Your Colorado Springs Life & Home

Lori Thompson
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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. 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

  2. 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

  3. APR 7

    Home Closings In Colorado Springs: Lori Thompson Discusses Timelines

    Most buyers think closing is just paperwork and a signature. The truth is the home closing timeline in Colorado Springs is a chain of deadlines, third-party schedules, and financial guardrails and one wrong move can slow everything down or derail the deal. In this episode, I walk through what to expect from contract to keys, including why 30 to 45 days is a smart baseline for most Colorado Springs real estate transactions. We talk about how loan type and lender strength can change the pace, when a VA loan or FHA loan appraisal can add uncertainty, and why a little buffer time can make the whole process calmer. You’ll also hear the most common sources of delays: inspection surprises, hail-related repairs, underwriting conditions, and the buyer mistake we warn about nonstop because it can wreck your debt-to-income ratio. We also get practical about the steps you can control. We explain how to prep with a strong pre-approval or even pre-underwriting, why scheduling the home inspection early matters, and how homeowners insurance shopping has become harder and more detailed. Then we dig into the final week before closing: why your final numbers often arrive only days ahead, what Colorado “good funds” rules mean for cashier’s checks and wire transfers, and how to protect yourself from real estate wire fraud by verifying wiring instructions directly with the title company. If you’re buying, selling, or PCSing to Colorado Springs, subscribe for more clear, real-world guidance and share this with a friend who’s about to go under contract. What part of the closing process makes you the most nervous? 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

  4. MAR 31

    A Practical PCS Guide To Fort Carson And Peterson Space Force Base

    Colorado Springs can feel like the perfect assignment until the altitude hits, the air dries out your sinuses, and the “10 days of lodging” clock starts ticking. We sit down with Lori Thompson, a longtime Colorado Springs Realtor and broker who’s helped military families and civilians relocate for decades, to get brutally practical about what to do before you PCS to Fort Carson or Peterson Space Force Base. We talk about the realities newcomers miss: Colorado Springs is a high-desert climate with snow, not a humid mountain town. Lori shares simple survival moves that make the first weeks easier, including hydration habits and why saline spray belongs on your Colorado relocation checklist. From there, we zoom out to lifestyle: free things to do, downtown energy, parks and hiking, and how commute times shape your neighborhood options across the city. If you’re wondering about the Colorado Springs housing market near Fort Carson and Peterson SFB, we break down what “competitive” really means right now, why some homes fly while others linger, and how affordability can quietly get wrecked by upgrades and incentives that don’t last. Lori also explains how to use video tours effectively when you’re house hunting long-distance, how to plan for short-term rentals after arrival, and the two non-negotiables that keep you safe: a real pre-approval and a thorough home inspection. If this helps, subscribe, share it with a friend who’s PCSing, and leave a review so more military families can find it. What’s the one thing you wish someone told you before your last PCS? 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

  5. MAR 12

    Learn How To Budget For Closing Without Surprises

    What Closing Costs Should Buyers And Sellers Plan For? Ready to stop guessing what you’ll owe on closing day? We dig into the dollars that rarely make the listing sheet—earnest money, inspections, appraisals, title insurance, lender fees, prepaids, and escrow reserves—and show how to predict them with a simple 2 percent rule of thumb. With four decades of experience guiding military families and local buyers, Lori Thompson walks through real examples on a $500,000 home and explains when it makes sense to negotiate seller credits that trim thousands off your upfront cash. We also flip the script for sellers. You’ll learn how commissions and buyer‑agent co‑op offers affect traffic and net proceeds, what to budget for title insurance and closing fees, and how to handle repair requests without derailing your sale. With rates still elevated, Lori breaks down the 2‑1 buydown—lower payments in year one and two, then the note rate—and why sellers are often the ones funding that credit. She even shares a smart counter strategy: adjust price to cover concessions while keeping the appraisal supported by solid comps. Market conditions decide who pays what, but preparation decides who wins. We talk timing for earnest money, why a sewer scope can save you thousands, how prepaids differ from fees, and when programs like CHAFA can ease cash pressure for first‑time buyers. Whether you’re budgeting as if no credits will come or mapping a seller net sheet before you list, this guide helps you walk to the table calm and confident. If this helped clarify your path to closing, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a quick review with your biggest closing‑cost question so we can tackle it next. 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

