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As we find ourselves in the midst of an election year, the real estate market is presenting a dynamic landscape that is challenging to predict. However, thanks to our friends at Empire Title, and specifically Bill McAfee and his monthly market updates, we have a few thoughts we would like to share with you as we really get into the groove of 2024.&nbsp; Here are key insights from the market trends we saw closing out 2023 and future predictions for the real estate market in 2024: 1. Election Year Uncertainties: The ongoing election year adds an extra layer of complexity to forecasting the real estate market's trajectory. The political climate can influence economic policies, impacting the direction in which the market might move. 2. Rental Market Expectations: Anticipations are high for a decline in rents this year, primarily attributed to the surge in multifamily unit constructions. This influx of new rental properties could potentially alleviate rental costs for tenants. 3. New Inventory Dominates: The majority of homes entering the market are not resale properties but newly constructed units. Homeowners with low mortgage rates are opting to retain their current homes as rental properties while acquiring new houses, contributing to the rise in new construction. 4. Shifts in Residential Price Dynamics: A comparative analysis between 2022 and 2023 reveals a 1% increase in the average price of single-family residential properties. However, the median price experienced a slight dip of 0.6%. The slight decrease in prices is still not enough to offset the increase in interest rates, so buyers are sitting on the sidelines because they are still not able to buy as much home as they could a few years ago. 5. Low Listing Numbers and Sales Volume: Over the last three months, there has been a decline in the number of listings, a typical seasonal pattern. December 2023 witnessed a notably low sales volume of 777 homes sold, the lowest in eight years, mainly influenced by rising interest rates. 6. Continued Seller's Market: Although we are still in a seller's market, the dynamics have evolved. Proper pricing and good property condition are crucial for a successful sale, contrasting the swift sales observed in previous years. 7. Inventory and Market Predictions: The number of homes listed remains below the normal range, emphasizing the scarcity of available properties. As we get into 2024, we are still seeing a lack of listings, making buyers' selections slim. 8. Interest Rate Considerations: Mortgage interest rates may experience a slight reduction this year because it is an election year. This adjustment could impact borrowing costs and potentially influence buyer behavior. 9. Demographic Sales Insights: An overwhelming 79% of home sales within the last 12 months fell within the price range of $300,000 to $749,000. The most popular price range in our market appears to be the $400,000 to $499,000 range. 10. Impact of Interest Rate Fluctuations: Over the past eighteen months, interest rates have skyrocketed from 2.28% to 6.62%, resulting in a 33% decrease in purchasing power, equivalent to approximately $166,000. An example would be if a buyer could previously qualify for a $500,000 house at 2.28%, at an interest rate of 6.62%, now they would only be able to qualify for closer to $334,000. That's a huge reduction in buying power and another reason why buyers are reluctant.&nbsp; 11. Days on Market Realities: The market has shifted from an unrealistic six days on the market to a more sustainable 46 days on market. We are noticing as we begin 2024, we are probably going into a more normal market duration of 50 to 60 days on market. 12. Median Sales Price and Inventory Challenges: The scarcity of inventory is a significant factor in maintaining the median sales price at $466,461. Sellers should be mindful of these inventory challenges when setting their expectations on the value of their home. 13. Rise in Cash Buyers: We are seeing more cash sales than ever before. This noticeable increase in the percentage of cash buyers emphasizes the importance of financial readiness in the current market. If you are thinking of buying, you should get prequalified and see what you can qualify for without selling your current home and/or taking equity out of your present home so that you can pay cash for a different home.&nbsp; 14. Return to a Balanced Market: The real estate market is gradually returning to a more balanced state, signaling the need for sellers to adopt realistic expectations in their property transactions. As we navigate through the intricate dynamics of the real estate market in 2024, staying informed and adaptable will be essential for both buyers and sellers in making sound decisions in this ever-changing environment.&nbsp; Have market questions or want to outline a plan to buy or sell a home? Don't hesitate to reach out to the team at Harris Group Realty!&nbsp;

Navigating the Real Estate Landscape: Looking Back at 2023 For Insights Into 2024

Selling a home is a significant undertaking that involves numerous complexities, legalities, negotiations, and emotions. While some homeowners are tempted to navigate the home-selling process on their own, the expertise of a professional realtor can make a world of difference. Here are a few compelling reasons why trusting a seasoned real estate professional is a smart choice when it comes to getting your house sold.
 
 1. Market Knowledge and Expertise:
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 Professional realtors bring a wealth of market knowledge to the table. In a city like Colorado Springs, where the market trends tend to be indicative of what the rest of the country can expect to experience, having someone on your team who has their finger on the pulse of the local real estate market is crucial. Realtors stay abreast of current trends, pricing strategies, and different neighborhood dynamics. This insight enables us to position and market your home competitively, guaranteeing it stands out. A realtor's expertise can be invaluable in determining the right time to list your property and how to ensure the property sells.
 
 2. Pricing Strategy:
 
 Determining the right price for your home is a delicate balance. Price it too high, and you may deter potential buyers; price it too low, and you could be leaving money on the table. Realtors compile CMAs (Comparative Market Analysis), taking into account recent sales, current listings, and the unique features of your home. This helps in formulating a pricing strategy that maximizes your profit while attracting qualified buyers.
 
 3. Marketing Know-How:
 
 Effective marketing is critical to selling a home successfully. Professional realtors leverage their marketing skills and networks to showcase your property to a broad audience. From professional photography and virtual tours to targeted online and offline marketing campaigns, we employ a multi-faceted approach to ensure your home gets the attention it deserves.
 
 4. Negotiation Skills:
 
 Negotiating the best deal requires a delicate touch, a keen understanding of the real estate landscape, and an awareness of your client's needs. Realtors are skilled negotiators who advocate on your behalf and ensure you get the best possible terms. Our experience in handling negotiations helps smooth out potential conflicts and navigate the complexities of offers, counteroffers, and contingencies.
 
 5. Legal Protection:
 
 Real estate transactions involve a plethora of legalities and paperwork. A professional realtor helps navigate these legal intricacies, verifying that all documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant with local regulations. This not only protects you from potential legal issues but also streamlines the entire process, making the entire sale process seamless.&nbsp;
 
 6. Network of Professionals:
 
 Realtors have extensive networks of professionals in related fields, such as home inspectors, mortgage brokers, and real estate attorneys. These connections can be invaluable in addressing any issues that may arise during the selling process. Having a reliable team of experts on your side can expedite the sale and provide peace of mind.
 
