2017 Pikes Peak Home Buying Guide

Pikes Peak Home Buying Guide PROFILES OF LOCAL HOME BUILDERS AND AGENTS • A GAZETTE MEDIA SPECIAL SECTION • SUNDAY, JUNE 11, 2017

Life on Purpose; Choose Community at its Best.

WWW.GOLDHILLMESA.COM

REARDON PARTNERS:

Why you need an experienced Realtor in this competitive market

BY GINA CRONIN GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM

The inventory in Colorado Springs is lower than it’s ever been, so it’s critical for buyers to be competently represented by an experienced, knowledgeable Realtor. “Protecting our clients’ interests is our number one priority,” says Debbie Reardon, Real Estate Broker, CRS, GRI, ABR with Reardon Partners, The Platinum Group Realtors, and top producing Realtor in the Colorado Springs real estate market since 1993. “A competitive market, like the one we’re experiencing now, brings specific complexities to the transaction that only an experienced broker can help buyers and sellers navigate, which makes it paramount that clients have their best interests protected.”

When searching for a home in a competitive market, the buyer’s Realtor is one of the most important pieces to the transaction, and buyers need to work with a Realtor who displays experience and

knowledge, availability and responsiveness, professionalism and dedication to their field.

The Reardon Partners Real Estate Team has longevity in the business, and have spent a great deal of time developing relationships with a wealth of professionals to use as resources to help their clients. Most important is the arsenal of home inspectors, contractors, lenders, appraisers and others at their disposal that help evaluate the property for the buyers. “The due diligence buyers should perform to assess a property can be daunting, but is the most important step of the process to ensure their investment is protected,” Reardon says. “Having a real estate professional to walk you through the process can alleviate some of the stress, and allows the buyer to feel comfortable with the purchase.”

Listings are moving extremely quickly in this market, and it’s easy for a home you love to be sold to someone else in the blink

of an eye. “Right now the moment a house comes on the market, we need to be ready to move,” says Reardon. The Reardon Partners, comprised of Debbie Reardon and her two daughters Kelly Reardon and Kim Kingston, work as a team, which allows them the availability to show properties as they hit the market.

A few other qualities in a Realtor that buyers and sellers should look out for are how many years they’ve been in business, their education level, their track record, their knowledge of the local market, whether or not they’ve kept up with continuing education, and their overall professionalism.

For sellers, it’s crucial to be working with a dedicated, experienced Realtor who can handle multiple offers coming in on a listing and negotiate the most beneficial and lucrative terms. There has never been a better time to sell because inventory is so low and buyers are clamoring for nice

homes; but it’s important to sell smart — with expert help.

The Reardon Partners Real Estate Team understand that your home is your most valuable possession, and they want to help you buy or sell your home with the highest level of professionalism, diligence and experience.

To learn more, visit ReardonPartners. com.

GOLD HILL MESA:

Focus on family, friendships and free time

BY LESLIE MASSEY SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

A rewarding way of life with an emphasis on family, friendships and free time is the attitude at Gold Hill Mesa. Families embrace walkable streets, smartly designed homes, and a community that promotes a fulfilling lifestyle, rather than squandering time maintaining big yards.

During Colorado’s incredible summer months, the Gold Hill Mesa community comes alive. Throughout the summer the community center, The Exchange, is bursting with events and activities for families to indulge in, from picnics to potlucks, concerts in the park and more.

Kicking off August 12th and running every Saturday through September, the annual concert series is the highlight of summer. Welcoming people from all over the Pikes Peak region, the outdoor concerts create an idyllic occasion to listen to great music while enjoying a

variety of food vendors in the dynamic atmosphere at Gold Hill Mesa. Along with a new art exhibit — Art on the Mesa, the list of events also includes fundraisers, biking and hiking adventures, and more.

Masterful home builders have crafted a wide range of unique design plans to seamlessly complement the community.

A collection of specialized floor plans and architectural styles balance the qualities that make Gold Hill Mesa a sought-after community, with model homes open this summer including: Hi Point Homes; CreekStone Homes; and JM Weston Homes.

For more information about the dynamic and innovative lifestyle at Gold Hill Mesa and the expertly crafted, stylish new homes, stop by the model homes located throughout the neighborhood. You can also go online at GoldHillMesa.com, or call 719-633-2202. ■

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FINANCING a home improvement project METRO SERVICES

Many people use their credit cards to finance renovations, but there are better options.

After years of funny financing and few limitations on loans, banks and other lenders have tightened up their lending policies. As a result, homeowners considering a home improvement project might need to look elsewhere.

There are no certainties in the real estate markets. Though statistics suggest marked

improvement in home sales over just a few months ago, many homeowners remain wary about selling their home to try to move up to something bigger and better.

The National Association of Home Builders says many people are choosing to stay put in their homes and remodel or make renovations to transform the house into something more comfortable.

While there are many worthwhile home renovation projects, the NAHB recommends CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

The Reardon Partners Real Estate Team Kim Debbie Reardon Kingston Reardon

Kelly Reardon

Celebrating 23 Successful Years In The Pikes Peak Region!

Buying or Selling a Home Should be a Positive Experience.

We’re Here to Ensure That Happens!

Listen to What Our Clients Are Saying About Our Services: “Debbie, Kelly and Kim are an outstanding team and they work extremely

well together. Their knowledge, skills and talents complement each other perfectly and they all took great care of us from start to finish. Their process is thorough, efficient, all-encompassing and most importantly, successful. We highly recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.”

— George & Judy, Sellers, May 2017

We strongly recommend l your Reardon Partners to sel geable, led ow kn is ie bb De property. dlessly en le, approachable, personab e. She tim r he th wi patient, and generous very professional, and her entire team are ble in every facet are extremely knowledgea strong work a of Real Estate, and have g. tin Ra r ethic. 5 Sta – Ray & Lourdes, Sellers, May 2017

We sold our house ks to in less than a day than ow we kn I ! ers rtn Pa The Reardon th at wi out couldn’t have done th endly and them. They are so fri imagine n’t ca professional. I r or more tte be le op pe working with an Th k you! skilled than they are!

– Will & Lee, Sellers, May 2017

The Reardon Partners another were recommended by rrect in her realtor and she was co ilities and assessment of their ab sale. Excellent handling of our home were on top of communication. They th the many the situation even wi y. Highly twists we sent their wa recommended!

– Leonard, Seller, May 2017

Let Our Family Help Your Family in 2017!

www.ReardonPartners.com 719.955.8525

Debbie@ReardonPartners.com | Kelly@ReardonPartners.com | Kim@ReardonPartners.com Business Photo courtesy of Capture Life Photography

SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I

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THE DEMOS TEAM:

“Working together to serve you better”

BY GINA CRONIN GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM

The Demos Team understands that a real estate transaction has many different facets, and the most important facet is a satisfied client at the closing table. The team has a 98 percent close rate, because they do everything to take care of their clients every step of the way. Brent and Kimber Demos specialize in residential, commercial, land and multi-family real estate, and use confidence, negotiating skills and in-depth knowledge of the market to take care of their clients’ most precious asset — their real estate investments.

Brent and Kimber are both Colorado Springs natives, and Brent has been a licensed Realtor since 1988. An accomplished businessman, he started a landscaping business in 1984 through which he had 1200 customers; and sold the company in 1997 in order to focus full time on his true passion of real estate. In 2005, Brent co-founded The Platinum Group

Realtors with several amazing top agents in Colorado Springs. Kimber joined forces with Brent in 2014 after 19 years in the mortgage industry, and together they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise that support successful real estate transactions.

“My mother, Dot Demos, was in the business for more than 40 years and was considered one of Colorado Springs’ best Realtors,” says Brent. “In fact, she was named Realtor of the year in 1983.” Dot helped Brent look at real estate closely at a young age based on her extensive experience. This inspired him to obtain his license right out of college, where he had acquired his Marketing and Business Degree.

Brent has nearly 30 years of experience in the industry and is extremely well-versed in the transaction process with buyers and sellers. “In this market so many people say, ‘the market is so good I can sell my property myself,’” says Brent. “What they

don’t understand is that half the battle is marketing, but the real battle is getting it to the closing table for sellers; and there is a lot of paperwork and negotiating to get to that point.” The Demos Team handles property transactions with diligence and professionalism — from outstanding marketing and photos, to negotiating and closing, to checking in after closing and ensuring everything went as planned from the clients’ perspective.

Brent and Kimber also handle many newbuild transactions. “If you’re buying a new home, there’s important information that you need to know. Many buyers purchasing newbuilds will put full trust in the builder; but they may not be getting the full level of service as when a Realtor is involved,” says Brent. “It’s crucial that a broker is there to guide them through the process and even follow up with the builder after closing to ensure they are doing everything they said they’d do.”

“My favorite aspect of real estate is that moment when we’re at the closing table, and when I know I’ve done my job correctly to get my buyers and sellers there, and they walk out happy,” he says. “That’s better than any commission you earn. Sometimes agents get into this business for the money, but when you’re in it for customer satisfaction, everything else falls in place!”

Many of Brent and Kimber’s clients are repeat customers. “I think one of the things that helps us be successful is the people around us at the Platinum Group Realtors,” says Brent. “Everyone under this roof is a top professional, so it’s great to work alongside experts.” The Platinum Group Realtors is ranked as the number one Independent Real Estate Firm in Colorado Springs, and closed on more than $600 million in sales in 2016.

To contact The Demos Team, call 719338-8110, email TheDemosTeam@gmail. com, or visit BrentDemos.com.

these loans is tax-deductible, which can make this financing option quite popular.

Secure a home equity line of credit. A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is another type of home equity loan. Instead of receiving a lump sum to use toward renovations like you would with a traditional home equity loan, a HELOC is sort of a credit card type scenario based on the equity in your home. You are given a line of credit, against which you can buy items. This is good for intermittent needs, when one large sum is not needed. HELOCs have a draw period, during which the borrower can use the credit, and a repayment period, during which it must be repaid. HELOCs generally have lower mortgage fees at the start and are generally subject to the same tax incentives as regular home equity loans.

Consider refinancing. Interest rates on mortgages are at historic lows. You may qualify to do a cash-out refinance, where you borrow against the value of your home and create an entirely new mortgage at the lower rate. Although you will start your

mortgage all over from day one and have to pay closing fees, this type of refinancing can be more advantageous to homeowners with significant equity in their homes.

Apply for a government-sponsored loan.

The government may offer programs aimed at helping individuals who are underwater on their home loans borrow money to make necessary improvements. While the funding cannot be used to purchase luxury items, such as a swimming pool, it can be used for necessities. Residents of the United States can explore FHA 203(k) refinance options and an FHA title one improvement loan.

Discuss financing with your contractor.

Some contractors may offer financing. Keep in mind that the interest rates may be high, and it may be difficult to investigate the security of these types of loans.

Credit cards should be used only as a last resort. They typically come with high interest rates, and while they are good for some small projects, financing larger projects on a card may land you very deep in debt.

FINANCING HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

projects that bring your home up to par with the neighbors’. It doesn’t pay to transform your home into the most expensive on the street — unless you plan to live there for the rest of your life. Real estate experts recommend that a remodeling investment increases the value of your house by no more than 10 to 15 percent above the median sales price in your neighborhood.

When it comes time to finance a remodel or renovation, you may not know where to start. Credit restrictions on home mortgages that have troubled many would-be buyers have also plagued individuals looking to finance home improvements. However, homeowners hoping to finance a project do have options, and not all of them require stellar credit ratings.

Borrow against a retirement plan. Many retirement plans, such as a 401(k), allow plan members to take out a portion of the savings to put toward a home loan. This does not mean you are taking money out of the account permanently. Rather, you are borrowing against yourself, with repayment

necessary in a certain timeframe. Because these loans often offer very low interest rates, and essentially the interest is being paid back to you, they might be a good option for men and women who cannot secure a traditional loan. However, if you have been laid off, there may be a shorter repayment period. Also, the interest on these loans is not tax-deductible.

Borrow against other investments. CDs, bonds or mutual funds can provide the collateral you need and earn you a lower interest rate. Fixed-income investments are more stable options to borrow against, as their value won’t have a chance to decline.

