Friday, December 30, 2016

10 Reasons To Relocate To Colorado Springs

From the great outdoors to the fun, community-wide events, there are many reasons why you would love to call Colorado Springs home. Although many times a move revolves around something else, like a new job, if you are choosing where to move, you may want to see if Colorado Springs is for you. Colorado Springs best real estate team offers 10 reasons to relocate to the area.

1. The Great Outdoors

Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peaks, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, the list could go on. Colorado Springs is surrounded by beautiful mountains, ranges and city skylines. There are many different outdoor activities you can do year-round, such as hiking, horseback riding, biking, rock climbing and more!

2. Healthy Living

Colorado Springs has been listed as one of the healthiest cities in America multiple times. All the great parks, activities and mild climate have inspired the citizens to get outside. 

3. Sense of Community

Although Colorado Springs is a rather large community, it still has a small town vibe. With each area having its own community gatherings and group, you have a big city, with a small town sense of community.

4. Fun Events

From coffin races and pumpkin weigh-in contests during Halloween to vintage baseball games and rodeos in the summer, there is always something fun to do in Colorado Springs. Balloon festivals, farmers markets, parades, all these events really bring the community together.

5. Arts & Culture

Colorado Springs is an artists’ haven, and it’s easy to see why. From mystery dinner shows and comedy clubs to orchestras and fine art displays, Colorado Springs has a great selection for art lovers to choose from. 

6. Four Full Seasons

From beautiful, hot summers to white Christmases, Colorado Springs has it all! There's a reason why the tourists season never end. Every season is unique and beautiful - come see for yourself!

7. Affordability

If you are looking to stretch your buck, Colorado Springs may be the place to do it. According to nerdwallet.com, Colorado Springs is the 18th most affordable city in the U.S. From housing to groceries, you can make a dollar go far here. 

8. Sustainability

According to the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center, 92 percent of the local economy is made up of small businesses of less than 500 employees. Colorado Springs has an economy made up of strong, small businesses. 

9. Small Town Charm

Although over 400,000 people call Colorado Springs home, it still has small town charm. Just spend an afternoon in the downtown area, and you will see that Colorado Springs is secretly a small town hiding in big city limits.

10. Beautiful Landmarks

Colorado Springs may be known for Pikes Peaks and Garden of the Gods, however, there's so much more to this historic town. Whether it's natural or man-made, Colorado Spring is riddled with landmarks including U.S. Air Force Academy, Cave of the Winds, Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, Cheyenne Mountain and the Olympic Training Center, just to name a few. 

Relocate To Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is one of the best places to live in the United States, and we're not just saying that! It was recently named the 5th best place to live in the United States by U.S. News. Whether you're relocating from another city, state or even country, it can be a bit stressful. At The Platinum Group, REALTORS, our goal is to make sure your move to Colorado Springs is as seamless as possible. If you are wanting to relocate to Colorado Springs, contact The Platinum Group, REALTORS at 719-536-4444. We can help you find the best Colorado Springs real estate agent for your needs. 

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, December 29, 2016

Where To Celebrate New Year's Eve In Colorado Springs

The year is almost coming to a close and there are many different ways to bring in the new year. From black tie events to yoga, Colorado Springs has diverse ways to welcome 2017. Your Colorado Springs real estate team has all the information on where to ring in the new year in the area. 

New Year's Eve at the Broadmoor

Photo Credit: VisitCOS.com
The Broadmoor New Year’s Eve Gala

If you are looking for a tradition, black tie New Year's Gala, this is the occasion for you. This legendary New Year's Eve Gala is an elegant affair that features a gourmet four-course dinner accompanied by music from The Broadmoor Pops Orchestra. Following dinner, guests will "Twist And Shout" with the Fab 4. At midnight, welcome 2017 with champagne and a balloon drop while the Fab 4 bring everyone to their feet. 

Where: Broadmoor Hall
When: December 31, 2016
Time:
7:30 p.m. - Doors Open & hors d’oeuvres are served
8:00 p.m. - Dinner is served
9:30 p.m. - Dancing begins + Dessert bar is open
Price: $230.00 per person

The Broadmoor New Year's Eve Bash

The perfect party to rock into the New Year! A new tradition at The Broadmoor where you can groove the night away to live funk, rock and blues music with the Hazel Miller Band and DJ Marcie Hureau. Enjoy an impressively stocked "Around the World" buffet and drinks late into the evening with a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. 

