offer" width="300" height="200" title="5 Tips on Making a Competitive Offer" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />
Sellers want reassurance a buyer is serious and has money available to complete the sale. Buyers will usually submit an offer with an earnest money deposit, representing approximately 5% to 10% of the purchase price. The earnest money deposit will ultimately become part of the down payment at closing. More importantly, the down payment you're offering is usually between 5% and 20% of the purchase price. The larger the down payment the better. Unfortunately, a down payment could prove difficult or almost impossible for cash-strapped buyers. All is not lost when a down payment is not possible, there are options. Buyers can apply for a first-time homebuyer grant or down payment assistance program to help complete your offer.
Make a Strong Offer
There are a number of strategies that contribute to a strong offer, these strategies vary based on the location and the home you are attempting to buy. Let's break down some of the strategies that experts will refer their clients to use.
Waive Contingencies - a seller may be more willing to accept a buyers offer if there they aren't required to complete more time-consuming steps. Mortgage lenders require a home appraisal to be completed, so when an offer includes waiving a home appraisal it can really make the offer much more attractive. When a home appraisal is waived, the buyer should add an appraisal gap clause, so they don't get in over their heads. The appraisal gap clause will set an amount the buyer is willing to pay over the appraisal amount, so if the offer is for $500,000 and the appraisal is $475,000, the buyer would be responsible for paying the $25,000 difference unless the appraisal gap clause states differently.
Research and Construct a Tailored Offer - This is a good time for your agent to work some magic before submitting your offer. Your agent should find out if the seller has turned down other offers and if so, why? How quickly is the seller interested in closing? Knowing the answer to these questions can help you make a solid, strong offer by giving the buyer what they want.
Create an Emotional Connection - Write a sincere letter to the seller explaining why you are like the home and feel that it will be the perfect place for your family to make memories. Homeowners that have sentimental attachment to a home aren't too keen on selling their home to someone that is interested in completely changing the home or flipping it to resale.
Having an <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/about/">experienced Realtor</a> is key during a competitive market between knowledge and connections, a realtor can help seal the deal.
Contact us today for all <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/">Colorado Springs homes and real estate</a>. 2022-03-26T09:27:00-07:002022-03-28T10:31:11-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19431Colorado Springs Best Landscaping Shrubs<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Colorado_Springs_Best_Landscaping_Shrubs.jpg" width="900" height="506" alt="Colorado Springs Best Landscaping Shrubs" title="Colorado Springs Best Landscaping Shrubs" style="margin: 11px;" />
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/">Colorado Springs</a> can be a challenge for plants and shrubs to grow but, no one wants a boring landscape in front of their home. Homeowners want beautiful color and growth to present a welcoming feel, greeting visitors with open arms. It doesn't hurt to showcase their home, making it the envy of their neighbors.
Finding the right shrubs to showcase your home doesn't have to be difficult, especially with this guide to the best shrubs to plant in Colorado Springs.
Pawnee Buttes Sand Cherry
The Pawnee Buttes Sand Cherry is a hardy groundcover shrub with beautiful color. Ideally, the Pawnee Buttes Sand Cherry is planted on top of retaining walls or towards the front on flower beds with taller plants behind it.
In the spring, this plant produces masses of spring flowers that will make way for black cherries to produce in the summer. This plant is sure to attract wildlife. When fall comes around, the plant turns a bright red and purple which is nice to bring color to a normally drab season.
Panchito Manzinita
The Panchito Manzinita is a shrub native to Colorado, it is an excellent choice for shaded areas and does well in heavily forested lots you find in the Black Forest and Pikes Peak area.
This shrub is a semi-evergreen that is a spreading, low-growing shrub. It features glossy leaves that hold most of the year. In the spring, this shrub blooms small, white, urn-shaped flowers that will turn into red berries in the summer. When the shrub finally sheds its leaves, the plant stems that remain is a bright reddish-purple color.
Nanking Cherry<img class="alignright wp-image-4807" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/floral-natural-background-of-cherry-blossom-branches-200x300.jpg" alt="Cherry Blossoms" width="153" height="231" style="float: right;" />
A hardy plant well suited for the front range and foothills is the Nanking cherry, this plant handles the elevation well.
In the spring, the Nanking cherry produces an abundance of white to light pink flower blooms. When summer comes around, this plant will produce edible sweet and tart cherries that many people enjoy eating straight from the bush. Often, the cherries are a kid's favorite but not to worry if they don't enjoy the shrubs bounty, the birds will certainly enjoy the fruit that doesn't get eaten.
Diablo Ninebark
The Diablo Ninebark is the perfect plant that will last all four seasons. Its beautiful, unique burgundy-red foliage is attractive to any landscape.
In the spring, this plant blooms clusters of small, white flowers that contrast beautifully with the leaves. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the white blooms.
Dwarf Globe Blue Spruce<img class="alignright wp-image-4815" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/spruce-branch-winter-nature-spruce-needles-fluffy-christmas-tree-blue-spruce--300x200.jpg" alt="Spruce branch. " width="251" height="168" style="float: right;" />
The Dwarf Globe Blue Spruce is an excellent addition to a landscape, it keeps its round shape, keeping the pruning to a minimum. This is an excellent accent plant that stands out throughout all four seasons.
The pretty silvery-blue needles hold all year long, providing much-needed interest through the colder, winter months.
The Takeaway
Although there are several shrubs that grow well in Colorado Springs, adding color and beauty to your landscape throughout the seasons is a nice addition.
Hardy shrubs tend to fare better in the Colorado Springs climate, but just because they are hardy doesn't mean they need to be bland. Shrubs can add plenty of color to your landscape and as an added bonus attract wildlife.2022-03-25T09:25:00-07:002022-03-28T10:27:20-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:193118 Home Staging Mistakes to AvoidStaging your home is a critical step when selling your home, properly staging your home can increase foot traffic of interested buyers, as well as bring in multiple offers.
It's important to know staging mistakes that can easily be avoided to ensure you get the best outcome on the sale of your home.
Not Having a Plan<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4700" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/a-woman-staging-a-beautiful-modern-apartment--300x200.jpg" alt="8 Home Staging Mistakes to Avoid" width="300" height="200" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" title="8 Home Staging Mistakes to Avoid" />
You may think staging your home will be a breeze, especially if you have a good idea and attention to detail, however when it's your own home you are staging, it is recommended to call in a professional.
A professional stager will walk through each room of your home and provide you with a detailed list of items that need to be changed, updated, or repaired. They are not personally attached to the home and are experts in knowing what can make or break a sale.
Staging experts will provide detailed suggestions, help brainstorm ideas, and should be able to suggest appropriate professionals complete the recommended tasks if you choose not to do them yourself.
Jumping the Gun
Listing your home before it is move-in ready is a big mistake. Potential buyers don't want to view your home with work in progress.
Whether you are making repairs or improvements to your home, potential buyers can view this as a home that was not well cared for while you've lived in it, potentially costing you money with lower offers.
Not Taking Professional Photos<img class="size-medium wp-image-4701 alignleft" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/blissful-caucasian-girl-taking-photos-smiling-photographer-using-camera-at-home--300x200.jpg" alt="8 Home Staging Mistakes to Avoid" width="300" height="200" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" title="8 Home Staging Mistakes to Avoid" />
When listing your home, the photos displayed on listing websites need to "awe" potential buyers.