Apply for a home equity loan. Many people have heard of a home equity loan, and it is usually the first choice when borrowing funds for renovations. Essentially a home equity loan is taking out a second mortgage on your home to pay for the work you want to have done, which is based on the equity, or the difference between the home’s fair market value and the outstanding balance of all liens on the property. The interest on

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“Working together to serve you better” • • • •

Licensed Broker since 1988 Helping more than 2500 satisfied clients buy or sell their properties Colorado Springs Natives Making the choice to buy or sell Real Estate is one of the biggest decisions most people will make in life. The market is changing on a monthly basis and your greatest investment deserves the best representation.

Let 29 years of experience be your Real Estate guide!

• Specializing in Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Land and New Construction in all price ranges (If you are buying a new built home, there is a lot you need to know).

• We also specialize in working with seniors that need a Good Plan and Good Advice when it comes to selling or buying.

BRENT DEMOS

KIMBER DEMOS

Real Estate Esstate B Broker/Co-Founder

Broker Associate

DEDICATION-COMMITMENT-RESULTS

719-338-8110

WEBSITE

EMAIL

BrentDemos.com

TheDemosTeam@Gmail.com SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I

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VANGUARD HOMES PRESENTS:

Exciting new communities, floor plans and a cutting-edge design center

BY GINA CRONIN, GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM

Vanguard Homes is excited to announce its two new communities coming to Colorado Springs this fall. The first is Mountain Shadows Villas — a pairedpatio home community featuring three ranch plans and two two-story plans. The ranchers range from 1,500-1,600 square feet, and the two-story options from 2,300-2,600 square feet. The homes in this low-maintenance community in District 11 are affectionately named after popular landmarks in the area: Brogans Bluff, Glen Eyre, Rock Ledge, Queen’s Canyon and Eagle Lake.

Also coming soon is Bison Ridge phase five, featuring attractive single-family homes and low-maintenance living in the highlypopular Academy District 20. Approximately 40 homesites will be available to choose from — many boasting jaw-dropping mountain vistas. The model home for Bison Ridge’s first phase is located at 3006 Kettle Ridge, Colorado Springs and is available to

view. Only five homes remain in phase one.

“We will be featuring many new designs, including modern contemporary and contemporary prairie using metal siding with stone,” says Vanguard Homes’ Architectural Project Manager, Jeff Ahner. “I love how Mark Long, Owner of Vanguard Homes, gives me the freedom to go beyond the standard look in order to present truly innovative and open-concept floor plans that fit peoples’ unique lifestyles.” For nearly two decades, Long has built more than 2,000 homes, and is consistently at the leading-edge when it comes to home building and design.

The stunning semi-custom homes that Vanguard Homes is known for continue to include more and more updated features.

The Legacy Series, for example, presents nine-foot, vaulted ceilings in most plans, large soaking tubs, custom fit granite slab counters, GE Stainless Steel appliances, synthetic stucco exterior and much more. A current Vanguard Homes resident, Nate Ban,

says, “Working with Vanguard homes has been an absolute pleasure. Elegant home designs, complete with arches, panoramic windows and energy-efficient materials, give you that custom home design without the custom home price.”

A top priority of Vanguard Homes is energy-efficiency; which not only results in lower energy bills, but is an indicator of first-rate materials and workmanship.

Each home comes complete with a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) certificate, and a cost-guarantee on utilities. “Many tests are conducted to ensure significant energy savings,” says Josh Peterson, Vanguard Homes’ Chief Operating Officer and HBA Board Member who brings with him 18 years of experience in construction management.

“There are many exciting changes taking place with Vanguard Homes — from our communities, to updated features to our brand new model homes,” says Kelly Price,

President of Vanguard Homes and an HBA Emerging Leader. The first new model home is in the Wolf Ranch community and is located at 9551 Tutt Blvd. This home opened on May 27. Wolf Ranch has spectacular views and includes parks, open space, trails, a recreation center and a dog park. The second new model home is located at 9906 Wolf Lake in Daybreak at Wolf Ranch, which is a low-maintenance community within Wolf Ranch. Both homes will be featured in this year’s highlyanticipated Parade of Homes.

“We are also thrilled to introduce Envision Vanguard, our state-of-the-art design center, which will be located within the new model home on Tutt,” says Price. “Here our clients can browse the wide variety of design selections and personalize their beautiful Vanguard Home.”

For more information, contact Kelly Price at 719-650-1778 or visit VanguardNewHomes.com.

OWNING VS. RENTING:

What’s better for your wallet?

BY SYLVIE TEMBLAY TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

Part of being smart with your money means managing how much you buy. And while that might be as simple as not buying goods you don’t need, it might also mean considering alternatives to buying — like renting or leasing — to save money.

Opting to rent something has its own set of benefits. For example, you rarely have to make a large up-front payment the way you would with a purchase, and you likely won’t need to worry about the ongoing cost of maintenance. However, rental costs can add up to more than you’d ever pay for an item in the first place, so it’s important to consider whether renting truly saves you money.

To help, we talked to the experts to find out when renting is the better option and

when it’s better to buy.

HOME VS. APARTMENT The decision to rent or buy a home usually isn’t purely financial. You might also crave the stability and pride of owning or the freedom to renovate and landscape how you want. But there are a few factors that make renting the better financial choice — namely, location.

“Renting usually makes sense unless you are pretty sure you will stay in one home for at least five years,” explained Daniel Mahoney, certified financial planner and president of Atlanta-based financial advice firm True Square Financial. “This is because there are several thousand dollars of transaction costs that come with CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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CENTURY COMMUNITIES:

You dream. We build.

COURTESY OF CENTURY COMMUNITIES

At Century Communities, we know it takes hammers and nails to build a house but it also takes passion, vision, integrity and quality to create your home. Everything we do — from selecting locations, designing the architecture and integrating everyday efficiencies into our homes — reflects our deepest consideration and respect for our customers.

Our Colorado Springs team is dedicated to delivering a satisfying home buying experience. Century Communities does more than build beautiful homes, we work side-by-side with people each and every day to help them achieve their goals and fulfill their dreams. In Colorado Springs, our team exemplifies these values with each home we build.

Find your new-build home at a Century Communities location near you! Visit us in picturesque Monument at Lake of the Rockies, where you can enjoy lake and

mountain views in award winning singlefamily homes from the mid $300s. Don’t miss out on Lake of the Rockies next 10 homes, scheduled to be move-in ready for the 2017 school year.

If the city is more your style, ask about our new duplex homes in Wild Grass at Rockrimmon, where you can choose from ranch or two-story plans close to all that Colorado Springs has to offer.

Look for new communities coming soon and don’t miss out on final opportunities this summer at Stetson Ridge Townhomes.

For the latest details and availability visit us at www.CenturyCommunities.com/ Colorado or call our dedicated sales consultant at 303-268-8364.

Our homes are where memories are made, families are raised and stories unfold. Our mission is to create thriving, enduring neighborhoods by building new homes with lasting livability. Visit one of

our communities today and let us help you achieve your dream of finding the right home. You dream. We Build.

Find your new dream home in Colorado Springs or beyond at CenturyCommunities. com/Colorado. ■

Remodelista and Gardenista launch 2017 Considered Design Awards contest NEWSWIRE

Remodelista.com, the go-to home interior and renovation website for home design enthusiasts and professionals, and its sister website Gardenista. com, today announced it is accepting submissions for their annual Considered Design Awards contest, which honor the year’s greatest triumphs of home and garden design prowess and remodeling ingenuity.

“We’re excited to see what our readers, amateurs and professionals alike, have come up with in the home remodeling space,” said Julie Carlson, Remodelista editor-in-chief. “Every year we’re impressed by the ingenuity and creativity of the submissions we receive; it’s our favorite event of the year.”

Between now and 12 a.m. PDT on June 22, design enthusiasts and professionals

in the U.S., U.K., and Canada (excluding Quebec), are invited to submit their own interior or outdoor design projects in categories that span the entire home. To participate readers can submit up to 10 photos and a description of their work.

After the submission period closes, four guest judges — Sheila Bridges, interior designer; Sam Hamilton, owner of March in San Francisco; Deborah Needleman, design editor; and Rita Konig, writer and interior designer — will select finalists for each category detailed. The winners will be voted on

by Remodelista and Gardenista readers.

The top vote-getters will receive internet fame as well as a collection of books from the guest judges, plus Remodelista and Gardenista’s own books. Professional winners will also receive automatic entry

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into the websites’ architect/designer directory of recommended professionals.

Info about previous winners can be found at http://remodeli.st/awards-2017.

Remodelista award categories include: Amateur: • Best Bath • Best Kitchen • Best Living/Dining • Best U.K. Interior Professional: • Best Bath • Best Kitchen • Best Living/Dining • Best U.K. Interior Gardenista Award Categories include: Amateur: • Best Garden • Best U.K. Garden

• Professional: • Best Landscape • Best U.K. Landscape Open to All: • Best Outdoor Living Space • Best Hardscape • Best Curb Appeal • Best Edible Garden Eligible Participants: Amateur and professional home and garden design enthusiasts in the U.S., U.K., and Canada (excluding Quebec) Submission Deadline: 12 a.m. PDT on June 22.

For more information, please visit: https://www.remodelista.com/ remodelista-considered-designawards-2017.

YOU DREAM.

We Build.

Enjoy the View at

New Single Family Homes in Monument 1,577 to 3,507 Sq. Ft. 2 to 6 Bedrooms, 2 to 5 Bathrooms From the $300’s

719.488.4361 | CenturyCommunities.com/EnjoyTheView *Price, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are conceptual, images may VKRZ LWHPV QRW LQFOXGHG LQ WKH SXUFKDVH SULFH DQG DYDLODELOLW\ PD\ YDU\ 3HUVRQV LQ SKRWRV GR QRW UHÀHFW UDFLDO SUHIHUHQFH DQG KRXVLQJ LV RSHQ WR DOO ZLWKRXW UHJDUG WR UDFH color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Financing provided by Inspire Home Loans, Inc. (NMLS# 1564276) Regulated by the Colorado Division of Real Estate. Telephone 720-386-2564. ©06/2017 Century Communities

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Part of being smart with your money means managing how much you buy. And while that might be as simple as not buying goods you don’t need, it might also mean considering alternatives to buying.

SMART SPENDING: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

buying, financing and, eventually, selling a home.”

If you’re looking to stay in the same home for the long haul, however, buying could be worth it.

FURNITURE Whether you opt to rent or own, outfitting your home can be expensive.

And while it might be tempting to turn to furniture rentals to cut down on your up-front costs, it’s probably worth it to invest in buying.

“Regular household items like furniture and appliances are almost always better to purchase than to rent, unless the need for the item is short-term,” Mahoney said. “The companies that finance these items know that most of their customers lack the cash to purchase these items without financing and can, therefore, get away with charging high rates and fees.”

That doesn’t mean you need to shell out lots of money for expensive furniture, though. Pick up a few high-quality staple items like sofas, and go for less expensive options for pieces that won’t get used as often.

VEHICLE Your vehicle is likely your largest living expense outside of shelter, and the decision to lease rather than buy a car can make a big difference in your bottom line. Leasing might be preferable, as long as you do it right.

“Leasing can be an attractive alternative to borrowing,” Mahoney said. “Rates are often competitive, and the leasing company assumes the risk that the vehicle depreciates in value more than is expected.”

However, you can run into trouble if you use lease in order to drive a car you really can’t afford, Mahoney said. “When people buy cars in cash, they tend to spend less than they do if they finance the purchase,” he said. “It is easy to lose sight of a $10,000 increment in sticker price when it is translated into an incremental monthly payment of $150.”

You can find out your cost to own a car in your state, but the bottom line is to make your car budget and stick to it, even if you lease.

environment. Both owning and renting have distinct benefits, depending on where in the country you live.

“Typically, you will save more money in the long run by buying solar panels,” said Sarah Hancock, a solar energy expert based in Utah. “Once the panels are paid off, you will own them and all of the energy that they produce, essentially making it so that you do not have to pay for electricity.”

You’ll also get to take advantage of federal and state tax credits that are not available to renters. Owning is especially beneficial if you live in a state with low electricity prices like Washington, Idaho and Louisiana, where the leasing cost might negate the money you’re saving on electricity.

However, if you live in a state with high energy costs — like Hawaii, Massachusetts or California — renting is your best bet, said Hancock. You won’t need to put any money down upfront, and the monthly energy savings should add up to more than your leasing costs, giving you a net savings.

