Colorado Springs Real Estate Facts & Fun

Colorado Springs Home Close to Downtown, Parks, Hiking & Big Views

Kelly Young ~ Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126 (Red Rock Realty) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:16:39 -0500

Kelly Young | Red Rock Realty | (719) 226-0126

805 N Meade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs central home full of character & charm w/great
location and access.

3BR/1+1BA Single Family House

offered at $229,500

Year Built 1946 Sq Footage 2,027 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial Floors Unspecified Parking 1 Car garage Lot Size 10,323 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Character, views, built-ins and great back yard are only some of what you will find in this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with two fireplaces. Built ins bring the charm and the location offers quick access as well as nearby parks, schools, trails and hospital. Detached garage off alley. Gorgeous Pikes Peak views out the living room window.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central heat - Fireplace - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor - Family room - Dining room - Breakfast nook - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Basement - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Special character found throughout with built-ins and special touches - Fantastic yard for entertaining, gardening & fun - Updated vinyl windows already in place - Beautiful view of Pikes Peak out the front window - Great family room downstairs w/fireplace

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front of the house

Living room

Living room with built-in

Dining room

French doors to patio

Master bedroom

Kitchen

Eating area in kitchen

Bedroom or office

Bath

Family room w/fireplace

Patio & Detached garage

Huge yard

Views, views, views

Contact info:

Kelly Young

Red Rock Realty

(719) 226-0126

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jan 25, 2012, 5:46pm PST

About the Author: Kelly Young, GRI

Author's website: www.sellmyhomeincoloradosprings.com
More posts by Kelly
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Kelly is an Associate Broker with Red Rock Realty. She has over 12 years experience in Real Estate in the Colorado Springs and Front Range region of Colorado. She represents buyers and sellers of real estate buying homes, land for sale, mountain getaways. Specific areas include: Black Forest, Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Divide, Falcon, Downtown, Manitou Springs, Monument, Old Colorado City, Westside, Woodmen Hills and Woodland Park. You can reach her at 719-226-0126 or by clicking "email the author" above.

Colorado Custom Log-Sided Home on 5 Acres with Creek for Sale

Kelly Young ~ Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126 (Red Rock Realty) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:32:43 -0500

Kelly Young | Red Rock Realty | (719) 226-0126

547 University Dr, Woodland Park, CO

Custom log sided home on 5 acres with creek. Meticulously built & maintained. Private yet 10 minutes to Woodland Park.

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $419,900

Year Built 1994 Sq Footage 2,866 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors Unspecified Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 5 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Colorado comes alive on this 5 acres with mountain stream and custom log sided home. Driveway meanders through a lush forest to enter upon a secluded hideaway. Quality is found throughout & every window has a beautiful view of the peaceful valley that Trout Creek runs through & wildlife call home. Main level living is easy with the living, dining, kitchen, master, laundry & study all on the main level. Two additional bedrooms, a large study (could easily be a 4th total bedroom) and family room along with abundant storage is on the walk-out lower level. Custom cherry cabinets in the kitchen, copper accents inside and out, radiant in-floor heat (multiple zones) crown molding, tongue and groove ceilings and much more. Impeccably maintained home and property. A hobbyist retreat is a bonus in the fully finished garage with a workshop including 220 V service. Outdoors recreation is abundant with a playhouse tucked at the base of pine tree, great sled hills for winter sledding, fishing in the creek and playing in the springs that are found in the valley. Located under 10 minutes to Woodland Park yet private and secluded with lots of wildlife. Additional acreage w/trout pond is also available. Central Water, natural gas and high speed internet is available.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central heat - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Family room - Living room - Office/Den - Dining room - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Basement - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Mixed forest with ponderosa pine, fir, spruce, aspen - Custom construction including solid 10” log siding, 6-panel doors, Marvin Low E glass windows, wood - Kitchen has solid, hand-crafted cherry cabinets with pull-out lower drawers, new refrigerator/freeze - Vaulted tongue and groove ceiling in living room and entry - Master bath has 5 piece bath with jetted over-sized tub, vaulted ceiling and custom slate floor. - Trout Creek Flows through the property - Garage has additional workshop area with 50 amp breaker box. - Garage has additional workshop area with 50 amp breaker box. - Upgraded window coverings - New roof in 2010 - Private yet amazing access to town - Additional acreage w/trout pond is also available.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1

