Colorado Springs Real Estate

"ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END..." Or so the popular saying goes. And last week, the Fed reiterated once again that their Mortgage Backed Security (MBS) purchase program...the program that has helped keep home loan rates low for much of the last year...will end on March 31, 2010 as previously stated. Here's the lowdown on what this means, and all the latest news impacting home loan rates and the markets. Last Wednesday during their regularly scheduled meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, the Federal Reserve kept the Fed Funds Rate unchanged. But history has shown that when the Fed has left rates too low for an extended period of time, there is a price to be paid, via higher inflation. Yet if the accommodation is removed too early, it can derail an already fragile recovery. The Fed continues to walk this tightrope, trying to get it "just right." Along with this decision, the Fed emphasized and reminded that their MBS purchase program will still end

U.S. News Ranks Colorado Springs as One of the Best Places to Live Its location in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains puts Colorado Springs near what may be the most famous American mountain, Pikes Peak. The city began as a high-end resort town in the 1870s and was boosted by nearby gold and silver strikes. A later military boom laid the groundwork for a large high-tech industry, and fairly steady growth in tourism has been accompanied by an influx of evangelical Christians. The city's population of 396,145 lives in what is called an "alpine desert." That translates to a mild climate where temperature extremes are rare, with average January highs near 40 degrees and peak summer highs in the mid-80s. Pikes Peak and surrounding mountains dominate the city's vista and history. It was founded as an exclusive resort that later merged with the rougher mining-supply town of old Colorado City. Before the ore from nearby mines petered out, many who struck it rich built mag

Move up, move down, move sideways; it just doesn't matter. Whichever direction you move, financially, you may still qualify for the new tax credit available to current homeowners. It is unfortunate that the credit has too often been characterized as a credit for "move-up" homeowners. The phrase carries the implication that the new home must cost more than the sale price of the former one. Indeed, even the November 6 White House Press Release said that the credit would be available to qualified homeowners who "wish to step up to a new home." Same implication. So, it is worth emphasizing that the credit is equally available to homeowners who are moving down, cost-wise. The move-down homebuyer is not an unusual phenomenon. For years retirees have been known to move from a larger home to one that is smaller and often less expensive. Moreover, it is reasonable to think that current economic conditions may lead to even more move-down buyers. Just as thousands of

Happiest U.S. states are wealthy and tolerant By Jeanna Bryner Though you might not be able to run away from your problems, moving to another state could be good for the soul. New research suggests U.S. states with wealthier, better educated and more tolerant residents are also happier on average. The reasoning is that wealthy states can provide infrastructure and so it's easier for residents to get their needs met. In addition, states with a greater proportion of artists and gays would also be places where residents can freely express themselves. On average, well-being was highest in the Mountain states and West Coast states, followed by the Eastern Seaboard and then the Midwest and Southern states. The researchers note that because a state scores high or low doesn't mean you could pluck out a resident and expect that person to be appropriately cheery or depressed. And not every state in the union sits exactly where you might expect on the list. "We can only make general

Check Out this Great Video Talking about Colorado Springs being one of the Fittest Cities! Welcome to Thin City a CBS News Video If you have any questions about Colorado Springs Real Estate , Don't hesitate to contact Mike MacGuire, your Colorado Springs Expert !

The Basics: Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit 2009/2010 Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that: Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010. Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010. 　 Here is more information about how the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream. If you have specific questions or need additional information, please contact a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040. Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit? First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010. Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April

RISMEDIA, December 12, 2009—Are you wondering how to survive this holiday season? Do you get caught up in the fast pace to the point of stress and exhaustion? What if, this year, you could create exactly what you want? How about transforming stress into joy? How about making more money, instead of going in the hole? Here are seven tips to help you thrive this holiday season- financially, emotionally, and energetically. Tip 1- Reclaim your right to have your own unique version of the holidays. What is the essence of this season for you? For me, it’s about the joy of giving. Guess what the essence of successful marketing is? You’re right, it’s also about giving your service with joy. The more you love what you’re doing and the more generous you are, the more clients, thus income, will be drawn to you. Each time you market yourself, remember: “You have a unique gift to give—you!” Remember to share this gift with enthusiasm, all year long. Tip 2- Serve your clients’ special needs. If you

