In the spirit of my favorite holiday, Independence Day, I have decided to give you the top ten reasons owning your own new home can bring YOU Independence!
10. You can paint the walls any color your heart desires without worrying what the landlord will say!
9. When you build your own home you get to choose what kind of design features you want to have in your house to really reflect your style. Like cut burber carpet? Its yours! What about those beautiful granite countertops? Yep that’s an option too!
8. You have your very own backyard available to throw a perfect Independence Day BBQ. No small apartment decks. No asking your parents if you can use their place. Nope! It’s just you, a couple of your favorite people, a grill and YOUR back yard to enjoy!
7. When you rent a place your rent seems to climb and climb every year, not so with a fixed rate mortgage. You know what your payment is, not to mention you get tax benefits for owning a home. All this equals more reliability, more equity and financial FREEDOM!
6. You remember that cute little cuddly puppy in the window? You know the one with the waggly tail. Well you don’t have to worry about asking your landlord if you can have one. No pet deposit either. So I sure hope that puppies for sale!
5. Hang those pictures to your heart’s content. No longer do you need to worry about loosing your deposit because it’s your house and you can put pictures up if you want to!
4. With the new tax credits there has never been a better time to own a home! When else will someone give you $8000 to buy a home? With $8000 you have the FREEDOM to go on vacation!
3. When you buy a NEW home you usually get a home warranty, meaning if anything goes wrong, you are covered. You are now free to breath easy. ;)
2. Speaking of breathing easy… Many new homes use the newest technology and the best and “greenest” building materials. In fact Campbell Homes is a 100% Energy Star tested builder! Now you can feel comfortable knowing you are living green, not to mention saving a little green on your utility bills!
1. When you own a home its all about freedom. Freedom to decorate and design your home as you please. Freedom to have your own yard to play in and plant whatever flowers you want. Freedom to put big welcome mats out, BBQ on YOUR patio, throw parties without upsetting the people who live downstairs and to all around own a piece of the American Dream… I just love freedom!
Happy Independence Day everyone!
If you have any questions about the homes that Campbell Homes builds please feel free to contact me, Kelly Noble, at knoble@campbellhomes.com or check us out online at www.campbellhomes.com. You can also follow us on Twitter or Facebook for the most up to date information about Campbell Homes.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
10 Reasons Owning a New Home Can Bring You Freedom
Monday, May 11, 2009
Moving to Colorado Springs and don't know what to do for fun?
So you are thinking of moving to Colorado Springs and you don't know where to play?
I have lived in Colorado Springs, CO for over 12 years. I am a Colorado native and I am here to give you a couple tips about Colorado Springs, CO.
There is so much to do in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas but here are a few of my personal favorites (in no particular order)
1. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers an experience like no other zoo I have been to. Enjoy breathtaking views of Colorado Springs while feeding the Giraffes. Enjoy a ride on the sky lift or get some serious exercise hiking up the mountain all the while checking out the cool animals and even cooler views. This is a family friendly place but be sure to bring your walking shoes!
2. The Sky Sox: During baseball season there is no better way to spend a warm summer evening then at the security services field watching the local AAA baseball team and eating a yummy hot dog. Tuesday’s are the best time to go for us frugal spenders as everyone gets in for only $2. Sometimes if you are really lucky a Rockies player will be send down to play when they are recovering from an injury and they will sign autographs. Last year I got Matt Holiday and Tulo’s autographs!
3. First Thursdays at the Fine Arts Center: Every first Thursday of the month the Fine Arts Center downtown holds a wine tasting. Come enjoy wine, snacks, art and music at this event. I believe it is $25 each time but its always a great way to rub elbows with the Colorado Springs elite all the while enjoying a little culture.
4. Cave of the Winds: Every July in Colorado Springs temperatures start to peak and it can get steamy out! There is just no better place to be on one of those hot July days then exploring the caves at the Cave of the Winds.
