Academy School District 20 Colorado Springs Real Estate & Homes for Sale

Good reasons to live in Colorado Springs

Murray Knoll Partners — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:57:00 GMT

1. Colorado Springs ranked 10th “Best City to be a Woman” according to Women’s Health magazine. The study was based on 35 health and lifestyle areas including health, life and fitness. (12/09)

2. Colorado Springs ranked as one of the top “10 Best Drivers’ Cities in America” list according to Car & Driver magazine. Factors such as frequency of sunny days, car ownership costs, and annual road salt use factored into the ratings. (12/09)

3. Colorado Springs ranked 9th in “America’s Best Bang-For-The-Buck Cities” by Forbes.com. The study was based on solid housing markets, relatively stable employment, enviable cost of living and quick commutes. (11/09)

4. Colorado ranked 8th “Healthiest State in the Nation” by the United Health Foundation. The survey evaluated measures that ranged from basic health statistics such as cancer and high-blood pressure to lifestyle indicators such as unemployment, geographic disparities and crime. (11/09)

5. Colorado ranked 4th “Happiest State” by LiveScience.com. The study includes six types of well-being: overall evaluation of lives, emotional health, physical health, healthy behaviors (such as whether a person smokes or exercises), and job satisfaction. (11/09)

Source: Colorado Springs Regional Economic Development Corporation

Price Reduced on 6689 Bethesda PT Unit C in Cottonwood Creek

Murray Knoll Partners — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:12:00 GMT

Cottonwood Creek, Colorado Springs - Announcing a price reduction on 6689 Bethesda PT Unit C, a 1,234 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story. Now MLS® $175,000 - Price correction!.

Property information

Ann Knoll - Certified Negotiation Expert

Murray Knoll Partners — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:15:00 GMT

Ann Knoll, of Murray Knoll Partners of Keller Williams, completed her certification for the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNER). As a CNER, Ann is fully trained to negotiate a win-win deal for her clients whether they are buyers or sellers. Understanding the different negotiation styles and personality types can only improve her position at the negotiation table when representing her clients.

Open House in Trail Ridge on Sunday

Murray Knoll Partners — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:06:00 GMT

Trail Ridge, Colorado Springs - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 1360 Hazeline Lake Dr on March 7 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Property information

Price Reduced on 8390 Freemantle Drive in Contrails

Murray Knoll Partners — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:12:00 GMT

Contrails, Colorado Springs - Announcing a price reduction on 8390 Freemantle Drive, a 2,006 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm bi-level. Now MLS® $186,500 - .

Property information

Don’t pay for a loan modification!

Murray Knoll Partners — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 04:25:00 GMT

Don’t pay for a loan modification! Did you know that if you qualify, you can do a loan modification with your lender for free? Beware of the loan modification companies that are popping up all over the country taking advantage of distressed homeowners. I recently heard of a company, headed by a Realtor, that is charging an up front fee of $1500 to do a loan modification. The sad part is that this homeowner did not qualify because he had missed too many mortgage payments in the past 12 months. The loan modification company knew he did not qualify and still took his money.

How do you know if you qualify for a loan modification? Well, you need to call your lender first. There are several criteria that a homeowner must meet. Additionally, it depends on the type of loan you have, such as, conventional, FHA, VA, etc. If you aren’t sure, dig out your original loan documents. If you still aren’t sure, again talk with your lender.

If you don’t qualify for a loan modification and you just cannot afford to stay in your home, you need to talk with a real estate agent ASAP. Make sure that the agent you call has experience working short sales. The best way to determine this is ask if they are a Certified Distress Property Expert (CDPE). CDPE agents have access to the most current information on different short sale programs and a network of over 17,000 other CDPE certified agents to assist with getting a short sale closed. Additionally, the banks want to work with CDPE agents because they know a CDPE agent will get the job done. Don’t play with your credit or your future, get your home listed and sold with a CDPE.

For short sale assistance in the Colorado Springs area, call Nancy Murray (CDPE) with Murray Knoll Partners with Keller Williams at 719-964-4810.

