Thursday, June 30, 2016

Fourth of July Fun in Colorado Springs

There is no shortage of activities in Colorado Springs this Fourth of July weekend. From fireworks displays to live entertainment, you will be sure to find something that the whole family can enjoy.  The Platinum Group, REALTORS has all the information on the Fourth of July festivities happening in Colorado Springs:

Summer Symphony & Fireworks


This can’t miss event at Memorial Park is a free event for the entire family. Arrive early to get the best seat in the house to listen to the U.S. Air Force Academy Band’s Blue Steel ensemble performance. Afterwards, enjoy the best and biggest show in town, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. The show will end with one of the best fireworks displays in the area.

When: July 3; The park opens at 5:30 and fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m.

Cost: Free to attend; donations welcome; food vendors available for various costs.

Photo Credit: www.VisitCrippleCreek.com

Cripple Creek 4th of July Celebration


Featuring live entertainment, Cripple Creek 4th of July Celebration will be held in the Brass Ass parking lot at the corner of Bennet Ave and 3rd street. There will be food and a beer garden available while you check out the special 4th of July promotions in Cripple Creek’s casinos. Don’t forget to visit the fun attractions that showcase the area’s rich history. There will be a big fireworks display beginning at 9:30 p.m.

When: July 4; Join us from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

Tri-Lakes 4th of July Celebration


This full day of celebration will include a pancake breakfast, annual fun run, children’s parade and the main parade. The street fair will feature delicious food, arts & craft vendors, a street dance and multiple concerts. This is an event you will not want to miss!

When: July 4; 7:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m. Concerts from noon – 9:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

Photo Credit: C O S Rodeo Facebook

C O S Rodeo


The Fourth of July celebrations will be extended a bit with the newest rodeo in Colorado Springs – the C O S Rodeo. From Mutton Bustin’ and Steer Ridin’ to Bull Riding and more, this is going to be one entertaining event! There will be tons of activities for the whole family such as bounce houses, Segway barrel racing and teepees. Guests can even participate in select events like the grand parade, national salute and much more. The cost of admission includes a delicious western meal featuring a choice of chicken or pork, corn bread, baked beans and country style potato salad. Kids can roast hot dogs on a stick over the campfire. Reservations are required to enjoy. The evening will end with The Jeffery Alan Band, so make sure you stick around after the rodeo events end.

When: July 6; Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

Cost: $34 adults; $25 children 17 and under; $99 family rate includes 2 adults and 2 children; participatory events have additional costs.

Celebrate Fourth of July in Colorado Springs


There are many fun activities to do in Colorado Springs and not just during the Fourth of July weekend, but all year round. If you are thinking of relocating to Colorado Springs, contact The Platinum Group, REALTORS. The best real estate agents in the Colorado Springs area can help you find the perfect home for your family. Visit our website or give us a call at 719-536-4444 for more information.

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

Visit our website: www.PlatinumHomeSales.com





6760 Corporate Drive, Ste 300
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 536-4444

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

8 Steps to Selling Your Colorado Springs Home

Deciding to sell your Colorado Springs home is a big step. There is a lot you have to do before putting your home on the market. Real estate agents can help you through this process, but there are some things that you need to accomplish before you call Colorado Springs’ best real estate company. The Platinum Group, REALTORS has put together a list of things you should consider doing before placing your home on the market.

1. Assess and Prepare


Evaluate where you are financially and what budget you can set aside for any necessary repairs. Collect all documents you will need in order to place your home on the market. These will include title, survey, mortgage and insurance.


2. Get Your Home Inspected


Buyers will typically choose to have the home inspected before closing, but it is always better to be proactive. If you go ahead with the inspection, this will allow you to see repairs that you may need to do before trying to sell your home. If there are major things that need to be fixed, you will be able to decide who comes to fix it as opposed to the new homeowner choosing.

3. Shape Up the Curb Appeal


The outside of your house is often the first thing future buyers see. You only get one chance to make a first impression when it comes to real estate. This means that landscaping is essential if you want to impress. This could be as simple as placing a few potted plants on the porch or as extensive as giving your home a fresh coat of paint.


4. Stop the Procrastinating


Many homeowners have projects they haven’t started or that are only half way done. Your home could benefit from starting – and most importantly finishing – these projects. If possible, also make minor updates to your home along the way. From new lighting to updated faucets, these small changes can help add value to your home.

6. Make Your House Spotless


Clean, declutter and depersonalize. The fewer things that are left in your home, the larger – and better – your home will look. Taking the personal touches out of your home will allow the future homeowners to picture themselves living there, which will hopefully make them want to buy.


7. Price Your Home Correctly


How quickly are you needing to sell your home? This will affect how you price your home. If you are in a hurry to sell your house, be prepared to have your house listed at a lower price point. If you are able to wait for the perfect offer, you can price your home accordingly.

