Thank you for reading the September edition of KimKproperties  Newsletter. Labor Day reminder:   Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. *dol.gov

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter. For more information within each topic please feel free to use the underlined links.

What is the question we'll see coming up more and more in the next 6 months: How is the election and the election results going to affect the housing market? Regarding the local market I see at least three variables: national job creation; military spending; and state of the economy/changes in the economy which may affect interest rates.

Colorado Springs

Inventory for active listing are still low (lowest since July 2007) but increasing. There is a slight percentage decrease in the number of foreclosures and shortsales on the market however the commencement of another start of foreclosures coming up is likely.  

New Series:  Estate Planning

Second Topic: The Process of Colorado Probate 

Last month I wrote about the different types of probate. Below is information about the different ways probate assets are general administered.

1) Completing an Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property if the total probate estate assets are less than $50,000 and there is not any real property. The affiant (person who signs the affidavit before a notary public) goes to the institution/ individual holding the decedent's asset, presents the affidavit, and collects the assets. They then distribute the assets to those entitled to it.

2) Filing an informal or formal probate procedure.

• Petition filed with the court.
• Judge issues an order appointing the Personal Representative (someone who is given the authority to essentially step into the decedent's shoes and wrap up their business affairs and distribute their assets).
• "Letters of Appointment" are issued either as letters testamentary or letters by administration. These "Letters" serve as information of appointment and may limit the power of the Personal Representative when it comes to the sale of real estate.
• Personal Representative notifies any possible and known creditors of the decedent, and to pay legitimate claims.
• Inventory of assets. A personal representative creates an estate inventory of all of the decedent's assets (real and personal). This includes applicable titling and date-of-death values, managing the estate assets until the court approves the closing of the estate, keeping accurate records of the estate's transactions, and making distributions to creditors, devisees, and/or heirs.
• Accounting: The personal representative has the ability to open and maintain an estate bank account, to sell, transfer, or encumber real property, to sell and/or transfer assets, to consolidate bank accounts.

Estate closings: Elect to close informally or formally. In informal closings, a closing statement form is filed with the court, indicating that the estate has been fully administered. In formal closings, the administration and proposed distribution of the estate is approved by the court and the personal representative is immediately discharged or released from liability by court order.

*Legal, tax, and financial experts advice should always be obtained from a competent professional. * www.cobar.org

 Selling Tip:  Show your home light and bright 

This can offer the second biggest return to sellers at resale.

• Use clear light bulbs and don't mismatch bulb types.
• Reconsider putting in energy-savings compact fluorescent bulbs which may put off a harsh glare, instead use standard incandescent bulbs and when possible halogenflood bulbs for overhead lighting.
• Use the highest wattage possible for fixtures, with the exception of the bathroom which should have a softer light choice.
• Clean the light fixtures.
• Brighten exterior windows by removing screens if you can. Don't forget to wash the interior and exterior windows.
• Replace dated light fixtures. Unless you are selling a home that is appropriate to out dated fixtures, try updating the fixtures.
• Add light: add battery operated circular push lights under the cabinets to brighten a dark kitchen or dark closet; add a decorative lamp to a table or nightstand.
• Mirrors help bounce light and makes the walls look higher. Place opposite a light fixture or a bright window.
• Open the windows by removing draperies that prevent natural light from coming in. If you don't want to remove the drapes, pull them away from the window or tie the back. Don't leave blinds half-way up.

*www.letsmovellc.com

Featured September

Local Events 

Local Scenic Fall Foliage Drive - Don't wait until it's too late! Gold Camp Road in Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek - Take the back roads!

36th Annual Colorado Balloon Classic. FREE! Mass ascensions of dozens of balloons are scheduled for Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings with a Balloon Glo scheduled for Saturday and Sunday evenings. When: September 1 - 3. Where: In the sky and Memorial Park. Balloon Classic Schedule of Events

4th of July on the 3rd of September! FREE! Open to the public. Join Ft Carson as they celebrate the strength of our community. When: Monday, September 3rd; 5-9PM. Where: Iron Horse Park - Ft Carson. Family Fun!

38th Annual Commonwheel Artist Arts and Crafts Festival. FREE! A three-day weekend event filled with exceptionally high quality artwork, talented musicians and food. Where: Memorial Park, Manitou Springs. When: September 1-3; 10-5PM. Commonwheel Artists Festival

Labor Day and Vintage Baseball Day with Benefit Concert. Tickets Required. Where: Rock Ledge Ranch, Enter Gateway Rd at Garden of the Gods. When: 10-3PM; Concert at 5:30PM. Rock Ledge Ranch Vintage Baseball and Concert 

Canvases in the Canon. FREE! Celebrate the grand opening of the NEW Helen Hunt Falls Visitor Center! Festivities include the Canvases & Confections art show, music and family activities. Where: Starsmore Visitor Center & Helen Hun Falls - Cheyenne Canon. When: Saturday, September 8; 10-4PM. Canvases in the Canon.