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National Plan for Vacation Day 2021

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January 26th is 2021’s National Plan For Vacation Day – make plans now to visit Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region!

 

Here are just a few ways taking your paid time off helps make you a better employee, person, and economic contributor:

National Plan for Vacation Day, celebrated on the last Tuesday of January, is a day to encourage Americans to plan their time off.

Each year, Americans fail to use 705 million vacation days, and with those days, $255 billion in economic opportunity is lost. That’s why the U.S. Travel Association launched Project: Paid Time Off, an initiative to prove the personal, professional, economic, and social benefits that taking time off can deliver.

Sometimes, planning is the hardest part of actually using your vacation. U.S. Travel has made it easier than ever with their new calendar tool. Plug in your annual days off, book your mountain getaways and family reunions all at once and then export the file to your Outlook Calendar to share with friends and family.

Looking to visit Colorado Springs in 2021? Here are a few things to get excited for:

1. Boutique hotel Kinship Landing, a concept dedicated to bringing travelers and locals together around city and outdoor exploration, is opening in early 2021.

2. Southwest Airlines is coming in for landing March 11 at our hometown airport, bringing even more flight and route options to inbound and outbound travelers.

3. In late spring, The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway reopens with a new track, trains, depot and cog. Advance tickets are now available for this one-of-a-kind journey.

4. The new Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center is slated to open this summer, featuring interpretive exhibits, a new gift shop and café and, of course, the world-famous summit donuts.

5. Weidner Field and Robson Arena will open later this year, providing unique venues with both indoor and outdoor spaces for hosting events and sports groups.

 

 

Article originally published at https://www.visitcos.com/events-calendar/annual/plan-for-vacation-day/.

Toasty Tips for Home Maintenance in Winter

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Keep your home warm and toasty this Winter by following these simple expert tips!

Every homeowner should start their Winter by tackling the “oh so fun” task of checking their home for leaks. Leaks can not only drain your pocket of money, but also drain your home of precious heat.

The U.S. Department of Energy (energy.gov) knows how important it is for homeowners to stay warm and to save money. This is why they offer up prime tips for what and where to inspect. Let’s start on the outside of your home.

Visually inspect:

• All exterior corners
• Outdoor water faucets
• Where siding and chimneys meet
• Areas where the foundation and the bottom of exterior brick or siding meet.

Next, take the inspection inside. Look for drafts and gaps around:

• Electrical outlets
• Switch plates
• Door and window frames
• Electrical and gas service entrances
• Baseboards
• Weather stripping around doors
• Fireplace dampers
• Attic hatches
• Wall- or window-mounted air conditioners.
• Cable TV and phone lines
• Where dryer vents pass through walls
• Vents and fans.

After filling gaps and repairing cracks, it’s time to consider upgrading your insulation. Insulation is literally your defense against cold air and Winter elements. Old homes are notorious for their meager amounts of insulation. Many of today’s products were simply not available at the time of the home’s construction. If you have an old home, especially one that has not been updated or been subject to today’s building codes, it’s time to see where improvements can be made.

Several options are available. If you’re a green-minded homeowner, then be sure to check out the latest advances in recycle paper, cellulose, and denim insulations. Yes, you can insulation your home with “old jeans”!

Recycled denim insulation is VOC and formaldehyde free, as well as 100% recyclable. Cellulose is made from at least 75 percent post-consumer recycled content (newspaper) and takes as much as thirty percent less energy to make than traditional insulation. Cellulose also has no effect on indoor air quality.

Be sure to research the best “R” value of insulation for your area. The “R” value is a measure of thermal resistance and there will be a recommended amount from the Department of Energy for your particular zone.

 

Article originally published at https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice/item/26963-homeowners-advice-toasty-tips-for-winter.

Manitou Fruitcake Toss this Month

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The fruitcakes will fly once again in downtown Manitou Springs!

Join in for some old-fashioned tossing of those maybe not so beloved holiday desserts. There will also be a fruitcake costume competition, libations and a fruitcake bake-off!

Non-perishable food item suggested for donation to go to the local food bank. Cakes are available for rent for $1 per cake.  

EVENT INFORMATION

When: January 23, 2021
Time: 1 pm – 3 pm
Where: Manitou Springs Memorial Park
Cost: One non-perishable food item is suggested for attendance. All food items will be donated to a Manitou Springs food bank.

EVENTS FOR ALL AGES

  • Hand Toss Distance
  • Accuracy
  • Speed
  • Best “Balance”
  • Robotic, mechanical, 3-man slingshot toss for distance

Prizes for all events will be awarded as well as an overall winner.

TOO GOOD TO TOSS FRUITCAKE BAKE -OFF

Although participants will be tossing the traditional cakes, there will also be a fruitcake bake-off. Local bakers will compete for the title of Fruitcake King or Queen as determined by the community. Winners will be based off who makes the best organic, non-GMO, natural fruitcakes. For more information, email Fruitcaketoss@gmail.com.

HISTORY OF THE MANITOU SPRINGS FRUITCAKE TOSS

This one-of-a-kind event, where enthusiasts traveled from all over to compete for trophies and bragging rights, has been a community highlight for more than 22 years. The great fruitcake toss is the event of the winter season as the hapless dessert is launched into space with a variety of mechanical and pneumatic devices.

Competitions have included the Hand Toss, Kid’s Toss, Launch, Pneumatic Gun or Canon, Team Catch or Accuracy division.  The cost of competing is simply a non-perishable food item, to be donated to the Westside Cares food bank.

For more information, visit their website.

 

Article originally published at https://www.visitcos.com/events-calendar/annual/fruitcake-toss/.

