Pikes Peak Homebuying Guide 2021 by Colorado Springs Gazette, LLC

Pikes Peak

HOMEBUYING GUIDE

YOUR LOCAL RESOURCE FOR BUYING, BUILDING AND DESIGNING YOUR DREAM HOME Sunday, June 13, 2021 • A special advertising section of The Gazette

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STRONG COMMUNITIES

Simple strategies to meet the neighbors after moving METRO SERVICES

A lot goes into building safe, strong communities. While no single factor can be highlighted as more important than another in regard to building strong communities, a willingness on the part of residents to connect with their neighbors can greatly benefit local neighborhoods and the people who call those communities home. According to Mental Health America, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting the mental health of all Americans, research has shown that social connections increase happiness and lead to improved overall health and even longer lives. Adults may find that establishing a connection with their communities and maintaining that connection while juggling the responsibilities of work and a family, is not always so easy. DON’T BE SHY People often want to know who’s living next door, so adults who have recently moved need not be shy about introducing themselves to their new neighbors. Introduce yourself and share what inspired you to move to your new neighborhood. ANSWER AND ASK QUESTIONS Neighbors will no doubt ask questions when 2 | PIKES PEAK HOMEBUYING GUIDE 2021

you introduce yourself, so be ready to answer these questions. Questions may focus on your career and where you grew up. Sharing stories about your school days and/or local hotspots can be a great way to break the ice. HOST A BACKYARD BARBECUE Backyard barbecues are laid back affairs, and that pressure-free atmosphere is perfect for meeting new neighbors. Once you have settled in, invite a handful of your neighbors over for the barbecue. If you have children, invite neighbors who also are parents, ideally ones whose children are the same age as your own. VOLUNTEER Volunteering with community-based organizations is another great way to meet new neighbors. Volunteering with an organization whose mission you identify with may be even better, as you’re likely to find like-minded neighbors who share your passions when working with such groups. Strong communities are built around people. When moving to a new community, adults can overcome the challenges such relocations present by taking various steps to connect with their new neighbors. ●

ERA SHIELDS

The time is now to unlock your home’s equity SPONSORED FEATURE

OUR LATEST REASON: THE GATHERING PLACE At The Farm, we just keep growing, and growing

owe. It can be used as an alternative funding source to do any number of things: upgrade your home, boost your credit, consolidate debt, or buy a new property. Across the nation, homeowners gained a collective $1.5 trillion in equity in 2020, according to CoreLogic. Locally, the average sales price for 2020 jumped more than 13 percent. Your ERA Shields REALTOR can provide a property evaluation at your request, with a real-time look at what your home could garner in today’s market and prepare you for how to read the offers. You could be sitting on a goldmine! ●

Your home is worth more than ever, but you may be wondering if making that next move – something bigger, smaller, better, brighter, more land, fewer stairs – is even possible? Never fear, your ERA Shields REALTOR is here to set you straight on what is happening beyond the headlines. The Springs housing market isn’t as scary as you might think and devising a plan is key. The sharp rise in prices is driven by low inventory and robust demand, Colorado Springs homeowners are finding themselves “house rich.” Home equity is the current market value of your home, minus what you

reasons for you to move here. One fresh example is our spectacular new Gathering Place, including the clubhouse, pool and outdoor amenities. Not only perfect for a warm day’s splashing and hanging out, but equally accommodating of indoor fitness—with plenty of space for entertaining and events, as well. Come see for yourself. It’s an ongrowing invitation. Visit our models today. TheFarmColorado.com

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AGENTS: SET YOURSELF APART

The Gazette real estate team has the advertising solutions you need to maximize your reach in the Pikes Peak region

