If you're looking for something to do, look no further than the Colorado Springs' event calendar! Below are just a few of the upcoming events this amazing city has to offer. Be sure to check out a handful ofthese. You wont regret it!

Old Colorado City First Friday Artwalk

Check out the amazing art featured the first Friday of every month. First Friday runs April through December, 5:00pm - 8:00pm. This free event takes place on West Colorado Avenue between 23rd and 27th Street.

Territory Days

Head over to the west side May 25th-28th between 10:00am and 6:00pm. Territory days is an annual street festival that runs along Colorado Avenue in Old Colorado City. It is host to nearly 200 booths and offers live music, food, and more. This is a free event.

Meadowgrass Music Festival

This Memorial Day music festival will be held in Black Forest at LaForet Conference & Retreat Center May 25th-27th. This year will feature over 20 bands, beer tasting, food, and family-friendly activities. Get the details here.

Manitou Springs Wine Festival

June 2nd, Memorial Park will be hosting the Manitou Springs Wine Festival between 11:00am - 5:00pm. Taste amazing wines while enjoying live entertainment and a number of vendors. Click here for ticket information.

Top of the World Rodeo

The Cripple Creek Rodeo takes place June 8th - 10th at the Teller County Fairgrounds (501 West Golden Teller County Road 1 Cripple Creek, CO 80813). Go for the rodeo, stay for the dancing, cook-off, and mutton busting! Ticket information is available here.

Pikes Peak Airstrip Attack

Head to the Colorado Springs airport June 16th - 17th between 9:00am - 5:00pm for an action packed day of street car races. Check out their website for details, rules, and ticket information.

Starlight Spectacular

Hosted by the Trails and Open Space Coalition, this bicycle ride takes place June 16th at Garden of the Gods. The ride starts at 9:00pm and ends just before midnight. Grab your bike and check it out! 

Donkey Derby Days

June 22nd - 24th, head to downtown Cripple Creek for this free event. Donkey Derby Days is rich in history, donkies, games, and more!

Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

This annual "Race to the Clouds" takes place the last Sunday in June (this year it falls on June 24th). Check out their website for more details on this motorsport race to the summit of Pikes Peak.

Royal Gorge White Water Festival

June 22nd - 23rd, Centennial Park in Canon City will host this thrilling weekend of amazing water sports, delicious food, unique vendors, and fun for the entire family. The cost is free.

All information gathered from the Visit Colorado Springs website. Check them out for everything you need to know about Colorado Springs!

Wondering what your first steps should be in finding ideal renters? Before the applications and the credit/background screenings there’s an important first step in finding renters that will care for your home as if it were their own. Having a positive first impression of the home is a big step towards attracting the best tenants so if you can’t see yourself living there, how can you expect others to want to live there? Many rental homes have the stereotypical look and smell of a rental home so make yours stand out in a positive way by following some tips and suggestions from the Property Management Pros here at Solid Rock Realty.

·      CLEANLINESS     

Overall cleanliness is one of the most important factor when offering a home as a rental. Most prospective renters will take a look at the Kitchen and then the bathrooms to decide if the home is suitable for them. As the heart of the home, the Kitchen should always be extra clean, including the details such as inside appliances and cabinets. Bathrooms should sparkle and be free of mold, mildew, soap scum, and water marks on all surfaces.

·      CLEAN CARPET     

Carpets will not last forever and really should be replaced when wear and tear is evident. If carpets are not in need of replacement they should be professionally cleaned and deodorized to be free of odors and stains. We suggest a professional carpet cleaning at least once a year and always in between tenant move in/outs.

·      FRESH PAINT     

A fresh coat of paint is suggested every few years, depending on wear and tear. You can do this alone but it does pay in the long run to hire a professional. Doing this important shore regularly should keep the costs down and keep the home looking nice and fresh.

·      APPLIANCES     

Fully functioning appliances are important. A lack of maintenance can indicate careless ownership. If the owner doesn’t care, why would the renters? Make sure all the details are attended to such as HVAC, furnaces, water heaters, and plumbing, in addition to the obvious ones like ovens, dishwashers, disposals, refrigerators, washers and dryers.

·      LIGHTING     

Natural light is important and should always be maximized but interior lighting can go a long way to making a rental feel like a home. Above all, make sure all bulbs and fixtures are in good working condition and even consider upgrading to LED bulbs to increase the look, longevity and appeal, especially in those all-important Kitchens and Bathrooms.

