Colorado Springs Real Estate Connection

Foreclosures in the Colorado Springs Real Estate Market

The Colorado Springs Real Estate Market has had 2,531 foreclosures since 1/1/2008.

These numbers are higher than we have ever seen. Since 1981, the highest annual foreclosure rate was in 1988 with 3,476 foreclosures. Here is a snapshot of the foreclosure rate in the Colorado Springs area since 1981:

( source )

In 2008, we have been seeing an average of 422 new foreclosures started every month.

This means that by the end of the year, we will see a total of 5,064 foreclosures in the Colorado Springs real estate market.

This is almost 10x what it was in 1996. Unbelievable.

The sad thing about these statistics is that MANY of these homes did not need to foreclose.

Psychologically, once a homeowner realizes that they can no longer afford to make their monthly payments, they just ride out the months until the home sells at the foreclosure acuction. Sadly, most of these folks are facing foreclosure because of a mortgage rate increase or something traumatic happening to their life (divorce, illness, death, job loss, etc.) and cannot afford to refinanace. Chances are that even if they COULD afford to refinance, their home has not gained enough equity to let that happen anyway.

However, these distressed Colorado Springs homeowners are not alone. One in four people in Colorado Springs are in some state of financial distress with their mortgage. Yes, some may only be a month or 2 behind and are not facing imminent foreclosure yet, but there are A LOT of people in the same boat. This means that if you look down the street in your Colorado Springs neighborhood, about every 4th home will be in some stage of foreclosure - or close to it.

Foreclosure does not ALWAYS need to happen. If a homeowner knows that they will not be able to keep making their monthly payments, there is always the option to sell their Colorado Springs home before it forecloses. This will save, not only some of their credit, but also their peace of mind. Even if a homeowner owes more than they could sell their home for (which is true for a lot of Colorado Springs homeowners out there right now), you could STILL possibly sell your home and get out from under foreclosure.

If you (or someone that you know and love) is distraught becasue they are losing their home to foreclosure, we may be able to help them SELL it before it is too late. Let's work together to chop these high foreclosure rates down ... and help people get out from under their mortgage burden in the process.

Derek and Mariana Wagner of the Colorado Springs Real Estate Connection and Wagner iTeam are currently in the process of becoming Certified Distressed Property Experts and can effectively negotate with your banks to get your home SOLD, regardless of what you owe them ... helping YOU get on with LIFE.

Call us as soon as you can. The more time we have to help you avoid foreclosure, the better: (719) 434-7525

Colorado Springs Homes Have Really Low Utility Bills

Colorado Springs homes' have really low utility bills. In fact, in a recent cost of living study, Colorado Springs "combined electric and natural gas monthly bills ranked ninth lowest among the 311 participating nationwide." The national average monthly utility bill is $178. a month.

Among other Colorado cities, Colorado Springs is the cheapest, with an average ersidential bill of just $120. a month. Colorado average is $144. a month.

Here is the breakdown of average residential bills for Colorado cities:

Colorado Springs $120
Boulder $154
Denver $155
Grand Junction $156
Greeley $141
Gunnison $147
Loveland $131
Pueblo $149

Read the full report here: Colorado Springs Utilities Rates and Regulations

Posted By: Mariana Wagner - Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent - Wagner iTeam
The Wagner iTeam is a power team of Keller Williams Clients Choice Realty,
specializing in Colorado Springs Real Estate and Monument Real Estate
Pictures of Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Homeowners Insurance Questions and Answers

The Colorado Springs Real Estate Connection welcomes the Wermers Allstate Insurance Agency as they answer some fequently asked questions about Homeowner's Insurance.

Q: How can I save money on my homeowners insurance?
A: Raising your deductible is one way to save money. Consider a deductible of at least $500 or even $1,000. You could also save by insuring both your home and car with the same company or qualifying for other discounts.

Q: I have a policy with "replacement cost." Does that mean my insurance will pay to rebuild my home?
A: Typically, replacement cost means your insurance will pay the cost (up to the policy limits) of rebuilding or repairing your Colorado Springs home without a deduction for depreciation. However, it may not take into consideration price increases for labor and supplies. A policy with extended replacement costs may provide better protection by paying a percentage over the limit to rebuild your home. For example, if you purchased insurance with an extended replacement costs of 20% on a $200,000 policy, you could get up to an extra $40,000 in coverage to pay for the additional expenses of replacing your home.

Q: If I file a claim, do I have to work with the insurance company's contractors?
A: The process for selection of a repair company may vary by your insurance company. With Allstate, you can choose the repair firm, and an Allstate claim representative will work with them to agree to the cost. Or, you can choose the contractor participating in the Allstate vendor referral program, and workmanship guarantee will be issued on behalf of the vendor for up top three years from the date the repairs on your Colorado Springs home are completed.