TOM MCCLUNG

tom.mcclung@gazette.com 719.499.0510

KEN LEPIK

ken.lepik@gazette.com 719.476.4820

PIKES PEAK HOMEBUYING GUIDE 2021 | 3

WHAT BUYERS ARE DOING TO WIN THE BID

Tips for home buyers during a seller’s market METRO CREATIVE SERVICES

A combination of factors, including low interest rates and a pandemic-driven decision by many city dwellers to look for houses in the suburbs, has created a housing boom for much of 2020 and 2021. That boom has created an undeniable seller’s market in real estate. Just what is a seller’s market? The financial resource Investopedia defines it as a marketplace in which there are fewer goods for sale than there are interested buyers, giving sellers the ability to dictate prices. Since mid-2020, there has been an extremely low inventory of homes for sale but a very high interest among purchasing parties. Data from the National Association of Realtors indicated that, by the end of February 2021, housing inventory fell to a record low of 1.02 million units. These factors have led to a surge in competition from buyers, including bidding wars on homes and all-cash offers to entice sellers. In December 2020, the median listing prices for single-family homes shot up 13.4 percent from the same time the previous year, according to Realtor.

com, and it hasn’t slowed down much since. Jeffrey Mezger, a 40-year veteran of the real estate industry and CEO of KB Home, says it’s the best seller’s housing market he’s seen in his career. So where does this leave buyers interested in relocating? HERE ARE SOME TIPS. • Consider areas with slower overall price growth. Experts say the southern and midwestern United States offer the best value for home shoppers because of their meager price growth. ClearCapital, which tracks housing values, says San Antonio, St. Louis and the Dallas/Fort Worth areas experienced the least price appreciation from 2019 into 2020. • Get preapproval or have your funds ready. Speed is the way to go if a buyer is interested in a property and wants to make an offer. Real estate professionals say buyers should be “offer ready,” which means having a mortgage preapproval letter or proof of funds for a down payment ready to go. Failure to have funds in check can slow down

PLANET GRANITE

the process or compel sellers to reject an offer. • Work with a real estate agent. These are complicated times and it pays for buyers to have a professional working in their corner. A real estate agent uses his or her knowledge to make a timely offer and negotiate on the buyer’s behalf. He or she also will provide insight into specific neighborhoods, amenities and school districts. • Eliminate certain contingencies from the equation. Contingencies are factors that must be met before a sale can go through, according to the relocation site Moving.com. A common contingency is the need to sell one’s current home before closing on another. Asking for extended closing periods or certain home repairs are some additional contingencies that can make buyers less attractive to sellers. • Make it personal. Buyers can offer a personalized note with the offer that may connect with the seller emotionally and set one them apart from others who have made similar offers.

Buying in a seller’s market can be challenging. But some strategies can set buyers apart from the pack. ●

The one-stop shop for beautiful functional designs in stone for your new home SPONSORED FEATURE

Planet Granite, Inc. is Colorado’s number one native countertop fabricator of choice, celebrating their 23rd year in business.  Reliable experts in the industry, this is your onestop shop to select material and have it fabricated and installed based on custom design.   With thousands of natural stone and quartz slabs to choose from at the Planet Granite stone yard and gallery, clients hand select material from granite, marble, soapstone, dolomite, travertine, limestone, quartz and engineered quartz. Not sure where to start? Planet Granite, Inc. offers free custom measures for estimates and has a full design team available to assist you in achieving your designs in stone.   Planet Granite, Inc. can also assist you with other dining tables, fireplace hearths, outdoor barbeques, signs and other projects.   Planet Granite, Inc. is a one-stop shop for all of your countertop and sink projects, assisting residential clients, designers, builders, and commercial clientele.  Visit Planet Granite today to select your piece of the rock, at 3020 N Stone Ave, Colorado Springs.  Or online at  www.planetgraniterocks.com ● 4 | PIKES PEAK HOMEBUYING GUIDE 2021

CLEMENT GROUP

THE FARM

The highest offer is not always the best…

The Farm will unveil its final phase of lots later this year: Don’t miss out!

SPONSORED FEATURE

You do not want to miss the chance to own an amazing home at The Farm. Once you experience the neighborhood’s back-to-nature aesthetic, your family won’t be satisfied with anything less. Opportunities await for you to live abundantly in this distinct community. View available homes and lot selections on our website or by visiting builder model homes. By shopping Goetzmann, Saddletree, Vanguard and Vantage Homes, you’ll find home designs in an array of styles, desired outdoor space and popular walkout basements. Design the interior finishes for your ultimate dream home. The Farm features a combination of 10 parks and pocket parks with trails winding throughout the community for your morning ramble. The new Gathering Place clubhouse, pool and outdoor amenities overlook a gorgeous nature preserve and a picturesque pond (Lake Ann). All of this can be yours with HOA dues of only $155

a month, which includes other services as well. Start living abundantly by visiting TheFarmColorado.com or by visiting The Farm in person. Homesites are available now in multiple areas of the community with the newest batch of lots nestled along a dedicated open space area. Lots are moving fast—visit today to pick out yours. ●

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PIKES PEAK HOMEBUYING GUIDE 2021 | 5

Let's find your dream home!

