Pueblo West, CO

Here are the Pueblo West real estate statistics for 4th Quarter 2010, 10/1/2010-12/31/2010. The figures in parenthesis are from the same time period in 2009. The properties on market figures do NOT include properties under contract.

SINGLE FAMILY
Of the 95 Single Family Sold, 94 were single family homes with 1 condo.

Residential homes sold 4th quarter by price:

9 < $100K
30 between $100-150K
29 between $150-200K
15 between $200-250K
12 over $250K

Residential homes sold 4th quarter by Pueblo West MLS location.

[To describe the Multiple List Service area breakdown, Pueblo West Acreage includes those lots on one acre (+) on the south side of Highway 50, not including the Golf Course area (which has smaller lot sizes), Liberty Point (the areas adjacent to Pueblo Lake boundaries) or Pueblo West East (generally areas east of the first McCulloch with smaller lot sizes). There are two designated manufactured home park areas which are on smaller lots, one on the north side and one on the south side of Highway 50.]

25 Pueblo West Acreage
17 Pueblo West East
11 Pueblo West Golf Course
5 Pueblo West Liberty Point
5 Pueblo West Manufactured Homes
32 Pueblo West N of Highway 50

Over 70% of the homes sold in Pueblo West during the fourth quarter were under $200K reflecting Pueblo West's affordability over Colorado Springs to the north and also reflecting the number of discounted homes due to short sale or foreclosure. Of the 56 residential properties pending sale, 12 are awaiting short sale approval from lender.

MULTI-FAMILY

The 1 multi-family home that sold this quarter was a duplex which sold for $166K. If you can get a loan (or are able to pay cash), it's a great time to purchase investment properties.

VACANT LOTS

Vacant lots sold 4th quarter by Pueblo West MLS location:

2 Pueblo West Acreage
1 Pueblo West East
0 Pueblo West Golf Course
0 Pueblo West Liberty Point
0 Pueblo West Manufactured Homes
5 Pueblo West N of Highway 50

Lot sales continue to reflect the depressed building situation with prices trending downward. If you live in Pueblo West or are a local builder and if you are interested in a particular lot because it is adjacent to your property or you want to build, give me a call. I've talked to many lot owners who want to sell but have decided not to place their lot on the market at this time.

To recap 2010, the residential home sales spiked during the time the $8000 tax credit was available to buyers. However, despite the tax credit, Pueblo West home sales were down overall from the previous year. Sales of vacant lots were down nearly 20% which means that new home starts were less than during 2009. Foreclosure and short sales continue to depress market value. However, now is still a good time to purchase a home. Mortgage rates are expected to slowly increase during 2011. If you plan on selling this year, your house must be in tip-top shape to get the best possible sales price. If you think you've cleaned and de-cluttered enough, go back and clean and de-clutter some more! Complete all deferred maintenance projects, clean out your septic system if you have one, have your insurance company check your roof for hail damage, and if you are still on propane-convert to natural gas.

This will be my last blog for a while. I'm looking at new opportunities outside the real estate world!

All the best,
Deb

It seems like we've had an extended summer with all the wonderful, warm fall days lately but there is now snow on top of Pikes Peak and a cold front is expected to blow in this weekend. If you haven't already done the following "get-ready-for-winter" tasks, now is the time:

1. Furnace: Have your furnace/heating system serviced by a qualified service company. Check/clean/replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season.
2. Fireplace/Wood Stoves: Inspect fireplace, wood stove and chimneys. Have each cleaned and serviced as needed.
3. Chimneys: Inspect chimney for problems. Clean out all obstructions such as leaves and bird's nests.
4. Sump Pump: Ensure sump pump is operating and draining properly.
5. Foundation: Examine foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture. Repair as required. Check for and seal holes that could be an entry point for pests and rodents.
6. Gutters/Downspouts: Check and clean out gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof. Repair loose joints and ensure secure attachment to your home. Clear any obstructions and make sure water flows away from your foundation.
7. Driveway/Sidewalks: Inspect driveway and walk ways. Make repairs as needed.
8. Roof: Make a visual inspection of your roof (or hire a professional to do so). Replace broken or damaged shingles and flashings as needed.
9. Windows/Doors: Put up storm windows. Ensure all windows, skylights, and doors close tightly. Repair weather stripping if required.
10. Outdoor hoses: Drain and store outdoor hoses. Prepare outdoor faucets for winter freezes.
11. Sprinkler system: Close the sprinkler system shutoff valve and turn off the sprinkler controller/timer. If necessary, call a professional to blow out the system.
12. Outdoor furniture and toys: Clean and store.

