Colorado Springs Real Estate Market Report from September 2021

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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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The Best Plants for the Bedroom Are Nature’s Air Purifiers

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Brighten your bedside and cleanse your space, all while you sleep

Indoor plants are an all-natural way to remove toxic agents such as benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from your air.

In addition to looking great, the best plants for bedroom air-purifying tend to be easy to care for. “Air-purifying plants can help absorb and trap toxins while releasing oxygen to generate cleaner air, making for a more healthy and fresh sleeping environment throughout the bedroom,” says Andres Montoya, an indoor and outdoor landscaping expert who works on hospitality projects. “Most indoor plants are relatively easy to take care of and are adaptable to common indoor elements like low light and indoor temperatures.” Whether you have bright light in your bedroom or slumber in a shadier corner, the following are the best bedroom plants with varying condition requirements that require little care. 

Flamingo plant

If you need houseplants for your bedroom, look no further than the Flamingo plant—a.k.a. an anthurium—which helps to eliminate carbon dioxide and provide copious oxygen with its greenery. And what better location to display these green and pink treasures than in the space where you spend several hours every day and night? “The Flamingo plant requires a good acidic well-drained soil and does not like direct sunlight and produces beautiful and durable flowers throughout the year,” Andres says.

Anthurium Scherzerianum (Flamingo Lily)

$68 AT THE SILL

Lady palm

The Lady palm (also commonly known as the Bamboo palm) grows in an attractive, even pattern, and new leaf stalks sprout from its bottom. This is one of the best plants for bedroom placement because they grow best in bright, indirect light near a window or skylight commonly found in sleeping quarters. Each leaf stalk can grow up to 18 inches long so the green leaves will grace an empty bedroom corner easily. “The Lady palm is very tolerant to low light conditions, and this plant does not require too much water—its care is very easy,” Andres says.

Bamboo Palm

$200 AT BLOOMSCAPE

Pothos

Originating from the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, the pothos would be seen covering the forest floor in its natural habitat. This is a great hanging plant—get creative with a hanging basket and let the leaves grow downwards. “The Ivy pothos is a very strong plant and can easily adapt to different environments,” Andres says. “From indirect light conditions to direct sun, this plant can grow in different types of substrate like soil, wood, and water. The Ivy pothos is also considered a top air-purifying plant which can remove toxins from the air.”

Golden Pothos

$15 AT ETSY

Monstera deliciosa

The popular Monstera deliciosa is native to South America and thrives in indirect light (it typically grows under the shade of trees), so it’s ideal if your bedroom is lacking direct sun. According to Andres, it’s also a winner for bedrooms on the petite side as it “produces big leaves in small spaces.” The Sill sells a small or medium potted Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant. 

Large Monstera Deliciosa

$27 AT ETSY

Phalaenopsis orchid

Your bedside table will get a beautiful focal point with the Phalaenopsis orchid. “This is one of the most beautiful orchids, well adapted to indoor spaces and indirect sunlight,” Andres says. “It flowers once per year for approximately three months: Flowering starts in the months with the lowest temperatures, and they are adapted to live in shady places.”

Large Phalaenopsis Orchid

$75 $64 AT PLANTS.COM

Echeveria 

If you’re looking to up the air quality in your bedroom, Echeveria succulents are worth considering to create serene oxygenated green vibes. “This plant is from the group of succulent plants very near to the cactus plant. They are drought-tolerant plants that like well-drained soil,” Andres says. “Echeveria plants like the sunlight, but only require exposure a few hours a day to sufficiently keep it healthy and growing with brilliant colors.”

Blue Rose Echeveria Succulent

$10 AT ETSY

Peace lily

Peace lilies are another one of the most attractive bedroom plants. You can prop them up on your windowsill, and they’re able to filter out many harmful toxins. The moisture given off by these houseplants boosts the humidity in the room and suppresses airborne microbes that can lead to allergies. If you suffer from dry nasal passages, the Peace lily helps to rid the bedroom of indoor air pollutants that cause dryness. For a good night’s sleep, the Peace lily will not only help create clean air, it’s also a low-maintenance plant that only needs to be watered weekly.

Peace Lily

$26 AT AMAZON

Spider plant

Spider plants have made a huge comeback in recent years, after being commonplace in bedrooms throughout the ’70s. Their sprawling, striped leaves spread out from the center, creating a bountiful green mass. Studies have shown that the plant removes 90% of cancer-causing chemical formaldehyde from the air (if that doesn’t make you sleep better, what will?). It also absorbs odors and fumes to help keep the oxygen level high and promote better sleeping. These plants also produce baby Spider plants, so you can grow and propagate new plants for your bedroom.