SOLAR PANELS

WARDROBE

Installing solar panels is a great way to cut your energy bill and help the

When deciding whether to rent or buy clothing and accessories, Mahoney

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recommended considering how often you’ll use an item and what kind of quality you’re looking for. While wardrobe rental services have grown in popularity in recent years, it’s still in your best interest to buy your staple wardrobe items. Not only will you wear these essentials often, but there are also a number of simple ways to save money on clothes.

Save money by investing in a few highquality staples. For men, this might mean a custom-made suit and a few sport coats; for women, a classic black blazer, work-appropriate dress and some denim that makes you feel fantastic. Even formal wear like tuxedos could be worth buying if you’ll use them a few times a year, said Mahoney, because rented versions tend to be lower in quality.

However, some specialty items — such as costumes or other one-nightonly formal wear — are worth renting.

Similarly, if you want to experiment with high-quality trendy pieces, a rental service could help you try new looks without investing in a piece that might be out of fashion next season.

THE FARM:

New Phase now selling, with phenomenal views, unique lots and exciting architectural options

BY GINA CRONIN GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM

Residents of The Farm — a master planned community in Academy School District 20 — enjoy enchanting views blended into a down-to-earth, quiet lifestyle with unlimited opportunities right outside their front door. Set against the backdrop of stunning Front Range, families are able to get away from every day hustle and bustle, and find time for biking, swimming and fishing, without ever leaving the community. Homes are priced from the lower $400s to $1 million plus.

Filing Two is a truly unique area and offers a different product than people have seen thus far in The Farm, with varying levels of topography and phenomenal views. These new lots are unique for the north side of Colorado Springs with their varying sizes and broader architectural options. The opportunities are endless with lots ranging from 7,000 to 27,000 square feet, and new

elevations ranging from mountain modern to farm house. “Being a semi-custom to custom builder we feel we now truly have the opportunity to get creative and make dreams come true,” says Blake Barcus of Saddletree Homes.

The Farm is now taking reservations for 19 lots on Count Fleet Court, a cul-desac featuring low-maintenance homes.

Spend your free time smelling the flowers, not pruning them. Here you’ll enjoy snow removal, lawn care maintenance, trash and recycling, and exterior water for landscaping all included in your monthly HOA fee.

Saddletree Homes and Vantage Homes will be offering a mix of plans to choose from, including ranches and two-story residences.

Stop in to tour the model homes today. Visit TheFarmColorado.com to learn more. Or connect with one of the builders in the community.

BROYHILL FURNITURE SHOWCASE

At Broyhill we provide customers with fine quality furniture at affordable prices! We have a large selection of home furnishings in a variety of styles. Our friendly knowledgeable staff will help you find your own unique look, and make your home beautiful, comfortable and functional.

BROYHILL FURNITURE SHOWCASE

719-550-9464

CORNER OF AIRPORT & ACADEMY

345 S. Academy Blvd

www.broyhillcos.com

BUY BETTER. BUY BROYHILL.

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HARDING NURSERY:

60 years of local gardening expertise

BY GINA CRONIN GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM

In 1957, Billie and Joan Harding started Harding Nursery, specializing in home grown blue spruce, assorted shade trees and evergreen spreaders. Today, daughters Debbie and Sharon along with son-in-law Terry Shaw, run the nursery. Following in their footsteps are Terry and Sharon’s children, Dustin and Kristen, Kristen’s husband Chad Burnside, and their sons Brock, Brody and Bron.

“Gardening is all I’ve ever know,” says Sharon Harding-Shaw. “Since I was little I always knew what I was doing from spring to fall; and always looked forward to digging, fertilizing, watering and planting after school.” She has passed this tradition on to her kids, and looks forward to having the nursery in the family for several decades to come.

The family-owned and operated business has continued to grow over the past 60 years. They have a wholesale and retail business with 12 acres on Powers

Blvd., Colorado Springs. At this location they propagate shrubs, perennials and evergreens. In the spring they start vegetables for gardens, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash, pumpkins and many more. The abundance of products available continue into the fall and winter season — with a vast array of holiday decorations and Colorado-grown Christmas trees.

Harding Nursery now has more than 100 acres of growing fields east of Colorado Springs, seven acres of container area and have expanded to 23 greenhouses.

They have grown to having more than 7,000 varieties of plant material to choose from including a broad selection of shade, ornamental and conifer trees, flowering ornamental and evergreen shrubs, perennial flowers, ornamental grasses and much more. They also have two greenhouses dedicated to roses — just walking in surrounds visitors in beauty for

all the senses.

On the growing farm they grow conifers, evergreen spreaders, deciduous shrubs, and deciduous trees (Canada Red Cherry, Crab Apples, Ash, Oaks), in addition to thousands of perennials. “We are known for our huge selection,” says Harding-Shaw. “We have the largest selection of plant material in the area that I can think of — with the most variety to choose from.”

Customers enjoy personalized one-onone assistance, and have an opportunity to browse locally grown plants, trees and shrubs. The staff are highly trained and educated, with many being Certified Nursery Professionals and Horticulturists.

Customers are consistently presented with a high-quality selection, as they stock only premium, leading-edge plants. As a bonus, the garden center offers a range of services including tree spading, and planting and delivery.

They enrich the community not only with

their abundant inventory, but with their wealth of gardening knowledge that they are always willing to share with their customers.

They feature free seminars throughout the spring and summer as well, “Our knowledgeable sales staff can help you with all of your plant and landscape questions and can give you pamphlets or handouts that specifically explain answers to problems you may have,” says Harding-Shaw. At Harding Nursery, by propagating and growing a wide range of plant material in local soil and Colorado climate, the staff enable their customers to find great success.

Come visit their nursery and their staff of Colorado Certified Nursery Professionals and Horticulturists at 721 N. Powers Blvd. Harding Nursery strives to give their customers personal assistance, with full knowledge of the plants that do well in Colorado’s challenging climate.

HardingNursery.com. ■

HOURS: Mon thru Sat: 8am to 6pm Sunday: 9am to 5pm

Billie and Joan Harding opened Harding Nursery in 1957. For over sixty years, we have continually expanded our growing operations and plant stock areas. We have more than sixty acres of growing fields and ten greenhouses east of Colorado Springs. The main nursery has over twelve acres of stock and seventeen greenhouses. We strive to give our customers individual assistance, while sharing our knowledge of the plants and flowers that thrive in Colorado’s challenging climate. Come visit with our expert gardening staff of Colorado Certified Nursery Professionals and let us help you create the landscape of your dreams!

719.596.5712 721 N. Powers Blvd www.hardingnursery.com

12 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017

2017

KELLER HOMES:

A brand new series of architectural designs in Cumbre Vista

BY GINA CRONIN GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM PHOTO COURTESY OF KELLER HOMES

Privately-held and locally-owned, the award-winning Keller Homes has been building throughout Colorado Springs for more than 30 years. The company currently builds in some of the most beloved masterplanned communities in the area: Cordera, The Trails, The Farm, La Bellezza — at closeout, and Cumbre Vista — coming early July.

Keller Homes is excited to begin pre-sales for Cumbre Vista, a community in District 20 featuring single family homes from the mid-300s. “Keller Homes is offering a brand new series of architectural designs in this community, including farmhouse and midcentury cottage,” says Sharon Curdy, Sales and Marketing Manager. Cumbre Vista has nine floor plans available to choose from, including ranch and two-story options. In the heart of the neighborhood is a five-acre

park with play equipment; and every home is conveniently connected to the park by a beautifully paved sidewalk.

Keller Homes will also continue to make

new home sites available in Cordera through the summer. “We are one of Cordera’s original builders, and have had a tremendous year there, so we are excited

to make more home sites available,” says Curdy. Keller Homes is also thrilled to announce that this fall they will be begin construction on their brand new lowmaintenance neighborhood in Cordera, which will feature 36 homes built exclusively

by Keller Homes.

The designers and architects at Keller Homes are known to be perfectionists at their craft, and look at every single detail in order to optimize quality, functionality and aesthetic-appeal. Every home adheres to energy efficiency standards, and are tested and rated for energy efficiency by a third party. “Comfort and livability are very important to us,” says Curdy.

Come for a tour and you’ll see how we deliver a beautiful sense of style and space.

To learn more, call 719-499-3781 or visit KellerHomes.com.

ANTELOPE RIDGE:

A true sense of community matched with breathtaking homes COURTESY OF ANTELOPE RIDGE

Antelope Ridge is a premier resort-style community located in the east side of Colorado Springs. The neighborhood features over 230 sites that span across 40 acres and enjoy panoramic vistas of the Front Range.

The homes of Antelope Ridge are nothing short of spectacular, and feature uniquely landscaped yards, dedicated drive-ways leading up to an attached garage, spacious back porches to enjoy those Colorado sunsets over the mountains, and large front porches that provide a wonderful sense of community. Buyers may also choose from a wide range of luxury options for their modern floor plan, including fireplaces, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, and porcelain and granite countertops.

Antelope Ridge is the perfect place for retirees or empty nesters to call home — though a variety of exciting amenities make it ideal for families as well. Community features include a business center, clubhouse, fitness center, picnic area, playground, swimming pool, walking trails and even a school bus stop. There are also

weekly resident activities including Tuesday morning breakfast, a monthly pot-luck dinner, bocce ball, card clubs and more.

Antelope Ridge is committed to upholding YES! Communities four core values: Always being there to help residents, working as a team, consistently adding value to the neighborhood, and building a strong sense of community. Antelope Ridge also participates in YES! Communities quarterly charity in which they are allowed to nominate residents who have fallen on hard times, perhaps a financial hardship or health issues, to receive a gift card to help them back on their feet.

New homes are under construction in Antelope Ridge, with 15-20 new units planned this year. There is also a newly renovated community center and newly resurfaced swimming pools for residents to enjoy. The average home price is $170,000.

To learn more, visit the office at 4001 Gray Fox Heights, Colorado Springs; browse the website at YesCommunities.com; or call a sales agent at 719-573-1200.

KellerHomes Lookey Loos are cordially invited.

www.kellerhomes.com

SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I

13

Get approved for a mortgage METRO SERVICES

Real estate professionals say the market is rebounding, and many would-be home buyers are eagerly awaiting their opportunities to purchase their own homes.

Fresh data indicates that the inventory of properties is quickly drying up and soon the market is poised to point in the sellers’ favor.

According to Allen & Associates, a real estate appraisal, consultant and research firm based in Colorado, properties in the area listed for sale are below the six-month supply of inventory. Now could be the time to get a good deal on a home, provided buyers are able to secure mortgages.

No matter how many affordable homes are available, if a buyer cannot get approved for a mortgage, then his or her chances of owning a home are slim. In the wake of a tumultuous

economy, many lenders tightened restrictions on mortgage lending. And even though the economy has rebounded, many lenders have continued to follow strict guidelines before lending money. In order to secure a mortgage with a good interest rate, buyers must take control of their financial situations and fix problems that could lead to loan rejection.

Many things can impact a mortgage application. Here are the ways to overcome liabilities and improve your standing with prospective lenders.

KNOW YOUR CREDIT RATING Your credit rating is a score that lenders rely on when deciding whether or not to approve your mortgage application. The higher the credit rating, the more attractive CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

14 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017

LA-Z-BOY:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

you look to prospective lenders. But the lower your score is, the more difficulty you will have getting a loan. Should you get a loan with a low score, you may have to pay a higher interest rate than someone with better credit.

Prior to making any big financial decisions, such as applying for a mortgage, it is vital to find out your credit score. You can request a free copy of your credit report, which includes your credit score, once a year from the three major credit reporting agencies in the United States and Canada: TransUnion, Experian and Equifax.

ADDRESS ANY ISSUES ON YOUR REPORT Once you know your score, you can take steps to address any issues on the report.

Pay down revolving consumer debts, such as credit card balances and auto loans. Report any errors on your credit report so they can be adjusted. Pay bills on time and address any notices of collections before they make it onto your permanent record. If you will be applying for a loan soon, avoid opening any new credit accounts.

MAINTAIN STEADY EMPLOYMENT Having a job is often vital to getting a mortgage. Lenders tend to look for long-term financial stability, which is best illustrated by

maintaining steady employment. Jumping from job to job may be a red flag to lenders, so it’s better to make a switch after you have been approved.

