Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Home Buyers Search The MLS On My FREE Real Estate APP Engineered For Every Stage of The Home Buying Process In Colorado Springs, CO. 80920


Home Buyers Now Can Search The MLS - with the most up to date listings!




















Download  Home Scouting MLS® Mobile
HOME BUYERS & SELLERS *DOWNLOAD MY FREE* REAL ESTATE MLS SEARCH APP ENGINEERED FOR EVERY STAGE OF YOUR HOME BUYING PROCESS.
Google Play
App Store Downloads on iTunes

Enter VIP Activation Code:  cohomes

Demo  
Brought to you by: www.RunningRealtor.net
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Whether you are just looking, exploring the real estate market or ready to make an offer, the Home Scouting MLS Mobile app provides you with the most accurate and unfiltered MLS data available.
100% of the listings for sale. No more wondering if you are seeing ALL of the MLS properties…you are.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:
"*****
"Blows Trulia and Zillow away Fast, accurate and complete details."

This professional-grade MLS app is private and secure, NO advertising or SPAM , and is available to you by invitation from Carrie Lukins at Sell State Alliance Realty, your real estate professional.




















































You are moments away from taking complete control of your home buying process!

THE HOME SCOUTING MLS MOBILE APP PROVIDES YOU WITH:
 100% of the listings - Period
 A Private, Secure and Ad-free experience
 Automatic listing updates
 Complete property details including large, vibrant pictures
 Sold property data
 And so much more

WITH THE HOME SCOUTING MLS MOBILE APP YOU CAN:
 Search and view all MLS listings for sale and recently sold
 View details of every property right from the curb
 Save and track your favorite properties
 We’ll tell you when the price drops or new photo’s are added
 Share favorite properties with family and friends
 Effortlessly schedule showings
 View detailed school information
 Easily contact your Loan Officer or Real Estate Agent with any questions

AND BECAUSE THE HOME SCOUTING MLS MOBILE APP IS PRIVATE AND BY INVITATION ONLY, YOU CAN SEARCH CONFIDENTLY KNOWING:
 No annoying popups
 No advertising
 Your information is secured; no selling of your email or other personal data
 One tap access to the highest quality service you deserve

Harness the power of the pros! Stay on top of your home search – wherever you are – with Home Scouting MLS Mobile app!

Happy Searching!
If I can be of any help contact me at 719-651-2199 or www.RunningRealtor.com
Thank you,

Carrie Lukins
Carrie Lukins Real Estate
Colorado Springs, Co. 80920

















Monday, July 21, 2014

5 Things Colorado Springs Home Buyers Can Do To Have a Successful Home Buying Experience

5 Tips For Home Buying - 2014

 by www.RunningRealtor.net


 
















As you approach buying a home this year, it helps to focus on the long term by keeping the following five best practices in mind. These were best practices for home buying a generation ago. And they'll most likely still be practical when the next generation of home buyers sprints out of the gate.

Buy when you're ready: Just because you didn't buy last year when the market was super hot doesn't mean you've missed out. Could you have gotten in when the rates were at their lowest and values near the bottom? Sure. But were you ready to buy then? Probably not. The main thing to remember is that you should buy a home when you can afford it, you have your financing and you've found a home that meets your needs. That will always be the best time to buy.

Home buying is a journey: Despite how quickly the world works today, you can't force a home purchase. It's not like buying a television or a laptop. A home is a much more expensive and complicated purchase. It's where you can feel safe and calm from the outside world, a place you can customize to your needs, and where you will make lasting memories. Because of this, buying a home comes with emotional and practical implications on top of the financial ones. Remember that a home is your place to live first and an investment second. Take the time you need to find the right home.

Don't be driven by data: If you watch the nightly news or read news online, you'll hear real estate market predictions and numbers on a national level. And at any given time, you'll likely get conflicting real estate forecasts. A lot of information and data will come at you from many different angles - including social media. Don't take anything to be an absolute. Keep your own goals and needs top of mind at all times.

Real estate is local: The national real estate news headlines may be about multiple offers and bidding wars. But that situation may only be relevant to one part of the country or even to just a handful of cities. Meanwhile, the neighborhood where you want to buy a home still has distressed sales and is more of a buyers' market.

All that really matters in real estate is what's happening in your own community. If you're interested in getting into the market, follow the local economy and housing markets. Go to open houses and learn. Get connected to a real estate agent who has "feet on the street."

Go with your gut: You know your financial situation better than anyone. You know your down payment amount, credit score, amount of savings and the upper limits of what you can afford to put toward home ownership every month. Apply what you know about your finances to your local real estate market. You know the neighborhoods, the commercial districts and the types of homes for sale. By merging these two, your gut will inform you on what's a good buy, when it's the right time to buy and how to approach a purchase.


