Sizzling Summer Tips For Selling Your Home This Season (Part 1)

Summer is one of the most popular times to sell a home in Colorado Springs. If you're thinking of putting your home up on the marketing this seasons, there are a few things you should consider doing before even finding a real estate agent. This week, we're looking at a few things you should consider doing to your home if you're thinking of selling this summer. Stay tuned next week for part 2!

1. Spruce Up The Curb Appeal

No matter the season, the exterior of the house is one of the most important areas to focus on when selling a home. First impressions matter, especially when it comes to real estate. It's very likely that a prospective buyer will have made up their mind before they've even walked through the front door, so make sure that first impression is a good one. Before putting your home on the market, make sure the exterior and curb appeal of your home is in top shape.

- Mow the lawn
- Water the lawn to avoid a burnt lawn
- Trim the bushes and shrubs
- Water the plants
- Weed and mulch any flower beds
- If needed, touch up any exterior peeling paint
- Clean and/or paint the front door

2. Highlight The Outdoor Living Space

During the summer season, many potential home buyers will be focusing on the outdoor space. Highlighting your outdoor living space is a great way to impress these buyers. Help buyers envision themselves spending time relaxing outside by sprucing up your deck and patio spaces. Sweep up the floor, clean or replace cushion seats on your patio furniture and add potted plants to make your outdoor space shine! Show buyers how amazing your home's outdoor living space is for entertaining friends and family.

3. Keep The Home Cool

During the summer months, it's important to keep your home cooling while it's being looked at by potential buyers. If your home isn't equipped with central air conditioning, it's still important to focus on keeping the home cool. Alternative ways to keep a home cool without air conditioning include installing a window air conditioner unit, turning on ceiling fans, keeping lights off and blind drawn prior to showings and placing floor fans around the home. If your home has central AC, make sure it's performing efficiently and if it hasn't had service done recently, call a professional HVAC technician to have them look it over.

4. Stage The Home For Summer

Staging your home can help enhance the appearance of your home when done correctly. If you're selling your home during the summer, it's best to stage it to reflect the season. A great way to bring summer into your home is by placing bright flowers on a dining room table, planting bright flowers in a window box and having summer scented candles throughout the home. Make your home stand out!

If you're thinking of selling your Colorado Springs home this summer, contact The Platinum Group, REALTORS. We can help make sure your home looks its best for potential home buyers, and we can also help you find your new home! Give us a call today at 719-536-4444 to learn more about how we can help.

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

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Colorado Springs, CO 80906

(719) 536-4444

Fourth Of July In Colorado Springs

Fourth of July is just around the corner, and there are many fun ways to celebrate with your family in Colorado Springs. From parades and fireworks to reenactments and live music, there is something for the whole family to enjoy! Check out all the fun to be had this weekend in Colorado Springs.

Cripple Creek 4th Of July Celebration

Enjoy live entertainment in the Brass Ass parking lot. Starting at noon, live bands will be playing all your favorite hits long into the evening hours with fireworks beginning at 9:30 PM.

Date: July 1
Cost: FREE

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Play games, spin the trivia wheel, do crafts with the kids, dig for dinosaurs, get your face painted and enjoy some great local food. The fireworks will begin around 9:00 PM.

Date: July 3
Time: 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Cost: $7 daily or $70 for annual vehicle park pass

Rock Ledge Ranch Family Fourth

Walk through a reenactment of revolutionary war camp. Listen to General William Jackson Palmer read the Declaration of Independence and President Abraham Lincoln give the Gettysburg address. You can also catch Patrick Henry's daughter recite her father's "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech, as well as play carnival games and more.

Date: July 4
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: Regular admission prices; includes military discount

Photo Credit: www.VisitCOS.com

Tri-Lakes 4th Of July Celebration

The Tri-Lakes 4th of July is a full day of celebration. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, annual fun run, children's parade and the main parade. The street fair features delicious food, arts & craft vendors, a street dance and multiple concerts.

Date: July 4
Time: Live music Noon - 7:00 PM
Cost: FREE

Manitou Springs Fireworks

The Manitou Springs Volunteer Fire Department proudly presents the Fourth of July Fireworks again this year. Enjoy the best seats in the house in Downtown Manitou Springs while gazing at the magnificent views. Fireworks will be shot off from Higginbotham Flats.