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Photo 3

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Photo 6

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Photo 10

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Photo 14

Photo 15

Contact info:

Kelly Young

Red Rock Realty

(719) 226-0126

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jan 7, 2012, 5:11am PST

About the Author: Kelly Young, GRI

Author's website: www.sellmyhomeincoloradosprings.com
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email the author

Colorado Springs New Years Eve Options

Kelly Young ~ Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126 (Red Rock Realty) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:42:57 -0500

Colorado Springs Philharmonic

Ring in the new year with the best music found in town! The Colorado Springs Philharmonic performs at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts. The show starts at 8pm on December 31st, with tickets at $19 or $12 if you are a student. Classic and Broadway hits will get you in a party spirit. Make a date of it and hit up a great restaurant nearby. Try Shuga’s, the Melting Pot, Phantom Canyon, or the Blue Star (make reservations as soon as possible!)

New Years At the Broadmoor

Every year the Broadmoor goes all out for a New Year’s Eve celebration not to be missed. An entire package is available starting at $263 per person based on double-occupancy (no getting behind the wheel at the end of the night!) The package includes: Accommodations for one night, incidental service fee, Gala dinner and entertainment tickets for each person on the package (Ken Miller and the dazzling 25-piece BRO^ADMOOR Pops Orchestra, along with special guests and surprises galore) and 30% discount off of published Suite rates.

If you’re tired of the same o same o, make 2012 one to remember by ringing it in high style. For more information and to book your stay, visit: www.broadmoor.com then click holiday packages to view more details about the New Year’s Eve Gala.

Watch Fireworks Show on Pikes Peak

Every year since 1922, the AdAmAn Club has hiked the east slope of Pikes Peak and put on a dazzling fireworks show to be seen miles away on a clear night. The AdAmAn Club began as 5 mountaineers who decided to hike up Pikes Peak on December 30th and 31st to light off fireworks. Every year since the Club selects one person to add to the group, hence the name Add A Man. You can join a list of folks to be selected as a guest climber in hopes of becoming a full-fledged member someday, although the website also lets those interested that you may be a guest climber for 10 years before getting an invitation. Consider it good practice in the meantime.

For those not interested in hiking the icy, snow drifted and -50 windchill mountain side, pull up a chair facing the peak and enjoy your hot cocoa as the fireworks ignite at the stoke of midnight. It really is a beautiful sight to behold as you hope for all wonderful things to come in the new year.

About the Author: Kelly Young, GRI

Author's website: www.sellmyhomeincoloradosprings.com
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Colorado Springs Temporary Office / Meeting Space

Kelly Young ~ Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126 (Red Rock Realty) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:29:28 -0500

There is an exciting new business in Colorado Springs, 409 N. Tejon, Suite 106, to be exact. Epicentral Coworking has finished their build out and is open for business with members already signed up.

Just what is Epicentral? It is a coworking facility designed for anyone who is looking for a place to work (temporary or long term) that is also community oriented. Coworking might be a great fit for your contacts who are freelancers, consultants, contract workings, telecommuters, entrepreneurs, independent professionals, creatives, people who work from home, people who need to leave work in order to get work done, and insomniacs because members can use it anytime.

Specificallly this facility was designed to be a low-cost downtown office space for people to use when needed and be able to connect with, network or just be around other people. For more information check Epicentrals website and Facebook page.

About the Author: Kelly Young, GRI

Author's website: www.sellmyhomeincoloradosprings.com
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New Puppy for Christmas ... Now What?

Kelly Young ~ Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126 (Red Rock Realty) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:51:54 -0500

Colorado living, like many places, is great for outdoor recreation and having a dog. With trails, National Forest, BLM, city & state parks there is a plethora of options for taking your dog along. But what do you do to get yourself and your dog ready for being the best dog and dog owner possible?