·      EXTERIOR CURB APPEAL     

First impressions make for subconscious judgement. If you are deferring maintenance on the exterior of your property it shows a lack of caring and renters will feel that. Pay attention to the lawn, flowerbeds, and gutters on all sides of the property. Make sure they are neat, clean and free of overgrowth and debris. Maintain the roof, gutters, pools and of course, the paint work. Make sure all doors and windows open and close with ease and definitely make sure all security features work.  

As a homeowner, you never know what you may need. General maintenance can go a long way in preventing damage, but sometimes it is simply out of your control. Certain projects and fixes are great for family DIY adventures. Other tasks, however, may require professional help. Know the difference, and know who to call.

1. General Contractor / Handyman

Find yourself a reliable, capable general contractor, and hang on to that phone number. You never know what will go out, break, or need fixing. A good contractor doesn't overcharge and doesn't keep you waiting.

2. Plumber

Because water has the potential to cause an immense amount of damage, don't guess when it comes to your plumbing. When in doubt, get it checked out. Having a plumber who can make themselves available on short notice is a blessing when you're in a pinch. Water doesn't take long to wreak havoc, and mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 hours.

3. Electrician

Toying with your home's wiring can be a daunting and dangerous task. When it comes to most electrical repairs, it's best to leave it to a licensed professional.

4. HVAC Technician

Call a professional when it's time to service your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units. Not only will having a good HVAC technician keep the air in your home healthy and clean, but it will mean less stress in an emergency. Having a busted furnace during a Colorado winter can be slightly traumatic. Know who to call!

5. Roofer

Your home's roof might be a bit of a mystery. How often do you climb up there and take a look at it? If you're like the rest of us, the answer is probably never. After a Colorado Springs' windstorm or a cold, snowy winter, it's a good idea to call a roofing professional and have them check out the integrity of your roof. Maintaining your roof means protecting your home, and it could save you a lot of money int the long run.

6. Carpet Cleaner

A good steam cleaning never hurt anyone! Having fresh, clean carpet will keep you and your guests smiling. Shop around so you'll know who to call when you've got the cleaning bug, spilled some wine, or are prepping your home for sale.

We may be a little biased, but we also recommend having a good real estate agent on speed dial! Even if we haven't heard from you in years, we are more than happy to help you get your hands on the information you're looking for. If you're in need of contractor recommendations or wondering what your home is worth, don't hesitate to give us a call. We love to help!

While not mandated, many Property Managers and Landlords will require tenants to obtain Renter’s Insurance as a part of the Leasing Agreements. One of the first mistakes renters can make is thinking they don’t need it. A few little-known facts about protecting personal belongings from theft and damage in addition to protecting their savings if they are sued, will help convince hesitant renters to make this important choice.

Even if you don’t think your belongings are worth that much, renter’s insurance is a good idea because it covers your stuff from disasters such as fire, smoke, water damage, windstorms, and lightning. The cost of replacing even a basic wardrobe alone can add up quickly. It’s your property. Protect it.

Renter’s Insurance covers more than the replacement cost of personal belongings. Need a place to stay of your home is damaged? Hotel costs after a disaster can be included as ‘additional living expenses” in your policy. Medical Expenses for an injured guest? A typical policy includes up to $5,000 worth of medical coverage. Kids cause damage to the neighbor’s property? Liability Insurance could pay to replace it. Dog bites the neighbor? Most policies will provide coverage if this happens but check your policy, occasionally insurance companies will exclude or limit coverage for dogs.

Tips for Shopping for Coverage

• Decide beforehand how much coverage you need. This amount should be high enough to replace all of your belongings.  Make sure to choose a high liability limit to protect you in case you are sued as well. A great resource to help determine the value of your property is KnowYourStuff.org
• Always get multiple quotes from several providers and don’t forget that many insurers offer a discount for combining home and auto coverage.
• Sometimes insurers will offer coverage for property only and not liability so know your options and find side by side comparisons to determine exactly what kind of policy is the best fit for you and your situation.    

Dryer sheets were created for the purpose of taking the clingy static out of clothes while freshening them up. We have since learned that the science behind dryer sheets, their texture, and pleasant fragrance make them much more useful than the average laundry instrument. There are a myriad of uses for the powerful little sheets, some more practical than others. Check out some of our favorite alternative uses below. The best part about these tips, is that they will work even after running the sheet through the dryer!

1. Remove Pet Hair

The abrasive texture and static reducing qualities of dryer sheets make them perfect for getting pet hair off of clothing and furniture. Pet hair clings to dryer sheets, picking it all up in a couple of wipes.

