About Colorado Springs' Sierra Ridge

Sierra Ridge is a trendy subdivision nestled at the junction of Austin Bluffs and Rangewood in Colorado Springs. The area offers a moderate range of homes currently between $249,000 to $315,000 dollars with the average price per square foot at $84.00. Many lots afford a stunning view of the Rocky Mountains and Pikes Peak

The popularity of Sierra Ridge includes several choices of open floor plan 2 story and ranch models and the affordable active HOA (home owner association). What sets the neighborhood apart from similar niche areas is the conveniently located outdoor pool, tennis courts, and well manicured park providing a hub for community activity during the precious summer season.

In the past six months 6 homes have sold, none of which were a short sale or foreclosed property bucking the current market trends of other distressed areas in the Colorado Springs, El Paso County. At this time, the homes fall under the school boundary for District 11 including the highly sought after Doherty High School.

Adjacent NE Colorado Springs neighborhoods include Dakota Ridge, Norwood, and Sundown. This area of the city developed mainly during the building boom of the mid to late 1990s and continues to be a popular relocation or move up niche.

If you've never read any of Jennifer Allen's blogs or books you are missing out. I for one am an avid follower and have been since she was here in Denver selling the 4 squares downtown. I agree with her approach to real estate. Enough said on that.

So one of her recent posts caught my eye about open houses,Open Houses - Inspiring Visitors to Give You Their Information - Because they WANT to! and I decided to have a bit of fun at my open house Saturday in a popular subdivision, Sierra Ridge, Colorado Springs. Now we all know open houses are a hit or miss item and from previous posts we all know there are VERY strong opinions on both sides of this issue, but I for one enjoy them ( I know I'm weird) and it gives me a chance to get to know the inventory in our area.

This particular home had good sign placement and filled one of my criteria- must be no more than 3 turns from main highways. Rule #1: if they need GPS to find it they probably won't bother. The ROI was going to be there because I spent no money on advertising, forgot to pick up cookies, and had my laptop with me- no print costs.

So now I decided to follow some of Jennifer's advice and just engage in conversation. I left the sign in sheet in the car and didn't "pounce" on incoming guests to grab as much info as possible before they even hit the kitchen. I actually had my space set up in the living room and stayed there while I let the guests peruse the home (it was vacant and I was comfortable letting them wonder). Now here is where it got entertaining. I let them come to me for information on the home and I was prepared as I always try to be. Visitors engaged in lengthy conversation about the area, the local market, other potential homes available, and their needs in housing. Three of the visitors stood there and asked for my information and a card because "I seemed to know a lot about the area!" I repeat they asked for my information and waited until I gave it to them along with being very willing to give their information to me and making a future appointment to chat further about their needs.

Did I have fun putting some of Jennifer's soul in my open house? Yup and I'm glad I have her as one of our AR ambassadors for advice.