Single Story For Sale in Briargate

Murray Knoll Partners — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:34:00 GMT

• 3,080 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $295,000

Briargate, Colorado Springs - Beautiful ranch townhome with gorgeous view of Pikes Peak * Main level master * Private patio off kitchen * 3bed/3bath/2cg * Formal dining room * Large eat-in kitchen with island and breakfast bar * Great room with gas fireplace * 5 pc master bath with walk-in closet * Two bedrooms and full bath and large rec room with wetbar and entertaining area in basement * A/C * Stucco exterior * Great community!

Property information

Price Reduced on 1360 Hazeline Lake Dr in Trail Ridge

Murray Knoll Partners — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:21:00 GMT

Trail Ridge, Colorado Springs - Announcing a price reduction on 1360 Hazeline Lake Dr, a 4,643 sq. ft., 5 bath, 6 bdrm 2 story. Now MLS® $535,000 - Price Reduction!.

Property information

Luxury 2 Story Home For Sale in Trail Ridge - Academy School District 20

Murray Knoll Partners — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:01:00 GMT

Gorgeous! Shows like a model!

• 4,643 sq. ft., 5 bath, 6 bdrm 2 story - MLS®$545,000

Trail Ridge, Colorado Springs - Beautiful Acuff home that shows like a model! Has all the upgrades. Walk into this beautiful home and you are greeted with luxury. Grand entry way with curved staircase, large dining room with pass through to butler's pantry. Large kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances, gas range, convection oven, convection/microwave, large kitchen nook with a walkout to the professionally landscaped backyard, and a double sided fireplace. Family room is adjacent to the kitchen with fireplace and surround sound. Upstairs includes a master suite with an adjoining office and large 5 piece master bath with his/her sink areas, and a walk-in closet upgraded with California Closet configuration. Bedroom with private bath. Other two bedrooms share a Jack and Jill bath. Basement includes two more bedrooms, full bath, large family room with fireplace and surround sound, and man-cave (game room with wet bar). New landscaping includes trex deck with gas line, water feature, drip irrigation for all plants, concrete edging, and outdoor lighting. Oversized 3 car garage maximizes the space with many additional storage shelves. Don't miss out on this incredible property!

Property information

Colorado Springs MLS for Buying a Home

Murray Knoll Partners — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 17:02:00 GMT

Colorado Springs MLS for Buying a Home.There are many tools available for buyers in the Colorado Springs area. So many that it can be over whelming when trying to find the right tool to search for your next home. You need to be aware of the different tools and how they obtain their listing information. Knowing this will help you determine which tool is best for where you are at in your property search.

Agent/Broker websites: There are two basic types of tools that you will find on agent or broker websites. Their featured listings and a third party tool managed by another company, but receiving the data from the local Colorado Springs MLS.

Agent featured listings: This is a good place to look when you are researching agents for listing your own property. How are they advertising their current listings? Are they putting accurate information in their own website with good pictures? I have found that many of the agents do not maintain this data, so it should not be used as a primary source when searching for a new home. Often the listings are out of date with inaccurate pricing, or no longer one of their listings. In fact, I ran across an agent with all his past listings (6 years of data) where all the properties were listed as “active.” The only reason for doing so, is to generate what our industry calls, “buyer leads.” At Murray Knoll, we use our featured listings on our website because we market our website heavily and want to brag about our great homes. With our website, we also have a handshake arrangement with nearly 200 other agents in the Colorado Springs area, which allows our listings to appear on the websites of many other agents around town. But again, this is not the most accurate information. It only includes the listings that other agents have manually entered into their websites, providing a very limited pool of properties that are actually available.

Advantages: Tells you a lot about how an agent markets their listings.

Disadvantages: Data is not always reliable and does not always include ALL properties in the MLS.