 Entrusting the sale of your home to a professional realtor is a wise investment. Our market knowledge, negotiation skills, and network of contacts can make the difference between a stressful, protracted sale and a smooth, successful transaction. When it comes to selling your most valuable asset, having a trusted real estate professional by your side can make all the difference. Are you ready to start the home selling process? Contact us here or call Harris Group Realty at 719-227-9900 - we are here to help!&nbsp;

Why Using a Realtor to Help Sell Your Home Matters! 

Summer has officially graced us with its presence! And, luckily for us, we live in one of the most beautiful places to spend the summer - so there is no reason to be indoors if you can avoid it! If you are looking for a few activities to help get you outside AND help improve the look of your home, here are a couple of easy DIY projects: -Terra Cota pots:&nbsp;Terra Cota pots are a great way to get the kids involved and add some beautiful flowers around your property. First, task the kiddos with painting the pots. You can come up with a fun theme, add their handprints, or let them surprise you with their original designs. Once they are done you can plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs in their masterpieces. Kids love being able to take ownership of projects, and this is a great way to give that to them! -­Corn hole and yard games: ­&nbsp;Corn hole is a crowd-pleaser if you are catching up with friends at a neighborhood barbeque, trying to find a fun activity for the kids, or hosting an open house. Spike ball, Ladder toss, and Croquet are other yard games that encourage all to get involved and enjoy their Colorado summer. Are you needing to get out of the house while your house is being shown to potential buyers? Here are a couple of fun events happening throughout the summer that will be sure to keep the whole family entertained! <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__krdo.com_calendar_-3F-5Fescaped-5Ffragment-5F-3D_show_-3Fstart-3D2020-2D09-2D02-23-21_details_2022-2DSummer-2Din-2Dthe-2DPark-2DConcert-2DSeries-2Dwith-2DColorado-2DSprings-2DConservatory_10307779_2022-2D07-2D01T11&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=m33rp8T3cHdao0S4rhkpY9W4_C9Vppx4OG-duwREQAUU0QP1Tsq_YDdUiLVY3AEw&amp;m=LckKQf4i1Mzyzm_iSUoL0HzzcDSZeXTtlZ6QBF6O6Yc&amp;s=dbRcbSS6qr47RomGE9ejPA8W29_7P9wiFI8ihnivSUE&amp;e=" target="_blank">2022 “Summer in the Park” Concert Series</a><a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__newsummitcharter.org_uncategorized_summercarnival_&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=m33rp8T3cHdao0S4rhkpY9W4_C9Vppx4OG-duwREQAUU0QP1Tsq_YDdUiLVY3AEw&amp;m=LckKQf4i1Mzyzm_iSUoL0HzzcDSZeXTtlZ6QBF6O6Yc&amp;s=J1Jmij4mbyDRPaPOxvoPdg2xx6x4oZyqpLSsJyfkVEY&amp;e=" target="_blank">Summer Carnival:</a>July 23rd<a href="https://www.briarfest.com/" target="_blank">BriarFest:</a>&nbsp;September 9 – 11&nbsp;We hope you all have a fabulous, fun, and sunny summer!

Sunny Summer Ideas

In a fierce market like the one we are in now, it is essential to prioritize having the most competitive offer for the home buying process. Of course, there are plenty of traditional strategies buyers could implement, but new tools and techniques have recently come on the market that offers new avenues to consider in the home buying process.&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.homelight.com_trade-2Din&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=m33rp8T3cHdao0S4rhkpY9W4_C9Vppx4OG-duwREQAUU0QP1Tsq_YDdUiLVY3AEw&amp;m=FL9Ef_e30Wm_ZZLkqAiVEgIEcrtZqwM8f-CkqrSRrD8&amp;s=Etyr3GR7Uqbx_8fA79sAQJKJi83YQEXROhITbWu-pRs&amp;e=" target="_blank">HomeLight Trade-In</a>&nbsp;is one of these new tools designed to provide buyers with that necessary competitive edge in securing their dream home. Barbara Harris is a certified HomeLight agent and works with their organization to help calculate and give the buyer a strong offer on their current home. With this offer on their existing home secured, the client can then turn around and put in competitive offers free of lending or home sale contingencies on a new home. Once their offer is accepted on the new home, the sale with HomeLight goes through in just a matter of days. This process allows the client to move into their new home on their schedule. Lastly, if the original home sells for more than the purchase price, HomeLight will give the client the additional amount! In today's day and age, it is commonplace to order last-minute items on a shopping list with the click of a button, summon a car to pick you up while you lace up your shoes, and indulge in your favorite restaurant without ever having to change out of your sweatpants. These services provide us with a convenience that allows us to tackle other parts of our busy lives- and this convenience also expands to real estate. Tools such as HomeLight Trade-In provides consumers with comfort, reliability, and convenience. If you are ready to explore this option for the sale of your own home,<a href="mailto:barbarabht@gmail.com?subject=HomeLight%20Services">reach out to Barbara</a>today and learn more!

Barbara Harris is a HomeLight Certified Agent!