When homebuyers are viewing homes online, the first thing to catch their eye will likely be the photos listed. Photographs that are taken by a novice photographer could cause less foot traffic, if the photographs are not good enough potential homebuyers could keep scrolling past your listing to the next one.
Professional photographers with experience in real estate photography can capture the right angles and lighting to spotlight the wonderful aspects of your home.
Not Updating Dated Decor
Trends come and go, sometimes quicker than we'd like, making sure your home is updated with current decor can make a world of difference.
Updating home decor can give your home a fresh, new, clean feel making your home more attractive to potential buyers. Home decor could include removing wallpaper, changing out light fixtures and/or ceiling fans, updating your countertops, etc.
Regardless, of how big or small the home decor updates are, you must give your home a facelift if it is outdated.
Using Non-Neutral Colors<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1247" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/paint-300x225.jpg" alt="8 Home Staging Mistakes to Avoid" width="300" height="225" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" title="8 Home Staging Mistakes to Avoid" />
A common statement you will hear when getting ready to sell your home, paint your walls in neutral colors. Neutral colors may not be what you like but, it is truly one of the best staging recommendations you receive.
Painting your walls is one of the less expensive updates you can make to improve your odds of selling your home quicker. Buyers get discouraged when they encounter a home with bold colors that they are going to want to paint over, they don't want more work for themselves when they are already tasked with moving.
A fresh coat of paint will not give your home a fresh new look and neutral colors also allow potential buyers a better opportunity to visualize what their life will be like should they purchase your home.
Hanging Pictures the Wrong Height
You may be surprised how the wrong picture height can affect the look of a room, ultimately causing potential buyers to lose interest.
Most home staging professionals will encourage sellers to limit the number of personal items and decor that remains in the home but having a nice picture or two on the wall is not unfounded.
The magic number to remember when hanging art is 60, the ideal height for artwork is 60 inches from the center of the picture to the floor.
Lacking a Lived-In Feel
When selling your home you want your home to look well-polished and clean vs. cluttered and messy. However, there is a happy medium.
Staging your home, you may purchase fancy throw pillows but, you don't want them to look stiff, fluff them up, karate chop them if you need to. Place a throw blanket over the back of the couch to give it a cozy feel or hang a cute hat on a hook at the home's entry.
Furniture Placement<img class="size-medium wp-image-4702 alignleft" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cozy-living-room-of-grandmother-300x200.jpg" alt="8 Home Staging Mistakes to Avoid" width="300" height="200" style="float: right;" title="8 Home Staging Mistakes to Avoid" />
Common mistake home sellers make when staging their home is pushing furniture flush against the wall. Sellers tend to think that pushing furniture against the wall, it will make the room look larger, it can make a room appear smaller.
Large furniture such as a huge living room sectional is not ideal for home staging. Staging professionals will often encourage homeowners to either sell or store their large furniture and if necessary, rent something smaller and more accommodating for your room.
Homebuyers want to see a room that is welcoming and an excellent place for conversation, pulling furniture into a room will give a cozy and inviting feel.
The Breakdown
Time to break it all down. First and foremost, hire a professional to guide you in staging your home, it is well worth the money spent.
Cleaning, decluttering, and organizing your home are key when selling your home, it not only makes your home look more attractive but, it will help you in the long run when it's time to move.
Updating outdated decor and making necessary repairs prior to listing your home ensures that your home is move-in ready which is what homebuyers want but, can also reduce the risk of scrambling to make repairs as part of the sales contract.
Hiring a team of professionals to stage your home and identify impactful updates will create a move-in-ready experience that could inspire more buyers to make an offer.
Contact us at any time to get in touch with reputable and amazing home stagers in the <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="Colorado Springs real estate - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="">Colorado Springs real estate</a> area.
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/sell-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Start Your Selling Journey Here</a>:
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-sell-a-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Does it Cost to Sell Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/the-dangers-and-pitfalls-of-discount-brokers/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">The Dangers and Pitfalls of Discount Brokers</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-ways-to-sell-a-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">5 Ways to Sell Your House</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/3-things-to-know-about-pricing-your-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">3 Things to Know About Pricing Your Home</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/do-i-still-need-to-stage-my-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Do You Still Need to Stage Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-staging-tips-that-make-a-bigger-profit/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">5 Staging Tips to Make a Bigger Profit</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/6-questions-to-ask-a-real-estate-agent/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">6 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/what-to-know-about-home-inspections/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">What Sellers Should Know About Home Inspections</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-will-i-make-selling-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Will I Make Selling My House?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/is-a-cash-offer-always-the-best/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Is a Cash Offer Always the Best?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-to-choose-between-multiple-offers/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How to Choose Between Multiple Offers?</a>
<a href="https://www.parkcityrealtygroup.com/blog/5-things-you-must-do-before-listing-your-home/" target="_blank">5 Things You Must Do Before Listing Your Home</a>
2022-03-19T09:05:00-07:002022-03-28T10:53:33-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19310Renovations That Will Increase Your Home Value<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Renovations_That_Will_Increase_Your_Home_Value.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="Renovations That Will Increase Your Home Value" title="Renovations That Will Increase Your Home Value" style="margin: 11px;" />
Home renovations can not only improve your home's look, but renovations can also increase your home's value.
Some renovations are much more expensive than others, so understanding which renovations will retain their value and deliver the highest return on your investment is important before you begin.
The top renovation projects with the best return are listed below.
1. Replacing the Garage Door<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4790" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/townhouse-garages-300x200.jpg" alt="Garage Door" width="300" height="200" style="float: right;" />
Giving an outdated garage door a fresh coat of paint may not be enough to improve your home's value, a complete replacement may be the best option.
Replacing your garage door can bring new life to your home, it is likely well worth the investment. A simple garage door upgrade costs approximately $1,200 but can add almost $2,800 in resale value.
2. Add Stone Veneer
Replacing existing vinyl siding with manufactured stone veneer on the bottom third of the home is a pricey renovation. The average cost for a midrange home can cost just over $10,000; however, homeowners can recover around 92% at resale.
Updating the front of the home's street-facing, bottom third of the home can give the home a complete facelift.
3. Minor Kitchen Remodel<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4792" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/kitchen-countertop-and-backsplash-300x225.jpg" alt="Kitchen Updates" width="300" height="225" style="float: right;" />
Remodeling the kitchen tends to be one of the more expensive rooms to remodel in a home, but one of the most important. A kitchen is a place that everyone uses and wants to enjoy while in it. Potential homebuyers not only look for a kitchen to be functional, but they also want it to be a great place for entertaining.
Updating kitchen appliances t0 modern, energy-efficient appliances can be pricey but should provide a good return on your investment. You don't have to upgrade to the top-of-the-line appliances that are outside of your budget but, you don't want the cheapest either.
The kitchen countertops can bring new life to the entire kitchen, get rid of the old, and bring in the new. Granite countertops still tend to be the most popular option and can be expensive, consider granite tiles if you want to try to save a little money.
Kitchen cabinets can easily date a kitchen, consider upgrading them to give your kitchen a more modern feel. Kitchen cabinets don't have to be replaced in their entirety, making a few changes can give your cabinets a fresh new look. Refacing the cabinets with shaker-style panels can give your kitchen a new modern look or you can work with what you have. Painting your kitchen cabinets can save you the cost of refacing the cabinets and still give you a clean, modern look. Consider replacing the hardware on your kitchen cabinets, updating the handles can give your cabinets a clean, sleek look.
