Memorial Day Activities in Colorado Springs

Memorial Day Weekend is quickly approaching. Whether you are entertaining family or just need a fun weekend activity, there are many events going on in Colorado Springs this weekend. From street festivals to historic walking tours, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.  

Territory Days – May 28 – 30, 2016

Territory Days is a three-day street festival held in Old Colorado City. The event draws in nearly 150,000 people, 200 street vendors and live entertainment during Memorial Day Weekend. This year Territory Days in celebrating its 41^st anniversary. This event is fun for the whole family! Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m./Monday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. For more information about Territory Days visit:
http://www.pro-promotions.com/pro-events/td/#ent

Cañon City Balloon Festival – May 28 – 30, 2016

This family friendly event will take place at Holy Cross Abbey in Cañon City, Colorado. There will be food, wine and local vendors. Watch hot air balloons from all over the U.S. and Canada launch in the morning and again in the evening for a remarkable night show. Watch Connor Doran from America’s Got Talent fly kites, gaze at skydivers, launch your own rocket and participate in a 5K race. Every day throughout the three-day event the balloons will launch between 6:30 – 8:30 a.m. and again between 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. For more information about Cañon City Balloon Festival visit: http://www.canoncityballoonclassic.org/Index.html

MeadowGrass Music Festival – May 27 – 29, 2016

This annual three-day music festival is held in La Forest Conference & Retreat Center in Black Forest, Colorado. This event is perfect for families and music lovers alike! This festival will feature performances from more than 20 national, regional and local artists, music workshops, yoga, kids’ activities and camping. Come on by to find out why MeadowGrass has been named “Best Music Festival” by readers of the Colorado Springs Independent multiple years in a row. For more information about MeadowGrass visit: http://rockymountainhighway.org/

http://evergreencemetery.blogspot.com/p/events-2014.html

Memorial Day Commemoration – May 30, 2016

Evergreen Cemetery Benevolent Society will be hosting a Buffalo Soldier Commemoration at the Spanish American War site starting at noon. Take a guided tour through historic Evergreen Cemetery where history comes to life. Tickets are $8 per person and children under 12 are free. Walking tour: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Last tour leaves at 12:30 p.m. For more information about the Memorial Day Commemoration and Historic Walking Tour visit: http://evergreencemetery.blogspot.com/p/events-2014.html 

For more family friendly Memorial Day Weekend events please visit: http://www.visitcos.com/holidays/memorial-day

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in beautiful Colorado Springs!

In addition to these Memorial Day weekend activities, Colorado Springs is home to many hiking trails, including Cheyenne Mountain State Park and Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Whether you choose to go to the music festival or spend the weekend on one of the many hiking trails, you will be sure to have a fun filled Memorial Day Weekend. Maybe you’ll fall in love with the area and think about relocating to Colorado Springs. When you do, The Platinum Group Realtors will be here to answer any questions you may have and help you find your dream home in Colorado Springs! 

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

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6760 Corporate Drive, Ste 300

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

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5 Useful Tips to Get the Best Mortgage

Shopping for a mortgage is one of the first steps in your process of buying a new home in Colorado Springs. The homebuying process can be a challenging one, but the Platinum Group, Realtors can guide you. One of the best ways to secure the most favorable terms and conditions is to prepare ahead of time before getting a mortgage. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best mortgage you can:

1. Improve Your Credit

Your credit score is important to a lender and determines what type of interest rate you qualify for. Manage your current debt responsibly. Always pay your bills on time and chip away at your outstanding balances by paying more than the minimum. You can obtain one free credit report from each credit reporting company. If you see something that doesn't look right, have it removed.

2. Plan For a Down Payment

Although a 20 percent down payment on a mortgage loan is ideal, it's not mandatory. In some cases, if you can’t afford a 20 percent down payment, your lender will require you to pay for mortgage insurance because they’re increasing their risk by loaning you more money.

