All Blog Entries by Lauren Schneider

Found 318 blog entries published by Lauren Schneider.

 

Top Tips for Good Mortgage Interest RatesThe interest rate a buyer secures on their loan can greatly impact their financial outlook for years to come. Each time the interest rate increases or drops can mean thousands of dollars in difference over the loan's life. But, what governs what sort of interest rate a buyer will pay? Read about these factors below and learn how an interest rate can be either raised or lowered.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Good Credit Means Lower Rates

Generally, a home buyer with a better credit score will get a lower interest rate than a buyer with a lower credit score. Credit scores are based on factors that include the length of a

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Schools and School Districts in Colorado Springs

The mountain community of Colorado Springs takes education seriously, and there are nearly 400 schools and colleges in the area. There are over 140 public district schools, 31 charter schools, 200+ private schools, and a handful of exceptional colleges to consider. For those new to the area or planning to relocate to the city, the following information explores some of the biggest districts and most popular schools in Colorado Springs, CO.

Public School Districts Serving Colorado Springs, CO

While public schools abound, there are a few districts that have proven to exceed expectations for students and parents year after year. These school districts include the Colorado Springs 11 District, the Academy 20 School District, and the Cheyenne Mountain

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Check Out These Top 4 Colorado Springs Theaters to Enjoy a Live ShowWhen it's time to get out and enjoy some theatrical performances, hear live music, or see a great show, attending the best theaters in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is the only way to go! The following venues are some local favorites, so you don't have to do any of the research and can get straight to booking a ticket.

Colorado Springs Philharmonic

Classical music takes on a new life at a show featuring the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. Since 1927, the most talented individuals in the region have banded together in an effort to continue the works once offered by the Colorado Springs Symphony Ensemble.

As a community-minded group, tickets are generally very affordable and performances vary from traditional classics to shows that are geared

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5 Ways to Address Deferred Maintenance in the HomeThere are many reasons why homeowners might defer maintenance. Sometimes, they lack the funds or the time to perform necessary upkeep on the house or property. In other cases, they buy a home and discover there are years of deferred maintenance in various aspects of the structure. Getting on top of it takes time, and it often requires help from a professional. With these five tips, homeowners can make correcting deferred maintenance an overall easier process.

Understand the Risks

Deferred maintenance is always a risk for future problems, but the type of maintenance needed can significantly affect the risk. Homeowners should research the kinds of issues that are likely to come up, and use that to determine where to start first. For example,

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Visiting Colorado Springs? Check Out These Guided ToursIf you're visiting Colorado Springs, Colorado, you'll definitely want to go on a tour to view everything there is to see. The entire region is essentially one giant playground, with endless trails to explore and towering mountains to climb. Additionally, it's a community rich with history, and those who travel here are always searching for new bits of information to uncover. Whether you're new to the area and trying to get to know your neighborhood or just visiting, these tours are a great way to start.

Fins Course Zipline Tour

Address: The Broadmoor Soaring Adventure, 6 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, CO

Fins Course Zipline Tour is a tour for people seeking adventure and fun high above the tops of the trees. This zipline tour is a unique

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Property Taxes When You're in the MilitaryIn many cases, active-duty military members and retired veterans can qualify for help with their property taxes. However, there are special circumstances for qualifying. Understanding them can help those who are eligible ensure they receive the best benefits.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, tax, or financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

The Homestead Exemption

Many states offer a homestead exemption that allows property owners to deduct a large portion of their tax bill as long as their home is their primary home. One benefit that many states offer active-duty military members is a way to keep the homestead exemption, even when they might otherwise no longer qualify.

For

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The 5 Best Ice Cream Parlors in Colorado Springs, COWhen most people think of Colorado Springs, they think of the fresh mountain air and the panoramic views of the Rockies that surround the city. What they do not often realize is this city is not only a haven for winter sports and recreation, but it's also a destination where anyone can discover a delicious version of their favorite frozen treat. New ice cream creations and flavors can be discovered around every corner in this city, including the following five spots.

Colorado City Creamery

Address: Colorado City Creamery, 2602 Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Colorado City Creamery aims to stay true to the historic nature of its neighborhood. Located in Old Colorado City, this ice cream parlor prides itself on being an old-fashioned

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4 Considerations for Flipping a Home While in the MilitaryTelevision is full of stories about people buying homes, fixing them up, and selling them at a profit. As a member of the military or as a military spouse, individuals may wonder if this is a good way to supplement their income. While house flipping can be profitable, the following information should be kept in mind before starting the process.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Choose a Place with Minor Repairs and in a Good Location

It can be tempting to look at a fixer-upper at a bargain price. However, unless the house flipper has the skills and funds to profitably correct problems, a house with major issues can quickly turn into a

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Should You Buy a House with Cash?On the face of it, it seems like an obvious choice: wouldn't it be smarter to buy a house with cash if a buyer is able? It is true that buyers who pay cash will have certain advantages over those who opt for a mortgage. However, it's vital to consider all the pros and cons when making a purchase of this magnitude. By examining the following variables, potential buyers can decide the best way to arrange their new home purchase.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Cash Can Mean a Faster and Better Deal

Sellers may take cash buyers more seriously because they know the buyer does not have to go through the mortgage process, meaning a faster

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Where to Find Local Bookstores in Colorado Springs, COAvid readers know that there's no better place to discover their new favorite book than in a local bookstore. Not only can shoppers browse the various titles by examining their covers and flipping through the pages, but they also can rely on the expertise of the bookseller. Fortunately, book lovers in Colorado Springs have many bookstores to enjoy, including the following four locations.

Westside Stories

Address: Barista Espresso & Specialty Roasters, 631 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905

For 30 years, Westside Stories has been a staple in the Colorado Springs community, offering book lovers an opportunity to browse for their favorite titles in a comfortable and relaxed environment. This independent bookseller offers both new and used

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