Are you underwater on your Colorado Springs home mortgage? Now you may have the opportunity to refinance into better rate and terms even if you owe more than your home is worth.

“WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced an expansion of the Obama Administration’s Home Affordable Refinance Program to include participation by borrowers who are current but up to 125 percent underwater on their mortgage. Under authorization provided by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, borrowers whose mortgages are currently owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will now be allowed to refinance those loans according to the terms of the Home Affordable Refinance program established earlier this year.” - U.S. Department of Housing and Development, July 1, 2009

Read More: Home Affordable Refi Program Expanded

If this is a program that will help YOU, please contact a reputable local mortgage professional to get the ball rolling.

One great local lender team that we work with is the Pam Childs Team (Pam Childs or Trace Lee) with Bank of America. They can answer all your questions: 719.229.7302 or 719.785.7105

Read Also: 3 Tips on How to Refinance Your Colorado Springs Home to Avoid Foreclosure

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

Are you relocating to Colorado Springs because of a PCS to Fort Carson? We work with many military families and understand that there is A LOT to do in a LITTLE time, when it comes to moving. If you are looking to buy a home near Fort Carson when you get here … Well, you have even MORE on your plate!

One of the questions we hear often, when folks are looking to buy a home near Fort Carson is:

What homes and neighborhoods are near Fort Carson?

Here is a map of the neighborhoods surrounding Fort Carson, and a little bit about the homes for sale near Fort Carson.

Fountain Valley

The Fountain CO real estate market and neighborhoods are located to the immediate east of Fort Carson. Fountain area homes are in both brand new neighborhoods as well as in more mature communities. The average home for sale in Fountain CO was $162,000 in May of 2009, and currently there are over 400 homes for sale to choose from.

Read More:  Fort Carson and Fountain CO Homes: Real Estate Market Report For May 2009

Popular Fountain Home Searches:

• Homes for Sale in Fountain Under $200,000
• Homes for Sale in Fountain Over $200,000
• Town Homes and Condos for Sale in Fountain Valley
• Homes for Sale in Cross Creek - Fountain, CO
• Homes for Sale in Heritage - Fountain, CO
• Homes for Sale in Countryside - Fountain, CO
• Search Homes for Sale in 80817

Security and Widefield

The Security and Widefield neighborhoods are found to the northeast of Fort Carson. Widefield and Security are “technically” in Colorado Springs, but not within city limits. Homes in these areas were built in the from the 1950’s and you can still find new homes being built in these areas today! Homes come in all sizes and have anywhere from 2-5 bedrooms.

There are currently 166 homes for sale in Security and Widefield, priced from $46,900 - $525,000 with an median asking price of $159,900. Homes that have sold since April 2009 sell fro an average of about $140k.

Popular Security and Widefield Home Searches:

• Search Homes for Sale in Security
• Search Homes for Sale in Widefield
• Homes for Sale in the Glen at Widefield
• Search Homes for Sale in Colorado Centre and Morning Sun

Southeast Colorado Springs

Southeast Colorado Springs is home to some of the more affordable 2-3 bedroom homes in the area, with the average sale price in May 2009 of $119,355. Southeast Colorado Springs has several mature neighborhoods AND several newer neighborhoods.

Read Also:  Top 8 Affordable Colorado Springs Neighborhoods for 1st Quarter 2009

Popular Southeast Colorado Springs Home Searches:

• Homes for Sale in Pikes Peak Park/Panorama
• Homes for Sale in Sand Creek
• Homes for Sale in Soaring Eagles

Stratton Meadows, Stratmoor Hills and Stratmoor Valley

Stratmoor Hills and Stratmoor Valley are located in S/W Colorado Springs. Stratton Meadows is located immediately north of  Fort Carson, off of Hwy 115. Although most of these homes were built in the late 1960’s and 1970’s, there are a few pockets of newer homes in these areas. The average home for sale in these areas are about 3-4 bedrooms and sell for about $135,000. Currently there are 19 homes for sale in these neighborhoods.

• Search All Homes for Sale in Stratmoor Hills and Stratmoor Valley
• Search All Homes for Sale in Stratton Meadows

Broadmoor and S/W Colorado Springs

The Broadmoor area is located in S/W Colorado Springs and to the northwest of Fort Carson. The Broadmoor is home to some of the most expensive homes in Colorado Springs. Read More: 5 Most Expensive Colorado Springs Home Sales for May 2009. The average sales price in the Broadmoor area is about $350k, but homes can get into the millions.

Read More: About the Broadmoor Real Estate Market

Popular Broadmoor Area Home Searches:

• Search All Homes for Sale in Broadmoor
• Search All Homes for Sale in Skyway
• Search All Homes for Sale in Stratton Preserve, Stratton Pines & Stratton Forest

Rock Creek and Turkey Canon

Rock Creek is the area to the immediate west of Fort Carson (across Hwy 115) and home to the Turkey Canon neighborhoods - nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Homes in these areas are fully custom homes on acreage. There are currently 10 homes for sale in Turkey Canon and surrounding areas and they average at about half a million dollars sale price.

• Search All Homes for Sale in Turkey Canon and 80926

_____________________________________________________________________

Using USAA for your insurance and considering using them for your loan and real estate agent?

USAA is a fabulous company, that offers awesome amenities and benefits for its members.

However … YOU HAVE A CHOICE when it comes to your loan and your agent!