Replacing the kitchen sink is a great way to give your kitchen a clean, new feel. A popular trend is to replace your kitchen sink with the one basin, farmhouse sink. While this type of sink is currently the popular trend, it's probably best avoided. It has been found that two basin sinks are more desired for functional purposes.
Updating the kitchen floor can wrap up the kitchen remodel, wrapping up the space with a fresh, new clean feel.
While even minor kitchen remodels can be expensive, homeowners average approximately a 72% return with a minor kitchen remodel.
4. Siding<img class="size-medium wp-image-4793 alignleft" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/bright-tropical-yellow-siding-shutters-and-light-with-a-blue-sky-backdrop-300x200.jpg" alt="Renovations That Will Increase Your Home Value" width="300" height="200" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" title="Renovations That Will Increase Your Home Value" />
The siding on a home can make a home look old and outdated, replacing the siding may be the best option if cleaning it still makes the home look old and dilapidated.
In an average home, replacing 1,250 square feet of new fiber-cement siding, the average cost is around $19,500 but, you can expect to get a return of a little over 69% of your investment.
Another more budget-friendly option, replacing your siding with vinyl siding. The average cost to replace a 1,250 square foot home with vinyl siding is $16,576 with a return of around 68% on your investment.
5. Vinyl Windows<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4794" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/worker-in-the-installing-new-windows-in-an-house-with-a-new-window-in-the-home-renovation-living-300x200.jpg" alt="New Windows" width="300" height="200" style="float: right;" />
Replacing old windows is a must-do when it comes to home renovations. Replacing old windows will not only give your home an updated look, but it will also save you energy.
Potential homebuyers don't want to see old, leaky windows when looking at a home. Most homebuyers are looking for a move-in ready home, they don't want to add more to a to-do list once they move in.
On average, homeowners can expect to recoup around 69 percent by replacing their windows.
In Conclusion
Take a good look at the inside and outside of your home, if you were looking at a home similar to yours what would deter you from making an offer on this home?
Consider what appears to be outdated or looks dingy. A fresh coat of paint, new flooring, updated appliances, and fixtures can make a home look almost new again.
Homebuyers want to see a home that was loved and well-cared for, so take the time to invest in your home.2022-03-18T09:02:00-07:002022-03-19T10:05:31-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:19309How to Perfect Your Home's Curb Appeal<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/How_to_Perfect_Your_Homes_Curb_Appeal.jpg" width="900" height="600" alt="How to Perfect Your Home's Curb Appeal" title="How to Perfect Your Home's Curb Appeal" style="margin: 11px;" />
Curb appeal is an important aspect when selling your home and spring is the best time to give your home more curb appeal.
When deciding to sell your home, you want potential buyers to see the outside of your home and want to see more.
Here are some things you can do to increase your home's curb appeal.
Flowers and Plants<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4714" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/unrecognizable-person-waters-flowers-and-plants-with-hose-in-home-garden-300x194.jpg" alt="How to perfect your home's curb appeal" width="300" height="194" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" title="How to perfect your home's curb appeal" />
Planting new flowers and plants not only adds an extra layer of foliage and color but, can make your yard appear larger.
Adding flowers along your walkway leading to your front door will give an inviting appearance. Planting fragrant flowers will give visitors a lovely aroma as they make their way to your front door.
<img class="size-medium wp-image-4715 alignleft" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/lawn-mower-on-green-grass-in-a-modern-garden-lawn-mowing-machine-gardening-300x200.jpg" alt="Lawn Mowing" width="300" height="200" style="float: right;" />Well-Maintained Yard
A well-maintained yard is an important element for great curb appeal. Making sure your yard is well-kept and tidy will indicate to potential buyers that you care about your home.
Aside from planting new plants and flowers, there are many other ways to give your home more curb appeal. A freshly mowed and trimmed lawn will give your yard a well-manicured look.
Taking time to pull weeds, trim back overgrown bushes, and add fresh mulch can boost curb appeal. Any bare areas in your yard should be re-seeded to promote new growth.
Outdoor Lighting<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4716" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/close-view-of-limelighted-energy-saving-solar-powered-lantern-gl-300x200.jpg" alt="How to perfect your home's curb appeal" width="300" height="200" style="margin: 11px; float: left;" title="How to perfect your home's curb appeal" />
Lighting is not only welcoming but also a safety measure as well. Lighting placed around the outside of your home will make your home shine.
A porch light makes your home feel more welcoming and adding solar lighting along your driveway and walkway leading to the front door will help guests navigate their way at night.
<img class="size-medium wp-image-4717 alignleft" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/number-1-0-5--300x135.jpg" alt="House Number" width="300" height="135" style="float: right;" />Easily Identified House Number
Walk away from your home, across the street, or stand near the road, can your house number easily be seen? If not, it's time to correct that.
When placing your house number, make sure that there will not be anything
ng blocking the numbers from easily being seen. You will want to ensure that trees, shrubs, porch railings, etc. are clear from blocking the house number.
The position of the house number is also very important. Numbers that are placed horizontally are easier to read than when they are placed vertically.
Ideally, when placing your house numbers, they are best placed beneath a porch light where they will be illuminated at night.
Front Door Enhancements<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4718" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/welcoming-front-door-entrance-painted-a-bright-yellow-300x200.jpg" alt="How to perfect your home's curb appeal" width="300" height="200" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" title="How to perfect your home's curb appeal" />
The focal point of your home's exterior should be your front door; therefore, you want it to stand out and look its best.
Take a good look at the color of your front door, consider painting it a color that will stand-out like a rich red or green. If painting your front door, color is not an option you want to go with, consider staining the door if it's looking old or dilapidated.
Consider polishing the hardware on the door, the handle and door knocker should shine. Add a seasonal wreath to make your home appear more welcoming.
Exterior Maintenance<img class="size-medium wp-image-4722 alignleft" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/roof-of-a-house-showing-gutter-and-gutter-guard-protection-against-leaves-home-maintenance-225x300.jpg" alt="gutter" width="225" height="300" style="float: right;" />
While your yard, trees, shrubbery, and lighting are important to your home's curb appeal, the upkeep of the exterior maintenance is crucial.
Potential homebuyers pulling up to your home may initially be attracted to your home with a well-manicured lawn, beautiful flowers and plants, and a front door that stands out but, if they notice a gutter hanging or chipped paint around the windows, they may turn away before giving your home a chance.
Walk around the entire outside of your home, check for chipped paint, missing or damaged shingles, or siding in need of repair. These are items you want to ensure look their best before listing your home for sale.
Most homebuyers will want to know the condition of the roof and when it was last replaced. Having a home inspection these are items that an inspector will address but, it is a smart move to do your due diligence and inspect the roof and gutters yourself.
Make sure that the gutters are free and clear of anything that could be blocking the path of water flow, ensure that the downspouts are in good condition and are properly placed.
Take a good look at the outside of your home. If you pulled up to your home, would you be excited to get out to take a closer look? The outside appearance is more important than most people think, homebuyers tend to walk away from a home that isn't appealing to the eye at first sight.
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/">Ashford Realty Group</a> has a team of professionals to help you discover ways to give your home more curb appeal. Contact their office for a free consultation and begin your home selling journey.
