Thanksgiving in Colorado Springs

Thanksgiving is November 24! Thanksgiving is a popular time for families to travel, as there are millions of people traveling all over the country. However, if you plan on staying in your Colorado Springs home this year, do you know how you are spending this holiday? If you don't feel like cooking - or cleaning - a big Thanksgiving meal, there are several local restaurants that are serving Thanksgiving dinner.

Hotel Elegante Event & Conference Center

When: November 24
Where: 2886 S. Circle Dr.
Time: Seatings at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Reservation: 719-302-9877
Price: $32.95 adults with a 15% discount for seniors & military; $15.95 children 6-12; Free children 5 and under

Springs Orleans

When: November 24
Where: 123 E. Pikes Peak Ave.
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Reservations: 719-520-0123
Price: $42 adults; $12 children 12 and under
$10 to add bottomless mimosas

The Famous, A Steakhouse

When: November 24
Where: 31 N. Tejon
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Reservation: 719-227-7333
Price: $40 per person

MacKenzie's Chop House

When: November 24
Where: 128 S. Tejon
Time: 12:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Reservations: 719-635-3536
Price: $36.95 adults; $14.95 children; Free children 6 and under

Ritz Grill

When: November 24
Where: 15 S. Tejon
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Reservations: 719-635-8484
Price: $23.95 adults; $11.95 children 12 and younger

Flatiron's American Bar & Grill

When: November 24
Where: 2540 Tenderfoot Hill St.
Time: 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Reservations: 719-576-2540
Price: $24.95 adults; $10.95 children 11-12; $5.00 children 10 and under

Academy Hotel

When: November 24
Where: 8110 N. Academy Blvd
Time: Seatings are at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Reservations: 719-278-7024
Price: $39.95 adults; $37.95 seniors 65+ or active military; $15.95 children 6-12; Free children under 6

Antlers Hotel

When: November 24
Where: 4 S. Cascade Ave. 
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Reservations: 719-955-5600
Price: $45.95 adults; $39.95 seniors; $19.95 children 6-12; Free children 5 and under

Thanksgiving in Colorado Springs

Happy Thanksgiving from your Colorado Springs real estate team! There's a lot of things to be thankful for this year and The Platinum Group, REALTORS are thankful for all of our wonderful clients. If you are looking to relocate to the Colorado Springs area, contact our expert team of REALTORS at 719-536-4444 today! We know relocating to a new area can be stressful. When you use our relocation services, we try to make your move to Colorado Springs as seamless as possible. 

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

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Colorado Springs, CO 80906

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Fire Prevention Safety Tips

During the winter months, many people tend to spend more time inside. When the weather gets cold, many of us like to curl up next to our fireplaces and stay warm. However, many of our favorite winter activities could lead to dangerous fires. Lighting scented candles, cooking a delicious meal and lighting a warm fire in our fireplaces are all things that we enjoy, however, we want to ensure our safety while participating in these activities. Your Colorado Springs real estate team offer a few tips that you can follow to ensure your home is safe this season.

1. Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are a great tool to alert us of a fire in our home. However, they don't do much good if they aren't working properly. Installing the right amount of smoke alarms is essential. According to the Red Cross' website, in new homes, a smoke alarm should be installed on every level of the home, outside each sleeping area and inside each bedroom. In addition, they should be wired together so if one sounds, they all sound. In existing home, at a minimum, a smoke alarm should be placed on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area. After making sure your home has the right amount of smoke alarms, you should test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year. 

2. Inspect Appliances 

Sometimes, fires can start from old or damaged electrical appliances. It is possible that once you plug the machine in and turn it on, it can overload and catch fire. If you suspect that one of your electrical appliances are outdated, have them repaired or replaced. 

3. Be Mindful

It is important to be mindful of your actions. Remembering to blow out a candle once you leave, turning off the stove when not in use and keeping a watchful eye on your cooking can make a huge difference in your family's safety. Always be alert when there is fire involved because one tiny mistake can have drastic consequences.  