3. Get Pre-Approved

It is recommended to get a mortgage pre-approval. This process is used to help determine how much money you are qualified to borrow for a home purchase. The lender will do a credit check and go over your income statements to determine your financial means. Once you're pre-approved, you will have a more realistic expectation of which homes fall within your budget. 

4. Shop For a Lender

The homebuying process involves finding an interest rate and mortgage lender that best suits your financial situation. No two sets of lender fees are alike, so it's important to get loan estimates from multiple lenders before making a decision. Call the lenders or meet with them to see who you feel most comfortable with.

5. Decide on a Loan Type

There are several types of home loans available. Not all homebuyers are suitable for the same loan programs or qualify for certain products. Here are some examples of various loans:

• If you are a military veteran, consider a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan.
• First time homebuyers with good credit may qualify for the first-time homebuyer loan via the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). FHA loans require only a 3.5% down payment and typically come with good interest rates.
• Really expensive homes may be more suitable for a jumbo loan.

Start Your Home Search With Platinum Group, Realtors

Buying a home in Colorado Springs is a major investment. There is no reason to pay more than you have to. Many homebuyers do not take the steps necessary to get the best mortgage they can. By following these tips and consulting with your agent at the Platinum Group, Realtors, you can be comfortable, knowing you found the right loan for you. When you are ready to start looking for homes in Colorado Springs, we can refer lenders in the Pikes Peak area to help save you time and money.

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

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Colorado Springs, CO 80906

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5 Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Colorado Springs Home

If you are selling a home in Colorado Springs, it is necessary to attract as many potential buyers as possible. Typically, homes that are staged sell faster and for more money than ones that are not. You do not have to spend a fortune to make your home looks its best before putting it on the market. By consulting with your agent at Platinum Group, Realtors, cleaning, decluttering, and making some obvious repairs, you should be able to put your home for sale in Colorado Springs in no time. Here are some things you can do:

1. Talk to Your Real Estate Agent

Your agent at the Platinum Group, Realtors can go room by room with you and list the pros and cons. They can help you focus on rooms that make the biggest differences, such as the kitchen and bathrooms and point out potential issues, such as poor lighting or stained carpet. By visiting comparable homes in your neighborhood, you can see what stands out and what you might want to replicate. Make a detailed list of each room, taking note of items to fix yourself, update, or hire a professional for.

2. Deep Clean 

Cleaning your home is perhaps the number one thing you can do when staging your home. Seems simple, but nothing turns off a homebuyer more than a dirty, smelly house. This should go beyond your weekly cleaning. Your home needs to be deep cleaned, including scrubbed and sanitized. Prospective buyers open drawers and cabinets so tidy inside as well. Spots and stains stand out, and so do offensive odors. Try putting lemon peels down the garbage disposal, empty and disinfect garbage bins, sanitize the bathroom mildew, and consider putting a fresh baked apple pie or cookies in the oven just before a showing or open house.

3. Declutter and De-Personalize

While your personal knickknacks and family photos are meaningful to you, they make it harder for potential homebuyers to picture themselves living in your home. You will need to drastically declutter your home before strangers can visualize it as their own. Remove all personal items from your walls and store them in a box. If walls appear too empty, consider some neutral staging decor or inexpensive prints. Remove dried flowers, collectibles, and other dust-collectors. You may want to rearrange furniture to help make your rooms look more spacious. 

4. Make Repairs

You don't need to take on any unnecessary home improvement projects, but you should fix obvious cracks, holes, and other concerns. If something is broke, spend the time and money to fix it. Replacing a highly visible item, such as stained carpet could be worth your money to replace, as a potential homebuyer can tend to over-estimate the cost to repair or replace it.

5. Enhance Your Curb Appeal

Using curb appeal is the best way to make a great first impression. An attractive exterior invites potential buyers into your home. Take a look at your landscaping and replace dead plants, trim shrubs, lay down new mulch, and consider buying new flowers. A couple of well-placed containers by the front door and a new welcome mat can make a friendly entrance. Power wash the garage door, driveway, and entrance pavers.