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/sell-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Start Your Selling Journey Here</a>:
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-sell-a-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Does it Cost to Sell Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/the-dangers-and-pitfalls-of-discount-brokers/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">The Dangers and Pitfalls of Discount Brokers</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-ways-to-sell-a-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">5 Ways to Sell Your House</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/3-things-to-know-about-pricing-your-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">3 Things to Know About Pricing Your Home</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/do-i-still-need-to-stage-my-home/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Do You Still Need to Stage Your Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-staging-tips-that-make-a-bigger-profit/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">5 Staging Tips to Make a Bigger Profit</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/6-questions-to-ask-a-real-estate-agent/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">6 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/what-to-know-about-home-inspections/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">What Sellers Should Know About Home Inspections</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-will-i-make-selling-my-house/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How Much Will I Make Selling My House?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/is-a-cash-offer-always-the-best/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Is a Cash Offer Always the Best?</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-to-choose-between-multiple-offers/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">How to Choose Between Multiple Offers?</a>
2022-03-17T08:58:00-07:002022-03-19T10:02:43-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:18698Steps to Downsize Your Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/7_Steps_to_Downsize_Your_Home.jpg" width="1000" height="563" alt="7 Steps to Downsize Your Home" title="7 Steps to Downsize Your Home" style="margin: 11px;" />
There are many reasons people decide to downsize, no matter the reason, downsizing can be an amazing experience, freeing yourself of excess items.
For some downsizing can be a difficult task, especially if there are belongings that have been passed on from previous generations.
Here are some tips to get you through downsizing your home and letting go of items that are just taking up space.
1. Start Early and Pace Yourself<img class="size-medium wp-image-4494 alignright" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/young-smiling-woman-organizing-clothes-sitting-on-the-bed-at-home-200x300.jpg" alt="7 Steps to Downsize Your Home by Ashford Realty" width="200" height="300" style="float: right;" title="7 Steps to Downsize Your Home by Ashford Realty" />
To avoid feeling overwhelmed by the task of downsizing, the earlier you start the better. Generally, three months is the latest you want to wait to get started.
Reducing clutter will not only help you downsize but, will also better prepare your home when you're ready to sell. There are several different organizational methods to help with this process.
One-a-Day - Commit yourself to getting rid of one item a day or if you are really up for the challenge get rid of the number of items that correspond with the date. For example, on the 3rd of the month get rid of 3 items and so on.
Four-Box Method - Only allow yourself four options, keep, donate, trash/recycle, or sell. By limiting your options, you will have fewer items to find a home for or put in storage, which you want to avoid.
Closet-Hanger Method - Face all closet hangers away from you, once an item is worn, turn the hanger towards you. After six months, any clothes that are still facing away, sell or donate.
KonMari Method - This is a method created by consultant Marie Kondo, she has an amazing Netflix Series, Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo. She has families take on clutter by category (clothes, books, sentimental items, etc.). She encourages you to pick up the items and if that item is no longer "Sparks Joy" it's time to get rid of the item.
2. Take on One Room at a Time<img class="size-medium wp-image-4495 alignleft" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/kitchenware-storage-drawers-in-kitchen-300x200.jpg" alt="7 Steps to Downsize Your Home by Ashford Realty" width="300" height="200" style="float: right;" title="7 Steps to Downsize Your Home by Ashford Realty" />
The idea of downsizing your entire home can feel overwhelming, making the process easier on yourself by starting one room at a time. Attempting to jump from room to room, you are more likely to give up and failure is not an option when attempting to downsize.
Making a plan will allow you to work on one project at a time and feel like you are achieving your goals. Break down your projects and keep to a schedule, you may even want to alternate them by having a more difficult or time-consuming task with a less time-consuming task.
Examples of tasks are:
Go through games and DVDs
Clean out the "Junk Drawer"
Narrow down your shoes, decide what to keep and what to donate
Trim down your clothes
Clean out your dresser drawers
Match up containers and pots and pans with their lids.
Organize small kitchen gadgets.
3. Measure Your New Space<img class="size-medium wp-image-4496 alignright" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/lovely-large-living-room-with-low-upholstered-sofas-300x200.jpg" alt="Lovely large living room with low upholstered sofas" width="300" height="200" style="float: right;" />
It will be easier to determine what you keep, based on your new space. Unfortunately, you may not already have your new space selected but, you should consider getting rid of items you know that you will not need.
If you are planning to move into a smaller home, the large sectional currently taking up space in your living is likely not going to fit in your new space. The China cabinet putting your fine China on display is likely not conducive to your new home.
Downsizing from a larger home with multiple living areas could mean that you have duplicate furniture that no longer has a place in your new home, this is the time you want to eliminate excess furniture.
4. Pass Down Sentimental Items<img class="size-medium wp-image-4500 alignleft" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/antiques-and-collectables--300x264.jpg" alt="Antiques and Collectables!" width="300" height="264" style="float: right;" />
Sentimental items that you were hoping to keep in the family, start asking family members if they are interested in the item early and schedule a time to pick up or drop off at its new home.
Unfortunately, there will be items that you've held onto hoping to keep in the family that no one wants to take possession of. When there will not be room in your new home and no one in the family wants or has room for it either, consider selling it and putting the money in a savings account to pass down at a later time.
Some items that no longer have a home, you have a sentimental attachment to that you are having a hard time letting go of. A unique way to keep the memories close take pictures of the items before selling or donating them, create a photobook or your family's memorabilia.
5. Digitize Documents<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4501" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/versatile-hard-drive-300x199.jpg" alt="Digitize Documents" width="300" height="199" style="float: right;" />
It's amazing how quickly paper accumulates, so while your decluttering, take the time to scan and organize paper documents into digital files.
Scanning documents such as old tax documents and shredding the paper files will clear up space in no time. You must back up all files on a separate drive.
There are some documents that you need original copies of and wouldn't want to scan and shred, documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, social security cards, etc. you will want to keep the original document. Make sure these items are kept in a safe space.
6. Repurpose Items
Hanging onto items you just don't have the heart to let go of can be challenging, especially if your new space does not account for it. There are some things you can repurpose, so they have a use, and you have a purpose for the item.
Examples of repurposing items are:
Turn old t-shirts and/or jerseys into a quilt
Utilize an old dresser by turning it into a bookshelf
Turn an old hope chest or toy chest into a bench with storage
Convert your kids or grandkids' most-prized works of art into wall art
7. Bring in Back up
Downsizing and decluttering is not only a lot of physical work, it can tug at your heartstrings as well. If you fear you aren't going to be able to complete the job to the full extent, call for backup.
Calling friends or family that you trust to handle your possessions and make decisions that are in your best interest is a smart decision on your behalf. Having someone help you get through your most sentimental possessions will help you overcome the challenges you would face without a reasonable, listening ear.
Some people will opt to hire a professional to assist with downsizing. There are pros and cons to hiring a professional, the professional will not have any attachment to the items in your home and will direct you in the right direction. A professional is someone you don't know and may not be as sensitive to your desire to keep certain items.2022-03-14T05:18:00-07:002022-03-14T06:20:52-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:18697April Festivities in Colorado Springs<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/">Colorado Springs</a> always seems to have a myriad of festivities and events going on each month, April's theme is Easter. Of course, Easter Egg Hunts are the main event, there are other Easter-themed activities as well.
What events will you choose to participate in?
<img class="aligncenter wp-image-4483" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/happy-easter-scrabble-300x200.jpg" alt="Happy Easter" width="416" height="279" style="float: right;" />
Easter In the Park!
Easter In the Park! at Deerfield Park is scheduled for April 2nd, 2022, from 10 am - 1 pm. This event is sure to be fun for the entire family.
The kids can get their faces painted or enjoy jumping around in the bounce house. Among the standard Easter Egg Hunt, there will be egg races and sack races.
