#monumentcolorado

[hiddeninthefoothills]

Monument Colorado

I love the rocks and land formations here. The color is only something nature can create. We need to go back.

[bizzybeehauling]

Hot Tub Removal Monument! #monumentcolorado #coloradosprings #coloradolife #cosprings #gardenofthegods #pikespeak  #manitousprings #coloradoliving #coloradospringssmallbusiness #visitcolorado  #visitcos #coloradolove #coloradorealestate #coloradospringsco #coloradospringsrealestate #elpasocounty (at Monument, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChJA5zitzui/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thinkingrealestate]

Headlines matter. Right now, it’s hard to read about real estate without seeing a headline that suggests homes have become unaffordable for most Americans. In reality, there’s hard evidence that shows how owning a home is more affordable than renting in most parts of the country, as record-low interest rates are keeping monthly mortgage payments about 23% lower than the typical payment of 20 years ago. Despite the facts, misleading headlines persist, and they impact how homebuyers perceive the market. In a recent survey by realtor.com, home shoppers indicated they were surprised by what they could actually afford when buying their first home. In fact, 47% discovered their budget was larger than they expected. George Ratiu, Senior Economist at realtor.com, explains, "For first-time buyers, especially, the drop in the 30-year mortgage rate…has provided unexpected leverage. Lower rates allowed many buyers to stretch and buy more expensive homes while keeping their monthly budget the same." So why do these negative headlines that cast doubt on affordability continue to exist? Most pundits only look at two of the three elements that make up the affordability equation: price and income. It’s true that incomes haven’t kept up with the price of houses, but affordability is about the cost of the home, not just the price. For that reason, mortgage rates, the third element of the affordability equation, are important to consider. Outside of the housing crash (when short sales and foreclosures drove prices down), it’s more affordable to buy a home today when you consider all three elements of the affordability equation: price, income, and mortgage rate. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a move-up buyer, don’t let the headlines scare you away from your dream of homeownership. Instead, connect with mortgage and real estate professionals to determine what you can afford and what’s available at that price. You may be pleasantly surprised. #kwcc #kellerwilliamsclientschoicerealty #cosrealtor #coloradosprings #monumentcolorado #woodlandparkco #coloradorealestate #realestate #ourkwteam (at Colorado Springs, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL7uw0XnAF7/?igshid=4v2g2z35xiif

[thinkingrealestate]

Having equity in your home can dramatically impact your life. Equity is like a savings account you can tap into when you need cash. Like any other savings, you should be sensible in how you use it, though. Here are three good reasons to consider using your equity. >> You’re experiencing financial hardship (job loss, medical expenses, etc.) Equity gives you options during difficult financial times. With equity, you could refinance your house to get cash that may ease the burden. It also puts you in a better position to talk to the bank about restructuring your home loan until you can get back on your feet. Today, there are 2.7 million Americans who are currently in a forbearance program because of the pandemic. Ninety percent of those in the program have at least 10% equity. That puts them in a better position to get a loan modification instead of facing foreclosure. If you’re in this position, even if you can’t get a modification, you can sell your house and walk away with your equity instead of losing the house and your investment in it. >> You need money to start a new business We’ve all heard the stories about how many great American companies started in the founder’s garage. What we might not realize, however, is the garage (along with the rest of the home) supplied the start-up money for many of these companies in the form of a refinance. If you’re passionate about an idea you have for a new product or service, the equity in your home may enable you to make that dream a reality. >> You want to invest in a loved one’s future It’s been a long-standing tradition in this country for many households to help pay college expenses for their children. Some have tapped into the equity in their homes to do that. Additionally, George Ratiu, Senior Economist for realtor.com, notes, “52% of Americans who bought their first home in 2020 said they got help with their down payment from friends or family. The number one lender? Their parents.” It’s safe to assume a percentage of that down payment money likely came from home equity. #kwcc #kellerwilliamsclientschoicerealty #cosrealtor #coloradosprings #monumentcolorado #woodlandparkco #coloradorealestate #realestate #ourk (at Colorado Springs, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLsr2iqHiU4/?igshid=1k483yb6exptw

[saritashoemaker]

#Snow update. 830pm Oct 23 2019 about 4 or 5 inches. I’m getting up early tomorrow to catch the first light. Can’t wait! #snowing #monumentcolorado #townofmonument #elpasocounty #colorado https://www.instagram.com/p/B3_G6hKACs9TXzKOjRRzEXLNvd-fTWcnYFhrlE0/?igshid=1bl7pmfd4d0ia

[saritashoemaker]

No way would i let her get a bird! #Snow update. 6pm Oct 23 2019 #snowing #monumentcolorado #townofmonument #elpasocounty #colorado https://www.instagram.com/p/B3_GngYgF_oFAHxXjvcaccWrB3PSvIHHeotiEA0/?igshid=vfjxm2tzo2eg

[saritashoemaker]

#Snow update. 4pm Oct 23 2019 #snowing #monumentcolorado #townofmonument #elpasocounty #colorado https://www.instagram.com/p/B3_GAG6gyWev8wN_fnk5aw8W05ELLMThAYC25k0/?igshid=144nf44g2ix4l

[saritashoemaker]

Yay! The snow has begun! #monumentColorado #townOfMonument #elPasoCounty #snowflakes #october #102319 #315pm #snow #winter https://www.instagram.com/p/B3-bRcBgnUAceaJYob5xM3-2tWxfSPkgwxFYEo0/?igshid=nk085n2mcwzv