And as always, keep safety in mind when working around your home. If required, hire a professional. And, from Nan Black - my trusted expert on all things gardening, be careful sticking your hand into holes or even sprinkler boxes - there are still rattlesnakes out there!

Here are the Pueblo West real estate statistics for 3rd Quarter 2010, 7/1/2010-9/30/2010.  The figures in parenthesis are from the same time period in 2009.  The properties on the market do NOT include properties under contract.

SINGLE FAMILY
Of the 96 Single Family Sold, all were single family homes, no condos/townhomes.

Residential homes sold 3rd quarter by price:

9 < $100K
37 between $100-150K
30 between $150-200K
11 between $200-250K
9 over $250K

Residential homes sold 3rd quarter by Pueblo West MLS location.

[To describe the Multiple List Service area breakdown, Pueblo West Acreage includes those lots on one acre (+) on the south side of Highway 50, not including the Golf Course area (which has smaller lot sizes), Liberty Point (the areas adjacent to Pueblo Lake boundaries) or Pueblo West East (generally areas east of the first McCulloch with smaller lot sizes).  There are two designated manufactured home park areas which are on smaller lots, one on the north side and one on the south side of Highway 50.]

27 Pueblo West Acreage
21 Pueblo West East
11 Pueblo West Golf Course

2 Pueblo West Liberty Point
5 Pueblo West Manufactured Homes
30 Pueblo West N of Highway 50

The lower figures for sale of residential homes this quarter reflects the rush last quarter to take advantage of the Federal First Time Home Buyer and Repeat Home Buyer Tax credit programs which ended April 30, 2010.  Many of the homes that were purchased last quarter would have occurred this quarter but for the credit.  Nearly 80% of the homes sold in Pueblo West during the second quarter were under $200K reflecting Pueblo West's affordability over Colorado Springs to the north.  I've added another row of information to show the homes that are no longer active but haven't yet sold - those pending sale.  Of the 84 residential properties pending sale, 16 are awaiting short sale approval from lender.

MULTI-FAMILY

Multi-family sales remain steady.  Of the 4 multi-family homes that sold this quarter 3 were duplexes and 1 was a 4-plex.  All sold for less than $142,000.  If you can get a loan (or are able to pay cash), it's a great time to purchase investment properties.

VACANT LOTS

Vacant lots sold 3rd quarter by Pueblo West MLS location:

5 Pueblo West Acreage
1 Pueblo West East
3 Pueblo West Golf Course
1 Pueblo West Liberty Point
0 Pueblo West Manufactured Homes
5 Pueblo West N of Highway 50

Lot sales continue to reflect the depressed building situation with prices trending downward.  If you live in Pueblo West or are a local builder and if you are interested in a particular lot because it is adjacent to your property or you want to build, give me a call. I've talked to many lot owners who want to sell but have decided not to place their lot on the market at this time.

Friday marks the start of the Pueblo Association of Home Builders 2010 Pueblo Parade of Homes. This year has 11 entries located throughout Pueblo and Pueblo County. This is a far cry from the dozens of parade homes in years past - an unfortunate sign of the economic times.

If you are thinking about buying or if you just want to take a look at new home features on the market (including decorating, landscaping, and green energy), the 2010 Parade of Homes offers all of this and more.

You can get your ticket and guide for just $5.00 at area Loaf ‘N Jug stores.

Here are the days/hours that the homes will be open:

September 10-19, 2010
Fridays 1-6pm
Saturdays & Sundays 11am-6pm

Here are the home locations:

Pueblo West
#1 - 368 Conquistador Ave., Pueblo West, CO., 5Bed/3Bath/3Car Garage/5244 finished sqft: Sales Price: $369,000 (Oakwood Construction Co.)

#2 - 546 Rialto Dr, Pueblo West, CO., 3Bed/2Bath/3Car Garage/2000 finished sqft + unfinished basement: Sales Price: $254,900 (Hartland Homes)

#3 - 1035 Camino Al Cielo. Pueblo West, CO., 3Bed/2Bath/3Car Garage/1583 finished sqft + unfinished basement: Sales Price $214,900 (Hartland Homes)

#4 - 646 Matt Dr., Pueblo West, CO., 3Bed/2Bath/3Car Garage/1425 finished sqft + unfinished basement: Sales Price: $192,900 (Family Homes)