If You Don't Buy a House Now, You're Stupid or Broke Interest rates are at historic lows but cyclical trends suggest they will soon rise. Home buyers may never see such a chance again, writes Marc Roth Well, you may not be stupid or broke. Maybe you already have a house and you don't want to move. Or maybe you're a Trappist monk and have forsworn all earthly possessions. Or whatever. But if you want to buy a house, now is the time, and if you don't act soon, you will regret it. Here's why: historically low interest rates. As of today, the average 30-year fixed-rate loan with no points or fees is around 5%. That, as a graph shows—which you can find on Mortgage-X.com —shows, is the lowest the rate has been in nearly 40 years. In fact, rates are so well below historic averages that it should make all current and prospective homeowners take notice of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And it is exactly that, based on what the graph shows us. Let's look at the

Colorado Springs-Area Home Sales Soar in November; Prices Up for the First Time in Two Years BY: RICH LADEN --THE GAZETTE Here’s a good indication of what the federal government’s $8,000 tax credit has meant for the Colorado Springs-area housing market. Single-family home sales totaled 794 in November, soaring 59.1 percent when compared with the same month a year ago, according to a report Wednesday by the Pikes Peak Association of Realtors. It was the biggest percentage gain in monthly home sales during the last 15 years, the period for which association records were available. Another positive sign: the median price of homes sold in November increased 0.5 percent to $187,950 from the same month last year — the first year-over-year gain in monthly prices since July 2007. The figures reflect homes whose transactions were handled by association members; most of the deals took place in El Paso and Teller counties. Something to note, however: November’s sales and prices are being compare

12 Ways to Stay Healthy During the Holidays by Holly Anne Shelowitz, Certified Nutrition Counselor Do you often get sick in January or February? If so, what you do or don't do in December can help. This is a time of festivities- parties, great food, late nights, cold weather, and lots of sugar, candy, cookies and more. Here are some tips to keep yourself healthy: 1. Eating a nourishing breakfast gives your body good fuel for the day, and even helps to keep you warm. This does not have to take long at all- most of these take 5 minutes- you can take it with you and eat on the way. Examples: Eggs- (a perfect food)- especially if you can buy organic free range)Oatmeal- (the real rolled oats- not the sugar filled package) add your own sunflower seeds, walnuts, maple syrup, butter and cream) Soup- (Don't laugh) This makes a warming, nourishing breakfast in winter. Eating non-breakfast foods in the morning can give us more nutritional value than the cold sugar filled cereals so typica

In a major victory for NAHB that will boost the fledgling housing recovery and help struggling business owners nationwide, Congress last week approved legislation that will extend the first-time home buyer tax credit beyond its Nov. 30 deadline and expand it to a wider group of home buyers. The bill also provides relief to cash-strapped home builders by providing broader tax benefits for businesses with net operating losses (NOLs). The legislation, which was signed into law by President Obama on Nov. 6, will extend the $8,000 credit for first-time home buyers for sales contracts entered into by April 30, 2010 and closed on by June 30. It has been expanded to include a new $6,500 credit for owners of existing homes who are purchasing a new principal residence. Existing home owners can claim the $6,500 tax credit if they have been residing in their principal residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight. In more good news, the income eligibility limits to claim the full cre

View this great video about Colorado Springs being the City of the Future ! So many reasons why Colorado Springs is the place to live! Whether you are a current resident of Colorado Springs , or you are considering Relocating to Colorado Springs , take a few minutes and watch this video! Don't hesitate to call or email Mike MacGuire Today! Your Colorado Springs Real Estate Expert !

If You're Curious about what your home may be worth, you can get up to the minute information to find out what homes like yours look like in today's market. PLUS: Get a FREE Market Report with statistics based on all of the homes for sale and sold in your neighborhood! This information is updated every 15 minutes! Go to: http://www.cshousevalues.com/ to sign up for your Free Market Snapshot ! Call Mike MacGuire Today, Your Colorado Springs Realtor for More Information or on Any Homes for Sale in Colorado Springs.