Where: International Center
When: December 31
Time:
7:30 p.m. - Doors Open
8:00 p.m. - Buffet will open
9:30 p.m. - Dancing begins + Dessert Buffet is open
Price:
$150.00 All-Inclusive includes dinner & dancing + one drink coupon per person + champagne toast at midnight          
$75.00 per person After Party only, which includes dessert buffet and champagne toast)

For more information or to make reservations, please call 719-577-5775.

80s New Year's Eve Bash

Where: Mining Exchange Hotel's Gold Room
When: December 31, 2016 
Time: 8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Price: 
$65 General Admission Single 
$115 Couple
$80 VIP Single
$140 Couple includes reserved seating with a table

For more information and hotel reservations, call 719-323-2051.

New Year's Eve Gala at Glen Eyrie Castle

Join The Glen Eyrie Castle for the most distinguished holiday event of the year. There will be live music by the George Sisneros Band, so you can dance your way into 2017. Enjoy an exceptional five-course meal that features a blend of sophistication and flavor that perfect to enjoy in the grandeur of The Great Hall of The Castle. 

Where: Glen Eyrie Castle
When: December 31
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Price: $95 per person

Call 719-265-7050 for more details and information on hotel packages.

Hotel Elegante New Year's Eve

Celebrate New Year's Eve Mardi Gras style! Enjoy street performers, jugglers, fire dancers, acrobats and showgirls. There will also be three dance floors with DJ's, live dance band and a jazz quartet. If that's not enough, there will also be two Mardi Gras parades, photo booth and a "speakeasy" VIP lounge. Costumes are HEAVILY encouraged! 

Where: Hotel Elegante
When: December 31, 2016
Time: Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m.
Price: Total package cost $299 per couple
For more information or to reserve your seats, please call 719-576-5900.

Photo Credit: VisitCOS.com
Randy's New Year's Eve Dance Party

Enjoy live performances, DJ, dancing and great food to welcome in the new year! Dance into the new year with all your favorite party mucis. 

Where: Antlers, A Wyndham Hotel 
When: December 31
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Price: 
$68 per person General Admission
$75 per person Reserved Seating

For more information or to purchase tickets please visit their website.

Colorado Springs Philharmonic

The longest running New Year's Eve Bash in Colorado Springs. Ring in the New Year with style, and party like a diva at this song-filled, sparkling celebration of the year to come.  

Where: Pikes Peak Center
When: December 31
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Price: $21-$64

For more information call 719-520-SHOW.

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Ring in the new year on Colorado's finest dinner train. This unforgettable evening will feature a romantic 3-hour ride on the rails through the Royal Gorge. 

Where: Royal Gorge Route Railroad
When: December 31
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Price:
$119 per person in the Dining Car
$129 per person in the Observation Dome
$238-$258 additional for private table

Call 719-276-4000 to make your reservations.

AdAmAn Club Fireworks

Take part of this Pikes Peak tradition since 1922 where climbers traverse the icy slopes of Pikes Peak to provide a spectacular view for the spectators below to reign in the new year. However, pPlease enjoy the AdAmAn Club Fireworks from the safety of the town. This is a specially trained group of climbers who put on the show for those of us below. This is a spectator event only. Do not climb Pikes Peak.

Where: Pikes Peak Region
When: December 31
Time: Midnight
Price: Free from your own backyard

Photo Credit: VisitCOS.com
New Year's Eve at SunWater Spa

There will be three great events taking place for New Years at SunWater Spa. You can save $10 when you sign up for two or three activities. 

New Years Eve Celebration
Jai Ho! An evening of ecstatic chanting, dancing, meditation and positive energy at SunWater Spa in Manitou Springs. 

When: December 31
Time: 9:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Price: $30

New Years Eve Yoga 
Awakening Inner Light, Strength and Peace.

When: December 31, 2016
Time: 9:30 a.m. - Noon
Price: $30

New Years Day Yoga 
Turning the Dharma Wheel, Activating the Flow of Positivity

When: January 1, 2017
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 pm..
Price: $30

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from the best team of REALTORS in Colorado Springs! If buying a new home in Colorado Springs is in your future for 2017, call us 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


Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Unique Opportunities Of Selling Your Home In The Winter

Mike MacGuire of The MacGuire Team here at The Platinum Group, REALTORS has recently written an article for the Gazette. Your Colorado Springs real estate team wanted to share his article with you about the unique selling opportunities that the winter season provides. 