North Pueblo
#5 - 5053 Killdeer, Pueblo, CO., 4Bed/2.5Bath/2Car Garage/2027 finished sqft: Sales Price: $197,350 (Eagleridge Homes, LLC)

#6 - 5912 Polly Ct., Pueblo, CO., 4Bed/3Bath/2Car Garage/2000 finished sqft: Sales Price: $210,000 (Cowan Concept Homes)

#7 - 4202 Muirfield, Pueblo, CO., 3Bed/3Bath/2Car Garage/2456 finished sqft: Sales Price: $550,000 (Pioneer West Homes)

#8 - 4874 Walking Stick Blvd., Pueblo, CO. - THIS HOME WILL NOT BE OPEN FOR THE PARADE

SOUTH PUEBLO
#9 - 5118 Peachcrest, Pueblo, CO., 4Bed/3Bath/3Car Garage/3000 finished sqft: Sales Price: $289,950 (Domega Homes)

#10 - 3327 Lions Pride Ln, Pueblo, CO., 4Bed/2Bath/2Car Garage/1842 finished sqft + unfinished basement: Sales Price $229,900 (Oakwood Construction Co.)

#11 - 3324 Lions Price Ln, Pueblo, CO., 5Bed/2Bath/2Car Garage/3544 finished sqft: Sales Price: $292,167 (Legacy Homes of Pueblo, Inc.)

Colorado City
#12 - 7275 Reata Ct., Colorado City, CO., 3Bed/2Ba/2Car Garage/1803 finished sqft: Sales Price: $329,900 (Cornella Builders, Inc.)

Visit all 11 open homes in the Parade tour and get your ticket stamped at each home. At the last one, leave your completed Parade ticket for a chance to win the $750 cash drawing provided by Premier Mortgage.

For more info go to www.puebloparade.com.

This is the last weekend before school starts in Pueblo West. If you are looking for things to do in and around the area, here are a few suggestions:

· Writing and publishing workshop with Maria Melendez

Saturday, Aug. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon, Rawlings Library, 100 E. Abriendo Ave., Ryals Room - 4th floor
All aspiring writers are invited to attend a writing and publishing workshop with Maria Melendez, published author and editor of Pilgrimage, a literary magazine, which is presently housed at the Nature and Raptor Center. Maria also serves as the acquiring editor of Momotombo Press and contributing editor to Latino Poetry Review. The emphasis of the workshop will be on getting published with a focus on U. S. authors who write in English or bilingually with Latino themes. Self publishing and starting your own press will also be a topic. All aspiring writers are welcome. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call Charlene at 553-0234.

· Fourth Anniversary Celebration of Nuestra Biblioteca & Sweet Dreams Car Show

Sunday, Aug. 15, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Rawlings Library, 100 E. Abriendo Ave.

11 a.m. Car Show
1-5 p.m. José Mares art exhibit
1:30 p.m. Grupo Folklorico del Pueblo dancers
2:30 p.m. Fiesta Queen & Court performances
3 p.m. Poetry Slam
4 p.m. Fourth Anniversary Ceremony & Car Show Awards

Join Pueblo City-County Library District for the fourth anniversary celebration of Nuestra Biblioteca Hispanic Resource Center at Rawlings Library. This special celebration of Hispanic culture includes a performance by Grupo Folklorico del Pueblo dancers, Sweet Dreams Car Show, art exhibit and much more for the whole family. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call (719) 553-0234.

· Southern Colorado's Largest Bridal Fair

Sunday, August 15 · 12:00pm - 4:00pm, Pueblo Convention Center
Enjoy Pueblo's one stop shop for brides and grooms to be. Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres, fashion shows and register for a chance to win great giveaways!

· 2010 Colorado Springs Parade of Homes

Daily thru Sunday, August 22nd
The 2010 Colorado Springs Parade of Homes showcases 23 homes in 15 communities across El Paso County. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at any Safeway. Click here for more information.

· Pueblo Convention Center's World Wine Tour Featuring a "Taste of Colorado"

Friday, August 20, Hors D'oeuvres 5:30, Dinner 6:30, at Pueblo Convention Center
Menu features Pluot Salad, Caramel Roasted Chili Pork Satays, Blackberry and Herb Double Cut Colorado Lamb Chop, and Grilled Palisade Peach with Grilled Angel Food Cake. All courses accompanied by a Colorado wine. Yum!

Tickets are $50 and must be purchased by Aug 18. Call 719-542-1100.

Remember, school starts on Tuesday, August 17. Watch out for kids and school buses. Drive carefully!

Deb Jones, your Pueblo West real estate specialist