For me, Hope at Waggin Tails Doggy Day Camp and the obedience classes she teaches continue to be invaluable. I learned just how much I did not know about being a good dog owner and the responsibility I had for my dog in her training, lifestyle, social interactions and perhaps most importantly her safety.

Waggin Talis offers day care for dogs and starting Nyah as a puppy was perfect. Most of her buddies who were with her in puppy kindergarden continue to be with her every day in day care. My Texas customers laugh on a regular basis about Nyah being in day care. Yet most of them have been with me in either dropping her off of picking her up and have met Hope.

After two years and consistent classwork Nyah has graduated from kindergarden, Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog International. We have started hospital visits and will expand in 2012 to nursing homes, schools and hospice. The gift of love from a dog goes a long way for patients, families and staff.

About the Author: Kelly Young, GRI

Author's website: www.sellmyhomeincoloradosprings.com
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365 Things to Do in Colorado Springs ~ Day 78 Electric Safari

Kelly Young ~ Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126 (Red Rock Realty) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:49:37 -0500

December 9th is the beginning of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Electric Safari! Come to the Zoo to visit with all of your favorite fuzzy, furry or scaley friends and ride the lift to the top of the mountain where hot cocoa and Santa Claus await your arrival! Over one million sparkling lights illuminate crisp winter nights, including over 40 animated light sculptures. Warming fires throughout the Zoo offer a reprieve from the chill, as do select indoor animal exhibits that remain open during the event. And if you haven’t seen the city’s lights from the Zoo at night, you’re in for a real treat! Say, is that Kansas out there?

Open 5:30-8:30 pm December 9-11 and December 16-January 1st. (Closed Christmas Eve)

Adults $8.25 Zoo only, $11.25 with sky ride

Children $5.25 Zoo only, $8.25 with sky ride, all kids 2 and under free, all members free.

About the Author: Kelly Young, GRI

Author's website: www.sellmyhomeincoloradosprings.com
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365 Things to Do in Colorado Springs ~ Day 77 Night Hike at Garden of the Gods

Kelly Young ~ Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126 (Red Rock Realty) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:47:00 -0500

Take part in a night hike at the Garden of the Gods this Saturday, December 10th under a full moon! Hikes will be led from the Visitors Center in waves with a guide. Bring sturdy shoes, dress for the chilly weather, and pack along a flashlight as you hike through Garden of the Gods. The event is hosted by Trails and Open Spaces Coalition, and Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, with proceeds benefiting the educational and conservation mission of host organizations. Adults $5, Families $12, 6:30pm-9:00, with hot cocoa and cookies following your hike.

About the Author: Kelly Young, GRI

Author's website: www.sellmyhomeincoloradosprings.com
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Do You Live near a Griswald?

Kelly Young ~ Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126 (Red Rock Realty) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:20:59 -0500

The famed National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation movie starring Chevy Chase is a classic in many homes. Why? Because we all have a Cousin Eddie, a grouchy old coot (Grandpa, uncles, that weird friend of Dad’s), and a neighbor who takes decorating to the next level.

Before growing green and becoming a Grinch about your neighbor’s over-zealous decorations, take a step back and think of how cool it is that someone loves this holiday season so much that they are willing to make their house look like it’s on fire. Also take this opportunity to look at your own house and find ways to spruce it up. Chances are, your neighbor’s house will appear on a blog, news feed, or newspaper encouraging others to your neighborhood. I can already hear you nay-sayers saying you don’t want the extra traffic, it’s a total waste of energy sources, it’s added light pollution, I can’t sleep the lights are so bright, but hear me out, if you are thinking of selling your house, or have your house on the market currently, think of all of those added eyes that will see your house. If it is dark and grim it may give peoplethe chills while they are feeling festive and happy. They are already there, and they love the neighborhood. Add a nice wreath to your front door, put up some bows or ribbons, and keep your house looking warm and inviting.

Need some ideas or tips for making the outside look appealing without droping a fortune? Visit bhg.com (Better Homes and Gardens), they have several holiday decorating tips with minimal costs (some are free or use what you already have on hand).