About Mike MacGuire

The force behind Mike’s successful career as a real estate professional in Colorado Springs is his passion for excellence. As a broker & co-owner of his company, he is completely committed to helping his clients realize their home selling and buying dreams, and provide the utmost in experience with 25 years in the industry. As a Colorado native, Mike’s knowledge of the area and the local market is unsurpassed; this is clearly a decisive advantage for anyone thinking of relocating to the area.

Mike listens carefully to your needs because raising the bar and surpassing your expectations is his goal. He continuously goes the extra mile to protect your best interests and has a large network of local resources at the ready to help achieve optimum results. Mike understands the emotional aspects of moving and brings the business and personal sides of real estate together to ease what is often a stressful and complex process. He takes pride in his dedication to educate and empower his clients because in his mind the best decisions are informed ones. While Mike is committed to innovative systems, strategies and ideas that will get your home sold quickly and for top dollar, he is equally as concerned about matching you with the right home to suit your needs.

Unique Opportunities Of Selling Your Home In The Winter

Timing is everything. Selling your home is no exception. Every year, as we approach winter, I am asked the question: “Should we wait until spring to list the house?” Often sellers find the winter season to be an advantageous time to sell. Contrary to opinion, the housing market doesn’t hibernate in the winter. Here are five reasons why you shouldn’t wait to put up the “For Sale” sign:

1. LESS INVENTORY EQUALS

MORE ATTENTION

There are fewer homes listed for sale in the winter. Because of this, you have less competition. Colorado Springs continues to have historically low inventory. Because of the low inventory, there are well-qualified buyers waiting for that right home to hit the market.

2. MOTIVATED BUYERS

Not only are there qualified buyers looking in the winter, they are typically extremely motivated. The ‘Lookie Lou’ and ‘Nosey Neighbor’ tend to spend spring and summer time home viewing. People willing to brave the cold weather and snow are serious about finding a home. You will likely have fewer showings, but those that come through are generally more motivated. This is the ideal situation.

3. FIRST QUARTER

JOB RELOCATIONS.

Companies often place and/or relocate their employees during the first quarter of the New Year. This translates to qualified and motivated buyers looking for a great home and looking to move quickly.

4. A JUMP ON YOUR COMPETITION

The supply of listings increases substantially in late winter and spring. New construction will continue to surge with projections of record New Housing Starts in 2017. These factors influence the favorable law of supply and demand.

5. CONTINUED LOW

INTEREST RATES

Mortgage Interest Rates continue to be near historic lows. With upcoming Federal Reserve meetings, the speculation is that interest rates will begin to be increased. Buyers in December and early January will be able to lock their rate and take advantage of lower rates.

Beat the “March Madness” of home selling and list in the winter to sell your home before the birds start chirping this spring. Call Mike MacGuire for a free consultation; answers and opinions are free: 719-660-6793.

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, December 13, 2016

Christmas In Colorado Springs

The holiday season is in full swing and we don't want you to miss any of the fun events happening in Colorado Springs. From Christmas shows to hiking with Santa, there are so many different and fun ways to celebrate the holiday season. The Platinum Group, REALTORS has all the information you need to have a wonderful Christmas season in Colorado Springs. 

Photo Credit: VisitCOS.com
Christmas At Glen Eyrie Castle

Enjoy a traditional yule tea at Glen Eyrie Castle. Choose from an amazing selection of tea along with an astounding menu. 

Dates: through December 21 & December 27-31
Time: 11:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $29 per person plus tax
Reservations: 719-265-7050

Madrigal Banquet

No other event compares to Glen Eyrie's Madrigal! Full of festive entertainment, this classic Colorado tradition is guaranteed to be unforgettable. Enjoy a delicious four-course meal with sensational flavors brought to you by the award-winning culinary team at Glen Eyrie. 

Dates: December 15-17 & 20-21
Time: Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and performance begins at 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Thursdays: $109; All other performances: $124
Reservations: 719-265-7050

Acoustic Eidolon Concert

Joe and Hannah Scott joins Glen Eyrie for their 5th holiday season. The perfect event to share with friends, family or out-of-town guests. 

