Colorado Springs Homes Blog

We've written before about the work of the San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society, and their weekly pet adoption fairs at the North Academy Blvd. PetSmart in  Colorado Springs.     

Thanks to the sponsorship of PetSmart and Hill's Science Diet, the Society will be taking part in PetSmart Charities' Second Chance For Love Fall Adoption Weekend.  Nationally, the goal is to fnd forever homes for 18,800 derserving pets! 

At least 75 dogs and puppies - plus a few kitties - will be along for the Colorado Springs pet adoption event, every one wishing to meet their own special human(s).  If you've been thinking of adding a new family member, you'll have plenty of lovable creatures to pick from. 

Other fine animal rescue groups will also be participating, so you'll have numerous cats plus small animals to choose from as well. 

Hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm.  The event will take place at the PetSmart near Constitution and Powers, 2965 New Center Point.   Every adopter will receive valuable coupons and free samples, and rumor is that there will be some prize drawings, too. 

Can you give a rescued pet a second chance for love and a responsible, permanent home?  In return, you'll get licks, snuggles and faithful companionship.  And possibly even undying adoration!  Doesn't that sound like a win-win situation?    

Ken and Sandy Wickham are long-time Realtors serving the beautiful Colorado Springs, CO area.  They have two somewhat spoiled and quite-loved Golden Retrievers, Murray and Suzy. 

Some homes are just pleasing to the senses, and this is one of them.   The cul-de-sac location, main level living,  spacious rooms,  special details, soothing colors, and the professional landscaping all combine to create a highly livable house you can't wait to come home to.   

This lovely Saddletree home is a Vail model with the French Country finishes.

The gracious, welcoming foyer is filled with light. 

The conveniently located study with French doors has mountain views.

The great room with built-ins is practical yet elegant.

The formal dining room with built-in buffet makes entertaining a pleasure.

The delightful kitchen has a granite island with gas cook top.

Low maintenance stucco exterior gives you more time to enjoy life from your composite deck overlooking the scrub oak.                                                                        

 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and 4082 square feet.  Offered at $499,000.  See more  details at http://www.wickhome.com/listing/93423336.

Ken and Sandy Wickham are long-time Realtors serving the beautiful Colorado Springs, CO area.  To contact them, call 800-599-8500 ext. 1120 or 719-534-7920, or visit their website.

You'll have easy living in this 2 bedroom, 2 full tiled bath condo in the Presidio complex. 

  With 1295 square feet, you'll have plenty of stretch-out space.  The pretty kitchen has a tiled floor and pendant lighting over the eating bar.   There's a balcony for relaxing, central air for summer comfort, and a gas fireplace in the great room for those cozy winter nights. 

Don't worry; the light, bright, neutral decor will go with your belongings.  And, since it's almost new, and all appliances are included, you don't need to spend lots of money right after moving in.   Maybe just a special plant or painting?      

Check out the extra storage.  This home is super convenient to shopping, services, the new YMCA, and the new Memorial Hospital.  District 20 schools.   

 Ken and Sandy Wickham are seasoned Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO.  To contact them, call 719-534-7920 or 800-599-8500 ext. 1120.

There's always something special about shopping downtown during the holiday season.  There, you find tradition, unique stores, a festive atmosphere, and a vast variety of cozy restaurants and coffee shops when you need to supplement your shopping strength.  It's also a great place to catch up with friends during a holiday brunch, lunch or dinner.

And while metered parking is always free on Sundays, you can also park in the metered spaces at no cost on the first three Saturdays in December - the 6th, 13th, and 20th. 

If you're attending the Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 6th, it's best to be downtown early, so it's the perfect time to work some shopping in and grab a bite to eat before the parade starts. 

For a list of downtown services, shopping and dining, and to call for holiday hours, visit the Downtown Guide.

If fine jewelry is on your Christmas List, be sure to visit D. Bierfeldt Master Jeweler at 107 E. Pikes Peak Avenue (227-1361).  You can choose something gorgeous from the showcase, or for that spectacular gift, have an heirloom custom made.  Dale Bierfeldt has an eye for the exquisite, and will help you design a true treasure.