About the Author: Kelly Young, GRI

Author's website: www.sellmyhomeincoloradosprings.com
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Creating a Warm Welcome

Kelly Young ~ Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126 (Red Rock Realty) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:05:23 -0500

We are starting to enter what is known as an ugly time of year, once the leaves fall of the trees. Whether you’re looking to sell your house, the house has been on the market for awhile or you love your home and are planning to stay, you can use these tips to create a great first (or hundreth) impression.

Take all of those planters you have around the windows, porch railings, and sitting on tables and remove the dead foliage, or trim back if it is a perennial. If it is an annual, compost the roots and dead plant, and refill the pots with fresh mums, smaller pumpkins, gourds, pine cones with pine needles, or Indian corn.

On the door, if you only hang a wreath for the winter season, consider making or buying an autumn-themed wreath. The warm colors in wreaths evoke a welcoming and calming effect when approaching someone’s home. Wreaths don’t have to be for the front door only. You can hang a wreath over your fireplace using feathers, leaves, acorns, or pine cones. Simply change out the color of the ribbon used to take it from autumn to winter.

Fall garland created out of stringing gourds or Indian corn together and drapping over an entryway is a fun way to use seasonal items in a non-traditional way.

New doormats can do wonders for welcoming someone to your home. When you have a clean, new-looking doormat, it gives the impression that no detail was forgotten, and if your doormat is clean, so must the rest of your house be clean.

In front entryways inside the house, woven baskets add warmth, texture and a natural element while also hiding away kids lunch boxes, shoes, umbrellas, mittens, hats, etc.

About the Author: Kelly Young, GRI

Author's website: www.sellmyhomeincoloradosprings.com
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Thanksgiving Entertaining Guide

Kelly Young ~ Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126 (Red Rock Realty) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:56:42 -0500

Thanksgiving is a mere three weeks away (Eeek!), which means it’s time to take down the spooky decorations, and put up the autumn wreaths (if you haven’t already). With this handy guide, you can be a dazzling host(ess) wit out the blood, sweat and tears that typically come with this time of year.

This week, 1. stock up on the beverage needs for the holiday season. Wine can be bought by the case making it an economical option. Chardonnays pair particularly well with turkey, Pinot Noirs are excellent with beef or sipping fire-side. Think about gift ideas as well. It never hurts to have a few extra bottles of wine around the holidays to give away as last-minute gifts. If your bar is running low from the last summer blow-out party, stock up on the hard liquors as well. Some brands offer money back or coupons. Plus, these don’t require space in a cooler or refrigerator. 2. Order your turkey if you haven’t already. The Blue Star prepares turduckens (chicken wrapped around duck wrapped around a turkey), and must be ordered in advance. For organically and humanely raised birds, local farms and Whole Foods also require orders in advance. 3. Plan out your menu, and if you don’t want to make anything in particular, ask a guest to bring it for you. Pies, rolls, and jello salads all travel well. 4. Look over your guest linenes, table cloths, and serving ware. Often times we don’t realize how ratty a blanket has become, how dingy bed sheets have gotten, or that we are one plate short of a full set because Uncle Eddy broke one last year, until it’s too late. If you check it now, you have three weeks to find replacements and shop.

Next week, 1. Clean up the yard. The leaves should be completely down by now, so it’s a great time to make the outside of the home a festive welcome. If your family has the tradition of turning on holiday lights after dinner, go ahead and put them up. Remember, if you plan ahead it can be less stressful to try to do everything within a few short days. The weather can be a little warmer as well. Also, you have the time now before getting into crazy season, so if any other home improvement projects need to happen before the end of the year, now is the week to get those done. 2. Start clipping those coupons. You have your menu made up from last week, and you’ve delegated who is making what to make it less stressful for yourself. Make up the shopping list broken down by dry goods, and fresh goods which need to be bought Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Dry goods are foods you can find great coupons on this time of year, and you can stock up now. If your family loves hearty soups in December, consider stocking up on broths with the coupons you’ll find. This will help you out beyond Thanksgiving! 3. Shop for any replacement linens or entertaining items. If you want to really deck out your house for the holiday, this is the week to shop for autumn colored throws, candles, wreaths, and decor. 4. Confirm your order for the turkey, or if you are buying a frozen one, make sure to start defrosting in the refrigerator 5-7 days before Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Week,

Monday 1. Set up your pick-up time for the turkey if you haven’t already. 2. Clean the house, scrubbing the bathrooms, and preparing the guest rooms. 3. Take 30 minutes for yourself. Destress in your favorite way.

