I recently watched a shocking video where I learned about a new (scary) technique called Lock Bumping.

Crooks (and other predatory criminals) can get a special key made (called a Bump Key) that fits into so many different types of locks, that over 90% of deadbolt door locks are vulnerable to Lock Bumping. With just a couple "Bumps" from the handle of a screwdriver to the handle of the "Bump Key" - the door unlocks and the criminal gains access to the home.

With our home being our castle, and being the one place that we can always count on as "safe" - this is a very scary thing to learn about. What can be done? Well, there are always great deterrents, like: * Guard dogs * Alarms * Proper Lighting But, even with my porch light, large dog and alarm system, I always feel better when I lock my doors.

So now what?!?

There are only two lock manufacturers, that I have found, that are found to be safe against Lock Bumping: MEDECO High Security Locks and SCHLAGE PRIMUS High Security Locks Another site to check out is http://www.WholeSaleLocks.com - where they offer a selection of Bump-Safe Locks.

(A representative of the site had read my post and wanted to let everyone know what they offered.)

I guess I will be adding "Change Locks" to the Honey-Do list...

Thanks for reading our Colorado Springs Real Estate Blog!
Posted By: Mariana Wagner - Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent - Wagner iTeam
The Wagner iTeam is a power team of Keller Williams Realty,
specializing in Colorado Springs Real Estate and Monument Real Estate
Pictures of Colorado Springs
719.434.7525

If you are looking to sell your Colorado Springs home, this is a great video to watch. Thank you Lani - Agent Genius, for sharing this video with us.

Thanks for reading our Colorado Springs Real Estate Blog!
Posted By: Mariana Wagner - Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent - Wagner iTeam
The Wagner iTeam is a power team of Keller Williams Realty,
specializing in Colorado Springs Real Estate and Monument Real Estate
Pictures of Colorado Springs
719.434.7525

The Wagner iTeam  - Colorado Springs Real Estate Connection - has just launched a new marketing program for our listings. One part of our new marketing program has to do with the signs that we place in the front yards of the listings that we take.

The Anatomy of the new Wagner iTeam "For Sale" Signs:

• The top part of the sign has our logo and direct phone number. This allows people to call us directly regarding the home that is for sale.
• The main part of the sign is composed of 3 main parts:
  • "For Sale" is large, red and bold. Because of the unique nature of these signs, we do not want our signs to be mistaken for a rental sign - or a non-real estate "basement finisher" or "roofer" sign.
  • The center of the sign acts as a permanent flyer. No one likes driving up to a home only to see that the flyer box is empty. Our signs offer full-color pictures of both the exterior and interior of the home, along with 5 home-highlights, bulleted to the right of the sign. The font of this text is small enough that all passer-by's will need to slow down (or stop) to read it - causing more people to take an active interest in the property than just a quick drive-by.
  • Below the photos is "For Current Pricing Call" which directs people to the lower portion of the sign.
• The lower portion of the sign (not shown above) is the Wagner iTeam 1-800# and a unique extension number that offers a detailed audio tour and pricing information on the home to anyone who calls.

We believe that the point of all the marketing that we do for our Seller Clients, is to SELL their properties - not just market our team. These signs are perfect way to market (and SELL) the HOME - and not just the agent.

Thanks for reading our Colorado Springs Real Estate Blog!
Posted By: Mariana Wagner - Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent - Wagner iTeam
The Wagner iTeam is a power team of Keller Williams Realty,
specializing in Colorado Springs Real Estate and Monument Real Estate
Pictures of Colorado Springs
(719) 434-7525

Colorado Springs Real Estate Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between a Manufactured and Modular Home in Colorado Springs?

There are 2 main types on non-stick-built Colorado Springs homes: Manufactured Homes and Modular Homes.

It is very important to know the difference between these two types of homes. One type is hard to get financing for and generally loses value over time, whereas the other is easier to get financing for and has a MUCH longer life.

Manufactured Homes

A manufactured home is the new generation of what we once called "mobile homes" and is harder to find traditional financing for. These homes are generally more affordable, but are more likely to lose value over time - compared to modular homes.

Manufactured homes are built in a factory and conform to the Federal Building Code (HUD) - not to the local building codes of the area that they will eventually be placed. Manufactured homes are built in separate sections on a "non-removable steel chassis" and transported (via wheels on the chassis) to the destination where they are assembled - but not necessarily on a permanent foundation. These homes do NOT need to be approived by the local building inspector. Manufactured homes are designed to be MOBILE - The chassis allows for the home to be moved (if needed) from place to place.

A manufactured home can be identified by a HUD label which is usually found on the exterior of the home.

These homes are also referred to as single/double wide homes.

Read Also: Colorado Springs Neighborhood Report ~ Chateau at Antelope Ridge

Modular Homes

Modular homes are a closer relative to a stick-built home (a home built entirely on location) and generally appreciate in value over time. It is easier to find financing for modular homes, as they are considered "permanent" structures - compared to manufactured homes that are more mobile.

Modular homes are also built (in sections) in a factory, but are built to conform to the local building codes of the area that they will eventually be placed. They are transported to their final destinations on flatbed trucks and do NOT have a steel chassis. Once all the sections of the modular home arrive at the final location, modular homes are joined together by local contractors and placed on a permanent foundation. A modular home MUST pass a local building inspection.

A modular home can be identified by a UBC (Uniform Building Code) or IRC (International Residential Code) label which can be found under the kitchen sink.

These homes are also referred to as pre-fab homes.

More Resources:

• About Modular and Manufactured Homes
• Differences Between Modular, Manufactured, Panelized, and Precut Homes

For more Information on Homes in Colorado Springs, please call the Wagner iTeam: 719.434.7525