Ken and Sandy Wickham

Plastics have a long honored tradition in counter tops - from the old stand-by of laminate counters like Formica to the composite solid surface counters like Corian.

But counter tops made from paper? Check out shetkaStone. Along with counters, they fabricate table tops, benches, moldings and more - all with a 100% sustainable life cycle - from pre and post-consumer waste paper!

Prices fall between Corian and Granite. The site bills the product as durable, food safe, and stain, water, bacteria and scorch resistant.

You can request samples through the website for a small fee.

If you have used shetkaStone, please let us know!

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are long-time Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. They welcome your real estate related inquiries; to contact them, please visit www.wickhome.com.

Through March 31st of this year, 1,811 single family homes have sold through the Pikes Peak Multiple Listing Service.

722 single family homes sold in March - a higher number than the previous four months, and just one home shy of October's 2007's sales - and better than September's 695 sold homes.

While the trend of lower-priced home sales is continuing, March's average price ($236,503) and median price ($202,000) were up from the last two months.

98 townhomes/condos also sold last month.

Inventory remains high, with 5,849 active single family listings in March.

Since areas vary greatly with days on market, list price to sales price ratio, and average price, please call us for specifics on your neighborhood.

Based on information from the Pikes Peak REALTOR Services Corp. ("RSC"), for the period 9/1/2007 through 3/31/2008 . RSC does not guarantee or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by RSC may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are long time Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. They welcome your real estate inquiries; to contact them, please visit their website.

Are you looking for a spacious home with old world charm but up-to-the-minute amenities and luxury? Perhaps you'd like less home maintenance, too, but also prefer a unique, beautiful setting that's out of the hustle and bustle but convenient to services?

You can have this all in Fountain Creek Villas, a charming community in historic Manitou Springs. The award-winning homes have over 3000 square feet, 3 car garages, and are loaded with attractive high-end features, including elevators. You can enjoy the rushing water from your own creekside patio nestled next to Fountain Creek.

• Features include:
• Stucco and stone exterior
• 9' to 11' feet ceilings
• Hand trowled walls
• Two gas burning fireplaces
• GE Monogram appliances and granite counter tops
• 6 burner gas range
• Designer cabinetry
• Tankless water heater
• Jacuzzi jetted tub

Home prices start at $780,000. You can visit Fountain Creek Villa's website to see more photos.

Call us today for more information about these wonderful homes. We're impressed with the quality features, and would be happy to show you the model.

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. They welcome your inquiries; to contact them, please visit their website.

February is typically a slow month for home sales. Some numbers just in from Pikes Peak Association of Realtors:

The better news: the number of homes sold was up from January 2008. In February, 556 single family homes sold, compared to 534 in January. There were 5,571 active listings in February, so inventory remains high. The homes that are selling continue to be priced competetively, and unless the buyer is looking for fixer uppers, are also in great condition and staged well.

240 condos/townhomes also sold in February.

The not-as-good news: we saw further decrease in the median ($197,500) and average ($226,692) sales prices of single family homes in February. Some factors are a increased number of sales of lower priced homes, sales of repos, and fewer new homes sold.

We always like to caution that statistics don't tell the whole story. If you'd like to sell your home, please contact us for specifics on your neighborhood - we'll be happy to meet with you to help you assess your situation.

And, if you're thinking of buying - there's a wonderful selection, and interest rates and prices are favorable. Please call us; we'd love to get together and learn about your dreams.

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. They welcome your real estate inquiries; to contact them, please visit their website.

How can you watch your health and your wallet, while supporting a local company? By shopping at Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage.

Margaret and Phillip Isely began selling whole grain breads and lending nutritional books in 1955, back in the days when squishy white bread was the norm. Their first sales were door-to -door; soon they had enough people buying supplements and bulk foods that they opened a retail store. They named their Lakewood, CO store Vitamin Cottage in 1963 (they sold mostly vitamins at the time).

There are 24 Colorado locations, and also stores in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The company is still based in Lakewood, and is owned and operated by the children and grandchildren of the original visionaries.

Every product goes through a strict review process. You won't find artificial flavors, hydrogenated oils, hormones, toxic preservatives and even naturally occurring elements that can cause adverse reactions.

Although Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage is now one of the five largest supplement retailers in the country, they carry so much more. Choose from fresh and organic produce, succulent dairy, hormone free meats, and a wonderful variety of shelf stable grocery items. Indulge in natural body care with yummy scents - or unscented if you'd like. Save money by buying bulk items including aromatic spices. Try natural cleaning supplies that won't harm your water supply. There are also plenty of wheat-free choices for people with sensitivities.

Eating well can be expensive. The Natural Grocers owners strive to have the lowest everyday prices in the industry, so their customers can afford to take care of their health.

Vitamin Cottages offer much more than just products. Their knowledgeable staff with help you with your choices, so don't hesitate to ask questions, especially if you feel overwhelmed. You can attend lectures in your local store given by experts in health-related topics, and consult with their nutritionists. Look up healthy recipes and learn about ingredients on-line, and sign up for their newsletter.

There are three stores in the Colorado Springs area:

1780 E. Woodmen Road, near Sam’s Club, 1825 S. Nevada Avenue and 655 Highway 105 in Monument.

If you’re not in Colorado, or there's not a location near you, you can shop on line at VitaminCottage.com or NaturalGrocers.com.

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are long-time Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. They welcome your real estate inquiries; to contact them, visit their website.