Tuesday 1. Pick up the turkey. 2. Buy the veggies, fresh foods, and dairy products. Take 5 extra minutes to double check your recipes and make sure you have a comprehensive list. 3. If you plan to make your own cranberry sauce, go ahead and make it up tonight. If you want to send guests home with a tasty gift, consider doubling the recipe, and canning this recipe: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/cranberry-apple-relish-10000000521668/, tie a bow around the jar and display near the front door when guests arrive. Now a hosting gift is done too! 4. Take 30 minutes for yourself. Go ahead, you deserve it!

Wednesday 1. Wash and chop veggies for platters, for use in soups, appetizers, stuffing, and sides. Measure and bag what you don’t need immediately, label the bag so when you go to make the stuffing or appetizer your prep work is already done for that step (just like the cooking shows!) 2. Bake pecan pie. 3. If making a sweet potato dish, you can make it tonight and refrigerate until after the turkey comes out of the oven, then heat through. 4. Bake anything else that can be made in advance, remember your turkey will take up most of the room in the oven. 5. Set the table for tomorrow. Remember, you want to be able to enjoy the holiday, and not stuck doing entertaining details. 6. If it isn’t too late, go ahead and take another 30 minutes for yourself. You’ll be a better host(ess)

Thanksgiving Day 1. Make the dressing or stuffing. 2. Get the bird in the oven for a lunch time dinner. If you are aiming for a dinner time meal, make up the apple and pumpkin pies now. 3. Assemble the veggie and fruit platters, appetizers, and prepare the bar area. Tubs are a great way to chill beer, soda, and wine while also making it accessible for guests to help themselves. 4. The guests are arriving, heat up any warm appetizers, pour the drinks, and watch the parade or football. 5. Peel the potatoes, prepare the veggies and side dishes. 5. Allow 20 minutes for the turkey to sit covered with aluminum foil before carving. Use this time to mash potatoes, boil veggies, heat up side dishes, and make the gravy. 6. Turn off the oven. 7. Carve the turkey, dish up the sides, and call the crew to the table. 8. ENJOY your holiday, your family, your friends, and the good food you’ve taken the time to prepare.

Happy Thanksgiving!

About the Author: Kelly Young, GRI

Author's website: www.sellmyhomeincoloradosprings.com
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Check Those Fireplaces

Kelly Young ~ Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126 (Red Rock Realty) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:54:30 -0500

Baby it’s cold outside, and if you haven’t done so already, you need to get your chimneys and fireplaces inspected. House fires are common in the colder months of the year from poorly maintained fireplaces. Soot build-up, bird nests, cracked masonry, the list can go on and on.

Wood-burning fireplaces should be checked before burning season, but with the recent snow we’ve received, you may not have had a good opportunity to check it over before needing to burn. It’s not too late to check over the fireplace and chimney. If you feel comfortable climbing on top of your roof, check the chimney and area for cracks in the masonry, nests, or branches.

Putting up a screen can help prevent nature from getting into your chimney, which can be found at any home improvement stores. Cleaning bags can also be found at these stores which can help clean away any toxic and flamable build-ups.

Once finished, cozy up with a warm, crackling fire with a glass of wine or hot cocoa and marshmallows.

About the Author: Kelly Young, GRI

Author's website: www.sellmyhomeincoloradosprings.com
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365 Things to Do in Colorado Springs ~ Day 76 Girls Weekend

Kelly Young ~ Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126 (Red Rock Realty) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:34:59 -0400

Every woman needs a break from the real world to relax, sip some wine, and hang with her girlfriends. Now that everyone is falling into the regular routine again, it’s time to gather the girls up and plan a weekend away. You don’t have to go far to have a wonderful time. Here is a top 3 list of ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

1. The Broadmoor. This is a 5-star resort which can cater to every desire you may have. The spa is a true treat in any itinerary, but extra-special when you get to share it with your gal-pals! Want to stay in shape, or get into shape? Get inspired with a personal training session, a tennis lesson, or take in a group yoga class. Want to learn something new? Painting classes are offered, as are guided tours or the concierge can recommend a good local guide to take you ATVing, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, jeep tours, or horseback riding. The options are endless, and the food is amazing.

