Your Colorado Springs Life & Home

Lori Thompson

Your Colorado Springs Life & Home is your go-to podcast for real estate, relocation, and everyday living in beautiful Colorado Springs. Hosted by Lori Thompson—RE/MAX Properties Realtor®, broker, and trusted top producer with over 40 years of experience—this show delivers real talk and expert insight for military families, first-time buyers, seasoned homeowners, and dreamers alike. Whether you're PCSing to Fort Carson, upsizing for a growing family, downsizing for a simpler life, or curious about the market, Lori brings clarity, compassion, and a lifetime of local knowledge to every episode. As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), Quality Service Certified Platinum agent, and Peak Producers member, she’s handled it all—short sales, market swings, and everything in between. Tune in for practical tips, neighborhood spotlights, market trends, and stories from the front lines of Colorado Springs real estate. From interest rates to granite countertops, Lori’s got answers—and she’s just a call or text away. Your next chapter starts here. To learn more about RE/MAX Properties Inc. visit:  https://www.LoriThompson.REMAX.com  RE/MAX Properties Inc. Colorado Springs 719-332-1807 

  1. 2d ago

    Smart Ways To Grow Home Equity In Colorado Springs

    PMI, solar contracts, kitchen upgrades, neighborhood choice: they can either grow your home equity or quietly drain it. We sit down with Lori Thompson, a RE/MAX Properties broker and longtime Colorado Springs realtor, to answer a question we hear nonstop: how do you build equity faster without making expensive mistakes? We start with the clearest lever most homeowners control today: paying down principal. Lori explains how small, consistent extra payments can move you toward 20% equity faster, which is often the turning point for removing PMI on a conventional mortgage. We also talk through FHA MIP and why refinancing into a conventional loan may be the only real path to dropping mortgage insurance once you’ve built enough equity. If you want a strategy that works whether the market is hot or uncertain, this part is for you. Then we get blunt about what not to do, especially if you’re on a military PCS timeline of 3 to 5 years. Lori shares why certain solar panel contracts can act like a lien, create a gap between cost and appraised value, and make selling harder in a hail-prone state. From there, we shift into upgrades with real ROI like fresh paint, durable LVP flooring, and targeted kitchen and primary suite refreshes, plus how to avoid over-improving for your neighborhood by checking local comps and getting honest guidance. If you’re trying to grow home equity in Colorado Springs through smarter mortgage choices, better renovations, and stronger neighborhood fundamentals like safety, schools, and walkability, you’ll leave with a clear plan. Subscribe for more real-world real estate advice, share this with a homeowner friend, and leave a review with your biggest equity question. To learn more about RE/MAX Properties Inc. visit: https://www.LoriThompson.REMAX.com RE/MAX Properties Inc.  Colorado Springs  719-332-1807

    12 min

  2. 2d ago

    When Downsizing Makes Sense And How To Start

    Your home can be a dream come true and still become the thing that drains your weekends, your budget, and your energy. We’re digging into one of the biggest turning points in homeownership: knowing when it’s time to downsize, and how to do it without regret. I’m joined by Colorado Springs REALTOR and RE/MAX top producer Lori Thompson, who’s helped military families and local homeowners buy and sell for decades and who brings a calm, practical lens to a very personal decision.  We talk about the real signs your house no longer fits, like heating and cooling space you barely use, guest rooms turning into storage, and the slow realization that stairs and yard work aren’t getting easier. Lori walks through the first steps she recommends, starting with defining what you want next: staying in the same area, moving to a one-level ranch, choosing a townhome or condo, or finding a maintenance-free community where an HOA handles exterior work so you can actually relax at the end of the day.  We also get honest about the emotional side, including the pull to be closer to family and the way grandchildren can turn downsizing into a relocation plan. On the financial side, we break down equity, utility savings, and why a smaller home isn’t always cheaper when you factor in taxes, metro district fees, and ongoing cost of ownership. If you’re thinking about downsizing in Colorado Springs, this gives you a clear framework to decide what matters most and how to plan ahead.  If this helped you, subscribe, share it with a friend who’s been hinting about “simplifying,” and leave a review so more homeowners can find it. What’s the one thing that would make a smaller home feel like a win for you? To learn more about RE/MAX Properties Inc. visit: https://www.LoriThompson.REMAX.com RE/MAX Properties Inc.  Colorado Springs  719-332-1807

    11 min

  3. Jun 3

    Your First Home in Colorado Springs: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