2. Clean Dishes

If you have some pots and pans with particularly stuck on food, soak them in the sink with a couple of dryer sheets. You will find them much easier to clean the next day. The same trick can be used on oven and grill racks. Soak them in the bathtub overnight. Toss in a handful of dryer sheets and add some dish soap to the concoction. When you remove the racks, they should wipe clean and rinse much more easily than without the dryer sheet soak.

3. Dust Electronics

Dusting sometimes feels more like moving dust than removing it, especially on electronics. Clean your tv, laptop, and ipad screens with a dryer sheet for a noticeably better result. 

4. Add Freshness / Debug

The pleasing scent and thin material of dryer sheets deem them the perfect, and possibly most diverse, air freshener. "Air freshener" may not be the best term, as the freshening possibilities go much further. Stash dryer sheets in shoes, closets, sleeping bags, and just about anywhere else to amp up the freshness. Not only will these things smell better, but bugs are a lot less likely to find a home near dryer sheets.

5. Sharpen Scissors

Don't throw your dull scissors out the door just yet! Instead, sharpen their blades by cutting up a dryer sheet.

6. Polish Household Items

Wipe down stainless steel appliances, faucets, toilet bowels, and the like with dryer sheets. The sheets will remove water spots and add a lovely shine.

7. Mop

In lieu of buying Swiffer refills, fix a dryer sheet to the end of your mop and never look back!

8. Remove Deodorant Stains

It seems dryer sheets have made the impossible task possible. A few wipes and deodorant comes off clothing without a trace!

9. Clean Blinds

Use a dryer sheet to dust your home's blinds. Attach it with a rubber band, and you have yourself the perfect blind-cleaning tool.

10. Tame Hair

Run a dryer sheet along the top layer of your hair to help eliminate fly away hairs and unwanted static.

Give some of these a try, and let us know how it worked out! If you've discovered some creative ways to use dryer sheets, comments below and share your tricks!

 A houseplant is a houseplant is the general rule of thought but plants that flourish in Florida may not have the same happiness here in the Rocky’s. The dry altitude in homes here may wreak havoc on transplanted plants. A few tips from the team at Solid Rock Realty will help your houseplants love Colorado as much as we do!

1.     PICK THE RIGHT PLANT

     Thick, waxy leaf plants that retain and store moisture are a great go to.

Palms, ferns and wispy plants tend to struggle in the dry air and will leave you feeling let down.

2.     FIND THE BEST LIGHT

Most houseplants prefer indirect light but thrive near a sunny window so find a home for it close to a window.

If you don’t get much outside light inside then make sure and talk to a professional about which kinds of plants need little light.

3.     WATERING

One watering every five to seven days is an excellent rule of thumb for most houseplants but if your plant has extra thick leaves you can most likely water a little less frequently.

Don’t overwater. Overwatering can be worse than under watering. If it’s looking unhealthy and doesn’t have the perk it usually does, cut back on watering until you know it’s actually thirsty.

Don’t underwater either. Try making a regular routine of watering to keep you from forgetting to water on a regular basis. If your plant is stunted or looks stressed, a drink of water may be in order.

4.     LOVE YOUR PLANTS

Your houseplants bring beauty, health, and liven up your home so make sure and love them back. Keep them well cared for and they will bring your family lots of joy!

If you're a seasoned homeowner, you likely have a hearty collection of tools. The collection matures over the years and, in time, you find yourself ready for any house-related woe. As a new homeowner, you may not even think about tools until the very second you find yourself in a dire situation without a single promising apparatus. Deciding what tools are most practical and which ones will serve you best isn't always easy. If you want to begin building a solid tool collection but are not sure where to start, check out our list below. These are some of the tools we think every homeowner should have!

1. Basic Tool Box

In your basic, store bought tool box, you will find just about everything you need for fixes around the house. You really can't go wrong with a hammer, some screwdrivers, wrenches, a tape measure, and a few allen wrenches. Sold at most retail stores, your basic tool set is the perfect tool starting point.

2. Drill Set

Invest in a good drill set for all your hanging, hole-making, and DIY ventures. Unless you manage to hurt yourself, you will never regret having a drill on hand.

3. Stud Finder

When you're hanging something on the wall, particularly something on the heavy side, don't guess. Find those studs and secure it to the wall with confidence! Stud finders are an easy way to find the studs in your walls, and they can be purchased for under ten bucks.