Enjoy decorating Easter eggs, enjoying some tasty treats and some hot cocoa.
If you are planning on heading to this event, you will want to reserve a time slot to make sure you get a photo op with the Easter Bunny.
PPCM Big Spring Soiree<img class="size-medium wp-image-4486 alignright" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/funny-boy-with-eggs-basket-and-bunny-ears-on-easter-egg-hunt-in-sunny-spring-garden-300x200.jpg" alt="Easter Egg Hunt" width="300" height="200" style="float: right;" />
This is the first annual PPCM Big Spring Soiree presented by the Children's Hospital Colorado along with community partners El Pomar Youth Sports Complex, One Body Ent, and Solid Rock CDC.
PPCM Big SpEring Soiree will take place at the El Pomar Youth Sports Park on Saturday, April 2nd from 9 am to 12 pm.
Activities will include an Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Egg decorating, games, and more. There will be a visit from the Easter Bunny.
The Soiree will have multiple vendors, food trucks, and Easter baskets available for sale.
El Paso County 4-H Easter Egg Hunt
El Paso County 4-H will be having their Easter Egg Hunt on April 9th at Kit Carson Riding Club from 10 am to 1 pm. All proceeds will go toward the youth in the horse project.
Activities will include an Easter Egg hunt, cute animals, prizes, and concessions. There is a small cost of $5 per course to participate in the egg hunt.
An excellent time to spend with friends, families, and animals.
Easter Eggstravaganza
The Easter Eggstravaganza is held at the Colorado Springs Flea Market from 6 am to 3 pm on Saturday, April 16th. A day of family fun, candy, and activities.
Of course, there is plenty of shopping and discoveries that can be found while shopping at the flea market.
<img class="size-medium wp-image-4485 alignleft" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/easter-cookies-300x200.jpg" alt="Easter Cookies" width="300" height="200" style="float: right;" />Surprise Easter Bunny Basket Cookie Decorating
Sweet Addict Bakery will be holding a Surprise Easter Bunny Basket Cookie Decorating class on April 16th from 1 pm to 3 pm. Each participant will receive step-by-step instruction to create the sweetest bunny-filled baskets.
The bakery invites basic and intermediate level decorators to participate. Each participant will decorate 6 cookie baskets - filled with M&Ms.
If you are interested in creating these bunny-filled baskets, make sure you call to reserve your spot soon.
2022 He Has Risen Race<img class="size-medium wp-image-4484 alignright" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/people-running-in-a-marathon-community-event-300x200.jpg" alt="5K" width="300" height="200" style="float: right;" />
The He Has Risen Race is happening around the world, anyone can participate, at their own pace. This event begins at 7 pm on April 16th and will end on April 30th. Early registration is $16 instead of the regular $18.
Participants can choose the length of their race from 1 mile, 5K, 10K, 13.1, or 26.2 for any level racer.
Bible race events will have 15% of the proceeds donated to Operation Underground Railroad. What is Operation Underground Railroad?
Operation Underground Railroad is an exceptional organization that united with world experts work together to end child slavery. The OUR's Ops Team consists of former CIA, past and current law enforcement, and highly trained operatives that lead coordinated identification and extraction efforts.
Once victims are rescued, there is a comprehensive process that continues, including justice for perpetrators, and recovery and rehabilitation for the survivors begins.2022-03-12T06:16:00-07:002022-03-14T06:17:54-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:18696Colorado Springs Best Performing Arts<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Colorado_Springs_Best_Performing_Arts.jpg" width="1640" height="924" alt="Colorado Springs Best Performing Arts" title="Colorado Springs Best Performing Arts" style="margin: 11px;" />
Colorado Springs has always had a colorful history that includes performing arts. The city offers numerous performing arts venues with various shows year-round.
Whether you are looking, for a good laugh, watch a play, or listen to music, Colorado Springs has venues that offer it all, no matter what you are looking for.
Let's review some of the top-performing arts you can find in<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/"> Colorado Springs</a>.
<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4416" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/coming-soon-marquee-sign-300x71.jpg" alt="Coming Soon Marquee Sign" width="300" height="71" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />
The Millibo Art Theatre
The Millibo Art Theatre is located in the Ivywild neighborhood. The theatre offers various types of plays and performances throughout the year.
This is a community theatre that relies on community support, volunteers, and proceeds to continue its wonderful work.
Millibo offers summer camps for ages 4 to 18, encouraging participants to express themselves through theatre, movement, music, improv, circus, and the visual arts.
Stargazers Theatre and Event Center
Built in 1969, the Stargazer Theatre and Event Center was built as a United Artist Cinema. The theatre was renovated in 2008, updating the heating and cooling, the sprinkler system, plumbing, and electrical. The entire interior was cleaned, buffed, polished, painted, and improved.
Stargazers provide opportunities for local, regional, and national performers to showcase their talents. There is even space in the foyer for visual arts displays.
The Stargazer Theatre and Event Center has a full schedule of musical talent from a variety of genres for everyone to enjoy.
Springs Ensemble Theatre
Springs Ensemble Theatre is a proud member of the Colorado Theatre Guild, producing live theatre in collaboration with artists throughout the Colorado Springs area.
The mission of Springs Ensemble Theatre is to tell diverse stories on stage, explore problems and choices central to the human condition. They believe that theatre should engage its audience and build community by exercising the conscience, entertaining the mind, and inspiring the imagination.
Live productions include Lovesong, Life Sucks, The Revolutionists, and more.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4415" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/ready-for-the-show-300x200.jpg" alt="Ready for the show" width="300" height="200" style="float: right;" />
Originally established as the Broadmoor Art Academy in 1919, the Fine Arts Center has provided over 100 years of innovative, educational, and multidisciplinary arts experiences.
The Fine Arts Center of Colorado College offers world-class art, Broadway-worthy theatre, and arts education for all ages and abilities.
Equipped with a museum to showcase fine art, theatre and performing arts, and art classes for students to explore their creative side.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College truly has something for everyone. Whether you want to be involved in creating art or supporting the individuals that do, everyone is welcome.
Pikes Peak Center
Pikes Peak Center was built in 1982 in downtown Colorado Springs to provide regional entertainment. It was built in its downtown location as a part of an economic revitalization strategy.
The Center is praised for its design and acoustical qualities and hosts over 200 performances annually. Pikes Peak Center hosts numerous musical talent performing in both concerts and musicals, some plays and ballets grace the stage as well.
The location of Pikes Peak Center is perfectly surrounded by wonderful restaurants and fine dining but, Pikes Peak Center also offers a banquet-style pre-show dining experience as well.
Red Herring Productions
Red Herring Productions has offered murder mystery entertainment since 1985. This is family-friendly entertainment that takes place at one of three venues, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Briarhust Manor, or History Colorado Center.
While Red Herring Productions has three venues to choose from, they also can be hired to entertain private parties as well and bring the entire production to you.
Cosmo's Magic Theater<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4414" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/top-hat-and-a-magic-wand-300x200.jpg" alt="Magic Show" width="300" height="200" style="float: right;" />
Cosmo's Magic Theater is a production of magic provided by none other than Cosmo himself. Cosmo is internationally known by his peers, he has performed privately for heads of state, celebrities, and leaders in business and industry, his shows will not disappoint.
Productions are broken down into two separate shows, a kid's show and Magic for Grown-Ups.
The kid's show is filled with plenty of laughs and what most kids enjoy is the interaction that some audience get to have by being asked to help out on stage. This show is a matinee, designed for children ages 3 and up.
