Just Listed: Pine Creek Home with Custom Upgrades and Breathtaking Mountain Views in Colorado Springs!

Allow yourself to fall in love with this gorgeous 4,596 sqft home with countless luxurious custom upgrades and stunning mountain views!

Located in Pine Creek, the highly desired and well kept neighborhood in Colorado Springs’ north around the Pine Creek Golf Course, 9972 Pinedale Dr. charms with curb appeal and beautiful professional landscaping right away. Walking inside you are greeted by 2-story-high ceilings and a spiral staircase with custom real hardwood flooring. Open, large and airy are probably the best words to describe the living room and kitchen. 2-story-high ceilings, large picture windows that allow light to flood in, a custom stone wall with integrated gas fireplace, refinished hardwood floors, double oven and gas cooking in the kitchen, and more make this common area so inviting. An office (that could also be a bedroom) with French doors and a half bath round off the main level you would think, but we cannot forget about the beautiful sunroom! Another highlight is the large primary suite with newly installed hardwood floors that flow from the loft into the bedroom over to the bathroom with garden tub and walk-in shower and into the custom built high end walk-in closet! With build in closet lighting, sliding glass doors and full size mirrors, this closet is pure luxury. Just like in the primary bedroom, the other 2 bedrooms on the upper level have beautiful mountain views and another full bathroom gives enough space and privacy for everyone. The basement level offers a second living area, dining area and fireplace as well as a fully equipped wet bar! 2 more bedrooms and another full bathroom complete the incredible floor plan. The 3 car garage fits cars or golf carts that you could drive directly onto the Pine Creek Golf Course that is only 0.5mi away. D-20 schools are not far either as well as shopping around Powers. Do not miss out on this unique home!

Listed by Anne-Kathrin Cao for West + Main Homes. Please contact Anne-Kathrin for current pricing + availability.

 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(405) 652-6635
hello@westandmain.com

Presented by:
Anne-Kathrin Cao
210-970-1144
anne.cao@mrs-ann.com

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These Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations Will Add the Most Value to Your Home

Faced with the daunting unknowns and potential complications of large-scale renovations, many people immediately turn away from buying a fixer-upper.

In fact, a recent study by Frontdoor reports that offers for fixer-uppers halved from 2022 to 2023. But the high risk can come with a high reward. Frontdoor found that on average, those who take the leap of renovating a fixer-upper earn a 27.5% return on their investment. And that’s on top of the personal benefits gained from designing a home to your taste. 

Of course, without the appropriate planning and strategy, budgets tend to spiral out of control and many find out the hard way that some renovations don't pay off. To find out which home improvements are really worth your time and money, Frontdoor’s data team used information from Zillow, such as square footage and price (in conjunction with Kukun’s home remodeling cost estimator) to determine the most profitable home renovations. The vast majority of these turned out to be in the kitchen and in the bathroom—two rooms that can be key to increasing the value of your home. Keep reading to find out which renovations came out on top.

Most Valuable Kitchen Renovations

Cabinets

The kitchen is the heart of any home, so it’s no surprise that kitchen cabinets make a big impression on a prospective buyer. Whether you reface existing cabinets or install new semi-custom ones, the average increase in property value from this renovation alone is 3.63%, which comes out to around $7,510. This is by far the most profitable home renovation for fixer uppers, according to Frontdoor's findings. 

Appliances

Replacing mid-market branded appliances with higher-end alternatives creates a more luxurious and efficient kitchen with little effort. Buying new appliances for your fixer upper is set to increase your market value by 2.35%, or $4,922. 

Counters

Counters serve an important functional purpose, and they're also often a focal point of a kitchen. According to Frontdoor, switching your counters to granite, quartz, marble, or porcelain materials can increase the price of your home by 1.81%.  

Faucet and Sink

Again, switching out mid-market sinks with higher end options can have a significant impact on the appearance and, therefore, the price of your home. This type of renovation on average increases the home's value by 1.12%. 

Lighting

After making a bunch of renovations, why not give them a spotlight with installing new ceiling lights over the counters or sink? Adding these types of lighting could give you a 1% boost on selling price. 

Backsplash

Similar to your counters, the backsplash of your kitchen is an eye-catching detail that needs some attention. Adding a granite, quartz, marble, or porcelain backsplash can add .42% value onto your property.

