There is an area Northeast of Colorado Springs called Falcon that is often described as "country living". It doesn't have anything to do with a lack of amenities but more of the look and feel of the area. Within Falcon is a subdivision called Woodland Hills. With walking trails, a golf course, multiple recreational centers with swimming pools and a wide variety of homes it seems to appeal to a wide variety of people.
Since March the first there are 92 Active listings ranging from $181,000 to $400,000. Within these you will find ranch style homes, two stories, bi-levels and patio homes. Some with three car garages, RV parking, small yards to over an acre.
In the same March timeframe there are 40 homes that are either pending or under contract. Four have sold and there are still two business days before the end of the month.
The Falcon area and Woodmen Hills in particular is popular for military families with access to Shriever Air Force Base and Pete Field to the East, the Air Force Academy to the North and Ft. Carson to the South. For families interested in access to multiple metropolitan areas for jobs it is commutable to Colorado Springs or Denver.
As one of our Spring snow storms passed through and has almost completely melted it reminds me that Springtime in the Rockies is quickly upon us. With all the attention on the economy, jobs, the stock market, etc. I thought something about gardening with a twist would be fun and of interest.
Planting and gardening are two hobbies that many people enjoy and get a lot of satisfaction out of. The interesting question becomes, where do you get the plant? In this particular case I am talking about trees. Whether you are looking for an interesting closing gift, sprucing up your yard, being Green or looking for something for a hard to buy "someone" the gift of a tree is unusual and gives back in many different ways.
There is a small tree farm located 1 hour South of Colorado Springs called Rancho San Carlos Tree Farm. They grow deciduous trees that are happy in a Colorado climate and specialze in a pot - n - pot system. This means that the trees grow in their own pots and can be harvested year round. Grown locally they are acclimated to Colorado's climate and tend to do very well once planted, watered and cared for in a yard.

The trip down is a beautiful drive and the ranch itself is worth the trip. The savings on trees is great being able to buy directly from a tree farm. You have to call first because they are available by appointment. Call 719-485-7476 and talk to Jarrod or DeAnna.
The Rancho San Carlos Tree Farm website also has a lot of information about trees and helpful tips if you are looking but not sure what for. Click here for more information http://www.rsctreefarm.com/
Today I received the home inspection for a ranch property we were at yesterday. I was so awed by what I received that I had to sit down and write about this to share with all of you.
I called Scott about a week ago and asked about setting an appointment to inspect a house(s) on a property here in Southern Colorado. Yesterday was our day and it was 75 degrees. For us, in March, it is very unusual. Scott asked to have the first hour alone to inspect the house and for me meet him to go over the results.
I had the contractual assigment to find a back corner pin and off I went for a "work hike" to locate the pin. What made this so fun was finding more interesting areas and features to this land that I had not known existed and looking forward to telling the buyers about it. I actually found the stake and took a picture to show the buyer before we can go back out to physically see it.

Back to Scott the inspector. The hour passed as I came heading back down through the woods and Scott says he has not gone inside yet. He was in every crawl space (hanging out in there not just looking), noticed details about all aspects inside and out. He also took photos of each one and of the overall property to show what he had reviewed, inspected, noted, etc.
In addition to a traditonal inspection Scott offers a Thermal Imaging option that can locate water issues, identifies changes in temperature in a ceiling/wall right next to another.
THERMAL SCANNING investigates and helps locate sources of troublesome issues such as:
* Water intrusion and plumbing leaks
* Flat roof deterioration; other roofing issues
* Electrical hazards and other unsafe conditions
* Material degradation
* Heat loss and poor insulation
* Ventilation and air quality issues
* Mold sourcing
* Settlement and stress cracks
* Separations in building materials
Scott's final report is over 80 pages and reads like a story book with photos & text for easy reading and understanding. The back offers a summary for each area and recommendations for where he felt the buyers might want to do something. He has it available online and it stays there for over 1 year.
Scott has been in the business for over 20 years and I undertand why. I emailed back today and said will you also come up to Colorado Springs?
I know some people may not care for detailed inspections because it can cause a deal to blow up but I personally appreciate the care and attention he took to do the right thing making sure that there were no huge suprises for the buyer later on.
Scott can be found usually in a crawl space, under the stairs or on the roof but you can read about him while waiting to hear back from him at http://www.space-explorations.com. He can also be reached at 719-248-3180.
In our intergenerational society it is not often that I come across a place that not only is convenient, warm, comfortable and welcoming but more importantly full of people of all ages throughout the day.
The Palisades at Broadmoor Park is a newly opened retirement community offering an innovative lifestyle approach that lets you engage life on your terms. The Palisades is incredibly dynamic to say the least with their collaborative approach to wellness with the owners/developers of The Palisades, the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs, its Gerontology Center, and private enterprise. What this partnership brings to life is a unique program run by faculty and students through the Gerontology center for staying fit, healthy, independent and actively engaged in life. Believed to the be the first model of its kind The Palisades has already won an intergenerational award on the State of Colorado level and is currently up for a National award.
In addition to a strong integrated health care onsite, other University departments will be helpingto create a lifelong-learning center promoting mental fitness through classes, discussion groups, community events, book a nd game clubs as well as community service opportunities.

Beyond all the wellness, living and learning opportunities, The Palisades has opened its doors and heart wide open to the community at large offering use of its facilities for board meetings, retreats, celebrations and of course lots of fun. What I respected about this is having an inclusive, welcoming approach to generations living, working and playing together.
Today I got a personal tour of The Palisades by their Marketing Associate, Bill Pattee. He not only knows every person by name but knows the specific details of everything they have available from apartment amenities rich in detail and safety. Pricing models are also uniquely designed allowing for you to choose and pay for only the assistance you need. Bill can also be found teaching at least two classes a month here. Be prepared for him to take a genuine interest in you and the people, events and needs important to you.
With 110 spacious apartments offering stunning architectural details, multiple floor plans, creative spaces and fantastic events it is a place you have to see and truly experience for yourself. Whether you are looking for someone special in your life or planning for the future The Palisades at Broadmoor Park is definitely something to put on the list.
Located in a tucked Southwestern area of Colorado Springs neighborhoods here also provide housing options for families and friends who have special someone(s) living at The Palisades.
For much more information visit http://www.palisadesatbroadmoorpark.com. For personal assitance you can reach Bill Pattee at 719-226-2273 or 866-645-8166.
Having a vision, commitment and intention are powerful tools that many have used in creating new opportunities in our world. Colorado Springs is fortunate to have all of these in the form of a school here in town.
Tucked in a neighborhood on the southwest side of Colorado Springs is the Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy. Founded in 1995 by several parents who were interested in a more stringent curriculum, CMCA has continued to provide excellence in education in a safe, structured environment by adhering to the tenants of its founders.

On this campus that continues to sprout new buildings, new grade levels and new programs, is also the Vanguard School high school started in 2007. Vanguard High School will have a maximum of 400 students. you will find a campus that continues to grow. Named #1 high school in the State of Colorado bragging rights are in order. Instead of touting their ranking, everyone here stands behind why they got and stay there versus the ranking itself. Here is what they say:
What sets us apart:
The Cheyenne Mountain Charter schools offers elementary and junior high classes with a maximum student ratio. At a recent meetingwith Executive Director COlin Mullaney, he said that there is currently a waiting list for kids to attend. For much more information about Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy and Vanguard please visit their website at http://www.cmca12.com/
What I believe the two schools mentioned in this Blog series have in common is a commitment to their purpose and their vision. Both believe and actively cultivate the potential within every student through respect, discipline and appropriate instruction.
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