4. Turn Off Portable Heaters

Portable heaters are nice to have during the winter months to keep you extra cozy. However, it is important to remember to turn them off once you leave the room or go to sleep. Electric blankets are also nice to have during the winter months to heat up your bed before goes to sleep. However, it is important to use them safely. It is never a good idea to sleep with an electric blanket turned on. Instead, plug it in about half an hour before you go to sleep. That way it can get your bed nice and toasty and you can turn it off once you climb into bed and hopefully go to sleep before the blanket gets cold. 

5. Keep Your Heating Sources Cleaned

It is important to make sure your home heating sources are clean and in working order. A poorly maintained furnace or chimney can be the recipe for disaster. Before it gets cold, it is a good idea to have your chimney cleaned and inspected. That way you know it is ok to use. In addition, your HVAC system should be serviced twice a year. Once in the spring and once in the fall. In addition to making sure your furnace is ok to use, they will check to make sure it is not leaking any carbon monoxide. 

Keep Your Home Safe

Ensuring your family's safety is probably one of the main reasons why you bought a Colorado Springs home. Keeping up with your home's safety not only keeps it in good condition to sell when that time comes, but it also gives you peace of mind. If you are wanting buy or sell a home in the Colorado Springs area, give The Platinum Group, REALTORS a call at 719-536-4444. 

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

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Colorado Springs, CO 80906

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Tips For Staging Your Living Room

When selling your Colorado Springs home, having it staged is an important part of the process. You want to make sure the people viewing your home could see themselves living there. From depersonalizing to painting, there are many things you can do to stage your living room. Your Colorado Springs real estate team is here is to help you sell your home quickly with these tips for staging your living room. 

Tips For Staging Living Room

Declutter

The first thing you should do to prepare your home for sale is to get rid of clutter. One thing that can make your home feel cluttered is too much furniture. When professional stagers prep a home to go on the market, they will take away about half of the homeowner's furniture and the house looks much bigger. Although you don't have to take away that much, but look at what you have and ask yourself what you can live without.

Lighting
One thing that will make your home seem warm and inviting is great lighting. Many homes are improperly lighted, so to fix the problem, add more lighting and not just to the living room, but all rooms of your home. Aim for a total of 100 watts for each 50 square feet. However, don't just depend on one or two fixtures per room. It is a good idea to have at least three types of lights including general overhead, task (pendant, under-cabinet or reading) and accent (table or wall).

Rearrange 

Many people believe that rooms feel larger and easier to use if the furniture is pushed against the wall, however, that is not always the case. Instead, furnish your space by floating furniture away from the walls. Also, reposition sofas and chairs to cozy conversational groups. Not only will this make the space more user-friendly, but it will open up the room and make it seem larger. 

Make it Bigger

Make your home seem bigger than it is by simply switching up the color. If you paint the room the same as the adjacent room, it will give it a seamless look and make both rooms seem like one big space. If you also paint the wall the same color as your drapery, it will give a seamless and sophisticated look. 

Paint Neutral

If you paint your living room a neutral color, it will help create a sophisticated backdrop that makes everything look more pulled together. Neutral colors also appeal to more people. However, you do not need to paint your walls a boring off-white color. Rich mid-tone neutrals like mocha or an earthy gray will bring a lot of attention to your living space. 

Look Down

Make sure all the floors in your house have been thoroughly cleaned. If you have hardwood floors, it may be a good idea to have them refinished if they are in poor condition. In addition, adding a rug could bring more warmth to the room. 

Clean Up

Having your home clean and free of excess clutter is important. People do not want to feel like they are invading your space while being shown your home. Make sure that toys are picked up and that there is no clutter on the coffee table. If you have pets, make sure their toys, beds and other items are put away. Although you love them, others may not. 

Sell Your Home With The Platinum Group, REALTORS

Staging your home is an important step in getting your home ready to be placed on the market. If you need help selling your Colorado Springs home, contact The Platinum Group, REALTORS. Our expert Colorado Springs real estate agents can help you sell your current home and help you purchase your new one! To speak with one of our agents about placing your home on the market, call 719-536-4444. 

