Interview with a top Realtor in Colorado Springs

There is a lot of negative media out there that talks about how bad the real estate market is. Is it as bad as they are saying?

The market is not bad at all. If someone on your weather channel told you it was going to be cold and rainy all across the USA today would you believe them? Of course not. It is the same for our economic situation. You cannot talk about the whole country. We are huge and different areas of the country have been affected differently than from other areas. We have been very blessed here in Colorado. We have had a slight correction to the market of approximately 3-5% depending on what area of town you are in. My little company of 40 agents sold over 30 million dollars in homes in the month of May. Does that sound like a bad market? I don’t think so.

What are the advantages of buying a home in a “buyers market” like we are seeing now?

It is a wonderful time to buy. There is a bountiful selection of homes both resell and new to choose from. Interest rates are staying right around 6% or less. This is an amazing interest rate. Sellers and Builders both are being creative and giving some wonderful incentives. I would encourage anyone, that this is a perfect time to take that step forward.


BJ you have a long history working in Real Estate. In your experience how long does a down market last and when do you think we will see a shift in the current real estate market?

We have down markets just about every 7 years. It usually takes over a year to reach its lowest level but bounces back quite quickly. This is what I see happening right now. The market is turning and going back up and FAST.


What is one of the number one things you see/hear families are looking for when buying a new or resale home?

What most families are looking for in a new home is a good location with good schools and a livable floor plan. Most of the families I work with are wanting more open floor plans, lots of windows for light, and a decent size yard but not too big. With the cost of watering and taking care of big yards, they are more of a disadvantage. Most families would prefer to live close to a park or community open space for the kids to throw the ball around.


What are some of the advantages of using a professional real estate agent like yourself?

Using a real estate agent is smart. It does not cost the buyer one extra penny to use an agent. The builder or seller pays for the buyer to have one. It is wonderful to have someone look out for your best interest. It is especially good to have one that has many years of experience and knows what to look out for. Buying a home is the biggest #1 investment you will make in your life. You need someone experienced and someone knowledgeable to help you with that important decision.

Are there any other insights you would like to add about the current real estate market or about buyer’s attitudes today?

Don’t believe everything you read or hear in the media. Unfortunately “bad” news sells and good news doesn’t. Would someone please explain that one to me? The last thing I would like to say is, we live in one of the most beautiful places in the entire world. Why not own a piece of it. You will never regret it.



BJ Burns has been practicing real estate in the Pikes Peak region for over 23 years. Through her dedication to serving her families BJ has built a reputation of integrity. BJ currently offices with The Platinum Group of Realtors. For more information about BJ Burns please visit her online at www.bjburnsteam.com or you can contact her at 719.536.4301.

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House Huggers!

Keeping with my recent theme of built green I would like to show you how Campbell Homes has done their part in helping the environment by building Energy Star and Built Green Colorado Homes. Last year (2007) Campbell Homes built 53 homes all of which were certified by Energy Star! This is equivalent to:

· Eliminating the emissions from 37.10 vehicles
· Saving 20,352 lbs of coal
· Planting 5.30 acres of trees
· Saving homeowners $23,691 on their utility bills

Because of their contribution to helping build better energy efficient and environmentally friendly homes Campbell Homes was recently awarded the
ENERGY STAR for Homes Leadership in Housing Award!

Campbell Homes is proud to be a house hugger!

For more information about how you can become a Campbell Homes’ House Hugger visit us online at www.campbellhomes.com or call Kelly Noble at 719-266-9780 or email her at knoble@campbellhomes.com

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The dream of owning a home…

When I was a little girl I was known as a BIG time dreamer. I could make up all kinds of fantasies of princes and princesses in my mind. As I got older my dreams didn’t fade they just became goals. At the age of 13 I set several goals for myself and I was far to strong minded to not get what I wanted out of life….don’t kiss a boy until I was 16 (Check, on my birthday), get good grades in High School (Check), go to college (check), Travel (looking at 10 countries and counting now, Check) and even finding a career I truly loved (finally, check!)…but it was not until I entered the home building industry as a New Home Consultant for a National Builder did I realize the value of owning a home, and let me tell you I HAD to have my own home!

At first people told me it would be impossible because I was only 25 at the time, single, and just started off my career from college. But being the big dreamer that I was I not only convinced everyone I could do it and got them all on board but in May 2006 I signed the papers that would make me the owner of my very own 4 bedroom 3.5 bathroom home!

The reason I tell you this story is that anyone who has the dream of owning a home can own a home all they need is some support and a path to get them to their goal. You might not be able to buy your home the very day you decide you want one, but if you put your mind to it and work hard to build your credit, save a little money, and talk to the right people to help you do these things, you to can own your own home.

Home ownership is part of the American dream. It’s a status symbol of “making it”. But keep in mind that your first home is not always your “dream home”. My first home is not my dream home but it met my needs and because I invested smart and researched the right builder option for me I was able to find a home that not only met my needs but when I go to sell this home I will be able to transfer the equity I made to the next home which will be a little bit better then the one I have now.

