Housing Shortage Coming In 2011 – Forbes.com
The focus of the U.S. real estate market lately has been the number of foreclosures and people trying to purchase cheap housing. But Brian Wesbury, chief economist at First Trust Advisors, says that if Americans don’t start focusing on building new houses, the market will have a much bigger problem on its hands.
“We need one and a half million houses per year just to keep up with population growth,” Wesbury said in an interview with Steve Forbes. “And then if you throw in, you know, fires and tear-downs and just worn-out properties, we need 1.6 million or more per year. Right now, we’re down to about six and a half, seven months’ inventory whether you look at new homes or existing homes.”
It’s hard to believe that the States could be positioning itself for a housing shortage. But that’s exactly what some economists are saying. But despite the national outlook for housing, the Colorado Springs real estate area has no shortage of potential home sites. Over the past few years, land developers have platted almost a 7 year supply of lots. In a nut shell, that means that based on average new home sales, it would take 7 years for all available lots to be sold. That’s quite an inventory stock pile!
So what does this mean for new home buyers? Deals. And lots of them! New home builders now have the opportunity to purchase lots for less money, which then, hopefully, translates into more affordable housing for you and me. Combine that, with the home buyer’s tax credit, and you’ve got a win-win situation for buying a new home!
Filed under: Uncategorized —
Jamie @
February 23rd, 2010
Wood Entry Doors | Doors | This Old House – 1
An entryway is the focal point of a home’s facade. And the front door, its most prized asset. Dressed with a fine lockset and handsome knocker, the door extends a friendly welcome while also discouraging intruders and shutting out the weather. It’s the first thing we grab when we arrive and the last thing we touch when we leave.
There’s something to be said for Colorado Springs homes for sale with spectacular front doors. This much overlooked feature not only provides a focal point for buyers from the street, but also offers buyers the very first impression of the house. In the age of garage door openers many of us forget we even have a front door. But the front door can reveal a lot about a home. If buyers come to a front door that has been neglected, they are sure to wonder what else in the home has also been left off the routine maintenance list.
Trails at Mueller State Park – Colorado State Parks
Visitors are invited to explore the park’s natural and historical resources via 50 miles of trails. Trails vary from short, leisurely walks to challenging, full-day hikes. The average elevation in the park is 9,600 feet. All trails are open to hikers. There are 27 miles for horseback riding and 19 miles for bicyclists. View the detailed Trails Map to find a hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking trail. An ample horse-trailer parking and unloading area is located off of Wapiti Road and is identified on the map. Some trails are better suited for winter activities.
When I woke up this morning and saw the light dusting of snow on the ground, my eyes immediately went to the mountains. And they were beautiful. I am always amazed at how a fresh coat of snow transforms the landscape and creates an entirely different front range. Snow shoeing is a great way to experience the mountains during the winter months. It’s a workout, but will enable you to see some of the finest scenery in Colorado….and you haven’t seen Pike Forest until you’ve seen with snow. So if you’re looking for an escape from the Colorado Springs real estate area this weekend, why not head up to Mueller State Park? They have trails galore, just waiting to be explored!
Good laundry room habits, including some occasional minor maintenance, can save energy and shave nearly $300 off your annual utility bills. That’s because you can curb the biggest energy culprit: the cost of heating water.
The bulk of a washing machine’s operating costs—around 90%, says Energy Star—go to replacing the hot water in the home’s hot water tank. Reduce the amount of hot water the appliance uses, and you’ll significantly shrink its associated utility bills. By washing fewer loads and doing those loads in cooler water, you can save around $200 per year.
1. Use cold water. Switching from hot wash to cold, according Michael Bluejay, also known as Mr. Electricity, who specializes in electricity savings, can shave up to $215 per year off your electric bill. If you have a high-efficiency washer or gas-fueled water heater, assume savings of about half that figure. Cold washes are generally as effective in getting clothes clean as hot.
2. Only wash full loads. Discounting the energy required to heat the water, it costs around $60 per year in electricity to run the washer, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Because it takes just as much electricity to wash a small load as it does a full one, you’ll save money by only washing full loads. By reducing the number of overall loads by one-quarter, you can save $15 a year.
Money.org | Museum
Through the discovery of money, America’s largest museum dedicated to numismatics brings culture to life. The museum explores art, history, science and much more to promote the diverse nature of money and related items.
The museum includes exhibits in three main galleries, where visitors can find spectacular rarities and learn about the history of our nation and the world as seen through money.
Did you know that Colorado Springs is home to a money museum? That’s right! Our very own museum dedicated to the green stuff. It is located in the Downtown Colorado Springs real estate area and is full of history just waiting to be discovered…not to mention money. The Money Museum offers an educational experience that will bring new meaning to that twenty dollar bill you have stashed in your wallet. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday and even offers group tours. There’s a ton to see so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to take in the gold, silver, and of course….the woven cotton blend we use everyday….cash.
