Welcome to the Fall 2012 issue of KimKproperties Newsletter. I hope you find this issue informative and interesting! For more information within each topic please feel free to click underlined links. Archives: Newsletter Archive.

LOCAL MARKET ACTIVITY

 2012 September Local Market Statistics and what it means overall:  Days on market is down - area homes selling more quickly.  As discussed in previous newsletters the inventory since the spring is lower and those homes that are price correctly follow the lower days on market, while those that aren't often stay on the market and become 'dull' in a sense to home buyers.

What happened 3rd quarter 2012 in your area? Sales Activity by Area 

 Featured Listing: Charming 1950's Rancher in Pleasant Valley!

National Association of Realtors Brings Two Scenarios to Light

Two Visions Come into Focus: Presidential Plans                                

Both agree that home ownership is central to the American dream.  The article attached brings to light two different scenarios for the 2013 - 2017 Presidential term in a recent Q & A. The article goes over their different plans, and how they will address the specific issues of home ownership incentives, lending standards, and underwriting mandates.

Regardless of your political affiliation, the hopes are that the housing market though showing improvement, will gain strength in the years to come and advocacy for home ownership is continued.  

What you should know about Permits and Codes: 

...Be an Informed Buyer and Seller

Drawing from professional experience there are two ways to look at permits and related continuous updating of building codes.  The basic premise of requiring permits and inspections is to safeguard lives and protect your investment. Permits fall into four categories: mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building.  When you are doing work on your own home be advised that codes change and the homeowner is responsible for knowing these codes. If your completed remodel, or addition (whether it be a room or a deck, etc.) does not have current code applied, there may be an issue when re-selling your home.

How permits affect buyers and sellers:

Buyer's agents when providing due diligence on a home their clients are interested in making an offer on normally will check the Pikes Peak Regional Building Dept website (www.pprbd.org) for any pulled permits. It is best to do this before the offer is made, even though the home inspector will also check for permits. Checking for pulled permits will provide the buyer and buyer's agent with added information when writing an offer. Most commonly checked for closed and finalized permits: remodels or additions, re-roof, recent installation of a furnace or air conditioner, electrical upgrades, and plumbing. Seller's and Listing agents should also check for permits pulled and their current status. Be advised sellers (and listing agents) who have not pulled permits or have open or incomplete permits, the buyer may ask either upfront in the contract or during the inspection process for permits to be pulled and finalized at sellers expense before closing. Both parties should be 'in the know' about how permits affect buying a home or selling a home.

Featured Halloween & November Local Events 

Daylight Savings Reminder! Don't forget to set your clocks back 1 hour. When: Sunday, November 4th, 2AM. A good time to check the batteries in your fire/smoke/CO2 alarms!

Halloween Costume Carnival - FREE!  When: Friday, October 26th, 4PM - 8PM. Where Starsmore Visitor Center, Cheyenne Canon. Costume Carnival Information.