Platinum Group, Realtors Can Help You Sell Your Home

While staging is optional, it is highly recommended when selling a Colorado Springs home. Homebuyers want to imagine themselves creating a life in your home and don't want to see work that has to be done upon moving in. Let Platinum Group, Realtors help you create a space that potential buyers can call their own.

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

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Featured Home: 6389 Tenderfoot Dr., Colorado Springs, CO

This is Your Home!

This lovely 5 bedroom, 4 bath home is in excellent condition! Upon entering, you will find that everything about this home is large and spacious! Easily entertain for family and friends in the large living and dining rooms! Features include a huge eat-in kitchen with beautiful hardwood floors, tons of cabinet and counter-space, built-in desk, and walks out to a fantastic over-sized stamped concrete patio. The great room has a fireplace and is perfect for entertaining or for family time. The main level features an office or bonus room for storage or crafts. Relax in the master retreat with fantastic mountain views, a walk-in closet, and a 5-piece bath with soaking tub!

Tons of Extras

The upper level features three additional bedrooms which are generous size and have ample closet space. A upper level hall bath is spacious and conveniently includes a double vanity. There is lots of fun to be had in the huge finished basement set up for media/theater area and the custom wet bar is perfect for family movie night or watching the big game! Space is available for a mini fridge and is set up for a flat screen TV. The basement bathroom has been beautifully done with a large luxurious shower. Extras include A/C pre-wire, whole house security system, new carpet, upgraded hardware and light fixtures, maple cabinets and more! Low maintenance stucco exterior and fenced rear yard. Convenient location and well cared for neighborhood! This home has lots of space and is in move-in condition.
MLS# 4363338

Meet the Listing Agent

Dianna Dalton Daily

Superior customer service and a passion for her profession are major components to Dianna Dalton Daily's success in real estate. Her goal is to provide you, her customers, with outstanding service while representing your best interests and aggressively negotiating the purchase and/or sale of your home and largest asset.

Professionalism, service, knowledge and strong negotiating skills are the reasons why the majority of her business comes from referrals and repeat business. Dianna has been a licensed Realtor in the Pikes Peak region for more than 10 years.

"This isn’t just a job to me, this is my Career of Choice!"

Let The Platinum Group, Realtors Help You Find Your Next Home

Buying a home in Colorado Springs is a big step and can be an emotional process. The Platinum Group,  Realtors will work with you every step of the way to make the home buying process as easy and painless as possible. If you would like more information about our featured home or would like to view other homes for sale in Colorado Springs, contact our team of qualified agents today at (719) 536-4444 to get started!

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

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6760 Corporate Drive, Ste 300

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

(719) 536-4444

The Unique and Diverse Neighborhoods of Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs has a diverse and unique mix of neighborhoods. From affluent communities with Victorian mansions to hip and trendy neighborhoods, there are homes to fit any lifestyle. The homes are just as eclectic as the people, so if you are looking for a home for sale in Colorado Springs, the Broadmoor, Old North End, Rockrimmon, Briargate, West Side/Old Colorado City, and their neighboring communities are worth checking out.

SOUTHWEST 

The Broadmoor

The Broadmoor is the most prestigious neighborhood in Colorado Springs. Built in the 1920's, 1930's, and 1940's, these old mansions have been joined by some new estates to create a distinguished community within walking distance to the historic, five-diamond Broadmoor hotel and resort. Most of the residents here are doctors, lawyers, and real estate developers and spend time at the hotels's top restaurants and golf courses. Don't be surprised to see their golf carts parked in the garages.

Broadmoor Bluffs

This neighboring community built in the 1980's features homes on large lots covered with scrub oak and frequented by wildlife. It's more affordable than Old Broadmoor, but draws many of the same type of residents. They also share the same coveted school district, Cheyenne Mountain, and beautiful city views. 