2009 Fittest/Fattest Cities From Men's Fitness Our 11th annual survey revealed some surprises! In our exclusive 11th annual survey, a western city reached the top of the (ski) mountain, while a surprising sun-drenched Mecca needs to pull its head (and belly) out of the sand. For those familiar with the region, Salt Lake City's selection as the Fittest City in America might not be much of a surprise. But even we were stunned when our Fattest City turned out to be 2,539 miles away from Salt Lake City, in Miami. Yes, Miami. Home of South Beach, with its images of tight bodies and scantily attired denizens. Yet despite a wide availability of local running and biking trails, Miamians are 35% less likely than the national average to actually use them. This is just one of the many gaps between the Fittest and Fattest Cities in America. As we've done for more than a decade, MF collected and analyzed reams of data on the 50 most populated areas in the nation in an effort to determi

Located on a quiet cul - de -sac featuring stunning views of Cheyenne Mountain this 4 Bedroom, 3Bathroom Home For Sale in Colorado Springs is perfect if you are moving up or relocating to Colorado Springs . Tour this home today! Sunny Living Room features soaring ceilings, hardwood floors & fireplace. Updated Kitchen boasts Terrazzo tile counters, abundant cabinet & counter space. Spacious Dining Room walks-out to deck. Master suite offers adjoining bath & his/her closets. Mexican tile throughout fully finished lower level. Large corner lot features mature trees & landscaping providing tons of privacy. Walk to schools. Minutes from shopping, dining, Ft Carson . Great for the Military Relocation to Colorado Springs , your commute is less than 10 minutes. Call Mike MacGuire today, your Colorado Springs Realtor for more information on this home or other Homes For Sale in Colorado Springs .

Stunning 5 bedroom home in School District 20 offers mountain views from large cul-de-sac lot. This home has it all - formal living & dining room, spacious family room with gas log fireplace, spacious kitchen with center island, adjoining nook & pantry, main level study. Master suite offers soaring ceilings, adjoining bath, walk-in closet . Spacious secondary bedrooms. Finished walk-out basement features rec room wet bar, bedroom, hobby room, bathroom. Maturely treed yard offers tons of privacy. New interior & exterior paint. Central Air. Minutes to the Air Force Academy. Walk to award winning schools! Tour this home today !

IMMACULATE SPRINGS RANCH HOME ON LARGE CUL -DE-SAC LOT WITH PIKES PEAK VIEWS. FORMER MODEL HOME WITH MANY AMENITIES & UPGRADES: FORMAL LIVING ROOM WITH SOARING CEILINGS. SPACIOUS KITCHEN OFFERS GRANITE COUNTERS, ABUNDANT CABINET SPACE & EATING NOOK. INVITING FAMILY ROOM WITH GAS FIREPLACE. MASTER SUITE WITH ADJOINING BATH & HIS/HER CLOSETS. SPACIOUS SECONDARY BEDROOMS. UPPER LEVEL LOFT/OFFICE. FINISHED WALK-OUT BASEMENT WITH REC/MEDIA ROOM, BEDROOM & BATH. OVERLOOK PEAK VIEWS & CUSTOM LANDSCAPING FROM TREX DECK. RECENT UPDATES INCLUDE: NEW FLOORING IN THE KITCHEN, NOOK & FAMILY ROOM; MAIN LEVEL & UPPER BATHROOMS UPDATED WITH NEW FLOORING, CABINETS & COUNTERS. FULLY FINISHED, OVERSIZED 3 CAR GARAGE; CENTRAL AIR; STUNNING LANDSCAPING INCLUDES PERFECT BALANCE OF GRASS AND PERENNIAL GARDENS FEATURING: HOSTA , BLEEDING HEARTS, ENGLISH LAVENDER, BASKET OF GOLD, GERANIUM, PRIMROSE, STEPPING MOSS, CREEPING THYME, STRAWBERRY PATCH, HERBS, CONEFLOWERS , IRIS, CA

JUST MINUTES FROM SCHRIEVER AFB, PETERSON AFB & FORT CARSON . INVITING HOME ON A LARGE CORNER LOT. BRIGHT, OPEN FLOOR PLAN BOASTS SOARING CEILINGS! EXTENSIVE HARDWOOD FLOORING ON THE MAIN LEVEL. SPACIOUS KITCHEN OFFERS DINING AREA, AND APPLIANCES INCLUDED. FAMILY ROOM FEATURES GAS FIREPLACE. MASTER SUITE OFFERS ADJOINING 5-PC BATH. SPACIOUS SECONDARY BEDROOMS. UPPER LEVEL LOFT/OFFICE. NEW PAINT, CARPET, WOOD FLOORING, CEILING FANS & LIGHTING. RECENTLY FINISHED BASEMENT WITH REC RM, BEDROOM & NEARLY COMPLETED BATHROOM. FINISHED GARAGE. SPACIOUS LOT FEATURES LARGE GARDENS & STORAGE SHED . VIEW PHOTOS & TOUR THIS HOME TODAY!