2. Cherry Creek. Stay in Cherry Creek for a weekend and take in the artsy side of Denver. Stroll along the creek, take in a fitness class, bring out your inner ballerina with a barre fitness class, dine out at amazing restaurants, and shop til you drop! I hate to be the one to bring it up, but the holidays are right around the corner. I saw Christmas Trees coming in at a department store the other day and shuddered. Shop for you first, then shop for others. Want to bring home a piece of unique art work but the price tags are too high? Try a paint your own class at Canvas and Cocktails. For $35 you will be instructed how to paint a painting and get to take it home with you at the end of the class. What’s better, they have a bar so you can have your favorite cocktail to wash away those artistic nerves and bring out your talents! Check online for their monthly class offerings and choose a painting you would proudly hang in your home.

3. Aspen. Every woman wants to be able to see designer products in person, even if she knows she can’t touch. Bring the girls along to eat at world class restaurants, hike majestic mountains, and shop (or look) at the latest in Aspen-wear. If this sounds a little to…foo-foo, consider taking a day trip to Glenwood Springs and soak in the hot springs. If you’re looking for a massage, the Spa of the Rockies is amazing, and they will offer deals online via their Facebook and Twitter pages.

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About the Author: Kelly Young, GRI

Author's website: www.sellmyhomeincoloradosprings.com
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365 Things to Do in Colorado Springs ~ Day 75 Apple Picking

Kelly Young ~ Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126 (Red Rock Realty) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:09:57 -0400

Nothing smells more like fall than apples, apple pie, apple sauce, apple butter, apple cider, and anything else you can imagine with apples.

Lucky for you there is an orchard a short drive south of the Springs called Happy Apple Farm. Today through Sunday the farm will offer FREE Hayrides and FREE admission!

In addition to fulfilling all of your apple needs with JonaGold, Gala, Red and Golden Delicious varieties, stop by the Country Store for Applewood smoked B.B.Q. Brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, and turkey legs. The store also sells pies, jellies, jams, local honey, and more goodies.

For more information, hours and directions, please visit: Happy Apple Farms

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About the Author: Kelly Young, GRI

Author's website: www.sellmyhomeincoloradosprings.com
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Small Living - Is it right for you?

Kelly Young ~ Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126 (Red Rock Realty) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:52:35 -0400

There has been a lot of publicity lately about small living and ways to do it yourself for $60,000 or less. This is an incredible opportunity for anyone wanting to own their own house, build their own house, build a portable house, live more environmentally friendly, grow closer to their family, or have more land to play on. Let’s look at the amazing opportunities one-by-one.

Homeownership – So you want to OWN your own house. At $60,000 or less, it is such a small amount of money in comparison to the average house mortgage ($183,900 in Colorado Springs, CO according to Realtor.org) that many people can save for this amount, have this amount for downpayment and renovations for a house, or can borrow and quickly pay this off. Audis, Land Rovers and other vehicles cost this much, with loan payments extending out for 5 years. The only other major expense you will have is the land on which to put the house.

Many people don’t own their house. This realization has hit many of us with the economic downturn and the banks defaulting. The big lesson here: don’t buy more house than you can afford. What savvy financial people are doing now? Downsizing without losing any modern amenities. What they are gaining is not only financial independence from a mortgage, but the ability to afford to do things, take trips, and retire without fear of what the economy is doing. Talk about freedom!

Building a Nest – Shelter is a basic necessity, and HGTV and Better Homes and Gardens has taught us to want it “just so”; comfortable, relaxing, inviting, warm, chic. When you build your own house you have the creativity and ability to select every element that goes into the building. You can select the materials, vote with your dollars on products, and depending on the building site, you can even select the mobility of your house.