WAYS TO GET CREATIVE ON YOUR NEW BUILD HOME

4930 Willow Stone Heights in the Broadmoor Resort Community Listed at $2,375,000 4 Beds, 6 Baths, 3 Car Garage, approx. 6,632 Sf

The Clement Group has been a leader in the Colorado Springs market for over 35 years. Whether you're looking to buy your dream home or wanting to sell your current home, our expertise will help you reach your goal!

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6 | PIKES PEAK HOMEBUYING GUIDE 2021

Home buyers need to work closely with architects and builders to combat shortages BY PATTY TOMSKY, THE GAZETTE

Life got pretty crazy last year for new homebuyers, well, for us all, really. A lot of home tours, even for spec houses and models, went virtual. If you were choosing custom finishes for your home, you might have made an appointment for a one-on-one with a designer at your builder’s headquarters or you might have had to move your old furniture into your brand-new home while you waited for your new living room set to arrive. SUPPLY AND DEMAND The supply issues from 2020 have not ended yet. But according to many experts, the shortage in raw materials for new furniture and new homes is on the verge of easing up. A recent Houzz article detailed the issues with specific materials shortages and how new homebuilders are coping. The main message new home builders must internalize? Order fast and order early when it comes to appliances, finishes and furniture. BUGS AND FIRE Lumber shortages aren’t all about the pandemic, though. “A bark-eating mountain pine beetle and several seasons of severe wildfires have decimated the supply of softwood from British Columbia, Canada, which normally supplies about a third of U.S. lumber.” And further afield, “Catastrophic bushfires burned through 46 million acres and destroyed more than 2000 homes in

Australia in 2019-20,” making lumber scarce down under, as well. There’s a global shortage but there are signs that output is ramping up across the globe to keep up. FIND A “PLAN B” Homebuyers are looking for alternate materials and builders are listening. Business-as-usual design will no longer work. In the Houzz article, French architect Tina Merkes explains it this way: “(We) place orders at the start of a project and not in continuous flow as we used to do before the crisis. “We make decisions with customers — for example the choice of tiling, faucets, kitchen facades — as soon as possible. We used to have a certain margin of time for the products to be installed at the end of the work, which we no longer have. We also provide for a certain flexibility on the replacement of materials by other technically equivalent materials.” Merkes added that there’s a hidden benefit to the situation, as well: “Exchanging with fellow architects on material alternatives and learning more about the choice of materials as well as finding plan Bs can be rewarding,” she said. Many builders are looking for alternate recycled materials for finishes. You know that reclaimed wood barn door or mantel you were coveting? Now might be the time to buy it. ●

AMERICAN FURNITURE WAREHOUSE

How to style a sofa three ways SPONSORED FEATURE

Have you outgrown your current design style? Maybe you are ready to change your style from farmhouse to mid-century modern? No matter how different you want your new style to be, you can change it up by styling your sofa. Here are three ways to style a sofa and have the style you want. MODERN METALLICS You can achieve a modern style in any space by toning down the number of furnishings in your space and embracing earthy tones. This space was easily transformed using modern pieces such as the tripod standing lamp and statement art piece. Adding in hints of silver and gold will also enhance your look and create the modern vibe you are looking for.

Find your dream home, rental or commercial property. Browse the Open Houses from the comfort and safety of your home with our Virtual Open House Videos, mark your favorite listings or select a local agent.