The Grown-Ups show is the perfect after-dinner show for ages 13 and up. This show is filled with the more sophisticated style of magic, such as mind-reading.
Conclusion
There are plenty of venues and entertainment options in Colorado Springs for everyone to get out and enjoy the arts and continue to support the local performing arts. You just have to decide what you're in the mood for.
More Great Things About Colorado Springs!
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/the-best-colorado-springs-staycation-spots/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">The Best Colorado Springs Staycation Spots</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/best-coffee-shops-in-colorado-springs/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Best Coffee Shops in Colorado Springs</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/best-dog-parks-in-colorado-springs/" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Best Dog Parks in Colorado Springs</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/new-eats-in-colorado-springs/">New Eats in Colorado Springs</a>
2022-03-11T06:14:00-07:002022-03-14T06:16:17-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:18695New Eats in Colorado SpringsColorado Springs is full of adventure, art, history, entertainment, and dining, which recently includes new dining establishments to eat a meal. This city has experienced rapid growth in recent years and along with population growth, new businesses have been popping up as well.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/New_Eats_in_Colorado_Springs.jpg" width="400" height="225" alt="New Eats in Colorado Springs" title="New Eats in Colorado Springs" style="margin: 11px; float: right;" />
While the pandemic has put a strain on businesses, Colorado Springs has welcomed several new dining establishments to the area. Whether you need a quick bite or want to sit down and enjoy the ambiance, there are a variety of new dining options to choose from.
Let's dig in.
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger has started to stretch beyond the California borders bringing their fast-food chain to many other states including Colorado Springs.
Visitors to In-N-Out Burger will enjoy the So-Cal take on burgers, fries, and milkshakes that are raved about.
Bring the family in for a diner-type atmosphere or just drive-thru for a quick pick me up, either way, In-N-Out Burger will not disappoint.
<a href="https://chippycos.com/" target="_blank">The Chippy</a><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4365" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/fish-and-chips-300x199.jpg" alt="Fish and chips" width="300" height="199" style="float: right;" />
The Chippy brings the taste of authentic British cuisine to Colorado Springs. Fish-n-chips is probably one of the most popular British cuisines that everyone should try.
While the menu at The Chippy is simple with only two fish choices, Cod or Haddock, the prices are right, and the food is excellent.
There are plenty of items to peruse while waiting on your freshly made meal with store-type shelves filled with other popular British favorites.
<a href="https://www.eatbirdcall.com/" target="_blank">birdcall</a>
birdcall is a dining experience you don't want to miss, serving 100% all-natural chicken and nutrient-rich salads. All of their ingredients, down to the spices are locally sourced.
The food is not only amazing but, there is no mystery meat or frozen and shipped from across the country. birdcall utilizes local vendors and farmers to provide the freshest, best quality food while supporting local businesses.
Families can feel good about feeding their families at birdcall knowing that the food is all-natural and that they are supporting their neighbors.
<a href="https://greatbritish.net/" target="_blank">The British Food Company</a>
The British Food Company offers both British and Irish pub-style favorites. The restaurant portion of The British Food Company offers brunch, lunch, and dinner dining options, as well as tea options. It's rare to find a British person that doesn't enjoy a spot of tea.
The pub offers a variety of drink options ranging from beer on tap, bottled beer, cocktails, mimosas, spirits, and wine. The British Food Company is continuously offering a variety of specials, so make sure to keep checking back to take advantage of the specials you'd enjoy.
Live music is scheduled regularly for additional entertainment and there is a tv schedule for planned soccer matches.
<a href="https://redlegbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Red Leg Brewery</a><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4367" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/eats-sign-on-the-side-of-an-outdoor-food-truck-300x209.jpg" alt="food truck" width="300" height="209" style="float: right;" />
Reg Leg Brewery is a veteran-owned and operated brewery, the perfect place for community gatherings. Hang out with friends or even meet new friends playing a game of washers or just socializing.
There is not a restaurant at the Red Leg Brewery but, they do have some of the best food trucks on a rotating schedule to provide food options. What a great way to support veterans and local businesses.
<a href="https://www.icons-co.com/" target="_blank">Icons</a>
Icons is an exclusive gay piano bar offering a variety of beverage options from beer to cocktails with a fun take on the names of beloved famous people.
The owners of Icons, Josh and John wanted to create a positive and inclusive place for the LGBTQIA community to express themselves freely in a safe environment.
Icons offer a small dining menu consisting of all-beef or vegan hot dogs, these are not your standard hot dogs though. They are loaded with some of your favorite meats, cheese, garnishes, and condiments, named after the cities they were designed for.
Additional food options are available such as a Charcuterie board, warm nuts, Jessica dip (queso dip), and a few other small options.
<a href="https://www.tejoneatery.com/" target="_blank">Tejon Eatery</a>
Tejon Eatery offers a little bit of everything, consisting of 10 restaurants, 2 full-sized bars, and The Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum, it would be difficult to not have something for everyone.
Here are the 10 restaurants to choose from:
Big City Deli - New York Style Deli
Burgerbomb - Hand Crafted Stuffed Burgers
Fresh Twist - Fresh Salad and Juices
Mac Out - Everything Mac-n-Cheese
Crispy Chic - Everything Chicken
boi - Raman and Dumplings
Taco Taco - Street Style Tacos
5 Star BBQ - St. Louis Style Ribs
Sam's Ice Cream and Candy Shop
Pies on Tejon - Pizza
Tejon Eatery has plenty of good food and entertainment for everyone to enjoy and have the opportunity to socialize with friends or even meet new friends.
<a href="https://thebeergardencos.com/" target="_blank">The Garden</a> <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4368" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/happy-chef-or-seller-cooking-at-food-truck-300x197.jpg" alt="Food Truck" width="300" height="197" style="float: right;" />
The Garden is a beautiful craft beer garden featuring local beer, signature cocktails, and rotating food trucks.
The atmosphere of The Garden is a relaxing, low-key space for community gatherings. Large community tables bring the community together to enjoy each other's company, share laughter and conversation.
The Garden is a wonderful space to hold an event, listen to music performed by local artists, and just relax in a low-key atmosphere.
<a href="https://godsmarketandcafe.com/" target="_blank">Garden of the Gods Market and Cafe</a>
Garden of the Gods Market and Cafe serves excellent breakfast, brunch, and lunch options, even catering to people in a hurry with grab-n-go options for a healthy meal option.
The restaurant is committed to serving Colorado-crafted food, made with clean ingredients. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available to accommodate all of their guests.
<a href="https://www.ivywildkitchen.co/" target="_blank">Ivywild Eateries</a>
Ivywild school was turned into a community marketplace offering various restaurants and bakeries. Visitors can choose from Detroit-style pizza from Decent Pizza Co, Empanadas from Lazo Empanadas, All-American burgers at Ivywild Kitchen or enjoy the fresh flavors of a salad if that's more your speed.
If you are interested in a cold, adult beverage Bristol Brewing Company or Axe & Oak Whiskey House are available for the perfect cocktail or a cold brew.
There are many newer establishments that <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/colorado-springs/">Colorado Springs</a> has welcomed to town. Now is the time to pamper yourself a bit, enjoy friends and support local restaurants.
More Great Things About Colorado Springs!