Statistics show that in a lifetime the average person will own 4-6 homes and not until their 4th home will it be considered their “dream home”. I might have a few houses to go before I reach dream status but at least I have the goal in mind to reach my “dream home”.

Have you been dreaming of home ownership and don’t know where to start? There are several steps to take before looking into purchasing a home…

First of all check your credit. Borrowers who have a credit score over 700 are usually offered more financing options and a better rate but do not let a lower than 700 credit score detour you. I have seen people with credit scores in the 500s purchase homes. The idea is you need to prove that you have credit, you pay your bills on time, and how long you have had your credit. A mortgage advisor or Realtor can also help to discuss your credit options with you when it comes to buying a home. In fact most mortgage companies will pull your credit for a small fee and also can do a free prequalification.

The next thing you should do is find a Realtor. Realtors are experts in the business of helping people find homes. Just make sure your agent has your best interest in mind. If you happen to be looking for homes in Colorado Springs I have a whole lot of contacts I can give you. Meet with a couple of agents and DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING until you have decided that is the agent for you then you will sign an agreement stating that this person is your representative. Also you should know that as a buyer you do not have to pay for your Realtor but the seller will. So its basically free help for to you find what you are looking for. When I purchased my home I used BJ BURNS who was amazing in meeting my needs. Now you don't NEED a realtor to buy a home but its always helpful to have an expert on your side.

The third thing would be for you to BE REALISTIC. Again your first home is not your dream home; it’s just the home that meets your needs. It takes time to get to the “dream home" status, but that does not mean you don’t have to like where you will be living just know you can’t have it all on the first run…

There are several steps to home ownership but the important thing is you have the goal and the dream in mind. If you happen to be looking for a home in Colorado Springs, CO or if you have some general questions about home ownership please feel free to contact me and I would be more than happy to help you make your dream a reality!

And as always Campbell Homes has been making the dream of homeownership since 1965 so I always encourage you check us out at http://www.campbellhomes.com/

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Why Buy New

There are so many reason why buying a new home rivals that of a used home. For instance new houses are more energy efficient they outperform used homes by a landslide! New Homes are also healthier to live in since fewer pollutants and allergens can leak into the home because of superior insulation and building methods.

Campbell Homes, a local homebuilder in Colorado Springs since 1965, is one of the best examples of a homebuilder that builds a healthy and more eco friendly home. For example

One of Campbell Homes’ homeowners found that when they moved from a 1,400 square foot town-home to a 3,966 square foot Campbell Home he was only paying $15 more per month in utilities.

Actually according to Mountain View Electric, who supplies electricity to Falcon Colorado, Meridian Ranch, and surrounding areas, the average home spends $3.50 per day on electricity where Campbell Homes’ homeowners only spend $1.78 per day.

A new home has so many advantages over used homes, which is why I have included the following list to help explain the top 10 reasons to buy a new home over a used home...

10 Reasons to Buy a New Home

1) Warranties - New homes come with a builder warranty that covers workmanship, materials, structure and mechanical systems as well as manufacturer's warranties on carpeting, heating and cooling systems, roofing materials and appliances. If something needs repair or replacement in the first few years it's probably covered.

2) Energy Efficiency - New homes are built in compliance with new energy conscious building codes. Advanced heating and cooling systems, improved windows and insulation techniques reduce energy costs. New homes consume about half as much energy as a home built prior to 1980.

3) Safety Features - New homes are built in compliance with the latest mandated safety codes. Emergency egress, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, safety glass and superior wiring greatly reduce the chances of serious injury.

4) Low Maintenance Costs - Everything is new and probably under warranty! Up to date technology in construction using today's building materials require little maintenance and virtually no care for many years.

5) Simplified Financing - Most home builders have very experienced "preferred lenders" who make financing a breeze. Many times upgrades such as landscaping or even swimming pools can be wrapped up and packaged into a single mortgage making qualifying for a loan and home appraisal a simple matter.

6) Floor Plans - New homes have improved room and "flow" designs to accommodate the way we live today. More windows, open space, closets and storage areas, numerous bathrooms and larger kitchens and garages help to create a sanctuary for everyone in the family to enjoy.

7) Appreciation - Most real estate professionals tend to agree that the first seven to eight years in the life of a home are the years with the greatest appreciation. It is during this time that a home has the most appeal to those looking for a used home. The demand for a "newer" home drives demand and results in higher values.

8) Modern Amenities - New homes offer the latest technologies that will pamper you, save you time and even make you a better cook! All are designed to make life a little simpler and more enjoyable.

9) Availability - New homes are ready when you are; there's no need to wait months for completion or vacancy. Whether you need your new home today or months from know, builders in your area will have unsold inventory homes at various stages of completion to meet your needs.

10) Location - Developers and home builders choose up and coming areas. Community schools, infrastructure and services are more likely to be modern and convenient. Neighborhood amenities such as parks, open space, walking trails, community rec centers and swimming pools are more likely to be found in new home developments.

For Further information on Campbell Homes or Energy Efficient building please visit me at my Online Community at www.campbellhomes.com.

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