WARM AND RUSTIC Maybe you want to style your sofa to create a rustic retreat. Warm tones found in the decorative pillows and area rug lay the perfect foundation for this trendy look. The decorative ladder complements the rustic vibe. Faux plants add the touch of nature to the space completing the signature look of rustic by bringing the outdoors in. TRUE BLUE A third way you can style your sofa and space is by decorating with a color theme. Accent furniture, like a display shelf, is one way to bring in your favorite color to your space. Using an area rug or a wall art piece will bring in your color in a big way, while decorative pillows or a small table lamp are more subtle. Visit American Furniture Warehouse where you can find all of these styles and more. ●

S For more information contact: Tom McClung, Real Estate Account Executive tom.mcclung@gazette.com (719) 499-0510 Ken Lepik, Real Estate Inside Sales ken.lepik@gazette.com (719) 476-4820 I (719) 201-4840

SCAN ME

gazette.com/colorado-springs-home-search

imagine

Time to

For builder contact information visit: cordera.com/home-builders

Time to discover Cordera. Where the American dream lives on.

Stop by and preview new home sites, explore our new and innovative, 16-acre “Wild Rumpus Park” or imagine yourself taking a swim in the new lap pool. See what else is new and enjoyable along with our wildly popular clubhouse and splash pool. Check out Cordera, a family-friendly premiere community with great D20 schools. Find homes from the $450s to $900s. It’s time to connect with builders and see what’s new at Cordera.com PIKES PEAK HOMEBUYING GUIDE 2021 | 7

A place where

NEIGHBORS BECOME FAMILY

Our Featured Builders

FROM THE MID $400s ClassicHomes.com 719-452-8696

Active Adult Community

FROM THE MID $200s OakwoodHomesCO.com 719-380-5092

FROM THE MID $300s LifeAtRetreat.com 719-380-5055

FROM THE HIGH $400s CovingtonHomesCO.com 719-448-5000

With a community rich in culture, events, and gathering places, Banning Lewis Ranch provides the perfect environment to create deeper relationships and lifelong memories. A place for moments as custom as your home, in a community crafted for you.

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A place for life’s moments.

WELCOME HOME COLORADO SPRINGS’ AWARD-WINNING BANNING LEWIS RANCH

anning Lewis Ranch is Colorado Springs’ number one selling community. Through its vast amenity offerings and familial atmosphere, it’s easy to see why so many Colorado Springs residents consider it the best place to live. The popular neighborhood has a rich and vibrant history that, for over a century, has left an impact on the Colorado Springs community. Founded in 1897 by William Banning as Banning Ranch, the ranch grew in 1927 through the marriage of William Banning’s daughter, Ruth Banning, and Pinky Lewis. The families expanded and operated the original Banning Lewis Cattle Ranch and left an amazing legacy in the cattle ranching industry. Today, Banning is a vibrant community with nearly 3,000 households. Centrally located in the northeastern area of Colorado Springs, directly off Woodmen road and Marksheffel road, the Banning Lewis Ranch neighborhood offers its residents a familial community with outstanding amenities, ideal for homeowners in all stages of life. Coloradans are hard-pressed to find new homes for sale in the Colorado Springs area with neighborhood amenities already in place as they are at Banning Lewis Ranch. Banning Lewis Ranch has over 75 acres of trails and parks located throughout the community, including an events pavilion and dog park in Vista Park. With many neighborhood parks, a community park between the school and the community center, and an array of open space areas called pasillos, each home in Banning Lewis Ranch is just within two blocks of a park, trail, or open space. The community center, referred to as the Ranch House, serves as the center point of the community with tennis courts, a junior Olympic outdoor pool and a fitness center that offers a wide selection of equipment and machines. The Ranch House also features a large patio area with a fireplace and grills, perfect for entertaining family and friends or neighborhood gatherings.

Banning Lewis Ranch is a haven for kids in the summer with its Vista Water Park, a splash park fully equipped with a water-slide and a whirlpool that is the perfect place for kids to play during hot summer days. Also, during the summer, Banning Lewis Ranch hosts free, outdoor concerts in Northtree Park, which will kick off on June 3 and a weekly farmers market every Thursday. In partnership with the Pikes Peak Library District, their Mobile Library makes a stop most Saturdays at the Ranch House where residents can check out and return books. There are three schools within the neighborhood: Banning Lewis Ranch Academy Charter School (grades K-5), Banning Lewis Ranch Middle and Preparatory Charter High School (grades 6-12), and D-49’s Inspiration View Elementary School (grades PK-5). Those interested in purchasing a home at Banning Lewis Ranch can select from three Colorado premier builders including Oakwood Homes, Classic Homes, and Covington Homes. Each builder offers new homes in various price points with a variety of home designs and floorplans for prospective buyers to choose from. In April 2020, The Retreat at Banning Lewis Ranch, a 55+ Active Adult Community opened, south of Dublin Road. The enclave features a variety of patio, ranch-style, and luxury homes with community lifestyle amenities including a private clubhouse, pool, pickleball and bocce ball courts, and a lifestyle director. Oakwood Homes and Classic Homes are the premier builders at The Retreat. From unique and quality constructed homes, to award-winning schools where children truly grow, to the activities that build memories that last a lifetime, it’s all here at Banning Lewis Ranch. WELCOME HOME.