Third party tools:

Third party tools are web applications that agents pay to appear on their website or are available for the general public, such as Trulia.com, Zillow.com, and Realtor.com. The tools are searchable allowing the user to enter their own criteria. The display of the output can be a list of properties and/or a map with the properties marked with a bubble or flag. These tools are typically populated from the Pikes Peak Association of Realtors (PPAR) Multi-listing Service (MLS), which services Colorado Springs Realtors. They are great for doing quick checks on neighborhood properties or getting a general idea of prices for the different Colorado Springs neighborhoods. They are great tools, if you are just beginning your search and are not ready to ask an agent for assistance. But they do have their limitations. Most third party tools continue to show pending or under contract properties as available. They are also often out of date, taking 3-7 or more days to update price changes. If you are waiting for your dream home to drop within your price range before taking action, these are not the tools you want to be using.

Advantages: Populated from the Colorado Springs MLS. You maintain control of the criteria and remain anonymous until you save a search.

Disadvantages: Data is not always up to date and may show unavailable properties as available.

Custom Property Websites. This is our tool of choice for our serious buyers. Yes we provide all of the above tools, because not everyone is at the same stage in their research, and each tool provides a different purpose. But if you are serious about buying and only want to be bothered with the most accurate information on only the properties that meet your criteria, whether they include price, bedrooms, walk-out basement, etc., this is the tool for you. When you are provided a custom property website, you will receive email updates directly from the Colorado Springs MLS on when new properties are posted to your website or when the price changes, or the status of the property changes. This way, you are only looking at available properties that meet your minimum criteria. You can easily sort the properties so you aren’t bothered with the “rejects,” or if your partner is conducting their research in a different location, you can make notes for each other on the most interesting properties. When it comes time to hit the streets, we have a good list of properties to start with, working more efficiently, and narrowing down the search to only the top dozen or so.

Advantages: Most accurate information available to buyers. Limits properties to only those that meet the buyer’s minimum criteria. Buyer can receive email notification on property updates.

Disadvantages: Requires contacting a real estate agent to create the website and when changes are needed to your criteria. Not all agents understand how to set up the search with only the buyer's top criteria or how to set up the property website. Not all agents respond quickly to change requests.

Google Maps. Don’t forget about this incredible tool. No, it isn’t a search tool, but This is an essential tool for checking out the location of a property and now you can even get a birds eye view of most properties in the Colorado Springs MLS area. Here’s how it works: If you want to see your favorite properties in street view go to http://www.google.com, select "map" in the upper left menu, then type in the full address of the property (it works best if you include the zipcode). When the bubble pops up with the picture of the house, select "street view.” Then you can “walk” the little orange man to the property to view it. Turn him around and view the neighborhood. It is really cool.

So, if you are in the market to buy a home in the Colorado Springs area, work with an agent that understands the differences in the search tools, has knowledge of the Colorado Springs MLS custom property website setup and configuration, and is available to assist you with your search. Good Luck!

Price Reduced on 4101 Fellsland Drive in Springs Ranch

Murray Knoll Partners — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:01:00 GMT

Springs Ranch, Colorado Springs - Announcing a price reduction on 4101 Fellsland Drive, a 3,437 sq. ft., 4 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story. Now MLS® $325,000 - New Price!.

Property information

Tax Credit for 2009/2010

Murray Knoll Partners — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:58:00 GMT

Congress recently passed the extension for the $8000 First Time Homebuyer tax credit. They did everyone a favor by including a $6500 tax credit for anyone purchasing a home that does not qualify as a first time home buyer as long as the new property is purchased to be their primary residence. The property must be under contract by April 30, 2010 and closed by July 1, 2010. This will hopefully continue to stimulate the already strong housing market in Academy District 20 of Colorado Springs. Up until recently, we found that the availability of homes in Academy District 20 for first time home buyers was pretty limited because those needing to move up or down size, really had no incentive to do so. Now with the additional tax credit, we should see renewed activity, particularly after the holidays. For the National Association or Realtors summary of the 2009/2010 tax credit, visit http://www.ourdistrict20homes.com/Buying/page_2098776.html.

