Never hurts to think SAFE!

2007 Top 25 top accident-prone intersections and rankings:

1. BRIARGATE PY/N POWERS BLw+* 6.29
2. N POWERS BL/N UNION BLw 2.97
3. S ACADEMY BL/S CHELTON RD 2.49
4. HY-83/N ACADEMY BL 2.42
5. NEW CENTER PT/S CAREFREE CR 2.19
6. AUSTIN BLUFFS PY/RANGEWOOD DR 2.17
7. E WOODMEN RD/N UNION BL+ 2.17
8. N POWERS BL/OLD RANCH RDw+ 2.13
9. E BIJOU ST/N ACADEMY BL+ 2.12
10. HY-83/N POWERS BLw+ 2.09
11. BRIARGATE BL/N UNION BL 2.08
12. E UINTAH ST/N WEBER ST 1.98
13. LAKE AV/SOUTHGATE RD+ 1.95
14. DUBLIN BL/N ACADEMY BL+ 1.93
15. BRIARGATE PY/HY-83 1.88
16. GALLEY RD/N MURRAY BL 1.80
17. AIRPORT RD/S ACADEMY BL+ 1.77
18. E PLATTE AV/N UNION BL 1.76
19. N CAREFREE CR/N POWERS BLw 1.64
20. ASTROZON BL/S ACADEMY BL 1.63
21. E PLATTE AV/N WAHSATCH AV+ 1.59
22. E PLATTE AV/N NEVADA AV+ 1.57
23. CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN BL/HY-115w 1.51
24. AUSTIN BLUFFS PY/N UNION BL+ 1.51
25. DURYEA DR/E WOODMEN RD 1.49

The goverment wants you to do what!?

Now that the government has decided to give you a 600.00 rebate(single) or 1200.00 (per couple) check they want you to....................shop till you drop. It's hard not to notice all of the people who have come out of the woodwork stating that in order to revive the economy you should spend that money as soon as you get it. Even investors are getting in on the act by putting their money in large retail establishments while hoping for large gains. Do yourself a favor and put that money to work for YOU and your family rather than blowing it all on frivolous purchases. You can help the economy much more by paying down some of your debt or putting your money in a bond or CD. If your looking to buy a house this is an excellent opportunity to add funds to help with your down payment costs. If you absolutely have to go out and buy a material item, how about a bicycle. Not only are they great for exercise but they can help save on some fuel costs too! Additionally, you can get a energy efficient appliance to help cut down on energy costs. Use your new found money to improve your situation which in turn will ultimately lead to a greater economy.

More good news!

T-Rowe to bring in 650 jobs to Colorado Springs! Amazing! This is exceptionally great news to hear. During this difficult economic time for the country it is acts like this that are truly separating Colorado Springs from the typical dismal recession talks. By bringing more jobs plus the steady inflow of our military, Colorado Springs is in much better shape then the average bear might think!

Over the last five years, the Springs saw appreciation of 4.2 % a year, which outpaced every major Colorado city other than Grand Junction!

Yes, you read that title right! Even in these dark times for property values the Springs still managed to keep a 1.6 appreciation rate in property values this past year. Click on the title of this entry for a great story from the C/S Gazette by Rich Laden on what local economist Fred Crowley had to say at a recent conference to REALTORS about Colorado Springs and its local economy. We need to realize how lucky we are to be in such a wonderful city that can protect us from many things that are happening in other parts of the nation. I highly recommend reading this article as it will give the reader good perspective on the current situation.

The bad areas that could be so much BETTER!

In his recent oppinion article in the CSBJ, publisher Lon Matejczyk brings up some good points on how it makes no sense that a certain stretch of South Nevada avenue (between South Gate and Downtown) is in such poor condition. He's absolutely right! Downtown is making strides to look elegant and the old Southgate is leaps and bounds above where it used to be. Yet, when one travels from one point to the other they are met with run-down motels, pawn shops and a high crime area. The same can be said for the area just east of union and west of circle. Its almost as if the city decided to improve the ends but forgot to tackle the middle. These areas I think should be prime targets for Mike Kazmierski and the Economic Development Council to tackle. If they could convince a big box store to be an anchor in both areas I think it would drasticaly improve the downtown region as well as the South Union area. Of course thats just my humble oppinion. :)

Good Bye Mr. Bruce

After three years in the county commishioners office, Doug Bruce is now on his way to Denver. The man who is responsible for TABOR as well as raising eyebrows due to his outspoken ways will never be forgotten. Though he was an extremeist, Doug Bruce deserves some respect. If for nothing else, he tried his hardest to speak for the everyday tax paying citizen. Whether you disagree with him or not, you have to admit that in a day of goverment officials getting their palms greased by corporate entities its refreshing to see a public elected official trying to stay true to his promises.

A new Year

It's been too long since I have been on here.........Damn Holidays!
Well, here we are 2008 and still some negativity in the real estate market? Though I have fought off some of the rumors and discouragement I will say that these times are interesting. Nationaly, things are not looking hot. However, localy, we are still experiencing great growth + it's an election year!