UPDATED DISTRICT 20 TOWNHOME WITH GARAGE! THIS HOME IS IMMACULATE!THE INVITING LIVING ROOM FEATURES A FIREPLACE WITH TRAVERTINE SURROUND & IS WIRED FOR SURROUND SOUND. KITCHEN OFFERS NEW MAPLE CABINETS, COUNTERTOPS, APPLIANCES. DINING ROOM WITH HARDWOOD FLOORS. UPDATED BATHROOMS BOASTS NEW FIXTURES, VANITIES, CERAMIC TILE. SPACIOUS MASTER W/CUSTOM PAINT & CROWN MOLDING. UPDATED LIGHTING THROUGHOUT. 6-PANEL DOORS W/CHROME KNOBS. PRIVATE, FENCED BACKYARD. WALK TO DISTRICT 20 SCHOOLS! SEE THIS HOME TODAY! VIEW TOUR AND PHOTOS

Immaculate Peregrine Home offers views from Blodgett Peak to Cheyenne Mountain. The inviting floor plan features main level living. Stunning updates and upgrades throughout . Unwind in the Great Room with soaring ceilings and a 2-story wall of windows. Gourmet Kitchen boasts granite counters, cherry cabinets, stainless appliances, double oven, gas stove & Hardwood flooring. Luxurious Master Suite offers adjoining 5-piece, remodeled bathroom. Spacious Secondary Bedrooms. Beautifully finished walk-out Basement provides a sprawling Family Room, Theater Room, Wet bar, Exercise Room, Storage Room and Guest Suite. The Back Yard offers exceptional privacy. Enjoy Summer evenings on the Stamped Concrete Patio with Gas Fireplace. Overlook the staggering views from the composite deck. Nearly half acre yard is the perfect balance of trees, grass & play areas . Walk to neighborhood park or Blodgett Trail Head. Award winning District 20 Schools. Whether you are relocating to Colorado Springs

Inviting Wolf Ranch Home offers Stunning Upgrades throughout and a Balance of Formal & Casual Living Space. Unobstructed Peak Views from All Front Windows! Gourmet Kitchen features Granite counters, 42' Cabinets, Island, Stainless Appliances, Double Ovens & Nook. Spacious Family Room. Loft Gives 3rd Living Space with Home Theater. Luxurious Master Suite Boasts 5-Piece Bath and walk in closet. Spacious Bedrooms. Beautifully Landscaped Yard offers Gardens, Stamped Concrete Patio & Play Area. Walk to Excellent District 20 Schools! Upgrades include: Spacious Living & Dining Rooms with Coffered Ceiling & Large Windows. Maple Hardwood Floors, Maple Cabinets, Main Level Office/5th Bedroom. Main Level Laundry, Upper Level Loft, 3rd Living Space is Pre-Wired for Home Theater & Surround Sound. Master Suite with Walk-In Closet and 5-piece Bath Features Custom Ceramic Tile & Top-Down, Bottom-Up Blinds, Custom Sheer Shades in all Main Level Windows & Cord

Stunning Wolf Ranch Home For Sale in Colorado Springs! Look no further! This spectacular Colorado Springs Home is in model condition! This home offers true main level living! The gourmet kitchen offers granite counters, 42' alder cabinets, and stainless appliances. In this open floor plan, the Kitchen overlooks the great room featuring a fireplace & built-in entertainment niche. Archways lead to the Master Suite with bay window & adjoining bath. The formal Dining Room & bedroom/office complete the main level. The sprawling Family Room in the lower level featuring a fireplace & wet bar is perfect for entertaining. The lower level offers spacious secondary bedrooms. The house provides tons of storage. Walk half of a block to the neighborhood park. Near excellent District 20 schools. Easy access to the Powers Corridor, I-25 & military bases! Tour this lovely home today! VIEW THIS HOME AND HUNDREDS MORE This home is exclusively marketed by: Mike & Missy MacG