To start your search for a new home in Colorado Springs today visit http://www.findcoshomes.com or call Murray Knoll Partners at 719-964-4810.

6th Grade Field Trip - An Academy District 20 Tradition

Murray Knoll Partners — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:49:00 GMT

Today we put our 6th grader on the school bus for the 4 day/3 night field trip up in the mountains called High Trails. I guess you could say it is a "right of passage" for the Academy District 20 6th graders, and has been a tradition for 30+ years. In fact, there are parents sending their kids off this year that participated themselves 30+ years ago. I do believe the teachers look forward to the trip as much as the kids and the parents do, because it seems like the kids grow up over night. Personally, I think it is looked at as essential for the kids to be out on their own away from parents and with teachers and teen counselors, with various levels of responsibility, whether it is playing kitchen helper, making their beds, or just finding a quiet place to write about their experiences.

Though it is tough to hug your son goodbye with no way of contacting him, I realize he is in good hands with his teachers, principal, and the teen counselors and I look forward to Friday when he returns "a new man." We experienced this first hand with our older son who attended High Trails four years ago. It is still the most positive experience of his middle school years and if his grades were a little more solid, he would be one of the teen counselors himself. Well, maybe next year!

What is selling in Colorado Springs?

Murray Knoll Partners — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:01:00 GMT

With out a doubt, the homes that are selling are the ones that first time home buyers can qualify to purchase. We are seeing homes priced in the $250,000 and below range that are in good condition and have good value are going under contract quickly. We recently listed a very nice home in Academy District 20 in Rockrimmon, priced at $225,000 and it was under contract with the second showing. I didn't event finish my marketing on the property. With all these homes being sold to first time home buyers, you have to wonder where the sellers are going. We saw a drop in average sales for the month of September (see http://www.ourdistrict20homes.com/COS_Market_Update/page_2115060.html ) which I believe will continue for the months of October and November until the $8000 tax credit expires. Then we will start to see an increase in the average sales price for the next wave, though the number of home sales will probably decline. The big question is, what will Congress approve as a follow-on to the current tax credit? If they really want to stimulate the economy, they need a tax credit for all buyers like they originally planned last year.

Colorado Springs Market Update - October

Murray Knoll Partners — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:55:00 GMT

Below is a link to our October newsletter and the market update for September. Newsletter articles include:

Pricing the Home Right on Day One

Ready? Set.... Football

Pumpkin Recipes

Other Industry News:

Just how low are Colorado Springs’ property taxes?

http://csbj.com/2009/09/25/just-how-low-are-springs-property-taxes/

New military arrivals triggered faster Springs area economic growth in 2008

http://www.gazette.com/articles/area-62663-springs-new.html

Time is running out. Only 6 more weeks before the first time home buyer tax credit of $8000 ends. To begin your search visit http://www.ourdistrict20homes.com/MLS_Map_Search/page_2098007.html

New Listings for Murray Knoll Partners:

New Listing! Springs Ranch: Priced at $283,000. Beautiful 2-story home w/ spectacular view of Pikes Peak. 5bed/3.5bath/2car garage. Spacious kitchen w/ area for family dining. Family room off the kitchen w/ gas fireplace. Formal living room or formal dining room. Deck off kitchen w/ front range view. His/hers walk-in master bedroom closets. Berber carpet on main and 2nd levels. Washer/dryer hookup on main and basement. Main level office could be 6th bedroom. Large rec room and spare bedroom in basement. Fenced backyard. Next to Remington elementary school. Perfect for the growing family. For details and virtual tour visit: http://www.3212HeatherGlenDrive.com

Mortgage Rates as of Tuesday, 6 October

Conventional 30 4.75% (APR 4.859)

Conventional 15 4.375% (APR 4.432)

FHA/VA 30 4.75% (APR 5.391)

CHFA HomeOpener 5.5% NO Down Payment Assistance (APR 6.564)

CHFA HomeOpener PLUS 5.875% - 3% DPA with payment at 5.875% x 30 Years (APR 6.571)