Date: July 4
Cost: FREE

Summer Symphony & Fireworks

A fun FREE event for the entire family. A variety of food will be available for sale and picnics are welcome. Arrive early to grab your spot and listen to the U.S. Air Force Academy Band's Blue Steel Street Ensemble perform before the Colorado Springs Philharmonic.

Date: July 4
Cost: FREE to attend

SymphonyAbove The Clouds

Listen to the amazing Colorado Springs Philharmonic in the 37th Annual Symphony Above the Clouds in Woodland Park, CO. Presented by the Ute Pass Symphony Guild, the concert features patriotic music and tunes from the American songbook.

Date: July 5
Time: Doors open at 5:00 PM; Concert begins at 5:30 PM
Cost: FREE

Colorado Springs is home to many fun community events and activities that the whole family can enjoy. If you're thinking about relocating to Colorado Springs, contact The Platinum Group, REALTORS today! Our expert team of Colorado Springs real estate agents are here to help make your move as stress free and easy as possible. If you're ready to fall in love with Colorado Springs just like we did, call 719-536-4444.

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

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Linda Lafferty, The Platinum Group, REALTORS

The Platinum Group, REALTORS strives to give you platinum service for platinum results. Our expert team of Colorado Springs real estate agents love hearing about your buying or selling experience. Recently, we heard from Jill and Rick, who worked with Linda Lafferty. Linda's real estate practice has always been about building long term relationship with her clients. She has been fortunate enough to be of service to Jill and Rick for over 12 years.

"There’s only one realtor in our book -- Linda is THE BEST!

I first met Linda in 2005 when I was in the process of relocating to Colorado Springs. She was referred to me by a fellow co-worker. The first time I met her, I was very impressed by her knowledge of the Colorado Springs housing market, her professionalism in setting realistic expectations with me, and her ability to explain the complex world of real estate to me in terms I could easily understand (contracts, mortgage process, inspections, timelines, etc.). On my two trips to Colorado Springs, she introduced me to the area, showed me around town, and worked hard to find me townhouses that met my requirements. She was committed to my tight timelines and, by golly, she found the townhouse of my dreams!! It was perfect!  Linda totally took care of organizing everything and made the home buying process super easy for me from 1400 miles away. Then, from the time I closed until I actually moved out to Colorado Springs and my beautiful new townhouse, she went above and beyond her duties as my realtor; she visited the townhouse weekly to check on it and sent me reports that everything was OK, she recommended cleaning services and let folks into the house to perform those services so it was in tip-top shape and ready for me to move in when I arrived.

Several years later, Linda helped with the sale of my perfect townhouse and the purchase of my first home with my new husband. :) She worked with us to set realistic expectations for the sale of the townhouse and for the new house we were purchasing together. It was reassuring to have Linda helping us every step of the way. She led us through the process of setting the selling price, staging the home, and creating the marketing materials. My townhouse sold very quickly. Linda also showed us houses on the market that met our new requirements. She did it again! She found us the perfect house! After five years, we decided to remodel the kitchen and living room and add a great room. Linda referred the contractor and came to the house to help make suggestions. We loved living in that the house for over a decade.

We recently fell in love with a model home that wasn’t on the market. We again called the best realtor in Colorado Springs, Linda Lafferty, to see if there was any way we could make this house our home. She worked with us and negotiated with the builder’s agent to make our dream come true. Once again, Linda helped set the price, stage, and sell our existing house (note: we sold above asking price and were under contract in less than 24 hours from the time we put the house on the market). We just moved into our gorgeous forever home, and we couldn’t be happier.

Linda has been our professional realtor for over a decade and has helped us with buying and selling multiple homes.  She is simply phenomenal to work with. She has excellent organizational skills, fantastic people skills, and she goes the extra mile to ensure her clients are informed and well taken care of. There’s only one realtor in our book -- Linda really is THE BEST!!

Regards, Jill and Rick"

Congratulations to Jill and Rick on finding their forever home! If you're looking for your forever home, contact The Platinum Group, REALTORS today at 719-536-4444.