Find Your Perfect Home
List Your Home With Us

Featured Listings
 http://6965sugarcreekcr.IsNow4Sale.com
http://11sierravistadr.IsNow4Sale.com 

Call Carrie Lukins today for more information at 719-651-2199
Your Running Realtor
www.RunningRealtor.net





 
 




Sunday, July 20, 2014

Current July 20, 2014 Colorado Springs Real Estate Market Trends & Stats

It's a Great time to buy your Colorado Springs home!
Read Below Current Market Stats, Then Find Your Perfect Home Here, Go TO: http://bit.ly/1nLmRaL



Summary for Colorado Springs
Average price per square foot for Colorado Springs CO was $160, an increase of 10.3% compared to the same period last year. The median sales price for homes in Colorado Springs CO for Apr 14 to Jul 14 was $210,000 based on 2,503 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price increased 0%, or $100, and the number of home sales decreased 8.1%. There are currently 4,032 resale and new homes in Colorado Springs including 26 open houses, as well as 828 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Colorado Springs CO was $350,584 for the week ending Jul 09, which represents an increase of 2.4%, or $8,115, compared to the prior week. Popular neighborhoods in Colorado Springs include Powers and Southeast Colorado Springs, with average listing prices of $225,799 and $161,247.










Carrie Lukins, Realtor
Your Running Realtor
719-651-2199
Colorado Springs, CO. 80920

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Carrie Lukins Has Moved To SellState Alliance Realty!











I have moved to a new brokerage! 
SellState Alliance Realty
9475 Briar Village Pt, Ste 215
Colorado Springs, CO 80920 
Office: 719-358-8515

Carrie Lukins
Carrie Lukins Real Estate

Your Running Realtor®
Running Real Estate Along the Front Range and Eastern Plains!
Residential Sales
Certified Military Residential Specialist

Direct: 719-651-2199

Let's Get Connected

Monday, July 14, 2014

Buy Your Next Home In Colorado Springs, Colorado

Congrats Morgan and Erin on the purchase of your new home! Thanks for allowing me to help you through this exciting process!














Things are looking good for our buyer clients in Colorado Springs. 
Need to find a great home? 
Let our 20+ years experience help guide your move.!  Go To  http://qualifyandbuywithcarrie.specialfinancing.org/

Photo: Things are looking good for our buyer clients in Colorado Springs. Need to find a great home? Let our 20+ years experience help guide your move.! "SHARE" http://qualifyandbuywithcarrie.specialfinancing.org/
 #homebuyers, #ColoradoSprings

Contact Carrie Lukins, Carrie Lukins Real Estate, When Looking To Buy or Sell Property In The Colorado Springs and Front Range Region. 
Dial 719-651-2199 or Visit www.CarrieLukinsRealtor.com


Friday, July 11, 2014

7 Tips For First-Time Home Buyers in Colorado Springs 80920

7 Tips For First-Time Home Buyers



Housing inventories are high and mortgage rates low. Even so, it’s as easy as ever to overestimate how much house you can afford and underestimate how much it’ll cost you. Following are a few tips for making your home purchase as cost effective as possible.

Own or Rent?

Owning a home is expensive. In addition to the down payment and mortgage, you’ll have to pay for closings costs, insurance and maintenance. To figure out whether it’s financially smarter to buy or rent in your area, calculate and compare total home ownership costs to rental rates.

Consider Monthly Costs

Even if you can scrounge up a down payment, figure out before buying a home whether you can comfortably cover the full costs of ownership–including the mortgage, taxes, insurance and regular fix-up costs.

Aim For A First-Time-Buyer Tax Credit

If you’re buying your first home, the feds have a deal for you: An $8,000 income tax credit for those who sign a binding contract before May 1. Then again, it’s entirely possible that, like past deadlines, this one will be extended.

Getting a Government-Backed Loan

As of this month, mortgages guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration got harder to come by. Would-be buyers with a credit score of 580 or less now must put up a 10% down payment. That too may change.

Consider Foreclosures



Foreclosed homes often sell at discounts–but you’ll have to act fast and often with help from a real estate agent who specializes in foreclosures. It also pays to first get a mortgage pre-approval letter from a lender. Among the best markets for foreclosures: 

Factor in Property Taxes

Got your eye on a dream home in Westchester County, N.Y., or Marin County, Calif.? Both are property tax danger zones, according to a recent Forbes analysis. Before taking the plunge, consider the thousands of dollars a year you might save by moving a county or two away.

Cut Insurance Costs By Upgrading

Security systems, smoke alarms and other upgrades can cut your insurance premiums. It can also pay to insure your home with the same company that covers your car, boat or other property.
Contact Carrie Lukins, Carrie Lukins Real Estate, When Looking To Buy or Sell Property In The Colorado Springs and Front Range Region. Dial 719-651-2199 or Visit www.CarrieLukinsRealtor.com

Fortress Real Estate Group




Thursday, July 10, 2014

For Sale 6965 Sugar Creek CR, Colorado Springs, CO 80911

Beautiful Spacious Remodeled 4 Level Home
For Sale: 6965 Sugar Creek CR, Colorado Springs, CO 80911
4BD 3BA 2943 sqft. 2 Car Garage


Welcome home to this spacious remodeled residence! Green lawns welcome you home. Enter into the main level to an over sized family room with custom woodwork framing the picture window. Formal dining room adjacent to the kitchen or family room. 




