What’s more, plans (some free and some for a small fee) are available for sale online. Some couples and families have decided to build these houses on their own. Some still like a contractor involved, and others just need some assistance hooking up to city utilities.

On the Road Again – For some mobile home brings with it a level of elegance and grandeur, the ability to pick up and move whenever the urge or season changes. To others, mobile home living isn’t that great. Cramped quarters, never knowing where the bathroom is, never being able to make lasting relationships. *Photo from Tumbleweed Tiny Houses*

The small house movement has gone mobile, with the ability to build a small house on a travel trailer, families can pick up and move whenever they would like, offering the opportunity of a lifetime to move about the country and have not only their possessions, but their bedroom and house as well.

Mother Nature – According to greenbuildingelements.com, the average 2,000 square foot new house construction waste totals 8,000 pounds! Some of these small houses are 60-900 square feet. Many plans and builders are using recycled materials, scavaging for old wood, light fixtures, wiring, and more. The added advantage to less square feet is less in utilities bills and heating/cooling!

Many families have 2 or more cell phones, at least one computer, one printer, one DVD player, one Bluray player, one radio, one MP3 player/iPod, an e-reader, and a TV. Small-space dwellers aren’t giving these modern day conveniences, they are simply forced to make decisions based on size. One laptop computer can act as all of these things! (Skype as your home telephone, remember those?) It too is compact and transportable. With the invention of Hulu, you can watch any TV shows you want, and with cable TV, you can even watch shows live from the TV station/website.

Reunited and It Feels So Good! – Have you lost communication with your family? When living in small quarters, yes it can be a good thing for the family. Do you ever notice families who camp together often seem closer than the family that doesn’t go on vacation? Ever wonder why? Those families have funny stories about one another and some embarassing thing that happened to them. The close living arrangements forces people to look at one another in the eye. When someone gets mad, it’s tough to run away to your own room.

Home, Home on the Range – One frustrating thing about living in the city is the lack of stars. I should rephrase this as abundant light pollution, as you will find if you ever go far enough away, that there is in fact no lack of stars in the sky. Choosing to live on more land in a smaller house might seem odd, but with a smaller footprint on the earth, you have less light filtering out of windows, outside of the house, and blocking the ability to see stars. This of course isn’t just about the stars, it’s about reconnecting with nature, having land to grow your own food, live more self-sustainably.

Is it for everyone? No, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t worth looking at with your own family. With unique designs surely to meet anyone’s needs, you could be closer to your cabin, cottage, or vacation spot than you realize.

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About the Author: Kelly Young, GRI

Author's website: www.sellmyhomeincoloradosprings.com
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It's Time for Throw Blankets

Kelly Young ~ Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126 (Red Rock Realty) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:50:58 -0400

It’s time to break out the throw blankets folks! The air is getting cold and crisp, so it’s time to snuggle in with warm beverages, good books and a great blanket. This year I’ve seen throw blankets really make big decorating pops that are worth considering for your own home.

The porch areas. Don’t give up sitting outside because it’s cold out there. Set out throw blankets over chairs to create a warm welcoming touch to an otherwise cold space. If you have company coming over, set out enough blankets for everyone (even if some won’t use them). Place blankets in a trunk, large wooded box, or drapped over the backs and arms of chairs. Take back inside after using.

The living room. Throws don’t have to match the room. Bold colors are in this season, so look for reds, purples and dark teals. Place on arm chairs, over sofa backs/arms, or sitting chairs. If you have more than one, place others in a storage container nearby. Wicker, woven woods, and wood boxes add great warmth, texture and organic touches.

The bedrooms. Having a throw nearby in a room which already has blankets may seem redundant, however if you have a chair or window seat, it can be nice to have a spare blanket to cuddle up with while gazing about or reading. Lain on top of the chair or over the footend of the bed are both tidy options for spare blankets in a bedroom.

If you need two more warm ideas, think of the money you’ll save on your energy bill by waiting just a little longer to turn on the heat, and researches have shown people get better sleep when it is cooler in the room.

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About the Author: Kelly Young, GRI

Author's website: www.sellmyhomeincoloradosprings.com
More posts by Kelly
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