DOWNTOWN

Old North End

This historical area is north of downtown and is a mix of large, stately homes built in the late 1800's and smaller ones built later. Even if you have the money to start remodeling and renovating these homes, make sure to run it by the vigilant homeowners' association first. Many of these homes are on the National Register. Most of the residents are liberal doctors, lawyers, college professors, and other professionals in an otherwise conservative-leaning city.

Audobon Neighborhood

You may also want to consider the Audobon neighborhood located on the other side of Nevada Avenue. The houses are relatively newer, built in the 1940's and 1950's and more moderately priced. It's a stucco and brick neighborhood of retirees, teachers, and professionals who don't want to shell out the dough for a more prestigious address. Many young people find this to be a good neighborhood to raise families and remodel the older homes.

NORTHWEST

Rockrimmon

This neighborhood was developed in the 1970's and has an old-town Colorado feel. With odd-shaped lots sitting on hillsides, it is not unusual to see a herd of deer or big horn sheep stopping traffic. Residents generally work in uniform, as they are higher-ranking military officers because of the proximity to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Other neighbors you will find are white-collar professionals, teachers, and business owners. A lot of homeowners choose this area because of its inclusion in the excellent Air Academy School District.

Peregine

This is much like Rockrimmon with higher incomes. The homes are larger, newer, and more extraordinary. They sit on oversized lots with great views of the city lights and lots of wildlife. This is an area for people who value privacy.

NORTHEAST

Briargate

Briargate spans over a large piece of real estate and offers affordable, roomy homes. At one time it looked like a cookie-cutter neighborhood, but today  maturing landscaping and personal touches set the homes apart from one another. With its location on a slight hill, it has good mountain views. Families are attracted to it for its affordability and because it's in the Air Academy School District. This is a family-oriented community and many also serve in the military.

Pine Creek

Pine Creek is more upscale than the adjacent Briargate. Many Briargate residents aspire to move here when they have the money to do so.   

WEST

West Side/Old Colorado City

One of Colorado Spring's oldest and most eclectic communities, the West Side and Old Colorado City are just minutes from downtown. Growing families find these homes appealing and they range from stately Victorians to cute cottages, and everything in between. There are even newer homes that have been built on vacant lots. Old Colorado City draws a lot of visitors, as there are many quaint shops and restaurants.

Pleasant Valley

Once considered the poshest neighborhood outside of the Broadmoor and the Old North End, Pleasant Valley today is made up of ranch-style homes inhabited by empty-nesters who raised their families in the 'Springs'. However, new families are moving in and take advantage of the nearby Garden of the Gods and the feeling of being tucked away from it all.

Let Platinum Group, Realtors Introduce You to the Neighborhoods in Colorado Springs

Whether you are looking for a posh Victorian mansion, a ranch-style home in a classic neighborhood, or a cute cottage in a trendy community, you will love the neighborhoods in Colorado Springs. Platinum Group, Realtors can show you homes that fit your budget and lifestyle. Let your Colorado Springs real estate agent know the criteria that are most important to you and your family and get started on your home search today!

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

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6760 Corporate Drive, Ste 300

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

(719) 536-4444

The Closing Process Explained for Home Buyers

Before you receive the keys to your dream home in Colorado Springs, there are a list of things to do from the time your offer is accepted until you get to the closing table. Below we list some of the major items involved in the closing process:

Secure a Loan

If you haven't already, apply for the loan to secure financing for the purchase of the home. Your agent at Platinum Group, Realtors can help you select a reputable lender whose products and services best meet your needs. Make sure your lender locks in your interest rate, as interest rates are unpredictable and can fluctuate many times a day. Also, keep in mind that your interest rate depends on your credit score, your geographical location, and the type of loan you are getting, so you may not be able to get the best rate you hear advertised.

Negotiate Closing Costs 

The escrow company holds an account on behalf of the two parties in a real estate transaction. Because there are so many details to complete a home sale, the best way to prevent either the buyer or seller from getting cheated is to have a third-party company hold all the money and documents related to the transaction until settlement. There will be several fees for the closing company to provide its services.