The Platinum Group, Realtors The First Choice in Real Estate

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Colorado Springs, CO 80906

(719) 536-4444

Featured Listing - 356 Fox Run Circle

If you're looking for the perfect family home in Colorado Springs, let The Platinum Group, REALTORS help! One of our Colorado Springs real estate agents, Skip Johnson, has recently listed a beautiful single family home. This Northgate Highlands neighborhood home sits on an immaculate lot that backs up to open space. This home screams location, location, location! It has a stunning view of the mountains and Pikes Peak. This 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and a 3 car garage could be the home of your dreams. 

The Main Level - Perfect For Entertaining

The main level floor plan is open, light and bright! It features a plethora of windows that allow for an abundance of natural light to flow throughout the entire home. High ceilings, basement jr. suite, basement kitchen, wet bar, heated bathroom flooring and garden level basement are only some of the features this home has to offer. The gourmet kitchen has granite tops, a stylish island, breakfast bar, wood flooring, pantry, homework desk, a walk-out to the magnificent backyard and a wealth of cabinet space. The adjoining family room offers built-in shelving, gas fireplace with stone surround, soaring cathedral ceilings, built-in surround sound wall speakers and tile flooring. The main level home office opens with double doors and features plush carpeting. A large laundry room with cabinets, a half bathroom and formal living and dining room with wood flooring complete the main level.

Upstairs - Relax & Unwind 

Upstairs, you enter the spacious master bedroom suite through double doors where you find vaulted ceilings, wood flooring, more of the million dollar view and a walk-in closet. The 5 piece adjoining updated master bathroom features a barn door, ceramic tile heated flooring, separate granite vanities and a glass surround shower. Three oversized additional bedrooms with walk-in closets share the full bathroom with double vanity and decorative lighting.

Fully Furnished Basement - For Your Guests 

The fully furnished basement presents a recreation room and wet bar with stained flooring and powder room. The basement features a jr. master suite with a four piece bath includes heated flooring and two closets. Adjoining this suite is another kitchen and a family room, which is perfect for guests or an in-law apartment. 

The Family Room

Whether it's watching the evening news or casual conversation with friends, there's no match for the warm feel of this family room! Features include a stone surround gas fireplace with gorgeous built-ins, soaring cathedral ceilings, gorgeous tile flooring and built in surround sound wall speakers. Bringing the outdoors in, this wonderful room showcases plenty of natural lighting and shows amazing Pikes Peak and Front Range Mountain Views.

Incredible Master Retreat

A peaceful and functional destination for the end of a long day! Warm wood flooring and an exquisite sitting area make for a perfect relaxing setting. The master spa 5 piece bath is sure to please with separate granite vanities, a luxurious tub, seamless glass shower & heated tiled flooring. The large walk-in closet has plenty of room for all your apparel. This impressive master suite provides remarkable sweeping Front Range Mountain Views & plenty of natural lighting.

Fully Furnished Basement

A bonus recreation room in the finished basement is a sports or movie fans dream with a TV viewing area, room for game tables, powder room and wet bar! This floor plan provides four large living areas for everyone in the home and guests to enjoy. Perfect mother in law or guest suite in the basement features adjoining 4 piece bath with heated tile flooring and 2 large closets. Also complementing this space is a kitchen and sitting area that lays out like an apartment.

The Formal Living & Dining Rooms

Gorgeous living room offers comfort with convenience. Located off the main entry this room provides a wonderful setting for greeting guests as well as giving this open floor plan home three large entertaining areas. Highlights include expansive two story cathedral ceilings & plenty of natural lighting with stunning floor to ceiling windows. The expansive formal dining room adjoins this room & kitchen-  A perfect gathering place for large celebrations or holiday meals.

Outdoor Living Space

The professionally landscaped lot won't disappoint with plenty of trees, shrubs and flat grassy areas. The front of the home welcomes your guests with a beautiful stone stair walk up featuring landscape lighting and covered front porch. Open space to the rear of the house provides a tranquil private setting to enjoy an expansive wood deck and includes fencing- a perfect outdoor living area for barbecues or simply unwinding. 

See MLS #3522572 or Virtual Tour http://356foxruncircle.GreatLuxuryEstate.com  for more information.