Beautiful ranch style home offers Stunning Pikes Peak & Front Range views and unrivaled location backing to park! The open floor plan offers a perfect balance of formal & casual living! Living Room features bay window framing the Pikes Peak view . The Kitchen overlooks the Living & Dining Rooms. The spacious bedrooms provide tons of storage. The Lower Level features sprawling Family Room with fireplace. Overlook the manicured yard, mature trees & staggering views from the large covered deck. Updates include top of the line newer windows, furnace, and water heater. Walk to schools! The covered front porch with ramp makes this a very accessible home. With the simple addition of a wall in the 2nd bedroom, it could easily be converted to a four bedroom home. The garage includes a workbench, storage shelving, and access to dog run & is wired for 220v. Located in the heart of Colorado Springs , you have easy access to shopping, dining & hiking! Tour this beautiful hom

Location, Location, Location ! This stunning home features Pikes Peak views and is located across from the neighborhood park! With 4 Bedrooms & 4 Bathrooms, this immaculate home features a gourmet kitchen with 42" cherry cabinets, C orion counters, custom back splash , all appliances & hardwood floors. With formal Living and Dining Rooms, this floor plan provides the perfect balance of formal and casual living space. The sprawling Master Suite provides vaulted ceilings, 5-piece bath, walk-in closet & views! The secondary bedrooms are spacious. Designer touches throughout include upgraded trim, doors, knobs, and lighting. The walk-out basement offers room for expansion. Central air conditioning. Overlook the beautifully landscaped yard from the large deck! This home offers easy access to the shopping, dining, theaters of Powers Corridor & Peterson AFB . Walk to neighborhood school! Tour this home today at: SeeThatHome .com !

This stunning ranch style home on 1 acre in eastern Colorado Springs area of Woodmen Hills offers main level living! Bright, open floor plan features large kitchen that overlooks dining area & great room. The Kitchen offers abundant counter & cabinet space, pantry & upgraded appliances. The sprawling Master Suite includes a 5-piece bath & walk-in closet. Spacious secondary bedrooms offer large closets. The finished basement offers perfect space for entertaining, billiards & movies, a bedroom and bathroom! The additional detached oversized 2 car garage with 220v, workshop & heater makes this property perfect for the car/hobby enthusiast! This lovely home will be professionally cleaned at closing to ensure a smooth transition to the new homeowner! Tour this home today at: SeeThatHome .com!

THIS ELEGANT WOLF RANCH HOME IN COLORADO SPRINGS FEATURES DRAMATIC ARCHES, SOARING CEILINGS, INVITING FAMILY ROOM WITH 2-STORY WINDOWS, FORMAL DINING & MAIN LEVEL LIVING ROOM/STUDY. THE GOURMET KITCHEN OFFERS GRANITE COUNTERS, CUSTOM TILE, 42" CABINETS, PANTRY & NOOK. EXTENSIVE HARDWOOD FLOORING FLOORING ON MAIN LEVEL. THE LUXURIOUS MASTER SUITE PROVIDES A BALCONY, PEAK VIEWS, 5PC BATH & WALK-IN CLOSET. SPACIOUS SECONDARY BEDROOMS OFFER A JACK-JILL BATH. FINISHED WALK-OUT BASEMENT FEATURES A FAMILY ROOM & BILLIARDS AREA, BEDROOM & BATH. MANICURED YARD DISPLAYS EXTENSIVE LANDSCAPING & MOUNTAIN VIEWS. WALK TO PARK & D-20 SCHOOLS! GREAT LOCATION WITH EASY ACCESS TO POWERS CORRIDOR & I-25 ! TOUR THIS HOME TODAY AT : www.SeeThatHome.com

This stunning ranch style townhome is nestled in the Northwest Foothills gated community of Canyon Reserve at Mountain Shadows. The 3 bedroom, 4 bath home offers main level living with a finished walk-out basement. Luxurious upgrades throughout - granite counters, maple cabinets, 9 ft ceilings, upgraded lighting & faucets, slate flooring, exquisite master suite w/5- piece bathroom & with closet, central air, all appliances & built-in gas grill included. Take in the beautiful mountain views. Convenient location - near schools, shopping, I-25, hiking & biking in Ute Valley Park! Enjoy the views of Ute Valley Park from the Living Room and Deck. Bright & Light floor plan due to 9-Ft ceilings and end unit with tons of windows overlooking open space. Slate floors in the Kitchen, Entry, Powder Room and Slate accents on Fireplace Surround and Kitchen back splash provide a Colorado Lodge Style. You will love the abundant storage to include built-in cabinetry in the Master c