2012 Movie Preview

Winter 2012 - Volume 7 - ERAShields.com

2011 In Review

RightRightRightStart Your New Year4 Easy Living

Universal Design Tips for Any Home

Market Statistics

Events Calendar

Question: What is your opinion on the 2011 real estate market and how it unfolded?Luke - Colorado Springs, CO

Answer: Looking back at 2011 and how the real estate market performed, it seems it has finally turned the corner. The most impressive result was the number of foreclosure starts being down more than 25% from the previous year and almost 35% from their highest mark in 2009. At the beginning of 2011, economists & media were saying banks had been holding on to foreclosed properties in late 2010 but would be forced to flood the market with these under valued homes in 2011. It never occurred. Despite the vast improvement, foreclosures remain historically high and continue to negatively impact home values. Additionally, when many homeowners are losing their homes it creates uncertainty and lack of consumer confidence even to those who still own their homes.

Question: How is 2012 looking to shape out in the local real estate market?Lisa - Colorado Springs, CO

Answer: Our forecast for 2012 is it will be a good year, not great. We will continue to see measured improvement and in fact expect home values to increase 3‐5%. The housing market at $250k and below has been strong for 2 years and will continue to be. The higher price ranges will finally see some movement which will drive the average and median prices up.

One of the basic principles of universal design, also called ageless design, is that it makes homes more practical and safer for everyone — not just the elderly or people with limited mobility.

These days, universal design features are an everyday fact of life for many households, with architects and other professional designers adding universal design ideas as a matter of course.

You don’t have to be a pro designer to incorporate this smart thinking into your own home. If you’re remodeling or simply adding a few upgrades, be sure to keep universal design features in mind. There are lots of resources that’ll give you some great starting points.

As we remodel our 1972 ranch‐style house (we’re on the multi‐year, budget‐as‐you‐go plan), my wife and I have incorporated several low‐cost, easy‐to‐do UD features. A few of our favorites:

1. Switch out doorknobs for lever‐style handles. Doorknobs require lots of dexterity and torque to open; with levers you simply press and go.

Makes sense for folks with arthritis, of course, but think about an emergency situation when everyone, including small kids, needs to exit fast: A lever handle is a safe, foolproof way to open a door.

A big plus: Levers are good looking and can contribute to the value of your home. A standard interior passage door lever in a satin nickel finish costs about $20; you’ll pay $25 to $30 for a lockable lever set for your bath or bedroom. Replacing door hardware is an easy DIY job.

2. Replace toggle light switches with rocker‐style switches. Rocker switches feature a big on/off plate that you can operate with a finger, a knuckle, or even your elbow when you’re laden with bags of groceries.

Rocker switches are sleek and good‐looking, too. Ever notice how conventional toggle switches get dirt and grime embedded in them after a couple of years? No more! You’ll pay $2 for a single‐pole rocker switch, up to $10 for multiple switch sets.

3. Anti‐scald devices for your bathroom prevent water from reaching unsafe temps. An anti‐scald shower head ($15) reduces water flow to a trickle if the water gets too hot. An anti‐scald faucet device ($40) replaces your faucet aerator and also reduces hot water flow.

Anti‐scald valves — also known as pressure‐balancing valves — prevent changes in water pressure from creating sudden bursts of hot or cold water. An anti‐scald valve ($100) installs on plumbing pipes inside your walls. If you don’t have DIY skills, you’ll pay a plumber $100 to $200 for installation.

4. Motion sensor light controls add light when you need it. They come in a variety of styles and simple technologies. I like the plug‐in sensors ($10 to $15). You simply stick them into existing receptacles, then plug your table or floor lamps into them. When the sensor detects motion, it turns on the light.

They’re great for 2 a.m. snacking, or if your kids are at that age when they migrate into your bed in the middle of the night. The lights turn off after about 10 minutes if no more motion is detected.

Riha, John “4 Easy Living: Universal Design Tips for Any Home.” House Logic, November 25, 2011. Online. Available: http://www.houselogic.com/blog/universal-design/universal-design-tips/#ixzz1fDLc439i. January 1, 2012.

By: John Riha

ASK SHIELDASK SHIELD

Easy-Living Universal Design Tips for Any Home4

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Send your questions to ASKSHIELD@ERAShields.com

Did you know 2012 is the Year of the Dragon?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The data found within the ERA Shields Real Estate Stat Pack is based on information from the Pikes Peak REALTOR® Services Corporation (RSC) or its PPMLS. This content is deemed reliable; however RSC, PPMLS and ERA Shields Real Estate do not guarantee its accuracy.

