The Pikes Peak Region, fabled for its abundant natural beauty and treasure, has saved its best for this very moment. And that's saying something. With a lifestyle as big and bold as Colorado itself -- absolutely no other community along the Front Range can begin to compare to Meridian Ranch.
Meridian Ranch offers an astounding array of amenities including a 30,000 square foot recreation center, miles of paved hiking and biking trails, an outdoor swimming pool, and the renowned Antler Creek Golf Course. With the new Meridian Ranch Elementary and Falcon High School located within the community as well as traditional, acreage, and custom home sites, Meridian Ranch is a neighborhood you have to see to believe!
Discover the riches of Meridian Ranch, where Campbell Homes (priced from the $270's) extravagant amenities and exceptional prices bring families together in a bold new Master Planned Community.
Meridian Ranch is the investment of a lifetime where a casual country lifestyle blends seamlessly with all the amenities and conveniences of urban living.
Community Information:
-School District 49
- Parks and Recreation
-Entertainment & Conveniences:
Learn more by visiting http://www.meridianranch.com/ or www.campbellhomes.com
Campbell Homes is proud to have been selected as a Signature Builder in Briargate's newest community, Cordera. Located on the northern boundary of Briargate, Cordera enjoys all the benefits of a master planned community including extensive parks, over 50 acres of open spaces and trails, an 8,000 square foot recreation center with swimming pool, and immediate accessibility to shopping, major employers and recreation.
With exceptional architectural details and individual color palettes, the homes in Cordera maintain a traditional sense, while offering the uniqueness and variety residents demand in a new community. Cordera is served by the revered School District 20. District Twenty is recognized throughout the Pikes Peak Region for providing students with a strong basis in core academic subjects.
Community Information:
-School District 20
- Parks and Recreation
I recently came across a client who had been dumped by another builder who was cancelling all contracts in Colorado Springs. This builder (who will remain un-named since I'm such a sweet heart) had to cancel all contracts since it seems they are under some hard financial times and have had a lot of leans put on their homes.
Anyhow I was working with my new family trying to help them find a new home that would meet their needs. It was HARD because these poor people were so emotionally attached to this home it was near impossible to help them pick out a new home. You see they had had their home built from the ground up. They had gone out to the builders design center and picked their colors, countertops, flooring and all other design features. They had gone through the stress of negotiating price, picking a neighborhood and floor plan that was just right and the tremendously draining mortgage process that we all must face when buying a home. This family was not only sold on this particular home it was in their minds THEIRS. They had every right to think this way. They were supposed to close on their home Feb 14th!
In the end I was unable to help them find a home. Their hearts were still broken and memories of their first dream home lingered in their heads. The wife was almost in tears every time she told me what she had picked out for the kitchen cabinets (maple). They were suppose to start their family in that home, they were supposed to be a family in that home and now they have decided to just rent for a while. I understand this completely and was very sincere when I told them I would be there to help when they were ready.
I use this story as a reminder that our clients are not just a paycheck they are people. They are friends. They are family. As Realtors and New Home Sales professionals we have the privilege to help people in their pursuit for the American Dream. We get to help them achieve the largest investment they may ever make. We are so lucky to be able to help them and I hope we all realize this and support our clients and families the best we can, because, although sometimes they can be difficult they are probably that way because they are going through an emotional rollercoaster. Let's help them with the ride! Have fun gang!
When I was a little girl I was known as a BIG time dreamer. I could make up all kinds of fantasies of princes and princesses in my mind. As I got older my dreams didn't fade they just became goals. At the age of 13 I set several goals for myself and I was far to strong minded to not get what I wanted out of life....don't kiss a boy until I was 16 (Check, on my birthday), get good grades in High School (Check), go to college (check), Travel (looking at 10 countries and counting now, Check) and even finding a career I truly loved (finally, check!)...but it was not until I entered the home building industry as a New Home Consultant for a National Builder did I realize the value of owning a home, and let me tell you I HAD to have my own home!
At first people told me it would be impossible because I was only 25 at the time, single, and just started off my career from college. But being the big dreamer that I was I not only convinced everyone I could do it and got them all on board but in May 2006 I signed the papers that would make me the owner of my very own 4 bedroom 3.5 bathroom home!
The reason I tell you this story is that anyone who has the dream of owning a home can own a home all they need is some support and a path to get them to their goal. You might not be able to buy your home the very day you decide you want one, but if you put your mind to it and work hard to build your credit, save a little money, and talk to the right people to help you do these things, you to can own your own home.
Home ownership is part of the American dream. It's a status symbol of "making it". But keep in mind that your first home is not always your "dream home". My first home is not my dream home but it met my needs and because I invested smart and researched the right builder option for me I was able to find a home that not only met my needs but when I go to sell this home I will be able to transfer the equity I made to the next home which will be a little bit better then the one I have now.