5. Pikes Peak: I think it would be uncoloradian of me to not suggest a day trip to the top of Pikes Peak. There are 3 ways to get there: You can hike it up, you can drive up, or you can ride the cog railway up. I have only ever driven up because I like to stop and take pictures on the way. No matter how you go be sure to pack plenty of water (you WILL get sick if you don’t) and layers of clothes as it does get very chilly at the top. Oh and don’t forget the camera because you can see all that Colorado has to offer from the top and it’s a beautiful sight to see!
6. Territory Days in Old Colorado City: The Old Colorado City Merchant Association presents Territory Days 2009 to commemorate Old Colorado City as the first capitol of the Colorado Territory in 1861. Historic Old Colorado City has been celebrating “Territory Days” for 34 years. The very first event, in August 1975, was called “Rampart Range Sertoma Territory Days Parade and Buffalo Barbeque”. Territory Days has grown from a small neighborhood craft fair, parade and barbeque into a three-day street festival which now hosts over 180 craft, commercial and food booths. Between 80,000 and 140,000 guests, (depending on the weather), enjoy this event every Memorial weekend.
7. Garden of the Gods: camera? Check! Comfortable shoes? Check! Picnic packed? Check! Now that you are ready to go, head on over to see the Garden of the Gods. A fantastic place to walk around, picnic, sight see, and take phenomenal photos.
So those are just a few of my favorite local Colorado Springs play spots. Let me know if you have any questions and please feel free to leave your own Colorado Springs play ideas in the comments.
Also if you are thinking about moving to Colorado Springs and need a place to live check out Campbell Homes, a local Colorado Springs homebuilder since 1965 at www.campbellhomes.com.
Questions?
knoble@campbellhomes.com
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Spring time in the Rockies
Did anyone have to deal with the snow this morning? On my way to work this morning I couldn’t help but feel grateful for having a garage to keep my car in. The worst is when you have to stand out in the freezing wet air scrapping your windows trying NOT to be late to work! Well that’s spring time in the Rockies and nothing helps remedy this problem more then a nice cozy garage to put your car and all your toys in. Well Campbell Homes not only offers every home we sell with a standard (at least) 2 car garage but several of our homes have standard 3 car garages AND we offer homes with a RV garage and 4 car garage options! Visit us online at www.campbellhomes.com today to find out more, and get your car out of the cold.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
the difference
Check out this short video about Campbell Homes in colorado Springs!
Monday, March 30, 2009
So you are thinking of moving to Colorado Springs and you don’t know where to eat?
I have lived in Colorado Springs, CO for over 12 years. I am a Colorado native and I am here to give you a couple tips about Colorado Springs, CO.
First my favorite topic that I will be tackling: FOOD. There are so many fantastic places to eat in Colorado Springs, you just have to look. Here is my list of favorites based on type of dinning you will be doing:
Burgers: South Side Johnny’s (Lunch and Dinner) features some of the yummiest cheese burgers in town. His fries are not so bad either. Johnny’s is a biker bar with class. Great place to go for an afternoon burger or open faced turkey sandwich smothered in Green chili. www.southsidejohnnys.biz
Steaks: the Famous! (Lunch and Dinner) This is not jus a dinner it’s an event! Not exactly a cheap place to eat but the food is worth every bite. Fantastic cuts of meat, wonderful service and a large selection of wines and spirits at the bar! 31 N Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Local Brew: The Phantom Canyon. (lunch and dinner, brunch on Sundays) Serving up an eclectic menu of anything and everything like tacos, salads, roasts, and burgers. I highly recommend their side salad with everything since they have the best ranch dressing in town! Menu changes regularly so you will always experience something new! www.phantomcanyon.com