Kitchen has custom quartz counter tops, a built in breakfast nook, plenty of cabinet space and ss appliances. Walk out to the composite deck and enjoy the fully landscaped back yard. Upper level has 3 bedrooms, including the master, and 2nd bath - all updated and large! Lower level family room has access to 1/2 bath, laundry room and oversize garage. Non conforming basement has office and forth bedroom all on garden level which provides ample natural light, plus plenty of storage!


For More Information and To View This Beautiful Home 
Call Carrie Lukins at 719-651-2199 at Fortress Real Estate Group Today!




Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Home Sellers: How To Stay A Step Ahead Of Buyers

(This article is adapted from Next Generation Real Estate: New Rules for Smarter Home Buying & Faster Selling by Brendon DeSimone.)
If you’re aiming to sell your home to what I call today’s “next generation” buyer, you need to get into the mind of that potential buyer.
And if you haven’t sold a home in a while, be prepared for much more knowledgeable buyers than in the past. The information buyers collect about your house, whether good or bad, can be used in your favor, as long as you anticipate what might arise in their minds.
Doing some reconnaissance work in advance will inform you about things you may not have planned for and will allow you to take corrective actions before you put your home on the market. The goal is to eliminate as many red flags as possible in advance. That’s smart selling and more money in your pocket at closing.
Here are eight things you can do to stay one step ahead of the next generation buyer:
1. Google your address. You never know what will come up when you do.
I received a frantic email from a frantic seller who explained that five years earlier his bike was stolen out of his open garage. He filed a police report, which the neighborhood newspaper picked up. The seller had forgotten about this incident, but after the buyers Googled the address, they became concerned about crime and safety there.

2. Google Street View your block. I once took a listing on the ground floor of a three-story building in San Francisco. The windows were at sidewalk level and they had bars on them from years earlier. As part of the prepping process, we gave the home a new paint job and built out a small garden on the sidewalk next to the home to create a buffer between people walking on the sidewalk and the home.
Unbeknownst to us, a serious buyer Googled the address and looked on Street View. There was the same home, with a bad paint job and bars on the windows. It looked like a different home altogether and raised a huge red flag to the buyer about safety in the neighborhood.
3. Research your home at the local building or planning department. Nearly every municipality has online access to public records of each property. In the past, potential buyers had to spend hours scanning the microfiche in the basement of town hall to do their research. Today, they can do so with just a few clicks.
What should you be on the look out for?
One example is a wrong use code for your home; in essence, is it a legal two-family home but the city says single-family? Or you might find an old permit that was never signed off on when your contractor did some work for you a few years ago. This could pose a problem down the road. If you figure it out before you list, you can remedy it or present the solution in advance of the buyer asking for one.

4. Search the address in the Kids Live Safe database. Buyers with children will certainly find this tool essential. And you might be taken aback once you see who’s living within a half-mile radius. Doing your due diligence on this sensitive and important issue will help you and your agent cut concerns off at the pass.
5. Read the police blotter. Although you might assume you’re living in a safe neighborhood because you’ve never had an issue, it’s possible there could have been some type of crime nearby.
6. Look up your listing and sales history. A property’s sales history, days on the market or previous sale used to be locked up in the real estate agent’s database and the only person with the key was the agent.
Now, it’s all out there.
Was your home listed a year earlier, but failed to sell? A buyer will see this and try to understand your history or motivations.  Did you buy the home two years earlier for 10% less — or 10% more — than your list price? Buyers may try to leverage history to their advantage.
7. Take a lot of quality photosIf you looked up the listing from when you bought your home, would you be satisfied with the photos that could still be out there in cyberspace?
Today’s buyers are high-tech, curious and research-oriented, which raises the risk that they’ll run into those not-so-flattering photos from the old listing.
So give the people what they want: pictures (lots of them), a 360-degree tour of your home and the ability to navigate your floor plan as they would a video game.
Some shortsighted buyers skip perfectly good listings simply because only a few photos are available and mostly of the same room. They think the seller is trying to hide something.
8. Know the most recent comps. Any good agent and seller will have studied the comparable houses in the neighborhood before setting a price or listing the home for sale. However, sometimes one comp is off the charts in a bad way. One home may have sold at a huge discount because of a death in it or due to an expensive structural issue. Know the backstory of any comps that aren’t in line with your list price.
Although these exercises may seem tedious and time consuming, you must assume that every serious buyer will use whatever information is available to pick your home apart before making a serious play for it. Be prepared.
Call Carrie Lukins at 719-651-2199 For All Your Real Estate Needs at Fortress Real Estate Group. Go To www.CarrieSellsColorado.com