If you're interested in moving to Colorado Springs, contact The Platinum Group REALTORS today at 719-536-4444. We can help you find the perfect home for you and your family. 

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

Summer Fun In Colorado Springs

We love Colorado Springs, especially during the summer months because there are many great outdoor activities to enjoy. In addition, the weather during the summer months is perfect for enjoying the great outdoors. From horseback riding to rock climbing, there's no shortage of things to do if you live in Colorado Springs. Here are just a few things to enjoy in the area this summer.

Horseback Riding

There is no better way to experience the beautiful views of Colorado Springs than horseback riding. Enjoy horseback riding through Garden of the God Park or Cheyenne Canyon. If you prefer wide open spaces, the area is also home to make dude ranches with real cowboys and cowgirls. You can experience a real, authentic western experience right here in Colorado Springs.

Rock Climbing

Outdoor rock climbing in Colorado Springs is world renowned, as the area is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging rock formations in the world. There are many respected and experienced rock climbing guides and outfitters who can show you everything you need to know about rock climbing in Colorado Springs. In addition to the beautiful mountains you can climb outside, we also feature some great indoor rock climbing venues.

Parks & Trails

Colorado Springs is home to beautiful parks that feature great trails that are the perfect place to take a stroll, walk your pup, see amazing geological formations or spend some quality time in nature. Garden of the Gods features towering red rocks and beautiful, winding trails. Colorado Springs state parks include Cheyenne Mountain State Park, which has beautiful views and wonderful wildlife. Other parks like Bear Creek Dog Park and the Paint Mines are unique to the area and are not to be missed.

Fishing

There is nothing better than casting a line into the glimmering waters. Fishing in Colorado Springs is like nothing you've ever experienced before. The Pikes Peak region offers many different fishing spots for anglers of all ages and experience. Whether you're looking to fish from the middle of a river or from a boat out on the reservoir, Colorado Springs has it all. There are also guides and tackle shops around the area that are available to help you create an amazing experience.

These are just a few of our favorite summer activities. The list is endless! If you're looking to relocate to Colorado Springs, contact The Platinum Group, REALTORS. The Platinum Group, REALTORS isn't your typical real estate company. We have brought together the best real estate agents in Colorado Springs to provide our clients with platinum service to bring them platinum results. We can't wait to find you your dream home in Colorado Springs!

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

Make Your Backyard More Inviting

Your backyard space is the perfect place for a party, barbecue or a gathering for friends and family. It should be the perfect place to relax and unwind during the warmer months. Spending time in your outdoor space allows you to enjoy all that nature has to offer without having to leave the comfort of home. While Colorado Springs is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors, you can enjoy some of the beautiful outdoors right outside your home. The Platinum Group, REALTORS has 5 tips to help make your Colorado Springs home's backyard a little bit more inviting.

1. Comfortable Seating

Adding patio furniture is a great way to make your backyard a place you want to spend time in. While any seating could do, if the seating is comfortable, you're more likely to kick back and spend more time in your outdoor space. Whether it's a lounger by a pool or a hammock under a tree, comfortable outdoor furniture will allow you to be able to enjoy time in your backyard.

2. Add Color with Blooms

A great way to add color to the outdoor space is with landscaping. Colorful landscaping can bring in a cheerful tone to your backyard. Plants of various sizes, types and color can complement each other and draw people's eyes to different areas of the backyard. A simple border, which can be made of decorative stones or rocks, can add a nice finishing touch to your outdoor space.

3. Spruce Up The Patio or Deck

Instead of a regular concrete slab for your patio, try sprucing it up by adding texture and warmth by using pavers like flagstone. Pavers add depth and dimension and can even enhance the look of furniture and other items on your patio. Whether it's a patio or a deck, you want to create a space that invites you to enjoy a private oasis in your own backyard.

4. Add Lighting

With the right placement, outdoor lighting can allow you and your guests to enjoy the outdoor space for as long as you desire. You want to place lights in the areas of the yard that is going to be used during the evening. In addition, you'll also want to place lights along any pathways that might be used to make it easier to navigate.