SAVE, SAVE, SAVE Having more money in the bank lowers your loan-to-value ratio, or LTV. This will make you appear less risky to lenders.

Individuals who have saved for a considerable down payment on a home are also seen in a better light.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A CREDIT HISTORY Some people are too cautious with their credit and think closing accounts or avoiding credit entirely will make them more attractive to lenders. But this can backfire. Lenders will want to see a strong credit history that indicates your ability to pay your debts on time.

GET A COSIGNER If you are uncertain about your ability to secure a loan on your own, then consider a cosigner to make you more attractive to prospective lenders. The cosigner helps guarantee the lender that your mortgage payments will be made.

Home furnishings backed up by complimentary in-home design

BY GINA CRONIN GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM

Think a summer refresh is too farfetched for your home?

Think again. “Buying furniture can intimidating for many buyers, but it shouldn’t be,� said Jessica Brown, director of design for Colorado Springs’ locally owned and operated La-ZBoy Furniture. “It can be very exciting if they have the right help. That’s why we’re here.�

La-Z-Boy can help breathe new life into your living spaces with quality recliners, sofas and sectionals. The company has a full line of American-made home furnishings, from tables and area rugs to lighting, wall art and accessories.

Not sure where to start? Update a single piece of furniture or arrange a full interior re-design with La-Z-Boy’s experts. “Through our design program, we discuss client’s needs, wants and desires for their space and bring them to life,� Brown said.

La-Z-Boy is known for its award-winning

customer service and offers complimentary in-home assistance to seamlessly guide customers through the design process.

For those in the midst of belated spring cleaning, remember the inside of the home is just as important as the exterior, especially if you’re hosting summer weddings, baby showers, family reunions or cocktail parties with friends and neighbors. “Summer is also a good time to start thinking about having the home ready for the holidays, because custom furniture can take 6-10 weeks to complete so you don’t want to wait until the last minute,� Brown said.

For 80 years, La-Z-Boy has worked to ensure the highest level of comfort and aesthetic appeal for every customer. Stop by the store, 7087 N. Academy Blvd., to discover an inspiringly beautiful selection of furniture and dĂŠcor for your home.

To learn more, call 719-593-7888 or visit La-Z-Boy.com/ColoradoSprings.

Let us help you turn your new home into your dream home

FREE

IN-HOME

DESIGN SERVICE!

CUSTOMIZE IT! La-Z-Boy is a leader in custom upholstery. With over 800 fabrics and leathers to choose from, we can help you create the perfect look for your home.

COLORADO SPRINGS 7087 N. Academy Ph: 719.593.7888 )PVST .PO 'SJ t 4BU t 4VO www.lazboy.com/coloradosprings SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I

15

LEVEL 1 HOMES:

Expertly built full-custom, one-level homes

BY GINA CRONIN GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM

Level 1 Homes is truly unique from any other builder in the Pikes Peak Region.

The company is the only in the area that exclusively builds full custom one-level homes – with no basement, no upper level and no stairs whatsoever, inside or out. Most builders only offer ranch style homes with a basement, so what Level 1 Homes provides is a rare commodity.

“I interviewed ranch style home buyers, and found that most people rarely went into their basement,” says Clint Dufresne, founder and builder at Level 1 Homes. “In a one-level home there is no wasted space, it’s all living space.”

Every single part of a Level 1 home is accessible. Hallways and doorways are made wider to comfortably fit a wheel chair if need be, and there are even curb-less showers for easy in-and-out access. “We accommodate aging in place,” says Ellie Bishop, Project Manager for Level 1 Homes.

“So this way, even if you buy the home

when you’re 30 or 40, you can remain there comfortably into your 80s, 90s and even 100s.” One-level homes are widely popular in areas like Florida and Texas, driven in part by their convenience and overall stylistic appeal, but it’s rare to come across single level living in the state of Colorado.

Level 1 Homes is also special because it is a full-custom building company. “We have never built the same home twice,” says Bishop. Mike McCoy, Government Compliance Officer at Level 1 Homes, says “When you’re building a custom home, you get a chance to form a relationship with clients rather than just seeing it as a transaction. This journey is shared between builder and owner all the way through.” Sky’s the limit when it comes to custom-built, one-level homes — whether someone wants a swim/ spa off the master suite, double master suites, a man cave, maximizing excellent mountain views, a gourmet kitchen with

music alcove for a piano, or even a six-car garage/workshop with hoists. Dufresne is dedicated to bringing these visions to life with unparalleled attention to quality and aesthetics.

Dufresne is gifted when it comes to home design and understanding his client’s goals.

“It’s amazing to watch the interaction, because (Dufresne) will speak with the client, and after that initial meeting will understand their vision with 90-95 percent accuracy,” says McCoy. A few weeks after the first meeting, Dufresne takes clients on a software-generated virtual tour of their envisioned home from the inside-out, and will make tweaks and changes wherever necessary before the design is signed off on and sent to an architect to be formalized.

Beyond being an active member of the home building and remodeling industry for the past three decades, Dufresne is a RE/ MAX broker and a recipient of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame Award.

Level 1 Homes also prides itself on building exceptionally energy-efficient homes. The builder achieves this is a variety of ways, including in-floor radiant heating, raised-heel energy trusses, twoby-six exterior walls that allow for more insulation, finished garages that do not drop below 40 degrees, and 94 percent efficient full stainless-steel boilers that not only heat the floor but provide instant hot water at every faucet. “(Dufresne) never settles or compromises — he wants to build the best possible home, and top-quality is his number one priority,” says Bishop.

“He visits the job sites multiple times a day and takes pride in his work with integrity. It means so much to me to be part of that.” The company serves clients throughout Colorado Springs and surrounding areas.

To learn more, call Clint Dufresne at 719339-0720 or visit Level1Homes.com.

Is it time to update your home’s electrical system?

METRO SERVICES

The invisible systems in a home often are taken for granted. When such systems are working as expected, daily life moves along smoothly. However, when a system goes awry, it can negatively impact routines and may create a dangerous home environment.

This is especially true when something goes wrong with a home’s electrical system.

Faulty wiring is a leading cause of residential fires. Many homeowners, particularly those who live in older homes, might be living in properties that have outdated electrical systems. The experts at Lowes ProServices state that having old wiring and/or insufficient amperage in a house can endanger residents. It also may damage appliances and make it difficult to sell a property in the future.

It can be difficult to gauge exactly when to overhaul an electrical system. Unless circuits routinely trip or lights often dim, homeowners may put off the work. But degrading wires or

overextended circuitry can pose a fire risk, so it is best to address electrical systems promptly.

Home inspections may uncover electrical problems. Some homeowners may discover potential trouble while making renovations that require opening up walls or tearing them down, exposing the wires. Still other homeowners learn about electrical systems when they’re adding new, large appliances or other gadgets that consume more power than existing items. These devices may continually cause power outages in the house, such as tripping the circuit breaker or popping a fuse.

When it comes time to update the electrical system, it is always best to work with licensed and bonded electricians who have the expertise to work with electrical wiring without getting injured. This is not a do-it-yourself type of job since it requires specialized training.

Electricians likely will recommend

16 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017

upgrading the electrical panel to bring more power from the utility poles into the home.

This can include replacing the existing meter and circuit breaker box to allow it to handle more power or replacing items that are obsolete or dangerous.

Many older homes are only capable of handling a minimum number of amps, utilizing just a few circuits. But nowadays, when homeowners have far more electronics in their homes than they once did, increased demand on electricity can overload a circuit (all of the outlets linked on one wire). Tripping a circuit breaker is a safety measure to prevent the wire from becoming overheated and causing a fire. However, in some old systems, the circuit breaker will not trip, and this can be problematic.

Rewiring a home is another step. Wire insulation can deteriorate over time, and new wires may be needed. This can be messy and time-consuming, but it’s a small price to

pay for safety. When rewiring an electrician also may suggest new outlets. Many home building codes now require outlets with ground fault interruptors, or GFIs, in kitchens, bathrooms and other rooms exposed to moisture. Some older homes may not even have three-pronged outlets, so this will necessitate an update as well.

Electrical systems are the heart of a home, delivering power where it is needed. It is essential to keep such systems up-to-date so they can handle the power demands of everyday life.

Step Up To One Level Living

Level 1 Homes, Inc. is the only custom home builder in the Pikes Peak Region Specializing in One Level Living.

When you build a home with us, you get to design it to your lifestyle, and our goal is that it will be the last home you will ever want to build.

• In-Floor Radiant Heat • Extra Wide Hallways & Doorways • No Steps Inside or Out • Fully Finished Garages

Contact us today at

719-339-0720 or visit us online at www.Level1Homes.com SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I

17

ELITE 25:

Connecting top producers in the industry

BY LESLIE MASSEY SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

A hand-picked group of Realtors from the Pikes Peak region come together to form the Elite 25. Founded by Stewart Title of Colorado Springs, the group represents the top one percent of their industry and are brought together by invitation only.

Operating as a national referral network for high-producing Realtors in the luxury home market, criteria for the Elite 25 is centered on specific home sales in El Paso County and other factors, including sales volume and price. The powerful networking group of real estate brokers gathers monthly to communicate information, acknowledge successful tools and share opinions.

Stewart Title hosts monthly catered luncheons at one of the member’s listings.

At the end of the luncheon members tour three additional homes in the vicinity.

“The monthly lunches are very valuable,” says Joe Clement, broker/owner of RE/ MAX Properties, Inc. “These professionals

are all at the top of their game with a pulse on the market. We enjoy great camaraderie and excellent networking opportunities.

A lot comes from the relationships we’ve established.” He describes that there is something special about meeting together physically in a home, rather than looking through properties on a computer screen.

The group tours homes listed by their fellow members and completes a feedback sheet offering opinions and guidance regarding the listing. “It’s a very positive experience for the agent as well as being good for their clients and providing more exposure to the listing,” says Clement, who has been a member of Elite 25 since its inception.

Elite 25 embodies some of the most dynamic, productive and successful real estate professionals in the Colorado Springs area. As a powerful force in the industry, Elite 25 provides unmatched opportunities for buyers and sellers;

and works with other Elite 25 chapters throughout the United States. Regardless of market conditions, Elite 25 works to move and sell properties.

Elite 25’s team of agents are ready to help buyers and sellers reach their real estate goals by making client needs a number one priority. Each member of the Elite 25 recognizes that every client has a choice when it comes to working with a real estate professional; and they understand their responsibility to deliver the best possible resources and expertise in order to reach the most successful outcome. The group brings with them extensive experience in the industry, in-depth knowledge of the region and unparalleled negotiation skills.

This distinguished team of Realtors in Colorado Springs look forward to earning client trust and helping buyers and sellers discover the smarter way to buy or sell a home. The company website features

These professionals are all at the top of their game with their fingers on the pulse of the market.

– Joe Clement, Broker/Owner

listings of some of the finest homes and estates currently for sale. Prospective buyers interested in any of the listings, can feel free to call, e-mail or use the ‘Inquire about this Property’ link on the listing details page.

To learn more, look through the list of agents or browse featured listings, visit Elite-25.com.

Welcome to

PIONEER PRESERVE

Sixteen 5 Acre Lots Northwest of Monument • Rolling meadow with trees and Mountain Views • Minutes from the quaint community of Monument and Palmer Lake • Regional Park, Elephant Rock & Santa Fe Trail

The Home and Landscape You’d Expect in a Vacation Home http://MasterBilt.com

For More info contact:

Jim Stiltner: 719-964-3526 @email: masterbilthomes@icloud.com

18 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017

Elite 25 REALTORS®100s of Satisfied Home Owners Colorado Springs Most Exclusive Listings TO LEARN MORE OR TO PREVIEW HOMES FOR SALE VISIT:

www.Elite-25.com

Bruce Betts Team

Karen Bluemel

Barry Boals Team

Brian Boals

Claire Boynton

Susie Chambless

719-548-8600

719-650-7452

719-290-8500

719-459-9955

719-332-8360

719-229-7267

719-576-5000

RE/MAX Advantage Realty, Inc

RE/MAX Properties, Inc.

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Blessings Realty

The Platinum Group Realtors

RE/MAX Properties, Inc.

If you are selling your home, check out some of the opportunities you’ll have when using an Elite 25 member!