Our current real estate market is unprecedented. The ramifications of the pandemic, work-from-home, and supply chain disruptions have significantly influenced Colorado Springs’ (and the state of Colorado’s) record-breaking real estate market. According to&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.cpr.org_2022_01_14_its-2Dnot-2Djust-2Ddenver-2Dhousing-2Dprices-2Dare-2Dalso-2Dskyrocketing-2Din-2Dcolorado-2Dsprings-2Dand-2Dit-2Dmay-2Dbe-2Da-2Dwhile-2Dbefore-2Dthey-2Dslow-2Ddown_&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=m33rp8T3cHdao0S4rhkpY9W4_C9Vppx4OG-duwREQAUU0QP1Tsq_YDdUiLVY3AEw&amp;m=o5TfzEhf36NiIMqFt3UFZ_lfULrwbZr9Idfw3ueEXj4&amp;s=z40zWymQMKtqz06H0RXWyQ_XBGu2Fbiy7GXocYcPyJk&amp;e=" target="_blank">Colorado Public Radio</a>, the median price for a single-family home in the Pikes Peak region in December of 2021 was $450,000. This median price matched the record set in the summer of 2021. Additionally, Colorado Springs-based Empire Title reported that the average home price rose by 18.6% in 2021 compared to 2020. The question is, though, will the market continue to break records in 2022? Experts predict that the market will continue to stay hot but not at the same recorded-breaking pace we saw in 2021. A slight increase in inventory may cause the market demand to taper off slightly. The&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__gazette.com_premium_hot-2Dhousing-2Dmarket-2Dforecast-2Dagain-2Din-2Dcolorado-2Dsprings_article-5F63ffc594-2D726e-2D11ec-2Da981-2D9f7ad55489d8.html&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=m33rp8T3cHdao0S4rhkpY9W4_C9Vppx4OG-duwREQAUU0QP1Tsq_YDdUiLVY3AEw&amp;m=o5TfzEhf36NiIMqFt3UFZ_lfULrwbZr9Idfw3ueEXj4&amp;s=KljLuiw8ijZjlY0ypmpwsT9sfiiDu3TTZCK5iM6cVRs&amp;e=" target="_blank">Colorado Springs Gazette</a>&nbsp;reported that Colorado Springs contractors are projected to develop 4,000 new homes in 2022.&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.nar.realtor_newsroom_nars-2Dyun-2Dsays-2Dhousing-2Dmarket-2Ddoing-2Dwell-2Dmay-2Dnormalize-2Din-2D2022&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=m33rp8T3cHdao0S4rhkpY9W4_C9Vppx4OG-duwREQAUU0QP1Tsq_YDdUiLVY3AEw&amp;m=o5TfzEhf36NiIMqFt3UFZ_lfULrwbZr9Idfw3ueEXj4&amp;s=e7zYDL6n8tIV0c4rHXh4D0b23ZJdMCnCKoVry977Azo&amp;e=" target="_blank">Lawrence Yun</a>, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, was interviewed by the&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.washingtonpost.com_business_2022_01_10_2022-2Dhousing-2Dmarket-2Dpredictions_&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=m33rp8T3cHdao0S4rhkpY9W4_C9Vppx4OG-duwREQAUU0QP1Tsq_YDdUiLVY3AEw&amp;m=o5TfzEhf36NiIMqFt3UFZ_lfULrwbZr9Idfw3ueEXj4&amp;s=3GcggHAM-UV6S88x9-h0ZuKoToKqiaeo0IhY-bki58I&amp;e=" target="_blank">Washington Post</a>&nbsp;and mentioned, “With more housing inventory to hit the market, the intense multiple offers will start to ease,” Yun said. “Home prices will continue to rise but at a slower pace.” In 2022, we will continue to see the power vested in the sellers so, if you are thinking of selling, now is a great time! Buyers are going to have to be more strategic when approaching the market - but that does not mean if you are a buyer, now is the wrong time to buy. If you are looking to buy soon, we encourage you to come up with a game plan that will give you a competitive edge. And, as always, no matter what side of the real estate negotiations you are on, part of that game plan should include having a knowledgeable and competent realtor on your team.&nbsp; If you are looking for the perfect real estate agent to help you with buying or selling a home,<a href="https://harrisgrouprealtyinc.com/">get in touch with Harris Group Realty now</a>, or<a href="mailto:barbarabht@gmail.com?subject=Real%20Estate%20Help">email Barbara here</a>.

What Will 2022 Have in Store for Real Estate?

Relocating to a different city, whether that be 50 miles away or 500 miles away, can come with all sorts of stressors and headaches. Just handling the basics of where will you live, will you rent or buy, and finding a new job can be overwhelming! Not to mention simply adapting to life in a new city… what will be your new favorite coffee shop? Where’s the closest post office? What is the best local spot for Thai food? AHH! While we can’t help you pick your favorite new coffee shop (although,<a href="https://hashtagcoloradolife.com/best-coffee-shops-in-colorado-springs/">here’s a great list</a>to get you started), we can make a few things easier for you by sharing some local resources to help your relocation go just a bit more smoothly. 1.&nbsp;<a href="https://greatcoloradohomes.com/">GreatColoradoHomes.com</a>has compiled this wonderful list with an overview of many aspects of Colorado Springs. From the different neighborhoods to adapting to mountain living, this blog offers a great overview of life here at 6,035 ft above sea level. Check it out:<a href="https://greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/things-to-know-before-moving-to-colorado-springs.html">22 Things to Know Before Moving to Colorado Springs</a>. 2. Learn more about the city of Colorado Springs itself- from your<a href="https://coloradospringschamberedc.com/">local chamber and EDC</a>&nbsp;to<a href="https://coloradosprings.gov/mountain-metro/page/bus-route-information">bus routes</a>and<a href="https://coloradosprings.gov/city-council">City Council meetings</a>, the<a href="https://coloradosprings.gov/">City of Colorado Springs website</a>offers information on it all. 3. There is always something to get into here in The Springs. Get out there and get involved in your local community with these things to do around the city:<a href="https://www.visitcos.com/events-calendar/">Colorado Springs Events Calendar</a>. 4. It wouldn’t be a complete ‘Colorado Springs List’ without mentioning the large presence of the military here. The Springs is home to five military institutions, including the United States Air Force Academy, and several Army and Air Force Bases. Learn more about our<a href="https://www.visitcos.com/areas/military-community/">military presence here</a>from<a href="https://www.visitcos.com/">VisitColoradoSprings.com</a>. 5. If you’re anything like the team here at Harris Group Realty, you will for sure want to explore the local restaurant scene. We have so many favorite spots across the city! From small hole-in-the-wall joints to award-winning dining experiences and cuisines, there is something sure to satisfy no matter what you are craving. Check out this recent list of<a href="https://www.opentable.com/s/dinerschoice?topic=Overall&amp;metroid=5&amp;regionids=128&amp;ref=9472&amp;cmpid=em_Email2021&amp;utm_source=mg&amp;utm_medium=email">Best Overall Restaurants -Top 10 Diner’s Choice</a>by<a href="https://www.opentable.com/">OpenTable</a>. 6. Lastly, find a Colorado Springs real estate agent to help you secure the perfect living quarters for your new Colorado life! It just so happens that we know a highly experienced, highly knowledgeable realtor here in the area who is ready to help… Barbara Harris!<a href="mailto:barbarabht@gmail.com?subject=Relocating%20To%20Colorado%20Springs">Contact Barbara</a>today. We are sure that you will quickly adjust to, and come to love, this little (although rapidly growing!) city we call home. If there are any other questions you have or helpful advice you could use, just reach out! We would be happy to help you acclimate to our little slice of paradise nestled here at the base of Pikes Peak.