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/the-best-colorado-springs-staycation-spots/">The Best Colorado Springs Staycation Spots</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/best-coffee-shops-in-colorado-springs/">Best Coffee Shops in Colorado Springs</a>
<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/best-dog-parks-in-colorado-springs/">Best Dog Parks in Colorado Springs</a>2022-03-10T06:04:00-07:002022-03-14T06:13:46-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:18580Colorado Springs Spring Break Activities<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Colorado_Springs_Spring_Break_Activities.jpg" width="1000" height="563" alt="Colorado Springs Spring Break Activities" title="Colorado Springs Spring Break Activities" style="margin: 11px;" />
Spring break is quickly approaching, families are looking for fun, budget-friendly activities that the whole family can enjoy. While families are starting to venture out more, they don't have to go too far, Colorado Springs has a wide variety of fun-filled, inexpensive activities that the entire family can participate in.
Now is the best time to start planning, here are some of the best spots to visit during spring break in Colorado Springs.
Peterson Air Force Base and Space Museum<img class="alignleft wp-image-3933" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/astronaut-on-the-moon-with-flag-behind-and-earth-rising-air-force-museum-dayton-ohio-unique-job-work-300x225.jpg" alt="space museum" width="212" height="158" style="float: right;" />
Take the family on a tour of the Peterson Air Force Base and Space Museum. This is a fun, free activity for the entire family to enjoy. The tour includes the Medal of Honor Park, the site of the first Colorado Springs municipal airport, and a collection of buildings. Perhaps the most exciting part of the museum is the aircraft collection consisting of sixteen aircraft and nine rocket missiles.
Cave of the Winds<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3934" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/lighted-footpath-in-cave-300x200.jpg" alt="Cave Tour" width="300" height="200" style="float: right;" />
Cave of the Winds tour is an excellent family affair. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the history and geology of the cave. The tour is approximately 45 - 60 minutes, the guided tour includes 15 rooms, a 1/2 mile of concrete walkways, and 196 stairs.
Additional family entertainment can be found at Cave of the Winds on the ground as well. Cave of the Winds offers a Pioneer Package that you can add to your cave tour admission or instead of the cave tour. There is plenty of fun to keep your family entertained for hours.
The Pioneer Package includes one ride per person on the Wind Walker Challenge Course, Bat-a-Pult aerial adventure, Cliff Hanger Climbing Wall, and Geronimo's Leap.
Wind Walker Challenge Course is a 3-story obstacle course that is balanced atop the edge of Williams Canyon, a 600-foot drop. The challenge course is equipped with a maze of steel beams, ropes, and ladders.
Bat-a-Pult is an amazing 1200-foot round-trip aerial attraction, leaving from the roost high in the rafters of the Pavillion riders are launched on a flight across Williams Canyon at speeds of nearly 40 mph.
Cliffhanger Climbing Wall is a fun, challenging rock wall with amazing views from the top. It's a fun way for family or friends can complete being the first to reach the top.
Geronimo's Leap is a fun, balancing step challenge and once you reach the top, take a leap from the highest pillar to land back on the ground.
Cave of the Winds has even more fun-filled activities such as panning for gemstones, axe throwing, Stalactykes Adventure Slide, and Craver's Crawl. Families can enjoy an exciting day of entertainment and adventure at a low cost.
Garden of the Gods<img class="wp-image-3935 alignleft" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/hikers-exploring-on-top-of-a-rock-formation-at-the-garden-of-the-gods-colorado-springs-co-having-fun-300x200.jpg" alt="Garden of the Gods" width="237" height="158" style="float: right;" />
Need to get some fresh air, exercise, or just get rid of some extra energy. Garden of the Gods offers various hiking opportunities that vary in difficulty.
Hiking at Garden of the Gods will give the kids a chance to lose some of their extra energy, while parents can enjoy the beauty of nature while getting some exercise.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo<img class="alignright wp-image-3936" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/giraffes-in-a-zoo-in-australia-200x300.jpg" alt="zoo animals" width="151" height="228" style="float: right;" />
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is offering a week-long camp for kids from kindergarten through 6th grade. The camp offers some up-close interactions with various animals.
Activities throughout the week include both indoor and outdoor fun and are planned for age-appropriate activities. This is an excellent opportunity to keep the kids occupied and helpful to working parents.
CityROCK Colorado Springs
CityROCK is offering a spring break camp for either half-day or full-day entertainment. The camp is designed for kids ages 6 and up with activities planned for both indoor and outdoor entertainment.
Great Wolf Lodge
Take the family on a staycation at Great Wolf Lodge. The weather tends to be unpredictable during spring break, so booking a staycation at Great Wolf Lodge can solve any weather-related concerns as the fun is all indoors.
There is plenty of swimming, splashing, and sliding down water slides, even a designated Cub Paw Pool for the little ones. Additional features Great Wolf Lodge offers are Howlers Peak Ropes Course, the Rustic Ridge Climbing Wall, and even an arcade.
Colorado Springs has plenty of various activities for every family to enjoy, regardless of budget, something can be found for everyone.2022-03-07T11:20:00-07:002022-03-07T12:27:18-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:18565Can You Fire Your Real Estate Agent?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Can_You_Fire_Your_Real_Estate_Agent.jpg" width="1000" height="563" alt="Can You Fire Your Real Estate Agent" title="Can You Fire Your Real Estate Agent" style="margin: 11px;" />
You've hired your real estate agent but, you no longer feel confident in their services. Can you fire your real estate agent? The quick answer is yes you can, but you need to understand what repercussions you may face.
The buying and selling process can be a stressful feat, to make the process easier you hire a real estate agent. Hopefully, you have done your due diligence interviewing agents before hiring the one that you feel will get the job done and advocate for you.
Unfortunately, there are times that you discover during the process that the agent you hired isn't at all what they seemed. Your agent is supposed to be your primary point of contact, guiding you through the entire process. If you find your agent isn't working out, before you rush into firing your agent, you need to understand the repercussions.
Discover what you need to know about firing your real estate agent.
First Steps<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4046" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/conversation-with-colleagues-300x200.jpg" alt="Conversation" width="300" height="200" style="float: right;" />
Before rushing into firing your real estate you will want to make sure that firing your agent is the best solution and not going to negatively affect you more than in the long run.
With any conflict, you would hope that both parties can rationally discuss the issue and have the opportunity to correct the problem, working with a real estate agent is no different.
If your <a href="https://www.sellingparkcityre.com/blog/the-best-thing-you-can-do-to-sell-your-home/" target="_blank">home isn't selling</a> as quickly as you wanted, it could be due to one of three common factors: location, condition, and price.
Location - Is the home located in the middle of nowhere? There isn't much a real estate agent can do when there is not a demand for a home in the wilderness, aside from waiting for a nibble.
Condition - If the condition of your home is turning potential buyers away, a good real estate agent will help you determine what needs fixing or a bit of a make-over.<a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/"> Ashford Realty Group</a> will go through and evaluate your home, making suggestions to not only get the most money for your home but, to sell it quickly. <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/about/">Ashford Realty Group</a> has a team of professional contractors to ensure that repairs can be done quickly, efficiently, and at a fair price. Hiring your own contractor is an option as well but, Ashford Realty Group is available to take the headache out of trying to schedule and potentially pay more money using a private contractor.
Price - Ideally, you want the price of your home to be priced right the first time but, it does not always happen that way. If the price is not right for the market, it may be necessary for you and your agent to re-evaluate and adjust your asking price. Ashford Realty Group will prepare an <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-much-will-i-make-selling-my-house/">Estimated Net Proceeds Worksheet</a> specific to the seller's circumstances during their free consultation to give the seller a better idea of what to expect when the sale of their home is finalized.
