All Blog Entries by Lauren Schneider

Found 318 blog entries published by Lauren Schneider.

Get your Colorado Springs home ready for Winter

We've all noticed it; the icy cool breezes, the flecks of snow on the lawn, and the need for an extra layer outside. While we might not like to admit it, Winter is just around the corner. Just like you'd get your vehicle ready for the weather ahead, there are some things that homeowners can do to ensure their home doesn't turn into an ice palace when the temperatures drop.

Getting your home ready for Winter doesn't have to cost much, and each little improvement can help save expensive fixes and wasted energy, saving you time and money in the long-run.

Here's how you can get your Colorado Springs home in tip-top condition this Winter:

Reverse The Ceiling Fan

It's something incredibly simple but it can make a considerable difference.

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Tips For Colorado Springs Home SellersSelling your home requires more than simply sticking a "For Sale" on the front curb and hoping for the best. With a little bit of work and some affordable enhancements, you could be saving yourself loads of time and money in the long run. The last thing any seller wants is for their home to linger in the market for too long and become stale, so here are a few easy ways to get your home in great shape and ready to please prospective buyers.

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

Don't Underestimate The Power of Curb Appeal

Before a buyer sets foot in your door, they have to pass through the front yard first. As with many things in life, making

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Haunted places in Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs is known for exceptional hiking and biking, amazing ski resorts, and some of the top tourist destinations in the country. But, did you also know that Colorado Springs has some haunted places that are sure to spook you to the core this Halloween season. For past Halloweens, you might have rented a scary movie or sit around your fire pit in your backyard telling old ghost stories. But for a truly eerie experience, why not get out and explore some of the haunted places in and around Colorado Springs.

Cheyenne Canyon

Cheyenne Canyon has a long history with local American Indian tribes. The ancient Native American folklore states that the God Manitou threw the devil himself into the canyon that faces the heavens. As it stands

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Where Are the Best Coffee Shops in Colorado Springs?

Some of the greatest perks to living in The Springs are the craft beer, fine dining, and cool coffee shops that can be found in town. People here work hard, play hard, and love to gather over good food in their down time. So, what makes a good coffee shop great? For starters, it all comes down to the beans. A good environment, friendly staff, and house-made snacks also go a long way.

Whether you're a coffee aficionado or just enjoy it for its warmth and energizing effects, these five shops in Colorado Springs are a must-visit for residents and tourists alike!

Switchback Roasters

Colorado Springs coffee shop pours americanoInspired by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the importance of social interaction, Switchback Roasters is a locally owned and operated shop that aims to create an

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Tips for hiring a contractor or handyman

No matter how new or old your home is, you will most certainly require help from a handyman at one point or another. Whether it's fixing a leaky pipe or installing a new roof, regardless of the scope of the project, you want to make sure you hire someone who can get the job done efficiently and affordably.

Finding a good contractor or hiring a handyman is especially important when you're taking care of the house alone if your partner is away or deployed. In these cases, getting some extra help from someone who knows what they're doing is vital.

Here are a few things to look for when hiring a good handyman or contractor:

Check the Contractor's Reviews

In today's digital age, it's easy to find out everything you need to know about a

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5 easy ways to boost your credit rating fast

With the rising cost of rent in Colorado Springs, you might be thinking this year is finally the year you're going to buy a home. This is an exciting time for anyone, but there's one big thing that stands between you and your dream of owning: a mortgage.

While you might feel financially ready to take on a mortgage, it's ultimately up to the lender to deem you responsible and financially stable. One of the ways they do that is to take a peek into your credit history. Maxing out your credit card in college or forgetting to pay a bill here and there might not seem like a big deal at the time, but it could come back to haunt you later in life when trying to apply for a large loan.

If you've been informed you have imperfect credit and need to

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What Is Escrow

The purchase of your first home can be an exciting and exhilarating process. Homeownership is something that many people dream of. Owning your own home means not being held accountable to a landlord. It means the freedom to paint, remodel, and redecorate your space how you like. It means creating the perfect space for you and your family to build a life together and create memories that will last a lifetime.

For most people, the purchase of a home is also the largest transaction they will make. This can be daunting. Few buyers have the resources to buy a home outright, and this can make the buying process even more complicated because lenders are involved too. One of the biggest challenges that new home buyers face is understanding the buying

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what you need to know before buying home insurance

Home insurance is single-most important thing you can have to protect your largest investment, and if you're financing a home with a mortgage, there's a very good chance you'll be required to have it. However, not every insurance policy is created equal and it pays to do your homework. If disaster strikes, you don't want to be left wondering: am I really covered for that?

Here are some things to watch for if you're in the market for home insurance:

Know What You Need

The foundation of every insurance policy is its level of coverage. A twenty year-old home is going to require a different policy than a new construction one, as will mobile homes and condominiums.

For many homeowners, insurance is one of those things they buy once and forget

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Reasons to work with a discount real estate broker

When it comes to hiring a real estate agent, the saying, "you get what you pay for" rings true. We see many Realtors® advertise their services online offering rebates and discounts for homebuyers— especially here in The Springs. If you think these Realtors sound too good to be true, they definitely are.

Discount Realtors are easy to find but they are also something you should avoid if you are selling or buying a home. The initial discount or rebate is not worth the hassle and trouble of working with an inexperienced and unprepared individual.

Here are 3 reasons why you should avoid working with a discount real estate broker:

They Can Lack Proper Training and Experience

Training to be Realtor takes time and money. Offering reliable

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reasons to buy a home in the fall

As you wind down from the excitement of a summer that was filled with family gatherings, nights out with friends, barbecues in the backyard, and weekends floating peacefully in a lake somewhere, it's time to focus your thoughts on buying that new home that you have been thinking about. Why would you want to do this in the fall I can hear you thinking! There are many reasons for listing in the fall and after this blog post, we know you'll be ready to run out and buy your first or next home! Ok, maybe not run out, but at least be more informed after reviewing the following 6 reasons for listing in the fall.

Homes Are Priced Lower

Realty Trac states that October is actually the best time to purchase a home. They looked at over 32 million home

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