Our assistant's pick for her favorite downtown restaurant:  The award-winning Mediterranean Cafe at 118 E. Kiowa (633-0115).  She tells us even though she seeks out Mediterranean restaurants wherever she goes, this gem remains her favorite, for the superb tasting dishes at a very reasonable price.  Try the spanakopita!

Ken and Sandy Wickham are long-time realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO.  To contact them, call 719-534-7919 or 800-599-8500 ext. 1120. 

www.wickhome.com

For the price of a first-class stamp, and a spare moment and an extra greeting card, you can brighten a current or former service member's holiday.  (If you don't have a card, you can even download a free one).  Groups or families can also send multiple cards in one package.

The Holiday Mail For Heroes campaign is a joint effort sponsored by the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes, with the goal of distributing one million holiday cards to service members, veterans and family members in the U.S. and overseas. 

  The Red Cross began this program in 2007, at the request of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, to handle the overwhelming number of cards sent to wounded service members.  This year, the scope has been expanded to include military personnel serving in harm's way, veterans and families. 

Security measures are much tighter these days, so Pitney Bowes screens each card for hazardous materials, and then Red Cross volunteers review, sort, and forward each card, so it's imperative that all cards be postmarked by December 10th to allow processing time.   

While there are still well-meaning emails circulating suggesting cards be sent to "A Recovering U.S. Soldier" care of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the hospital is not accepting these cards (we went to Walter Reed's site to verify this.)

Please ensure all cards are postmarked by December 10th; cards postmarked later will be returned to the sender (and we don't want to see your efforts wasted).   For the mailing address and specific guidelines, please visit the Holiday Mail For Heroes' web page.  (If you're also interested in purchasing care packages or gift or phone cards, you'll find links there, too, as these items can't be included in the holiday cards).   

Ken and Sandy Wickham are seasoned Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO.  To contact them, call 719-534-7919 or 899-699-8500 ext. 1120. 

www.wickhome.com

  Are you looking for charm, (maybe you don't see yourself living in a cookie-cutter home) but don't have the time and/or money to remodel a home?  Is your heart really set on a single family home, but you have budget limitations?  Do granite counters and stainless appliances appeal to you?  How about a light, bright, neutral interior that's sure to go with your existing furniture and acessories?  Does a large, easy care lot work for you, so your outdoor time can be spent enjoying yourself instead of having tons of yardwork? Wouldn't it be nice if you didn't have to rush out to buy window coverings and appliances?  Or maybe you know of someone who is looking for their first home... 

Then come to our Open House on Sunday, November 23rd from Noon to 3 pm to see this delightful remodel with many special touches.  The current owners have put a lot of time and love into this home, and are looking for buyers to enjoy their efforts.  And... The price has been significantly improved since our other open house!

3 Bedrooms and 2 Full Baths  ~ Full, Finished Walkout Lower Level ~ Living and Family Rooms ~ New Lighting, Flooring and Bath Fixtures ~ Huge Laundry Room ~ Freshly Painted Interior and Exterior ~ Walkout from Lower Level Family Room to Patio and Huge Yard ~ Xeriscaping with Drip System ~ Carport and Off-Street Parking for Two Cars ~ Mountain Views ~ Established Neighborhood ~ Convenient to Dining and Library ~  Now offered at $169,960

Ken and Sandy Wickham are seasoned Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO.  To contact them about this open house, or any other Colorado Springs home, call 719-660-9950 or 719-660-9940. 

 www.wickhome.com

Bringing a furry pet home is wonderful way to add loads of love to your household.  We give our pets a little love, and get so much more in return (at least with dogs; with cats, you sometimes have to settle for knowing that your superior house guest isn't looking for better digs).  

Every Saturday, Aileen Peek and members of her dedicated shelter staff hold Pet Adoption Fairs at PetSmart on North Academy Blvd.  To give you an idea of how dedicated they are:  Their shelter, the San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society, is in Alamosa.  So, in addition to loading and unloading the pets, cages, and supplies, and spending six hours at the adoption fair, they drive almost three hours each way to find loving homes for the rescued animals.  And they've been doing this for years, because they know that Colorado Springs is filled with responsible pet lovers.  