3. Extension Cord

This is an easy one to forget about. Have at least one or two extension cords laying around for when you need them to hang lights or vacuum out your car. Having a power strip available is never a bad idea either. Outlets are not always where you need them to be. Arm yourself with enough cords and power strips to make things happen!

4. Lawnmower

When going from renting to owning a home, the first tool you may find yourself in need of is a lawnmower. Keep your yard looking healthy and attractive with proper maintenance. This is especially important if you're living within a homeowner's association. Lawnmowers can be costly, which is why we think there is nothing wrong with checking out garage sales and Craigslist.

5. Step Stool / Ladder

As long as homes have high parts, homeowners will find needs for step stools and ladders. Do yourself a favor and add one or two of these to your Tools To Get list.

6. Flashlight

Keep a few flashlights and batteries stashed for need-to-see emergencies. Cell phone flashlights are convenient, but they eat up your phone battery which, in a power outage, you probably don't want. Not to mention flashlights are designed for holing like a flashlight.

7. Heavy Duty Pruner

Be prepared to cut back overgrowth with a pair of heavy duty trimmers. These are awesome for gardening and general outdoor maintenance. Using a pair of capable pruners definitely beats trying to break unwanted twigs off trees.

8. Plunger

The need for a plunger goes without explanation.

9. Wheelbarrow

Adding a wheelbarrow to your tool stockpile will amp up your lawn care game. Haul anything (well, maybe not anything) anywhere! Wheelbarrows make gardening and lawn cleanup a breeze! You can even use wheelbarrows to transport things too heavy to carry. What's not to love about a wheelbarrow?

10. WD40

WD40 is arguably the most popular penetrating oil out there. Keep some on hand to stop squeaks, unstick the stuck, and displace moisture. Reader's Digest offers up over fifty uses for WD40. A product so versatile is a homeowner must have. 

It's probably not necessary to go out and buy all of the above at once, but picking up these tools here and there will better prepare you for the inevitable sticky situations homeowners find themselves in. Once you have all the basics covered, move on to more adventurous tools like pressure washers, hacksaws, and electric sanders. In time, you and your tool belt will be unstoppable!

Looking for ways to save money during the Spring and Summer months? Look no further! Here you'll find several ways to beat the heat and not break the bank. Solid Rock Realty cares about saving you money and conserving resources

Windows

• Use your windows to allow cool air in and keep the heat out. 
• Turn off your A/C and open windows while sleeping if you live in a cool climate where it cools off at night
• In the morning make sure and shut the windows and blinds to capture the nice cool air

Programable Thermostats

• Set thermostat as high as possible and save up to 10% per year on heating and cooling costs
• Use a programable thermostat to save on costs while away

Energy Star Appliances

• Switch to Energy Star appliances and save nearly $750 over the appliance's lifetime
• Some Energy Star appliances qualify for rebates with your local energy provider so check with them for savings!

Energy Saving Lighting

• Replacing even 5 of your homes most used lights could save up to $75 a year
• These long lasting options means less bulb changes, saving even more

Hire a Professional

• Check and replace air filters regularly and arrange for annual maintenance with a qualified technician
• Consult a home performance contractor or local utilities for an Energy Audit to see where else you could be making your home more efficient

With the gorgeous sunshine we've been getting, there is absolutely no denying that spring has sprung! It's even starting to feel like summer out there, and we are not mad about it. These warms seasons make for an abundance of sunshine and precious outdoor play. Check out the tips below to spruce up your patio and have it summer-ready in no time!

1. Add Curtains

This may sound odd, but adding curtains to your patio will create an aesthetically pleasing outdoor space to gather. If you have a covered patio or a place to install them, hang curtains with a bold pattern. Don't shy away from the more daring colors and prints. Summer is the time of year for color!

2. Add a Coffee Table

Patio furniture, as lovely as it is, can be quite expensive. Taking a DIY approach to this is a fun and inexpensive way to spruce up your outdoor eating and drinking area. Shop around second-hand stores for a used coffee table, sand it down, and throw a fresh coat of paint on it. Choose a color that will complement both the season and any furniture already on your patio.

3. Hang Lights

Lights are perhaps the fastest way to liven up your patio! Hang a set of lights around the seating area, and you'll be ready to grill into the evening!

4. Install a Fire Pit

Nothing says summer like sitting around a fire with friends. There are a variety of patio-friendly fire pits available for purchase at most hardware stores. If you have the time and are feeling crafty, consider building your own pit. Before striking the match, take note of current city regulations regarding burning.