Dates: December 18
Time: 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. 
Cost: $29 general seating & $39 preferred seating
Reservations: 719-265-7050

Christmas Symphony

Enjoy the spirit of the season with holiday classics and Christmas favorites. 

Dates: December 18
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $21 - $64

Broadmoor Holiday Show

Smiling faces, seasonal songs and a family feast for the eyes and palate. 

Dates: December 16-18, 23-24, 26 & 29
Time: Doors open at 6:00 p.m., Dinner is served at 7:00 p.m. and entertainment begins at 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $95 adults; $60 Children

Winter Wonderland with the Wolves

Spend some time with the wolves in their wonderland retreat in Divide, CO. Festivities include breakfast burritos with the wolves. 

Dates: December 24
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. 
Cost: Adults $30, Kids 12 & under FREE
Reservations: 719-687-9742

Sleigh Rides & Dinner

A fun-filled sleigh or wagon rides awaits you at M Lazy C Ranch this winter season. All rides are pulled by Percheron draft horses. Bring your loved ones, children and friends for a dinner or cocoa and sweets sleigh/hay ride. Rides will go snow or shine. 

Dates: All winter long
Dinner Sleigh/Hay Ride
Time: Departure is 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Adults & Children 13+ $60; Children 12 & under $30; Under 3 FREE
Cocoa & Sweets 
Time: 1:30
Cost: $35 per person; Free for children 3 & under

Millibo Art Theater Performances

Enjoy the holidays with extra laughs with these performances at Millio Art Theatre. 

Holidaze on Ice - Through December 18
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $18-25 depending on performances day

Christmas Mouse's Messy Tea Party - December 17 & 18 & 24
Time: Saturdays 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.; Sundays 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Single tickets $12, Family of four $40; Children 2 & under may be seated on parent's lap for no additional charge. 

For more information, call 719-465-6321

Photo Credit: VisitCOS.com
Nature Hikes & Wagon Rides

Enjoy a nature hike with Santa, and horse-drawn wagon ride at Fountain Creek Nature Center. Participate in the interactive reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem, make snowflake crafts and join Santa for a hike. When you get back, enjoy the sound of Suffolk Punch draft horses clip-clopping down the regional trail with jingle bells and seasonal songs. 

Dates: December 17
Times: Hike: 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.; Wagon Rides: 11:30 a.m., Noon & 12:30 p.m. 
Cost: Hike: $3 per member, $4 non-member; Wagon Rides: $7 per person
Reservations: 719-520-6745

Visit Santa at Dinosaur Resource Center

Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a fun-filled afternoon. Meet Santa and let him know your Christmas wishes, then join Mrs. Claus for a show with stories and songs. End your Christmas adventure by making a colorful Elf ornament to take home and hang on your tree. 

Dates: December 17
Time: 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free with admission

Weekend Hayrides at The Buffalo Lodge

Stop by The Buffalo Lodge Bicucle Resort for free weekend hayrides and refreshments. Meet in the lobby for hot cocoa, cookies & popcorn. Take family photos by the historic stone fireplace and meet some new friends.

Dates: Friday & Saturdays through December 24
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE

If you've always wanted to move to Colorado Springs,  our team of real estate agents can help you find the best Colorado Springs home for you and your family. Contact The Platinum Group, REALTORS today at 719-536-4444. Our expert team of real estate agents can guide you through the home buying process and help you find your perfect home. 

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

Friday, December 9, 2016

5 Tips For First Time Home Buyers

Buying a house is a big step, especially if it's your first home. There are many factors that go into a purchase of a home, so it is important to do your research before you begin looking at houses in the Colorado Springs area. The Platinum Group, REALTORS have a few tips you should consider if you are thinking about buying your first home in Colorado Springs

1. Know Your Credit Score

Your credit score is one of the most important factors when it comes to qualifying for a home loan. When checking your score, it is important to look over the report for any mistakes, unpaid accounts or collection accounts, as these all affect the score. In addition, it is important to note that just because you pay everything on time every month, it doesn't mean you are going to have a good score. There are many things that go into determining a score and it is important to know where you stand. If you have a poor score, repairing it will take time, so start at least six months before shopping for a home. 

2. Evaluate Spending Habits

It is important to know how you are spending your money. First-time homebuyers should have a budgeting sheet and know how much money is coming in, but more importantly, how much is going out. Track your spending habits for a couple of months to see where your money is being spent. 