Joe Clement Team

Camellia Coray

Jason Daniels

JoAnn Gadkowski

Becky Gloriod Team

Suzanne Holland

Bill Hourigan

719-359-0014

719-299-0002

719-339-8909

719-785-4110

719-331-0192

719-332-8569

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

RE/MAX Millennium

Berkshire Hathaway

Berkshire Hathaway

The Platinum Group Realtors

The Platinum Group Realtors

1. Your home

Scott Huger

Kimberly Hunstiger

Alphie Hutmacher

Trish Ingels

Laura Kaan

Linda Lafferty

719-785-4141

719-200-4044

719-332-0405

may be previewed by all Elite 25 members!

719-659-2630

719-648-2078

719-232-8320

Nicholas Scott Real Estate

RE/MAX Advantage Realty Inc

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Berkshire Hathaway

The Platinum Group Realtors

The Platinum Group Realtors

Gary Martinez & Amy Kunce-Martinez

Jill McFeron

Daniel Murty

Kevin Patterson

Bobbi Price & Jade Edmisten

Debbie Reardon

Rob Reinmuth

719-648-3821

719-351-9663

719-575-1200

719-499-9451

719-955-8525

719-229-6945

RE/MAX Properties, Inc.

The Platinum Group Realtors

The Patterson Group

The Platinum Group Realtors

The Platinum Group Realtors

719-661-1199 The Cutting Edge Home Team

Aquire Homes, Inc

2. Your home

Nancy Rusinak

Eric Scott

Monica Shea

719-590-6110

719-578-8800

719-659-2613

Rusinak Real Estate

ERA Shields Real Estate

The Platinum Group Realtors

may be advertised on the Elite 25 website!

Bryan Vail

Jean & John Wheaton

Alan Wilaby

719-330-8010

719-536-4581

719-338-1100

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

RE/MAX Properties, Inc.

ERA Shields Real Estate

SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I

19

MASTERBILT HOMES, INC.:

COBB TEAM:

Luxurious home sites in Serving up city on silver platter Monument’s Pioneer Preserve

BY GINA CRONIN GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM

MasterBilt Homes, Inc. is building in the Monument region’s newest estatelot subdivision, Pioneer Preserve. The private community offers sixteen five-acre home sites, and is perfect for anyone seeking a spacious style of living while still maintaining close proximity to everyday conveniences. Located directly off Hwy105 and only 1.5 mile from I-25, Pioneer Preserve has all of the conveniences of your traditional neighborhood, yet boasts a luxurious retreat lifestyle.

MasterBilt Homes, Inc. is known for building stunning custom homes without the custom price. Since 1991, MasterBilt Homes, Inc. has built nearly 1,000 custom homes and semi-custom homes throughout the Colorado Springs/Monument area, and consistently carries out projects from conception to completion with dedication and integrity.

Each five-acre lot in Pioneer Preserve offers a blend of rolling meadows, ponderosa

pine and colorful oak brush. Homes can be situated on any lot to take advantage of mountain views to the west, city views to the east, and/or the region’s popular landmark, Elephant Rock to the north. Also bordering the property is the historic Santa Fe Trail, which is available to residents for hiking, biking and horseback. It is just minutes from downtown Monument, and a short commute to Denver or downtown Colorado Springs.

Another special element of Pioneer Preserve is that even though there is such privacy, there is still a wonderful sense of community with there being only 16 home sites. It’s the perfect place to take in the scenery, get some peace and quiet or even forge bonds with delightful neighbors.

Available lots in Pioneer Preserve range from $165,000 to $250,000.

To learn more, contact owner Jim Stiltner at 719-964-3526 or visit Masterbilt.com. ■

Call The Cline Team today at

719-548-8177

“Think 10 For Your Customer Service”

I didn’t anticipate the difficulty in finding a home in this market. Liz and Jerry Cobb were amazing. Their dedication and perseverance really made the difference. Now I’m a proud homeowner … so exciting!

— Suzanne U., Colorado Springs COURTESY OF ERA SHIELDS

For Liz and Jerry Cobb, being Realtors at ERA Shields allows them to extol the virtues of the area they love.

They speak from experience. Liz is a fourth-generation native whose mother and sister also live here. Jerry has been here since 1983. But it’s more than just their address — the couple has been involved in myriad aspects of community life for many years.

“We chose a business where we can continue to integrate in the community but also have a thriving business of our own,” Liz says.

For the Cobbs, ERA Shields was a natural fit. The company’s commitment to the community mirrors the Cobb’s own values of giving back. “Jerry and I both do our own work in the community quite extensively, but the company has their own initiatives as well.”

20 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017

With the military playing a significant part in the economic fortunes of the Pikes Peak region, Liz and Jerry are proud to serve as certified military relocation specialists. And the couple has been in the front row for the immense growth the city has experienced, with new construction becoming a large part of recent sales for the Cobbs.

Whether serving as area guides, history experts or community connectors, the Cobbs make it a priority to show of the Pikes Peak region and all it has to offer while serving their clients.

“We’re both very people-oriented,” Jerry says. “And we are proud to be firmly planted in this wonderful city.”

To learn more, call Liz Cobb, REALTOR, CNE at 719-492-4040 or visit LizCobb.com. ■

SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I

21

20 brilliant ways to save on summer travel

BY CAMERON HUDDLESTON TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

If you’re planning to head out on a summer vacation this year, you’re not alone. A 2017 AARP travel survey revealed that 99 percent of boomers intend to take at least one trip this year.

And AAA said that more than a third of all Americans will embark on a family vacation in the next 12 months.

Although a week at the beach might sound like the ideal way to spend your summer vacation, warm weather travelers should note that costs are often higher in the peak season. If you want to cut costs on airfare and

accommodations, you should do your research and plan ahead.

Here are some of the best ways to save money on your summer vacation without sacrificing the fun.

BE FLEXIBLE WITH YOUR TRAVEL PLANS If your work schedule or kids’ school schedule isn’t too restrictive, the best way to keep the cost of a summer vacation down is to be flexible.

“Being flexible will open the door to savings opportunities,” said money-

saving expert Andrea Woroch.

For example, you might find that a town near the one you want to visit offers similar amenities — such as a beach or close access to theme parks — for a lower cost, Woroch said.

Additionally, you should be flexible with your travel dates to cut costs.

“Sometimes flying a day earlier or later can make a huge difference,” said Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com. And check the prices of flights to all the airports in an area because you’ll find big savings, he said.

TRAVEL ON A TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY Fridays during the summer are among the busiest travel days of the entire year, Woroch said. “Not only are you looking at bigger crowds and delays, but prices on airfare and even fuel will peak on this popular departure day,” she said.

And Sundays are expensive travel days year round. According to CheapAir.com’s annual survey, travelers can save an average of $73 by flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday rather than a Sunday.

Even car rental prices might be lower on these days, Woroch said. Consider CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

22 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017

BROYHILL FURNITURE GALLERY:

Affordable furniture designed to be lived in

THE

BY LESLIE MASSEY SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

Furniture can be one of the most important and complicated purchases you put in your home. Whether it’s a bedroom set, living room sofa or a new kitchen table, it’s easy to spend a significant amount of money on home furnishings without knowing what type of quality you’re getting. At the same time, some of the high-end furniture stores are too expensive to even consider.

Broyhill Furniture Gallery is stocked with high-quality furniture at affordable prices.

“What sets us apart,” Brian Golden, Manager at Broyhill Furniture said, “is that we are able to offer nicer goods at reasonable prices.”

Buyers rely on Broyhill Furniture to find the best selections for their home thanks to an extensive array of options available from a variety of premier manufactures.

“We’ve been in Colorado Springs for a very long time,” Golden said, “and we pride ourselves on being a value driven store. With

such a wide range of manufacturers, we are able to meet just about any furniture need.”

Furniture buyers don’t need to give up style or expert craftsmanship to find affordable furnishings. Stylish design and remarkable value is available from in stock merchandise, or choose to custom order your furniture by selecting from hundreds of fabrics and leathers. Because their upholstery is American made, custom orders usually take only a few weeks.

Offering customers fine quality furniture at affordable prices has been the backbone of Broyhill Furniture since 1921. Committed to satisfied customers, Broyhill’s staff will help you discover the perfect options to complete your vision for your home and your lifestyle.

Visit Broyhill Furniture Gallery in person or online at BroyhillCos.com, and discover affordable, stylish furniture from quality craftsmen that’s designed to be lived in. ■

:HEATON TEAM Exceptional Service, Extraordinary Results!

Award Winning Real Estate Team

THE WHEATON TEAM:

A seamless, individualized experience COURTESY OF THE WHEATON TEAM

“Real estate is more than a business to us — it is about building long-term relationships based on trust and taking a sincere interest in our clients’ needs,” says Jean Wheaton, who has recently been named one of the 100 Most Influential Real Estate Agents in Colorado. “We treat every individual transaction as if it were our own.

A majority of our business is referrals from current and past satisfied clients.”

The Wheaton Team knows that buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. We put all our knowledge and experience to work for you so you can make the right decision. We have developed a team of preferred experts to ensure that our clients have a seamless real estate experience.

The Wheaton Team began in real estate in 2001. It consists of Jean Wheaton, a Certified Luxury Home Professional, Accredited Buyer’s Representative and Certified Distressed Property Expert; John Wheaton, a Certified Luxury Home Specialist; Kristin Dionne, Buyers Agent

who has experience in all aspects of the residential real estate business; and a highly experienced support staff dedicated to making its clients’ dreams a reality.

Jean Wheaton and The Wheaton Team are one of Colorado Springs leading real estate groups, known for their professionalism, outstanding marketing and proven results.

The Wheaton Team is ranked in the top one percent in the Pikes Peak MLS and is the top producing team in the Tri-Lakes Area.

“Jean and her team were helpful, informative and professional. They were there for us whenever we needed them and willingly went “the extra mile” in obtaining answers to our numerous questions. I highly recommend Jean and her team because she/they really care about what they do and every client is more than ‘just a client’ to them.”

— Barbara, Heidi & Stephanie Call The Wheaton Team at RE/MAX Properties, Inc. for a private consultation at 719-536-4581. For more information, visit www.TheWheatonTeam.com. ■

Your Home Buying Team Serving Colorado Springs & all of El Paso County!

Jean & John Wheaton Kristin Dionne www.TheWheatonTeam.com

719-536-4581 Each RE/MAX is Independently Owned & Operated

SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I

23

SUMMER TRAVEL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

leaving mid-week to score a vacation discount.

BOOK FLIGHTS EARLY TO GET THE BEST FARES Waiting until the last minute to book a flight is a surefire way to spend more than necessary. Klee recommended booking as early as you can, because prices will continue to rise as flights fill up.

In its survey of 921 million airfares from 2.9 million trips, CheapAir found that 54 days out was the best time to book a domestic flight for the lowest price. If you plan to travel internationally, start searching for your flights earlier. On average, 99 days out is ideal for trips to Hawaii, the Caribbean and Europe.

GET REFUNDS FOR PRICE DROPS There are several travel booking sites that will give you a refund if you book a hotel, flight or rental car through them and the price drops, said Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, the family vacations expert at About.com.

For example, if you book a hotel through

Tingo.com and the price drops, it will automatically refund you the difference.

At Yapta.com, you can add your flight details and get alerts if the fare drops, so you can get a credit for the difference with the airline. If you book a rental car through AutoSlash.com, the site will automatically rebook you at a lower rate if the price drops. Kelleher said she’s saved at least $40 every time she used AutoSlash.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS If you’re a member of the AARP, AAA or another professional organization, you might be entitled to special travel discounts. For example, members of the automotive club AAA can get up to 15 percent off rooms at several hotel chains.

Additionally, you might be able to save money on attractions at the destinations you visit. For example, many zoos and museums offer reciprocal memberships with other zoos and museums, Kelleher said — which means you can visit them for free or at a discount.

“Don’t forget about this money on the table,” she said.

GET CASH BACK WHEN BOOKING ONLINE There are several websites that let consumers earn back a percentage of the money they spent on qualifying purchases with the sites’ retail partners.

You also can earn cash back — which is like saving money — by booking hotels, flights and rental cars through these sites with one of their travel partners.

Ebates.com offers cash back from dozens of travel merchants, with up to 13 percent cash back on hotels, cruises and vacation packages, said Brent Shelton, an online shopping expert with deals site FatWallet.com, which is the sister company of Ebates.com.