8. Find The Perfect Real Estate Agent for You


Finding the right agent to help you sell your home can be the hardest part of placing your home on the market. If you are interested in a particular agent, set up a time to meet with them face to face to see if they will make the right fit to sell your home. Each agent has their own techniques they use to sell a home, so make sure you find one that will make your house desirable.

Sell Your Home with The Platinum Group, REALTORS


The Platinum Group, REALTORS can help you sell your Colorado Springs home quickly. With the best real estate agents in the Colorado Springs area, your home will be in good hands. Every Platinum Group REALTOR strives to exceed your expectations to get you the results you want. If you are thinking about selling your Colorado Springs home, call us today at 719-536-4444.

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

Visit our website: www.PlatinumHomeSales.com





6760 Corporate Drive, Ste 300
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 536-4444

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Featured Home: 7545 Margarita Place - $825,000

This luxurious 4 bed, 4 bath custom ranch home was built by Copper Valley Builders. It sits on over an acre of land and at the end of a cul-de-sac with a great view, trees and lots of privacy. It is located in the desirable Woodmen Oaks, which is in the award-winning district 20. This home has been well maintained and meticulously updated, which shows true pride of ownership.

Beautiful Views of Forrest and City Lights

This home is wrapped with a custom deck that has wonderful views and privacy among the pine trees. The grand entry invites you to enjoy the open floor plan. The formal dining room has a large picture window that allows light in, and beyond is the great room with beautiful beamed ceiling, a gas fireplace, and entry to the deck. This home features a gourmet kitchen which walks out onto the large, beautiful deck. This kitchen will please any chef. It includes a huge center island, stunning beamed ceiling, ample counter space, tons of storage – walk-in pantry - and walls of windows that surround a sizeable dining nook. The main master retreat features a private, spa-like 5-piece bath. It also includes a huge walk-in closet with custom shelving and walk-out to the private sunroom, which is the perfect pace to take in the spectacular city view.

The Perfect Place to Entertain

The downstairs area includes a generous rec room, which is the ideal place to entertain family and friends. It features a gas fireplace, floor-to-ceiling stone work and walk-out covered patio, which has a hot tub and of course gorgeous views. The lower-level study has a built-in desk and bookshelves. This is the perfect place for a home office or a place for the kids to do homework. Downstairs you will also find 3 sizeable bedrooms, 2 of them featuring in-room sink vanities and an adjoining shared bath. An additional ¾ bath and large storage room with cabinets and shelves complete the lower level. This property is truly spectacular and includes many features and upgrades. There is an oversized three car garage that has shelving and cabinets, a spacious main-level laundry space/mud room, built-in sound system, two water heaters, dual-zoned furnace & AC, European textured walls on the main floor and so much more!

Meet the Real Estate Agent!

Kim Kingston
Kim Kingston graduated from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO with a Bachelor of Arts in Technical Journalism.  She earned her Masters of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of Colorado. She has credit for passing the Colorado CPA exam and has worked as a Vice President – Mortgage Divisional Controller for 2 nationally chartered banks prior to joining Reardon Partners. She is excited to leverage her knowledge of mortgage, tax and accounting to aid customers with their most significant financial investment – home ownership.  Kim resides locally with her husband and two young children. Having grown up in Colorado Springs and now enjoying raising her own family here, she is very knowledgeable about the area and all that this wonderful city has to offer.

Let the Platinum Group Help You Buy Your Next Home!


Buying a new home can be challenging sometimes, but with the help of The Platinum Group it doesn't have to be! The Platinum Group is comprised of some of the best real estate agents in the Colorado Springs area. With experience knowledge of the area, our real estate agents can help you pick your next home in Colorado Springs

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

Visit our website: www.PlatinumHomeSales.com





6760 Corporate Drive, Ste 300
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 536-4444

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Realtor Spotlight - Linda Lafferty

The Platinum Group brings together the Top Real Estate Agents in Colorado Springs. Every Platinum Group realtor strives to exceed your expectations and get the results you demand. If you are buying or selling a home in the Colorado Springs area, our agents can help you meet your real estate goals. Meet our featured agent Lina Lafferty:

Linda Lafferty, REALTOR®


Linda Lafferty has been successfully selling homes in the Pikes Peak Region since 1996. Yes, she has all the impressive designations, CRS, MRE, CNE, GRI, ABR, MRP, and SFR. She’s a member of the two most successful REALTORS® in El Paso County, Elite 25 and Peak Producers.

Ask Linda and she will tell you that she has worked hard over the years and is proud of all of her achievements, but she’s most proud of the fact that over 97% of her business is repeat clients or personal referrals. She simply treats others as she would want to be treated.