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

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Colorado Springs, CO 80906

(719) 536-4444

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Fall is in full swing and it is time to make sure your home is ready for the upcoming winter season. Taking care of your home is important not only so you have a nice place to live, but to also make sure that your home is in good shape in case you ever decide to sell. Fall is a good time for annual or bi-annual home maintenance projects, as the weather is not too cold or too hot. Your Colorado real estate team has created a checklist for you to use to make sure nothing is forgotten. 

Outside Home Maintenance

Fall is the perfect time to take a walk around the outside of your home, as the weather is still nice outside. Make sure everything is taken care of before the snow begins the fall to ensure everything is in good shape in the spring. Here are a few things you should check:

- Replace, repair or clean storm windows and screens. 

- Turn off water to exterior pipes to avoid freezing and cracking. If you want, you can also wrap exterior pipes with insulation. 

- Clean gutters so they are free of leaves and other debris. 

- Inspect roof for damage that could cause leaks in the winter. 

- Repair any crack on sidewalks or driveways.

 - Prune bushes and trees around your home to avoid anything breaking loose and damaging your home during storms. 

- Rake leaves to avoid lawn mold.

Inside Home Maintenance

As the temperature begin to drop, you will be inside more. You want to make sure that your home is not only safe but nice and warm as well. There are a few things you can do make your home more pleasant and cozy during the colder months:

- Check insulation levels in the attic to ensure it is at the proper amount. 

- Have HVAC system served to be sure it is working properly and there are no repairs that need to be made. 

- Change furnace filters.

- Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 

- Clean dryer vent to prevent any fires. 

- Seal cracks around doors & windows with caulk to prevent warm air from escaping. Install weather stripping if air is escaping from under doors and windows. 

- Clean and service chimney to ensure everything works properly and that there is no blockage.

For All Things Real Estate, Call The Platinum Group, REALTORS

Doing home maintenance checks in the fall ensures that your home will be ready for anything the colder seasons bring. However, routine maintenance also makes sure that your home is in tip-top shape if you ever decide to sell. If you are wanting to purchase or sell a home in Colorado Springs, The Platinum Group, REALTORS is here for you! Our expert team will provide you platinum service and results. To speak with one of our agents, call 719-536-4444.

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

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Colorado Springs, CO 80906

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Halloween in Colorado Springs!

Halloween is quickly approaching! Although Halloween falls on a Monday this year, there are still plenty of fun things for your family to participate in this weekend to celebrate. From fun at the zoo to howling wolves, there are many different ways to spend this spooky day in Colorado Springs. The team at The Platinum Group, REALTORS has all the details on this year's Halloween events. 

Photo Credit: www.cmzoo.org

Boo at the Zoo

Join the team at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for one of the area's most unique Halloween event. There will be trick or treat stations throughout the zoo. Spend the night visiting select animal exhibits that are open during the event, such as giraffe building, Aquatics, The Loft, Encounter Africa and Monkey Pavilion. Grab a friend and take a walk through the haunted house or make your way through the lighted pumpkin patch. You will not want to miss out on this spooktacular event!

Where: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
When: October 28 - 31
Time: 4:00 - 8:30 p.m. 

Emma Crawford Coffin Races

Emma Crawford's last wish was to be buried at the top of Red Mountain. After she passed away at the age of 19 of tuberculosis, her fiancee granted her wish with the help of 11 other men, who carried her coffin to the top. After years of weather and erosion, her remains were washed down the side of the mountain. It is said that she still haunts Red Moutain today, so to honor Emmas, each year Manitou Springs holds a coffin race and parade. Grab your team of five and decorate a coffin that is raced down Main Street. 

Where:  Main Street in Manitou Springs
When: October 29
Time: 12:00 - 3:00 pm

Halloween Cool Science Style

Join the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center for this scientific Halloween event! Make glow in the dark slime, instant worms, invisible alien eyeballs, eerie fog bubbles, creepy noises, shoot fog rings and more! There will be a parade through the museum and awards will be given out for the scariest, the funniest, the most creative and the best dinosaur costume. 

