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Open House tips
It is Open House Season
The following information is the forth in a series of Buyer Tips to provide tips for both the first-time home buyer and the most experienced home buyer. The goal is to help the consumer to become better educated about purchasing real estate in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area. This article includes tip #10.
For a FREE Buyer’s Guide, Email KTorline@msn.com
Many Colorado Springs Realtors hold open houses; and do so on many weekends during the spring and summer 
time. It can be a great way for a Realtor to get additional exposure for their sellers and it can also provide a way for Realtors to meet other potential buyers and sellers.
Also, many potential home buyers like to visit open houses. It’s a great way for them to get educated about the marketplace and to see a wide variety of homes in different neighborhoods. It helps them to see what is for sale.
When a buyer visits an open house; it’s important for them to understand who the Realtor is representing. (See my previous article about Who is Representing You?) Many people visiting an open house; don’t realize the Realtor at the open house may ONLY be representing the Seller.
In Colorado, potential clients can be represented 3 different ways, as a Buyers Agent, as a Seller Agent, and as a Transaction Broker. (See my previous article on Buyer Representation.) As a potential home buyer Read the rest of this entry »
New FHA limits increased again for 2009 in El Paso County
FHA has new loan limits
One of our favorite guest writers, Harry Venick sent me an email yesterday stating that the FHA has increased the loan limits for El Paso County!
According to Harry, “FHA loan limits have been increased for 2009 again: El Paso County $ 325,000(1unit ), $ 416,050 (2units), $502,900 (3units), and $ 625,000 (4units).”
Harry Venick is a Sr. Loan Officer with Adams Mortgage, LLC. He can be reached at (719) 955-3674 or his cell is: (719) 338-3879.
If you’ve been holding off because you haven’t been able to get a large enough loan with the FHA, it might be a great time to revisit Read the rest of this entry »
Resources for building a Green Home
Green Homes
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Are you considering building the home of your dreams this year? The newest trend is to build green by using materials that are environmentally friendly, designing your space to use energy 
more efficiently, furnishing your home with Energy Star rated appliances, avoiding waste and using natural resources as much as possible.
There’s also the advantage of doing your bit to help the environment while cutting back on your own utility bills.
Here are a few websites that offer help while you’re in the planning stages of building green: Read the rest of this entry »
Economic Stimulus Plan will help the Colorado Springs housing market
Economic Stimulus Plan
For a free Buyers Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Many potential Colorado Springs home buyers are on the sidelines; waiting to see what happens with the economy. The stimulus plan certainly provides a good incentive for first time home buyers in Colorado. Add that to lower prices and low interest rates, it all equates to a great time to buy.
Also, According to an article in the Denver Post , “President Obama will come to Denver to sign the landmark economic-stimulus bill. The bill-signing, an unusual event outside of Washington, will be Tuesday at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in City Park. The president also will give a speech about the economy. ”
To summarize, here are the key points of the Stimulus Plan:
- The first time home buyer tax credit is now $8000. It is a true credit. A first time home buyer is classified as “may not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase”.
- It eliminates the repayment requirement of earlier legislation in of the tax credit passed last summer.
- When you sell the house with less than 3 years of ownership, you will have to repay the credit.
- The bill has over $50 billion in it for foreclosure mitigation.
- The full credit is available to those making $ 75,000 or less ($150,000 for joint filers).
If you enjoyed reading this article, why not Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
Abandoned Coal Mines Cause Problems
Did you know that a large portion of Colorado Springs
was used for coal mining from the late 1800’s to the 1950’s?
It was mainly done in the area around the Colorado Springs Country Club northwest to Rockrimmon.
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Coal has a long history in Colorado and it is currently used to supply approximately 71% of Colorado’s electricity needs.
Federal and State law were enacted in 1977 that require potential surface subsidence to be taken into account in mining plans. But prior to that time, the effect of mining on the surface was not fully considered. Consequently many homes were built over these Read the rest of this entry »
Making your home more energy efficient
Colorado Springs Vintage Homes is happy to feature an article by our
NEWEST Guest Blogger
Mark W. Baxley with Brick and Mortar Home Inspections, Inc.
Making Your Home More Energy Efficient
Leaky windows and other gaps in your home can add costly dollars to your utility bill. Ensuring your home is adequately sealed and well insulated can make a significant impact on your heating and cooling costs.
Identifying where air comes in and out of your home is the first step in making your home more energy efficient.
FLOORS, WALLS, AND CEILINGS
Adequately insulating the home is the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. To earn the most savings, add insulation to the attic. Generally, a minimum depth of 10″ – 14″ is recommended if insulating with loose fill fiberglass. This could save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.
When it comes to insulation, don’t forget about the water heater. Water heaters 7 years or older will benefit from an insulating blanket. This inexpensive investment will keep the water hot and reduce energy costs.
AIR DUCTS
Forced air heating and cooling systems use ducts to distribute air throughout the home. Typically, 15% – 20% Read the rest of this entry »
Don’t let your dream house become a nightmare
Tips for Colorado Home Buyers, beware of buying a meth home Part II
Related Posts
What are the dangers of living in a meth lab house?
The dangers that go along with meth houses include exposure to cancer causing chemicals that can saturate 
walls, carpets and other building materials as well as all contents. Lead and mercury are common byproducts. Chemicals, such as solvents, may be disposed of in plumbing or simply poured on the ground. If not removed properly these can cause various health problems.
Meth manufacturing or cooking leaves behind 5 to 7 pounds of chemical waste for each pound of meth that is produced. These byproducts are considered hazardous waste. Mitigation can include:
- REMOVAL: Furnishings, draperies, carpeting, wallpaper, paneling, etc.
- VENTILATION: When solvents and other chemicals that may have soaked into the walls are slowly vaporizing.
- NEUTRALIZATION: Where acids or bases have been used, the potential for harmful effects may be reduced or removed through neutralization.
- DETERGENT-WATER WASHING: Some nonporous and semi-porous surfaces such as floors, tiles, walls and ceilings can be cleaned with detergent washing.
- ENCAPSULATION or SEALING: Contamination may be covered with layers of oil-based paint, polyurethane or other materials.
It’s important to understand that to properly clean up a meth house you need professionals. The state of Colorado does not regulate meth lab cleanup. It’s also Read the rest of this entry »
Will VantageScore Bring Consistency?
Colorado Springs Vintage Homes is happy to feature a great article
on Credit Scores submitted by
Harry Venik with Adams Mortgage, LLC
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Related Articles:
- Pre-Qualification or Pre-Approval, which do you need to buy a home?
- Will VantageScore Bring Consistency?
- Colorado Springs Mortgages — tips for consumers on points
- Marriage and Mortgages FAQ’s
- How do I get a down payment for Homes in Colorado Springs?
VantageScoreSM Solutions, LLC, is a joint venture between the three 
powerhouse credit scoring bureaus, Experian®, Equifax, and TransUnion®. Launched in March 2006, VantageScore has two very ambitious goals:
- To reduce credit score inconsistencies across the three companies
- To help consumers better assess and interpret their credit scores.
In the past, credit scores could vary significantly across these three companies, creating Read the rest of this entry »