5. Use The Right Landscaping

Does your Colorado Springs home have a beautiful mountain view? Do you need a little bit more privacy? The right landscaping can transform your outdoor space. If your backyard has a gorgeous view, you want the landscaping to blend into the neighboring view and landscape instead of competing with it. If you want more privacy, think about adding more trees or a privacy fence. However, just like with having a view, you want the landscaping to blend nicely into your backyard space.

During the summer months, backyards are an area that potential buyers pay close attention too. If you're thinking about placing your home in Colorado Springs on the market. It's a good idea to pay some extra attention to the outdoor living space. When it comes time to sell your Colorado Springs home, contact The Platinum Group, REALTORS. Our expert team of Colorado Spring real estate agents can help you get your home in front of the right buyers.

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

Memorial Day Weekend In Colorado Springs

Memorial Day Weekend is just around the corner. Whether you are entertaining visiting family members or friends or you just need a fun weekend activity, there are many events happening around the city this weekend. From festivals to historic reenactments, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.

Territory Days

One of the most popular Colorado Springs Memorial Day activities is Territory Days. Celebrating 42 years, this free family-friendly event held in Old Colorado City has been bringing in top-notch live performers and entertaining the masses. Enjoy vendor booths with food, drinks, crafts, activities and more!

When: May 27 - 29
Where: Old Colorado City
Time: Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Monday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cost: FREE

Create Canon City Balloon Classic

The 4th annual Create Canon City Balloon Classic event is held on the grounds of The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. Enjoy a great music lineup on Saturday and Sunday along with great food, award winning wines and see the works of local artisans. Watch balloon launches, skydivers and kite flying by Connor Doran. Participate in a 5K run/walk on Skyline Drive on Saturday. Kids can launch model rockets and play in the Kids' Zone. Stay in the evening for Balloon Glow and the Abbey Glow.

When: May 27 - 29
Where: Holy Cross Abbey 2951 US HWY 50
Time: Balloon Launch 6:30 - 8:30 AM (weather permitting); Balloon Glow and Abbey Glow 8:00 - 9:00 PM; Events and vendors throughout the day
Cost: FREE admission and FREE parking

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

This year's plant sale at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will offer many varieties of grassses, perennials, herbs and more. With plants ranging from perennial favorites to freshly picked additions, you're sure to find a variety of plants to fit your application and location. All of the plants are Colorado grown, with the majority grown right at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Pricing is competitive with garden outlets and all the proceeds will benefit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

When: May 27 - 29
Where: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: No Zoo admission is required to attend the plant sale. Plant prices vary.

MeadowGrass Music Festival

3 days, 20+ bands, 1 big tent! One of Colorado's most eclectic music festivals will be held at the LaForet Conference & Retreat Center in Black Forest. The 9th Annual MeadowGrass Music Festival will feature performances from more than 20 national. regional and local artist, music workshops, yoga, kid's activities and camping. Bring your blanket and camp chairs - the festival takes place rain or shine.

When: May 26 - 28
Where: LaForet Conference & Retreat Center
Time: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Cost: Ticket price vary. Visit www.MeadowGrass.org for more details.

Memorial Day Commemoration

Photo Credit: Evergreen Cemetery Blog

Evergreen Cemetery Benevolent Society will be hosting a Buffalo Soldier Commemoration at the Spanish American War site from 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM with the 10th US Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers. The event begins at approximately 9:30 AM and will conclude 12:30 - 1:00 PM. Events include the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution at 10:00 AM, watch historic reenactors, view World War II history displays in the historic Evergreen Chapel and reflect on the lives who gave all. A butterfly release will end the ceremonies at approximately 12:30 - 1:00 PM.

When: May 30
Where: Spanish American War site
Time: 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: FREE

There is no shortage of fun ways to spend your weekend, from these Memorial Day events to all the wonderful outdoor activities. Whether you choose to go to the music festival or spend the weekend on one of the many hiking trails around Colorado Springs, you will sure to have a fun-filled Memorial Day Weekend. If you fall in love with the area while visiting and are thinking about relocating to Colorado Springs, The Platinum Group, REALTORS are here to help. To talk to one of our expert Colorado Springs REALTORS, contact us today at 719-536-4444.

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