Where: Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center
When: October 29
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Howl-O-Ween

The Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center's annual Howl-O-Ween tradition will be held on October 29. Join them in passing out meat-filled pumpkins to all the wolves, a bonfire and refreshments. Reservations are required, so sign up today! Call 719-687-9742 for more information. 

Where: Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center
When: October 29
Time: 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Mall-O-Ween

Bring your trick or treat bag as it's Mall-O-Ween! A super safe, super fun Halloween celebration! Have your little ones trick or treat in a safe environment.

Where: Chapel Hills Mall & Citadel Mall
When: October 31 
Time:  Chapel Hills: 5:00 - 7:00 pm; Citadel Mall: 5:00 pm until supplies last. 

Spook Out Shoot Out 

Enjoy trick or treating, haunted miniature golf, hayrides, carnival game, pumpkin chunkin, helicopter rides, a costume contest and more! 

Where: World Golf 
When: October 28 - 30
Time: 5:00 - 9:00 pm

Photo Credit: www.cspm.org

Halloween History Hunt

Visit the museum for a spooktacular Halloween History Hunt. Get your history hunt guide at the Front Desk, explore the exhibits and visit the haunted house to hear stories and make creepy, crawly crafts. Make sure you wear your costume and pick up a treat before you leave! 

Where: Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
When: October 29
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Emma Crawford's Wake 

Experience a victorian wake complete with a victorian buffet dinner and beverages. This is sure to be one of the most talked about events of the year, so you will not want to miss it. For more information visit MiramontCastle.org or call 719-685-1011 to make your reservation. 

Where: Miramont Castle
When: October 28
Time: Viewings will take place every 20 minutes with the first at 6:00 pm and the last at 7:20 pm

Celebrate Halloween in Colorado Springs!

Colorado Springs is full of fun, creepy and spooky events this weekend to celebrate Halloween! Colorado Springs is a wonderful place to raise your family. If you are thinking of relocating to Colorado Springs, contact The Platinum Group, REALTORS at 719-536-4444. As your Colorado Springs real estate agents, we can help you find the best home for your family.

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

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Colorado Springs, CO 80906

(719) 536-4444

National Kitchen & Bath Month - Part 2 - How To Stage Bathroom

October is National Kitchen and Bath Month. In last week's blog, the best real estate agents in Colorado Springs offered staging ideas and updates for your kitchen. Now it's time to discuss the bathroom. Home buyers are looking more closely to a home's bathroom - how many and how they look. Just like with the kitchen, minor updates can make a huge difference in a bathroom's appearance. Check out these tips to make your bathroom shine:

Depersonalize The Bathroom

Remove everyday toiletries and bathroom supplies from the countertop. Toothbrushes, combs, cotton balls - everything. It is also important not to forget the products in the shower as well. Potential home buyers do not want to see your personal hygiene products. In fact, it could make them feel like they are intruding in on your personal space.

Store Away Cleaning Supplies

Remove all the cleaning supplies like toilet brushes, trash cans, sponges and cleaning products. Although these items are necessary for everyday living, you want your bathroom to represent a place to unwind and relax, which is hard to do with a dirty sponge on the counter. 

Maximize Space

Storage sells. Buyers are looking to see how much space your home has, so they will be looking inside your bathroom cupboards. Make sure they are well organized and about two-thirds full. If you are running out of space to store your toiletries, keep the overflow in a basket. When buyers are coming to see your home, just grab the basket and stash it somewhere else. 

Clean, Clean and Clean Some More

Nothing is more off-putting to potential buyers than a dirty bathroom. Make sure your faucets are spotless, your shower door isn't grimy and the bathtub is glistening. Although it is not fun, it is important, as buyers want to see new. Cleaning the bathroom creates the impression that your home has been well maintained and well loved. 

Hang Luxurious Towels

Transform your bathroom into a tranquil spa by adding beautiful, soft towels. New is best, as a towel never looks quite the same after they have been washed. Keep your new towels for display only, so make sure you pack them away between showings. 