'

                       Pumpkin could be your Cutie Pie this Thanksgiving

We stopped by one of the recent fairs, and found a variety of adorable puppies (is there anything cuter than a puppy?) many beautiful, friendly adult dogs, and one mellow cat who seemed completely non-plussed by the occasional barking puppy.

The need is great; even though the SLV Animal Welfare Society is a no-kill shelter, their resources, including space, are limited.  So, the quicker they find homes for the dogs and cats, the more animals they can take in.   Taking in means "saving" - from hunger, neglect, abuse, or even death.  It's a never ending challenge to serve all the animals who need them; recently, the shelter acquired two litters of 14 puppies each!

All the animals are up to date on their shots; puppies are parvo-free and cats have been screened for leukemia.  The animals that are old enough are spayed or neutered.

Brother and sister Dustin and Dusty, above, are very attached to each other, so they must be adopted together.  Since dogs are very social creatures, in many cases it's easier to have two.  If you have one dog, and feel you can't give him enough attention, why not consider adopting a companion for him?  You're already taking that walk anyway, and your dog won't be lonely while you're not at home.

What a sweet face!  Fluffy, a Labrador Retriever mix with a marvelous disposition, also has a sister waiting for a new home.

If you or anyone you know is thinking of adding a new family member this holiday season, stop by the adoption fair; you could find true love.

Colorado Springs pet adoption fairs:   Saturdays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at PetSmart at 7680 N. Academy Blvd. across from Chapel Hills Mall. 719-531-7870

For more information call 719-587-WOOF (9663) or email woof@slvaws.org. 

Visit the San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society's website, where you can learn more about the organization and see a list of adoptable pets. 

Ken and Sandy Wickham are long-time Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO.  Their Golden Retrievers, Murray and Suzy, keep each other company while Ken and Sandy are helping buyers and sellers. 

www.wickhome.com

Today we're celebrating Veterans Day.  The holiday is celebrated on November 11th to mark the anniversary of the end of World War I.  Armistice Day was originally proclaimed in 1919 to honor World War I veterans; since November of 1954, it has been know as Veterans Day to honor all veterans. (In some other countries, this date is still celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day).

We'd like to send a heartfelt thank-you to all our Veterans, and let you know we appreciate your sacrifices, past and present, large and small.  We're also proud to celebrate Colorado Springs' military heritage and the  contributions made by our local service members.

To find out more about the history of Veterans Day, and interesting military facts, visit History.com or Wikipedia.

Ken and Sandy Wickham are seasoned Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO.  To contact them, call 719-534-7919 or 800-599-8500 ext. 1120. 

www.wickhome.com

Fall is arguably the most beautiful time of year in Colorado.  As lovely as the changing aspen leaves are in their own right, when the backdrop includes lakes and mountains, the view is absolutely breathtaking. 

We took these photos at Twin Lakes in Lake County, Colorado. 

      From Highway 82, on the way to Aspen

       A view of Mount Elbert

      Forebay, with Mount Elebert in the background

      Reflections of the aspen-studded mountains in the lake.

You can see some beautiful panoramas created with our Visual Tour program. 

Ken and Sandy Wickham are Colorado Realtors who love spending time in beautiful Twin Lakes, CO.  Not familiar with Twin Lakes?  Give Ken and Sandy a call at 719-534-7919 or 800-599-8500.  They'd love to answer your questions!

www.wickhome.com

Are you an investor, or a first-time home buyer who is eligible for conventional financing? 

Does a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with an attached 2 car garage and a large lot fit your needs?  It's even better when it has nicely sized rooms, a large eat-in kitchen, and fresh interior paint. 

The living room has hardwood floors, a cozy fireplace, and walkout to the large yard.  There's a nice open flow between living room, nook and kitchen.

There's plenty of room for two or more people to cook together in this kitchen!

The roomy nook is perfect for relaxing gatherings.

The Master Bedroom has brand new carpet and an attached 3/4 bath. 

This home needs some work, but it's priced accordingly for quick sale.  See more info and photos on this home's web page.  Call us today for more details; we'd love to tell you more about this home. 

Ken and Sandy Wickham are seasoned Realtors in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO.  To contact them, call 719-534-7919 or 800-599-8500 ext. 1120. 

www.wickhome.com