The Wagner iTeam and the lenders that we work with have consistently gotten BETTER INTEREST RATES and BETTER HOME DEALS for their military home buyers. … and yes, we even have a cash back Military special, too. Call us for more details: 719.434.7525

_____________________________________________________________________

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, you now need to make sure that you have Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors in your homes.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can have harmful - fatal effects on humans and pets.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),

“Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.” (EPA.gov)

“Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. This odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas is known as the “Silent Killer.” The Centers for Disease Control estimates that carbon monoxide poisoning claims nearly 500 lives, and causes more than 15,000 visits to hospital emergency departments annually.” ( eMedicineHealth.com)

What IS the new Carbon Monoxide Detector Law?

Colorado House Bill 1091 (HB-1091):

“Requires any existing single-family dwelling or dwelling unit of  an existing multi-family dwelling offered for sale or transfer on or after July 1, 2009, that has a fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage to have an operational carbon monoxide alarm installed within a specified distance of each room lawfully used for sleeping purposes.”

What does this mean for Colorado Springs home sellers?

If you are looking to sell your Colorado Springs home, you will need to install (or have installed) a Carbon Monoxide detector. Here are the basics of this new law.

A Carbon Monoxide detector …

• must be installed 15 feet of every room lawfully used for sleeping, and
• must be hard-wired or plugged into a non-switch outlet and have a battery back-up, and
• must produce a distinct, audible alarm.

Read ALL the Requirements Here: Colorado House Bill 09-1091

Right now, Colorado Springs Realtors® may be able to get some great discounts on Carbon Monoxide detectors for their Seller clients. If your home is currently listed, ask your agent for how they can help.

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 Wolf Ranch Real Estate market is located in the N/E part of Colorado Springs. It is a new home, master planned development in Academy School District 20. There are both single family homes and town homes as well as resale and new homes that can be found in Wolf Ranch.

Wolf Ranch Neighborhood Reports:

• Colorado Springs Neighborhood Report ~ The Villages and Parkwood at Wolf Ranch
• Colorado Springs Neighborhood Report ~ Westcreek at Wolf Ranch
• Colorado Springs Neighborhood Report ~ Wolf Ranch: The Community

Here is a look at the Wolf Ranch housing market for January - June of 2009.

Active Wolf Ranch Homes for Sale*

Single Family Homes

• Available Listings: 37 homes
• List Price Range: $284,900 - $454,900
• Home Styles: Ranch or 2-Story
• Bedrooms and Bathrooms: 2-6 bedrooms and 2-4 bathrooms
• Finished Square Feet: 1,816sf - 4,282 sf
• Total Square Feet: 2,797 sf - 4,758 sf

Townhomes

• Available Townhome Listings: 4 homes
• List Price Range: $154,600 - $228,000
• Bedrooms and Bathrooms: 2-3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
• Square Feet: 1,353 sf - 1,378 sf

Pending Homes Sales in Wolf Ranch*

Single Family Homes

• Under Contract Listings: 11 homes
• List Price: $315,000 - $581,000
• Days on Market: 0-684 days

Townhomes

• Under Contract Listings: 1 home
• List Price: $174,900
• Days on Market: 47 days

Sold Homes in Wolf Ranch

Single Family Homes

• Sold Homes Since Jan 2009: 25 homes
• List Price: $245,000 - $589,900
• Sale Price: $245,000 - $583,900
• Average Sale Price: $372,866
• Average Sale Price to List Price Ratio: 97.7%
• Days on Market: 4-487 days (Average: 151 days)

Townhomes

• Sold Homes Since Jan 2009: 1 home
• List Price: $185,000
• Sale Price: $180,000
• Sale Price to List Price Ratio: 97%
• Days on Market: 70 days

Search All Homes for Sale in the
Wolf Ranch Real Estate Market

(*as of 6/20/09) “Based on information from the Pikes Peak REALTOR Services Corp. (”RSC”), for January 1, 2009 - June  20, 2009.  RSC does not guarantee or is in any way responsible for its accuracy.  Data maintained by RSC may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.”

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 Cordera Real Estate market is located in the N/E part of Colorado Springs. It is a new home, master planned development in Academy School District 20.

Cordera Neighborhood Highlights

• Cordera Schools: Chinook Trail Elementary School, Challenger Middle School and Pine Creek High School
  About Academy School District 20
• Cordera is only partially built-out and there are some great new home builders in Cordera, if you choose to buy a new home.
• All homes in the Cordera real estate market are 100% ENERGY STAR® Certified.
• There is a great Cordera Community Center that “includes a heated outdoor pool complete with kid’s splash zone and zero depth entry, state-of-the-art fitness equipment and fitness classes, multipurpose rooms and a 5+ acre Grand Lawn.” (Cordera.com)

Here is a look at the Cordera housing market for January - June of 2009.

Active Cordera Homes for Sale*

• Available Listings: 24 homes
• List Price Range: $352,305 - $699,900
• Home Styles: Ranch or 2-Story
• Bedrooms and Bathrooms: 3-6 bedrooms and 3-5 bathrooms
• Finished Square Feet: 1,787 sf - 4,522 sf
• Total Square Feet: 3,166 sf - 5,047 sf

Pending Homes Sales in Cordera*

• Under Contract Listings: 24 homes
• List Price: $339,000 - $499,950
• Days on Market: 12 - 227 days

Sold Homes in Cordera

• Sold Homes Since Jan 2009: 17 homes
• List Price: $339,500 - $599,500
• Sale Price: $319,565 - $600,556
• Average Sale Price: $403,991
• Average Sale Price to List Price Ratio: 97%
• Days on Market: 6 - 460 days

Learn More about Cordera

Search All Homes for Sale in the
Cordera Real Estate Market

(*as of 6/20/09) “Based on information from the Pikes Peak REALTOR Services Corp. (”RSC”), for January 1, 2009 - June  20, 2009.  RSC does not guarantee or is in any way responsible for its accuracy.  Data maintained by RSC may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.”

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