Wally Roy - Sr. Loan Officer - 719.229.5003 • Wally.Roy@centralbancorp.com http://www.wallyroy.com/
• License Number LMB100019691

September 2009 Market update:

Average and median prices drop over September of 2008, most likely due to the increased activity of first time home buyers. Check out the statistics at:

http://www.ourdistrict20homes.com/COS_Market_Update/page_2115060.html

Other Murray Knoll Listings:

Springs Ranch: Priced at $330,000. Beautiful home on a large corner lot in Springs Ranch. Wonderful floor plan with the master and two bedrooms on the second floor, bedroom on the main floor that could function as a study or office, and one more bedroom in the basement. Large gourmet kitchen with room for a family dinner table. Includes a breakfast bar, pantry, gas range, and two ovens. Large family room with gas fireplace off the kitchen, built in shelves frame the fireplace. Walkout to a large patio and fenced backyard. Formal living room and dining room combination on the main level. Master suite features a five piece master bath, walk-in closet, and sitting area. Full finished basement includes a rec area, exercise area, bedroom, and full bath. Just a five minute walk from Sand Creek high school. This home is perfect for the family that needs more space. For details and virtual tour visit: http://www.4101fellslanddrive.com

Upgraded condo in Academy District 20: Priced at $185,000. Beautiful main level condo with an open floor plan, large family room, formal dining room, and master suite. Enter the condo to a warm and inviting family room with a gas fireplace. Breakfast bar. Formal dining room with hardwood floor. Berber carpets in living room and bedrooms. 2bed/2bath, A/C, wood flooring, berber carpet, and walk-in closet w/ custom closet system. For details and virtual tour visit http://6689bethesdaptunitc.ourdistrict20homes.com/

Rockrimmon starter home in Academy District 20: Priced at $245,000. Beautiful tri-level with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 2 car garage. Large backyard adjacent to open space. Very well maintained with updated kitchen, wrought iron railing, archways over living room. Formal living room, dining room, and rec room with fireplace. Large master bedroom with master bath. For details and virtual tour visit http://6471hawkeyecircle.ourdistrict20homes.com

NEW PRICE! Monument: Adorable home with two bedrooms and full bath on main level and 3rd bedroom and 3/4 bath in basement priced at $195,000. Great open floor plan. Newer roof and furnace. Fenced backyard with storage shed and patio. Large corner lot with mature trees. Great starter home or for investors. This is a short sale so check back for pricing updates. Visit: http://623trumbulllane.ourdistrict20homes.com for details.

Gleneagle Town home: Priced at $268,000. View the US Air Force Academy and the front range from 4 balconies in this beautiful town home! Over 3500 total square feet. Main level and second floor master suites, each with a private balcony and mountain view. Large loft for office or den. Great potential with over 1200 square feet in unfinished basement. Main Level Laundry. Air conditioning. Easy access to I-25 and Hwy 83.

For details and virtual tour visit: http://21LuxuryLane.OurDistrict20Homes.com

Academy District 20 lot: Priced at $185,000. This 2.66 acre lot the best lot remaining in Highland Park. Suitable for a walkout basement with the back of the house facing the front range. This lot is not owned by a builder, so you have the freedom to bring your builder and custom plans. Highland Park is a wonderful development in Black Forest with higher end custom homes.

Visit virtual tour at http://9684lochwinnochlane.ourdistrict20homes.com

SOLD! Fountain: Perfect starter home priced at $175,000. Beautiful 4-level home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car garage, and room to grow with unfinished basement. New dishwasher, carpet, interior paint, and hot water heater. Gas stove. Upper level laundry with gas or electric hookups. Fenced backyard. Automatic sprinklers. Minutes from elementary and high schools. Great neighborhood! Visit: http://850MarshallDrive.com for details.

Search for Colorado Springs properties (including foreclosures):

http://www.ourdistrict20homes.com/MLS_Map_Search/page_2098007.html

Click on the link below to access the newsletter.
Colorado Springs Real Estate Update - October 2009