Testimonials


"Geez, where to start? This is the fourth property Linda has helped our family buy and sell in Colorado Springs over the last 16 years. This sale of our house has been a journey. I was transferred from Colorado Springs to Fenton, Michigan on short notice. Linda was able to sell our house in five days, we had a signed contract and we signed a contract to purchase a new house in Michigan. The day we signed the contract in Michigan the buyer of the house in Colorado backed out. Needless to say, I was very upset, but Linda kept calm and composed, focusing our energy on getting the house back on the market. The house sold again on the 31st of March. Yes, that is correct Linda sold our house two times in less than 30 days. She coordinated numerous contractors, installers and deliveries while continuing to show the house. This is while my family and I were residing in Michigan. While I don’t believe that most people will need this much help in selling a property she has been a rock solid partner in this transaction. She has even helped us with questions concerning the purchase of our Michigan property.

I have no idea how we would have completed this task without Linda’s help. All of the certifications Linda has on her business card are impressive and well-earned, but I would add a few more:

-Expert, Patient, Knowledgeable, Kind, Professional, Strategic Partner and Hard Working.

Her tagline is 'The Extra Mile is Seldom Crowed' which describes her dedication and commitment to her clients. She is simply the BEST real estate agent in Colorado Springs.

Thank you, Linda, we love you." - The Egelhoff’s

"Several years ago Linda helped me relocate to Colorado Springs and found the perfect home for me. When I decided to buy an investment property I contacted Linda. I knew that even though it was a small deal and very little commission she would work as if it were a million dollar house that I was buying! Thank you for all your hard work and diligence." - Cheryl

The Platinum Group Can Help You with Your Next Real Estate Transaction


Although the agents at The Platinum Group only represent 2.5 percent of the real estate population in Colorado Springs, 24 percent of our agents are in the top 100 agents, 40 percent are in the top 200 and 51 percent are in the top 300. The Platinum Group real estate agents are some of the most productive real estate professionals in Colorado Springs. Come see us today for help with selling your house or buying your next one.

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

Visit our website: www.PlatinumHomeSales.com





6760 Corporate Drive, Ste 300
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 536-4444

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Why You Need Title Insurance

Purchasing title insurance is one of the last steps homebuyers take before closing on a home. Title insurance is important for a homebuyer because it protects them and the lender from the possibility that the seller doesn’t (or even previous sellers didn’t) have free and clear ownership of the house and property, and therefore can’t transfer full ownership to the buyer. Although the chance of filing a claim is low, the loss if there is no title insurance is high. In fact, if homebuyers’ do not have title insurance, they could ultimately lose the home. The Platinum Group is here to help future homebuyers understand the importance of title insurance and why they need to have it.

Importance of Title Insurance

There are many different situations in which your title insurance could protect you. Worst case scenario is that the seller knowingly sells you a home they don’t own – for example, renters posing as sellers. More likely though, the seller originally co-purchased the house and is unaware that the other purchaser’s signature is needed to sell the home. The seller could also have bought the house from someone who didn’t have the right to sell or purchased the house under the terms of a will that was out of date, and the updated will left it to someone else. In any of these situations, title insurance will step in to help.

Lender’s Policies and Buyer’s Policies

Title insurance is purchased in two different forms: lender’s policies and owner’s policies. When taking out a mortgage loan, the lender will require you buy a lender’s policy to pay for legal defense costs and reimbursement on any mortgage payments that you can’t make because you’ve defaulted on the mortgage. While it is typically not required, most lenders will encourage you to purchase an owner’s title policy as well, which covers your own legal fees and other losses. Even the most in-depth preliminary title searches can miss things, like an heir to the house turning up or paperwork with misspelled names reveal a claim concerning the property. In these circumstances, title insurance will defend such claims and might even resolve the issues brought up. If the court decides against your favor, then the lender’s policy will reimburse the lender for what you owe on the mortgage. The owner’s policy will cover your financial losses.

Preliminary Title Report

Title insurance companies will perform a title search before issuing a policy. The search involves combing through public records concerning the house including past deeds, wills, trusts, divorce decrees, bankruptcy filings, court judgments and tax records. The preliminary title report gives everyone a chance to eliminate trouble spots before proceeding with the sale, or to call off the sale if there is anything too serious.

Buying a Home with The Platinum Group

Title insurance is just one of the many different details that must be attended to when buying a home in Colorado Springs. The Platinum Group is here to help with all your buying and selling needs. We bring together the top real estate agents in the Colorado Springs area to provide you with Platinum Service and Platinum Results. 

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

Visit our website: www.PlatinumHomeSales.com





6760 Corporate Drive, Ste 300
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 536-4444