    Those glossy listings and “estimated payments” can make buying your first home feel easier than it is, and that’s exactly where first-time homebuyers get blindsided. We sit down and get practical about what actually matters before you fall in love with a house in Colorado Springs: what you genuinely qualify for, what your full mortgage payment really includes, and why a strong lender and clean pre-approval can save you from expensive surprises later. We also zoom out to the Colorado Springs housing market itself. From outdoorsy West Side energy near trails and downtown to more suburban pockets with parks and commuter-friendly access to military bases, this city is a patchwork of neighborhoods with different price points and trade-offs. We talk through how to choose an area that fits your daily life, not just your Pinterest board, and why your first home doesn’t have to be your forever home to be a great move. If you’re worried about competition, we cover strategies that help you stand out even when the market shifts: being ready to move fast, understanding why “days on market” can be misleading, and spotting value in homes that only need cosmetic updates. Then we close with due diligence that matters in this region, including a sewer line scope and radon testing, so you can buy with confidence and protect your budget. Subscribe for more Colorado Springs real estate guidance, share this with a first-time buyer, and leave a review with the question you want us to tackle next. To learn more about RE/MAX Properties Inc. visit: https://www.LoriThompson.REMAX.com RE/MAX Properties Inc.  Colorado Springs  719-332-1807

    16 min

  4. May 27

    The Smart Buyer’s Guide: Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Realtor

    Hiring a realtor isn’t just picking a name from a recommendation list, it’s choosing the person who will guide the biggest purchase or sale of your life. We get practical about how to interview a real estate agent so you can separate real expertise from confident talk, especially in the Colorado Springs housing market where timing, pricing, and negotiation details matter. We start with the essentials: what to ask about experience, why a newer agent can still be a great choice with the right mentorship, and how to judge “fit” beyond production numbers. We share specific questions that uncover responsiveness and communication style, including the best way and best time to reach your agent and whether they’re actually available for you. We also talk about asking for a resume-like summary of work history, typical transaction volume, and reviews so you can verify market knowledge instead of guessing. Then we get into real-world negotiation. We explain why negotiation strategy is often property-specific and how factors like seller close date, buyer flexibility, neighborhood demand, and property condition can create leverage. You’ll also hear how strong local connections show up in everyday moments, like getting fast, trustworthy referrals for repairs and improvements, plus the red flags to watch for in that first meeting, especially impatience or a lack of respect.  If you’re buying or selling a home, take these questions with you before you sign a written agreement. Subscribe for more Colorado Springs real estate guidance, share this with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a review with the one question you think every buyer should ask. To learn more about RE/MAX Properties Inc. visit: https://www.LoriThompson.REMAX.com RE/MAX Properties Inc.  Colorado Springs  719-332-1807

    11 min

  5. May 12

    The Crucial First Moves When You’re Struggling to Keep Your Home

    When your mortgage payment starts to feel heavier every month, the scariest part is not knowing which “help” is real and which options quietly make things worse. I’m joined by longtime Colorado Springs realtor and broker Lori Thompson, a certified distressed property expert, to lay out a calm, step-by-step way to respond to financial hardship before it turns into foreclosure. We talk through the first decision that changes everything: is this a short-term hit like unexpected expenses, or a long-term disruption like job loss, divorce, or death? From there, we unpack the real-world pros and cons of mortgage forbearance agreements, what you should demand in writing, and why “catch-up” payments can boomerang. We also cover foreclosure alternatives that homeowners search for every day, including refinancing, loan modification conversations, HELOCs used carefully, and short sales when you’re upside down. Because this show is rooted in Colorado Springs real estate, we also share local resources that can ease the pressure fast, including LEAP utility assistance, low-barrier food pantries, and support options for military families and veterans. Lori explains why selling earlier can protect your long-term financial health, preserve home equity, and even help you avoid nasty surprises like a 1099 tax form tied to foreclosure losses. If you’ve been putting off the call, let this be the nudge. Subscribe for more practical home and money guidance, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review. What’s the one question about your mortgage or home equity you want answered next? To learn more about RE/MAX Properties Inc. visit: https://www.LoriThompson.REMAX.com RE/MAX Properties Inc.  Colorado Springs  719-332-1807

    13 min

  6. May 6

    Living in a Master‑Planned Community: Benefits and Tradeoffs

    Master-planned communities sound like the dream: a polished neighborhood, a clubhouse, a pool, trails, parks, and events that make it easy to actually enjoy where you live. But there’s always a tradeoff, and we get specific about what you gain and what you give up when you buy into that lifestyle in Colorado Springs real estate. We’re joined by RE/MAX Properties licensed REALTOR and broker Lori Thompson, who’s spent more than four decades helping both military families and civilians find the right fit. We talk through local master-planned options and what they’re designed to deliver, from neighborhood schools and walkable amenities to community gatherings like live music, food trucks, holiday events, and even “movie in the pool” nights. Lori also shares what features buyers get most excited about in Colorado Springs, including why community pools are such a draw in our climate, plus the everyday convenience of having gyms, dog parks, and miles of trails nearby. Then we get honest about HOA rules and restrictions. Lori explains how HOAs can range from low-cost covenant enforcement that helps protect property values to stricter associations that can feel like micromanagement. We also dig into how maintenance standards shape a neighborhood’s “feel” and can affect desirability and resale value over time. If you’re relocating, PCSing, upsizing, or downsizing, this is a practical guide to matching your home search to your real lifestyle. Subscribe for more Colorado Springs housing insights, share this with a friend weighing HOA living, and leave a review if it helped. What’s your HOA dealbreaker or must-have amenity? To learn more about RE/MAX Properties Inc. visit: https://www.LoriThompson.REMAX.com RE/MAX Properties Inc.  Colorado Springs  719-332-1807