Most Valuable Bathroom Renovations

Shower and Tub Surround Panels

Though bathroom renovations typically add less value than those in the kitchen, they can still add a four figure sum. Shower and tub surround panels will contribute the most to bathroom renovations, with an increase of .92% or $2,300. 

Faucet, Sink, and Toilet

Replacing an average faucet, sink, and toilet with a higher end option transforms the appeal and comfort of your bathroom, adding .61% value and potentially saving you from an old-pipe-induced plumbing disaster. 

Cabinets

Whether you're redoing your original cabinets with higher end materials or installing completely new ones, upgrading your bathroom cabinets can add .45% to its value. New cabinets are also an easy way to change up the aesthetic of your bathroom by introducing wood or color.

Read more at RealSimple.com

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• Back-to-school supplies for students of any age: Parents, consult this list

• The Great Wealth Transfer: A New Era of Opportunity

• Good News for Homebuyers: Inflation Drops Below 3% for First Time in 3 Years

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Just Listed: Discover the perfect blend of modern luxury and serene comfort in this fully remodeled 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home located in Erindale Park!

Discover the perfect blend of modern luxury and serene comfort in this fully remodeled 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home located in Erindale Park Nestled on a spacious lot, this exquisite property offers a private backyard oasis, ideal for both relaxation and entertainment.

Step inside and be captivated by the sleek, contemporary design that flows throughout the home. The open-concept living spaces are bathed in natural light, highlighting the high-end finishes and meticulous attention to detail. The kitchen is complete with appliances, stylish cabinetry, and an expansive island, is a chef's dream and the heart of the home.

Each of the five bedrooms is generously sized, providing ample space. The luxurious primary suite offers a spa-like retreat with a beautifully appointed en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The additional bathrooms are equally impressive, showcasing modern fixtures and premium materials.

Outside, the large, private backyard invites you to unwind in your own personal paradise. You can look forward to beautiful views of sunsets and sunrises on the ebclised patio. Whether you're hosting summer gatherings or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, this outdoor space is designed to enhance your lifestyle.

Located in a desirable Colorado Springs neighborhood, this home offers convenient access to eateries, local amenities, schools, and beautiful parks. Experience the best of modern living in a home that truly has it all.

Don’t miss the opportunity to make this exceptional property yours. Schedule a private tour today!

Listed by Wanda Wood for West + Main Homes. Please Contact Wanda for current pricing + availability.

 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(405) 652-6635
hello@westandmain.com

Presented by:
Wanda Wood
719-287-6740
wanda@westandmainhomes.com

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Just Listed: Charming Littleton Condo: Cozy Comfort and Prime Location in Lake Chalet Community

This Lake Chalet community condo offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, with 815 square feet of bright, inviting space ready for you to move in.

As you enter this cozy condo, you're greeted by an open floor plan that seamlessly connects the living areas—ideal for entertaining or enjoying a quiet night in. The kitchen features ample storage, granite countertops, and stainless-steel appliances, while the wood-burning fireplace adds warmth on chilly Colorado nights. The spacious bedroom includes a walk-in closet and sliding patio door for easy access to outdoor space. This condo also offers in-unit laundry, plenty of parking, and access to community amenities. Located just a mile off Hwy 285, you’re minutes from nearby trails, Bear Creek Lake, and Red Rocks. Whether you're heading into Denver or escaping to the mountains, this location is the perfect home base. Ideal for first-time buyers or investors looking to add a Westside gem to their portfolio. Welcome home!

Listed by Steph Christianson for West + Main Homes. Please contact Steph for current pricing + availability.

 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(405) 652-6635
hello@westandmain.com

Presented by:
Steph Christianson
303-668-6800
steph@westandmainhomes.com

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Good News for Homebuyers: Inflation Drops Below 3% for First Time in 3 Years

Inflation in the U.S. continued to cool last month, signaling imminent relief to homebuyers in the form of lower mortgage rates.

In the 12 months through July, the consumer price index rose 2.9%, according to data released by the Department of Labor on Wednesday. It marked the first time annual inflation has dropped below 3% since March 2021.

On a monthly basis, overall prices ticked up 0.2% from June. That gain was driven almost entirely by rising housing costs, which are reported on a delayed basis. Energy costs were flat on the month, and food prices rose modestly, ticking up 0.2% from June and 2.2% from one year ago.