GET A DEAL ON YOUR CAR RENTAL There are several ways to get a deal on a rental car. You can use a site such as CarRentals.com, which provides a side-by-side comparison of rental options at your destination, Woroch said. You can

also find coupon codes for car rentals at sites such as CouponSherpa.com.

If you’re a warehouse club member, Woroch recommended checking the club’s travel site to see if it’s offering any deals.

She saved nearly $200 on a car rental for a trip to Maui a couple of years ago by booking through Costco Travel.

AVOID THE COST OF RENTAL INSURANCE Check with your auto insurance company to see if it covers rental cars under your policy. That way, you won’t have to purchase extra insurance from the rental car agency, said Karen Hoxmeier, owner of money-saving site MyBargainBuddy.com. Following this tip can save you $20 to $40 a day in unnecessary insurance costs from the agency, she said.

KEEP DOWN THE COST OF DRIVING YOUR OWN CAR If you take a road trip, you can get up to 15 percent better fuel mileage out of your vehicle by using cruise control while CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

24 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017

RE/MAX ADVANTAGE:

Book drive to benefit Children’s Hospital Colorado Cardiac Unit

BY GINA CRONIN GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM

RE/MAX Advantage is holding a book drive to benefit Children’s Hospital Cardiac Unit from June 15 –30, 2017. The public is encouraged to get involved in this cause that treats more than 20,000 pediatric patients with congenital and acquired heart diseases each year. Children’s Hospital Colorado is nationally top-ranked for heart care and surgery by U.S. News & World Report, and utilizes the expertise of more than 300 cardiac doctors.

RE/MAX Advantage has made the heartfelt decision to be a drop-off location for books.

“It is awesome that we have a Children’s Hospital being built right here in Colorado Springs,” says Bruce Betts, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Advantage. “RE/MAX Advantage has been supporting the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) for years and we are excited that the funds we raise will be able to stay right here in our community. We will also be holding our annual yard sale this August to

benefit CMN.” To get involved, you can donate new books for kids spanning from newborns to teenagers. Books should be larger in size to give the cardiac team room to write encouraging messages in the books.

The books will go home with the kids when they are discharged. Books can be dropped off at RE/MAX Advantage, 5590 N. Academy Blvd., daily between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Kristeen Danburg at 719-262-2980.

RE/MAX Advantage is proudly in its 20th year of service to the Colorado Springs area, and has been listed on the Top 500 Real Estate Firms in the country by Real Trends for the past six years. The company also listed as 41st in the country for productivity per agent.

To learn more or contact a broker, isit ColoradoAdvantage.com or call 719-548-8600. ■

CELEBRATING

20

YEARS IN REAL ESTATE

We achieve our goals by helping you achieve yours.

Everyone wins!

- Bruce Betts Broker/Owner

SUMMER TRAVEL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

driving on the highway, Hoxmeier said.

You also can improve your gas mileage by up to 4 percent by having your car tuned up before you hit the road and another 3 percent by having your tires inflated to the proper pressure, she said.

Download a free app, such as GasBuddy, to see the lowest gas prices in an area. That way, you’ll know which station to fill up at along the highway and at your destination.

PACK SNACKS FOR ROAD TRIPS If you’re driving to your destination, Woroch recommended packing snacks, sandwiches and drinks so you don’t have to spend money on fast food along the way. Make sure you choose nonperishable items, such as granola bars, to bring along while you explore your destination.

“This way, you don’t have to stop in pricey tourist restaurants or hotel pool

bars for a snack,” she said.

Woroch also suggested bringing a refillable water bottle so you don’t have to waste money on bottled water, which is typically marked up at popular tourist destinations.

SAVE MONEY WITH A VACATION RENTAL PROPERTY Rather than stay in a hotel, consider booking a vacation rental property. Sites such as Airbnb.com, HomeAway.com and VRBO.com offer low rates on apartment, condo and house rentals worldwide.

“You can double the space for half the cost of a traditional hotel,” Woroch said.

“Plus, you get access to a kitchen so you can prepare most of your meals and cut back on dining out, which can really eat into your travel budget.”

Ideally, you should book several months in advance for the best selection and CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Our agents are able to serve you well because of these tools we provide: • Bombbomb - Video Email • Voicepad - Mobile Websites • Listingsmagic - Marketing System • Homes.com - Custom Agent Websites • Continuing Education - At no cost • And more Text “REMAX” to 719.362.5555 to view all properties for sale in the area, get up-to-date area info & view videos. www.ColoradoAdvantage.com Contact us directly at 719-548-8600 5590 N Academy Blvd.

(at the entrance to University Park)

Colorado Springs, CO 80918 SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I

25

SUMMER TRAVEL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

pricing. But you might be able to get a last-minute deal by calling the property owner to ask for a discount. The owner might give you a cheaper rate to fill the space rather than let it sit empty, Woroch said.

JOIN A HOTEL LOYALTY PROGRAM If you plan to stay in a hotel, sign up for its loyalty program before booking a room. The programs are typically free to join and can help you score discounted rates.

Currently, Hilton offers its Honors members great benefits, such as free WiFi and points for use on free stays.

GET A ROOM WITH A KITCHENETTE When booking a hotel, Kelleher recommended looking for properties that have kitchen facilities in the rooms — such as a microwave, refrigerator and wet bar — so you can make inexpensive meals rather than dining out every day. This can be a big money saver, especially for families.

“Eating out three meals a day, seven days a week, is a lot of money for a family,” she said.

STAY IN A HOTEL WITH FREE MEALS In addition to making your own simple meals in your hotel room, you can cut costs by avoiding meal prices altogether. Kids 12 and younger eat free at Holiday Inn hotels that have on-site restaurants. Comfort Inn and Hampton Hotels are among the hotels that offer guests a free hot breakfast, while Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites and Residence Inn boast free breakfast and snacks and drinks in the evening.

SNAG A DEAL WITH SOMEONE’S UNWANTED HOTEL RESERVATION You can get a deal on a hotel room by taking advantage of other people’s canceled travel plans. Woroch said that RoomerTravel. com connects travelers with those who are stuck with hotel reservations they can’t change. The site facilitates the purchase of reservations for up to 25 percent below market price.

Or, if you’ve reserved a nonrefundable room but have to cancel your trip, you can get some of your money back using this service.

GET A PACKAGE DEAL Although most travelers think that package deals for flights, hotels and other travel products are more expensive, the opposite is true, said Clem Bason, CEO of hotel booking site goSeek.com.

“Bundles obscure the prices for

individual travel products, allowing airlines, hoteliers and rental cars to discount more aggressively than they otherwise might,” he said. “You’d be surprised at how much you can save with a package.”

Bason said he shops for each component of his travel separately, then searches on a site such as Expedia.com for a package deal with a lower price.

“And even better, it’s easier to book everything all in one spot,” he said.

CONSIDER CAMPING “Whether you’re headed to the beach, mountains or a favorite lake this summer, you can save a lot of money by opting to camp instead of renting a home or staying in a hotel,” Woroch said. You can find camping spots that cost as little as $5 per night through ReserveAmerica.com.

There are also plenty of free campground sites at state parks and other locations, but you’ll need to get to your destination early to secure one of these first-come, first-served spots, Woroch said. Pack food in a cooler that you can cook over an open fire, and take advantage of free activities such as hiking and swimming to cut costs further.

SIGN UP FOR DAILY DEALS Sign up with daily deals sites, such as Groupon and LivingSocial, to get alerts for discounts on attractions, outings and restaurants in the area you’ll be visiting.

These sites also offer discounts on accommodations and vacation packages.

“It’s such an easy way to find deals,”

26 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017

Kelleher said. However, she recommended that you create a separate email account for these alerts, so you can keep track of them and avoid clogging your regular inbox with offers.

CUT THE COST OF ATTRACTIONS If you visit a big city, you can save money on attractions by buying passes that offer discounted admission to several must-see spots. Bason recommended investing in a Go City Card by Smart Destinations to save up to 55 percent on a city’s major attractions.

Another option is a CityPASS. Available for 12 North American destinations — including Boston, Chicago and New York City — the pass offers discounted admission to a handful of the most popular sights in each locale. Or avoid spending a dime on activities and attractions by doing an online search for “free things to do in (name of city).”

FIND THE CHEAPEST AIRPORT PARKING The cost of airport parking can add up quickly if you take a trip that spans several days. You can cut the price tag by using a site such as AirportParkingReservations. com, which provides a list of parking lots near a particular airport, reviews of those lots and the going rates to help you find more affordable long-term parking, Woroch said.

“I use this site all the time to find cheaper parking lots near Los Angeles and Burbank airports,” she said. She typically finds lots that are $5 to $10 cheaper per day than the airport’s economy lot.

ANB BANK:

Built to fit your lifestyle COURTESY OF ANB BANK

As an independently owned, communityfocused bank, ANB Bank is dedicated to helping enhance the lives of its customers, and further the growth of the community.

The banking centers in Colorado Springs have lived these values for over 55 years and invite you to experience the strength, talent, commitment and security they provide their customers.

When it comes to the business of building, buying or refinancing a home, ANB’s team of mortgage specialists can help. They will match you to the right loan, whether it be a construction loan, residential mortgage, or home equity line of credit, they tailor it to fit your lifestyle.

While ANB Bank offers these mortgage solutions, customers value most the Bank’s longstanding tradition of delivering personalized customer care. And, as a large, independent bank, their ability to make decisions right from the bank in a fast, efficient manner makes them the customer focused, community-minded

4HRPUN 4LTVYPLZ /HWWLU Residential Mortgages

bank they are proud to be.

It is a passion ANB has for banking that makes the difference not only in Colorado Springs but throughout the Bank’s other banking communities in Colorado, Wyoming, and the Kansas City metro area.

To learn more, visit ANBBank.com or visit one of their convenient locations.

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Homeowners giving front yards the custom treatment

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BY PAT SETTER TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

Gone are the days of cookie-cutter lawns and hedges. The latest survey by Houzz, the home design and remodeling megaplatform, suggests that homeowners are all about customizing their property.

The 2017 U.S. Landscape Trends study suggests that homeowners are making major changes to their front yards. The survey also indicated that more and more outdoor projects are the result of new homeownership instead of something needing to be repaired.

The survey was taken by 1,000 Houzz users from across the country, said Nino Sitchinava, principal economist at Houzz.

It was sent to users in February and

March and included homeowners who had completed an outdoor project in the past year, are currently working on the project or plan to start one in the next three months.

Of those surveyed, 23 percent were subject to restrictions by a homeowners association and five percent by a neighborhood association. “The biggest change (over last year) is the trigger for outdoor projects,� Sitchinava said. “Those who recently purchased and wanted to customize their home jumped from 25 percent to 33 percent.�

She attributed this trend to a rise in home sales.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I

27

FRONT LAWNS

“THIS IS OUR FOREVER HOME.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

Why Cece Castro is here to stay

According to the survey, 44 percent of outdoor projects involve street-facing spaces. Thirty-six percent had said their front yards were nearly identical to their neighbors’ before re-landscaping. After the projects were done, only six percent said their front yards are nearly identical.

“That’s a huge drop,” Sitchinava said.

Homeowners want their landscaping to make a statement, to stand out and also be livable, she said.

The survey also indicated that beds and borders (47 percent), shrubs (29 percent) and perennials (28 percent) are the most important features of a home’s curb appeal.

“We’re seeing a growing trend that the grass is coming out,” Sitchinava said.

“There’s a growing trend toward lowmaintenance plantings as well as native plantings. People are taking a more natural approach to outdoor space.”

About three-quarters of those surveyed said their projects include lowmaintenance plants. And while Californians are twice as likely to tear out their lawns, the trend is gaining traction in other parts of the nation. “Other parts of the country

are facing more volatile weather patterns where non-native plants don’t stand up as well,” Sitchinava said.

Of the 75 percent of homeowners who said they have a lawn, 76 percent said they are making changes to it. Of those removing their lawn, 26 percent are removing it in front and nice percent in back. Artificial lawns are losing popularity.

Only 5 percent of homeowners replaced their lawns with artificial turf, compared with eight percent in 2014-15.