Get a Title Search and Obtain Title Insurance

The title search and title insurance provide a safeguard for buyers so that when you purchase a property, no one else can claim it as theirs later, such as a disdained relative or tax collector. A title search will be performed to make sure there are no claims against the property. If there are, these problems will need to be resolved before the home becomes yours.

Complete the Home Inspection

Performing a home inspection is an important part of the closing process. Generally, the process involves a top-to-bottom inspection of the property by a licensed home inspector, who is chosen by the buyers. After the report is reviewed, the buyers have the right to ask the sellers to address any concerns regarding the property. If there is a serious problem, the buyers have an opportunity to back out of the contract as long as the purchase offer was contingent on a home inspection.

Get a Pest Inspection

The pest inspection is separate from the home inspection and involves an analysis to be performed by a pest control professional. They will make sure the home does not have any damage from termites or carpenter ants. Problems from wood-destroying pests can be very destructive and expensive to fix. If any infestation is found, even just a minor pest problem, the mortgage company will require that it be fixed before you close. If the inspection reveals any problems, you may want to renegotiate the home's purchase price to cover the cost of any repairs you need to make.

Final Walk Through

One of the last steps of the closing process, is to walk through your home with your Colorado Springs real estate agent one last time. You will want to make sure no damage has occurred and nothing has been removed that is included in the purchase contract.

Sign the Papers and Enjoy Your New Colorado Springs Home!

The last and most critical step to becoming a new homeowner is signing the papers. There will be a stack of them for you to sign and initial, but make sure to read the pages carefully and double check that the interest rate is correct. It may seem like the closing process is a lot of work, but at Platinum Group, Realtors we have the knowledge of the process and will guide you through each step to ensure a smooth transaction. If you are ready to start looking for a home, give our team a call at (719) 536-4444 or visit our website to view homes for sale in Colorado Springs.

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

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6760 Corporate Drive, Ste 300

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

(719) 536-4444

Beautiful Home at 1430 Regal Glen Ct. in Monument, Colorado

Come Home to the Peaceful Surroundings in the Bent Tree Community

The tranquil setting at 1430 Regal Glen Ct. in Monument, Colorado compliments the 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, and 3-car Ranch-Style Home on 2.8 acres. This home boasts 5,648 sq. ft. of living space.

Home Features

• Open eat-in kitchen with island, double ovens, and plenty of counter, and cabinet space.
• Beautiful hardwood floors.
• Living/great room offers a fireplace and plenty of light. 
• Formal living and dining rooms. 
• Main level offers a master bedroom with a 5-piece bath with soaking tub and walk-in closet. 
• The office/study (or can be an additional bedroom) is also on the main level. 
• Huge walk-out basement features a double sided fireplace, family room, bar, and game room.
• Exercise room plus 2 more bedrooms and full baths.

Home Exclusively Listed By: 

About the Listing Agent: Kimberly Amis is on the BJ Burns Team with Platinum Group, Realtors. She has been a licensed Realtor® since 2005. Her mission is to help you get exactly what you are looking for, so you will feel good and even sleep better through the process. Her expertise is helping you navigate through the complexities, confusion and road bumps that can be a challenge in any buying or selling situation. She listens to you, gets to know you, and understands your needs. She is dedicated to guiding you through the process with grace, ease, enthusiasm and reassurance. 

Platinum Group, Realtors Can Help You Find Your Dream Home

BJ Burns Team along with our other professional Colorado Springs agents at the Platinum Group, Realtors know that purchasing a home is one of your biggest investments. Our agents can guide you through buying your first home in Colorado Springs to purchasing investment property. We have an agent that can help you achieve your real estate goals. Contact us for more information on our featured property, or visit our website to view all homes for sale in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas.

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

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6760 Corporate Drive, Ste 300

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

(719) 536-4444