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Kelly Young ~ Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126

Colorado Springs ~ Fountain ~ Market Activity

Fountain is a bustling community that has come into its own within the past 4 years. What has happened is Fountain grew from a small "suburb" south of Colorado Springs into a recognized city of its own with major retailers, restaurants and builders and a lot of families moving in. Located 15 minutes South of Colorado Springs the access to Ft. Carson is a direct route West across Interstate 25.

Because of its strategic location and affordable housing prices, Fountain is poised to benefit tremendously from the growth and influx of new military personnel at Ft. Carson. In 2008, 1096 homes sold in the Fountain Valley area. Sales prices ranged from below $100,000 to $390,000. There were three homes that sold above $400,000. The average sales price in 2008 was approximately $170,000. As of today, there are 596 homes for sale in Fountain. On the surface, this seems like more than a 6 month supply. However, with the volume of troops being relocated to Ft. Carson, the supply could dwindle rapidly. I am optimistic for this area because of its location and access as well as its affordable housing prices.

Living a Colorado Lifestyle

This morning I had the opportunity to remember one of the reasons I am in real estate and what my passion is. A customer called and they just closed on their new mountain land in Colorado. He and the boys were on their way up to initiate their land and have a game of paint ball. Did I want to come along? How fun would that be if I had not committed to doing an open house! The last game of paintball I had was down at our ranch and I learned the goal really isn't to be out in an open field visible and accessible to all. Did I tell you that those paint balls can sting when they land on your body?

Back to my customers and living their dream. Huge aspen forest, a small creek semi-frozen running through the land and outrageous rock outcroppings that remind me I really am not Queen of the Universe no matter how much I feel the need to hold that position some days. Year-round access with a new hospital less than 15 minutes away and less than 1 hour to the Colorado Springs airport. Special -- yes. Hard to find -- getting harder everyday. It reminds me that mountain land in Colorado really doesn't grow on trees and with interest rates the lowest I have ever seen for land loans the market is strong.

Land is special and the memories that are created are what I want to remember to be about.

Colorado Springs Authentic Mexican Restaurant

I was out previewing homes today and stopped to have lunch in Bust Colorado. In case you are new to Colorado Springs or just have a hankering for great Mexican food I found the place for you.

Ritas Mexican Kitchen Photo

Ritas is a brightly colored building on the South side of Highway 24 just about half-way between Colorado Springs and Woodland Park. Located in the "town" of Bust, population 2 -- it can be hard to miss as you are traveling along at 60 MPH. With a terrific menu, all food made to order and lunch for $5.00 it is worth the trip. Come full and ready to eat because servings are outrageously big and delicious.

While eating real chips (you know the difference), homemade salsa (red & green), you can browse through their shop that is full of home decor items with a Mexican flair.

More photos will be added.

How to Have an Adventure of the Heart

Today while driving through Colorado Springs I passed a campground with RV's pulled in, lawn chairs out and grills going -- it was almost 70 today and an absolutely perfect day. The RV campground reminded me of a business woman here in Colorado Springs that helps people create meaningful moments for special people in their lives. In this case, she does workshops around the country called "Romance in an RV".

For those of us who don't have an RV Mary's Adventures of the Heart business is full of creativity and fun for any occasion. I know Valentine's Day is going to be here soon and for anyone new to the Colorado Springs area it might be helpful to get some ideas on things to do, places to go and an incredibly fun woman to work with.

What makes Adventures of the Heart special is Mary's ability to help someone create a meaningful moment with limited budgets on up. On a personal note she helped me create my 40th birthday party with a mud volleyball tournament. To say it was fun doesn't even light a candle to the laughter, fun and mess that we made. What a way to turn 40.

Adventures of the Heart is based in Colorado Springs (Monument actually) and she works with people all over the country by phone, fax and email. Be sure to check out her website at http://www.adventuresoftheheart.com/index.php?page_id=1.

Colorado Castles

I recently read an article about castles here in the United States. It sparked a memory for me that we have a castle (actually a couple) here in Colorado. Heading South of Colorado Springs about an hour to Highway 165 (a designated scenic by-way in Colorado) heads into the San Isabel National Forest. Peaking out over the tree tops is a turret and as the curve in the road opens up there it sits, an actual castle.

The story here is unique and worth a trip. The owner, Jim Bishop, started building his castle 40 years ago. There is no charge to see and tour the castle but donation containers are available. For every type of person there is something to see and note. The construction itself begs to ask just how did one man move these rocks? There are sections of the castle that only the brave of heart or those needing an adrenaline rush would/should do.

Here are links to stories and photos along the way. Remember to enjoy the day and stop to believe in your dreams.

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2047

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06211/709125-37.stm