Mexican Food: El Taco Rey (Lunch)- Serving up some of the areas best Mexican dishes out of a little hole in the wall. Highly recommend the pork and avocado burritos smothered in green chili with plenty of salsa on top! SO GOOD you’ll wish you could fit 2 in your tummy! The only thing I can’t stand about this place is it’s not open on the weekends so I rarely have the time to travel downtown to eat there :*( 330 E Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Breakfast: The Olive Branch. Both healthy and affordable the Olive Branch off Tejon st in Downtown Colorado Springs offers something for everyone. Orange juice is fresh squeeze to order and the pancakes are awesome. The perfect place to take friends, family or clients for a cozy breakfast with a bit of class. http://www.theolivebranchrest.com/
Brunch: The Sunbird. What do you get when you mix crab legs with pancakes and Champaign mimosas? You get brunch honey and it’s good! The sunbird offers a brunch every weekend (reservations required) and does it at the top of a hill where the views are breath taking. Perfect place to take someone for a special occasion! http://www.thesunbird.com/
Thai: Bhan Thai. I LOVE Thai food and Bhan Thai does all the right things to make it work! Prices are right and dishes are delish! I love the Thai beef salad and the Tom Yum Guy soup. The Thai iced teas are also fantastic. Eat up but be warned they like it HOT! 1025 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
NY style pizza: NYPD Pizza. Now the thing is my boyfriend is from NY and when he wants pizza you know it HAS TO BE NY Style so it has taken a LOT of tastings and research to find something that he likes. NYPD wins in Colorado Springs. Their pies are fantastic. I highly recommend the Sicilian because the crust is to die for! It has this fantastic garlic bread taste. Oh so good! 1588 Minnetonka Pl, Colorado Springs, CO 80915
Sushi: Im torn so I will put 2 of my favorites: Ai Sushi off cinema drive serves up fantastic sushi with tons of selection. They specialize in what I refer to as “fancy” rolls. I recommend the Chili Roll and the Avalanche II Roll. Their sashimi is also very tasty. 3215 Cinema Pt, Colorado Springs, CO 80922
Now my second choice is Fujuyama downtown. They have a wonderful selection of rolls from traditional to “fancy” rolls. The Oh My God Roll is very good so maybe try that. They also have a really great lunch special. http://fujiyamasushi.com/
Tea for 2 (or one): Montague's Parlour. If coffee is not your cup of tea then head on over to Montague’s for a delightful selection of teas and pastries. Cozy up to a book and enjoy the comfy couches and chairs. 1019 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Italian: Para Vicini's Italian Bistro. Absolutely nothing gets close to Para Vicini’s when it comes to Italian food in Colorado Springs. This local gem is a fantastic place for wine and pasta (and don’t forget the bing cherry cheesecake for dessert!). If you are one of those people that get stuck on one dish that is your favorite and just have a really hard time straying from that dish then you better not try the Veal Giuseppe because it is down right addictive! Get it with the house Chianti and you will have yourself one fantastic meal! http://www.paravicinis.com/
Deli (Italian): Mollica's Italian Market. Serisouly some good and authentic Italian food, meats, cheeses and sausages. I highly recommend the sausage and peppers sandwich! http://www.mollicas.com
BBQ: Bird Dog BBQ. Maybe because it’s close to my house. Maybe it’s the cute photos of Dogs everywhere or maybe it’s that they serve fried okra perfectly salted but whatever it is Bird Dog is a great place to get some Oklahoma style BBQ. The sauces are wonderfully yummy and the meat is tender! Don’t forget to bring a photo of your pup to contribute! http://www.birddogbbq.com/
Okay now that I have overwhelmed you with some of my favorite places to eat I will leave you so I can go get lunch. My pick for lunch? Did I mention The Taste of Philly for the best Philly cheese steak sandwiches in town?!?! www.tasteofphilly.biz
For more restaurant tips please feel free to leave a message and I will let you know what I think. For more about Colorado Springs please check on my blog again soon because I plan of doing a series of post on the best places to live, play, and watch what happens in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas.
And for more information about Campbell Homes, the company I work for please visit us online at www.campbellhomes.com.
