Claire Garlick, Author at Blessings Realty | Colorado Springs and Monument Realtor

Colorado Springs is the Number 1 Real Estate Market for March 2020

May 4, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

HOTTEST MARKETS FOR REAL ESTATE IN MARCH 2020

We did it again! Colorado Springs was ranked as the #1 housing market in the nation for the 2nd month in a row out of 500 areas, according to Realtor.com. Based on online views to indicate demand, Colorado Springs had 2.4 more views than the national average.

Additionally, half of the homes in Colorado Springs sold in less than 28 days, which was 32 days faster than the rest of the country. Colorado Springs was the only Colorado City to place in the top 20 in Realtor.com’s list!

Read the complete list and article online at: https://www.realtor.com/news/real-estate-news/march-2020-hottest-markets-real-estate/.

Get Into Nature and Experience the Great Outdoors Safely

May 4, 2020 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

EXPERIENCE THE GREAT OUTDOORS SAFELY DURING COVID-19

Get outside for some fresh air and much-needed adventure with these great offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the order, residents can leave their homes to engage in outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking, biking or running. For purposes of outdoor activity, state parks will remain open to the public to engage in walking, hiking, biking, running, and similar outdoor activities but all playgrounds, picnic areas, other similar areas conducive to a public gathering, and attended areas shall be closed.

SOCIAL DISTANCING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Trails & Open Space Coalition – The team at TOSC is busy putting together some suggestions for alternative outdoor spaces that they are finding to be less crowded. When possible, stick close to home and check out your local park or trails. Enjoy virtual hikes for people to enjoy online as well as mapped locations for walking, hiking, biking and more.
UpaDowna – They have created a page with many ways for people to stay active and healthy (both mentally and physically). They also offer virtual trail cleanups and hikes, photo scavenger hunt challenges and more. Learn more by visiting their site or Facebook page. Also accepting donations.
Parks & Recreation – Garden of the Gods, North Cheyenne Canon Park, Mueller State Park, Fossil Beds National Monument, or other hiking opportunities in Teller County (i.e. The Crags) and Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site remain open. Playgrounds, pavilions and other gathering spaces are closed.
Fremont Adventure Recreation – Compiled a list of “easy” trails that can be accessed and utilized by folks of all ages and abilities. Resources online for kids and families.
Teller County – Hiking and biking options are a great choice and relieve overburdened trails in the COS/El Paso County area.
Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance (PPORA) – For those wondering if you can go to a local park, trail or campsite, PPORA has put together a page with the region’s land manager’s information on what is open/closed. You can also experience new trails and prepare for your adventure with equipment and tips from the experts on the site.
Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) – With help from local, state and federal partners, COTREX is now monitoring trail-related COVID-19 closures across Colorado on a daily basis.
Angler’s Covey – You can still outfit your fly fishing adventure – whether tying flies or preparing for your next on-water adventure! Angler’s Covey is available 9:00am-1:00pm each day for online and phone orders and curbside pick-up during the stay at home order. You’re also able to book future guided fly fishing trips!
Dragonfly Paddle Yoga – Classes will commence May 2nd. They will follow social distancing and prevention protocols for everyones safety. Pre-season classes (May 2-17) are now available to book. Stay tuned for announcements on specials – including Season Passes – plus the full class schedule.
Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain – Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain will resume accepting cash and credit cards beginning Friday, May 1. To minimize interaction between visitors and staff, a 20% discount will be available to guests who purchase tickets online in May. Visit www.pikespeakcolorado.com and use the code “May20” to receive the discount. We ask for your patience as these new procedures may slow interactions. Gateway hours are 9 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park – Will open on a drive through only basis for $20.00 a car load, 10 am – 7 pm beginning Friday, May 1. The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is allowing regular passenger cars, motorcycles, SUV’s and minivans holding 8 persons or less to drive across the bridge in compliance with the Safer At Home guidelines issued by the State. The park will continue to open gradually in phases permitting more activities in the park as ordinances permit by Fremont County and the State of Colorado, according to Brent Hargrave, Chief Operating Officer.

(Article originally published online at https://www.visitcos.com/carry-on-colorado-springs/carry-on-outdoor-adventure/)

The Benefits of Growing Equity in Your Home

August 20, 2019 By Claire Garlick Leave a Comment

Over the last couple of years, we’ve heard quite a bit about rising home prices. Today, expert projections still forecast continued growth, just at a slower pace. One of the often-overlooked benefits of rising home prices is the positive impact they have on home equity. Let’s break down three ways this is a win for homeowners.

1. Move-Up Opportunity
With the rise in prices, homeowners naturally experience an increase in home equity. According to the Homeowner Equity Insights from CoreLogic,

“In the first quarter of 2019, the average homeowner gained approximately $6,400 in equity during the past year.”

This increase in profit means if homeowners decide to sell, they’ll be able to put their equity to work for them as they make plans to move up into their next home.

2. Gain in Seller’s Profit
ATTOM Data Solutions recently released their Q2 2019 Home Sales Report, indicating the seller’s profit jumped at one of the fastest rates since 2015. They said:

“A look at the national numbers showed that U.S. homeowners who sold in the second quarter of 2019 realized an average home price gain since the original purchase of $67,500…the average home seller gain of $67,500 in Q2 2019 represented an average 33.9 percent return as a percentage of the original purchase price.”

Looking at the amount paid when they bought their homes, and then the amount they received after selling, we can see that some homeowners were able to walk away with a significant gain.

3. Out of a Negative Equity Situation
Negative equity occurs when there is a decline in home value, an increase in mortgage debt, or both. Many families experienced these challenges over the last decade. According to the same report from CoreLogic,

“U.S. homeowners with mortgages (roughly 63% of all properties) have seen their equity increase by a total of nearly $485.7 billion since the first quarter 2018, an increase of 5.6%, year over year.

In the first quarter of 2019, the total number of mortgaged residential properties with negative equity decreased…to 2.2 million homes, or 4.1% of all mortgaged properties.”

The good news is, many families have moved beyond a negative equity situation, and no longer owe more on their mortgage than the value of their home.

Bottom Line
If you’re a current homeowner, you may have more equity than you realize. Your equity can open the door to future opportunities, such as moving up to your dream home. Let’s get together to discuss your options and start to put your equity to work for you.