Ian Stone

I am so lucky to be in real estate today in Colorado Springs, Colorado! The first time home buyers are stealing homes all over town with no money down. I wish I was in the market with no money down and all this crazy deals, I would freek out. The buyers are coming out of the wood work for a chance to take advantage of rock bottom prices on homes that were 50 thousand dollars more expensive two years ago. Buyers would have spent 150,000 on the same home they can steal for 100,000 today.

It is definitely a buyers market and the word is that the $7500 tax credit could be used as a down payment in the upcoming monthes. This would allow first timers to buy with money down with an interest free loan or use this money on the back end to improve the home which in many cases is important with some of the foreclosures on the market. The winter monthes will bring at least 2000 new foreclosures to the market in Colorado Springs, which will only get first timers and investors more excited about buying low and selling high in a few years.

The fastest growing segment of real estate is foreclosure, preforeclosure, REO and bank owned properties. I hope all potential buyers take advantage of these low prices before housing prices go back to the levels when the average person couldn't afford the payments on overpriced homes. Realtor of the Springs Ian Stone

I think one of the oldest myths in real estate is that buyers disappear every year at this time, go into hibernation, and magicallly appear in the spring and are ready to buy homes again. The number of homes sold does go down in November every year and starts to grow steadily every March. What people can forget is that the number of active homes on the market decreases by 35% in November which contributes to the lower number of sales. The positive message for buyers and sellers is that this can be the best time possible to be in the real estate market.

The buyers who are out looking are very motivated to find a home for many reasons including job relocation, lease terminations, and mainly a desire to find a good deal. For sellers who are on the market the number of showings on your house will go down but the quality of buyers improves, so you cut out half hearted buyers, and can have a great chance for an offer. When deciding to jump into the real estate market in the winter remember that motivation from buyers and sellers can be high and this always leads to a win win situation for both sides.

If your in the market for a rental property or a second home winter is always the best time for a smoking deal. Foreclosures are everywhere and sellers with equity are willing to negotiate some fabulous terms so get out there and find a deal that you may never find in the summer. Ian Stone Your Realtor of Colorado Springs, Co

One thing that we can all agree on is that going out for great food and drink is a fun way to connect with friends and family. I would like to recommend The Famous Steakhouse to anyone who is looking for a place to take their special someone or just for aps and a drink after work. The Famous features the best steaks in Colorado and never skimp of the size of there juicy grain fed Iowa prime grade steaks. They have every wine lovers favorites with a full bar and unbelivable martinis. Whether you try a steak or go for fresh fish you'll never be disappointed in the first class service from this downtown delight. The Famous Steakhouse is located on the corner of Tejon and Kiowa in the heart of Colorado Springs, Colorado. They are open daily for lunch and nights for dinner, bring your business clients or sweetheart in and you'll be hooked. Your Realtor of the Springs Ian Stone

We have always been told to buy low and sell high, and there hasn't been a better time to find amazing deals on everything from services for our homes, to stocks, and especially on homes. Most people think the deals are confined to foreclosures and preforeclosures but the best deals are often on estates and from sellers who have owned their home for many years.

I have been surprised by the trend that if sellers must get rid of their homes for a multitude of reasons from money troubles to job transfers, they are willing to negotiate the price lower than the rock bottom price on the listing. I have asked for closing costs for years, but now we can ask for everything from sod, carpet, appliances, full paint jobs and a variety of items that in a sellers market would never fly.

It is not always about the best and lowest price, sometimes the best terms can save a buyer more in the long run by saving them money after they purchase the home. For instance a buyer purchased a home with an unfinished backyard which would cost at least $10,000 for them to do after closing. After negotiating a fair price we asked the sellers to finish the yard before closing and they agreed. Not only did this incentive save money after closing for the buyer it saved valuable time with their busy schedule. When making an offer price is very important but try to get other services and items put into the contract to save you down the road. Realtor of the Springs Ian Stone