    13 min

  7. Apr 16

    Selling For Top Dollar: Make Buyers Fall For Your House Before They Walk In

    Most sellers think “top dollar” comes from one big renovation. We’ve learned it usually comes from a handful of high-impact decisions: what buyers see, what they smell, and what they assume they’ll have to fix. We walk through a real-world Colorado Springs home selling game plan that starts with the basics and ends with a listing that feels bright, clean, and easy to say yes to. We talk staging in a way that’s actually doable while you’re still living in the home. That means cutting clutter, minimizing distractions, and creating a simple visual palette so buyers can imagine their own furniture and routines in the space. Then we get blunt about odor, because odor is one of the fastest ways to lose a buyer. We cover what to do about cigarette smoke, pet smells, pet hair, and why over-fragrancing with candles or sprays can backfire during showings. From there we get into the best low-cost improvements for ROI: paint, deep cleaning, and small upgrades that make the kitchen and primary suite feel refreshed without spending a fortune. We also explain why professional photography matters in a search-driven market and how curb appeal supports the story your listing photos are trying to tell. We wrap with a pricing mindset that helps you avoid the overpricing spiral that leads to long days on market and bargain hunters. If you want practical Colorado Springs real estate advice, seller tips, and staging guidance that fits real life, hit play. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share with a friend who’s thinking about selling, and leave us a review. To learn more about RE/MAX Properties Inc. visit: https://www.LoriThompson.REMAX.com RE/MAX Properties Inc.  Colorado Springs  719-332-1807

    14 min

  8. Apr 9

    How Contingencies Protect Buyers And Sellers In Real Estate Contracts

    A contingent offer can feel like a safety net until the seller gets a second offer and the clock starts ticking. We break down what contingencies really do in a Colorado Springs real estate contract, how they protect your earnest money, and where buyers accidentally leave themselves exposed. If you are trying to buy your next home while selling your current one, you will want to understand the sale-of-home contingency and the first right of refusal, including the short 24-to-72-hour window where you may have to remove the contingency or lose the deal. We also walk through the most common contract contingencies buyers and sellers see in the Colorado Springs market: home inspection, appraisal, HOA document review, covenant review, title commitment review, homeowners insurance, and final loan approval. You will hear why an inspection is often the best leverage point for major systems and safety issues, what happens when a property fails to appraise at the contract price, and why HOA bylaws and covenants can shape what you can actually do with your home. We dig into why homeowners insurance has become a bigger factor in qualification and monthly payment planning, especially as premiums rise and coverage changes.  Finally, we tackle the stressful scenario where financing falls through and explain how the financing contingency and its deadline can determine whether you recover your earnest money. We also share ways to make your offer more attractive without stripping out protections, like adjusting seller concessions and limiting inspection objections to major items. If you want clearer real estate guidance with fewer surprises, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review with the topic you want us to tackle next. To learn more about RE/MAX Properties Inc. visit: https://www.LoriThompson.REMAX.com RE/MAX Properties Inc.  Colorado Springs  719-332-1807

    15 min
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About

Your Colorado Springs Life & Home is your go-to podcast for real estate, relocation, and everyday living in beautiful Colorado Springs. Hosted by Lori Thompson—RE/MAX Properties Realtor®, broker, and trusted top producer with over 40 years of experience—this show delivers real talk and expert insight for military families, first-time buyers, seasoned homeowners, and dreamers alike. Whether you're PCSing to Fort Carson, upsizing for a growing family, downsizing for a simpler life, or curious about the market, Lori brings clarity, compassion, and a lifetime of local knowledge to every episode. As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), Quality Service Certified Platinum agent, and Peak Producers member, she’s handled it all—short sales, market swings, and everything in between. Tune in for practical tips, neighborhood spotlights, market trends, and stories from the front lines of Colorado Springs real estate. From interest rates to granite countertops, Lori’s got answers—and she’s just a call or text away. Your next chapter starts here. To learn more about RE/MAX Properties Inc. visit:  https://www.LoriThompson.REMAX.com  RE/MAX Properties Inc. Colorado Springs 719-332-1807 

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