Accessorize

After you cleared away personal items, bring in some accessories to add warmth and luxury. You want to create a relaxing area, so set out a hand lotion and soap set, bath oils, loofahs and candles. If you have extra space, fold a few clean, white hand towels by the sink. 

New Paint & Tile

Painting is a great way to give new life to a room. However, in the bathroom sticking with a neutral color, as it will appeal to more buyers. If you want to add a pop of color, use towels and accessories. In some bathrooms, it may be worth changing the tiles. Again, just like with painting, sticking to neutral colors will appeal to more buyers. 

Upgrade Faucets

Minor upgrades can make a big difference. If you cannot clean the spots away, it may be best to upgrade the faucets. If you are changing out the faucets, make sure the towel bar and other accessories match what you are buying. 

Celebrate National Kitchen & Bath Month!

If you make these simple changes, your bathroom could look more updated and luxurious. The kitchen and bathroom are both areas that buyers will focus on, so you don't want to sell them short. If you are needing help selling your Colorado Springs home, contact The Platinum Group, REALTORS at 719-536-4444. 

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

National Kitchen & Bath Month - Part 1 - How To Stage Your Kitchen

October is National Kitchen and Bath Month, which makes it the perfect time to focus on these two areas of the home. Many buyers focus their attention to the kitchen and bathroom when looking at homes. In some cases, these two rooms can even make or break a sale. Luckily, your Colorado Springs real estate team is here to help you get the kitchen and bathroom ready, so you can sell your home. Even the littlest of updates can make a big difference in the way potential home buyers view your home. Check out these quick staging ideas and updates you can do to make your kitchen stand out from the rest. 

Clear Counter Space

A quick way to make your kitchen look bigger is to clear off the counter. A messy work area will make your kitchen look cluttered and small. Don't sell your kitchen sort and make sure all the counters are cleaned and free of clutter. 

Update Hardware

Changing the door and cabinet handles is an easy way to make your kitchen look more updated. Changing out the hardware will give your drawers and cabinets a fresh look and make your kitchen look revitalized. 

New Lighting

Brighten up your kitchen with new lighting. New light fixtures can make a big difference in the appearance of your kitchen. Switching out the lights to LED bulbs would also be a good idea. 

Change Out Tea Towels

Brand new tea towels are a great way to add a pop of color, especially if your kitchen is all white. 

Add Fresh Flowers or Fresh Fruit

Perfectly ripe fruit or fresh flowers will bring life your kitchen. You don't need to spend a fortune to make your kitchen look lively. cheerful daisies in a mason jar and a bowl of lemons in a cute dish would be the perfect addition to bring a splash of color and life to your kitchen.

Make Your Sink Shine

Be sure to make a good first impression with your sink and make sure it sparkles. Hard water spots can sometimes be hard to get rid of. You may need to replace the faucets, but a pretty, gleaming faucet makes a good first impression.

Set Out Dish And Hand Soap

Get rid of old sponges and goopy dish soap containers and switch them out for nice hand soap and lotion set. 

Organize The Pantry

Scale back the amount of items in your pantry so you have some open space on each shelf. Organize what's left into storage containers or open baskets. This will make your pantry open and inviting. 

Organize Dishes & Pans

Just like with the pantry, potential buyers will be looking in your cupboards. If your storage areas are overstuffed, it will give the impression that there isn't enough storage space in your Kitchen. Remove any unnecessary items or mismatching items or anything that doesn't look good. 

Get Your Kitchen Stage Ready!

When getting your kitchen ready for your home to sell, it is important to remember that a staged kitchen is not always a practical kitchen. If there are any items you are removing from your kitchen that you still need, keep them in a box that is tucked away during showings. If you are considering selling your home, contact The Platinum Group, REALTORS. Our expert real estate team in Colorado Springs can help you get your home ready to sell!

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

Visit our website: www.PlatinumHomeSales.com

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6760 Corporate Drive, Ste 300

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

(719) 536-4444