From the inbox: how much should I budget for home maintenance?

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photo from OpenClipArt.org

Ooh. This is a good one. The general rule of thumb is one percent of the purchase price of your home, annually. Jeff Brown, from Main St, has quite a good breakdown on what this means for you as a homeowner.

For a home price of $200,000, that’s $2,000 annually it’s recommended you plan for. You may not always spend that much but I do recommend you save it…because there will be times you do.

Last year, I had to replace my roof ($1K deductible) and repair some damage from a washer that failed ($15 part, $1K deductible).

Knock on wood and I really shouldn’t say this but this year we have been fortunate (so far) and not had any major home maintenance issues.

 

Gazette: Colorado Springs’ housing market expected to be red-hot

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photo from OpenClipArt.org

I don’t disagree with this assessment, including the piece about the tight rental market. There is an interesting data point to keep an eye on as well, with this discussion: we are a town with a lot of VA loans. The military BAH has a lot to do with pricing here. If BAH doesn’t increase, what will that do to our prices?

Looking to buy or sell in Colorado Springs? I’d be honored to help!

Boulder area hits average of $1M for a four bed…

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photo from OpenClipArt.org

Wow. Boulder is now one of the most expensive housing markets in the nation, according to the Denver Post.

By contrast there are 414 four bedroom homes on the market at the time of this post for $300,000 or under in Colorado Springs.

In the market? I’d be honored to help!

Everything you always wanted to know about the Palmer Lake Star…

…but didn’t know to ask! Also, come check out the star lighting and palmer lake star infochili dinner this Saturday @ 4:30 PM.

Photo from the Rock House’s Facebook page (best ice cream around!)!

CS Gazette: 7 alternatives to cooking at home this Thanksgiving

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image from OpenClipArt.org

Filed under “local eats”, here are 7 alternative locations to eating at home this Thanksgiving…(our fridge is dead so we may have to go to one of these places!).

FreshHome: 10 Wise Ways to Save on Winter Home Heating

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image from OpenClipArt.org

Where do you set your thermostat?

In my home, we aim for 67 at night and 73 in the day (though we occasionally bump it to 75).  In this article, FreshHome has outlined nine other ways in addition to the thermostat that you can save money on home heating in the winter!

If you’re looking to buy or sell in the Colorado Springs or Denver area, I’d be honored to earn your business!

HouseBeautiful: Closet Door Storage Ideas

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Photo from FamilyHandyman.com; click the photo to connect!

From HouseBeautiful, there are some seriously creative and cool ideas in here. I particularly like the book and tool box “door mods”!

In the market for a home in Colorado Springs or Denver, I’d be honored to help! Please give me a call at 719-440-6626 or PM me on Facebook!

Colorado Springs Realtor®