Resources for Relocating to Colorado Springs

Although it is hard to picture now, before we know it the temperatures will start to dip and we can expect to see frost on our lawns and windshields in the morning. Fall in Colorado is right around the corner, and honestly, we think it is one of the most beautiful times to live here in Colorado Springs and at the base of the Rocky Mountains. However, with cooler weather comes more time spent indoors. Those hiking boots might get a bit of a rest and that mountain bike might return to its place in the garage. For some of you, this might sound like an unwelcome shift in your daily activities. If you are someone who lives for their outdoor activities here in Colorado, sprucing up your home's interiors could be a tactic for making the shift to colder days more palatable. Consider infusing some color, warmth, and style into your surroundings so that you might even *gasp* look forward to spending some time indoors. Here are ideas for helping spruce up your home in the coming months. Paint:Changing the color of a few walls could make a huge difference in your home's atmosphere and is an easy task to do. In 2021, we started to see shift away from all the grey-toned palates, to a trend of more warming browns. These colors like toffee, ginger, oak, and coffee can &nbsp;be just a versatile while creating a deeper sense of coziness in&nbsp; your space. No need to go crazy and paint all of your walls a brown-tone. Pick a few and create a comforting back drop for almost any look you want. Accent Pieces:A new rug here, a new picture there. Try infusing some new scenery in your home through accent pieces. Consider taking the time to print family images or photos you have taken while traveling and find fun frames to prop or hang around your house. Not only will these help to change up your space, but they will remind you of happy times and people you love. If your walls are already at max capacity and can't sport another image, try new throw pillows for your bed or couch or a new carpet for a pop of color and design in your space. Rearrange Furniture:Not into activities that require breaking open the wallet? Consider rearranging, or refurbishing, what you already own! Moving some furniture around can make your space feel like a whole new room without rushing out to your local home goods store. There are lots of ways to bring a new look to your space, and right now could be the perfect time to try a few of these out before youhaveto be inside on those cold winter days. Or, if maybe you are looking for a new space all together… call Barbara Harris!<a href="https://harrisgrouprealtyinc.com/">Harris Group Realty</a>can help get you into a new, inspired space before you know it.

Sprucing Up Your Home's Interior

Tis the season of travel, and that means that you might be swiping that credit card in different states or pulling out cash from ATMs you’ve never used before. This also means that you could be opening yourself up to virtual threats you would either-wise not encounter. Barbara was recently traveling and when she got home, she found several charges on her credit card that did not belong to her. They started off small and rather innocuous- most likely waiting to see if she would notice and gearing up for a bigger purchase down the road. This frustrating incident for Barbara got us thinking… how can you protect yourself and your assets while traveling? Here are a few ideas we’d like to share: 1. Do NOT sign the back of your credit cards. Rather, on the signature line write “SEE PHOTO ID.”2. Gas stations are a common place that thieves will target for credit card theft (and where Barbara thinks her information was stolen while traveling.) Thieves will place card skimmers over the real card reader at the gas pump, picking up your information this way. There are a few routes to keep yourself safe against this. One is to only use pumps that are directly within the line of sight of the attendant. Avoid pumps in the far back or out of sight from the gas station worker, as these are more likely to be targeted and the card skimmer applied. Another sure-fire way to avoid this is to always pay in store and skip the pay-at-the-pump option all together.3. As a safety precaution, scan copies of everything that you keep in your wallet. Your I.D.s, your credit cards, your health insurance card… all of it. And make sure that you copy BOTH the front and the back of the cards. This way if your wallet is ever stolen, you know exactly what to replace and the numbers to contact those companies right away.4. In the unfortunate event that your wallet is stolen, file a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen. This will show your credit card companies and the police that you were diligent on your end in getting this resolved.5. As well, if your credit cards are stolen, call the three national credit reporting organizations right away and place a fraud alert on your name and credit report. This way, in case those slippery thieves try to open other credit cards in your name, any company that checks your credit will know your information was stolen and will have to call you directly to get it approved. We hope that while traveling you never run into any of these issues. But it is always better to be prepared than to find yourself in this situation and have no idea where to start in getting it resolved. We wish you all a summer of safe and happy traveling!

Keeping You, and Your Financials, Safe This Summer

Throughout her 42 years of working in the real estate industry, Barbara Harris has seen, worked with, and helped LOTS of different types of people. From first time home buyers to those buying multiple investment properties, home buyers and their needs are as unique as the houses they look at and buy. However, there is one area of real estate that Barbara holds near and dear to her heart. That is because she is an SRES agent. What does SRES mean? SRES stands forSenior Real Estate Specialist. This means that Barbara is certified in helping guide seniors over the age of 50 through major lifestyle transitions- whether that is moving to a home more suitable for their needs, buying something more comfortable in size for them, or helping them sell real estate that is no longer needed. As well, part of obtaining the SRES designation means that Barbara has received specific training in all aspects of these lifestyle changes for seniors. There are many difficult conversations that need to be had, not only with the seniors themselves, but with family as well. Priorities need to be set and a clear path for obtaining these goals outlined. Frequently, there are many possessions that need to be either sold, donated, or bequeathed to family. All of these are aspects which the SRES training covers. All real estate agents are eligible to be an SRES designated agent, it just takes a bit more education and training. In order to obtain an SRES designation, a real estate agent must complete the following:1. Maintain an active NAR membership2. Complete the Senior Real Estate Specialist designation course3. Maintain active membership in the SRES council Frequently, the process of either downsizing, selling a family property, or prioritizing possessions can be an emotional experience for all involved. Adult children want what is best for their parents and the parents want the best possible outcome with the support of their family. These tenuous situations are what makes SRES agents so valuable. If you are a senior facing one of these situations, or a family member who has a loved one approaching this point in life, take the stress out of these conversations and events and work with an SRES designated realtor. For our friends here in the Colorado Springs area, Barbara would be happy to step in and help with your senior real estate needs. Feel free to reach out to her at<a href="mailto:barbarabht@gmail.com?subject=Seeking%20SRES%20Support">barbarabht@gmail.com</a>or 719-227-9900.