Variegated Spider Plant

$19 AT ROOTED

Snake plant

Another great air purifier, the snake plant (also known as Dracaena trifasciata) is also one of the best indoor plants for beginners. However, beware if you have pets—this one can be toxic if ingested by your furry friend.


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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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Mortgage News: Fourth-quarter predictions and a scam alert

The fourth quarter of 2021 is upon us (even though it still firmly feels like Q1 2020 — maybe Q2 at a stretch) and the next few months may actually feel like some kind of pre-pandemic normal.

Here’s what you need to know as the year winds down, and some other tips and tricks for what’s going on in the mortgage and real estate corner of the world.

1. Mortgage rates are likely to rise

It’s always fun to live through history, and 2021 saw the lowest mortgage rates ever. But experts said from the beginning that it wouldn’t last, and the tide should really start to roll back in this quarter. Inflation and Fed policies are likely to push mortgage rates up before the end of the year, and the trend should continue into 2022.

Read the story.

2. Actually, mortgage rates are already rising

This week saw a big jump, with mortgage 30-year mortgage rates gaining 12 basis points on average. If you haven’t already refinanced, you should really do it. There may be some fluctuation ahead, but there’s no going back to the interest sub-basement at this point.

Read the story.

3. Seasonality returns to real estate

The pandemic-era real estate market bucked just about every normal trend but this winter should see the usual transaction slowdown. Inventory and affordability issues still persist, but experts say the winter and into 2022 should be a little less frantic.

Read the story.

4. Reverse mortgage scams to watch out for

Don’t fall prey to someone trying to pull the wool over your eyes. Reverse mortgages can be a great financial tool, but there are plenty of shady dealers out there looking to take advantage of you if you have access to new funds. Here are some of the most common tricks, and other things to keep in mind before taking out a reverse mortgage.

Read the story.

5. Home equity loan or line of credit — what’s the difference?

One benefit of the crazy housing market is rising equity for current homeowners. If you’re looking to take advantage of that for yourself, the two most common options are a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit (HELOC). The best option for you depends on your situation, so it’s important to understand the difference so you can decide what you need.

Read the story


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Find a Dog a Home: Meet Panda

 
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Hi, my name is Panda! My dark fur and white face certainly look like a panda's, although I'm nowhere near as chubby.

But I'm willing to make the effort! I love me some tasty snacks. I'm even happy to try to chase down my own. Want to know about all the things I like? I can't wait to tell you ALL about it! I'm a chatty gal, ready to shoot the breeze with my favorite people. I've got nice manners, though, and can walk nicely on my leash. Have any other questions? Apply to adopt me, Panda, and I can tell the folks at Taysia Blue to tell you all about me!

More About Me:

  • Breed: Siberian Husky

  • Gender: Female

  • Color: Black and White

  • Age: 6 years

  • Weight: 56 lbs

  • Energy Level: Medium

  • Location: Colorado

Click here to fill out an adoption application!

Meet the Maker: Dillon Wanner of Art Haus

 
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Meet Dillon

I am a photographer and videographer based in Denver. I describe my art as "A way to experience a sliver in time seldom only seen by me." I try and use my abilities to show the beauty in the simplicity of life. The new endeavor "Art Haus" is a production studio My friend Tomas and I have. We believe our talents can be used to highlight amazing artists and individuals in our communities. Be on the lookout for future interviews!

 
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Learn more about Dillon below!

What are you known for?

I’m best known for my photography. It's honestly my favorite thing to do.

 
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What is your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge right now is making myself focus on my web site, but I know I need to finish it so I have a storefront other than Instagram and Facebook. I need to carve out time and make it a priority, but I would rather paint. I would always rather paint!

What are you working on right now?

I am currently working on a few different projects. Art Haus interviews are a major project at the moment as well as traveling for videography. So staying busy for sure.

 
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What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part is definitely the freedom and being able to meet people regularly. I haven't had to clock in for over 2 years now. And I can't really see myself doing anything else. That freedom is addicting.

Where do you find inspiration?

My inspiration comes in many different forms. Music and short films or even just chatting with a friend. Art is life and life is art. Don't ever stop creating.

 
 

Get in touch with Dillon

Instagram: @art.haus.productions

Website: arthaus.myportfolio.com

If you are a local artist/crafter/maker/indie business owner and would like to be featured on our blog, please fill out this form or contact Ashley at ashley@westandmainhomes.com with questions...we can't wait to learn all about you!