Learn more at BanningLewisRanch.com Banning Lewis Ranch – an Oakwood Homes community

PIKES PEAK HOMEBUYING GUIDE 2021 | 9

2021 PARADE OF HOMES

2021 Parade of Homes is set for September 10-26  BY PATTY TOMSKY, PATTY.TOMSKY@GAZETTE.COM

The event is in-person once again, showcasing the best homebuilders, designers, landscapers and more. The Parade of Homes is a highly anticipated annual event, offering the community a first-hand look at the current trends and innovations in new home design. These designs range from affordable living to luxury dream homes complete with every amenity imaginable. Area builders of The Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs (HBA) will present more than 20 homes located among approximately 12 communities throughout the Pikes Peak Region for the 67th Parade of Homes.   The featured communities will be announced in the coming weeks, and tickets for 2021’s hotly anticipated event will be released in August. The HBA is proud to host this premier home tour of the Pikes Peak region. This legendary event showcases the latest trends and technology in residential construction and reflects the high-caliber talent of local builders, interior designers, craftsmen and landscape architects. Typically featuring two

dozen new homes, this unparalleled event gives the public the opportunity to tour homes in some of the finest neighborhoods throughout El Paso county. No other event offers such an impressive range of indoor and outdoor styles, features and amenities that appeal to the needs and dreams of current and future homeowners – from affordable living to luxury dream homes. 2021 will see the return of the Industry Awards of Excellence, which are judged by industry peers, and presented to homes in each price category. Also returning is the People’s Choice Award, which is awarded to the overall favorite home, voted on by those attending the Parade. The Parade would like to thank our sponsors: Mortgage Solutions Financial, The Gazette, La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, Oakwood Homes, Perkins Motors and Rusin Concrete Construction. Prize sponsors this year include Penrose St. Francis Health Services and Mountain View Electric. Come discover why U.S. News & World Report once again named Colo-

rado Springs one of the top five places to live in the United States for the past three years.  The Parade isn’t only about the homes themselves; it also features landscaping, interior design, fixtures and finishes, cabinetry, appliances and more. If it’s involved in a home build, the Parade will bring them all together

in an unforgettable way. Resources about each home will be available onsite, and visitors are encouraged  to interact with the builder ambassadors at each home - they are there to answer questions.  Visit SpringsParade.com for more information on the upcoming Parade, and to check out the winners from 2020. ●

COVINGTON HOMES

Covington Homes builds community SPONSORED FEATURE

Service and compassion for others have always been the cornerstone of Covington Homes’ culture. Under the leadership of Ron and Grace Covington, the company continues to grow, continues to thrive, and it has become known as a company that builds more than just homes – “ We build community.” The Covington Team delivers a personal home buying experience, provides future homeowners with floor plans for their unique lifestyles, pays attention to details, and builds Energy Smart homes. Building better homes, creating community, and giving back – this is what makes Covington Homes stand apart. “ For six years in a row, Covington Homes and its Trade Partners have built the Colorado Springs St. Jude Dream Home, helping to raise over $4.7 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which develops cures to fight childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. This year alone, the goal was to raise one million dollars and again the team succeeded to build the home at zero cost! “Donating 100% of the materials and labor to build the Dream Home is huge and it means that all of the proceeds from the 10 | PIKES PEAK HOMEBUYING GUIDE 2021