The two most popular system updates are to lighting (45 percent) and irrigation systems (37 percent). And it’s no surprise that 70 percent of projects have an LED (light-emitting diode) element.

“That has been a staple in the last three years,” Sitchinava said. “I think it’s a nobrainer at this point. LEDs have become quite affordable.”

However, one in five homeowners are choosing smart technology with their updates in order to control their lighting via mobile device or computer.

Keeping up with consumer trends is why Houzz conducts the yearly survey, which is now in its third year.

A

MERI

D

NCH

I AM

IAN R

“ We play outside all the time. Well,

sometimes we go to the rec center’s inside pool because the yellow slide is really fast!”

Read my story at IAmMeridianRanch.com

NEW HOMES FROM THE $200s TO $500s Just north of Woodmen Rd on Meridian Rd

28 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017

COURTESY OF MERIDIAN RANCH

Americans tend to move a lot. In fact, an average of 11.4 times per lifetime. But Cece Castro happily plans to skew that average downward now that her family lives in Meridian Ranch.

In 2006, Cece, her husband Albert and their three kids moved to a neighborhood just outside Meridian Ranch, a transaction all done online. They settled for three bedrooms (the girls shared one) and no basement for 10 years. But in 2015, they were ready to go.

SIX MINUTES BRINGS BIG CHANGES Meridian Ranch was only a few minutes north of their previous home, but it promised much more. Cece had heard good things about the community from co-workers and friends who lived there. “I fell in love immediately,” says Cece. “With the house, the development and the people.” Their home offers Pikes Peak views and is mere steps from some of their favorite amenities.

Albert can stroll over to the public and affordable Antler Creek Golf Course. The

42,000 square foot Meridian Ranch Rec Center with both indoor and outdoor pools is also nearby. And the whole family enjoys walks on the 10 miles of trails just beyond their front door.

GRADING THE SCHOOLS With three children from ages 13 to 23, Cece has come to the conclusion that Falcon School District 49 is excellent — an opinion shared by many. “I have nothing but positive things to say about the schools at Meridian Ranch, all three of my children have thrived there,” says Cece.

FRIENDS, FIRE PITS AND MORE FRIENDS The Castros have only lived in Meridian Ranch for a year, but they feel deeply connected to their neighbors. “Our neighbors are like family,” says Cece.

“We’re always eating dinner at each other’s homes, hanging out around the fire pit and helping each other out.”

Read my story at IamMeridianRanch.com. ■

CORDERA:

Tips to combat packing stress Brand new luxury home-sites and a 16-acre park coming soon NEWSWIRE

BY LESLIE MASSEY SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

Step back in time to a slower pace … to a carefree childhood … and bring your fond memories of running through sprinklers and playing kickball to your own children. At Cordera, your kids will enjoy the cherished experiences that you remember from your own childhood. With a childhood-friendly environment and neighbors committed to keeping it that way, Cordera is that rare community where kids can still be kids.

People make up the authentic substance and spirit of any community, and at Cordera, relationships grow from every twilight stroll, community event, swim at the pool, summer concert, day at the park and shared fitness schedule. Along with parks, trails and playgrounds, the Cordera Community Center and Grand Lawn are the ultimate centerpiece to bring the community together for fun, fitness, relaxation and lasting memories.

The outstanding lifestyle of this premiere

master-planned community continues to grow and evolve. Exciting plans for a new 16-acre park are progressing, which is slated to be ready for Cordera families to enjoy by summer 2018. This park will highlight the site’s incredible natural beauty and character with preservation of large stands of existing Gambel oak and mature ponderosa pines, rolling topography and incredible views of Pikes Peak. It will also provide a variety of amenities encouraging play, discovery and use of imagination.

By providing a variety of opportunities for both children and adults to interact with the park’s play areas and natural character, La Plata is creating a nature-based park experience unlike any other in the region.

With prices starting from the $300s up to the $800s, builders are offering impressive opportunities to home buyers.

Stop by the Cordera model homes or visit Cordera.com.

From finding a new home to selling one’s current home, the moving process can be a big source of stress. Among the top stressors is packing. In fact, in a recent survey, commissioned by Duck brand, conducted online by Harris Poll, 86 percent say packing to move is frustrating. It doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some tips to reduce packing pain.

Purge before packing: Diminish the workload by first cleaning out items you no longer need.

Pack carefully: 40 percent of those who would find it frustrating to pack when moving worry about items breaking.

Eliminate anxiety by wrapping fragile items with cushioning material, like Bubble Wrap.

Dish and glass kits provide pouches and dividers to protect delicate goods. Lastly, secure your boxes with quality packing tape, like EZ Start Packaging Tape or Duck MAX Strength Packaging Tape.

Plan ahead: Before you even think about boxing up or hiring movers, take some time to plan in advance. If you

need help figuring out exactly what and how many supplies you need to pack up your home, Duck brand has a new online moving calculator at duckbrand.com.

All you have to do is input the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you have, as well as any other rooms and spaces you are packing up (family room, office, closets, basement, etc.) and Duck brand will provide you with a shopping list to print or share.

While moving will always contain some stress, the right moving supplies and strategies can streamline the task of packing.

Cordera Pool

Your kids should too.

With a family clubhouse, and a neighborly environment in the acclaimed Academy School District 20, Cordera gives your kids and grandkids the experiences cherished from your childhood. Homes from the $300s to the $800s. Learn more at cordera.com.

Where the American dream lives on.

SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I

29

VANTAGE HOMES:

AMERICAN FURNITURE GALLERIES:

The freedom to choose, from design to completion

Quality furniture made for your lifestyle

BY GINA CRONIN GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM

Since 1983, Vantage Homes has been bringing their clients’ visions to reality. Their motto “Our Blueprint, Your Fingerprint,” reflects their eagerness to work closely with clients from the initial design selections of their home through to completion of construction; and make sure that the final product reflects each unique buyer’s lifestyle from the inside out.

Ninety-nine percent of Vantage Homes’ clients would recommend the builder to friends and family. Why? It comes down to the freedom to choose. The company has more than 25 floor plans to choose from, which are consistently being updated to reflect the needs of today’s home buyer.

The home personalization does not end there. Each client is brought through the extensive design studio where there are thousands of options — from flooring, appliances and plumbing fixtures to

cabinets, countertop materials and much more. A Vantage Homes Design Consultant and Sales Associate is with the client every step of the way.

The builder is featured in some of Colorado Springs’ most beloved master-planned communities, including Cordera, Estancia at Cordera, Flying Horse, Northfork at Briargate, Sanctuary Pointe and The Farm. Each are located in the highly-popular north end of town, in either Lewis Palmer District 38 or Academy District 20.

Whether someone is looking for lowmaintenance living in The Farm’s Count Fleet Court or Estancia at Cordera; extensive trails, community pools and nearby schools at The Farm or Cordera; or tip-top luxury and a round of golf at Flying Horse, Vantage Homes has a little something of home for everyone.

To learn more about Vantage Homes, call 719-534-0984 or visit VHCO.com. ■

30 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017

BY LESLIE MASSEY SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

Your home should be a retreat and a reflection of your lifestyle. Choosing furniture built to last means sharing memorable moments with family for years to come.

American Furniture Galleries, Colorado’s oldest furniture store, is committed to helping you create the ideal atmosphere for your home while also showcasing your unique style. Offering a different line-up of furniture preferences than other local stores, American Furniture Galleries provides quality, name brand furniture that is built for the long haul.

“Since our start in 1921, we have been known for providing top furniture brands known for their exceptional quality and longevity,” Neno Nenoff, General Manager at American Furniture Galleries said. “We are often sought out by buyers throughout the state because of the specific brands we carry. In fact, 25 percent of our business comes from outside of the county.”

American Furniture Galleries works with high end manufacturers including Thomasville, Hancock & Moore, Bassett,

Natuzzi Leather, Durham, Flexsteel, Bernhardt, and many others knows for their expert craftsmanship.

“Ekornes, a Norwegian furniture company, is well known for their unique style, is one of our biggest brands,” Nenoff said. “They are well known for crafting the top quality, welltailored furniture.”

The staff at American Furniture Galleries are passionate about serving you, and knowledgeable home furnishing consultants.

“We encourage folks to bring in the plans for their home or remodel and our experts can help customize the best selections to suit their space as well as their lifestyle,” Nenoff said.

American Furniture Galleries consultants enjoy working with customers to tailor the best interior design plan for their home including the right furniture, color and fabric, and that makes your home uniquely suited to your family.

Come by the store or visit online at AmericanFurniture.com to see for yourself.

Three steps to decluttering your garage

BY ROBERT DUFFER TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

What was built to fit two cars but cannot fit two cars? American garages.

Nearly half of Americans admitted to being unable to park their car in their garage, according to an online survey of more than 1,000 people by SpareFoot, an Austin, Texas-based online broker for storage and moving companies.

It’s even worse for families, with three out of five parents saying they’ve been unable to park their car in the garage.

“So many garages have become black holes, the modern-day equivalent of the elephant burial ground,” says Peter Walsh, a professional organizer and consultant for SpareFoot. “Things you don’t want to deal with get tossed in the garage, and very quickly garages become unusable, which is crazy when you consider the car is the second most valuable possession besides your house.”

The native Australian and author of the New York Times best-selling book “It’s All Too Much” has simplified the daunting task of cleaning the garage based on

three fundamental steps.

1. ASSESS VALUE Deciding what is no longer needed, used or valued is the hardest step in decluttering the garage. If it hasn’t been used in a couple of years, it probably never will be. Ditch it.

More problematic is the “memory clutter.”

“That’s the stuff that reminds us of an important person or achievement, and the sense of letting go dishonors the memory,” Walsh says. He recommends identifying those singular, epitomizing objects, “the ones that mean the absolute most” and raising them up to a more dignified place inside the home rather than the box in the garage. For years, a granddaughter held onto boxes of her deceased grandma’s stuff, until Walsh helped her identify those items that meant the most. She framed the recipes of her grandma’s favorite dishes and hung it in the kitchen along with some pictures and mementos.

2. ALLOCATE SPACE Walsh recommends creating specific zones for similar stuff and allocating a certain amount of space. Let’s say you have 10 bins of holiday decorations, then all those bins go on the overhead shelves, for example. If there gets to be more stuff than can fit in those 10 bins, then something in those bins has to go to make room for the new stuff. The idea behind zones is to know where things live, where to find them, and most importantly, how to put them back.

“Establishing zones establishes order,” Walsh says. He encourages parents to kneel down from a kid’s height to see if they’re able to put away their own things.

Unsurprisingly, he recommends labeling the zones.

3. AVOID FLOOR CREEP: “Flat surfaces such as the top of the desk, countertop, floor of the garage are not for storage,” Walsh warns. Use vertical space wisely. Once-a-year items should be stored at the top; more regular stuff should be at

eye level using hooks, pegboard, shelves — whatever it takes to keep stuff off the floor.

Mostly, get used to getting rid of stuff.

“We’re led to believe that if we buy the right stuff, we can acquire the life we want,” Walsh says, citing all the milestones where the ritual is to give someone something.

“There is not one single ritual marked by taking stuff out of our home.”

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31

THE MORTGAGE PROFESSOR:

Perspectives on down payment requirements

BY JACK GUTTENTAG TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY

The down payment required on a home mortgage is the single most important hurdle that prospective home purchasers must surmount. This article explains what a down payment is exactly, looks at some possible sources of down payment funds, explains why the down payment is critical to lenders, and describes the requirements today.

What is the down payment exactly?

The down payment on a home mortgage is the lower of sale price and appraised value less the loan amount. It is not the same as the borrower’s cash outlay if some of that outlay is for settlement costs, which is usually the case. Land can be part or all of the down payment.

A minimum down payment, expressed as a ratio to the lower of sale price and appraised value, means exactly the same thing as a maximum loan-to-value or LTV. For example, if the property value is

$100,000 and the down payment $25,000, the down payment ratio is 25 percent and the LTV is 75 percent. Legal and regulatory requirements are usually specified in terms of a maximum LTV rather than a minimum down payment because the LTV is less vulnerable to misunderstandings.

SOME DOWN PAYMENT SOURCES Last week I looked at borrowing from one’s 401K account as a source of down payment funds. Here are some other possible sources: Excess of appraised value over sale price: In general, this is not allowed.

As noted above, the down payment is defined as the lower of sale price and appraised value less the loan amount.