For prospective homebuyers, the overall cooling of inflation toward the Federal Reserve’s 2% target is good news for mortgage rates, which have already fallen in recent weeks. The central bank is now viewed as extremely likely to begin cutting its current benchmark rate of 5.3% when policymakers next meet in September.

“Today’s data has reassured markets that they will get a rate cut in September and December,” says Realtor.com® senior economist Ralph McLaughlin. “This should put downward pressure on mortgage rates this fall and winter and will set the stage for a much better season for homebuyers in 2025.”

Mortgage rates hit their lowest level in more than a year for the week ending on Aug. 8, with the average rate on a 30-year fixed dropping to 6.47%, according to Freddie Mac.

Typically, mortgage rates follow yields on the 10-year Treasury note, which move in response to investor expectations about inflation, the economy, and future Fed rate moves. Yields on the 10-year swung between slight gains and losses in choppy trading following the new inflation data on Wednesday morning.

The Realtor.com economic team now projects average mortgage rates will fall to 6.3% by the end of this year.

Housing costs are now the biggest driver of inflation figures

Rising shelter costs accounted for 90% of the overall monthly price increases reported from June to July—but there is a major caveat due to quirks in the way shelter costs are calculated.

Shelter accounts for more than a third of the overall consumer price index, but is reported on a delayed basis that can lag up to six months. Costs for homeowners are reported as “owner’s equivalent rent,” or the estimated cost to rent the homeowner’s primary residence.

It means that inflation data for shelter may primarily reflect changes in rental markets up to half a year ago, rather than real-time changes to actual monthly costs for homeowners, who account for two-thirds of the population.

"While shelter inflation is on a disinflationary path, it is a highly lagged input into CPI so its contributions don’t reflect the current slowdown we’re seeing in the housing market," says McLaughlin. "We anticipate that as the shelter pig works its way through the CPI python, we’ll continue to get better readings through the remainder of the year."

Some economists have argued that the way housing costs are calculated has artificially boosted inflation figures, potentially prompting the Fed to wait too long to cut its benchmark rate.

"Is it possible that the Fed is too late? Until this month, the Fed seems to have been laser-focused on inflation and progress toward the 2% target. But shelter has been an outsized contributor to the consumer price index," says Bright MLS Chief Economist Lisa Sturtevant. "As the Fed has kept rates high, those higher rates have exacerbated housing costs by dampening new housing construction and increasing borrowing costs."

Sturtevant notes that, with housing costs removed from the index, the CPI has averaged just 1.7% since May 2023.

"Even with a rate cut and subsequent declines in mortgage rates, there will be some hesitant homebuyers out there who have had their finances stretched thin and have reached their affordability ceilings. The drop in rates could be too little, too late,” she says.

Could the Fed implement an emergency rate cut?

Recent economic data, including a disappointing July jobs report that sparked fleeting panic in the stock market, has spurred speculation that the Fed could issue an "emergency" rate cut before its next scheduled meeting on Sept. 18.

However, emergency rate cuts are rare and typically come only during times of extreme economic emergency.

Since the turn of the century, there have been seven emergency cuts: three in 2001 in response to the dot-com crash and the terror attacks of 9/11, and two each in response to the Great Recession in 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Financial experts are skeptical that the Fed would take emergency action before September, unless the stock market crashes dramatically or key economic indicators take a sudden nosedive.

“The next few months remain critical, even without the emergency rate cut,” says Victor Kuznetsov, managing director of Imperial Fund in Miami. “So, while the Fed will not implement an emergency rate cut, it has signaled that it may consider a larger rate cut in the near future, possibly in September, depending on how the economy evolves over the next few months.”

Indeed, bond markets are now roughly evenly split on whether the Fed will cut rates by a quarter point in September, or issue a larger half-point rate cut, according to the CME FedWatch tool.

A larger rate cut in September would likely prompt a sharper downward move for mortgage rates, spurring both more buyers and sellers to enter the market.

Read more at Realtor.com

Related Links

• Back-to-school supplies for students of any age: Parents, consult this list

• The Great Wealth Transfer: A New Era of Opportunity

• Buying an Older Home Is a Mixed Bag

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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