ticket sales go directly to St.Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We are proud to say that our sponsors and trade partners have done an amazing job helping us support St Jude’s lifesaving mission over the years.” said Grace Covington, one of the owners of Covington Homes. Once again, this year’s St Jude Dream Home was built in the spectacular community of Banning Lewis Ranch. The beautiful wide-open floor plan – The Bellamonte - is a stunning ranch style home with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, three car garage and endless designer features. The home is valued over $650,000 and will feature a Gourmet kitchen with Bosh stainless steel gas appliances, Brizo faucets and accessories, Shaw flooring and tile and so much more! Tickets went on sale April 22, 2021 and the lucky winner will be announced on June 24th, 2021 on KKTV. For more information about the Colorado Springs St.Jude Dream Home, please visit www.cosdreamhome.com Since its founding in 2008, Covington Homes continues to grow and is now among the top builders in Colorado Springs and El Paso County. “We choose to build in

communities that offer good value, convenient locations and a healthy lifestyle. We are small enough to listen, but big enough to deliver - this provides our buyers with an exceptional home building experience and the ability to personalize their home, while having the peace of mind that comes with knowing that they have a better built home.”

Covington Homes has a legacy of quality that is shown in traditional and modern designs found at Meridian Ranch, Banning Lewis Ranch, Wolf Ranch, and Gardens at North Carefree. We invite you to experience the Covington Homes difference by visiting one of their model homes or going online at www.Covingtonhomesco.com. ●

5 Reasons it’s a Good Time to Sell/Buy 1

ABUNDANT ACCOLADES What really drove our market last year was the strong economy and increase in population. Increasing publicity is driving even more interest in our region, which should continue to buttress home prices. In just the latest appearance of Colorado Springs on notable city lists, TripAdvisor lists the city as 7th on its 2021 list of top emerging travel destinations in the world, noting its “delightful mix of Western charms.” THIS ISN’T 2008 Most experts don’t believe we’re in a housing bubble right now, according to the investing site motleyfool.com. Today, the high demand is not the result of predatory lending practices, as it was in 2008. This time, prices are on the rise as a result of the natural market forces of supply and demand. MORTGAGE RATES ROCK Early in 2020, the Federal Reserve made a substantial rate cut. When that happened, the mortgage industry saw interest rates drop considerably. While we have seen rates inch up a bit in 2021, mortgage rates are still historically low right now. Since your interest rate can play a significant role in your loan’s total cost, snagging a new mortage while interest rates are low could be a good move.

EVERYONE’S DOING IT In 2020, a record number of people achieved their real estate goals of buying and selling in our market. And in February, the number of homes under contract increased by 22% compared with that month last year. Strategizing with your REALTOR®, and going into your search with patience and persistence, can still lead to the purchase of your dream home - yes, even in this market.

THE TIME IS NOW Put a different way, there is no price like the present. In February we saw the average sales price hit almost $450,000 and the median sales price just broke the $400,000 mark. What you buy today will almost surely be more expensive if you wait. Many clients purchasing newly constructed homes are finding that they have $30,000 to $70,000 equity in their home by the time they close - before they have ever paid a dime.

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CORDERA

Cordera — it’s time — final set of lots will debut this year SPONSORED FEATURE

It’s true, Cordera keeps getting better with new builder lot releases, an upcoming fifth community park, a new pedestrian underpass and more walking trails.    Last year the community added a new heated lap pool and the new, 16-acre Wild Rumpus Park. Fe Fi Fo Fum park, set to debut in 2022, will offer cornhole, ladder toss, tether ball, human foosball and four holes of frisbee golf. It will also have a shade structure, a golden egg sculpture, and three large vines as play structures for kids and more! Visit the Community Center to see its three-lane lap-pool; a second outdoor heated pool with kids’ splash area; fitness room, picnic area, outdoor fireplace, and more. With everything from raised ranch-

es to modern farmhouse aesthetics, Cordera builders are working hard to include all the amenities that you and your family deserve. Visit model homes at Cordera today to tour spec homes available now or learn more about available lots and home plans.   You won’t believe the brand new models these fabulous builders want to show off this year. Vantage Homes just debuted their new model with CreekStone, Toll Brothers and Goetzmann debuting their new model homes this summer. Stay tuned for a fall debut from Campbell Homes, as well; plus, Saddletree is set to showcase brand new models early in 2022. So much NEW to see. Don’t miss out. Visit Cordera.com today. ●

