By Casey Fortune, Broker/Owner | Fortune Realty
Buying a home is exciting, but after walking through hundreds of homes across Colorado Springs, Monument, Falcon, Peyton, Black Forest, and Fountain, I’ve noticed something interesting.
Most buyers focus on the obvious things—granite countertops, updated kitchens, paint colors, and open floor plans.
Those things matter.
But they’re rarely the things buyers talk about six months after moving in.
Instead, I hear comments like:
“I wish someone had told us that.”
Or…
“We never even thought to look at that.”
After helping families buy homes throughout the Pikes Peak region, I’ve put together the list I wish every buyer would read before they start house hunting.
These are the things that can save you thousands of dollars—and a lot of headaches.
1. A Beautiful Home Can Hide an Expensive Roof
One of the biggest surprises for buyers is learning that a roof can look perfectly fine from the ground while still having hail damage or nearing the end of its life.
Colorado’s weather is tough on roofing materials.
Before purchasing a home, ask questions like:
- How old is the roof?
- Has it been replaced?
- Has the home had hail claims?
- Are there missing or damaged shingles?
- Has the roof been professionally inspected recently?
Replacing a roof can cost tens of thousands of dollars depending on the size and material.
2. Metro District Fees Can Change Your Monthly Payment
This catches buyers off guard all the time.
Two homes may have identical sale prices.
Yet one payment could be hundreds of dollars more each month simply because of Metro District fees and taxes.
Before writing an offer, make sure you understand:
- Property taxes
- Metro District fees
- HOA dues
- Total monthly payment
The cheapest home isn’t always the least expensive to own.
For example, below is a photo of the Banning Lewis pool. While this subdivision has more affordable homes, it also comes with a $200 monthly Metro District fee. So, if you plan to use the 2 pools and all the parks, this is a great benefit. If not, you won’t want to pay for them…
3. South-Facing Driveways Are More Valuable Than Most Buyers Realize
Colorado homeowners know this one.
South-facing driveways receive more sunlight during winter, helping snow melt faster.
That often means:
- Less shoveling
- Less ice
- Safer walkways
- Easier mornings after snowstorms
It’s a small detail that makes a big difference every winter.
4. Mature Trees Are Beautiful…But They Come With Responsibilities
Buyers love mature landscaping.
So do I.
But trees also mean:
- Roof maintenance
- Gutter cleaning
- Falling branches
- Root systems
- Less sunlight
- Less snow melting
It’s simply something worth considering.
5. Don’t Judge a Neighborhood at Noon
Visit it:
- During rush hour
- On Saturday afternoon
- After dark
- Early Sunday morning
Neighborhoods can feel completely different depending on the time of day.
6. The Cheapest House Usually Isn’t the Best Deal
Sometimes the least expensive home requires:
- New roof
- New furnace
- New windows
- Flooring
- Paint
- Landscaping
Spending $25,000 to $50,000 more upfront can actually save money over the next five years.
7. Insurance Matters More Than Ever
Colorado insurance premiums continue to change because of hail, wildfire risk, and replacement costs.
Always get an insurance quote before your inspection deadline expires.
Many buyers don’t.
8. A Great Floor Plan Is Harder to Change Than Paint Colors
Paint is inexpensive.
Flooring can be replaced.
Walls can sometimes be moved.
But an awkward layout is something you’ll live with every day.
Buy the floor plan first.
9. Don’t Ignore the Commute
A home may seem perfect until you drive to work every morning.
Test the commute before buying.
Especially if you’re relocating from another state.
10. Outdoor Living Is Worth More Than You Think
Colorado homeowners spend a lot of time outside.
Look for:
- Covered patios
- Decks
- Mountain views
- Mature landscaping
- Privacy
- Shade
Those features often improve your quality of life more than another bedroom.
11. Your Home Inspection Is One of the Best Investments You’ll Make
Never treat the inspection as just another step.
It’s your opportunity to learn:
- How the home works
- What needs maintenance
- What should be monitored
- Which repairs are urgent
A good inspection helps you become a better homeowner.
12. Buy the Lifestyle, Not Just the House
This might be the most important advice I can give.
Think beyond the front door.
Ask yourself:
- Will I enjoy living here?
- Can I walk my dog?
- Is there a park nearby?
- How long is my commute?
- Do I like the neighborhood?
- Can I picture myself here five years from now?
The right home is about much more than square footage.
It’s about how your life feels once you’ve moved in.
13. Research the Neighborhood Beyond the House
This is one step many buyers overlook.
When you’re buying a home, you’re not just purchasing the house—you’re choosing the neighborhood you’ll be living in.
I always encourage buyers to do their own research before making a final decision. Visit the neighborhood at different times of the day, drive your commute, explore nearby parks, and make sure the area feels like the right fit for your family.
If you want information about registered sex offenders in a particular area, Colorado provides a public registry that allows you to search by address or neighborhood.
Official Colorado Sex Offender Registry:
https://www.colorado.gov/apps/cdps/sor/
Keep in mind that no public registry can guarantee complete or up-to-date information, so it’s just one of many tools to use when evaluating a neighborhood.
Final Thoughts
Every week, I walk through homes with buyers who are relocating to Colorado Springs or making their next move within our community. While every home is different, these are the lessons that come up again and again—and they’re the ones I wish every buyer knew before making one of the biggest financial decisions of their life.
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Colorado Springs, Monument, Falcon, Peyton, Black Forest, or anywhere in El Paso County, I’d be happy to help you avoid costly surprises and find the home that’s the right fit for your lifestyle.
Have questions about the Colorado Springs housing market? Feel free to reach out anytime. I’d love to help you navigate the process with confidence.