Now tell me friends what’s your favorite food? And if you live in Colorado Springs where do you like to eat?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Whats love got to do with it...tips for selling your home
Its not just a second hand emotion folks it’s the real deal which means when you go to sell your home you need to know how to emotionally grab your buyer (you know the people viewing the home and thinking about making it their own). Preserved value is everything and nothing helps build value more then emotional pull. So you wonder “How do I accomplish this?”
It’s easy:
#1 Make the right adjustments. This means when you are ready to sell your home think about what is worth updating and changing in your home to make it look better and be more valuable to a buyer. This could mean new carpet, new appliances or new (preferably neutral) paint. Think about the market value of your home and think about how you can increase the value without over pricing your home. Focus on kitchens and bathrooms.
#2 Clean it. Your home can not have any clutter. It needs to be tidy and clean. Bright and dust free. If you need to hire a cleaning person to freshen things up until it sells. I suggest getting a storage unit and start moving out the unnecessary things that clutter your rooms and closets.
#3 Stage it. A professionally staged home is proven to sell faster then a non-staged home. If you can’t afford a stager do your research and figure out the best way to set up each room to maximize its size and use.
#4 If there is one thing you can’t skimp out on when selling your home I would say it’s a REALTOR. A good realtor will advise you on how to stage, present, price right, update and list your home correctly. Your home will sit much less if you have a good Agent on your side. But buyer beware… research your Realtors success rate and make sure they are working for you not against you.
Now when a prospective buyer comes through your clean, nice smelling, clutter free and updated home they will feel at home. They will have an emotional feeling that this is it! And they will make an offer.
I hope this helps you at least a little bit when it comes to selling your old home. Now if you want further advise on how to find the right new home please feel free to contact me at knoble@campbellhomes.com and if you are in the Colorado Springs area feel free to stop into any of our communities and take a look. You can get more information about Campbell Homes at www.campbellhomes.com
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Can you afford NOT to buy?
I was enjoying a sushi dinner last night with a couple of my girl friends when the topic of home buying came up. One of the ladies had mentioned that she was thinking about purchasing a new home but was leaning more on the side of renting for another year to “save up some money”. “Why?” I asked. She said she simply didn’t think she had the money to buy right now.
This leads me to my point… Why are so many people on the fence? I think it is because we are not educating them into not only why NOW is the time to buy, but also showing them the cost difference if they waited a year.
Let’s look at an example: (and forgive me if I did not calculate this exactly right since I am not a mortgage person)
A house worth $200,000 today in Colorado Springs would be worth about 210,000 in a year based on historical data supporting a 5% appreciation rate in Colorado Springs, CO.
Now let’s look at interest rates. The last interest rate I saw was at 5.25 for a conv loan. Let’s say that goes to 6% in a year (which is actually being pretty conservative).
Now we look at the tax credit of $8,000 which goes away after Nov 30, 2009.
Now let’s compare:
Now I understand that the tax credit is for first time buyers only but even so non first time buyers would be saving $57,600 over the course of the loan.
If you continue to wait, you may never be able to afford a home of your own. Even if the housing market is in a downturn other things have to be evaluated including: rents, along with the cost of living which continues to climb.
There is no better way to build wealth and invest in your future then owning a home. Once you become a home owner, you are able to take advantage of the generous tax deductions that homeownership offers, not to mention you will be building equity in your property. As your property builds in equity, you can use those gains to sell your starter home and afford to move into a bigger house.
If you are unsure about whether or not you can afford your dream home, you may want to scale back on your expectations and go for a home you can afford with the idea of moving up into a better home in the future. Instead of trying to buy a 2,000 square foot home, consider shopping for a 1,500 square foot home. Buy what you need and then you can build the equity and savings that it takes to get to the “dream home”
The sooner you make the jump from renter to home owner, the faster you will begin to create wealth for your future.
The question is not why wait the question is can you afford to?