Hence, an appraisal higher than the price is disregarded.

But there is an important exception, called a gift of equity, where the home

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seller — usually a family member — is willing to sell below market value. In such cases, the lender will calculate the down payment using the appraised value, probably based on two appraisals, rather than the lower sale price. If the transaction has some risky features, the lender may not accept the equity gift as the full down payment and will expect the borrower to make a contribution — perhaps five percent.

Home seller contributions: These are not allowed, because of a presumption that such contributions will be associated with a higher sales price. However, subject to limits, home sellers are allowed to pay purchasers’ settlement costs. This reduces the cash drain on purchasers, allowing more of it to be used as down payment.

Lender contributions granted in exchange for a higher interest rate: These are not allowed either. However, cash-short borrowers can select a relatively high-rate loan that carries a rebate or “negative points,” and the rebate can be used to pay settlement costs. This reduces the borrower’s required cash without affecting the down payment.

Cash gifts from home sellers, builders or other parties to the transaction: These are

not allowed because of the presumption that the gift affects other parts of the transaction, especially the sale price.

Cash gifts from a relative or live-in partner who can document the source: These are acceptable as down payment funds. However, the lender must be convinced that the gift is not a disguised loan with a repayment obligation that might reduce the borrower’s ability to repay the mortgage.

WHY THE DOWN PAYMENT IS SO IMPORTANT TO LENDERS One reason is that the down payment is a buffer against lender loss in the event of a foreclosure. For example, if foreclosure costs are 20 percent of value and property value does not change, a 20 percent down payment fully protects a foreclosing lender against loss, but a 10 percent down payment provides only partial protection.

Perhaps even more important, borrowers who get into payment difficulties but have equity in their properties usually will sell to avoid foreclosure. By selling, they realize the equity themselves whereas if they allow the property to go to foreclosure the equity will be partially or wholly depleted by foreclosure costs. Their selling avoids CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

32 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017

THE MORTGAGE PROFESSOR: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

the foreclosure.

In addition, borrowers who have been able to save the funds for a down payment are less likely to get into payment troubles later on. Saving for a down payment requires budgetary discipline, repaying a mortgage also requires budgetary discipline, and the one carries over to the other. Of course, this assumes that the down payment is saved, not borrowed.

DOWN PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS TODAY In the 1920s, before the Federal Government became a player in the market, commercial banks and insurance companies generally required 50 percent down, while savings and loan associations, which were the mortgage specialists, were more liberal — they required only 40 percent down. Today, requirements range down to zero on VA-guaranteed loans, and to three percent on loans insured by FHA or approved for purchase by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. However, the low down payments required by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac apply only to what the agencies view as

the lowest risk transaction, which is the purchase of a single-family home intended as the purchaser’s principal residence, with a fixed-rate mortgage. Other types of transactions are subject to higher requirements, as shown here: • Purchase of single-family principal residence, with fixed-rate mortgage: three percent • Purchase of two-family principal residence, with fixed-rate mortgage: 15 percent • Purchase of two-family principal residence, with adjustable-rate mortgage: 25 percent • Cash-out refinance on two-family principal residence, with adjustable-rate mortgage: 35 percent • Cash-out refinance on two-family investment property, with adjustablerate mortgage: 40 percent On loans that are too large to be insured or purchased by a Federal Government agency but are otherwise viewed as low risk, the minimum down payment is 20 percent. This also scales up on transactions viewed as being more risky. ■

COVINGTON HOMES:

Building better homes and stronger communities COURTESY OF COVINGTON HOMES

When asked why they stand apart from other builders, Covington Homes owners respond, “We choose designs that fit the feel of the neighborhoods — exteriors that are welcoming and distinctly different and interiors that are inviting. We choose to build in communities that offer good value, convenient locations and a healthy lifestyle.

That’s our commitment every day.” Grace Covington, owner of Covington Homes, received the prestigious “Builder Member of the Year” award for 2016 at The Housing and Building Association of Colorado Springs’ (CSHBA) Annual Awards Dinner.

We are small enough to listen, but big enough to deliver. This provides our buyers an exceptional home building experience with the ability to personalize their home, while having the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have a better built home.

Thoughtfully designed with you in mind, our innovative floor plans, attention to detail and focus on energy efficiency make Covington

Homes stand apart. Covington Homes has a legacy of quality that is shown in their modern designs found at Meridian Ranch, Banning Lewis Ranch and Wolf Ranch.

Service and compassion for others has always been the cornerstone of Covington Homes’ culture. They have been recognized as the “Small Business Partner of the Year” from CASA for their partnership and investment to the safety and welfare of the children right here in El Paso County.

Covington Homes has also made a longterm commitment to partner with the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. As a team, along with other members of the community, they have raised a record-breaking $812,000 for the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital to fight childhood cancer last year and are on track to raise even more in 2017.

We invite you to experience the Covington Homes difference by visiting one of their model homes or go online at www.covingtonhomesco.com.

SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I

33

TOP 10 TIPS

on hir ing a move r NEWSWIRE

As the weather heats up, so does moving season, with 380,000 moves expected by leading moving company Two Men And A Truck from May through October.

Consumers may be tempted to hire movers who offer the cheapest quote, but not all moving companies are created equally.

Two Men And A Truck, the nation’s largest moving franchise, has compiled the top 10 tips to help guide consumers to hire movers they can trust.

“We have a set of core values that each employee lives out, and one of them is ‘The Grandma Rule’ — to treat everyone the way you would want your Grandma to be treated. We not only strive to meet expectations, but to exceed them. We know our customers are giving us the privilege of moving their belongings and they are trusting us to move their lives,” says CEO Jeff Wesley. “Today, with more

than 2,700 trucks and 9,000 employees, we take great pride in our 96 percent customer referral rate, and we want each and every person who uses Two Men And A Truck to have a great experience.”

Choosing a moving company that can be trusted with personal belongings can be difficult. Below is a list of tips to protect consumers: HIRE A LICENSED COMPANY. Be sure to only use a licensed moving company and check for a valid U.S. Department of Transportation number on the main DOT website.

FIND REASSURANCE IN VALUATION. Even if movers are bonded and insured, verify if belongings are covered during the move. Some states require a valuation of 60 cents per pound of coverage but in many cases additional valuation can be purchased for the move.

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AVOID IMPOSTERS. Visit the official site of the moving company and ensure there is a local address and the office is staffed.

GET A REAL QUOTE. Inspect the website to ensure they will not sell personal information to other movers to provide the quote and avoid sites that feature multiple quotes from different companies. Never pay for an estimate and consider an on-site estimate to ensure accuracy for larger moves.

INQUIRE ABOUT THE MOVERS. Two Men And A Truck movers are all properly trained, background tested and drug screened. Be careful if choosing to move forward with a company that employs temporary or day laborers and does not have Workers’ Compensation coverage should anything happen.

RESEARCH OPTIONS. The Internet is filled with reviews and comments on social media pages, so take the time to read about pros and cons of a potential company. Learn from customers’ experiences and look into complaints on the Better Business Bureau website, as well. Understand, not every move can be perfect, but if the company is taking time to respond to customers comments and work toward resolution, it is a good sign.

DON’T FALL FOR A TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE PRICE. If the price seems like it is too good, it probably is going to cause headaches and problems down the line. Moving is expensive — even if

completed without movers — be sure to look at all of your options as it’s best to go into the process prepared. Also, never move forward with a company that only accepts cash.

CHECK FOR HIDDEN FEES. When asking about pricing, be sure to understand what is included and if there are cancelation fees or a nonrefundable deposit. Most companies will refund a deposit if within a certain amount of days before the move, and see if there are extra fees for stairs, mileage or large items. Two Men And A Truck includes complimentary padding and stretch wrap to protect furniture, but not all companies will.

REPUTATION IS IMPORTANT. Many reputable movers belong to the American Moving and Storage Association. Identify if a prospective company is a member before booking a move.

ASK FOR REFERENCES. Get advice from friends and family who have had a good experience with movers. Did they feel like they were communicated with throughout the process and were told a window of time for the movers to arrive? Don’t forget to ask questions to feel confident with booking a company.

Planning a move can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be if consumers look for the right partner they can trust throughout the entire process

OAKWOOD HOMES:

Committed to strong education, design innovation and homeowner satisfaction COURTESY OF OAKWOOD HOMES

Founded in 1991 by industry veteran Pat Hamill, Oakwood Homes has invested more than two decades in building beautifully functional new homes in Colorado. We’ve been a staple in Colorado Springs for more than a decade, and are currently building in Banning Lewis Ranch and Cumberland Green; and we are the master developer of Banning Lewis Ranch. Oakwood Homes has recently been named Best Home Developer in The Gazette’s Best of 2017.

Located in the northeastern area of Colorado Springs, the Banning Lewis Ranch community is off Woodmen Road along Marksheffel Road. The community is rich with recreational opportunities, including Olympic Pool and Splash Pad, basketball/ tennis courts, baseball/soccer fields and Vista Water Park, as well as open space with parks and trails. Schools include Banning Lewis Ranch Academy and an upcoming charter high school, Banning Lewis Preparatory Academy. Oakwood Homes is honored to support St. Jude by

donating land for the 2017 Dream Home currently under construction in the Banning Lewis Ranch community.

Located on the southern edge of Colorado Springs in Fountain, Cumberland Green offers a highly-rated elementary school within the community. Fort Carson and Peterson Air Force Bases are minutes away. Recreational amenities include Fountain Creek Regional Park, John Metcalf Park and Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Schools include Eagleside Elementary, Fountain Middle School and Fort Carson High School.

Through our BuildStrong Education foundation, Oakwood Homes works collaboratively with community leaders, educators, builders, businesses, parents and students to create high-quality schools.

We support a robust relationship between community members and their schools to create strong and safe neighborhood communities. Through BuildStrong Education, we’ve built Banning Lewis Ranch Academy and will soon build Banning Lewis

Preparatory Academy.

Aside from a deep devotion to the community, there are many other elements that set Oakwood Homes apart: • COMMITMENT TO THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE. We work consistently to provide outstanding experiences for our buyers.

• COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION. We are committed to building strong schools in our building communities.

• COMMITMENT TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY. Oakwood-built homes provide better long-term home value because the homes are built in an environmentally sustainable manner, and also reduce monthly energy costs for homeowners.

• COMMITMENT TO DESIGN INNOVATION. Oakwood Homes has pioneered construction methods that allow homeowners’ luxury-style features in standard-priced homes.

We are in constant communication with

our clients. We want them to be involved in the whole process, and truly feel ownership as we come alongside them and build their dream home. The client always receives updates and pictures as we go through each step of building their home. “Oakwood Homes’ culture is what I love most about working here,” says Michelle Wilkerson, New Home Counselor. “We hold ourselves to higher standards than simply selling homes.

Our company is dedicated to assuring new home buyers enjoy the comfort and luxury of their homes and enjoy the vibrant community we helped create in their neighborhood.”

Banning Lewis Ranch will be a hub site for the HBA 2017 Parade of Homes opening August 2. Colorado Collection is also a new collection of Homes in Banning Lewis Ranch, and features floor plans not built anywhere else in Colorado. Come on by and see what makes this community special.

To learn more call 719-380-5092, visit OakwoodHomesco.com or email eadcock@oakwoodhomesco.com.

THE

PERFECT COMBINATION

OF THE GREAT INDOORS AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS.

Low-maintenance homes, custom lots and more from the low $400s to $1 million+.

Discover single-family home sites in a variety of lot sizes as two more builders contribute

We’re now taking reservations for homes

to our new home mix. Set against beautiful front range views, these collections will be

in our new low-maintenance neighborhood.

thoughtfully integrated into these spectacular surroundings.

Custom home lots will also soon be available.

Stop by to see how abundant the future could be!

Visit TheFarmColorado.com to learn more.

BROOKSTONE HOMES 719.494.5113 brookstonecolorado.com

ADAMO HOMES 720.320.4959 adamohomes.com

GOETZMANN CUSTOM HOMES 719.548.1338 goetzmannhomes.com

KELLER HOMES 719.388.2322 kellerhomes.com

SADDLETREE HOMES 719.593.1400 saddletreehomes.com

VANTAGE HOMES 719.597.6373 vhco.com

SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I

35

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36 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, JUN 11, 2017