  6. MAR 5

    Buying Before You PCS To Colorado Springs

    Can I Buy A Home Before I Arrive In Colorado Springs For My PCS? Orders in hand, clock ticking, market moving—buying a home before you arrive in Colorado Springs doesn’t have to feel risky. We walk through a proven remote‑buying playbook built for military families: fast pre‑approval, truth‑forward video tours, and contracts shaped to protect you while staying competitive. Along the way, we separate listing sizzle from real‑life details, sharing what we actually check in every walkthrough: street views, neighbor upkeep, drainage slopes, floor feel, paint edges, and more. We dig into the numbers that matter. Your BAH is a starting point, not a ceiling, because property taxes, insurance, and HOA fees can swing monthly payments by hundreds. With a responsive lender running scenarios on demand, you’ll know the real payment before you fall in love with an address. We also map the hidden line items many buyers miss—earnest money, inspection fees, and the VA appraisal—and show how to negotiate seller credits when cash is tight without weakening the offer. VA loan facts get a reality check. The VA appraiser looks for safety and soundness issues like peeling paint, exposed wood, proper drainage, and roof condition, but it’s not a home inspection. That’s why we pair the appraisal with a detailed inspection report that includes photos and video clips so you see the notes in context. We also cover local must‑knows: Colorado Springs’ high‑desert climate, radon testing basics, and how soil movement and snowmelt shape home care. For timing, we use exclusive right‑to‑buy agreements to set expectations and, when needed, add touring contingencies so you can step inside before you’re locked in. Whether you’re three weeks out or overseas, this guide helps you shop smart, avoid surprises, and land the right house on your schedule. If this helped, follow the show, share it with a fellow military family, and leave a quick review so more buyers get the clarity they need. 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. JAN 16

    Colorado Springs Buyers Weigh New Construction Against Older Homes For Lifestyle, Cost, And Value

    Is It Better To Buy A Newer Build Or An Older Home In This Market? If you’ve ever stood in a model home swooning over quartz and clean lines while dreaming about a big backyard for the dog, this conversation was made for you. We take a clear-eyed look at new construction versus older homes in Colorado Springs and map out the real costs, benefits, and lifestyle tradeoffs that matter long after closing day. We start with the finance piece most buyers overlook: builder incentives. From subsidized interest rates to credits on standing inventory, we explain how preferred-lender deals can lower your payment and why “free money” isn’t free if you’re still on the hook for fencing, landscaping, sprinklers, and window coverings. Then we shift to what older homes do best—larger lots, established streets, lower property taxes—and how metro districts, HOAs, and location shape your total cost of ownership. If you’re wondering whether that big yard or shorter commute is worth it, we give you a simple framework to make the numbers honest. Maintenance myths get a reality check next. Even brand-new homes need an independent inspection, and we walk through typical warranty layers you can expect from builders. For resales, we cover smart ways to evaluate maintenance history, when a home warranty helps, and how to budget for near-term fixes. Energy efficiency is another make-or-break factor: upcoming furnace standards, high-efficiency upgrades, local thermostat rebates, improved insulation, window replacements, and xeriscaping that respects our high-desert climate while trimming utility costs. Finally, we tackle value and appreciation without the fluff. School districts and location still drive long-term demand more than age alone, so your best move is aligning the right home with the right area and your timeline. Our closing advice is simple and practical: let your lifestyle and skill set lead. If weekends are for trails, new construction with minimal upkeep might fit. If your heart is in backyard dinners under string lights, an older home with space could be the win. If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a quick review so others can find us. Have questions about neighborhoods, incentives, or inspections? Send them our way and we’ll tackle them on a future episode. To learn more about RE/MAX Properties Inc. visit: https://www.LoriThompson.REMAX.com RE/MAX Properties Inc.  Colorado Springs  719-332-1807

    10 min

  8. JAN 9

    From Balloons To Parades: A Newcomer’s Guide To Colorado Springs

    What Local Events Or Attractions Should Newcomers Check Out? Looking for the fastest way to feel at home in Colorado Springs? We walk you through the city’s heartbeat—signature festivals, neighborhood concerts, hidden overlooks, and trailheads where the views and conversations both run long. With stories from the field and practical, step-by-step guidance, we map out how to turn weekends into connection and scenic routines into real community. We start with the essentials: the Labor Day balloon festival that paints the sky at sunrise and sets it aglow at night, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb that sends engines chasing altitude, and the marathon that climbs straight up America’s Mountain. From the Renaissance Festival north of town to the State Fair and Cinco de Mayo in Pueblo, you’ll hear why regional events matter to locals and newcomers alike. Family-friendly picks include Focus on the Family’s visitor center with its three-story slide, plus a lineup of parades—Festival of Lights and Veterans Day—that turn downtown into a warm, walkable tradition. Then we get local. Palmer Park offers a central overlook and trails for every level, dog parks make sunshine a daily habit, and the Manitou Incline rewards grit with sweeping views. Neighborhoods like Wolf Ranch and Banning Lewis Ranch host free open-air concerts with food trucks, perfect for low-stress meetups that become friendships. Whether you crave culture or crave a climb, Colorado Springs meets you where you are: accessible paths for easy strolls, steeper routes for ambition, and a calendar that keeps the community outside and engaged. If you’re new to town, this guide is your shortcut to belonging. Save the dates, pack a chair, bring a thermos, and say hello to the folks next to you. Subscribe for more local insights, share this with a friend who’s moving, and leave a review to tell us the next event or hidden spot we should cover. 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
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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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