Statistics show that in a lifetime the average person will own 4-6 homes and not until their 4th home will it be considered their "dream home". I might have a few houses to go before I reach dream status but at least I have the goal in mind to reach my "dream home".
Have you been dreaming of home ownership and don't know where to start? There are several steps to take before looking into purchasing a home...
First of all check your credit. Borrowers who have a credit score over 700 are usually offered more financing options and a better rate but do not let a lower than 700 credit score detour you. I have seen people with credit scores in the 500s purchase homes. The idea is you need to prove that you have credit, you pay your bills on time, and how long you have had your credit. A mortgage advisor or Realtor can also help to discuss your credit options with you when it comes to buying a home. In fact most mortgage companies will pull your credit for a small fee and also can do a free prequalification.
The next thing you should do is find a Realtor. Realtors are experts in the business of helping people find homes. Just make sure your agent has your best interest in mind. If you happen to be looking for homes in Colorado Springs I have a whole lot of contacts I can give you. Meet with a couple of agents and DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING until you have decided that is the agent for you then you will sign an agreement stating that this person is your representative. Also you should know that as a buyer you do not have to pay for your Realtor but the seller will. So its basically free help for to you find what you are looking for. When I purchased my home I used BJ BURNS who was amazing in meeting my needs. Now you don't NEED a realtor to buy a home but its always helpful to have an expert on your side.
The third thing would be for you to BE REALISTIC. Again your first home is not your dream home; it's just the home that meets your needs. It takes time to get to the "dream home" status, but that does not mean you don't have to like where you will be living just know you can't have it all on the first run...
There are several steps to home ownership but the important thing is you have the goal and the dream in mind. If you happen to be looking for a home in Colorado Springs, CO or if you have some general questions about home ownership please feel free to contact me and I would be more than happy to help you make your dream a reality!
And as always Campbell Homes has been making the dream of homeownership since 1965 so I always encourage you check us out at http://www.campbellhomes.com/
There is a lot of negative media out there that talks about how bad the real estate market is. Is it as bad as they are saying?
The market is not bad at all. If someone on your weather channel told you it was going to be cold and rainy all across the USA today would you believe them? Of course not. It is the same for our economic situation. You cannot talk about the whole country. We are huge and different areas of the country have been affected differently than from other areas. We have been very blessed here in Colorado. We have had a slight correction to the market of approximately 3-5% depending on what area of town you are in. My little company of 40 agents sold over 30 million dollars in homes in the month of May. Does that sound like a bad market? I don't think so.
What are the advantages of buying a home in a "buyers market" like we are seeing now?
It is a wonderful time to buy. There is a bountiful selection of homes both resell and new to choose from. Interest rates are staying right around 6% or less. This is an amazing interest rate. Sellers and Builders both are being creative and giving some wonderful incentives. I would encourage anyone, that this is a perfect time to take that step forward.
BJ you have a long history working in Real Estate. In your experience how long does a down market last and when do you think we will see a shift in the current real estate market?
We have down markets just about every 7 years. It usually takes over a year to reach its lowest level but bounces back quite quickly. This is what I see happening right now. The market is turning and going back up and FAST.
What is one of the number one things you see/hear families are looking for when buying a new or resale home?
What most families are looking for in a new home is a good location with good schools and a livable floor plan. Most of the families I work with are wanting more open floor plans, lots of windows for light, and a decent size yard but not too big. With the cost of watering and taking care of big yards, they are more of a disadvantage. Most families would prefer to live close to a park or community open space for the kids to throw the ball around.
What are some of the advantages of using a professional real estate agent like yourself?
Using a real estate agent is smart. It does not cost the buyer one extra penny to use an agent. The builder or seller pays for the buyer to have one. It is wonderful to have someone look out for your best interest. It is especially good to have one that has many years of experience and knows what to look out for. Buying a home is the biggest #1 investment you will make in your life. You need someone experienced and someone knowledgeable to help you with that important decision.
Are there any other insights you would like to add about the current real estate market or about buyer's attitudes today?
Don't believe everything you read or hear in the media. Unfortunately "bad" news sells and good news doesn't. Would someone please explain that one to me? The last thing I would like to say is, we live in one of the most beautiful places in the entire world. Why not own a piece of it. You will never regret it.
BJ Burns has been practicing real estate in the Pikes Peak region for over 23 years. Through her dedication to serving her families BJ has built a reputation of integrity. BJ currently offices with The Platinum Group of Realtors. For more information about BJ Burns please visit her online at www.bjburnsteam.com or you can contact her at 719.536.4301.
Campbell Homes is a new home builder in colorado springs, building new homes in Colorado Springs since 1965. We offer 2 story homes, ranch homes, and tri-level homes
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