Q: Does a homeowner's policy include flood insurance?
A: Homeowners polices usually do not provide coverage for flood damage. However, if your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, you may be able to purchase flood insurance from a local insurance company. The cost varies based on a number of factors. What happens if you decide not to buy this type of insurance and your home is flooded? You'll only receive federal disaster assistance if the flood is declared a disaster by the U.S. President. The assistance is typically a loan, which must be paid back with interest. If you buy flood insurance from an insurance company, claims are paid even if the U.S. President does not declare a disaster. Better yet, there's no payback requirement.

For more information on Homeowner's Insurance in Colorado Springs, please contact the Wermers Allstate Insurance Agency at
(719) 264-9272 or visit their Allstate Website.

Stetson Hills Real Estate Market Report for July 2008

Here is the July 2008 report for the Stetson Hills Real Estate Market. For more information on Stetson Hills and to view the full report, please visit the Stetson Hills Real Estate Blog.

Single Family Homes in Stetson Hills

There are currently 305 Stetson Hills homes for sale Colorado Springs.
- Price Range: $43,900 - $499,900
- Median Price: $225,000
- Average Days on Market: 119 days
As of August 13, 2008, there are 66 homes under contract in Stetson Hills.
From 7/1/2008 - 7/31/2008, 61 single family homes SOLD in Stetson Hills.
- Median Sales Price: $225,000
- Average Sales Price: $237,205
- Sale Price to List Price Ratio: 97.4%
- Average Days on Market: 106 days (1-788 days)
- 39 of the 61 sales were VA or FHA government loans

Townhomes and Condos in Stetson Hills

There are currently 29 townhomes and condos for sale in Stetson Hills, Colorado Springs.
- 8 Condos and 21 Townhomes
- Price Range: $124,900 193,695
- Median Price: $160,000
- Average Days on Market: 131 days

From 7/1/2008 7/31/2008, 4 townhomes and condos sold in Stetson Hills.
- 2 Condos and 2 Townhomes
- Price Range: $133,500 - $165,695
- Median Sold Price: $147,950
- Average Days on Market: 73 days (48-119 days)
  Down from 98 days in June
- 2 VA loans and 2 conventional loans

Posted By: Mariana Wagner Wagner iTeam at Keller Williams Clients Choice Realty
Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent Stetson Hills Real Estate Expert

North Colorado Springs Real Estate Market Report for July 2008

The north Colorado Springs real estate market for July 2008 includes the Colorado Springs MLS areas of Black Forest, Briargate, Northgate, Northeast and Northwest Colorado Springs.

Black Forest - Colorado Springs Real Estate Market - July 2008

Single Family Homes in Black Forest

Active homes for sale: 472
Homes sold in July 2008: 39
Average Sale Price: $304,339
Median Sale Price: $302,500
Average Days on Market: 86 days
Average Sale Price/List Price: 97.9%

The Black Forest real estate market is made up of several Colorado Springs neighborhoods, to include: High Forest Ranch, Black Forest Reserve, Pine Cone Acres and Cathedral Pines.

Search Homes for Sale in Black Forest

Briargate - Colorado Springs Real Estate Market - July 2008

Single Family Briargate Homes

Active homes for sale: 352
Homes sold in July 2008: 81
Average Sale Price: $317,093
Median Sale Price: $300,000
Average Days on Market: 106 days
Average Sale Price/List Price: 97.4%

Townhomes and Condos in Briargate

Active homes for sale: 47
Homes sold in July 2008: 5
Average Sale Price: $196,900
Median Sale Price: $208,000
Average Days on Market: 35 days
Average Sale Price/List Price: 97.3%

The Briargate real estate market is made up of several Colorado Springs neighborhoods, to include: Wolf Ranch, Cordera, Charleston Place, Fairfax, Pine Creek and other smaller Briargate neighborhoods.

Search Homes for Sale in Briargate

Northgate - Colorado Springs Real Estate Market - July 2008

Single Family Northgate Homes

Active homes for sale: 242
Homes sold in July 2008: 32
Average Sale Price: $390,348
Median Sale Price: $372,000
Average Days on Market: 107 days
Average Sale Price/List Price: 96.8%

Townhomes and Condos in Northgate

Active homes for sale: 17
Homes sold in July 2008: 8
Average Sale Price: $231,265
Median Sale Price: $223,673
Average Days on Market: 51 days
Average Sale Price/List Price: 83.4%

The Northgate real estate market is made up of several Colorado Springs neighborhoods, to include: Trail Ridge, Flying Horse and Gleneagle.

Search Homes for Sale in Northgate