LA-Z-BOY FURNITURE GALLERIES

La-Z-Boy has trends, accessories, home office refreshers in stock now SPONSORED FEATURE

There’s a resurgence of color on designers’ vision boards this spring and La-Z-Boy designer Jessica Brown wants you to know about it. “Gray remains ubiquitous, but is giving way to warm, natural inspired colors like latte, a warm greige, muted yellow and jewel tones. To go along with these colors, modernized oak finishes like white oak and quartersawn oak and the boho feel of acacia furniture and accessories are swoon worthy this spring,” Brown said. Black and white accents are emerging as well, for bold presence in living areas, with the midcentury modern look making way for cozier, wider furniture with a comfier aesthetic. Don’t forget: There are gorgeous options for furniture in stock at both La-Z-Boy locations so your wait times are shorter than they have been lately. Plenty of stunning, modern recliners are

perfect to gift for Father’s Day. New homeowners, especially the Millennial and Gen Z set, want a repurposed, recycled feel with boho elements to create a relaxing, easygoing vibe in their spaces. The succulents and greenery they crave are all at La-Z-Boy, too. “Pillows, art, sculpture—even home office storage ottomans and desks—we’ve seen new homeowners take advantage of our free, in-home designer services to really personalize their spaces this spring,” Brown said. “We don’t stop at furniture. Let us help you realize your coolest Pinterest visions. Don’t stop short of amazing looks when our designers can get you there,” Brown added. Visit the showrooms at Academy & Woodman or Powers & North Carefree (Bloomington St.) or call Jessica at 719-593-7888. ● PIKES PEAK HOMEBUYING GUIDE 2021 | 11

Wonderful things happen here.

12 | PIKES PEAK HOMEBUYING GUIDE 2021

A celebration of the pioneer spirit. Picture being part of the Pikes Peak Gold Rush during the 1800’s, when the former Golden Cycle Mill was the economic backbone of Colorado Springs – turning the area where Gold Hill Mesa now stands into one of the most illustrious locations in all of Colorado. Today, marked by its iconic chimney Gold Hill Mesa is a planned community worthy of its progressive history and majestic landscape. Through steadfast research, smart planning and engineering, Gold Hill Mesa was able to mitigate urban sprawl by creating a unique, mixeduse community honoring its heritage while revitalizing the environment, fueling the local economy and building a distinct westside legacy for generations to enjoy. During the past decade, this new urbanism development has become one of the most desirable and trendy neighborhoods in Colorado Springs.

Where the mountains meet the city. The picturesque neighborhood’s demand is due in part to its location – just five minutes from Downtown Colorado Springs, Gold Hill Mesa is nestled atop 21st St. allowing breathtaking views of the city to the east and incomparable rugged beauty to the west. Blended into the panorama of the city’s west side, stylish homes painted in vivid colors and crafted in distinctive architectural character adorn the tree-lined streets. Outdoor shared spaces and front yard landscaping are designed to enhance the neighborhood’s dynamic personality. Additionally, residents can revel in Colorado’s active lifestyle with immediate access to many favorite hiking and biking trails and dog parks or seek endless adventures when traveling west on HW 24 toward Pikes Peak and beyond.

Community is the heartbeat of Gold Hill Mesa. Throughout the past year, we’ve missed gatherings at our Community Center and look forward to new experiences with original “Art on The Mesa” exhibits and re-energizing the wildly popular “Music on The Mesa” concert

series – free and open to the public. Concerts run June through September and feature professional bands across many musical genres along with a variety of local food trucks and vendors. The Community Center also boasts a fitness room, an award-winning salon and spa.

Building a lasting foundation. We are proud to partner with our masterful builders Adamo Homes, David Weekly Homes, Hi-Point Home Builders, and Vanguard New Homes in offering colorful elevations, functional floor plans, welcoming front porches and artful outdoor living spaces. See yourself being part of a diverse and amazing community, imagine being home at Gold Hill Mesa. Stopy by and visit our builders or learn more at GoldHillMesa.com

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Discover What Home Feels Like Wolf Ranch weaves daily living with Rocky Mountain sunshine. Enjoy meandering trails, District 20 schools and our amazing community.

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