Your Certified SRES Agent

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and purchase a home of your own. Congratulations! But first, we want to make sure you understand that the market here in Colorado Springs is TIGHT. Inventory is moving fast and buyers are putting in multiple offers. Because of this, you will want to ensure that your offer is airtight and stands out from the others. How do you achieve this? See our five tips below on setting your bid apart and helping you to (hopefully!) be the winning offer.&nbsp; 1. Have your dream team compiled.&nbsp;This means having a Realtor that you trust and is knowledgeable and savvy enough to know how to play the game to your benefit. If this were an athletic competition, you wouldn’t settle for the “easy coach” that lets you do whatever you want. No, you would want someone who pushes you and helps you reach new horizons. Think of your Realtor as being in the same category. They should be helpful and informative with you while also putting their best foot forward in the home buying process and negotiations.&nbsp; 2. Have a verified pre-approval letter for your financing.&nbsp;This shows that you are serious, and you came to play the game. Additionally, it gives the seller some certainty and confidence in your offer on the house. To truly set your pre-approval letter and offer apart, consider including a cover letter outlining the details of the financials and the contract you are putting forward. Again, this speaks to your commitment to pursuing this potential contract. Additionally, consider working with a LOCAL lender rather than an out-of-state lender or an internet lender. Local lenders know our market and what is expected of them to get the loan approved in a timely manner.&nbsp; Out-of-state lenders or internet lenders may not be familiar with our local home buying process and often take more time to get the loan process completed. One last step you could consider is having your lender call the listing agent directly to confirm that you have been fully underwritten and alleviate any fears that financial issues could arise in the process. The pre-approval letter is a must, but sometimes it also helps the seller’s agent hear it straight from the lender. 3. Follow up with the listing agent.&nbsp;If you find THE house you have been waiting for, or the one that simply meets your criteria, express your sincere interest by having your real estate agent call the listing agent immediately after your initial viewing. They can ask about any additional needs or factors on behalf of the sellers and what they are looking for so you can tailor your offer to fit them best (and hopefully put you in first place among all the others!). Some examples might include a post-occupancy agreement, flexibility on the closing date, or negotiations around the appraisal and inspection. Have your Realtor work to get ALL of the details upfront, which could assist in having a smooth home purchasing process. 4. Come to the table with “serious cash.”&nbsp; Consider increasing the amount of earnest money you are willing to put down; or you might consider making up the difference in the listing price and the price you are offering, especially if you are going to be using a loan to purchase the home. The seller’s agent may view increasing the earnest money amount as an act of good faith and a reflection of your commitment to making this contract work. Ideally, this will boost their confidence in you and the seriousness of your offer.&nbsp; Making up the difference between the listing price and offer price is called an appraisal gap. Ideally, if you can cover the entire monetary amount of the “gap”, your offer will be able to contend with a cash offer.&nbsp; This “gap money” is in addition to your down payment. 5. Don’t get discouraged!&nbsp;If your first or second offer on a home doesn’t get accepted, don’t throw in the towel! Ask your agent to call the listing agent and find out how close your offer was to the highest bid and any other information that will help you with your next offer on a home. The inventory of homes is very tight right now. When a new listing shows up on your search that looks promising, contact your agent right away to let the agent know you are interested in seeing the home. Try to be flexible for seeing the home as there are so many buyers looking right now and time slots for seeing a home go fast.&nbsp;Working together with your Realtor will help achieve success. Listen to your Realtor’s guidance on structuring your offer.&nbsp; If you are thinking about buying a home or making the emotional move of selling yours, Barbara Harris and Harris Group Realty are here to answer all of your questions and concerns. You can rest assured that Barbara knows exactly what she is doing to help you set your offer apart from the others. Call us today at 719-227-9900 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:barbara@harrisgrouprealtyinc.com?subject=Ready%20To%20Buy%20A%20Home" target="_blank">click here to email Barbara</a>.&nbsp;

Home Buying: How to Set Your Offer Apart from Others'

If you have spent any time looking at real estate, chances are that you have come across something called a HUD home. But, how much do you understand about this federal agency and its programs? Let’s take a deeper look at what is a HUD home and what purposes they serve. A HUD home is a property that was originally purchased using an FHA loan, and at some point, the owner defaulted on their payments, and the property was foreclosed on and seized by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). The acronym HUD itself stands for the Department of&nbsp;Housing and&nbsp;Urban&nbsp;Development and was created in 1965 to ensure people of all different income brackets have fair and inclusive access to purchasing a home.&nbsp; Through a series of different federal policies and programs, the agency provides assistance and helps prospective homeowners have a chance at purchasing a home of their own. A few of the programs HUD offers are:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hudhomestore.com/Home/GNND.aspx" target="_blank">The Good Neighbor Next Door</a>&nbsp;program,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hudhomestore.com/Home/DollarHomes.aspx" target="_blank">$1 Homes Government Sales</a>&nbsp;program, and their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hudhomestore.com/Home/NonprofitGovtAgency.aspx" target="_blank">Nonprofit</a>&nbsp;program. These different programs aim to encourage individuals (and some nonprofits) to purchase HUD homes.&nbsp; However, you won’t find any HUD home on any MLS listings. HUD homes are sold at auction and come “as-is,” meaning no changes to the property are made when purchased. All HUD homes can be found on<a href="https://www.hudhomestore.com/Home/Index.aspx">HUDhomestore.com</a>, as well as additional information about the processes and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hud.gov/topics/buying_a_home" target="_blank">how to obtain one of these properties</a>&nbsp;for yourself. HUD homes can be a good deal for the right person. If you are thinking about exploring this path for yourself, give Barbara a call at (719)227-9900 and start learning today how to utilize the HUD programs properly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What is a HUD home?

