Enid Beitzel, MRE, CRS, GRI

There are currently 8 homes listed for sale in our MLS system for Austin Heights in Colorado Springs with prices ranging from $369,900 to $499,900. One property is under contract with a list price of $350,000. Four properties closed this year already with prices ranging from $245,000 to $430,000.

The presence of Radon gas has been identified as being a factor in a number of diseases. Homeowners and environmentalists worry about it because it occurs naturally and randomly in homes across the country and is undetectable without special testing.

Environment Canada and the EPA in the U.S. are sources of information on Radon gas and can be consulted if you want your home tested by a local firm equipped to do it.

If the gas is found by such a test its removal is usually straightforward and fairly inexpensive. If you are selling a home in an area where it is known to be a problem, testing for it in advance of listing the property is a good idea to preclude it as an issue in any offer you receive.

As a buyer, including the test as a contingency in the offer would be prudent.

--with permission Realty Tips

Interest rates are still around 4.65 % which is great and all buyers should be taking advantage of this low interest rate. House values have fallen in the last year so more folk should be able to qualify for homeownership. Even though our economy grew by 1.1 percent all of last year this year could be better. Last month home sales increased which is encouraging for all of us.

Homeownership is such a privilege in our country. Now is a great time to consider owning a home. First you need get your loan in place. There are many programs for first time home buyers right now. Our biggest program is the $8,000 gift from the government this year. I have written about this in a previous post. The current interest rate has not been more appealing for many, many years.

There are lots of homes for sale in Colorado Springs so you have the privilege of making a good choice. Homeownership stabilizes your monthly payment for 30 years verses. There are also tax benefits to homeownership. If you have any qualms or questions about owning a home you can email me at any time.

Your first winter in your new home may bring some surprises if you neglected to inquire about utility costs when you purchased the home.

That beautiful, light, and airy home you viewed and bought in balmy summer weather may be a serious drain on your finances in the winter. That nice breeze may now be a nasty draft!

Find out what the owners of a house are paying for utilities before you make an offer. Even if the owners have been meticulous about telling you what they pay, your cost may differ greatly because of lifestyle differences. The present owners may like a very cool house - you may require the house to be much warmer. The present owner may be elderly and just using and heating a couple of rooms while you and your family will need to heat the whole house.

Check and see if windows are double-glazed, if the ceiling is well insulated, what insulation is in the walls and how well the doors and windows seal. There are many ways in which to improve energy efficiency. Modern high efficiency appliances, light bulbs, and heating sources can cut energy use.

Both your local library and electric company are good sources of information on improving the energy efficiency of a home.

--with permission Realty Tips