Data maintained by RSC does not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Additional sources include the Colorado Springs EDC, El Paso County Assessor, El Paso County Trustee, Colorado Springs HBA, PPAR,

The Gazette, The CSBJ and NAR.

One of the basic principles of universal design, also called ageless design, is that it makes homes more practical and safer for everyone — not just the elderly or people with limited mobility.

These days, universal design features are an everyday fact of life for many households, with architects and other professional designers adding universal design ideas as a matter of course.

You don’t have to be a pro designer to incorporate this smart thinking into your own home. If you’re remodeling or simply adding a few upgrades, be sure to keep universal design features in mind. There are lots of resources that’ll give you some great starting points.

As we remodel our 1972 ranch‐style house (we’re on the multi‐year, budget‐as‐you‐go plan), my wife and I have incorporated several low‐cost, easy‐to‐do UD features. A few of our favorites:

1. Switch out doorknobs for lever‐style handles. Doorknobs require lots of dexterity and torque to open; with levers you simply press and go.

Makes sense for folks with arthritis, of course, but think about an emergency situation when everyone, including small kids, needs to exit fast: A lever handle is a safe, foolproof way to open a door.

A big plus: Levers are good looking and can contribute to the value of your home. A standard interior passage door lever in a satin nickel fi nish costs about $20; you’ll pay $25 to $30 for a lockable lever set for your bath or bedroom. Replacing door hardware is an easy DIY job.

2. Replace toggle light switches with rocker‐style switches. Rocker switches feature a big on/off plate that you can operate with a fi nger, a knuckle, or even your elbow when you’re laden with bags of groceries.

Rocker switches are sleek and good‐looking, too. Ever notice how conventional toggle switches get dirt and grime embedded in them after a couple of years? No more! You’ll pay $2 for a single‐pole rocker switch, up to $10 for multiple switch sets.

3. Anti‐scald devices for your bathroom prevent water from reaching unsafe temps. An anti‐scald shower head ($15) reduces water fl ow to a trickle if the water gets too hot. An anti‐scald faucet device ($40) replaces your faucet aerator and also reduces hot water fl ow.

Anti‐scald valves — also known as pressure‐balancing valves — prevent changes in water pressure from creating sudden bursts of hot or cold water. An anti‐scald valve ($100) installs on plumbing pipes inside your walls. If you don’t have DIY skills, you’ll pay a plumber $100 to $200 for installation.

4. Motion sensor light controls add light when you need it. They come in a variety of styles and simple technologies. I like the plug‐in sensors ($10 to $15). You simply stick them into existing receptacles, then plug your table or fl oor lamps into them. When the sensor detects motion, it turns on the light.

They’re great for 2 a.m. snacking, or if your kids are at that age when they migrate into your bed in the middle of the night. The lights turn off after about 10 minutes if no more motion is detected.

Riha, John “4 Easy Living: Universal Design Tips for Any Home.” House Logic, November 25, 2011. Online. Available: http://www.houselogic.com/blog/universal-design/universal-design-tips/#ixzz1fDLc439i. January 1, 2012.

Active listings at the end of December when compared to the same time the previous 10 years shows a remarkable improvement. Only 2001 had fewer homes on the market.

This graph compares the number of homes on the market to the number of sales and determines how many months it would take

to sell through the current listing inventory. Most economists consider 6.0 months to be a balanced market.

Market Statsright at your fi ngertips!

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the same time the previous 10 years shows a remarkable improvement. Only 2001 had fewer homes on the market.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT 2011

Foreclosure starts for the year dropped dramatically from 4828 in 2010 to 3603 in 2011

The number of active listings is down 24%, indicating the number of listings is very balanced

The number of sales for the year were up 3.1% but 35% off the high in 2005

The number of sales for the 4th quarter are up 12%

The average annual inventory is at its lowest level in 5 years

The average annual sales price was $218,172 a decline of 4.4% from last year

72% of all sales in 2011 were under $250,000

QUICK LOOK AT 2012

In December the number of under contracts hit 1081, the highest number in 5 years

2012 should continue to see the number of distressed sales decrease

Inventory levels will be similar to 2011, which is currently at 5.0 months

The high end market is expected to begin a sustained recovery

The total number of sales should increase 3‐5%, approaching 9000 units

This graph compares the number of homes on the market to the number of sales and determines how many months it would take

to sell through the current listing inventory. Most economists

2011

ERA Shields has a long history of commitment to our local community. ERA Shields has established

the Shields Community Leaders Volunteer Program, which provides a means for Shields Team members

to become involved in numerous community activities and in turn receive recognition.