It’s been one of the longest years ever…. and it’s only March! If you are anything like us here at Harris Group Realty, you are counting down the days until we can break out the sunscreen, hit the trails, and absorb some of that beautiful Colorado sun. While we might still be a moment away from basking in the warm sunshine, Spring is right around the corner and will be creeping in before we know it. Because of this, we want to share a few things you can donowto help prepare your home for the warmer days ahead. Clean your gutters.By cleaning your gutters, you can help prevent any water damage that may occur when Spring showers start working on generating those May flowers. Prep your garden.Take some time to clear out the sticks, weeds, mulch, and debris that might have accumulated over the winter. Remove all things in the way until you have clean bare soil ready for planting. Clean outdoor furniture.Prep your outdoor furniture for the warmer days and nights ahead. Depending on the material, there are a few approaches for cleaning your furniture. For cloth, warm water and dish soap is a safe method to remove debris and dust that might have gathered. If you have metal, wicker, or plastic furniture, visit<a href="https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/outdoor-spaces/how-to-clean-outdoor-furniture">this article from HGTV</a>to learn more. Clean out your Dryer Vent.Dryer vents should be cleaned a minimum of once a year- or more depending on the size of your family and the frequency with which you do laundry. Start with visually inspecting your vents from the outside to check for any clogs or blockages. Next is removing lint build-up. Here is a handy<a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/clean-dryer-vent-household-fire-hazard_l_60248010c5b685c43e71e832">article from HuffPost</a>about properly maintaining your dryer. While doing chores around the house is nobody’s favorite pastime, taking these few quick steps will help you be in a better spot once the Colorado sunshine is strong and the days are warmer and longer. What other items would you add to our springtime prep list? Let us know by reaching out on our<a href="http://facebook.com/HarrisGroupRealtyInc/">Facebook</a>,<a href="http://instagram.com/coloradohomecrew/">Instagram</a>, or<a href="https://harrisgrouprealtyinc.com/">website</a>.

Tips to Prepare Your Home for Spring

There are lots of businesses that tout superior customer service as part of their brand. I don’t know about you but most of the time I am disappointed when I have the opportunity to experience their “superior customer service”. What the upper echelon of management believes as their mantra doesn’t seem to filter down to the employees that their customers interact with. So it is my pleasure to share with you an account of superb customer service that I encountered recently at the local Kuni Lexus automobile dealership.&nbsp; I had decided to purchase a previously owned vehicle and had searched via internet to narrow down the choices. I needed to find a vehicle that would fit my needs for my business including a trunk large enough to hold a For Sale sign. I went to some of the largest dealerships in the city and met frustration head on. Most of the sales persons were more interested in selling me a car instead of listening to my wants and needs. I really felt I was nothing more than a dollar sign in their eyes and that they weren’t really interested in my needs. I didn’t feel I could recommend any of the dealerships I had visited. I was just about resigned to give up my search when I decided to pull into the Lexus dealership. From the moment the salesman introduced himself to me, my experience changed dramatically. The salesman asked me questions and then listened as I answered his questions. He suggested a few vehicles within the dollar limit I had set. He was definitely knowledgeable about his product but he also seemed very interested in knowing more about me, what I would be using the car for and what I liked about the vehicle I was currently driving. It wasn’t long before I felt comfortable around him and began to trust his suggestions. The salesman showed me a car that had just come on to the lot that he thought might work perfect for me. He went to get the key and pulled the car around the front of the dealership so I could take a good look at it. I was definitely impressed with the car but I asked if I could put my real estate sign in the trunk. I held my breath as we maneuvered the sign into the trunk. It was just about a half-inch too long. The salesman excused himself and soon came back with the owner of the dealership. The owner suggested that if I liked the car enough to purchase it, he would solve the problem by cutting a half-inch off my sign frames. All 25 of them!The salesman had listened to my needs, established a relationship with me so that I would feel comfortable and trust him and then became my problem solver. There was no question-I purchased the car! The service didn’t end there. The salesman took me around the dealership introducing me to the receptionist, the service manager, and the parts manager. Each person I came in contact with asked questions about my purchase and consistently validated that I had made an excellent choice. They knew their product and spoke highly of it. Each person thanked me for the purchase and shared that I could contact them if I ever needed anything. The message was consistent everywhere I went in the dealership. We value your business and we are here to serve you.&nbsp; I have been back to the Lexus dealership since I purchased the car and I have yet to be disappointed. The employees from the car wash technician to the service department employees have all been a delight to work with. The message is consistent and appears sincere- “the customer is valued and appreciated”. It doesn’t take much to make a customer feel valued. In my case it was a half inch. Every time you interact with a customer keep your message consistent and sincere from the person that answers the telephone all the way to the top management. &nbsp; And remember, it may be something as little as a half inch that can win a client for life!

Customer Service-Going the Extra ½ Inch

Are you thinking now might be the time to step out and explore the possibility of buying your first home. Congratulations! You will seldom find a real estate market like we are experiencing in Colorado Springs and you will definitely benefit from the very low interest rates that are available right now. Before you start to look for a home, be sure that you won’t be considering moving from that home for at least 3-5 years. You might be scratching your head right now but you need to realize that it takes about 3-5 years to build up enough equity to recoup your original investment costs in a normal economy. You probably have read or heard that real estate prices in our area have dropped anywhere from 14-17% since June 2007 and that interest rates are at historically low levels. These indicators mean this is a perfect time to buy an affordable home. And now, 10 tips that will make buying your first home a pleasurable experience and one that you will want to repeat.1. It is important to use the services of an experienced real estate broker when you make the decision to purchase your first home. Often, if you ask around you will find that your friends or family members can recommend a real estate broker that is both reputable and knowledgeable about the local real estate market. You need to feel comfortable that your Broker will be your advocate and explain every step of the buying process to you with patience and understanding. Talk to a reputable lender.&nbsp;2. After choosing your Realtor, the next most important step is to choose a lender that is reputable and reliable. &nbsp;You might be tempted to use an internet lender because they often offer unbelievable rates and yes, the deals and rates are unbelievable. Ask your Realtor for a recommendation of 2-3 lenders. Make an appointment to meet with each of the lenders face to face. Let them know that you are a first time buyer and want to know what loan programs are available for first time buyers. The lender will ask you questions about your job history, how much money you have to put down, what you have as debts, and what you have as assets. A reputable lender will spend the time you need to explain the different loans available and explain the cost of purchasing a home.3. Once you have decided on a lender, you will want the lender to check your credit and credit score. Lenders determine your interest rate and how much you qualify to borrow (your debt to income ratio) as they review your credit report. A FICO credit score of 720 or higher will help you obtain the lower interest rates. The FICO credit score is determined by how much credit you have and if you pay your monthly obligations on time.4. The lender will tell you how much loan you can qualify for and then you need to take the time and make a budget to determine how much you can spend for housing. The lender may tell you a payment amount that is higher than you want to spend. If you have a budget you won’t be swayed to spend more for housing than what you can realistically afford. Get in the habit to save money.&nbsp;5. Once you know what you want to spend for your monthly mortgage payment, start saving the difference between what you are paying for rent and what your monthly mortgage payment will be. In may only be a few months before you close on a new home but in just those few months you will have initiated a habit of saving that will benefit you for the rest of your life.&nbsp;6. Decide what is important to you. &nbsp;Your Realtor should sit down with you and determine what features are most important to you before going out to look for homes. &nbsp;Surveys indicate that besides the number of bedrooms and baths, location is an important factor for most buyers. &nbsp;You might want to be close to work or have your new home located in a certain school district. &nbsp;Whatever those features are, you need to decide on what is important to you and prioritize these features in a list. &nbsp;This will be helpful as you begin to look at homes.7. Eureka! You have found your dream home! &nbsp;Now don’t lose it by making a ridiculously low offer. &nbsp; Since mid 2007, Colorado Springs has been experiencing a definite Buyer’s market. &nbsp;That means buyers have the upper hand when it comes to negotiating offers on homes in our local real estate market. &nbsp; Buyers can often offer less than the asking price and ask for some if not all of their closing costs to be paid by the seller. &nbsp;That doesn’t mean that you should make a ridiculous offer and expect that the seller will accept it. &nbsp;Remember, sellers have seen their values decrease steadily since mid 2007 and in some cases; the sellers are selling for less than what they paid for the home originally.8. Buying a home is usually the most expensive purchase you will make. &nbsp;Be prudent and spend a little bit of money to hire a professional home inspector to inspect the home. &nbsp;A home inspector will look for safety hazards, items needing immediate repair, and will explain how to maintain the home once you own it. &nbsp;A home inspection gives you the opportunity to acquaint yourself with the property you are buying. &nbsp;If inspection uncovers serious problems you can most often opt out of the purchase rather than being saddled with a ‘money pit’.9. Review the title insurance commitment. &nbsp;Title insurance provides insurance coverage if a claim is made on the title. &nbsp;It is important to review your title commitment to make sure that your names are spelled correctly, the legal description is accurate and the loan information is correct. &nbsp;You should review the requirements and the exceptions of the title commitment to make sure that there are no surprises. &nbsp; You should also review any covenants that go with the property at the time you are reviewing the title insurance commitment to make sure you can abide by them. &nbsp;There is nothing worse than finding out after you close on a home that the covenants won’t allow the business you run from your home.&nbsp;10. Walk through the home before closing. &nbsp;Be sure to arrange for a walk through of the home you are buying before attending the closing to verify that the home is substantially in the same condition as when you made your offer to purchase. &nbsp;We recommend to our clients to schedule the walk through 24-48 hours prior to closing. &nbsp;It is best to have the home totally empty so you can view all the surfaces of the interior without interference. The seller is supposed to leave the home in a clean, ready to occupy condition with all repairs from the inspection resolution completed. &nbsp;If any problems surface at the walk through, your Broker should contact the Seller’s Broker to work out a resolution before closing.&nbsp;

10 Tips for First Time Home Buyers

We are always interested when the monthly stats come out from the Pikes Peak Association of Realtors.&nbsp; As actively involved Realtors in the real estate market of the&nbsp;Pikes Peak&nbsp;area, we have a premonition on how the stats&nbsp;will look but we always hope that they will be better than we expected. &nbsp;September, October and November’s stats weren’t much of a surprise.&nbsp; Probably the fact that we saw increases in the average and median prices was a bit puzzling until we realized that the increases were due to the fact that there had been more sales in the $250,000 and over price ranges.&nbsp; Our pool of first time homebuyers was drained with the tax credit that expired April 2010 so it only made sense that the number of sales would be less but the values would be higher. &nbsp;December 2010 saw a 16.1% increase in sales over November 2010 but only a 1% increase from December 2009.&nbsp; In December, we had a total of 4,327 single family homes for sale which was a 9.5% increase from December 2009. &nbsp;The average sales price increased 4.4% over December 2009 and the median sales price increase 3.1% from December 2009.&nbsp; Overall, the&nbsp;Pikes Peak&nbsp;region saw a 6.4% decrease in sales for 2010 compared to 2009.&nbsp; &nbsp;What do all those stats mean to you, the homeowner or home buyer?&nbsp;For the homeowner, what this means is there are more homes on the market right now and less buyers than there was a year ago so you have more competition.&nbsp; You need to be sure your home is in tip top shape, staged and priced where it should be instead of where you want it to be.&nbsp; That is, if you want to sell it in 2011.&nbsp; You might believe that your listing price will be higher because the median and average prices seem to be going up.&nbsp; That just means that there is less to select from the below $250,000 price range and more to select from the $250,000 and over price range right now.&nbsp; There is still some very stiff competition out there for home sellers.&nbsp; Foreclosures are definitely a threat to value and short sales although difficult to close offer buyers some negotiating power.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;If we didn’t list another home for sale in January we would have a 6.34 month supply of listings on the market for sale.&nbsp; If we could get our inventory down below a 6 month supply we would begin to see values rise and we could hope that it might actually become a Seller’s market instead of the Buyer market we have had for over the past 3 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sellers, tell everyone you know that this is a great time to buy and that your home is a tremendous value.&nbsp; Speak positively about the market so your friends and co-workers will relax and step back into the market. &nbsp;Now, for the homebuyer-what are you waiting for??? In the almost 32 years of selling and listing homes in the&nbsp;Pikes Peak&nbsp;region, we have never seen a market like this before!&nbsp; There are excellent values in every neighborhood in the&nbsp;Colorado Springs&nbsp;area and interest rates have never been so low.&nbsp; Or should I say they&nbsp;had&nbsp;never been so low.&nbsp; Interest rates are beginning t0 creep back up.&nbsp; No one knows if the small increase we have seen in rates in the past month or so will continue or if it will flatten out.&nbsp; Remember, for every 1% increase in the interest rate, you qualify for 10% less in home value.&nbsp; Right now, if you buy, you will probably pay less in a mortgage payment than you would pay for rent for the same type of property.&nbsp; That opportunity doesn’t come around very often-so, what are you waiting for??? &nbsp;If you want to see the numbers in black and white and in graph format,&nbsp;or if you would like to know how your area is performing or what the average list to sale ratio is, email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Barbara@BarbaraHarrisTeam.com">Barbara@BarbaraHarrisTeam.com</a>&nbsp;or give us a call at (719) 227-9900 and we will be happy to send you that information.

Stick Your Toe in the Water

Thank you Barbara! &nbsp;We really appreciate your assistance, kindness, and professional approach in selling our home. &nbsp;We received excellent service and communication from you and your staff. &nbsp;We will definitely suggest you to others needing to sell or buy in the high country region. &nbsp;I wish you the very best going forward. &nbsp;Again, thank you for promoting and selling our home during this time of a very challenging real estate market. &nbsp;You're the best! M. &amp; J. Hemric 08/2013

Look What Our Clients Have to Say

Home affordability is at near record highs. Homeownership allows people to grow wealth slowly over time, to hold assets that build equity, and to bring stability into their lives.Currently, homeownership is around 59.2%. This is lowest rate since the Census Bureau began tracking in 1965. Given the fact &nbsp;that homes have never been so affordable nor interest rates so low it makes one wonder if this reduction has been based on fear.Let’s review the benefits of homeownership. The top benefits of homeownership haven't changed, even in the face of a down economy. Here are the top five: 1. Savings: Long-term homeownership is still a way to get big savings. 2. Tax Breaks: Homeowners are able to take their mortgage interest that they pay each month as a deduction along with great rebates and credits associated with upgrades made to the home during the year. 3. Equity: When you pay a landlord, it's money down the drain. When you pay on a mortgage, you are paying towards owning a piece of something. You may still owe $100,000, but perhaps the home is worth $200,000. This means you have $100,000 worth of equity you've built up over time.4. Budgeting: If you live in an apartment or rental home, each lease renewal could mean a jump in prices. We are seeing that now in the Colorado Springs area. There is a shortage of rental property so rents are increasing in some cases quite dramatically. A fixed-rate mortgage, however, means your monthly payment is the same amount for the life of the loan. A $1,000 a month principal and interest payment on a 30-year mortgage is that same now as it will be in 30 years! 5. Security: When you own, it's yours. You can paint, improve, and decorate. Most homeowners are in neighborhoods with other homeowners, meaning more time to build relationships and friendships. Experts have recommended for years that if you're planning on staying put for 5+ years, buying becomes an increasingly better deal. You have time to recoup any closing costs you paid and benefit financially with the mortgage reduction and any home price appreciation that occurs. Once your mortgage is paid off, you'll have a real asset. Home affordability is at near record highs. Now is a good time to see if buying makes good financial sense for you. If it does, then you're in store for a wealth of benefits that only homeowners can experience. Tip of the day: If you already own a home, ask your bank or Realtor to provide you with an amortization schedule for your loan. You will be surprised at how little of your payment goes towards principal. If you discipline yourself to pay an extra principal payment each month with your mortgage payment, you will be surprised at how quickly the equity in your home will begin to grow!??

Home Affordability is at Near Record Highs

There is some good news on the horizon! &nbsp;Recently, FHA announced that they have extended for another year a program that allows buyers of flipped houses to obtain Federal Housing Administration-backed loans. &nbsp;Last year, FHA lifted a ban that prevented buyers from obtaining government-backed mortgage insurance on homes bought less than 90 days after a previous sale. &nbsp;The ban, which was in place to prevent speculative home buying and selling, was set to go back into effect on January 31, 2011. &nbsp;It is hoped that lifting the ban for another year will aid the housing market churn through the massive amounts of foreclosure inventory that exists throughout the country. Flipping refers to the practice of buying a home and quickly reselling it to make a profit. In 2003, FHA banned buyers from obtaining government-backed mortgage insurance on homes they purchased less than 90 days after a previous sale. &nbsp;The FHA temporarily lifted the ban a year ago to help investors sell foreclosed properties in an effort to aid the depressed housing market. That waiver was set to expire February 1, 2011. By allowing investors to continue to “flip” homes, it gives buyers, especially first-time buyers, the opportunity to purchase a home that has recently been rehabilitated. &nbsp;It will also help to move more foreclosed properties off the market and reduce the number of vacant homes in neighborhoods throughout this country. FHA has insured more than 21,000 mortgages worth over $3.6 billion on properties resold within 90 days of acquisition since last February, when the waiver was first issued. &nbsp;Mortgage lending is still very tight and loans backed by the FHA, which does not make loans directly but guarantees them for borrowers who meet certain restrictions, are the only option available to many borrowers. &nbsp;FHA-backed loans accounted for about 34 percent of mortgages used to purchase a home in 2010. We have many investors in the Pikes Peak region that buy homes that need some cosmetic repairs so that they can turn around and sell them for profit. &nbsp;Extending this fix and flip program will encourage the investors to continue to fix and flip. &nbsp;It should also offer many of our first time buyers a terrific opportunity to buy something that is ready to move into without spending lots of money after they move in. If you are interested in foreclosed properties for the purpose of fixing and flipping, we can send you updated lists of bank owned properties for your review. &nbsp;Or you might be a first time buyer that doesn’t want to do any work on your own. &nbsp; Either way, just email us or give us a call. &nbsp;We would be happy to help you make your dreams a possibility!

FHA Extends Loan Program for Purchasing 'Flipped' Houses

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