File a Complaint
If your agent will not agree to early termination of the contract, go over their head and talk to their boss. The broker is the boss of the real estate agency and has the power to terminate the contract regardless of the agent's opinion.
Speaking to the broker, they may be able to find a better solution to avoid the cancelation altogether, they don't want to lose your business, so they are going to offer solutions that will work for both of you.
If you are still unsatisfied and the broker will not agree to the early termination, you may need to speak to a lawyer. Make sure that you have a copy of the agreement and evidence of the breach of contract.
Additionally, you can file a complaint with the local real estate board or state division. If the desire to terminate your contract early is simply because of a clash in personality or you aren't happy with their performance, this is not a just cause to file a complaint with the real estate board.
A complaint with the real estate board or state division has to be due to the agent having unethical practices, such as not informing the client that they are a dual agent, working for both the buyer and seller.
Contracts<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4045" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/the-contract-on-desktop-300x195.jpg" alt="Contract" width="300" height="195" style="float: right;" />
Did you sign a seller's/buyer's agent agreement? If you didn't sign an agreement, you can simply tell your agent farewell and move on. Unfortunately, it is very unlikely that a real estate agent has moved forward with you without an agreement.
The agent agreement is a legally binding contract and usually lasts anywhere from 3 - 6 months. If the agreement was signed, you need to thoroughly review the contract to determine how terminating your contract early will affect you as there could be legal repercussions.
Even if both parties agree to terminate the contract early, you could still incur some costs. When an agent begins working for you, they have not only spent time but, money to advertise your property. The agent will want to be reimbursed for their out-of-pocket costs.
No matter the reason for the early termination or if it was amicable or not, you need to be aware of a clause that could be in your contract, a protection clause. The protection clause could be put in place up to 6 months after you and the agent have parted ways.
The protection clause states that if your home sells and it is learned that the buyer learned of the home through the original realtors' efforts, you are obligated to them commission as if they were still your agent.
Ultimately, if you have signed an agreement and you don't feel you should be financially liable, the agent doesn't want to release you from your contract early, it may be necessary to hire a lawyer for assistance in resolving the matter.2022-03-06T06:50:00-07:002022-03-07T07:54:08-07:00Ashford Realty Grouptag:ashfordrealtygroup.com,2012-09-20:18564Understanding An Appraisal Gap and How it Works<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/841/image/Understanding_An_Appraisal_Gap_and_How_it_Works.jpg" width="1000" height="563" alt="Understanding An Appraisal Gap and How it Works" title="Understanding An Appraisal Gap and How it Works" style="margin: 11px;" />
During a <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/what-is-a-seller-rent-back/">seller's market</a>, the competition between <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/homebuyer-resources/">buyers</a> can be brutal and sellers tend to ask more for their home because buyers will pay it. Unfortunately, this can become an issue when the appraisal is performed, and the price of the home is higher than the appraisal value.
Mortgage lenders are not going to loan a buyer more than the home appraises for, when the appraisal amount is less than the sale price, this is known as an appraisal gap.
To better understand and potentially give you more leverage, let's break it down.
The Appraisal<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4143" src="https://writers.personalseo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/magnifying-glass-and-wooden-houses-300x148.jpg" alt="Appraisal" width="300" height="148" style="float: right;" />
Lenders will require a <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-to-choose-between-multiple-offers/">home appraisal</a> to ensure that the home value is high enough in case you default on your loan, so they need to be certain that the fair market value is equal to the loan amount.
A licensed appraiser will evaluate the condition of the home and comparable homes in the area that has been sold within the last six months to determine the fair market value. The difference between the home's value versus the loan amount can determine how much you are allowed to borrow.
If the home appraises for less than the sale price, the buyer will have to make up the difference.
A pitfall to paying more than the appraisal price, aside from being out more money upfront, the buyer will start out having negative equity.
What Are Your Options?
The appraisal has come back less than the sale price, what are your options? Let's review.
Pay the Difference - Paying the difference is the quick answer, unless you have an appraisal contingency that will allow you to walk away unscathed, paying the difference may be your best option. Walking away without an appraisal contingency, you will be walking away without your earnest money.
Renegotiate Your Offer - If your sales contract has an appraisal contingency, try to renegotiate before making a quick decision. Asking the seller to reduce their price to match the appraisal is ideal but, not always possible. If the seller isn't willing to budge on the price, ask them to split the difference. Attempting to renegotiate does not come without risk, if the seller has a kick-out clause, they can simply move on to another offer.
Dispute the Appraisal - If the buyer or seller does not agree with an appraisal, they can dispute the appraisal, requesting a reconsideration of value. However, in doing so there has to be evidence to prove the inaccuracy. To dispute an appraisal, a written letter must be submitted explaining why they are disputing the appraisal. The proof submitted for the dispute to be considered inaccurate, the evidence must prove:
Comparable sales used were not appropriate - proof of more accurate comparable sales must be provided
Features or Upgrades were missed or simply not considered
Mistakes were discovered in the report
Only an exterior appraisal was conducted
Walk Away - Walking away is a viable option and may be the only solution remaining, even if it's not the choice you wanted to make. After unsuccessful renegotiations and/or a failed appraisal dispute, walking away may be the best option rather than paying more than the property is worth. However, if there was not an appraisal contingency in your contract, you may want to consult your attorney for legal counsel. Other contingencies could help if an appraisal contingency was not included in the contract.
Gap Coverage vs. Contingency
Common terms you may hear when purchasing a home are Gap Coverage and Appraisal Contingency. They sound similar but, they carry a different meaning, you'll want to know and understand the difference.
Sellers are at an advantage with Appraisal Gap Coverage, it binds the buyer to the home sale even if the appraisal is lower than the sale price. The seller can ask for it to be completely removed from the contract or at least put a cap on the amount you are willing or able to pay over the appraisal amount.
When a buyer includes an Appraisal Contingency, if the agreed-upon sales price does not match the appraisal price, the buyer is legally protected to enable them to back out of the deal and take their earnest money with them. If there isn't an appraisal contingency, backing out of the contract could cost the buyer their earnest money deposit, which is usually 1% - 3% of the sales price.
Appraisal Clause - When is it Necessary?
During a sellers' market, when the competition is fierce, there is no better time to pull out all the stops. An appraisal gap clause can make all the difference in making your offer stand out over the rest.
When you are faced with having to pay over the appraisal price, it's best that you remain in the driver's seat as much as possible. By proactively including an appraisal clause, you are setting the amount over the appraisal price you are willing to pay. Sellers look for the appraisal clause as reassurance that the sale of their home will go through.
Another option a buyer may consider, negotiate with the seller to split the cost of the appraisal cost. Agreeing as much as possible before signing a contract will save time, reduce stress, and avoid renegotiations.
In Conclusion
With the current housing market being in favor of the seller, buyers are facing the reality of paying over the appraisal price to be the winning offer. No one sets out to pay more than what a property is worth, however, in the current market, it has become a common trend.
Buyers need to protect themselves before going into a contract and have a plan in place should the appraisal come back lower than the sale price. <a href="https://www.ashfordrealtygroup.com/">Ashford Realty Group</a> will have their team of professionals guides you through this type of process to ensure you are protected and ultimately feel comfortable with the possible outcome.2022-03-05T06:46:00-07:002022-03-07T07:50:06-07:00Ashford Realty Group