3. Get Documents Together

When applying for mortgages, homebuyers must document income and taxes. They will typically request 2 recent pay stubs, the past 2 years' W-2s, tax returns and the last 2 months of bank statements. Buying a home can take a long time, however, knowing what you need and where to find it can save time when you're ready to apply for a mortgage. 

4. Know What You Qualify For

Before you start looking for your starter home, it is important to know how much money you actually qualify for. You don't want to fall in love with a home you can't afford. Although you may think you can afford a $300,000 home, lenders may think you're only good for $200,000. There are many factors that go into determining how much you qualify for, such as how much debt you have, your monthly income and how long you've been at your current job. It is best to know this number ahead of time so you know what types of homes you should be looking at. 

5. Know How Much You Can Afford

On the other hand, sometimes a bank will give you a loan for more money than you actually want. Just like with the purchase of a new car, you'll want to look at the house's total cost, not just the monthly payment. While looking at the monthly payment is important, it's vital to look at the whole picture. Take a look at how much down payment you can afford, how hight the property taxes are, how much insurance will cost, how much you plan to spend on insurance or maintenance and how much closing cost will be. 

There are many factors that go into buying a house, luckily, with the help of a trusted Colorado Springs real estate agent, the buying process can go smoothly. If you are thinking of relocating to the Colorado Springs area, let The Platinum Group, REALTORS help you find your dream home. Our real estate agents are some of the top agents in the area and know the areas well and can help you find the perfect home!


Thursday, December 1, 2016

5 Questions Home Sellers Should Ask Their Real Estate Agent

Selling your Colorado Springs Home is a big step, so you want to make sure the real estate agent you pick is the right person to get the job done. It is important to interview at least three different real estate agents before picking the one you want to work with. In order to find the right real estate agent to sell your Colorado Springs home, you should ask them a few questions. The Platinum Group, REALTORS has gathered a few questions to help you on your real estate agent search. 

1. What's your experience?

Although this may seem obvious, this question often gets skipped. A home is one of the most expensive transactions a person will deal with in their lifetime, so you want to make sure your real estate agent has the proper professional background to handle it. Although there is no magic number when it comes to how much experience a person should have, you should look for someone with enough sales under their belts to comfortably handle your home sale from listing to closing. 

2. What's your marketing plan?

Typically, your home can't sell itself, so without the proper marketing plan, you could have a difficult time selling your home. Find out what your agent's philosophy is for marketing listings and ask what they will do after they take a listing. It is also a good idea to look at their past listing and see how they raised a home's visibility online. Looking at what they do online is important, s most buyers find their home through internet listings. In addition to marketing your home online, make sure they use quality photos for your home. 

3. What do you use to communicate?

You will communicate with your agent a lot, so it is a good idea to go over how you will be able to get a hold of each other. Does that agent call, email or text? There should be some sort of understanding upfront. Verify what the agent says by looking at how they have communicated with you so far. If the agent hasn't respected your preferences, has failed to follow up, or has been sloppy with emails and texts, there is no incentive for them to shape up after they have been hired, which means they may not be the best fit for the sale of your home. 

4. Do you represent both sides?

It is perfectly normal for some agents to work solely on the selling or buying side of the home's transaction. However, some agents do represent both sides of a deal, so it is a good idea to ask what happens if your agent ends up on both sides of your home's sale. Although it isn't an automatic conflict of interest, a situation where the agent represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction can get sticky, and some clients may feel as if they don't know whose interest the agent is really looking out for. It is important to make sure you know what is going to happen before an actual offer puts you in that situation. 

5. Do you work with buyers in this price range?

Can your potential real estate agent see your property through the buyer's eye? An insight into the mind of a buyer can help your agent be a more effective negotiator. They will be more likely to know what you can do to help your home stand out from others in that same price range. 

Platinum Service & Platinum Results

The Platinum Group, REALTORS isn't your typical real estate company. We have brought together the top real estate agents in Colorado Springs to provide you with platinum service to bring you platinum results. Our agents represent 2.5 percent of the real estate population in Colorado Springs, however, 24 percent of our agents are in the top 100 agents, 40 percent of our agents are in the top 200 and 51 percent of our agents are in the top 300. To speak with one of our exceptional Colorado Springs REALTORS, call 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