5. Show off Potted Plants

Get yourself in the summer mood with outdoor plants! Put out a variety of potted plants. You really can't go wrong here! Having different breeds and sizes will make things interesting and awe your guests. Consider making use of brightly colored pots. The splash of color will make your patio pop!

Remember that, when prepping your patio for summer use, you can't over clean it. Remove all signs of winter, storm debris, and tools. Once you have it looking spiffy, keep it swept and ready for action! If you're considering selling your home this spring, sprucing up the patio is a great way to prep for the market. If you find yourself wondering what your home is worth, check out our free property valuation page or give us a call!

Unfortunately, theft is something we are sometimes forced to think about. Of course, material things can be replaced or even gone without, but that doesn't always make us feel better. The emotional aspect is sometimes worse than the loss. Knowing someone broke into your home and helped themselves to your belongings is a shocking violation of privacy. It can be hard to shake. Perhaps the worst thing a burglar can take from you is your peace of mind. Protect your peace of mind by protecting your home. There are a number of ways to amp up home security, many of which are surprisingly affordable! Read through the tips below to find out how to start deterring and preventing theft.

1. Wireless Alarms

Battery operated alarms are a great deterrent when it comes to theft. They by no means detect breaking glass or alert the authorities, but they do create a loud sound that is likely to send a burglar running. These types of alarms are inexpensive, easy to install, and can be found at most hardware stores. Install them on doors and windows to add a little extra security. When the window or door is opened, the alarm will sound. On a similar note, leaving the radio on while you're out is not a bad idea. If they think there is a chance someone is home, a thief is more apt to move on.

2. Motion Detector Lights

Install motion detecting lights to shine a light on any potential hiding spots. If a thief is attempting a break in and they set off a light, they are likely to flee. If wiring is an issue, check out solar-powered options.

3. Hidden Goods

When you're not home, keep your curtains closed. Don't temp potential thieves by showing off your valuables. Avoid putting computers, tv's, and the like directly in front of windows. On that same note, if you have recently purchased an expensive new toy, wait until trash day to throw the boxes out. Don't advertise to anyone outside what you have inside your home.

4. Patio Door Locks

The locks on sliding glass doors are somewhat easy to break. A common fix is to place a hearty stick or broom handle in the track. While this does usually do the trick, it's not always the most favorable option. If you don't like the look of the stick or like having to remove it each time you go out, check out patio door locks. They install on the track and lock the door in place.

5. Garage Door Openers

These handy little devices are an easy way into your home, especially since so many of us don't lock the door from the garage to the house. To err on the side of caution, avoid leaving your garage opener in your car. If someone breaks into your car and grabs it, they can easily find your home address on the car registration. It's not worth the risk. Consider keeping it with you or getting a key chain version.

6. Security Mailboxes

Security mailboxes are awesome! Mail can be dropped in but cannot be accessed without a key. It's as simple as that!

7. Hidden Spare Keys

Hiding a spare key on your property is risky business. Instead of tucking it under a rock or sticking in a planter, use a lock box. Small lock boxes can be found at most hardware stores or even bought online. Use heavy duty screws to install one on a fence post or on your deck. You'll have a key for emergencies without the risk of a break-in.

 8. Social Media & Vacations

Blowing up social media is a fun way to show your friends and family how much of a blast you're having on vacation. Unless you have a house-sitter, it may be best to have your fun and brag later. Even if you're up on your privacy settings, checking in and hashtagging from far, far away can let a lot of people know you're not home.

8.1 Bonus Vacation Tip

Before you go out of town, turn off all your garage door openers. "Lock" your garage door with a padlock. Simply hang a padlock along the track above one of the rollers. If there's no good place to hang the lock, drill a small hole in the track to loop it through. If someone manages to break in, the lock will stop the door on the track.

9. A Tidy Yard

Keeping a tidy yard certainly enhances your curb appeal; t's also an indication that someone is home daily. If you're going on vacation, ask a friend to mow your lawn or sweep the walk. Overgrown shrubs and tall grass send a message that you're not home and you haven't been for a while (even if it's not true).

10. Friendly Neighbors

Getting to know your neighbors is an awesome way to ensure your home is being looked after. If your friendly neighbor sees someone crouched outside your basement window, they're not likely to ignore it. Introduce yourself to the people in your neighborhood, and have each other's backs. Plus, you never know when you'll need to borrow some milk!

There is no need for constant worry, but occasionally checking your home security systems is a good practice. Anything could deter a thief, and why not do what you can to keep them at bay? Take the steps to protect your home and protect your peace of mind. Comment below and tell us about your favorite security tricks!