Did You Outgrow Your Home in 2020?

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It may seem hard to imagine that the home you’re in today – whether it’s your starter home or just one you’ve fallen in love with along the way – might not be your forever home.

Many needs have changed in 2020, and it’s okay to admit if your house no longer fits your lifestyle. If you’re now working remotely, facilitating virtual school, trying to exercise at home, or simply just spending more time in your own four walls, you may be bursting at the seams in your current house.

According to the latest Home Price Insights from CoreLogic, prices have appreciated 7.3% year-over-year. At the same time, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that inventory has dropped 22% from one year ago.

These two statistics are directly related to one another. As inventory has decreased and demand has increased, prices have been driven up.

This is great news if you own a home and you’re thinking about selling. The equity in your house has likely risen as prices have increased. Even better is the fact that there’s a large pool of buyers out there searching for the American dream, and your home may be high on their wish list.

Bottom Line

If you think you’ve outgrown your current home, please get in touch with us to discuss local market conditions and determine if now is the best time for you to sell! We would be happy to help.

 

Article originally published at https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2020/12/23/did-you-outgrow-your-home-in-2020/.

Your House May Be High on the Buyer Wish List This Holiday Season

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Around this time each year, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to sell their houses. Similarly, others who already have their homes on the market remove their listings until the spring. Let’s unpack the top reasons why selling your house now, or keeping it on the market this season, is the best choice you can make. This year, buyers want to purchase homes for the holidays, and your house might be the perfect match.

Here are seven great reasons not to wait to sell your house this holiday season:

1. Buyers are active now. Mortgage rates are historically low, providing motivation for those who are ready to get more for their money over the life of their home loan.

2. Purchasers who look for homes during the holidays are serious ones, and they’re ready to buy.

3. You can restrict the showings in your house to days and times that are most convenient for you, or even select virtual options. You’ll remain in control, especially in today’s sellers’ market.

4. Homes decorated for the holidays appeal to many buyers.

5. Today, there’s minimal competition for you as a seller. There just aren’t enough houses on the market to satisfy buyer demand, meaning sellers are in the driver’s seat. Over the past year, inventory has declined to record lows, making it the opportune time to sell your house (See graph below):

6. The desire to own a home doesn’t stop during the holidays. Buyers who have been searching throughout the fall and have been running into more and more bidding wars are still on the lookout. Your home may be the answer.

7. This season is the sweet spot for sellers, and the number of listings will increase after the holidays. In many parts of the country, more new construction will also be available for sale in 2021, which will lessen the demand for your house next year.

Bottom Line 

More than ever, this may be the year it makes the most sense to list your house during the holiday season. Get in touch with us to determine if selling now is your best move!

 

Article originally published at https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2020/11/25/your-house-may-be-high-on-the-buyer-wish-list-this-holiday-season/.

4 Ways Your Bathroom Can Impact the Value of Your Home

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Most real estate professionals agree that a home’s kitchen and bathroom are two of the biggest selling points for homebuyers. However, even if you’re not planning to sell your home in the near future, you should want your bathroom to be as cozy and accommodating as possible since most people spend considerable time in that room each day.

To add value to your home, or just make it more attractive and useful, here are several upgrades to consider:

Shower, Tub, Sink, and Toilet

Have an expert check your bathroom plumbing to ensure it remains in good condition. Repair any leaks in the water lines and remove evidence of mold or mildew. Fix a dripping faucet and replace worn or rusty hardware in your shower, tub, or sink. Additionally, remove hard water stains in the toilet bowl or grunge around the base.

You may want to repair or replace fixtures that appear dated or that show wear, such as a chipped bathtub finish or cracked counter. Also, consider adding a bidet for convenience.

Lighting

Outdated lighting fixtures can make a room look unstylish and boring. If the electric isn’t up to code, that issue should be handled immediately to ensure safety while using bathroom appliances like a blow dryer or electric shaver. Install recessed lighting or wall sconces to coordinate with the rest of your home decor. Also, dress up any windows with bamboo shades or a cheerful valance—and let the sunlight in when possible.

Flooring

A bathroom floor that’s cracked or showing signs of age can be replaced affordably by utilizing newer water-resistant floor tile or linoleum. Choose a style that meshes with your bathroom’s color scheme and blends with the rest of your home. New flooring can immediately brighten up a bathroom to make it feel more welcoming and updated.

Decor

You may want to paint or add wallpaper to just one wall to bring some personality to your bathroom. Add a couple plants that will thrive on the moisture and help reduce the risk of mold. A wall shelf for decorative vases, flowers, or linens adds storage to make the bathroom more functional. Additionally, hang framed wall art to go with a themed shower curtain as focal points of interest. And a bath mat or throw rug can add a spot of color to bring everything together.

It won’t require much time or money to get your bathroom in top condition. You can continue to enjoy it indefinitely or be assured that if you decide to sell your home, the updated bathroom might just help to clinch a sale.

 

Article originally published at http://blog.rismedia.com/2020/bathroom-impact-value-home/.

Find Monument, Colorado and Colorado Springs Homes For Sale

Welcome and thank you for visiting our Blessings Realty website! We are Monument-based real estate experts providing information about the Monument and Northern Colorado Springs, CO real estate market.

While you’re here, please check out 80132 homes for sale in Monument, CO, as well as other real estate listings around the area.  View listings, photos, market data, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place.

Please contact us today at (719) 425-8929 to buy or sell real estate in Colorado Springs and Monument, Colorado – or for help with your property management and probate real estate needs – we would love to speak with you!

Sincerely,

Claire and Jeff Garlick of Blessings Realty