Year in Review

Over $100,000 Donated

Over 3,000 Hours Volunteered

Colorado College AthleticsMDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association)Corpus Christi Catholic SchoolRelay for LifeRocky Mtn. Women’s FestivalSilver KeySenior Resource CouncilFriends of CSSCCASALife without LupusSprings Rescue MissionMarch for BabiesUS Womens OpenGirl Scouts of AmericaPikes Peak or Bust RodeoMarian House Soup KitchenToys for TotsAIDS FoundationCircle Drive Baptist ChurchTemple Shalom DinnerGoodwill IndustriesCinco de Mayo Inc.PPAR (Pikes Peak Association of REALOTRs)

Economic Development Corporation Cinco de Mayo Inc.

Broadmoor Community ChurchHarrison School District 2

Greener CornersSpecial Olympics

Pikes Peak Irish DanceMS (Multiple Sclerosis)

Penrose St. FrancisHabitat for Humanity

Colorado GivesASPCA

Chipeta School Boy Scouts of America

Susan G. KomenVolunteer REALTOR Program

Cheyenne Mountain District 12Senior Prom - Palisades

Woodmen Valley ChapelSupport Our Troops

Salvation ArmyIndependent GIVE Campaign

Pikes Peak Community Action Agency

®

®

DID YOU KNOW!

FEB. 5TH

1. Did You Know... The highest paved road in North America is the road to Mt. Evans off of I-70 from Idaho Springs. The road climbs up to 14,258 Ft. above sea level.

DID YOU KNOW!

FEBRUARY 22-26

Proud Supporter of the World Arena and Pikes Peak Center

2011-2012SEASON

TIGER HOCKEY

OCAL EVENTS CALENDAROCALOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR EVENTS CALENDARL

FEB. 5THFEBRUARY 7-12

APRIL 5-8

MARCH 1ST

Ask your agent

how you can receiveEXCLUSIVE

DISCOUNTSon tickets for events

at the World Arena

and Pikes Peak Center!

MARCH 21ST

The Hunger GamesRelease Date: March 23rd: Set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fi ght to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister’s place for the latest match.

The Amazing Spider-ManRelease Date: July 3rd: Teenager Peter Parker grapples with both human problems and amazing super-human crises.

Men in Black IIIRelease Date: May 25th: Agent J travels in time to MIB’s early years in the 1960s, to stop an alien from assassinating his friend Agent K and changing history.

The Dark Knight RisesRelease Date: July 20th: Eight years after the events of The Dark Knight, the terrorist leader Bane arrives in Gotham City, pushing it and its police force to their limits, forcing its former hero Batman to resurface after taking the fall for Harvey Dent’s crimes.

Shields Movie ReviewThe Thing

Paranormal Activity 3

Puss in Boots

Happy Feet 2

Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1Alvin & the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked

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Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.

BraveRelease Date: June 22nd: Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defi es a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom.

Once you see the movies below, email your ratings (A, B, C, D, or F) to ASKSHIELD@erashields.com

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part IIRelease Date: November 16th:

After the birth of Renesmee, the Cullens gather other vampire clans in order to protect the child from a false allegation that puts the family in front of the Volturi.

The HobbitRelease Date: December 14th: Bilbo Baggins, a Hobbit, journeys to the Lonely Mountain accompanied by a group of dwarves to reclaim a treasure taken from them by the dragon Smaug.

2012 3D RE-RELEASES:Star Wars Episode I : The Phantom Menace: February 10thTitanic: April 6thFinding Nemo: September 14th

LOCATION

Shields Movie Review

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JOKE

WORD OF THE QUARTER

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FUNFUNFUN

Help the kids fi nd the way through the heart maze!

LOCATIONA SPECIFIC AREA OR PLACE.

CO

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1. What’s full of T. starts with T. and ends with T?

2. What do cats call their grandfather?

Answers: 1. A teapot 2. Grandpaw 3. Because he was under cover.

3. Why was the policeman in bed?

LOLLOL

=)

From Our Family to Yours...May health, happiness, and

prosperity be yours in bountiful measure in this new year!

Rockrimmon 719.593.10005475 Tech Center Dr., Ste. 300 www.ERAShields.com

my Real Estate Company

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Broadmoor 719.576.3600130 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd.